A really cool way to multitask - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S II SGH-I777

Swipe Switcher
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.appspot.eikatou0.ss
Enjoy guys.

Thanks, installing now. I've been looking for other ways to toggle applications (really used to assigning hardware keys on a BlackBerry for SMS and Email).
It looks like it just goes to the last used program, so you're essentially just switching between two at a time. Or am I doing something wrong?
Edit: Duh. Settings. You can customize the action depending on what part of the screen you swipe from. I have my top left set for the previous application, and the bottom left for messages. I disabled both right hand ones.

Pretty neat actually, but I'm fine using Home long press for recently used.

Skv012a said:
Pretty neat actually, but I'm fine using Home long press for recently used.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
......

Not bad. Only run into a couple of annoying details, but nothing major. Nice find.
Sent while riding a buffalo.

Skv012a said:
Pretty neat actually, but I'm fine using Home long press for recently used.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Home long press *only* gives you recently *used* apps. Which is great and all, I use it too. But this allows a different way to go about it, giving you not just a "back" button but sort of a "forward" button too.
A very big difference is it allows you to use any of the corners to open any app or shortcut you want.
That allows easy access whether you've *recently* used a program or not.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App

There is another app called Swipe Pad that is similar and very customizable.
https://market.android.com/details?id=mobi.conduction.swipepad.android&feature=search_result

I found it worked well enough but I wasn't a big fan. I am very anti bloatware and while that app technically wasnt bloat.. its an "unecessary" addition to android that I dont find useful. Just thought my peers would enjoy it and they have lol. so I'm happy

Related

[Q] Help with changing home screen

My wife recently got a Vibrant, and she hates the bottom 4 required buttons on her home screens (Phone/Contacts/Messaging/Apps). She does not text, and wants to get rid of the messaging button. Is rooting the phone and installing a custom theme the only way to do this?
Also, what is the "lag fix" supposed to fix? She hasn't complained much about anything, and I haven't messed with her phone enough to see any serious problems with it.
EDIT: Also, what does having a "hardware locked" phone mean, what does it prevent you from doing, and how can I figure out if my wife has a hardware locked phone?
Rattor said:
My wife recently got a Vibrant, and she hates the bottom 4 required buttons on her home screens (Phone/Contacts/Messaging/Apps). She does not text, and wants to get rid of the messaging button. Is rooting the phone and installing a custom theme the only way to do this?
Also, what is the "lag fix" supposed to fix? She hasn't complained much about anything, and I haven't messed with her phone enough to see any serious problems with it.
EDIT: Also, what does having a "hardware locked" phone mean, what does it prevent you from doing, and how can I figure out if my wife has a hardware locked phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off, I think if this is your wifes phone and you and she are unfamilar to modding its best to do as little as possible to get what you need. That said, if she hasn't complained about lag, don't worry about it. If you are interested, then lag is created because samsung uses a proprietary file system rfs which is a little slow. Lag fixes try to remedy this by either adding an ext2/3 partition, or totally replacing the file system with ext4. This last is for advanced users and I would not recommend.
Hardare locked refers to some devices that are unable to get to recovery or download mode by using the volume buttons and power button. There are threads to explain how to do it. Use them to see if your wifes is one.
As for the big ticket of your thread customizing your home screen, there are numerous launchers on the market. I like launcher pro, and adw launcher. Im pretty sure you dont even need to root to use them, there are free versions in the market. Good luck.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
wildklymr said:
First off, I think if this is your wifes phone and you and she are unfamilar to modding its best to do as little as possible to get what you need. That said, if she hasn't complained about lag, don't worry about it. If you are interested, then lag is created because samsung uses a proprietary file system rfs which is a little slow. Lag fixes try to remedy this by either adding an ext2/3 partition, or totally replacing the file system with ext4. This last is for advanced users and I would not recommend.
Hardare locked refers to some devices that are unable to get to recovery or download mode by using the volume buttons and power button. There are threads to explain how to do it. Use them to see if your wifes is one.
As for the big ticket of your thread customizing your home screen there are numerous launchers on the market. I like launcher pro, and adw launcher. Im pretty sure you dont even need to root to use them, there are free versions in the market. Good luck.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your quick reply.
I am not new to modding. I have pretty seriously modded my Evo 4G (custom kernels, deodexed ROM, customized themes, etc...). It's just I am unfamiliar with the Vibrant and its root process, and I don't want to do anything to it until I know the ins and outs of messing around with it.
If I can mod her home screen without rooting, then that's probably as far as I'll go. However, I've told her to look over the themes here to see if she finds one she likes, and I'm fairly certain I need to root to install a custom theme if she decides there's one she likes.
Rattor said:
Thanks for your quick reply.
I am not new to modding. I have pretty seriously modded my Evo 4G (custom kernels, deodexed ROM, customized themes, etc...). It's just I am unfamiliar with the Vibrant and its root process, and I don't want to do anything to it until I know the ins and outs of messing around with it.
If I can mod her home screen without rooting, then that's probably as far as I'll go. However, I've told her to look over the themes here to see if she finds one she likes, and I'm fairly certain I need to root to install a custom theme if she decides there's one she likes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok then, most theming i've seen on the vibrant is for the status bar, and not the bottom. Most roms end up supplementing touchwiz launcher with something like launcher2 or adw launcher. You might want to take a look at eugene373's frankentwiz. Hes modified touchwiz so you can edit the bottom dock and app drawer. Or if you dont want to go that far he posted the default launcher in the dev section that you Adb push to system/app its literally the default launcher from the g1 days. Its what I use.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Just use LauncerPro or ADW.
I got it for my girls Mytouch Slide. She doesn't need root. I doubt your wife needs the lagfix... the phone is fine just how it is for normal use.
HG! said:
Just use LauncerPro or ADW.
I got it for my girls Mytouch Slide. She doesn't need root. I doubt your wife needs the lagfix... the phone is fine just how it is for normal use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Considering the most she uses it for is to play Sims and other games (stealing my phone when she wants to play Angry Birds), and for surfing the web, I think she'll be fine without root, just using a new launcher. She just really didn't like the fact that 1/4th of her bottom dock was taken up with a useless icon.
Rattor said:
Considering the most she uses it for is to play Sims and other games (stealing my phone when she wants to play Angry Birds), and for surfing the web, I think she'll be fine without root, just using a new launcher. She just really didn't like the fact that 1/4th of her bottom dock was taken up with a useless icon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need a new launcher to replace the sms icon at the bottom of the dock. Open the app drawer-> menu-> view type-> customizable grid-> menu-> edit ...
Then you can drag any other icon on the dock to replace the sms icon. Press the back button to confirm, then you can switch back to alphabetical grid.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
::egg on face:: I also learn something new every day.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Also, if you look around this forum you can find the Angry Birds apk and install it on your wifes vibrant.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
renster721 said:
You don't need a new launcher to replace the sms icon at the bottom of the dock. Open the app drawer-> menu-> view type-> customizable grid-> menu-> edit ...
Then you can drag any other icon on the dock to replace the sms icon. Press the back button to confirm, then you can switch back to alphabetical grid.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that tip. Although I think I will be getting her ADW Launcher anyways since it's much more customizable, and not as overloaded as TouchWiz. Plus I found a theme for ADW I think my wife will love.
Just as a follow on, is it normal for you to have to hit the soft buttons (menu, home, back, search) multiple times to get them to actually register? I've noticed that if they are not lit up, I have to hit them once or twice to get them to light up, and then again to do the action I was trying to do.
Rattor said:
Thanks for that tip. Although I think I will be getting her ADW Launcher anyways since it's much more customizable, and not as overloaded as TouchWiz. Plus I found a theme for ADW I think my wife will love.
Just as a follow on, is it normal for you to have to hit the soft buttons (menu, home, back, search) multiple times to get them to actually register? I've noticed that if they are not lit up, I have to hit them once or twice to get them to light up, and then again to do the action I was trying to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I first got my vibrant I did, but I think it's because the touch sensors are very specific. As in, you have to hit the home button dead on for it to register. Once I got used to the button locations its not been a problem.
Btw, if you touch anywhere on the screen the buttons will light up ... Helpful when its really dark.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
all you have to do is....
1.go into app drawer
2.press menu and select view type
3.then select customizable grid
4. then go into your app drawer again and select edit
5.then select and hold an app and drag it in dock where the msg app is
6.and that's it
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
renster721 said:
When I first got my vibrant I did, but I think it's because the touch sensors are very specific. As in, you have to hit the home button dead on for it to register. Once I got used to the button locations its not been a problem.
Btw, if you touch anywhere on the screen the buttons will light up ... Helpful when its really dark.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
completely agree with this. You've kinda be dead on or cover the majority of the button. Adw is a great choice. It's an awesome and absurdly customizable home alternative. Plus it's free
Thanks for everyone's help. I ended up going with ADW and the iDroid theme (my wife adores the little android droid mascot). Very easy to setup and looks very nice.

Gestures for multitasking?

I dont know if this is possible within the framework of Honeycomb, but I was wondering if I was possible to add gesture control using a root-access app?
Personally, I'm only looking for one feature: WebOS style task switching. I love the way Honeycomb multitasks, but I wish I could just swipe up from the bottom of the screen (starting on the bezel below the screen) and have it open up Honeycomb's app switcher. For reference, WaveLauncher implements similar WebOS-lite utility with a similarly implemented gesture implementation.
And just for the hell of it, I think it would be great if there could be an option to open the task switcher horizontally across the middle of the screen. I know I know, "Go buy a touchpad!" I'm just saying I think it would be awesome, and I'm certain others would think so too.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using XDA Premium App
there's this app call dock4droid. you can find it in the market. some member post about this app some time ago here. I am using that app now. it works great.you can choose to put it on left/right top or down, anywhere you like. it will show recent app, and you can customize what app to appear on that dock.
sorry for my poor explanation. download it and have a try, it should fits what you want. I think. There's a free version of it.
p/s : i never touch the multitask button ever since i used this app it's kinda lag for me
I am I afraid there is no good solution, and each app that overlay your screen like this one will make your tablet lag :-(
Normaly I switch betwen 2 apps, it would be nice being able to one click switch between them
Patrul said:
Normaly I switch betwen 2 apps, it would be nice being able to one click switch between them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. Just a "Quickswitch" button that switched between the last 2 used apps would be awesome.
irishtexmex said:
I agree. Just a "Quickswitch" button that switched between the last 2 used apps would be awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm, we already have something like a "2-click-switcher"...
but the idea of swithcing tasks like in webos is really charming )
would love to have this, too.
hebbe said:
hmm, we already have something like a "2-click-switcher"...
but the idea of swithcing tasks like in webos is really charming )
would love to have this, too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was thinking more along the lines of an individual button next to the task switcher. It's surprising how much quicker & intuitive things feel when there is only one action needed to be performed (one swipe, one button press, etc.).
Anyway, I'm just sorta spitballin' in this thread. I've been using an Android phone for over a year now, and my tablet for a few months, and I still haven't been able to get over missing WebOS style multitasking. That's not to say I'm dogging on Android's, it works well, it's just not the absolute best.
Is there any minimize button? It wold be what I need
Patrul said:
Is there any minimize button? It wold be what I need
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The home button
This is a great idea, but may only be possible on rooted phones with custom ROMs. I am going to look into an implementation that does not toll performance or battery. Perhaps a simple widget at the bottom of the home screen? Then again that would require going home first, making the widget redundant.
irishtexmex said:
I dont know if this is possible within the framework of Honeycomb, but I was wondering if I was possible to add gesture control using a root-access app?
Personally, I'm only looking for one feature: WebOS style task switching. I love the way Honeycomb multitasks, but I wish I could just swipe up from the bottom of the screen (starting on the bezel below the screen) and have it open up Honeycomb's app switcher. For reference, WaveLauncher implements similar WebOS-lite utility with a similarly implemented gesture implementation.
And just for the hell of it, I think it would be great if there could be an option to open the task switcher horizontally across the middle of the screen. I know I know, "Go buy a touchpad!" I'm just saying I think it would be awesome, and I'm certain others would think so too.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So exactly like the blackberry Playbook... that's exactly what it does ... swipe from bezel to open multitasking
The only thing I miss from IOS is ACTIVATOR.
So many options.
You could hook any action/gesture to any app.
It was awesome.
Sometimes is cumbersome to hit the home button located at the bottom when I'm holding the tab with both hands on the sides.
Would pay money for an activator equivalent.
.torrented said:
So exactly like the blackberry Playbook... that's exactly what it does ... swipe from bezel to open multitasking
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, and just like the TouchPad/WebOS.
A swipe gesture from the bezel is inherently easier than almost any other single input option because when holding the tablet there is at least one digit within an extreme proximity to the bezel & screen. I would say over 90% of my usage patterns are with me holding the tablet in at least one hand, and a large majority of me holding it with both hands. In my case, gestures like that are accessible from any direction and any side of the screen, and would be superior than having to click a 20x20 pixel button in a single location that isn't near either of the places where my hand naturally holds the tablet.
Again, for other people their usage patterns may dictate a better option. I just happen to think most people use their tablets in a manner similar to mine, which would make these gestures extremely useful.
Gesture Control
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1535740

[BETA] Touch Blocker - suppress touch events on HC and ICS

Touch Blocker Beta - a simple but useful app that makes holding and using your device easier
There are two basic functions:
- create dead zones where touches do not register
- filter the screen when reading in low light
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We are already in a relatively stable Beta release - whats left now is adding new features and making it all look pretty. You can follow this process at the thread here.
Please be sure to write suggestions - we are looking forward to engaging the community and building a useful and nifty application that many will enjoy!
Dont forget - im looking for suggestions, so please think what the app is missing and let me know wither through the app or by writing here. Thanks in advance
Market link
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=fahrbot.apps.touchblocker
Screens
Debugging
If you experience issues, the best way to help is by reproducing them and then clicking "write to us" - be sure to include a description of your error or we may not read the logs.
This has never been tested on a Tegra 3 device, so I would appreciate some feedback here - is it working!?
Anything to report?
Where can we use it for?
Eh? Im not sure i understand...
Just installed it, amazing app, i was actually looking for something like this yesterday! I wanted a way to lock my screen while watching movies so I wouldn't exit fullscreen mode accidentally.
Thanks!
Zephyrot said:
Just installed it, amazing app, i was actually looking for something like this yesterday! I wanted a way to lock my screen while watching movies so I wouldn't exit fullscreen mode accidentally.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great! Any suggestions?
What would be some good other uses for this besides movies?
Downloading now. I imagine this ould be used to block palm detection for drawing like on Sketchbook Pro and the sort. I'll edit this after a review. Thanks for the opportunity.
What? Palm detection? I think it will only work on a few devices...
I wish I could use this for the soft keys on the navigation bar. It would really help cause I'm left handed (I keep hitting the back/home keys by mistake when I'm writing on my Prime).
ftgg99 said:
Great! Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK after using it today, i found it pretty straightforward and simple to use.
Found only one small bug,when playing a video, on YouTube, stock player or whatever, if you touch the screen the on-screen controls jump on, you cannot press them, but the UI do popup.
And one suggestion, the resizeable square where you select the zone to be blocked from touches should have at least a small pad or something to drag it. Once the square reaches the borders it gets really hard to pick again.
trita629 said:
I wish I could use this for the soft keys on the navigation bar. It would really help cause I'm left handed (I keep hitting the back/home keys by mistake when I'm writing on my Prime).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the latest ICS update. Go to settings/ASUS customized settings/system bar lock/enable system bar lock. Now you won't hit the home key or any softkey buttons.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
jjdevega said:
On the latest ICS update. Go to settings/ASUS customized settings/system bar lock/enable system bar lock. Now you won't hit the home key or any softkey buttons.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh wow.. That's very handy. Thank you
Jonphinguyen7 said:
Downloading now. I imagine this ould be used to block palm detection for drawing like on Sketchbook Pro and the sort. I'll edit this after a review. Thanks for the opportunity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think it can be used for that. You could use TouchScreenTune app, paid version can handle palm detection on our device.
This app is for blocking areas of the screen.
Sent from my GT-P6800 using xda premium
A new release is imminent!
1.0.2.8
New configuration interface
Split shake and notification controls
Fixed many minor bugs from the logs
Any issues to report?
Anything to report?
Any issues or suggestions?

Coming from 4s/Evo LTE - pre-emptive concerns

Had the iPhone 4s for about 6 months and had the EVO LTE for the past 3 weeks. Before my iPhone, I had the EVO 3D and EVO 4G. I found love for both phones, which is why I want to switch to the White S3. Seems like a potential great hybrid. However, there are some things I'm forseeing as a possible problem. Hopefully, there are ways around.
~When using exchange eMail, many of my eMails have pics integrated into them. My iPhone showed the pics as part of the eMail. EVO's make me download each pic as separate files. Can the S3 do it like my iPhone?
~What are the tactile buttons on the S3? I thought the one on the left was the menu button, but was told that was wrong. With that, how do you multi-task without the button and what is the button on the left?
~When playing music through my car stereo with my EVO LTE and I change songs, there is a weird digital noise blip. Anyone notice this with the S3?
~What's so horrible about TouchWiz that are sending people into Frenzy's in other threads? Personally, I think TouchWiz makes the phone look more like iOS.
~On the launch bar, is there a way to move where the apps launcher drawer is? I like it in the middle. Is that customizable?
Again, these are small things that I like, and any help is greatly appreciated
virgil1528 said:
.
~When using exchange eMail, many of my eMails have pics integrated into them. My iPhone showed the pics as part of the eMail. EVO's make me download each pic as separate files. Can the S3 do it like my iPhone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My gs2 can and if the gs3 can't I'm sure there an app for that
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
This is weird as Hell Man! I had the same exact phone you did and in the exact same order.
Irrelevant but I had to point it out LOL.
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
virgil1528 said:
~What are the tactile buttons on the S3? I thought the one on the left was the menu button, but was told that was wrong. With that, how do you multi-task without the button and what is the button on the left?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Left is menu
Multi task is done by holding home
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
virgil1528 said:
~What's so horrible about TouchWiz that are sending people into Frenzy's in other threads? Personally, I think TouchWiz makes the phone look more like iOS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U answered your own question
We are iPhone haters lol
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
virgil1528 said:
~On the launch bar, is there a way to move where the apps launcher drawer is? I like it in the middle. Is that customizable?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No its not with stock launcher but if you use a replacement launcher like nova launcher (all of stock features and more) you will be able to
If I helped hit the thx button
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
virgil1528 said:
Had the iPhone 4s for about 6 months and had the EVO LTE for the past 3 weeks. Before my iPhone, I had the EVO 3D and EVO 4G. I found love for both phones, which is why I want to switch to the White S3. Seems like a potential great hybrid. However, there are some things I'm forseeing as a possible problem. Hopefully, there are ways around.
~When using exchange eMail, many of my eMails have pics integrated into them. My iPhone showed the pics as part of the eMail. EVO's make me download each pic as separate files. Can the S3 do it like my iPhone?
~What are the tactile buttons on the S3? I thought the one on the left was the menu button, but was told that was wrong. With that, how do you multi-task without the button and what is the button on the left?
~When playing music through my car stereo with my EVO LTE and I change songs, there is a weird digital noise blip. Anyone notice this with the S3?
~What's so horrible about TouchWiz that are sending people into Frenzy's in other threads? Personally, I think TouchWiz makes the phone look more like iOS.
~On the launch bar, is there a way to move where the apps launcher drawer is? I like it in the middle. Is that customizable?
Again, these are small things that I like, and any help is greatly appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Not sure since I use Gmail and in the Gmail app, the attachments are on the bottom of the email and I can open them up individually.
2. Left button is the menu button. You multi task by long pressing the home physical button.
3. No sound issues whatsoever. Played great in the car.
4. To me TouchWiz is a little cartoonish but it doesn't bother me as much as others. But I think because it looks like iOS that's the reason people really hate it .
5. No way to move the apps launcher icon to the middle, but you can get a launcher if that's a big deal.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
Thank you for the answers. The have prompted for two more:
~If the menu button is one of the physical buttons, does that mean that the apps are aware of this and don't allocate the bottom of the screen for it as well. That bottom 5% where it's all black, except for the menu icon that is. I feel that would be dumb
~If I do root, which I have never done before, does that interfere with updates that come out? The reason I ask is, I may want to switch dialers, where the app drawer launcher is, and a few other minor things
Again, thank you so far
virgil1528 said:
Thank you for the answers. The have prompted for two more:
~If the menu button is one of the physical buttons, does that mean that the apps are aware of this and don't allocate the bottom of the screen for it as well. That bottom 5% where it's all black, except for the menu icon that is. I feel that would be dumb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, they recognize it and there is no on-screen menu button.
virgil1528 said:
Thank you for the answers. The have prompted for two more:
~If the menu button is one of the physical buttons, does that mean that the apps are aware of this and don't allocate the bottom of the screen for it as well. That bottom 5% where it's all black, except for the menu icon that is. I feel that would be dumb
~If I do root, which I have never done before, does that interfere with updates that come out? The reason I ask is, I may want to switch dialers, where the app drawer launcher is, and a few other minor things
Again, thank you so far
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The touch keys on either side of the physical home key are recognized throughout the entire OS, apps included.
Also you do not need to root in order to use a different Launcher [to change app launcher location).
On screen buttons have so far only been used on the Galaxy nexus, so the screen space on the S3 is purely for whatever your doing on it.
Also in case your still confused on multitasking, Holding down Home (physical middle button) brings up your running/recent apps, in which you can A: tap the one you want to go to or B: close them out by sweeping them left or right just like the notifications.
And the new touchwiz allows lock screen shortcuts now, just throwing that out there since your coming from an Evo background.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA
virgil1528 said:
Thank you for the answers. The have prompted for two more:
~If the menu button is one of the physical buttons, does that mean that the apps are aware of this and don't allocate the bottom of the screen for it as well. That bottom 5% where it's all black, except for the menu icon that is. I feel that would be dumb
~If I do root, which I have never done before, does that interfere with updates that come out? The reason I ask is, I may want to switch dialers, where the app drawer launcher is, and a few other minor things
Again, thank you so far
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont worry about updates
If you root you will get an update saying that update is available but you can't install it but you can always unroot and install
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
When update is coming you don't need unroot dev can update with unroot method.
Sent from my PC36100 using xda premium

[Q] Is there a good thumbwheel UI I can use with one hand?

I've been using my HOX+ for almost six months now, fairly light use but I'm mostly happy with it. I'm still running unrooted stock, just installed the official 4.2.2 update. This is my first real smartphone, I had an unsubsidized $100 3.14" Android smartphone last year that I don't think really qualifies.
The big complaint I have with the jump to a 4.7" screen is that one-handed use is uncomfortable and requires me to stretch to reach the corners, where the buttons are often stupidly located, or sometimes even to slide the phone up and down in my hand to make the buttons accessible, not exactly easy to do with one hand without dropping the phone. I would really like a phone that is comfortable to use one-handed, but I don't want to compromise by buying a smaller screen phone, say 4.3" or god forbid the 4" size of the iPhone, as I'm not exactly thrilled with the "looking through a keyhole" quality of 4.7" either.
I think the right solution would be a thumbwheel UI in the bottom right corner, placed in the arc right where my thumb is, so I can use it one-handed with my thumb and not have to reach with my fingers. As long as it let me virtually hit all the buttons on the screen, even native app buttons like the menu button at the top or the tab switcher button at the top in Chrome, I could even buy a phablet if there was something like this, maybe a 5.5+ inch screen that I could use comfortably one-handed with just my thumb in the bottom-right corner.
The closest thing I've been able to find like this is the Splay launcher, but I don't think such launchers actually let me control menus within apps, only launch apps. This guy wrote a small app earlier this year to do something similar, seems to be a great article talking about the idea but I don't think that effort went anywhere.
Is there any effort within the xda community to integrate a one-handed control interface like this? This is a feature that would actually make me root and install a ROM, as I haven't had the need to go to the trouble yet. I'd love to see an effort like this on Android, wonder what everyone else thinks.
joakim_one said:
I've been using my HOX+ for almost six months now, fairly light use but I'm mostly happy with it. I'm still running unrooted stock, just installed the official 4.2.2 update. This is my first real smartphone, I had an unsubsidized $100 3.14" Android smartphone last year that I don't think really qualifies.
The big complaint I have with the jump to a 4.7" screen is that one-handed use is uncomfortable and requires me to stretch to reach the corners, where the buttons are often stupidly located, or sometimes even to slide the phone up and down in my hand to make the buttons accessible, not exactly easy to do with one hand without dropping the phone. I would really like a phone that is comfortable to use one-handed, but I don't want to compromise by buying a smaller screen phone, say 4.3" or god forbid the 4" size of the iPhone, as I'm not exactly thrilled with the "looking through a keyhole" quality of 4.7" either.
I think the right solution would be a thumbwheel UI in the bottom right corner, placed in the arc right where my thumb is, so I can use it one-handed with my thumb and not have to reach with my fingers. As long as it let me virtually hit all the buttons on the screen, even native app buttons like the menu button at the top or the tab switcher button at the top in Chrome, I could even buy a phablet if there was something like this, maybe a 5.5+ inch screen that I could use comfortably one-handed with just my thumb in the bottom-right corner.
The closest thing I've been able to find like this is the Splay launcher, but I don't think such launchers actually let me control menus within apps, only launch apps. This guy wrote a small app earlier this year to do something similar, seems to be a great article talking about the idea but I don't think that effort went anywhere.
Is there any effort within the xda community to integrate a one-handed control interface like this? This is a feature that would actually make me root and install a ROM, as I haven't had the need to go to the trouble yet. I'd love to see an effort like this on Android, wonder what everyone else thinks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A "Whole" UI made especially for one hand usage? Well I know the second best solution.
Install "Pie Controls" and assign it to any corner/side of the screen, it will allow you to launch apps but for the function that you want, you will need to root. Once you are rooted PIE has extra features like "Back, Home, Sleep, Menu, Recent Apps" ..etc.
A Second best is "LMT" launcher ALSO requires root. Once you have it, you will be able to have PIE Controls as well, PLUS a unique feature to have gestures working in all screens. You can swipe down to bring up the notification bar or swipe up for recent apps. The reason i put it as second best was because I don't really like it ..
Ofcourse there are normal launchers , like nova launcher ..etc. that allows you to swipe down to bring up the notifications but sadly that only works on the home screen.
There are also ROMS like AOKP (For us Carbon rom or something similar) which has a stock feeling but extra buttons in the Power menu. When you hold down the power menu , under the normal "Power off, restart, screenshot, airplane" you will also find "Back, Home, Recent apps"
I honestly think that PIE Controls is the best app to have out of them all since it works on all ROMs . Though for full features you should buy the Pro version.
P.S: All apps that you are looking for will require ROOT access.
Ghand0ur said:
A "Whole" UI made especially for one hand usage? Well I know the second best solution.
Install "Pie Controls" and assign it to any corner/side of the screen, it will allow you to launch apps but for the function that you want, you will need to root. Once you are rooted PIE has extra features like "Back, Home, Sleep, Menu, Recent Apps" ..etc.
A Second best is "LMT" launcher ALSO requires root. Once you have it, you will be able to have PIE Controls as well, PLUS a unique feature to have gestures working in all screens. You can swipe down to bring up the notification bar or swipe up for recent apps. The reason i put it as second best was because I don't really like it ..
Ofcourse there are normal launchers , like nova launcher ..etc. that allows you to swipe down to bring up the notifications but sadly that only works on the home screen.
There are also ROMS like AOKP (For us Carbon rom or something similar) which has a stock feeling but extra buttons in the Power menu. When you hold down the power menu , under the normal "Power off, restart, screenshot, airplane" you will also find "Back, Home, Recent apps"
I honestly think that PIE Controls is the best app to have out of them all since it works on all ROMs . Though for full features you should buy the Pro version.
P.S: All apps that you are looking for will require ROOT access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for all the info. I tried the Pie Control app by coolace based on your recommendation, but it didn't seem to do anything on my unrooted HOX+. I'll look into the other stuff you talked about.
joakim_one said:
Thanks for all the info. I tried the Pie Control app by coolace based on your recommendation, but it didn't seem to do anything on my unrooted HOX+. I'll look into the other stuff you talked about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How didn't it function?
Well here is a good video that will help you install it : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBud1hk27Rw
Although to have full features you will require to BUY the pro version and root, the free version on an unrooted version should have some functions that will work like launching apps and other stuff. Try to clarify what you meant
Ghand0ur said:
How didn't it function?
Well here is a good video that will help you install it : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBud1hk27Rw
Although to have full features you will require to BUY the pro version and root, the free version on an unrooted version should have some functions that will work like launching apps and other stuff. Try to clarify what you meant
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I installed the app and set it to work on the left, right, and bottom, then configured two short-click apps in level 1. I would then long-press at those edges and nothing happened with pie control: HTC Sense would send me to widget configuration instead.
I just watched your video and he does a slight swipe from the edge, instead of the long-press I was trying. I just installed the app again and tried that on the home screen and within a couple other apps, again no pie controls. If I do it on the home screen, it starts to scroll to the next home screen, as it always did.
There may be something about HTC Sense that it's not giving control to the pie app for gestures, or maybe there's some other switch I have to hit somewhere to actually enable the pie gestures?
joakim_one said:
I installed the app and set it to work on the left, right, and bottom, then configured two short-click apps in level 1. I would then long-press at those edges and nothing happened with pie control: HTC Sense would send me to widget configuration instead.
I just watched your video and he does a slight swipe from the edge, instead of the long-press I was trying. I just installed the app again and tried that on the home screen and within a couple other apps, again no pie controls. If I do it on the home screen, it starts to scroll to the next home screen, as it always did.
There may be something about HTC Sense that it's not giving control to the pie app for gestures, or maybe there's some other switch I have to hit somewhere to actually enable the pie gestures?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh yeah I forgot to tell you. Although HOX+ and S3 have the same screen size, for the PIE to activate you just need to increase the activation area width. Just thought of installing Pie again after a while of not using it and just remembered. Now it's working fine
I remember there was a small bug of the activation area width being reset everytime you open the app if I can remember correctly. That or everytime you press on the activation width area. Can't really remember but my point is, while using the app if it suddenly doesnt appear anymore just increase the width again and it will work.
Sorry it took me a while to reply since I couldn't really remember
Sent from my HTC One x+ using XDA developers app
Ghand0ur said:
Oh yeah I forgot to tell you. Although HOX+ and S3 have the same screen size, for the PIE to activate you just need to increase the activation area width. Just thought of installing Pie again after a while of not using it and just remembered. Now it's working fine
I remember there was a small bug of the activation area width being reset everytime you open the app if I can remember correctly. That or everytime you press on the activation width area. Can't really remember but my point is, while using the app if it suddenly doesnt appear anymore just increase the width again and it will work.
Sorry it took me a while to reply since I couldn't really remember
Sent from my HTC One x+ using XDA developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, now it shows up. I'll mess around with it and let you know what I think.

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