Add custom buttons (shortcuts) to tablet system bar - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi all.
I'm trying to the following for months now:
You know that most of the tablets with android 3+ have this large black bar at the bottom. I'm not sure how it is called but I mean this bar where the clock, back and home button and the notification icons are on.
On the middle area of this bar there is always much space depending on the number of notifications on the right.
My idea was to use this space for shortcuts to apps or tasker tasks. Just like in windows the Quick Launch Toolbar on the task bar.
But until now I haven't found any solution.
Here is what I have:
I'm using tasker scenes to build my own shortcut buttons. Then I displayed these buttons as always on top and half transparent directly on the screen in the normal application display area. It seems that tasker is not able to display these buttons over the system bar. So this isn't a complete solution of my problem since the free display space on the bar is still not in use.
On the other hand I do know that it must be possible to program apps which are overlayed on the system bar since other apps can be placed over it.
Anyway...
I'm searching for a clean solution to get shortcuts on the system bar to start apps or tasker tasks with one click or touch.
Please help if you can or just post if you are also like to see such a solution. Maybe an app developer picks up this idea.

fpdragon said:
Hi all.
I'm trying to the following for months now:
You know that most of the tablets with android 3+ have this large black bar at the bottom. I'm not sure how it is called but I mean this bar where the clock, back and home button and the notification icons are on.
On the middle area of this bar there is always much space depending on the number of notifications on the right.
My idea was to use this space for shortcuts to apps or tasker tasks. Just like in windows the Quick Launch Toolbar on the task bar.
But until now I haven't found any solution.
Here is what I have:
I'm using tasker scenes to build my own shortcut buttons. Then I displayed these buttons as always on top and half transparent directly on the screen in the normal application display area. It seems that tasker is not able to display these buttons over the system bar. So this isn't a complete solution of my problem since the free display space on the bar is still not in use.
On the other hand I do know that it must be possible to program apps which are overlayed on the system bar since other apps can be placed over it.
Anyway...
I'm searching for a clean solution to get shortcuts on the system bar to start apps or tasker tasks with one click or touch.
Please help if you can or just post if you are also like to see such a solution. Maybe an app developer picks up this idea.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would also love to see this solution!

Related

[Q] How to display notification screen without tapping status bar?

How can I display the notification screen without tapping on the top status bar?
Meaning, I have big fingers, so it's difficult to tap the thin top status bar to display the notifications screen (the screen that shows connection status, new text message notices, etc).
So, I am looking for a way to create a shortcut that will display the notification screen without the hassle of trying to tap on little status bar to display it.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
JohnCody said:
How can I display the notification screen without tapping on the top status bar?
Meaning, I have big fingers, so it's difficult to tap the thin top status bar to display the notifications screen (the screen that shows connection status, new text message notices, etc).
So, I am looking for a way to create a shortcut that will display the notification screen without the hassle of trying to tap on little status bar to display it.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 I want that for a long long time and i have no clue how to make that shortcut.
In Android we can do that but in winmo i don't know.
Ok,
found a solution, install mortscript and then just run the attach script
you can assign this script to a shortcut in screen or assign it to a hardware key
this script is only a mouse click simulation. if you change the coordinates you can point the shortcut to perform a click in a different screen location
done
CHT has the widgets for notifications. You should try it, if haven't yet.

[Q] Hide notification bar

I am running my application on a Viewsonic G Tablet. The application is marked to run full screen in the manifest, and it does so. However the notification bar is still displayed and overlayed on my view (this is not the standard Android behavior). Unfortunately, if I have any controls that are underneath the controls on the notification bar, the user is not able to access them. How do I turn the bar off. I notice that some apps (e.g. Angry Birds) display full screen without the bar.
Thanks.
I've been able to do it using the Zeam Launcher. Under action bindings set double tap to toggle the fullscreen.
Pretty much every non-stock browser has the option to hide the status bar. I recommend VTL launcher for tablets and zeam for phones.
irishrally said:
Pretty much every non-stock browser has the option to hide the status bar. I recommend VTL launcher for tablets and zeam for phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I am a little confused. You both talk about launchers, but I am not sure what you are referring to. Is this something the user can do to remove the status bar by using a particular launcher? If so, that is not what I am asking. I am the developer of the app in question, and I want to set it up so that it automatically runs full screen without a status bar. This seems to be possible, because there are apps which do that (e.g. Angry Birds).
Thanks
Ah, I see. Maybe another app developer could chime in because this is way above my knowledge.
John Gaby said:
I am running my application on a Viewsonic G Tablet. The application is marked to run full screen in the manifest, and it does so. However the notification bar is still displayed and overlayed on my view (this is not the standard Android behavior). Unfortunately, if I have any controls that are underneath the controls on the notification bar, the user is not able to access them. How do I turn the bar off. I notice that some apps (e.g. Angry Birds) display full screen without the bar.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
John Gaby said:
I guess I am a little confused. You both talk about launchers, but I am not sure what you are referring to. Is this something the user can do to remove the status bar by using a particular launcher? If so, that is not what I am asking. I am the developer of the app in question, and I want to set it up so that it automatically runs full screen without a status bar. This seems to be possible, because there are apps which do that (e.g. Angry Birds).
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you by chance running CM7 or Vegan Ginger?
These have an option (part of the Mad-Murdock Tablet Tweaks) to override the 'full screen' request by apps and keep the status bar available. This is due to some tablets not having hardware buttons (and on the G-tab, they are hard to see in the dark, etc).
If this is the case, you will not be able to over-ride that. It's specifically a user-option.
If you are not on one of those ROMs, then I can't help

Hiding the Status bar for Android 4.0 tablets

I've tracked down why some apps don't changed the status bar for tablets running ICS. There was an API change where tablets now use a different method to dim the status bar. I already passed this along to the Plex team who have put it in their test build for their next release. If you have an app you'd like this put into please pass the following information along to the dev team:
Controls for system UI visibility
Since the early days of Android, the system has managed a UI component known as the status bar, which resides at the top of handset devices to deliver information such as the carrier signal, time, notifications, and so on. Android 3.0 added the system bar for tablet devices, which resides at the bottom of the screen to provide system navigation controls (Home, Back, and so forth) and also an interface for elements traditionally provided by the status bar. In Android 4.0, the system provides a new type of system UI called the navigation bar. You might consider the navigation bar a re-tuned version of the system bar designed for handsets—it provides navigation controls for devices that don’t have hardware counterparts for navigating the system, but it leaves out the system bar's notification UI and setting controls. As such, a device that provides the navigation bar also has the status bar at the top.
To this day, you can hide the status bar on handsets using the FLAG_FULLSCREEN flag. In Android 4.0, the APIs that control the system bar’s visibility have been updated to better reflect the behavior of both the system bar and navigation bar:
The SYSTEM_UI_FLAG_LOW_PROFILE flag replaces the STATUS_BAR_HIDDEN flag. When set, this flag enables “low profile" mode for the system bar or navigation bar. Navigation buttons dim and other elements in the system bar also hide. Enabling this is useful for creating more immersive games without distraction for the system navigation buttons.
The SYSTEM_UI_FLAG_VISIBLE flag replaces the STATUS_BAR_VISIBLE flag to request the system bar or navigation bar be visible.
The SYSTEM_UI_FLAG_HIDE_NAVIGATION is a new flag that requests the navigation bar hide completely. Be aware that this works only for the navigation bar used by some handsets (it does not hide the system bar on tablets). The navigation bar returns to view as soon as the system receives user input. As such, this mode is useful primarily for video playback or other cases in which the whole screen is needed but user input is not required.
You can set each of these flags for the system bar and navigation bar by calling setSystemUiVisibility() on any view in your activity. The window manager combines (OR-together) all flags from all views in your window and apply them to the system UI as long as your window has input focus. When your window loses input focus (the user navigates away from your app, or a dialog appears), your flags cease to have effect. Similarly, if you remove those views from the view hierarchy their flags no longer apply.
To synchronize other events in your activity with visibility changes to the system UI (for example, hide the action bar or other UI controls when the system UI hides), you should register a View.OnSystemUiVisibilityChangeListener to be notified when the visibility of the system bar or navigation bar changes.
See the OverscanActivity class for a demonstration of different system UI options.
from:
http://developer.android.com/sdk/android-4.0.html
Say I have an app running, how would I go home or back without the nav bar? We have no physical buttons or capacitive buttons...
Sure some apps let you quit from the app itself but others don't.
Are u saying you would like to have it duck outta the screen?
Modded by MBOK
It would be nice if it was sorta programed as it was on the GNex when in apps such as YouTube when viewing a video in full screen the buttons disappear (actually disappear not dim out) and when you touch the screen the buttons reappear.
mrokeefe said:
Say I have an app running, how would I go home or back without the nav bar? We have no physical buttons or capacitive buttons...
Sure some apps let you quit from the app itself but others don't.
Are u saying you would like to have it duck outta the screen?
Modded by MBOK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Button Savior.
mrokeefe said:
Say I have an app running, how would I go home or back without the nav bar? We have no physical buttons or capacitive buttons...
Sure some apps let you quit from the app itself but others don't.
Are u saying you would like to have it duck outta the screen?
Modded by MBOK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The buttons don't disappear, they dim; if you touch them they come back
If anything, I would love to have the app drawer button on the nav bar
Modded by MBOK
mrokeefe said:
If anything, I would love to have the app drawer button on the nav bar
Modded by MBOK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 here. im sure its a mod we'll se after bootloader. why must i reach to top right!?
+1
+1
Yep agree... this thing with menu top right and notifications bottom left is nuts. Buttons should be near the bottom where I hold it. Ideally the menu buttons (Inc app drawer) would be bottom right and notification top right.
Actually all devices have power button which can be used for getting back from fullscreen mode.
There is an issue on code.google (24546): hxxp://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=24546
I think it's pretty nice solution. Also there can be "hide" button on panel.

How to Hide the Grey Nav Bar on HAM2 Using Emotion UI Settings

Hi All,
It took me a while to figure out, but you can add an option to hide the grey nav bar on an unrooted HAM2 and make it reappear by swiping up. It is somewhat confusing because the nav bar setting is not available if you have your Emotion UI set to the Standard home screen style. You have to apply the "Simple" home screen style first, which is the one with the giant colored buttons for grandma to use.
After you apply the Simple home screen style, go back into settings, select More Settings and then scroll down to the bottom of the list. You will see a new option called "Navigation Bar" has been added. If you press this option you will see a toggle switch for "Hide Navigation Bar" along with some instructions on how to use it. Once you have toggled the switch to hide the navigation bar, you can revert back to the Standard Emotion UI and the setting will be retained.
After I hid the navigation bar I found some apps I had difficulty installing would start to work OK. For example, if you try to install NBA Jam without hiding the navigation bar, it will get hung on the initial splash screen. After I hid the navigation bar, NBA Jam would check for updates and then proceed to the game without any problem.
Hope this helps anyone having difficulty with the nav bar!
Zag
Zagzagel said:
Hi All,
It took me a while to figure out, but you can add an option to hide the grey nav bar on an unrooted HAM2 and make it reappear by swiping up. It is somewhat confusing because the nav bar setting is not available if you have your Emotion UI set to the Standard home screen style. You have to apply the "Simple" home screen style first, which is the one with the giant colored buttons for grandma to use.
After you apply the Simple home screen style, go back into settings, select More Settings and then scroll down to the bottom of the list. You will see a new option called "Navigation Bar" has been added. If you press this option you will see a toggle switch for "Hide Navigation Bar" along with some instructions on how to use it. Once you have toggled the switch to hide the navigation bar, you can revert back to the Standard Emotion UI and the setting will be retained.
After I hid the navigation bar I found some apps I had difficulty installing would start to work OK. For example, if you try to install NBA Jam without hiding the navigation bar, it will get hung on the initial splash screen. After I hid the navigation bar, NBA Jam would check for updates and then proceed to the game without any problem.
Hope this helps anyone having difficulty with the nav bar!
Zag
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
#EPICFIND
this looks great with xposed and gravity box so that my navbar is transparent and can be hidden on command!
thank you!
Zagzagel said:
Hi All,
It took me a while to figure out, but you can add an option to hide the grey nav bar on an unrooted HAM2 and make it reappear by swiping up. It is somewhat confusing because the nav bar setting is not available if you have your Emotion UI set to the Standard home screen style. You have to apply the "Simple" home screen style first, which is the one with the giant colored buttons for grandma to use.
After you apply the Simple home screen style, go back into settings, select More Settings and then scroll down to the bottom of the list. You will see a new option called "Navigation Bar" has been added. If you press this option you will see a toggle switch for "Hide Navigation Bar" along with some instructions on how to use it. Once you have toggled the switch to hide the navigation bar, you can revert back to the Standard Emotion UI and the setting will be retained.
After I hid the navigation bar I found some apps I had difficulty installing would start to work OK. For example, if you try to install NBA Jam without hiding the navigation bar, it will get hung on the initial splash screen. After I hid the navigation bar, NBA Jam would check for updates and then proceed to the game without any problem.
Hope this helps anyone having difficulty with the nav bar!
Zag
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the Kitkat feature I missed the most. My main motivation to buy a HAM2 was to read novels in it, instead of carrying a smaller phone and a tablet. For that purpose, the screen is stunning, but that dammed gray navbar was always in the way. Not anymore!
Thank you so much for this tip. You made my day!
Wow, nice find!
Now I have a bit more room on this already huge display. Thanks! :good:
Zagzagel said:
Hi All,
It took me a while to figure out, but you can add an option to hide the grey nav bar on an unrooted HAM2 and make it reappear by swiping up. It is somewhat confusing because the nav bar setting is not available if you have your Emotion UI set to the Standard home screen style. You have to apply the "Simple" home screen style first, which is the one with the giant colored buttons for grandma to use.
After you apply the Simple home screen style, go back into settings, select More Settings and then scroll down to the bottom of the list. You will see a new option called "Navigation Bar" has been added. If you press this option you will see a toggle switch for "Hide Navigation Bar" along with some instructions on how to use it. Once you have toggled the switch to hide the navigation bar, you can revert back to the Standard Emotion UI and the setting will be retained.
After I hid the navigation bar I found some apps I had difficulty installing would start to work OK. For example, if you try to install NBA Jam without hiding the navigation bar, it will get hung on the initial splash screen. After I hid the navigation bar, NBA Jam would check for updates and then proceed to the game without any problem.
Hope this helps anyone having difficulty with the nav bar!
Zag
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This option should be there regardless of what launcher u are using.. It's a standard feature in the settings.. No? I have a China version on 4.4.2.. No sure if there's a difference though..
scpion said:
This option should be there regardless of what launcher u are using.. It's a standard feature in the settings.. No? I have a China version on 4.4.2.. No sure if there's a difference though..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is not visible with standard home screen but it is in simple which not too many people switch to it.
Sent from my MT2L03 using Tapatalk 2
Thanks very much for sharing this!
Sent from my MT2L03 using XDA Free mobile app
A bit laggy compared to using one of the root options.
Zagzagel said:
Hi All,
It took me a while to figure out, but you can add an option to hide the grey nav bar on an unrooted HAM2 and make it reappear by swiping up. It is somewhat confusing because the nav bar setting is not available if you have your Emotion UI set to the Standard home screen style. You have to apply the "Simple" home screen style first, which is the one with the giant colored buttons for grandma to use.
After you apply the Simple home screen style, go back into settings, select More Settings and then scroll down to the bottom of the list. You will see a new option called "Navigation Bar" has been added. If you press this option you will see a toggle switch for "Hide Navigation Bar" along with some instructions on how to use it. Once you have toggled the switch to hide the navigation bar, you can revert back to the Standard Emotion UI and the setting will be retained.
After I hid the navigation bar I found some apps I had difficulty installing would start to work OK. For example, if you try to install NBA Jam without hiding the navigation bar, it will get hung on the initial splash screen. After I hid the navigation bar, NBA Jam would check for updates and then proceed to the game without any problem.
Hope this helps anyone having difficulty with the nav bar!
Zag
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A bit laggy compared to using one of the root options. But better ten nothing if you don't want to root. Thanks.
Thank you,.!.!
Only reason I wanted to rood was immersive mode, this is close enough.
I love this phone even more now - coming from a 32gb One plus one.
Damn! You had a oneplus one? I got an invite but I'm gonna have to pass on that
Sent from my MT2L03 using XDA Free mobile app
Zagzagel said:
Hi All,
It took me a while to figure out, but you can add an option to hide the grey nav bar on an unrooted HAM2 and make it reappear by swiping up. It is somewhat confusing because the nav bar setting is not available if you have your Emotion UI set to the Standard home screen style. You have to apply the "Simple" home screen style first, which is the one with the giant colored buttons for grandma to use.
After you apply the Simple home screen style, go back into settings, select More Settings and then scroll down to the bottom of the list. You will see a new option called "Navigation Bar" has been added. If you press this option you will see a toggle switch for "Hide Navigation Bar" along with some instructions on how to use it. Once you have toggled the switch to hide the navigation bar, you can revert back to the Standard Emotion UI and the setting will be retained.
After I hid the navigation bar I found some apps I had difficulty installing would start to work OK. For example, if you try to install NBA Jam without hiding the navigation bar, it will get hung on the initial splash screen. After I hid the navigation bar, NBA Jam would check for updates and then proceed to the game without any problem.
Hope this helps anyone having difficulty with the nav bar!
Zag
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WOW!!! Thanks so much for sharing this great find. It works GREAT!!!!!
Thanks given. This was the only reason I was rooted. Along with greenify. Now with the ability to hide the navbar and the ability to disable background apps included in the stock ROM, I really don't have any need for root. I still might use links2sd to install more apps if I hit that 6gb limit. This phone is solid!
Making the navigation bar hidden is called "immersive mode". There are apps on the Play Store that supposedly let you toggle immersive mode. Please post your results if you try one.
I'm guessing those apps will let you switch to immersive mode independent of standard or simple mode.

Navigation Bar after upgrade to One UI 2.1

Hi - my tablet upgraded yesterday to One UI 2.1. I use my tablet to play games frequently and the now the navigation bar is activated differently while doing so. Before the update I had full screen gestures enabled so that when I was playing games I could just single swipe the bottom area of the screen to perform navigation functions. There were no hints or symbols. After the update with the same settings... when i swipe the same area the first swipe brings up a small navigation bar (as well as notification bar at top) and then I have to swipe again for the navigation result. It's like the have the navigation bar on auto hide like a Windows task bar.
I was really used to the single swipe gesture in these games so am looking for a way to get back to that if possible. It appears that in the android interface and other apps it works as it used to. It is only in games that it now acts different. I checked my "game booster" settings and couldn't see anything different.
Thanks in advance!

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