Related
I hope the title makes sense? I currently use the task list use LorSoft
Edit: So sick of this 8 post limit cannot post outside URLs business - is there exceptions for longtime lurkers
And it is great and it handles things well for the moment, but there are some things missing that I feel need addressing. Like for one the pull down notifications are just not up to scratch for a productivity tool. Meaning they are too easily forgotten about or cleared in amoungst the jargon of other notifications. I need toast and a persistent toast notification that won't clear unless say I check completed or something like that? The icons in this app, sorry to the developer are dismal, outdated and sorry but they are just plain crapola. Theres no capacity to change the theming of this app or icons for that matter. I was going to pull it appart and re-engineer it for those reasons alone just for my own satisfaction (not to re-distribute or "steel" the developers work)…but then I realised there are other features I would like to incorporate into the design/functionality that surpass what this app is.
What I would really like is a way of bringing this info "synch" to iCalendar (To-Do isn't really a "meetings" schedule or check in check out "availability" type app though?) or a tasklist XML within Gmail for users; enabling users to bring that information in as a feed for an iGoogle Gadget and if possible (even though it is retired now) bring a Gadget into Google Desktop.
I dare say my productivity would be improved with these functions. So far the LorSoft Tasklist App Widget is THE most used application onmy Android phone.
If anyone can recommend alternatives to what I am using that will fill the gaps (on the Android side of things at least) and/or the other side of things iCalendar/Gmail side of things and I can try and figure out how to feed the info into the other tools/gadgets for desktop iGoogle later.
Watching the Ice Cream Sandwich live presentation today was great seeing the calendar and its Gmail integration and sharing capability but it doesn't fullfill the task list or "TO-DO" type function that I need. Its great for visualisation…..but as you can possible sense by now opening the app or seeing what I need to do is the major issue LOL. I need toast…like IN YOUR FACE!
Any developers wana jump on board and brain storm with me on this feel free. I think uptake would be ginormous after seeing comments from Gadget requesters on Google already
I think I may have solved my own issue whilst trying to help someone else out?
Will see how it goes?
Jarmezrocks said:
I was looking at something similar for productivity....but notes is another thing.
Whiteboard? Or Extensive notes pro. I can't post links yet
I have a thread requesting for a app widget that is a to-do list that exports or synchs to Google/Gmail or iCalendar
EDIT: I think the latest version has the exact functionality that both you and I want?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Making "Stock" Custom ROMs Defunct (XposedFramework) - Tweaks for any ROM Version
Introduction
Recently it has dismayed me how, across the Android Community, people seem to feel that it's necessary to run a "Custom ROM" in order to get improvements and changes to your ROM. Of course, some of you know it's possible to modify the APK files directly to change things, but these changes need to be done every time your base ROM is updated. Once Samsung starts leaking out updates to 4.2 like a sieve, you guys will be all over them, needing to update your patches and tweaks every time.
Anyway, seeing this displeases me, as it encourages people to see "Custom ROMs" as a commodity, and something you consume. In essence, users were getting their "fix" of tweaks from their "chef", but not learning how to do it themselves, nor realising their beloved chef isn't doing anything magical. In fact, their chef is likely decompiling the applications, and using baksmali/apktool to take apart the app, hard-code in their changes, then rebuild it. This method has worked well for 3 years, but it's been in need of an update for some time.
The Enlightenment
Then I saw this thread by rovo89. That man deserves a beer for every Android user there is, for his work on the Xposed Framework! His and Tungstwenty's work on this has made it possible to modify the core Android system, without doing any actual modifying of applications.
OK... Why are you telling me this?
This invention seems to have pretty much gone unnoticed by the world. The reasons this is vastly superior to any other way of making modifications to apps and the system are:
Your modifications are not tied into a single version of the APK or app or framework. If the ROM is updated, the patch should still work perfectly on the new version of the app (this doesn't necessarily apply across major updates like 4.1 to 4.2, but should be fine across 4.1.0 to 4.1.2 style changes).
You are not actually modifying any files on the phone! If something goes wrong, you can just disable the support for the framework, and the tweaks will do nothing. As such, it's easier to get a working phone if something dies - in fact there is a ZIP placed on your SD for this very purpose. Just flash it in CWM and it will disable the framework.
As no actual files are being modified, it doesn't matter if your ROM is odexed, deodexed, or a bit of both (ie. certain apps deodexed, but frameworks odexed). With this, there is no reason to run a deodexed ROM, since you can change pretty much everything you want to without touching the raw files. So leave them as odex files and you'll not have any problems. Bear in mind we deodex to allow easier customisation, odexed is actually slightly faster, and removes the majority of the dexopt process on first boot.
No application signatures are modified, as the apps are not touched, so if you were to use this to modify an app like Maps or Gmail, you won't get issues when trying to update to a new version of the app via the market.
The only way this can succeed is for you to try it. I usually run a "custom ROM" on my phone. For the first time ever, I've been using a stock ROM for a significant period of time. On the Note2 in particular, Samsung is really getting good at this. But they're not perfect. And as such, I started to look at using this to perfect their work.
When you run a custom ROM, look at what you're getting, and ask yourself why it doesn't use this method. I've only made one little modification so far, but it's one that annoys me hugely! The blooming SMS -> MMS conversion when you try to write any form of prose in a text message. I cannot stand the limitation of SMS to 160 characters, so the ability to chain together messages is a godsend to me. Unfortunately though, Google and Samsung seem to like to restrict you to 3 SMS messages worth of text before converting to an MMS message. Which is wonderful, except when you have totally unlimited SMS, but pay for MMS. As such, I was finding my ability to communicate in my usual verbose way somewhat hindered by the messaging app.
Alas that is no longer an issue. If you want to get started, here's how.
OK... How do I use this?
Download and install the APK file from this post - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1574401. I have tested it on the N7100, it works fine. Run it, install the framework, grant it root (yes, this requires root!), and reboot. I have mirrored the APK below just in case of issues.
Download and install the APK modification you want from http://www.villainrom.co.uk/forum/microdownloads/
When you get a notification about enabling the modification (after the APK is installed), tap that notification, and enable the plugin by ticking the box.
Reboot your phone
Go test your modification
If you have any issues with this, please paste the contents of /data/xposed/debug.log on a pastebin site or in
Code:
tags.
[SIZE="5"][B]How can I make my own modifications like this?[/B][/SIZE]
Will post this a bit later, along with the source of this plugin.
[SIZE="5"][B]References[/B][/SIZE]
[url]http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1574401[/url]
[url=http://forum.xda-developers.com/member.php?u=4322181]Tungstwenty[/url]
[url=http://forum.xda-developers.com/member.php?u=4419114]Robo89[/url]
[SIZE="5"][B]Sources[/B][/SIZE]
You can find the sources for Xposed Framework at [url]https://github.com/rovo89[/url]
You can find the sources for all Xposed modifications I have made so far on Github:
[url=https://github.com/pulser/xposedSMStoMMS]Disable SMS -> MMS Conversion[/url]
[url=https://github.com/pulser/xposedDisableBatteryFullAlert]Disable 100% Battery Notification[/url]
[url=https://github.com/pulser/xposedEnableCallRecording]Enable Call Recording[/url]
[url=https://github.com/pulser/xposedScrollingLauncherWallpaper]Enable scrolling wallpaper in stock launcher[/url]
[url=https://github.com/pulser/xposedEmailTextColour]Make text in email app message list clearer to read (lighter) on the black background[/url]
Install the Xposed Framework from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1574401
Modifications
OK so a few people suggested an addon repository... I have got one sorted
Downloads
http://www.villainrom.co.uk/forum/microdownloads/
I've added some of mine so far, but I won't add other people's - they can add them themselves, and maintain them
This system is vastly superior to a stickied forum thread, as you can update your own modification (as a developer), and as a user, receive notifications if a modification is updated.
Developers
Register for an account (Free, easy, no spam etc)
Go to http://www.villainrom.co.uk/forum/account/join-user-groups
Tick the option for Xposed Uploader, and hit Save. A request will be sent to me for your application. I'll approve it when I see it (should be quite fast, it gives me a popup)
Head back to http://www.villainrom.co.uk/forum/microdownloads/ and click the Upload button at the top right.
Use a general title that describes what your modification does. Put in a version string too. I tend to use the format 1.0, 1.1, 1.2 etc, but this is up to you. You can add Alpha or Beta or other designations if you wish.
For author, pop in your name or username. And enter a brief description of what the modification does (which will appear in the index)
Click Categories/Agreements, and select which category the modification falls under. If you think there's a category which should be added, let me know.
Under Full Description, you can enter a detailed description of your modification. Finally, under File Options, use File to Upload to select your APK file. You can optionally add an Image to Upload. The Use File URL should be set to no, and the File URL box left blank.
Users
There is no need to register an account to download files from the repository. If you wish to receive notifications of updates, you can register an account - just hit the red "Log in or Sign up" button - you can use a Twitter or Google account if you want, or just make a plain account. It makes no difference.
Head across to http://www.villainrom.co.uk/forum/microdownloads/ and have a look at the modifications you want.
Click watch file (at the bottom right) if you want notifications about updates to a modification
Click Report to report a modification for being malicious or problematic.
Click "add comment" to discuss or comment on the modification, or leave a "review" or feedback
Click on the stars under (0 votes) to leave a star rating on the modification, which will help generate most popular lists on the main page.
Click to see licence details of mine:
Feel free to use these as you wish, for non-commercial purposes. You may share these for personal use. Note that distribution in any kind of "package" or "custom ROM" is not personal use. Sending a friend a copy is personal use, feel free to do that and share the love.
Feel free to make changes to the source code of the modifications if you think you can improve them, provided you make your changes available in a similar manner. If you fix a bug or error, please send a pull request.
If you wish to use these commercially, please contact me. This includes in any "distribution package", be it a ROM, app, store, marketplace or other package. That's not in the spirit of this project, so get in touch with me and we'll discuss it.
Tl;dr:
End users, have fun, use these, enjoy them, share them, tweak them, just be sure to share your source changes and/or send a pull request if you improve something!
"Custom ROM" Developers, and anyone wanting to try to use these for commercial purposes: Don't. These are to encourage people to learn about these changes, so contact me if you want to do something else with them. Commercial use, including distribution in "Custom ROMs" is not permitted.
How to make your own such modification
This information is NOT complete. This example only uses 1 of about 10 different types of modification. I have spoken to rovo89 and he has said it would probably be possible to document this further. This example covers ONE usage case - I am going to override an entire method.
1. Create a new empty Android project in Eclipse.
2. Within the "application" section of your AndroidManifest.xml, add the following metadata:
Code:
<meta-data android:name="xposedmodule" android:value="true"/>
<meta-data android:name="xposedminversion" android:value="2.0rc1.*" />
3. Within the assets folder of the project, add a plain text file, "xposed_init". Within this, I have put
Code:
uk.co.villainrom.pulser.allowlongsms.AllowLongSMS
uk.co.villainrom.pulser.allowlongsms is the PACKAGE name of my Java package. AllowLongSMS is my class name. The purpose of this is to tell the Xposed Framework what to run.
4. Within AllowLongSMS.java (ie. the class name, with .java on the end), I put the following code:
PHP:
package uk.co.villainrom.pulser.allowlongsms; //this sets the package for our project, this is the first part of the value in xposed_init file in assets.
import de.robv.android.xposed.IXposedHookLoadPackage;
import de.robv.android.xposed.XC_MethodHook;
import de.robv.android.xposed.XC_MethodReplacement;
import de.robv.android.xposed.XposedBridge;
import de.robv.android.xposed.XposedHelpers;
import de.robv.android.xposed.callbacks.XC_LoadPackage.LoadPackageParam;
//above includes all the required parts of the xposed framework that we need here
public class AllowLongSMS implements IXposedHookLoadPackage { //here we declare the class AllowLongSMS. We say it implements IXposedHookLoadPackage, as we want to make use of the hook-in on package load. Other options are available here for working with native libs etc, and resources, but I'm not using these right now.
public static final String MY_PACKAGE_NAME = AllowLongSMS.class.getPackage()
.getName(); //this doesn't do anything, I just left it here for if I needed to write logs and wanted to have the package name easily accessible.
public static final String TAG = "PulserMmsTweak"; //same here, this doesn't do anything.
@Override //we are going to override the method handleLoadPackage, if it exists further up the hierarchy
public void handleLoadPackage(LoadPackageParam lpparam) throws Throwable {
//this method is called every time a package is loaded. We have a parameter that we're going to call lpparam, that is passed in, that relates to what package was loaded
if (lpparam.packageName.equals("com.android.mms")) { //if the package that has just been loaded is called "com.android.mms" then
ClassLoader classLoader = lpparam.classLoader; //create a classloader object that we can now use
XC_MethodReplacement methodreplacer = new XC_MethodReplacement() { //create a method replacer object, as we are going to REPLACE an entire method within the mms app.
protected Object replaceHookedMethod( //we make an object here, that passes in the parameters of what to actually change
XC_MethodHook.MethodHookParam paramAnonymousMethodHookParam)
throws Throwable {
return Integer.valueOf(255);
/* THIS IS THE IMPORTANT LINE
* This line returns the value 255. Why this happens won't make sense yet, but THIS is where you put your "new method" code.
*
*/
}
};
XposedHelpers.findAndHookMethod("com.android.mms.MmsConfig", //here we say that we want to find and hook into the method "getSMSToMmsTextThreshold" which is part of the class com.android.mms.MmsConfig. We then say that we're passing this to methodreplacer, which we defined earlier
classLoader, "getSmsToMmsTextThreshold", methodreplacer);
}
//if the package wasn't com.android.mms, do nothing.
}
}
Awesome work mate. Wish I had a Note 2 to check this on.
EDIT: Wait.. I can use this on any device! Rock on. Thanks!
Wow this is great post. While reading this it makes me learn something like what is going on in background.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
Thanks for continuing that amazing project pulser!!
I think i'm going to create some small apks for some stuff very soon (and release them of course).
Cool stuff as always pulser, keep it up
simone201 said:
Thanks for continuing that amazing project pulser!!
I think i'm going to create some small apks for some stuff very soon (and release them of course).
Cool stuff as always pulser, keep it up
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The original guys are not gone, was talking to them recently
There's scarce documentation so far on this, but I will see what else I can do with it... I might make post 2 a repository of these APKs for now...
chaitanya87 said:
Wow this is great post. While reading this it makes me learn something like what is going on in background.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the intention Glad it worked! This is about learning, and not just "using".
Sure, you can download the APK and use it, but that's no better than just downloading some zipkang ROM that claims it does everything including making your morning coffee... This is about taking a look at HOW it works too That way people can make their own tweaks and share them!
pulser_g2 said:
The original guys are not gone, was talking to them recently
There's scarce documentation so far on this, but I will see what else I can do with it... I might make post 2 a repository of these APKs for now...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A small repo for APKs would be really cool and useful for users....
tell me if i can contribute in some ways (i'm an app dev mainly also)
simone201 said:
A small repo for APKs would be really cool and useful for users....
tell me if i can contribute in some ways (i'm an app dev mainly also)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will work something out (I can easily make a repository if this kicks off, so people can upload them and they appear).
TBH right now it's more a case of thinking up some ideas. For now, I can add anything people send into the second post (though I think it would be reasonable that we request source for all such modifications, just given the sheer ability to modify anything that this has...)
I can't think of enough things to tweak, we just need to work out WHAT people will like to modify, and implement it
I'll be a good example and put mine onto git shortly
My own notepad of things I need...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1965801
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1924905
call record:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1938808
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1871525
Hey folks,
I'm happy to see some new interest on Xposed.
I've been using it since rovo89 came up with this brilliant idea, and have to admit I was kind of sad to see not many saw its great potential.
Personally, I'm using a couple of hacks for my individual use, but if the community starts to be interested in the HOWs rather than merely nagging about the apks I guess I can try to make an effort to clean and share the code.
Please do ask away stuff, I'm eager to seeing this being used to its full potential
For now, please check the Tweakbox sources. While the code itself might no longer 100% apply to the most recent S2 stock roms, it's still a nice example of how the hacks can be done.
this sounds great! like an universal (almost!) patching system. I hope more chef will write mods for this. man...wish i had taken some lessons in coding.
for a start, how about some of the often repeated annoyance in stock samsung that drives many to use custom roms just to get these functions:-
1) disable the scrolling quick setting panel when you open notification
2) 15 toggles as implement by guys like Wanam.
3) call recording (ok we got this already)
4) 4 way reboot menu
5) some kind of user definable custom battery graphics.
sunwee said:
this sounds great! like an universal (almost!) patching system. I hope more chef will write mods for this. man...wish i had taken some lessons in coding.
for a start, how about some of the often repeated annoyance in stock samsung that drives many to use custom roms just to get these functions:-
1) disable the scrolling quick setting panel when you open notification
2) 15 toggles as implement by guys like Wanam.
3) call recording (ok we got this already)
4) 4 way reboot menu
5) some kind of user definable custom battery graphics.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah this is pretty universal. I'd even remove the word "almost" tbh...
For 1, do you mean to disable the scroll animation so that it shows the leftmost icon (wifi) first?
2 is possible, I know samsung has done it on 4.2, is the custom implementation better?
3 is done like you said.
4 should be more than possible.
5 is definitely possible, at least via flashing the modification for the battery style you want...
Thank for the ideas
i flash custom rom just because i need below few things
1.Call-Record. (done)
2.15 toggle, or maybe add NFC, S Beam, Multiwindow, Smart Stay as well
3.Louder Volume Speaker.
4.CRT Lock and Unlock Screen.
5.4 Way Reboot.
6.Unlimited Multi-Window
thanks for the good work and sharing.
Hi. So glad to see that this amazing framework didn't "die"
I would have one question about the mods...
Ok its likely that for the same device they work on different bases of the rom like DLJ5, ELK4 am I right?
But does a mod that was made for lets say the Note 2 work on a SGS3 or must it be adapted?
Thanks !
DirkStorck said:
Hi. So glad to see that this amazing framework didn't "die"
I would have one question about the mods...
Ok its likely that for the same device they work on different bases of the rom like DLJ5, ELK4 am I right?
But does a mod that was made for lets say the Note 2 work on a SGS3 or must it be adapted?
Thanks !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's touchwiz then it should work - samsung seems to have unified a lot of it.
Jerdog used the SMS to mms patch fine on his s3.
It really just depends on the modification itself tbh...
If I would like to start writing my own mods is there somewhere a guide how to debugg the mod I write?
Thanks!
one more
can you add:
*:laugh:skip music track with volume button
Hi all
This is my thread for an ongoing project im working on called AndroidOAP
OAP is not Owesome Android Project, lol
This is Andriod Old Age Pensioner!
But WAIT!! This may have many applications to other areas in the caring community!
Background
My mum is 75 and has early stage altzimers. I have noticed a lapes of memory, eyesight and hearing. I have also just got her a 10" rk3066 4.1 tab for xmas.
The aim of this is to help her keep in touch with family and friends (social networking), keep up to date on the weather/news (she loves it), keep her mind active (games).
Aim of Project
This project has a few aims, guided by anyone who wants to contribute. some of which are :
BASIC
- Creating a simple UI that is easy for pensioners/handicapped people to use
- Identifying simple to use apps that perform complex tasks
- Utilise the accessibility capabilities of android specifically for the users needs
- Monitor the device remotely
- Monitor the users interactions and provide alerts (IE medication, doctors apointments, etc)
EXTRA
- Create a working rom that can be installed on devices that can be given to the target audience (OAPs, disables, etc)
- Obtain ongoing support for this project
This will probably not interest most of you but anyone willing to contribute to this nobell cause will be very appreciated
Please get in touch with any ideas
Thanks for your time
Chriz
Cass1977 said:
Hi all
This is my thread for an ongoing project im working on called AndroidOAP
OAP is not Owesome Android Project, lol
This is Andriod Old Age Pensioner!
But WAIT!! This may have many applications to other areas in the caring community!
Background
My mum is 75 and has early stage altzimers. I have noticed a lapes of memory, eyesight and hearing. I have also just got her a 10" rk3066 4.1 tab for xmas.
The aim of this is to help her keep in touch with family and friends (social networking), keep up to date on the weather/news (she loves it), keep her mind active (games).
Aim of Project
This project has a few aims, guided by anyone who wants to contribute. some of which are :
BASIC
- Creating a simple UI that is easy for pensioners/handicapped people to use
- Identifying simple to use apps that perform complex tasks
- Utilise the accessibility capabilities of android specifically for the users needs
- Monitor the device remotely
- Monitor the users interactions and provide alerts (IE medication, doctors apointments, etc)
EXTRA
- Create a working rom that can be installed on devices that can be given to the target audience (OAPs, disables, etc)
- Obtain ongoing support for this project
This will probably not interest most of you but anyone willing to contribute to this nobell cause will be very appreciated
Please get in touch with any ideas
Thanks for your time
Chriz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I read this correctly, you want to develop an OS based on Android, but one that is extremely simple to use? All I know is that this would be an extremely time consuming project, probably half a year at the least, because you'd have to remove tons of drawables (images and stuff that is rendered) and code, and add in many more. It would be much easier to just install a launcher with big icons, change the system font size to the largest possible, perhaps use some accessibility settings, and debloat the tablet to the max.
Has your mother ever used electronic gadgets before? I forget the saying, but it's something like you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Considering that these types of electronics didn't exist during older peoples' generations, it'll be significantly harder to get them accustomed to such things. I don't know if I'm stereotyping or not, but it may be increasingly difficult to teach her how to use Android because she has Alzheimers. I'm not saying it's not worth a try though. As long as she doesn't feel overwhelmed or frustrated, I'd say to definitely try it out for a while and see how it goes. Happy holidays and have a happy new year. I hope your gift does good for you all.
Codename13 said:
If I read this correctly, you want to develop an OS based on Android, but one that is extremely simple to use? All I know is that this would be an extremely time consuming project, probably half a year at the least, because you'd have to remove tons of drawables (images and stuff that is rendered) and code, and add in many more. It would be much easier to just install a launcher with big icons, change the system font size to the largest possible, perhaps use some accessibility settings, and debloat the tablet to the max.
Has your mother ever used electronic gadgets before? I forget the saying, but it's something like you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Considering that these types of electronics didn't exist during older peoples' generations, it'll be significantly harder to get them accustomed to such things. I don't know if I'm stereotyping or not, but it may be increasingly difficult to teach her how to use Android because she has Alzheimers. I'm not saying it's not worth a try though. As long as she doesn't feel overwhelmed or frustrated, I'd say to definitely try it out for a while and see how it goes. Happy holidays and have a happy new year. I hope your gift does good for you all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the input dude, but, I think your over complicating things. A custom rom doesnt mean rebuilding it from the ground up! The aim is to find the most user friendly apps and the best settings and then create a rom around that. no need for new icons, etc.
Just to let you know, even though my mum is 75 she has been a nurse all her life so is well versed on using computers (hell, she brought me up and im a developer, lol). Touching icons on a screen will be no problem for her, altzimers or not. To be fair, you are stereotyping and its pretty sad
Regardless of the support I will continue with this as its a personal project that I will persue. I was just after any help I could get, not negativity.
Have a nice day
Cass1977 said:
Hi all
This is my thread for an ongoing project im working on called AndroidOAP
OAP is not Owesome Android Project, lol
This is Andriod Old Age Pensioner!
But WAIT!! This may have many applications to other areas in the caring community!
Background
My mum is 75 and has early stage altzimers. I have noticed a lapes of memory, eyesight and hearing. I have also just got her a 10" rk3066 4.1 tab for xmas.
The aim of this is to help her keep in touch with family and friends (social networking), keep up to date on the weather/news (she loves it), keep her mind active (games).
Aim of Project
This project has a few aims, guided by anyone who wants to contribute. some of which are :
BASIC
- Creating a simple UI that is easy for pensioners/handicapped people to use
- Identifying simple to use apps that perform complex tasks
- Utilise the accessibility capabilities of android specifically for the users needs
- Monitor the device remotely
- Monitor the users interactions and provide alerts (IE medication, doctors apointments, etc)
EXTRA
- Create a working rom that can be installed on devices that can be given to the target audience (OAPs, disables, etc)
- Obtain ongoing support for this project
This will probably not interest most of you but anyone willing to contribute to this nobell cause will be very appreciated
Please get in touch with any ideas
Thanks for your time
Chriz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi @Cass1977, I see your project as a great initiative to encourage older people to use technology. Although this project might be huge (and I don't have the tablet to test), I might be able to just provide suggestions for your project.
In the Basic section:
Simple UI: It should be easy, due to the fact that many launchers today are user-friendly and easy to use.
Simple to use apps that perform complex stuff: do give some examples.
accessibility capabilities: I don't know of much apps for that (there could be some in the play store) but once we attract the attention of some developers, we can start rolling.
Monitor the device remotely: what do u mean exactly?
Isn't monitor the user's interaction same as the point above? Correct me if I'm wrong.
More suggestions:
Create some tutorials for some complicated apps.
Better colour profile.
Less bright screen=less strain to the eye in low light conditions.
Bigger font=less strain to the eye.
More suggestions will come as I think of them.
Smack that thanks button if I helped!
Note 2 LTE powered by Illusion ROM and Plasma Kernel.
Sent from dat small country called Singapore.
P.S. replies with quotes will be replied to faster.
Hi @Cass1977, I see your project as a great initiative to encourage older people to use technology. Although this project might be huge (and I don't have the tablet to test), I might be able to just provide suggestions for your project.
In the Basic section:
Simple UI: It should be easy, due to the fact that many launchers today are user-friendly and easy to use.
Simple to use apps that perform complex stuff: do give some examples.
accessibility capabilities: I don't know of much apps for that (there could be some in the play store) but once we attract the attention of some developers, we can start rolling.
Monitor the device remotely: what do u mean exactly?
Isn't monitor the user's interaction same as the point above? Correct me if I'm wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good advice, but I feel too many launchers have too many options. the main thing the user needs is simple to access apps. Maybe large icons, etc.My mum likes her news and weather too so simple widgets may help with things like that (A lot are provided with the apps).
TTS will be required too (Text to speech). Maybe an app that will speak highlighted words? Probably have to be built?
More suggestions:
Create some tutorials for some complicated apps.
Better colour profile.
Less bright screen=less strain to the eye in low light conditions.
Bigger font=less strain to the eye.
More suggestions will come as I think of them.
Smack that thanks button if I helped!
Note 2 LTE powered by Illusion ROM and Plasma Kernel.
Sent from dat small country called Singapore.
P.S. replies with quotes will be replied to faster.
By the way, By 'Monitor the device remotly' I mean basically the same thing I have with my kids tabs. Screen Time (MASSIVE RESPECT TO THIS APP!!!) It monitors what my kids do on their tab and allows me to lock it at certain times and give them chores to earn rewards. NOT the same thing we need here, but, thats the kind of monitoring im thinking. Monitoring medication (pop up reminder and if its not used a remote notification)
Any more ideas you have then let me know, Many thanks for your input
Chris
Cass1977 said:
Good advice, but I feel too many launchers have too many options. the main thing the user needs is simple to access apps. Maybe large icons, etc.My mum likes her news and weather too so simple widgets may help with things like that (A lot are provided with the apps).
TTS will be required too (Text to speech). Maybe an app that will speak highlighted words? Probably have to be built?
By the way, By 'Monitor the device remotly' I mean basically the same thing I have with my kids tabs. Screen Time (MASSIVE RESPECT TO THIS APP!!!) It monitors what my kids do on their tab and allows me to lock it at certain times and give them chores to earn rewards. NOT the same thing we need here, but, thats the kind of monitoring im thinking. Monitoring medication (pop up reminder and if its not used a remote notification)
Any more ideas you have then let me know, Many thanks for your input
Chris
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can help test launchers according to what u want and report back. Widgets are easy. (Most news apps has widgets.) There may be some apps for TTS designed for this but it's rare (if not none). (TTS apps are extremely complicated) yea, we might need to build it. (Build from Google voice search, possibility)
OK... I'll have to search it up on Google. (We may have to build from another app...) we can build from Screen Time (add some features into it, we could ask Screen Time's developer for help!)
P.S. I think editing a system file can increase the maximum volume of the sound...
Smack that thanks button if I helped!
Note 2 LTE powered by Illusion ROM and Plasma Kernel.
Sent from dat small country called Singapore.
P.S. replies with quotes will be replied to faster.
This app is simply intriguing. At first when I saw the name ‘Graphing Calculator’ I was excited by the prospects of tackling all my graph problems on my phone but I tried not to get too excited as most of these apps just tend to have cool names and overhyped descriptions.
But after installing it, I met a user-friendly interface nicely designed, well arranged and superbly functional. It can actually solve real graphical problems! It comes complete with the coordinate lines, the X and Y axis neatly represented with figures on a graph that you can easily manipulate without experiencing annoying crashes. You can derive roots and critical points, solve quadratic equations and get accurate intersections.
This app does not just solve math problems, there is more, it also has a very good scientific calculator. Finding tangents, sinus, cosines and their inverses, it really makes solving trigonometric problems quick and easy. And then there is also a tab for functions. I haven’t got to use that much, but it will be great help in statistics classes.
Another great feature of this app is the ease in customizing it: you can switch between degrees and radians, display numbers in scientific format, add your own constants, functions and expressions, tweak your axis, save your work in the library and choose to keep the screen on while working – this really helps me stay focused while doing homework.
Wow! I have really written a lot about this app, I think they should pay me for this. But hey! I am the one who paid them for the PRO version upgrade! The truth is, I have not been very great in math, but with the help of the Graphing Calculator by Mathlab, I moved from D to an A in math!!!
Starting out with the app might be a bit complicating as with every other thing about math. Here, the ‘Help’ section contains lots of useful tutorials on using the app properly.
What more can I say? The Graphing Calculator by Mathlab is a must have app, it should be on the phone of every student to comprehend math the easiest way, and always have “A”.
Where is the link?
you didn't provide a link!!! Add it ASAP plz....
mms047 said:
you didn't provide a link!!! Add it ASAP plz....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is the link for free downloads on Google play: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=us.mathlab[/url]
Just add .android at the end of the above link (e.g store/apps/details?id=us.mathlab.android)
Can't post links, i'm still a junior mem:fingers-crossed:ber
mms047 said:
you didn't provide a link!!! Add it ASAP plz....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, here is the link for free download on google play. Look at the pic
Hey,
When I turned on my phone the RAM it was taking was 300 MB, after a days use it is now 500MB (even after pressing 'clear RAM' button).
I've entered Settings->apps->running and it shows only two small things (the keyboard and some weather widget) which combined take only 20 MB.
So what is the rest of the memory is beign allocated for?
Thank you.
Does your rom have Usage Manager in the app drawer?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Here is the path to all your applications.
Settings -> Apps --> Swipe left until the menu Running --> On top you see the description "Show cached processes", klick on it --> now you see the rest of the running applications
pc103 said:
Does your rom have Usage Manager in the app drawer?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, the closest I have is "Task Manager".
lenovoOwner said:
Here is the path to all your applications.
Settings -> Apps --> Swipe left until the menu Running --> On top you see the description "Show cached processes", klick on it --> now you see the rest of the running applications
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, indeed I see some more RAM guzzlers, but It seems like they make up most of the addition but not all of it ... plus funny thing, when I try to close everything (in 'running' and 'cache) and I reenter- here it is there again...
1) Can I see all of the elements that take up my ram (the system as well)?
2) Can I close them properly?
Thank you very much.
PS. Is there some comfortable way to jump between apps? Like in the Iphone where by pressing the 'Home' button will show you a bar with a row of icons of the currently active processes....
For your PS question, it's a long press on the Home button (below the GS3 screen).
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 10:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:45 PM ----------
The closest app I'm running to that option is Android Tuner Free. I got it for its storage optimization functions.
The busy interface has a learning curve, but it is a comprehensive & poweful app. I recommend Advanced mode & the One Click home screen.
For what you want, see both the Tasks & Kill All tiles. The first is a Task Mgr., the second is a quick 1 click. The app can teach a lot about what runs & why. It also offers a lot of fine control.
I also use the root app Startup Manager which is self explanatory & efficient.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
pc103 said:
For your PS question, it's a long press on the Home button (below the GS3 screen).
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL {hit myself on the head}, didn't occur me to try...
pc103 said:
---------- Post added at 10:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:45 PM ----------
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pc103 said:
The closest app I'm running to that option is Android Tuner Free. I got it for its storage optimization functions.
The busy interface has a learning curve, but it is a comprehensive & poweful app. I recommend Advanced mode & the One Click home screen.
For what you want, see both the Tasks & Kill All tiles. The first is a Task Mgr., the second is a quick 1 click. The app can teach a lot about what runs & why. It also offers a lot of fine control.
I also use the root app Startup Manager which is self explanatory & efficient.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was hoping there is a way to avoid using apps...
Ok, I suppose it opens another question which I thought about creating a new thread for, but if the opportunity already arose...
How do you actually know if you can trust an app?
I'm kinda new to android and I'm much more used to the opennes of windows, also I'm pretty paranoid (a cellphone contains information 100 times more sensitive than a PC (At least my PC is like that)). I look at the permissions every app want to have and I'm simply aghast, I know of the logic behind those requests (at least for most of those I've seen) but I have zero transparency over what actions the app takes.
That really stress me a great deal...
oy-ster said:
How do you actually know if you can trust an app?. . . (a cellphone contains information 100 times more sensitive than a PC (At least my PC is like that)). I look at the permissions every app want to have and I'm simply aghast, I know of the logic behind those requests (at least for most of those I've seen) but I have zero transparency over what actions the app takes.
That really stress me a great deal...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Digital Privacy
Well it certainly stresses the last remaining fiber of your privacy. I just watched the latest "60 Minutes Overtime" piece on data brokers framing this as a lifestyle issue. Step back from the small screen & consider that your actions on board the PC have a ripple effect on your smartphone. "NAI Opt out" & "Disconnect software" are useful PC search words.
Where it Went
I rarely hear from a tech guru or even a lawyer who can decipher a EULA, TOS or Privacy agreement they didn't author themselves; yet online, we are steeped in the cumulative concessions we have accepted from them and the affiliates and partners they enable for.
The Biggest Brother?
Google is a data harvester, not a broker. They are the custodians of much of our imprint online across all platforms. check your settings accordingly; within each Google service / app/ platform you use and adjust them to taste. Know, for example, that persistent login to Gmail will append any collocated G-Search activity to your G profile if Web Data | Web History remains on. I read recently that simply joining Plus has a similar but more comprehensive effect by default, by unifying the G tracking across your entire electronic imprint.
Android Permissions
Yes. The most invasive part of Android is its permissions free for all. They are demands, not requests that each app poses. The logic is sometimes one sided and self serving to the developers at our disadvantage. What can we do?
1. Know something about your developer. XDA membership in an app developer helps define their role in a community. Check their website, reviews, accessibility, postings etc.
2. Consider lower permission alternative apps listed in the play store.
3. For each app you review in the Play Store, (have you checked play store settings yet?) assess its longevity in the marketplace to decide if you are willing to be an early adopter.
4. Resist resorting to apps to broker built-in functions your system already has. Learn your OS.
5. Weigh the logic of each permission demanded, based on risk / reward and your intended uses. Example: On my phone Google search leads the field with 59 permissions. App Permisssions by FSecure is in the low end group with zero. How do I know? App Permissions. What can I do? More on that later.
6. Debloat. I have frozen over 60 apps/services/processes using a combination of tools ranging from built in (no root) Application Management to Startup Manager and the App Quarantine app.
7. Don't be lazy about toggling settings as needed. One stock default has the GPS always enabled which may not be necessary for you.
8. Learn about the types of location services in your OS. Check location settings in affected apps and consider toggling location services as needed. Apps will prompt if the needed service is off when you use them.
9. Review your synch settings. Mine are off on the OS. I use a 3rd party mail app and manually back up contacts using Super Backup when needed.
10. Review background data settings. they are visible in Settings / Data usage, by selecting Mobile Data, and scrolling to the list of apps to tap through each and set Restrict background data if appropriate. It saves battery by reducing tower hunting and focuses you on which apps pose the highest demands.
I promised more. Learn about App Ops if you haven't. I have the luxury of running a 4.3 version that supports it so I can use a client app to filter and toggle various permissions on a per app basis. There are other, and perhaps more thorough approaches to this but I'm staying with this one for now.
pc103 said:
Digital Privacy
Well it certainly stresses the last remaining fiber of your privacy. I just watched the latest "60 Minutes Overtime" piece on data brokers framing this as a lifestyle issue. Step back from the small screen & consider that your actions on board the PC have a ripple effect on your smartphone. "NAI Opt out" & "Disconnect software" are useful PC search words.
Where it Went
I rarely hear from a tech guru or even a lawyer who can decipher a EULA, TOS or Privacy agreement they didn't author themselves; yet online, we are steeped in the cumulative concessions we have accepted from them and the affiliates and partners they enable for.
The Biggest Brother?
Google is a data harvester, not a broker. They are the custodians of much of our imprint online across all platforms. check your settings accordingly; within each Google service / app/ platform you use and adjust them to taste. Know, for example, that persistent login to Gmail will append any collocated G-Search activity to your G profile if Web Data | Web History remains on. I read recently that simply joining Plus has a similar but more comprehensive effect by default, by unifying the G tracking across your entire electronic imprint.
Android Permissions
Yes. The most invasive part of Android is its permissions free for all. They are demands, not requests that each app poses. The logic is sometimes one sided and self serving to the developers at our disadvantage. What can we do?
1. Know something about your developer. XDA membership in an app developer helps define their role in a community. Check their website, reviews, accessibility, postings etc.
2. Consider lower permission alternative apps listed in the play store.
3. For each app you review in the Play Store, (have you checked play store settings yet?) assess its longevity in the marketplace to decide if you are willing to be an early adopter.
4. Resist resorting to apps to broker built-in functions your system already has. Learn your OS.
5. Weigh the logic of each permission demanded, based on risk / reward and your intended uses. Example: On my phone Google search leads the field with 59 permissions. App Permisssions by FSecure is in the low end group with zero. How do I know? App Permissions. What can I do? More on that later.
6. Debloat. I have frozen over 60 apps/services/processes using a combination of tools ranging from built in (no root) Application Management to Startup Manager and the App Quarantine app.
7. Don't be lazy about toggling settings as needed. One stock default has the GPS always enabled which may not be necessary for you.
8. Learn about the types of location services in your OS. Check location settings in affected apps and consider toggling location services as needed. Apps will prompt if the needed service is off when you use them.
9. Review your synch settings. Mine are off on the OS. I use a 3rd party mail app and manually back up contacts using Super Backup when needed.
10. Review background data settings. they are visible in Settings / Data usage, by selecting Mobile Data, and scrolling to the list of apps to tap through each and set Restrict background data if appropriate. It saves battery by reducing tower hunting and focuses you on which apps pose the highest demands.
I promised more. Learn about App Ops if you haven't. I have the luxury of running a 4.3 version that supports it so I can use a client app to filter and toggle various permissions on a per app basis. There are other, and perhaps more thorough approaches to this but I'm staying with this one for now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for the comprehensive reply!
Indeed some of the things here are common sense but some were fairly new to me, like the close contact you are suggesting with the developer.
I have to ask though, what reviews are you reffering to? the ones in the app market or the ones on here? Also, from what I have seen in the play market, all of the reviews are about functionality but no one actualy checks the veracity of the code.
Like for instance some song recognition&download software that requires internet access permission (makes sense) and SD card access permission (also makes sense), but besides doing what it does (in a splendid manner, leaving tons of happy customers) it also steals your Whatsapp chat logs (just read an article about that breach 10 mins ago)...
How can people catch on that (otherwise the app will linger for 2 years, giving you the impression you're not an early adopter)?
Hrmph, you have given some very sound advice which I obviously intend to follow through and for that I thank you. However it seems to me like the underlying foundation is still trust in the publisher (not to abuse the permissions you had to enable for functionality sake), and the trust should stem from how well the author presents itself to the community. I suppose it is the nature of the beast, it is just that if I were to sneakily attack someone I would make sure to present myself in th best way possible .
thx.
PS. my version is 4.1 but I'll see what I can do about Appops.
P.P.S I just searched for "Tasks" on google market and all I see is an organizer. Did you mean "Task Killer"?
oy-ster said:
Thank you very much for the comprehensive reply!
Indeed some of the things here are common sense but some were fairly new to me, like the close contact you are suggesting with the developer.
I have to ask though, what reviews are you reffering to? the ones in the app market or the ones on here? Also, from what I have seen in the play market, all of the reviews are about functionality but no one actualy checks the veracity of the code.
Both sources really. There's no hard & fast divide as to what aspect reviewers might respond to at either venue. More often, Play Store reviews have alerted me when my device or my Android version gets poor results from an app. Granted code integrity issues are raised more frequently at XDA.
Like for instance some song recognition&download software that requires internet access permission (makes sense) and SD card access permission (also makes sense), but besides doing what it does (in a splendid manner, leaving tons of happy customers) it also steals your Whatsapp chat logs (just read an article about that breach 10 mins ago)...
How can people catch on that (otherwise the app will linger for 2 years, giving you the impression you're not an early adopter)?
Interesting example. I will look for the article. I wonder if the app declared that permission in their Play Store disclosure. If not, it challenged Google's policing system. I read somewhere that SELinux in newer ROMs, set to "Enforcing" brokers applicable policies from each host domain and also restricts apps from exceeding their declared permissions. (See also my note on 4.3+ below)
Hrmph, you have given some very sound advice which I obviously intend to follow through and for that I thank you. However it seems to me like the underlying foundation is still trust in the publisher (not to abuse the permissions you had to enable for functionality sake), and the trust should stem from how well the author presents itself to the community. I suppose it is the nature of the beast, it is just that if I were to sneakily attack someone I would make sure to present myself in th best way possible .
You're welcome! Placing that trust is ultimately a leap of faith, so we ask ourselves:
Does my configuration already offer this function at the OS or existing app level?
Can I justify each declared permission here?
Is there a less invasive equivalent to this app?
Have I gone over the settings thoroughly once installed?
What does my installed anti-virus say about this?
Do I need this to auto launch or only on demand?
Is it using excessive data or uptime as I monitor?
Am I getting all the Android security I could be with my current rom image?
You get the picture. Common sense, best practices & due diligence can go a long way toward closing the security gap.
PS. my version is 4.1 but I'll see what I can do about Appops.
Google only exposed it (to client apps like App Ops Starter) in 4.3 & 4.4.0, before & after that I believe an Xposed Framework module is the main alternative.
P.P.S I just searched for "Tasks" on google market and all I see is an organizer. Did you mean "Task Killer"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The "Tasks & Kill All tiles" I referred to appear on Android Tuner Free's One Click advanced mode home screen. BTW certain apps on my phone are "frozen" when not in use.
I forgot to mention. 4.3 I'm running is on the 4.1.2 bootloader, completely avoiding lopsided knox security. I hope I didn't appear to recommend the OTA update. That's a personal choice.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
pc103 said:
Quote:
Both sources really. There's no hard & fast divide as to what aspect reviewers might respond to at either venue. More often, Play Store reviews have alerted me when my device or my Android version gets poor results from an app. Granted code integrity issues are raised more frequently at XDA.
Interesting example. I will look for the article. I wonder if the app declared that permission in their Play Store disclosure. If not, it challenged Google's policing system. I read somewhere that SELinux in newer ROMs, set to "Enforcing" brokers applicable policies from each host domain and also restricts apps from exceeding their declared permissions. (See also my note on 4.3+ below)
You're welcome! Placing that trust is ultimately a leap of faith, so we ask ourselves:
Does my configuration already offer this function at the OS or existing app level?
Can I justify each declared permission here?
Is there a less invasive equivalent to this app?
Have I gone over the settings thoroughly once installed?
What does my installed anti-virus say about this?
Do I need this to auto launch or only on demand?
Is it using excessive data or uptime as I monitor?
Am I getting all the Android security I could be with my current rom image?
You get the picture. Common sense, best practices & due diligence can go a long way toward closing the security gap.
Google only exposed it (to client apps like App Ops Starter) in 4.3 & 4.4.0, before & after that I believe an Xposed Framework module is the main alternative.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again!
I just wanted to note that after spending some time here in the forum( http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/ ) looking for some intresting picks, I haven't actually encountered much comments from people that actually went over the code... so I'm a bit bummed out. :silly: :laugh:
pc103 said:
The "Tasks & Kill All tiles" I referred to appear on Android Tuner Free's One Click advanced mode home screen. BTW certain apps on my phone are "frozen" when not in use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh. Got it.
Anyway, Thank you!!!
oy-ster said:
Thanks again!
I just wanted to note that after spending some time here in the forum( http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/ ) looking for some intresting picks, I haven't actually encountered much comments from people that actually went over the code... so I'm a bit bummed out. :silly: :laugh:
...Anyway, Thank you!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome. To be fair, most times I've seen postings by people who background checked code it was in rom threads, or over root exploits or security apps. In most other cases due diligence is our best defense.