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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.
My worse nightware with SGS1 was the laggy desktops - I loved the phone - but the lag was too much for me I hate the lag. so i decided to invest on the SGS2 beast. Problem is I still can see some lag, tiny, but its there i'm sure. In a microscopic scale.
Tried several kernels to workaround the problem and a couple of rom (with I removed cos I love the oficial rom).
Maybe theres some savior on this forum that can help me out.
Anyone?
Different kernels won't fix your problem.
Looks like you have a dilemma. You say you want your phone as fast and lag free as possible. But you also say that you want to use the stock rom.
You could try the rom in my siginature if you really want a lag free and fast rom. It's an AOSP rom, you ain't gonna find any faster.
Cons: Samsung apps don't work. Bluetooth is not fully working at the moment.
You could try a different launcher.
if you want speed try Zeam launcher off the market its very lightweight.
Thanks guys I'll into both options after work, have a good day!
launcherpro is also very smooth. On my 720mhz motorola xt720 it was very smooth and customizable.... So i assume on a 1.2ghz dual core with 4xram it would be gd
MIUI - I've been converted. Without doubt, it's the fastest and smoothest UI I've seen on any phone.
One thing to keep in mind: The more graphic load you'll have on your screens (icons, widgets etc) the more lag will appear.
That being said I'm running Go Launcher EX and have busy screens, yet no noticable lag at all. Running latest VillainROM, no other fancy mods.
Can you elaborate a little on that? In kinda newb in this >.<
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
johncmolyneux said:
MIUI - I've been converted. Without doubt, it's the fastest and smoothest UI I've seen on any phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
John. What's miui? Does it change much the stock one?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
orate.cl said:
Can you elaborate a little on that? In kinda newb in this >.<
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash so called ROMs on your device which replace the stock software.
They are often tweaked towards better battery life, speed amongst other stuff. You can find all of these ROMs here on this board.
E.G. Lightning Rom 6.1 is very popular.
MIUI is another ROM, all are based on Android but have a different style and approach. MIUI -though very promising- is still very new and quite beta, so I wouldn't advice going with it yet. VillainROM and Lightning Rom are very stable and safe to install.
Search around for tutorials on how to flash them, there's plenty of how to's ;-)
As for the Launcher, "Go Launcher EX" is one of many launchers you can replace on your phone. The stock one by Samsung is called Touchwiz, others basically look and feel different and have other tweaks on board. Here is where tastes differ. But with any launcher you'll have lag if you overload the screens and most will be quick and responsive if you use them in a minimalistic way.
It's not because of the phone itself, it's because of the poor coding in the widgets etc. Most don't really optimize for speed, unfortunately.
GO launcher EX is by far the smoothest launcher I've used, so give that a shot. Launcher pro and ADW launcher are both smooth as well but I find them to be more undertake unstable and have more problems when it comes to mounting apps that are installed to sdcard.
I also heard that fugutweaks also help smoothen the UI though I've never confirmed this myself.
Sent from my non-Apple device via XDA App
orate.cl said:
John. What's miui? Does it change much the stock one?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MIUI is a Chinese made ROM that is clearly built on the Android base, but bears very little resemblance to it. At first use it looks very similar to iOS, which I know will put a lot of people off, but it is ridiculously customisable, and all from the UI, without the need for flashing anything. For example, there's a themes app where you can completely re-skin the whole device at the click of a button, and it has an online database of themes that can be downloaded, again with just the click of a button. But once you have themes on your device you can then mix and match elements of each one to make your perfect theme.
I've literally never seen customisation like it.
If you're interested, read more here...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1130951
starstuff said:
You can flash so called ROMs on your device which replace the stock software.
They are often tweaked towards better battery life, speed amongst other stuff. You can find all of these ROMs here on this board.
E.G. Lightning Rom 6.1 is very popular.
MIUI is another ROM, all are based on Android but have a different style and approach. MIUI -though very promising- is still very new and quite beta, so I wouldn't advice going with it yet. VillainROM and Lightning Rom are very stable and safe to install.
Search around for tutorials on how to flash them, there's plenty of how to's ;-)
As for the Launcher, "Go Launcher EX" is one of many launchers you can replace on your phone. The stock one by Samsung is called Touchwiz, others basically look and feel different and have other tweaks on board. Here is where tastes differ. But with any launcher you'll have lag if you overload the screens and most will be quick and responsive if you use them in a minimalistic way.
It's not because of the phone itself, it's because of the poor coding in the widgets etc. Most don't really optimize for speed, unfortunately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man many thanks for your answer.
So if I understood right, theres no way I can have a silky smooth touchwiz on my phone. I must choose another one...
...and if that right, which one you recomend based on smoothness and looks similar to touchwiz?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
orate.cl said:
Hey man many thanks for your answer.
So if I understood right, theres no way I can have a silky smooth touchwiz on my phone. I must choose another one...
...and if that right, which one you recomend based on smoothness and looks similar to touchwiz?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First thing you could try is this:
1. Download Go Launcher EX from the market.
2. Install this GO Launcher Ex theme: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.gau.go.launcherex.theme.TouchWiz&hl=nl
It has the looks from touchwhiz.
If you are not satisfied, start learning about flashing roms. Then choose a rom and start the procedure from above.
Lennyz1988 said:
First thing you could try is this:
1. Download Go Launcher EX from the market.
2. Install this GO Launcher Ex theme: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.gau.go.launcherex.theme.TouchWiz&hl=nl
It has the looks from touchwhiz.
If you are not satisfied, start learning about flashing roms. Then choose a rom and start the procedure from above.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man I will try it after work.
You may want to try other launchers as well: I love Zeam, which is a lightweight launcher. It doesn't have a huge lot of features but it is always fast to startup and it has enough features for me. If you need to customise the icons on your dock, you should use the Desktop Visualiser and long press on the homescreen>add>shortcut>Desktop Visualiser.
Launcher Pro is another alternative, as is ADW launcher.
You'll need a launcher switcher to toggle between all the launchers--well, as long as you have more than one!
Thanks man. I'll dig into that as well and I did tried some roms too but as I stated before I just want to fix the stocks lag. Nothing more I love everything on it...
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
im very surprised that your phone doesnt operate perfectly smooth with TW4! I actually find that launcher incredibly smooth!
blunted09 said:
im very surprised that your phone doesnt operate perfectly smooth with TW4! I actually find that launcher incredibly smooth!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It stutters ocassionally, it IS smooth, but it stutters too.
I think it began happening when I updated through kies to 2.3.4.
If you really don't need all the Samsung stuff (Kies, Samsung Apps etc) then I recommend Oxygen Rom and Zeam Launcher.
I just rooted my galaxy 10.1 tab which made a HUGE difference in how smooth and fast it runs. Prior to that I had no root experience at all.
So now I had my atrix a while and spent so much time configuring and tweaking every little thing. I'm quite happy with it as is. So is there any good reason for me to root? I know I could enable tethering that way, which is something I consider. But otherwise why else if things run smooth as is and battery life is fine. How much of this is restorable? Specifically the Go launcher settings and desktop screens, I don't think I'd end up using a different launcher.
FYI here's whats on at any given time.
Go Launcher w/ all anims
Go contacts
Go calendar
Go facebook
Go task manager
Android Agenda Widget
WP clock (live wallpaper)
Elixir widget
Widget locker
Watchdog
Accuweather widget
Smart Keyboard Pro
thx all
Just go unlok your boot loader you noob
For reals though, you can install custom Roms, overclocked kernels, etc. once your boot loader is unlocked. And no, unlocking or rooting will not affect any of your widgets or apps or anything, unless you install a deblurred ROM, in which case any Motoblur widgets would be affected... you have no idea what I just said, do you
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium
Swiftks said:
Just go unlok your boot loader you noob
For reals though, you can install custom Roms, overclocked kernels, etc. once your boot loader is unlocked. And no, unlocking or rooting will not affect any of your widgets or apps or anything, unless you install a deblurred ROM, in which case any Motoblur widgets would be affected... you have no idea what I just said, do you
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well a little. But since my only Root and Rom experience required a full wipe I'm not sure how to do it. Can I just follow a DroidDemos tutorial and root without the wipe. Then at least I can back up and restore exactly how things are. I dont use any blur widgets, but there's a concern that some of the widgets I use are somehow dependent on blur or stuff synced to blur.
Regarding custom ROMS, if I'm just gonna run Go Launcher on top and it runs well now, why bother with that or overclocking?
I'm not trying to talk myself or anyone out of it, just trying to better understand.
I can make a backup of Go Launcher, if that's re-installable in 1 click that'd save ALOT of trouble.
pootown said:
Well a little. But since my only Root and Rom experience required a full wipe I'm not sure how to do it. Can I just follow a DroidDemos tutorial and root without the wipe. Then at least I can back up and restore exactly how things are. I dont use any blur widgets, but there's a concern that some of the widgets I use are somehow dependent on blur or stuff synced to blur.
Regarding custom ROMS, if I'm just gonna run Go Launcher on top and it runs well now, why bother with that or overclocking?
I'm not trying to talk myself or anyone out of it, just trying to better understand.
I can make a backup of Go Launcher, if that's re-installable in 1 click that'd save ALOT of trouble.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out my Noob guide for some info., links, etc....it's at the top of the general section.
As far as why would you want to? Some possible reasons:
- free up ram/space by running a debloated ROM.
- increase speed by not having bloat run in background.
- increase speed by overclocking a custom kernel.
- More customization with a custom ROM.
- CWM/Nandroid backup
Your launcher has nothing to do with a ROM, you can run which ever launcher tou want on top of any ROM.
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium
Appreciate it. I have read some other guides in the past but a personal answer goes a long way.
cm7 is worth it, if your still on froyo (i was as gb not released for my carrier) then even more reason to as some of the gingerbread features are nice. cm7 has so many options that should be there in the first place
I was going to wait for a new cm7 beta but this one has impressed me and have yet to encounter any major bugs
Yeah that seems to be the one. I have gb tho so its not for that. Tether and uninstal some blur apps is main reason.
if you just want to do that and dont want to get in with the custom roms root is very easy to acheive and you would not loose any data or even home screen setups that you have.
Definitally root it but its up to you weather to instal custom roms.
my personal opinion would be to unlock the bootloader and flash away
pootown said:
I just rooted my galaxy 10.1 tab which made a HUGE difference in how smooth and fast it runs. Prior to that I had no root experience at all.
So now I had my atrix a while and spent so much time configuring and tweaking every little thing. I'm quite happy with it as is. So is there any good reason for me to root? I know I could enable tethering that way, which is something I consider. But otherwise why else if things run smooth as is and battery life is fine. How much of this is restorable? Specifically the Go launcher settings and desktop screens, I don't think I'd end up using a different launcher.
FYI here's whats on at any given time.
Go Launcher w/ all anims
Go contacts
Go calendar
Go facebook
Go task manager
Android Agenda Widget
WP clock (live wallpaper)
Elixir widget
Widget locker
Watchdog
Accuweather widget
Smart Keyboard Pro
thx all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sounds like you have a good understanding of what you want from your phone, and it sounds like your current setup meets or exceeds your expectations. You hit the nail on the head imo when you named tethering as a top reason to root, if that is a feature you need (w/o being charged extra for the same data), then yes go ahead and root unlock or both. However, if you really are happy with your current setup/speed/battery, i say keep it!! No reason to fix whats not broken. Dont feel like you have to do these things to your phone just because others are calling you a noob. Have a look at the list of root apps (in my sig) and that might help you know if there is anything you cant live without.
I understand why people want to flash stock JB custom ROMS (me always having been one of them, for 3 phones now), but in the case of the GS4, why?
You would lose actual useful Samsung features like Multi Window (works ridiculously well), WatchON (to utilize the IR blaster), the mostly better Samsung camera app, S Health (some ppl use), and even some of the smart features like gestures, S Voice, and the eye tracking stuff.
Don't most people want at least some of these? I would never want to lose Multi Window (first time having this, especially when using Samsung Multi Window Manager to use any apps with it), WatchON, and the camera app, even having been a stock custom ROM freak for a long time with other phones.
This is the first time I feel that rooting, deodexing, debloating, and a few theme mods are enough to satisfy me (for now) mainly because I want these factory apps and features.
Anyone else?
just4747 said:
I understand why people want to flash stock JB custom ROMS (me always having been one of them, for 3 phones now), but in the case of the GS4, why?
You would lose actual useful Samsung features like Multi Window (works ridiculously well), WatchON (to utilize the IR blaster), the mostly better Samsung camera app, S Health (some ppl use), and even some of the smart features like gestures, S Voice, and the eye tracking stuff.
Don't most people want at least some of these? I would never want to lose Multi Window (first time having this, especially when using Samsung Multi Window Manager to use any apps with it), WatchON, and the camera app, even having been a stock custom ROM freak for a long time with other phones.
This is the first time I feel that rooting, deodexing, debloating, and a few theme mods are enough to satisfy me (for now) mainly because I want these factory apps and features.
Anyone else?
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Click to collapse
Ummmmm.....because I prefer stock AOSP over ALL that stuff combined?!?!?!?!
I have absolutely no use for any of the features you listed. Camera quality on AOSP will get there eventually.......and I don't use multi window.....and the other stuff is just bloat....
Just my opinion....
Your going to have people on both sides of this. Some want an AOSP like experience and consider all of these Samsung apps to be "Bloat".
IMO, I'd like to see a AOSP look and feel ROM, with some of the Samsung features in it. I'm sure someone will make something like that.
Schoat333 said:
Your going to have people on both sides of this. Some want an AOSP like experience and consider all of these Samsung apps to be "Bloat".
IMO, I'd like to see a AOSP look and feel ROM, with some of the Samsung features in it. I'm sure someone will make something like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, but honestly with some theming, Nova launcher, and a few app replacements, the phone on Touchwiz isn't much different whatsoever. I mean what, just the settings menus and some of the system apps? No big deal.
I don't get why anyone wouldn't want true multitasking like Multi Window provides (among the other things)...
Better lockscreen
Theme engine
More internal memory
More customization (although xposed is making that less of a difference)
Sometimes things like better Bluetooth stacks
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
---------- Post added at 03:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:03 PM ----------
Schoat333 said:
Your going to have people on both sides of this. Some want an AOSP like experience and consider all of these Samsung apps to be "Bloat".
IMO, I'd like to see a AOSP look and feel ROM, with some of the Samsung features in it. I'm sure someone will make something like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are lots of de-sensed ROMs in the HTC world.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
brizey said:
There are lots of de-sensed ROMs in the HTC world.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. They run really smooth too. We need some de-wized ROM's I guess :laugh:
brizey said:
Better lockscreen
Theme engine
More internal memory
More customization (although xposed is making that less of a difference)
Sometimes things like better Bluetooth stacks
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately no matter how small the ROM is you won't get any of that space back.
Then if there was a de-Touchwized ROM, I'd take that lol. I want to keep these things but yes I too hate the small differences in Touchwiz that aren't easily changeable without custom ROMing.
Also, I actually like the Touchwiz lock screen a lot, that sunlight effect is sick and something to show off the screen with, and you can still use the widgets just like in AOSP.
just4747 said:
I understand why people want to flash stock JB custom ROMS (me always having been one of them, for 3 phones now), but in the case of the GS4, why?
You would lose actual useful Samsung features like Multi Window (works ridiculously well), WatchON (to utilize the IR blaster), the mostly better Samsung camera app, S Health (some ppl use), and even some of the smart features like gestures, S Voice, and the eye tracking stuff.
Don't most people want at least some of these? I would never want to lose Multi Window (first time having this, especially when using Samsung Multi Window Manager to use any apps with it), WatchON, and the camera app, even having been a stock custom ROM freak for a long time with other phones.
This is the first time I feel that rooting, deodexing, debloating, and a few theme mods are enough to satisfy me (for now) mainly because I want these factory apps and features.
Anyone else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is the multi-window different from just holding down Home to access recent apps? I know it puts a side slide-out bar on top of everything. Just curious.
Schoat333 said:
Your going to have people on both sides of this. Some want an AOSP like experience and consider all of these Samsung apps to be "Bloat".
IMO, I'd like to see a AOSP look and feel ROM, with some of the Samsung features in it. I'm sure someone will make something like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree! I love the AOSP look but I really like the samsung features. They have actually been really useful!
ch0use said:
How is the multi-window different from just holding down Home to access recent apps? I know it puts a side slide-out bar on top of everything. Just curious.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you obviously havent seen this feature in use have you?
http://youtu.be/Q25QKx16Z8E
its 28s in
I have removed almost all of the Samsung apps I can't stand them so yeah can't wait for a stock jb rom, oh and as for the watchon app.. It sucks, smart remote is way better and way more intuitive.
Galaxy S4 posted it was from.
Tfast500 said:
you obviously havent seen this feature in use have you?
http://youtu.be/Q25QKx16Z8E
its 28s in
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly.
just4747 said:
Exactly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I stand corrected. That is pretty slick.
I came to this phone from the galaxy nexus. I wanted something different from stock Android. Don't get me wrong I love stock Android just wanted something different. I don't use all the s app and all the air view and motion stuff. But there are some I like and use and from what I can tell there is a Rom that leaves all the features on it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2301724
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Edit: Nvm
I'm curious what you guys would recommend for launchers, lockscreens, widgets, apps and such for the GN3. Paid or free, I'm open to all suggestions.
I like a simple, clean and intuitive setup.
My current stock setup is one home screen with apps categorized in 6 folders below the Pandora and weather widget.
Wallpaper is a static gallery image.
I would like more customization over the home screen/lock screen. Widgets on the lock screen would be nice as well.
Are any of the stock Samsung/Sprint apps more useful than 3rd party alternatives?
It would also be good to know which bloatware/stock apps are safe to remove from freeza's deodexed ROM and whether or not it is a good idea to install TWRP and start flashing away or wait for more testing. I almost jumped into it last night but decided stock and rooted is safest for now.
I just want to optimize battery life, productivity and customization options.
Sent from my SM-N900P using xda app-developers app
Next Launcher (Check the Next Launcher Facebook page as they release betas to the public that are fully functional)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gtp.nextlauncher&hl=en
Android Weather Widgets
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.devexpert.weather&hl=en
Kompster said:
I'm curious what you guys would recommend for launchers, lockscreens, widgets, apps and such for the GN3. Paid or free, I'm open to all suggestions.
I like a simple, clean and intuitive setup.
My current stock setup is one home screen with apps categorized in 6 folders below the Pandora and weather widget.
Wallpaper is a static gallery image.
I would like more customization over the home screen/lock screen. Widgets on the lock screen would be nice as well.
Are any of the stock Samsung/Sprint apps more useful than 3rd party alternatives?
It would also be good to know which bloatware/stock apps are safe to remove from freeza's deodexed ROM and whether or not it is a good idea to install TWRP and start flashing away or wait for more testing. I almost jumped into it last night but decided stock and rooted is safest for now.
I just want to optimize battery life, productivity and customization options.
Sent from my SM-N900P using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I prefer NOVA launcher, highly customizable and very smooth. As for widgets the main ones I use as of now are Power Amp, TuneIn Radio, Pandora, APW Calendar, One-Weather.
I removed all Sprint apps including connection optimizer, and most Samsung apps except for the ones I may get some use from.
Some of my removed apps/APK:
ALL Knox related apk's
ALL Scloud APK's
ALL Sprint apps
Yahoo APK
Sfinder APK
STranslate [replaced with google translate]
Accuweather APK
Dual Clock APK
Samsung HUB
Samsung books
Samsung Apps
TW Launcher
Travel Service
Magazines
There's more I took off but I cannot remember, there's more I want to remove but not sure if they will affect other things. [For example: Bestface.apk]
I recommend Greenify, it is a great app that helps with apps running on their own.
tt281gt said:
I prefer NOVA launcher, highly customizable and very smooth. As for widgets the main ones I use as of now are Power Amp, TuneIn Radio, Pandora, APW Calendar, One-Weather.
I removed all Sprint apps including connection optimizer, and most Samsung apps except for the ones I may get some use from.
Some of my removed apps/APK:
ALL Knox related apk's
ALL Scloud APK's
ALL Sprint apps
Yahoo APK
Sfinder APK
STranslate [replaced with google translate]
Accuweather APK
Dual Clock APK
Samsung HUB
Samsung books
Samsung Apps
TW Launcher
Travel Service
Magazines
There's more I took off but I cannot remember, there's more I want to remove but not sure if they will affect other things. [For example: Bestface.apk]
I recommend Greenify, it is a great app that helps with apps running on their own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! Excellent suggestions, will definitely give them a try!
I'm a bit apprehensive about installing TWRP and flashing freeza's deodexed ROM but I might ask well take a chance, would be great to have all that bloat removed.
Might I suggest you start a community thread regarding APKs that are safe to remove. Perhaps it'll speed up the process towards the perfect ROM.
Kompster said:
Thank you! Excellent suggestions, will definitely give them a try!
I'm a bit apprehensive about installing TWRP and flashing freeza's deodexed ROM but I might ask well take a chance, would be great to have all that bloat removed.
Might I suggest you start a community thread regarding APKs that are safe to remove. Perhaps it'll speed up the process towards the perfect ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am running TWRP and Freeza's De-Odezed ROM, all is good! So feel free to go ahead and flash, just make sure to always follow thread instructions.
I rather not make a thread myself about what apps to remove in case someones phone gets messed up lol.
Here is a link to a thread [Galaxy S4 though] of what apps are "safe" to remove. Keep in mind some of those apps may be needed for certain features within other apps, and some of those apps may be useful to YOU but not others.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=40911004
Always have a backup [although right now I don't think you can restore nandroids] and have the rom in the sd card to replace removed apk's if removing them caused problems. If you run into trouble and are not sure what apk started giving you problems just boot to recovery, wipe cache/dalvik, and "dirty flash" the rom again [it will keep your data but replace all the missing apk's and so on]:good:
tt281gt said:
Always have a backup [although right now I don't think you can restore nandroids] and have the rom in the sd card to replace removed apk's if removing them caused problems. If you run into trouble and are not sure what apk started giving you problems just boot to recovery, wipe cache/dalvik, and "dirty flash" the rom again [it will keep your data but replace all the missing apk's and so on]:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wonderful, should I use TWRP to create a nandroid backup and just wait till we have a restore solution, or is there another backup method? I always did a nandroid backup in the past whenever modifying, better safe than sorry.
Kompster said:
Wonderful, should I use TWRP to create a nandroid backup and just wait till we have a restore solution, or is there another backup method? I always did a nandroid backup in the past whenever modifying, better safe than sorry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds like a good idea, setup your rom to your liking, backup [even if not possible to restore for now -- but when fixed you have a backup of your rom running great]. As far as I have read there is no way to restore backups [I have not looked into it since Sunday when I first rooted] but feel free to look in CWM and TWRP threads for up to date information.
tt281gt said:
I am running TWRP and Freeza's De-Odezed ROM, all is good! So feel free to go ahead and flash, just make sure to always follow thread instructions.
I rather not make a thread myself about what apps to remove in case someones phone gets messed up lol.
Here is a link to a thread [Galaxy S4 though] of what apps are "safe" to remove. Keep in mind some of those apps may be needed for certain features within other apps, and some of those apps may be useful to YOU but not others.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=40911004
Always have a backup [although right now I don't think you can restore nandroids] and have the rom in the sd card to replace removed apk's if removing them caused problems. If you run into trouble and are not sure what apk started giving you problems just boot to recovery, wipe cache/dalvik, and "dirty flash" the rom again [it will keep your data but replace all the missing apk's and so on]:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What version TWRP did you use? Did you get the MJ4 update beforehand? I did the update and goomanager won't find any recoveries... I tried using Odin to install the latest version 2.6.7.3 and it worked for root and I made a backup, but if I try to install anything I get a "Fail" Any suggetsions?
I'm a bit surprised that nobody has mentioned Apex Launcher yet... I tried Nova - didn't care for it... Tried GoLauncher - didn't like it... Apex is the one for me hands down.
mybikegoes200 said:
I'm a bit surprised that nobody has mentioned Apex Launcher yet... I tried Nova - didn't care for it... Tried GoLauncher - didn't like it... Apex is the one for me hands down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have three launchers - ADW, Nova, Apex - and each one seems to work best with specific devices. I have Nova on my GN 10.1 and didn't like ADW or Apex on it. On my Evo I preferred ADW, and on my GN3 I prefer Apex. Look, settings and their results, and so forth, always seem to vary just a bit different with each device. Maybe it's just me. :silly:
i prefer Nova .. since i have mines set to 320dpi (240dpi on Note 2). I like the extra space and smaller icons.