Related
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.
ok, i have tried searching enldess scroll, bounce back home screen, continuous,etc.. and i cant find an app that will let the home screen loop around back to screen 1 as in 1-2-3-4-5-1-2-3-4-5, instead of having to swipe back 4 home pages to get to page 1.
i believe its called endless scroll, and adw has it, but i dont want a whole new launcher, i wanna keep the gingerblur launcher.
any help is greatly appreciated.
undisputedfb said:
ok, i have tried searching enldess scroll, bounce back home screen, continuous,etc.. and i cant find an app that will let the home screen loop around back to screen 1 as in 1-2-3-4-5-1-2-3-4-5, instead of having to swipe back 4 home pages to get to page 1.
i believe its called endless scroll, and adw has it, but i dont want a whole new launcher, i wanna keep the gingerblur launcher.
any help is greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe you may have to install a whole new launcher. LauncherPro should have it as well. Luckily you could get a theme for one of these launchers to look like GingerBread PLUS you'll have a ton of new features (e.g. endless scroll)
doesnt it use up more memory or is the main launcher disabled?
LauncherPro has the looping effect
ya just uninstalled that, was supper slow , after unlock would take like 5 seconds to show the home screen with launchers
undisputedfb said:
ya just uninstalled that, was supper slow , after unlock would take like 5 seconds to show the home screen with launchers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's strange...do you get this lag when you use ADW?
suprisingly no, but i cant seem to find the virtual scroll in those settings
undisputedfb said:
suprisingly no, but i cant seem to find the virtual scroll in those settings
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm actually not sure ADW has those settings, but it might in the paid version (I never used that one). My LauncherPro has never seemed to run slow or laggy or anything..Maybe you should install it and then reboot your phone just to try it out after everything is fresh and restarted or something? If you can get it to not be slow, then LP is definitely the way to go. It has the option you're looking for and you can definitely get a sweet theme to make it look just like the Gingerblur launcher.
i have ADW EX and i know for a fact it has it gets kinda annoying actually lol
coo thanks for the input ill try it tommorrow whilst im at work
undisputedfb said:
coo thanks for the input ill try it tommorrow whilst im at work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha that's the best time to mess around with phones!
Go Launcher Ex
undisputedfb said:
ok, i have tried searching enldess scroll, bounce back home screen, continuous,etc.. and i cant find an app that will let the home screen loop around back to screen 1 as in 1-2-3-4-5-1-2-3-4-5, instead of having to swipe back 4 home pages to get to page 1.
i believe its called endless scroll, and adw has it, but i dont want a whole new launcher, i wanna keep the gingerblur launcher.
any help is greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do need to use an alternate launcher to get the affect you're looking for. I've tried most and I can say without doubt that 'Go Launcher Ex' does this smoother than any others I've tried (and it's free). I personally use this feature and love it, I can't believe it's not built in to the Android OS (or should I say MotoBlur). Below is a link to 'Go Launcher Ex' in the Android Market.
com.gau.go.launcherex.apk
i like go launcher the best, it's free and allows widget resizing for free (unlike LP). it also has the infinite scroll.
Hey guys, ADW Ex (paid version) has the looping screens too as stated before and it works very well in my opinion. To get the scrolling smoother though, it be best if you set the background to unscrollable and that way the background doesn't have to readjust everytime you go from you're last screen to the first screen.
Go Launcher EX has the loop option, plus you can choose the ginger theme and it's free. Made by the people here at XDA
now that i figured that i need to freeze the main launcher, go launcher is the one for me
undisputedfb said:
now that i figured that i need to freeze the main launcher, go launcher is the one for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Freeze the main launcher? Hmm, I should try that.
Go Launcher actually seems to lag a bit more than ADW for me, especially with a live wallpaper.
after using go launcher, with main launcher frozen, i noticed battery life decrease. i mean id leave work fully charged, and by the time i got home (1hr later) i was at 84 percent. with regular gblur, i am usually at 95-96, sometimes 94 when i get home. sad to say im back to regular gblur with no endless screens
I'm using LauncherPro Plus and it's very smooth for me (it has the endless looping of homescreens). There is some slowdown if you use live wallpapers, but with static ones and with animation speeds set to the fastest (and in spare parts too) it's great. An other thing that slows LP down a lot is if you turn 'high quality scrolling' on. It doesn't make a very visible difference visually, but it lags like hell for me.
ya launcher pro was super laggy for me
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.
Hi all,
I am new to android phone..Samsung galaxy s2 is the new phone which I bought few days back.
Frequently I come across the word "Launcher" and Launcher pro and Launcher 7...what are all these??? What launcher do I have?
Thanks in advance.
Your launcher is TouchWiz. It's your home screens and app drawer. There are replacement apps out there, like the ones you mentioned, and more, that do similar things but will have strengths and weaknesses of their own.
If you enjoy Android half as much as I do then you're in for a treat. Good luck with your new phone.
http://www.appbrain.com/app/launcherpro/com.fede.launcher
jje
johncmolyneux said:
Your launcher is TouchWiz. It's your home screens and app drawer. There are replacement apps out there, like the ones you mentioned, and more, that do similar things but will have strengths and weaknesses of their own.
If you enjoy Android half as much as I do then you're in for a treat. Good luck with your new phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A million thanks for the answer. hahahaha, I am really enjoying my phone..Before I was using windows phones.
One more question: How can I replace then the stock launcher without Rooting?
JJEgan said:
http://www.appbrain.com/app/launcherpro/com.fede.launcher
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bundle of thanks for the reply.
mirchichamu said:
A million thanks for the answer. hahahaha, I am really enjoying my phone..Before I was using windows phones.
One more question: How can I replace then the stock launcher without Rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, you literally go to the market and search for a launcher. =)
If you install a second launcher you'll want to get a home switcher app that allows you to reset the default launcher as well as switch back and forth.
My preference is Launcher Pro but I've tried and liked ADW and Go Launcher. Touchwiz 4 is definitely on the right track but doesnt have as many features as the mentioned launchers.
Altimas said:
Ok, you literally go to the market and search for a launcher. =)
If you install a second launcher you'll want to get a home switcher app that allows you to reset the default launcher as well as switch back and forth.
My preference is Launcher Pro but I've tried and liked ADW and Go Launcher. Touchwiz 4 is definitely on the right track but doesnt have as many features as the mentioned launchers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a million Altimas..
So you mean that I need a home switcher as well apart from any other launcher...Am I correct? Is home switcher available in market?
I have heard of spb mobile shell which I used to use in my windows phone...what about that?
You don't really need an app to switch.
After you install a different launcher, the first time you press the home button, it will ask you which one you want to use. Select the new one and click on "make default". Then, if you ever want to switch back, got to settings->applications->manage applications. Find the replacement launcher and then click "clear defaults". Now, when you press the home key you'll be presented with the same dialog asking which launcher you want to use.
smaskell said:
You don't really need an app to switch.
After you install a different launcher, the first time you press the home button, it will ask you which one you want to use. Select the new one and click on "make default". Then, if you ever want to switch back, got to settings->applications->manage applications. Find the replacement launcher and then click "clear defaults". Now, when you press the home key you'll be presented with the same dialog asking which launcher you want to use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2 million thanks for the nice suggestion. God bless you.
mirchichamu said:
2 million thanks for the nice suggestion. God bless you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, no problem man. Always glad to help. As altimas was saying, there are apps on the market that can do the same thing for you. However, it's really not that complicated so I don't see the point unless you're changing your launcher very frequently.
smaskell said:
Yeah, no problem man. Always glad to help. As altimas was saying, there are apps on the market that can do the same thing for you. However, it's really not that complicated so I don't see the point unless you're changing your launcher very frequently.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks once again bro,
During this time, I have downloaded and tested quite a few of the launchers except spb mobile shell which is paid. I noted that the stock touchwiz is the best one and easy. But again everyone is having different taste.
The zeam launcher is pretty nice, except when i hit the n button and hit home, it doesnt go back to the zeam launcher. I am about to root a nook for a friend who almost took it back because she couldnt do anything on it, so i offered to root it for her. Im trying to make it as easy to use as possible, and i dont like the idea of her having to search everytime to get back to the zeam launcher. Whats a better launcher that has less steps to use? thanks
1) Questions go in the Q&A forum.
2) Assuming you're taking about the stock OS (you didn't say), that is not an issue with the launcher. It sounds like you need to install Homecatcher (you'll need to search).
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk
If you want to make it as easy to use as possible, put CM7 on it.
The amount of workaround stuff you have to do with the stock OS to be able to do more stuff is overwhelming for a lot of people.
Moved To Q&A
Please post all questions in the Q&A section
GMcD said:
The zeam launcher is pretty nice, except when i hit the n button and hit home, it doesnt go back to the zeam launcher. I am about to root a nook for a friend who almost took it back because she couldnt do anything on it, so i offered to root it for her. Im trying to make it as easy to use as possible, and i dont like the idea of her having to search everytime to get back to the zeam launcher. Whats a better launcher that has less steps to use? thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Zeam launcher can only run after the device is rooter.
You can install Homecatcher, which intercepts the home button and gives you an option to go to the default Nook launcher, or an alternate launcher.
I prefer and use Go Launcher, creating a shortcut for the default Nook ebook reader app.
I tried it out last night. I deleted it. Don't like it at all
What about GO Launcher?