[Q] Alter device screen size & origin? - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello. Does anyone know of an app or hack that will allow me to constrain the OS display to a certain size and position on the physical screen? I have a Nexus 7 that I would like to use for an antique radio mod project. It would live behind an opening in the wood case. But the screen is too big (in both dimensions) for the opening. So I would like to be able to make the OS think it is working with fewer pixels and choose the new origin. That way I could keep the notification bar at the new top, the soft buttons at the new bottom, and see both new edges.
Thanks for any pointers!

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[Q] Can't access notification shade

I recently bought the HTC One X+ and decided yesterday to install a screen protector on it. I took the phone to a mobile store where the employee used some liquid to install the screen protector, I thought that it was no big deal, I've seen them install it this way a lot of times. The screen protector was installed and everything was fine, but about an hour of using the device.. the screen started glitching as if the notification shade was being rapidly pulled down and up, so I rebooted the phone because I thought that it may have been a bug with the ROM I was using, but after the phone fully booted, I couldn't access the notification shade by pulling it down, so I flashed Cyanogenmod (still thinking it might have been the ROM) but that didn't work...
Now the touch on the top edge of the screen is broken and I have no idea on what or who to blame.
I still haven't removed the screen protector because I'm not sure whether I should return the phone to the mobile store or just remove the screen protector and hope for the best.
What should I do?
UPDATE: I removed the screen protector half way and wiped the top of the screen but no luck :/
UPDATE 2: I give up! it seems that I have a dead zone (a perfect rectangle on the top edge)
right now I'm looking for an app that will allow me access to the notification shade by pressing the power button or long-pressing the home/back button. Anybody knows any?
Well to test if it is really a dead zone at the top of the phone underneath the earpiece, go to an app that has a horizontal orientation. Rotate your phone, and the status bar should then be along one of the sides of the screen instead. See if you can pull it down from there. If not, then for some reason you have a defunct notification shade.
If it does work, then see if there is an app that you use that will show that the zone is dead (again in horizontal orientation; you'll basically just need to change what the parts of the screen does to troubleshoot).
In the mean time, there are launchers such as Nova Launcher that allow you to add icons and set gestures to access a variety of options, including bringing down the notification shade. I personally use a down swipe on any part of the home screen to bring down the whole notification shade without having to reach to the top for it.
If you really have a dead zone on your screen, see if you can't get some help with that, because it is beyond me.
ProfLayton said:
Well to test if it is really a dead zone at the top of the phone underneath the earpiece, go to an app that has a horizontal orientation. Rotate your phone, and the status bar should then be along one of the sides of the screen instead. See if you can pull it down from there. If not, then for some reason you have a defunct notification shade.
If it does work, then see if there is an app that you use that will show that the zone is dead (again in horizontal orientation; you'll basically just need to change what the parts of the screen does to troubleshoot).
In the mean time, there are launchers such as Nova Launcher that allow you to add icons and set gestures to access a variety of options, including bringing down the notification shade. I personally use a down swipe on any part of the home screen to bring down the whole notification shade without having to reach to the top for it.
If you really have a dead zone on your screen, see if you can't get some help with that, because it is beyond me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually can access the notification shade in landscape mode, with the help of an app I confirm that there's indeed a dead zone at the top edge of the display. My problem was that i couldn't access it in portrait mode in apps other than the custom launcher. Right now I'm using GMD Gesture Control and with a two finger swipe down I am able to finally access it but my current problem is using the device with only one hand (I can't swipe down with two fingers while using the device with one hand you see)
wouldn't removing the screen protector be the easiest way to discover if the protector is the one causing lack of sensitivity or if the device has truly been damaged?
NasaGeek said:
wouldn't removing the screen protector be the easiest way to discover if the protector is the one causing lack of sensitivity or if the device has truly been damaged?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did remove it...
I also did some research and it turns out that pressing too hard on the screen was the main cause, so I'm going to return to the store again because of that goddamn idiot
woops, didn't see your updates. Sorry!
I finally figured out how to expand the status bar by long pressing a button thanks to this app:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.friedflow.statusbarexpander&hl=en
bump this thread up.
just had this problem and tried searching for a solution, only managed to find this thread. running a fully stock phone.
software 1.17.707.2, android 4.1.1. tried rebooting, shutting off phone and leaving it off overnight and turning it on in the morning.
the only app i installed within the last week was castle clash(and since uninstalled it, doesn't work).
using the developer tools(pointer location), realised the dead zone was across the whole drop down notification bar (y coordinates of 0-98 out of 1280)..
anyone has encountered a similar problem and has a solution?

Margin top or bootom in android screen???

hi, sorry if this thread does not have to be here.
I would like to know if there is any way of putting a margin in the top or bottom of the android screen.
I'm going to integrate a tablet in my car, but the dash is just a bit small in height than the tablet (not in width) so i need to reduce the height of the screen in about 3 or 4 mm. Is that possible???
Thanks.
Thinking about it,
another way could be increasing the height of the status bar or the virtual button bar.. but i have been searching topics about and I didn't find anything.
Nothing?

Soft Keys Comments / Issues

Is it me or does having the soft keys eat up a strong 1/4" of the screen negate the larger screen?
I have used the program to auto hide them but every time I type a text they pop up and take be back, home or wherever depending on how I have the layout set.
In addition, the text messaging viewable area is smaller given these keys and continually hides the last messages.
Something tells me I am not going to get used to not having a physical home key and off screen menu and back keys.
Thoughts / Opinions?
Have you considered re-sizing them? G2 Xposed can do that if I remember correctly, and if you're on an AOSP-based rom Gravity Box can do it if that functionality is not included in the ROM. You can make them quite small, which may look a tad strange at first but in terms of actual use I think it's completely natural, considering any off-screen buttons would be below the screen anyway. I currently run them at about half height, and you can pretty easily get away with even less than that if you wanted to. I used to prefer hardware keys as well but in time I grew to like soft keys. I like how you can try all sorts of different sizes, button combinations and button layouts, to the point that I have even used soft keys of phones that did not initially have them. Try some different sizes and setups before giving up on them altogether.
DHM078 said:
Have you considered re-sizing them? G2 Xposed can do that if I remember correctly, and if you're on an AOSP-based rom Gravity Box can do it if that functionality is not included in the ROM. You can make them quite small, which may look a tad strange at first but in terms of actual use I think it's completely natural, considering any off-screen buttons would be below the screen anyway. I currently run them at about half height, and you can pretty easily get away with even less than that if you wanted to. I used to prefer hardware keys as well but in time I grew to like soft keys. I like how you can try all sorts of different sizes, button combinations and button layouts, to the point that I have even used soft keys of phones that did not initially have them. Try some different sizes and setups before giving up on them altogether.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Kindly.
I had been searching for something like this but for whatever reason didn't find it.
Love the call quality on the phone and this may just be the answer
The soft keys also keep the size of the phone down. Otherwise it would be a butt hurt Note 3 . This phone is a perfect size.
What app are you using to hide them? I'm using GMD Auto Hide.. The paid version. I never accidentally bring up the software icons while texting. Did you know you can adjust the area that triggers the software keys? I have mine set to a tiny area across the bottom of the screen.
Sent from my LG-LS980 using xda app-developers app
Also currently enjoying GMD auto hide PRO
Sent from my LG-LS980 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
is that possible the Soft Keys to change smaller???
profeet said:
is that possible the Soft Keys to change smaller???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
READ, man.
DHM078 said:
Have you considered re-sizing them? G2 Xposed can do that if I remember correctly, and if you're on an AOSP-based rom Gravity Box can do it if that functionality is not included in the ROM. You can make them quite small, which may look a tad strange at first but in terms of actual use I think it's completely natural, considering any off-screen buttons would be below the screen anyway. I currently run them at about half height, and you can pretty easily get away with even less than that if you wanted to. I used to prefer hardware keys as well but in time I grew to like soft keys. I like how you can try all sorts of different sizes, button combinations and button layouts, to the point that I have even used soft keys of phones that did not initially have them. Try some different sizes and setups before giving up on them altogether.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
UDN Pro
I'm using Ultimate Dynamic Navbar Pro to hide the navigation bar. It takes some getting used to, but now I wouldn't have a phone without it.
You can set different triggers to show/hide the nav keys, I prefer sliding at the bottom of the screen to show the keys. With this you can also customize your buttons in many ways; glow effect, key color, keys sizes, fade effect and so on.
There's a free version available on Play Store, so give it a try.
Then there's pie to...
Or what I do, is:
Root (of course)
Download "texDroider" from the Play Store to change the DPI from 480 (default) to 400. Reboot. Enjoy MOAR SPACE
If you want to actually resize the NavBar to make it thinner:
Download the TWRP Recovery image using your phone that is designed for your version model
Download "Flashify" from the Play Store and select the TWRP Recovery file you downloaded (Probably in the "Downloads" folder on your Storage)
Reboot
Then look in the Development threads for a NavBar size mod, download the MEDIUM or SMALL. I use Medium with 400 DPI, else I'd use Small with 480 DPI
Reboot into TWRP and flash the NavBar Mod.
Rejoice
OR
Search for, and download, XPosed APK file from XDA, then install the APK
Search for and download the XPosed G2 Settings Module, then install the APK
Launch XPosed, enable the G2 Settings Module, resize NavBar
OR Hide them as previously said but I don't much care for this. It gets annoying pretty quick IMO. I move around too quick to require extra taps or swipes to go back or home.

Remapping screen back/home buttons to the HW buttons

The only reason I want to upgrade from an S3 right now, to either the S4 or the G2, is due to the larger screen size. The N3 is a little big so it seems these two are the only logical options.
I upgraded from the Galaxy nexus to the S3 purely due to the fact that it did not WASTE screen real-estate on black and white static icons. Frankly that is the absolute stupidest use of the screen there is. Samsung has it right by continuing to keep the buttons off screen.
So, the only way the G2 fits the bill (for probably many people) is if one of the following two solutions can exist:
1. The nav bar is totally transparent. The buttons still register when you tap there, but when browsing or watching video, the frame or text completely spills behind the buttons as if they don't actually take up space. Still not ideal.
2. The buttons are taken off screen fully and remapped to the rear HW keys. One volume key can be the back button, and the other can be the home button, etc. To change the volume, you gotta drag the software slider. Not a problem. I believe there are many button remapping apps in the market. Anyone tried this?
Is there an app to do these things? Can this feature be built into a ROM? For solution number 1, the nav bar can be hidden using a feature like PA has, and an app can just have a virtual transparent button floating where the original ones were. This app might also just exist in the android market.
Can we work on getting the entire screen area useful on this large phone?
k00zk0 said:
The only reason I want to upgrade from an S3 right now, to either the S4 or the G2, is due to the larger screen size. The N3 is a little big so it seems these two are the only logical options.
I upgraded from the Galaxy nexus to the S3 purely due to the fact that it did not WASTE screen real-estate on black and white static icons. Frankly that is the absolute stupidest use of the screen there is. Samsung has it right by continuing to keep the buttons off screen.
So, the only way the G2 fits the bill (for probably many people) is if one of the following two solutions can exist:
1. The nav bar is totally transparent. The buttons still register when you tap there, but when browsing or watching video, the frame or text completely spills behind the buttons as if they don't actually take up space. Still not ideal.
2. The buttons are taken off screen fully and remapped to the rear HW keys. One volume key can be the back button, and the other can be the home button, etc. To change the volume, you gotta drag the software slider. Not a problem. I believe there are many button remapping apps in the market. Anyone tried this?
Is there an app to do these things? Can this feature be built into a ROM? For solution number 1, the nav bar can be hidden using a feature like PA has, and an app can just have a virtual transparent button floating where the original ones were. This app might also just exist in the android market.
Can we work on getting the entire screen area useful on this large phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same mentality as you before deciding on the G2. There is a solution.
You will have to ROOT first.
GMD Auto hide app. This app will completely hide the software keys. They only appear when you swipe up from the very bottom of the screen.. or just tap the very bottom of the screen. You chose that in settings. The software keys can be made transparent as well.
Im currently using the app and love it. Works perfectly.
Without root... i dont think there is a solution.
I just use the navbar mod that shrinks the navbar down to either half or a third of the size. That way they take up hardly any screen at all.
Sent from my LG-D802 using xda app-developers app
o0adam0o said:
I had the same mentality as you before deciding on the G2. There is a solution.
You will have to ROOT first.
GMD Auto hide app. This app will completely hide the software keys. They only appear when you swipe up from the very bottom of the screen.. or just tap the very bottom of the screen. You chose that in settings. The software keys can be made transparent as well.
Im currently using the app and love it. Works perfectly.
Without root... i dont think there is a solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used the Xposed Module - Ultimate Dynamic Navbar (available on play store). Looked to have more customization options than GMD (can have up to 7 buttons on the nav bar, for example, and more options for configuring long press of the buttons). But anyway, overall concept is the same as GMD.
And so far, i am loving it. Nice to have the full screen real estate at all times.
And root is so damn easy on this phone.
Big Boy Laroux said:
I've used the Xposed Module - Ultimate Dynamic Navbar (available on play store). Looked to have more customization options than GMD (can have up to 7 buttons on the nav bar, for example, and more options for configuring long press of the buttons). But anyway, overall concept is the same as GMD.
And so far, i am loving it. Nice to have the full screen real estate at all times.
And root is so damn easy on this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I considered Xposed as well... but i thought that method just let you adjust/resize and theme the soft buttons.. but i wanted to completley hide them and have them reappear with a touch/swipe of my finger and then go away again. Xposed can do that as well? I just took a quick glance at the thread and figured it couldnt.
o0adam0o said:
I considered Xposed as well... but i thought that method just let you adjust/resize and theme the soft buttons.. but i wanted to completley hide them and have them reappear with a touch/swipe of my finger and then go away again. Xposed can do that as well? I just took a quick glance at the thread and figured it couldnt.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The xposed module Ultimate Dynamic Navbar can do all that.
it's on play store, but i just found it here on XDA. Note to self - remember to ALWAYS check xda first before you pay! although, i like the app so far, so it's worth the money.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2270198
EDIT : One note - on the G2, I've found you have to use another Xposed module (like g2 xposed or gravity box) to hide the stock nav bar first. At least right now.
I'm already using G2 xposed to remove the volume slider in drop-down, and for transparent status bar, so I already had it to make this change.
I love the software buttons because you can customize them and have various animations and actions. I agree with the wasted space but I root and download "tex_Droider" from the Play Store and change the DPI down from 480 to 400. This will make everything smaller and more roomier... including the Nav Bar.
Then I downloaded Flashify and TWRP Custom recovery. Flashed with Flashify.
I downloaded a Smaller Nav Mod. I used the "Medium" size since I already lowered the DPI. You can use the small size too if you want it really small. Boom.
I've played with hiding the navbar and using gestures and also that PA mod. I dunno just doesn't work for me. I use those buttons a lot and adding a swipe each time is a pain. Personally I wouldn't mind just having a transparent bar across ALL apps.
With ya player911, wound just using small nav bar. Wish I could add a couple more apps to the stock home swipe out.
With the G nexus I've tried making the nav bar about half. It worked except for the occasional mis-tap. Still it was annoying to have it cover up screen - on top of all of these options, can the nav bar be made transparent? I figure apps would have a hard time realizing what's going on so a solution would go something along the lines of first removing the nav bar to make every app draw full screen, and then adding a module that would create false transparent buttons simply overlaying the screen content at all times, rather than having a swipe or some other gesture pull the nav bar up or down. The false buttons could be in the very corners of the screen so as to not likely cover anything up.
The thing I like about the S3/4 is in dark conditions where you are being more tactile with the phone/case (I turn my softkey backlight off totally) your thumb rests on the edge of the case and rolls over to tap the softkey. It wouldn't be an issue to get used to the position of this virtual softkey by adopting the same behavior, it's just a matter of whether an app exists that will draw repositionable virtual transparent mappable "area" on the screen that would correspond to a button.
Don't think you're going to find one. Every app/game is different, so who is to say that where you place your "always there" transparent buttons won't interfere with an actual area you need to tap inside an app, game, etc. Even in the corners.
I would again suggest trying the auto-hide mods mentioned above. They do exactly what you are describing with the overlay, except you have to swipe or tap to bring it up.
Swiping is really not that big a deal. Ultimate dynamic navbar gives you the ability to swipe right to a button, so your finger never has to come off the screen. It's very fluid.
You could also try PIE. But what I like about the auto hide nav bar mods is that you can set the nav bar to toggle, so it stays up if you need to press nav bar buttons a bunch of times in a row. With PIE (at least when I last used it), you have to swipe for every button press.
Sent from my LG-LS980 using xda app-developers app

[Q] Removing Additional Home Screens

Got the GoTab 7" tablet recently and have been trying to tidy it up a little. I don't like the way there are four home screens - I only need one! I thought the likes of Nova Launcher would address this but it appears not to allow me disable additional screens. When I attempt to remove the screen by dragging it into the X at the top of the screen, it just bounces back into it's original position. I can move the screens around, but dragging and dropping onto or above the big X does absolutely nothing.
It's running 4.2.2 with no option to check for updates. GoTab say that if it's not showing an update check, than there is no update available.

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