[Q] Lock app/website so no one can exit it. - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

So, I want to make a menu on tablet PC's running Android using an Website (locally hosted), in future an app when finished developing it.
I want to present the pad to our guests, but I think around 90% will "accidently" press HOME or previous or w/e to exit the app and use it for Facebook.
Now, the device should be locked so they can only browse the app or website. I don't buy them for google'ing or w/e.
I tried to find on XDA some treads about them, but can't find anything related to my question, especially when I type "lock" it just directs me to thousands of "parenting tools"
Has any one an idea bout what app or trick I could use?
Thanks in advance,
PVTD

Depends on the device. If it uses virtual buttons you can use "GMD Gesture control" to hide the navigation bar. Just make sure you use a gesture no one will accidently use.
If it uses "physical" software keys you can edit the "atmel-touchscreen.kl" file in system/usr/keylayout/ and remove the functions from the keys.
Sent from my Evo 3D GSM using xda premium

XzinteR said:
Depends on the device. If it uses virtual buttons you can use "GMD Gesture control" to hide the navigation bar. Just make sure you use a gesture no one will accidently use.
If it uses "physical" software keys you can edit the "atmel-touchscreen.kl" file in system/usr/keylayout/ and remove the functions from the keys.
Sent from my Evo 3D GSM using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'll try that right away and let you know.
Ps i use a Acer Iconia a100 for testing, but i'll buy a few cheap 10" tablets.

Did you ever make any progress on this? I too am looking for an app that acts as a sandbox to launch other apps with controls you have mentioned. All of the kids apps are launchers that still let you exit the interactive app. Instead, I want to select the app and restrict the user from menus or exit.

Related

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

Life After Rooting (please contribute)

For those new to the world of rooting or just not sure what to do next, please add to this thread what you think are "must haves" or "must do" after rooting the nook tablet. I am sure there are awesome apps and tricks etc out there and nobody knows everything so please post what you feel is something one shouldbdo or get or install after rooting.
I think the Button Savior app is a nice one to have. It lets you set up transparent "buttons" on the side of your screen enabling you to go back, or to your chose home screen, without hitting the "n" home button. Having this app enables you to use said "n" home button to take you only back to the original, stock Nook home screen.
Just my two cents....
npw1138 said:
I think the Button Savior app is a nice one to have. It lets you set up transparent "buttons" on the side of your screen enabling you to go back, or to your chose home screen, without hitting the "n" home button. Having this app enables you to use said "n" home button to take you only back to the original, stock Nook home screen.
Just my two cents....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I agree that is a good one. Another is AnyCut. Anycut let's you place shortcuts to virtually anywhere including settings menus that are normally hidden or hard to find otherwise.
Titanium Backup and AdAway are a couple of my favorite root applications.
AdFree, TitaniumBackup, Root Explorer, ButtonSavior, Terminal Emulator.... Those a just a couple that I would consider necessities.
Great idea for a thread. This was my first time rooting. I agree with all of the above and there are a couple I want to check out as I hadn't heard of them. Other than that I would say MyBookDroid as it lets you not only keep track of what books you own, but have read, want to read, want to buy, or are in the middle of reading etc. I have gotten OverDrive for the first time for reading library books and am enjoying that. I would like to locate an 'office suite' for some of my take a long projects. Other wise I think that is all I'm aware of so far but will be watching this thread for more suggestions.
Use bettercut instead of any cut it will give you access to more options and shortcuts that even anycut cant get you
ianc125 said:
Use bettercut instead of any cut it will give you access to more options and shortcuts that even anycut cant get you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 for bettercut! There are things in there I've never seen so if you recommend using it for anything specific, let me know.
Screen Filter. Great app, I love it. It will allow you to lower the screen brightness below the default-allowable levels.
Most have been mentioned.
Right after you Root:
Definitely: Root Explorer and ES File Explorer. I use one or the other just about every day. Button Savior is a must.
Screenshot (app from kastor soft). Helps greatly when seeking help with OS/app issues to include a screencap if possible.
Use Anycut (or Bettercut) to make yourself a bunch of oft-needed shortcuts, like 'Home' (for the stock launcher), Appmenu, Debug Mode, Accessibility, etc. Put the shortcuts in a folder in GoLauncher for less clutter and convenient access.
If you think that you later may do some more in depth mucking around, Get SQLite Editor.
Cloud yourself up: Get Dropbox, Sugarsync, Box.net. and 4Shared. Together it's something like 20GB of cloud storage you can share directly with your NT. Very convenient to send yourself .apk, document, and media files via the cloud vs. USB.
Once you're feeling fairly confident:
1. Replace your stock keyboard with an alternative like Swiftkey Tablet X, hacker keyboard or whatever else is compatible. Read this thread, follow all the tutorial steps. This is a very forgiving hack, and you likely can't boot-loop your device even if something goes 'wrong'. Still, know what you're doing.
2. If you're using GoLauncher and having problems with widgets not loading after a reboot, follow the instructions in this thread to fix it. As above, read up and know what you're doing first.
3. Unless a more current Root method includes these: replace some system apps with stock Gingerbread versions. IE: email, keyboard, gallery 3D. Read through and understand the methods/files needed in this thread first.
Once you *really* know WTF you're doing:
Edit your build.prop file to spoof another device to add extra things to the Market. Build.prop can be safely changed in place (many other system files can't and can boot-loop your NT if you mess with them).
I've taken to keeping several build.prop files on hand- the stock, one to emulate a Nexus S, and one to emulate a Droid 3. I rename/switch them out and reset the Market, depending on what I'm trying to install directly from the Market. (For example, many Gameloft games show up when spoofing the Nexus S.)
Read up and know what you're doing before attempting. It's not a hard 'hack' but understand that applied incorrectly this could boot-loop your NT. When editing your build.prop file, ever point, every space, every character counts, so tripple-check your mods before committing and rebooting your NT. Backup and keep .bak copies of your working 'spoofs' and switch them if/when needed.
zaptoons said:
Screenshot (app from kastor soft). Helps greatly when seeking help with OS/app issues to include a screencap if possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unnecessary; you can take screenshots by hitting N + Volume Down.
Edit: Sorry if that sounded dickish, it's kind of late and I was distracted by The League.
As I use my NT mainly for entertainment while at work, the FIRST thing I researched how to edit my build.prop to spoof a Nexus S. Opened up a whole WORLD of compatible games!
Also, I got Mx Player, as an alternative to the stock video player. Mx is compatible with all of your major video codecs, and for the most part they play flawlessly. Occasionally, I find a vid that doesn't work with it, but that is largely due to the way the video was compressed.
Next thing I'm researching---Vuze ;-)
Sent from my rooted Nook Tablet using Tapatalk 8)
I recommend Opera Mobile for internet. It has great copy and paste function.
Swype keyboard is a must for me.
Taptu is an awesome way to consume information on your favorite topics.
Smart Rotate allows you to choose which apps rotate and which ones don't.
Quick Pic for a super fast gallery replacement that doesn't mess up wallpaper settings. (select the floppy icon to set the wallpaper)
any.do for an awesome to do app that is a joy to use.
Tapatalk of course.
Also, long press on the home button in button savior to access six previous apps.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk
SG Pillar said:
Unnecessary; you can take screenshots by hitting N + Volume Down.
Edit: Sorry if that sounded dickish, it's kind of late and I was distracted by The League.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely forgot about that! Not dickish at all, thanks.
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium
deralaand said:
Also, long press on the home button in button savior to access six previous apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! Never knew this! Very informative thread.
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium
deralaand said:
...
Also, long press on the home button in button savior to access six previous apps.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, great eye! I will be using this quite a bit.
Sent from my rooted BNTV250 using Tapatalk
The ones I couldn't do without are:
1) Go Launcher EX
2) Homecatcher - now the nook button takes me to my GoLauncher home screen and bypasses the stock nook screen altogether. It also eliminated my need for button savior. Not bashing the app, just didn't need it anymore since I wasn't using it for anything except getting back to my GL home screen anyway. I use the right to left swipe or even one press of the nook button in most every program to go back if I need to.
3) MX Video Player - like people are saying, plays anything and does it better than stock video player
4) ComicRack - suggested by people here on the boards, and again, better than the stock program for reading comics (more file types supported, better resolution, better functionality)
If you have access to a rooted phone and the app 'root explorer', you can capture many apps that would be 'incompatible' on the market.
This is how I originally got the Facebook and Twitter app working.
If you attempt this, you must be very careful using root explorer. It could allow you destroy your device.
Here are the steps I used.
1. Make sure the app you want, is loaded on the rooted Android device. (other than Nook)
2. Use root explorer on that Android device.
3. Navigate to data/app and search for the apk of the app that you want.
4. Long press on that apk and choose send.
5. I have dropbox installed, so I send apps to that so I can easily retrieve them whenever I want. You should be able to use gmail to mail them to your self on the Nook.
6. On the Nook, download the apk using whatever method you chose.
7. Install the file. Make sure to choose 'Package Installer'.
8 Enjoy!
Groove Ip
Im trying to get mine to make free VOIP calls. I have tried several different programs. With Groove Ip from Google Ive gotten it where I can hear the call over my nt but cannot seem to get the app to recognize the mic.
Any ideas how I can do this?
npw1138 said:
I think the Button Savior app is a nice one to have. It lets you set up transparent "buttons" on the side of your screen enabling you to go back, or to your chose home screen, without hitting the "n" home button. Having this app enables you to use said "n" home button to take you only back to the original, stock Nook home screen.
Just my two cents....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does the "recent apps" button (the four squares icon) work for anyone? If so, how did you configure to get it going? For me it does nothing.
Note, I have granted BS superuser permissions, so it's not that.
Edit: now I find "Also, long press on the home button in button savior to access six previous apps." Excellent; solves the problem, but what is the 4-squares icon if not that?

5.2 inch screen?

I've just received my new G2 so I haven't yet done as much reading about it as I like but my first impressions are good However....one of my main reasons for buying this device was the 5.2 inches of hd screen real estate and how clever LG managed to cram such a large screen onto a relatively small device by using on screen navigation buttons in place of hardware buttons.
After playing with my device for a while it would appear that I cannot hide these navigation buttons (without root) so I am losing a large proportion of my screen estate
I noticed that in some streaming apps, the buttons magically disappear giving me a full screen view but this doesn't appear to be the case for all apps. Am I missing something here or is that just how it is?
It would seem a bit pointless to me creating such a beautiful large screen and not be able to utilise it properly
I am hoping that I am, indeed, missing a hidden setting or tweek somewere and am hoping that someone here will enlighten me. I will probably root if it is necessary but I would then have to forgo my skygo streaming which requires an un-rooted device :crying:
HELP!
There is unfortunately no solution to this without routing your device. I tried a lot of apps, ie button savior (which worked for giving me virtual home button and so on) and full-screen toggle which didn't work. It seems that the only solution is to root it.
Sent from my LG-D802 using xda app-developers app
So if you hide the navigation bar, how do you expect to go home or back? If you use custom roms or xposed you can shrink it to be a lot smaller, which is the best of both worlds
Sent from my LG-VS980 using Tapatalk
If you read my post, you would have your answer, mate. Button savior gives you the ability to toggle home, back and menu buttons in a way similar to pie controls where you slide from one side to toggle them.
Sent from my LG-D802 using xda app-developers app
bobsie41 said:
...I will probably root if it is necessary but I would then have to forgo my skygo streaming which requires an un-rooted device :crying:
HELP!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, did not read this thread. Just wanted to ask, why you think you will have to forget about that app?
Have a look on Root Cloak there are 2 active ones one from Xposed the other on Cydia Substrate. Not sure they work for your app too.
But if you decide to root it should be worth a look.
Pie.. I used that on my gnex.
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
PAGOT said:
Have a look on Root Cloak
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second this one. It works great for any apps I've tried. I used it on my Note 8 to hide root for using the Stock reader app all the time.

[Q] Note 2: The ultamite mobile desktop

So recently I had to send in my laptop for repair and do not have a replace ment for college that starts back up in a few days. I figured this would be the ultamite test for the note 2 to use it as my personal computer for a week. Does anyone have any ideas to make it more desktop friendly? Ex pop up browsers. ( I already have the hardware to put it on a monitor and add a mouse and keyboard)
Nebula rom, every app is floatable, and dockable. Some have trouble installing it, but it would work nicely as a alternative desktop.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk
Trebe94 said:
So recently I had to send in my laptop for repair and do not have a replace ment for college that starts back up in a few days. I figured this would be the ultamite test for the note 2 to use it as my personal computer for a week. Does anyone have any ideas to make it more desktop friendly? Ex pop up browsers. ( I already have the hardware to put it on a monitor and add a mouse and keyboard)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest, the whole pop-up think isnt as useful as one might think..the screen just isnt big enough for individual windows to be usable, at least to the extent of replacing both a desktop UI AND your phones UI.
A better alternative is to use a few tools that will allow you to switch between apps easily. This way you retain all the usability of whatever application youre using, while being able to flip through apps quickly.
I would recommend using "Swipe Home Button" (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.matthewma.swipehomebuttonfree)
I disable all the functions except for the simple "Swipe up" to get to the "Recent apps". This way anytime i want to switch, i just swipe up, and tap on the app i wanted. Its MUCH faster than pressing and holding the home button.
Also, SwipePad (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mobi.conduction.swipepad.android)
This allows you to have a grid accessible anywhere, by swiping from any place of your choosing and getting to any app you want. Not just apps that are open.
Check out this guy Coldfustion on YouTube. He's got great videos explaining in detail how to use your Note 2 as a pc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkgmqOrpKyc&feature=youtube_gdata_player
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nh2NSLgaII&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Using Shortcut Key For Camera Shutter

It seemed to me to be a massive oversight that the shortcut key could only be used to open apps & not perform actions within apps such as use as a camera shutter key.
With a bit of playing around with tasker, auto input & tasker app factory I now have something that works for me as a camera shutter key. This obviously opens up many other possibilities.
My question is has anyone else tried anything similar & would anyone mind trying the attached app? I'm still learning with tasker so I'd like to know if the created app would function as a standalone for people who don't have tasker or autoinput installed.
To test once installed select the app as the shortcut key setting then open the stock camera app & press the shortcut key.
Thanks in advance to anyone that trys it.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4OrmULgDWq3ZGFxdWVLSHR2N2s/view?usp=drivesdk
Sent from my P9000 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Wow, that's really good. It could be fantastic using that key to use Now on tap without the virtual navigation bar
Edit: I've just try it with the camera app and is not working to me
Thanks for the feedback. I've not actually used the now on tap function yet but unless Elephone change how you can assign the button this seems like the best method for making it do what you want. Tasker's really versatile but I'm still learning so I know a lot of the stuff I do is a bit clunky. Personally I want it to be multi function so when the camera's open it's the shutter button but when it's not then I can use it for media control i.e. press once for pause, twice for skip track, 3 times for back track.
Sent from my P9000 using XDA-Developers mobile app
UnaiBoomer said:
Wow, that's really good. It could be fantastic using that key to use Now on tap without the virtual navigation bar
Edit: I've just try it with the camera app and is not working to me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That probably means you do require the autoinput plugin then. I've been playing around with now on tap & have managed to get it to work when you click on the app button I created but when it is assigned to the shortcut key it doesn't. It definitely needs the autoinput plugin with the method I've used. Going to make some posts in Tasker threads when I get chance to see if I can get suggestions on better ways to do it.
Sent from my P9000 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Did this move on any further? I wanted to give it a go, but the Google drive link isn't working.
As you say, massive oversight on the part of Elephone. I hadn't even thought of trying to use tasker.
loadedscissors said:
Did this move on any further?.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately not. The issue with exporting tasker things to an app is to install it on another phone you require all of the appropriate plugins used within the task. It's certainly possible to do things with the shortcut key using tasker but I found most of the solutions convoluted for such a simple result so gave up on it.
Thanks for the reply. It's a shame to hear it was so convoluted to achieve, but thanks for trying.
I've been using Camera Zoom FX, if you set the exposure to +3 it gives comparable results to the stock camera app. The advantage of this app is that you can use the volume rocker as a hardware button to take pictures via an optional setting. There is a free version of this app as well I think, but I don't know its limitations. I think the functionality exists in some other camera apps too, including Google Camera, the thing is that most apps seem to have a noticeable reduction in quality vs the stock app.
I know it's not quite the result you were aiming for, but I hope that the information is of some use to somebody.

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