So, we all by now have heard of the awesomeness that is MIUI. Im running the Rodrigez port of the ROM, and its fantastic.
One thing about this ROM is that it stores all installed apps on the homescreen, much like the iPhone. There is no launcher. So for people like myself (and IM sure many others), its pretty time consuming arranging all 132 apps on the homescreens the way I want them!
I know in ADW launcher there is a setting to save your homescreen layout to your sd card, which can be conveniently restored when needed. I used this all the time with Cyan and Enomther, simply because it saved time after a fresh install.
Im asking the awesome coders of XDA if they think there is any way of either writing a command/app that will save your homescreen layout into a file on your sd card that can later be restored? I dont know if its something that can be written into the ROM, as Im not a coder. I just know it would save a lot of time in using this ROM. I just had a problem with my sd card and had to repartition it, meaning that I ll need to set all 132 apps on the homescreen again to the order I want them
I know that a nandroid can do this, but a separate application would be nice, as MIUI needs an ext 3 parition for apps2ext to work and everything I do a Nandroid +ext backup, I always have problems restoring it.
Any devs or coders out there know if this is possible?
Ideas?
I would like to see an auto rearrange option.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
Question
Why would you want your homescreens cluttered with apps, I'm running Rod's MIUI, but I'm using Launcher Pro because I have to have a app drawer. And, I think most Android users aren't trying to make their Android phones like the Iphone. If you haven't already, check out the screenshots in the beginning of Themes & App's forum, most users are using alt. launchers to customize the UI. I didn't see one shot with anyone running stock MIUI
blas4me said:
Why would you want your homescreens cluttered with apps, I'm running Rod's MIUI, but I'm using Launcher Pro because I have to have a app drawer. And, I think most Android users aren't trying to make their Android phones like the Iphone. If you haven't already, check out the screenshots in the beginning of Themes & App's forum, most users are using alt. launchers to customize the UI. I didn't see one shot with anyone running stock MIUI
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to agree. It seems like we are taking a step back in the evolution of the os. Like who seriously wants all apps mixed up in a clutter on your homescreen? But for the 5 people who do prefer this, I could see why they would want this save option included.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
This is convenient for all users of the very nice standard launcher that MIUI comes with.
I'd happily use it if it existed.
blas4me said:
Why would you want your homescreens cluttered with apps, I'm running Rod's MIUI, but I'm using Launcher Pro because I have to have a app drawer. And, I think most Android users aren't trying to make their Android phones like the Iphone. If you haven't already, check out the screenshots in the beginning of Themes & App's forum, most users are using alt. launchers to customize the UI. I didn't see one shot with anyone running stock MIUI
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Imperial.mack said:
I have to agree. It seems like we are taking a step back in the evolution of the os. Like who seriously wants all apps mixed up in a clutter on your homescreen? But for the 5 people who do prefer this, I could see why they would want this save option included.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to disagree, MIUI is a huge step forward. Regular xda members may not like the iPhone-ness, but I'm willing to bet that the majority of the public tend to gravitate towards it. How do you think they still sell iPhones, anyways? lol.
I look at MIUI as a breath of fresh air. I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that we needed a break from Sense and stock for a while.
That being said, I have defected back to CM for now. Main reason: Lockscreen music controls. I love the MIUI lockscreen, but having to unlock, open music app, and press skip just wasn't safe for me, as the only time I use my phone for music is while driving. Personal preference, but pretty important to me.
wdfowty said:
I have to disagree, MIUI is a huge step forward. Regular xda members may not like the iPhone-ness, but I'm willing to bet that the majority of the public tend to gravitate towards it. How do you think they still sell iPhones, anyways? lol.
I look at MIUI as a breath of fresh air. I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that we needed a break from Sense and stock for a while.
That being said, I have defected back to CM for now. Main reason: Lockscreen music controls. I love the MIUI lockscreen, but having to unlock, open music app, and press skip just wasn't safe for me, as the only time I use my phone for music is while driving. Personal preference, but pretty important to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never knew people liked that iPhone-esque home screen. Always thought installing another launcher on top of it was mandatory for the Android crowd. Step back indeed, unless you think gravitating towards the iPhone's OS' simplicity is step forward according to the poster right above me. Assuming he's not some T-Mobile exec that just looks at the "big picture's aka sales...
@Op: sorry for veering OT. I just thought what he posted was absolutely absurd! Unless it was complete sarcasm, then I apologize.
You can use Titanium Backup to backup the data portion of the MIUI launcher, restoring that will restore the layout.
And what's with this BS fake "you're the 1 millionth user" banner ads, what is this, 1998!?
gstar_raw said:
Never knew people liked that iPhone-esque home screen. Always thought installing another launcher on top of it was mandatory for the Android crowd. Step back indeed, unless you think gravitating towards the iPhone's OS' simplicity is step forward according to the poster right above me. Assuming he's not some T-Mobile exec that just looks at the "big picture's aka sales...
@Op: sorry for veering OT. I just thought what he posted was absolutely absurd! Unless it was complete sarcasm, then I apologize.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a step forward in the fact that developers are thinking outside the box and working on the framework/user-interface, instead of focusing all efforts on the "behind-the-scenes" aspect of Android. Don't get me wrong, I love CyanogenMod and TheOfficial, and appreciate all the work the countless devs have done, but the stock UI hasn't changed at all, really, since 1.5...
It's not the simplicity of iOS, per say; rather, the ease of use is what I think draws the crowds. I'm an iPhone to Android convert, and have rid myself of most of my Apple products (bad experience with my MacBook left a horrible taste in my mouth), so I guess you could consider me an Android fanboy.
And why would a T-Mobile exec be promoting a competitor's biggest seller (aka AT&T and the iPhone). Kinda off-base there, if you ask me.
I would also like to apologize for going so far off topic. Had to speak my mind .
I won't be posting (off topic) in this thread again.
wdfowty said:
It's a step forward in the fact that developers are thinking outside the box and working on the framework/user-interface, instead of focusing all efforts on the "behind-the-scenes" aspect of Android. Don't get me wrong, I love CyanogenMod and TheOfficial, and appreciate all the work the countless devs have done, but the stock UI hasn't changed at all, really, since 1.5...
It's not the simplicity of iOS, per say; rather, the ease of use is what I think draws the crowds. I'm an iPhone to Android convert, and have rid myself of most of my Apple products (bad experience with my MacBook left a horrible taste in my mouth), so I guess you could consider me an Android fanboy.
And why would a T-Mobile exec be promoting a competitor's biggest seller (aka AT&T and the iPhone). Kinda off-base there, if you ask me.
I would also like to apologize for going so far off topic. Had to speak my mind .
I won't be posting in this thread again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel you on the alleged ease of use of the iphone but personally I found the Miui homescreen harder to use. If I wanted to open an app, I had to mentally remember which homescreen I placed it on. There was also no other way to sort the homescreen. And when I wanted to move an app to a specific place, other apps shifted places but in sometimes undesirable places. I got frustrated. Thats why I think that the app drawer is a forward evolution of the os. Thats like me places a million shortcuts on my desktop computer instead of going to the start menu or searching for the program in the start menu searchbar. Just my 2cents. Iphone os just not that impressive to me.
I actually have used all the launchers out there and launcherpro is a good launcher to have over certain roms. I myself been on LP plus since CM6 and loved the ability of customizing almost every faucet of the ROM. But since MIUI, I have tried to use LP plus and I have to admit I cannot use any of the launchers to run on top of MIUI. IMO kinda takes away from MIUI.
And because of my opinion, all the apps of course, are on the screens. What did I do? I just used created two folders. One "app" and one "tools" folder and separated them that way. So far so good, unless someone can point me in the direction of a launcher that can organize it in a 'better' way, please let me know. Thanks!
kpjimmy said:
I actually have used all the launchers out there and launcherpro is a good launcher to have over certain roms. I myself been on LP plus since CM6 and loved the ability of customizing almost every faucet of the ROM. But since MIUI, I have tried to use LP plus and I have to admit I cannot use any of the launchers to run on top of MIUI. IMO kinda takes away from MIUI.
And because of my opinion, all the apps of course, are on the screens. What did I do? I just used created two folders. One "app" and one "tools" folder and separated them that way. So far so good, unless someone can point me in the direction of a launcher that can organize it in a 'better' way, please let me know. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes folders are nice. I just didn't like the look of them. I'm happy that cm is porting over the power widget notification bar! That was my fav part of Miui rom
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
wdfowty said:
That being said, I have defected back to CM for now. Main reason: Lockscreen music controls. I love the MIUI lockscreen, but having to unlock, open music app, and press skip just wasn't safe for me, as the only time I use my phone for music is while driving. Personal preference, but pretty important to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to skip music without unlock the phone, there are many solutions, search in the marker: "Shake2PlayNext".
http://www.appbrain.com/app/shake2playnext/ru.atrant.shake2playnext
Imperial.mack said:
I feel you on the alleged ease of use of the iphone but personally I found the Miui homescreen harder to use. If I wanted to open an app, I had to mentally remember which homescreen I placed it on. There was also no other way to sort the homescreen. And when I wanted to move an app to a specific place, other apps shifted places but in sometimes undesirable places. I got frustrated. Thats why I think that the app drawer is a forward evolution of the os. Thats like me places a million shortcuts on my desktop computer instead of going to the start menu or searching for the program in the start menu searchbar. Just my 2cents. Iphone os just not that impressive to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
or you just can use the search function of your phone
wdfowty said:
I have to disagree, MIUI is a huge step forward. Regular xda members may not like the iPhone-ness, but I'm willing to bet that the majority of the public tend to gravitate towards it. How do you think they still sell iPhones, anyways? lol.
I look at MIUI as a breath of fresh air. I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that we needed a break from Sense and stock for a while.
That being said, I have defected back to CM for now. Main reason: Lockscreen music controls. I love the MIUI lockscreen, but having to unlock, open music app, and press skip just wasn't safe for me, as the only time I use my phone for music is while driving. Personal preference, but pretty important to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+ 1
Sent from my Nexus One
wdfowty said:
That being said, I have defected back to CM for now. Main reason: Lockscreen music controls. I love the MIUI lockscreen, but having to unlock, open music app, and press skip just wasn't safe for me, as the only time I use my phone for music is while driving. Personal preference, but pretty important to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried WidgetLocker Lockscreen? =P maybe you'll go back to MIUI again if you try it.
I have organized lots of apps in folders so I don't miss the app drawer at all :]
Music Player Pro (app) has lock screen controls.
Best music player out there imo.
http://www.androidzoom.com/android_applications/multimedia/music-playerpro_jkyc.html
Interesting thoughts guys.
I actually take the MIUI homescreen as " a breath of fresh air" as well. I know its a bit iPhoneish, but it works VERY quickly and it looks nice. Also, less widgets = less lag, and for now Im enjoying the change.
I used ADW launcher (love it) and Launcher Pro (also great) on Cyanogen and Enomther for a while, but with MIUI, the launcher they have developed just works so well, which is why I think an app to import and retain homescreen settings would make the ROM even more awesome.
Dai323 said:
Interesting thoughts guys.
I actually take the MIUI homescreen as " a breath of fresh air" as well. I know its a bit iPhoneish, but it works VERY quickly and it looks nice. Also, less widgets = less lag, and for now Im enjoying the change.
I used ADW launcher (love it) and Launcher Pro (also great) on Cyanogen and Enomther for a while, but with MIUI, the launcher they have developed just works so well, which is why I think an app to import and retain homescreen settings would make the ROM even more awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is miui open sourced?
The beauty of android
Dai323 said:
Interesting thoughts guys.
I actually take the MIUI homescreen as " a breath of fresh air" as well. I know its a bit iPhoneish, but it works VERY quickly and it looks nice. Also, less widgets = less lag, and for now Im enjoying the change.
I used ADW launcher (love it) and Launcher Pro (also great) on Cyanogen and Enomther for a while, but with MIUI, the launcher they have developed just works so well, which is why I think an app to import and retain homescreen settings would make the ROM even more awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you on that, MIUI is a very fast and dependable rom, I just don't like my homescreen cluttered, I run a lot of widgets and I don't lag. Nexus can handle it. I have over 200 apps installed and with the standard launcher I couldn't find anything. I have to admit the icons give the phone a uniformed look, but I don't want them on my home screen. I have the App Inventor from Google, and I was trying to come up with a idea for a app, so Ima see what I can do for you. I'm not a dev or anything I'm still going through the tutorials, but we'll see.
I'm a newbie in the world of theme development but I have a game changing UI concept. I would request you all to kindly show me a way to create a custom skin for android. Like htc made sense, samsung made touchwiz, I would like to create my own skin on top of the stock android interface with almost everything different.
Thanx in advance!
I dont think androids stock launcher is skinnable ...
You can install an alternative launcher like "go launcher ex" or "ADW launcher"
Those are skinnable and there are tutorials on making themes.
metalheim said:
I dont think androids stock launcher is skinnable ...
You can install an alternative launcher like "go launcher ex" or "ADW launcher"
Those are skinnable and there are tutorials on making themes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was not looking for that.
I meant I wanted to change the whole way Android looks and feels.
Kind of like the difference of the interface between stock Android and Samsung TouchWiz.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
If you want to do so, you have to write a new Launcher/HSR (Home screen replacement) yourself.
You will need advanced Java skills and a lot of time.
metalheim said:
If you want to do so, you have to write a new Launcher/HSR (Home screen replacement) yourself.
You will need advanced Java skills and a lot of time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have loads of time and I know Java.
I'm willing to do it. Wish someone would guide me. Where to begin? I've not done anything like this before!
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Hello,
I am fairy new to android scene and I really enjoyed personalizing my jail broken iPhone. I switched to android cause of the ability to personalize it however I am a little confused I am looking for a way to change some text strings. For instance on the iPhone I was able to change the message that appeared when you entered the wrong passcode. Same as the power off message saying "never" instead. I would like to know how to do this as well as change the icons on the phone I due know how to do this on the iPhone but am really lost on android any help would be great sorry that I don't know a lot of the correct terms.
Well I'm not particularly sure how to change the text on the things you described because I believe you would have to change the framework of the ROM...
As for theme... That's easy, you just need to install an alternative launcher as golauncher, nova or apex... These ha e separate theme packs you can download which will theme the icons and give you ability to change them yourself... But the icons packs won't work with stock launcher if that's what you are using
I use go launcher and what I would like to do is make my own compete theme is there software out there that I could use and I would like to learn how to possible write or understand the code but don't know where to start any suggestions would be great thanks again for the reply
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using xda app-developers app
Go to golauncher website... I believe they have certain tools and guides available for you to make your own theme
thanks
danial.aw said:
Go to golauncher website... I believe they have certain tools and guides available for you to make your own theme
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry it took me so long to reply i have be using there website thanks again for all the advice.
Hi,
I finally made the switch to android after years of iOS and WP.
WP was really a failure in my opinion, and since android doesn't seem to lag that much anymore since 4.0, I thought I'd give android a shot.
I've been playing around and searching for tips and tricks etc, I'm trying to customize my UI to my liking especially, but I can't get anywhere close to those awesome UI screenshots I see people posting of their phones across forums. I'm currently using Go Launcher EX but I'm looking for cooler techy/nerdy widgets, live backgrounds, more animations (especially TV animation when locking the phone).
Can you give a new android user any tips and hints (anything from apps to general usage)?
Any essential apps (like CCleaner for android or something) that I should get, or any procedures such as cleaning the cache regularly I should be aware of?
Shebee said:
Hi,
I finally made the switch to android after years of iOS and WP.
WP was really a failure in my opinion, and since android doesn't seem to lag that much anymore since 4.0, I thought I'd give android a shot.
I've been playing around and searching for tips and tricks etc, I'm trying to customize my UI to my liking especially, but I can't get anywhere close to those awesome UI screenshots I see people posting of their phones across forums. I'm currently using Go Launcher EX but I'm looking for cooler techy/nerdy widgets, live backgrounds, more animations (especially TV animation when locking the phone).
Can you give a new android user any tips and hints (anything from apps to general usage)?
Any essential apps (like CCleaner for android or something) that I should get, or any procedures such as cleaning the cache regularly I should be aware of?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm..
Seems like you need a must have apps guide..
Nevermind click here and see what apps are you really looking for..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2018256
dagger said:
Hmm..
Seems like you need a must have apps guide..
Nevermind click here and see what apps are you really looking for..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2018256
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, that should get me started at least, thanks.
Do you have more launcher suggestions? I don't mind paying for it, but I'm looking for something that has a decent amount of themes to choose from and lots of customizability plus it should be stable and not lag.