Related
Hello,
Again, here's a list of apps I could not be without, or run, on a day to day basis.
Mostly originally gleaned fro Modaco, but again these are ones I personally use not just a ripped list.
Pauls (Modaco) Custom Rom with small taskbar (makes the Vega truly Useful and priceworthy)
VISIONary+ (to fully root the Vega ( I though it already was rooted, but to get some proggies working V+ helped me out) For me a "fire and forget" program.
Button Savior - Couldn't imagine using the Vega without this. Creates on screen buttons such as home/back/settings etc etc. really useful on a Vega. Not as customisable as Id like, but still amazing.
AndroZip - for those pesky rar files
Cache Cleaner - frees up some room
Beautiful Widgets - some pretty widegets to liven your experience
Launcher Pro Plus - A nice cheap UI (apparently ADW is groovy, but I cant comment on that)
Lookout Anti Virus - hmmm a difficult one this, I use it to no ill effect, but is it really needed at this time? Anyhoo, Works Ok for me.
Titanium Backup - Backup your apps and settings.
Dropbox - Share files over a "cloud"
Dolphin Browser HD - not perfect but a good browser to use instead of stock.
Thats if for now, feel free to tell me im wrong or if you prefer alternatives.
rgds
LoK
I love 'newsrob' for reading my Google Reader feed, also loving 'fish bowl photoviewer beta' for a nice way of viewing images. It has a great deal of promise and is beautiful!
Pulse for RSS, a lovely app.
Thumb Keyboard for the less stingy users, it really is a brilliant keyboard and only costs ~£0.83
HandMemoWriter for handwritten notes
Hello all
Pulse is indeed a great fullscreen app, but I often find the widget doesnt update/work and also is an odd size (3 rather than 4 "blocks" and wont resize well in launcher pro plus.
But, as a full screen app is quite nifty, if a little sensitive, but thats a vega issue rather than Pulses fault.
Ive not heard of 'fish bowl photoviewer beta' but when less drunk, will look it up!
Also, what does Thumb Keyboard do differently? Im a thumb typer on me vega with stock keyboard, as that seems best way to compose. Tell me more.
rgds
LoK
Swiftkey - great keyboard and not too expensive, works well on the vega
Miren Browser - Free browser,fantastic UI
Comic reader mobi - works great, but not free.
Folder organizer - i think is a must to organize apps into folders, again not free.
IMDB - Great for quick movie reference.
Power Amp - Better than the stock music player, but not free.
Skype - works great, just no video calling
WiFi Buddy - To enable the extra wifi channels as well as other tweaks.
Wiimote controller - use wii controller for games.
Can anyone post any screenshots of that "button saviour" app working on a vega?
Lennyuk said:
Can anyone post any screenshots of that "button saviour" app working on a vega?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't post any screenies at the minute but what it does is super-impose a 'menu' button on the edge of the screen and this is visible in all applications - you choose which edge and where abouts to appear. When you press on this, you get your Savoiur menu that gives close, back, menu, etc buttons.
This is an invaluable app as if you have an app that hangs, you can simply use button saviour, go home & kill the running apps. I also use it to bring up menu options in apps / games that don't have a programmed button as they are expecting the user to have / use a physical keyboard button.
Maxi_pack said:
Can't post any screenies at the minute but what it does is super-impose a 'menu' button on the edge of the screen and this is visible in all applications - you choose which edge and where abouts to appear. When you press on this, you get your Savoiur menu that gives close, back, menu, etc buttons.
This is an invaluable app as if you have an app that hangs, you can simply use button saviour, go home & kill the running apps. I also use it to bring up menu options in apps / games that don't have a programmed button as they are expecting the user to have / use a physical keyboard button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks might check it out when I get home then
For me it's:
-ADW Launcher EX, as it's very customisable, with smooth 3d transitions (paid)
-Quick settings
-Dolphin browser mini - is fast at loading webpages, even with flash, and has many settings and options available
-Root explorer (Needs root) (paid)
-Spare parts
-Fish bowl photo viewer beta
-Adfree - blocks all ads in browsing and applications. (Needs root)
And many more!
I find adw launcher works really well, tried go but it doesn't seem suited to tablets.
smart keyboard pro works much better than the stock keyboard.
button Savior is great, really useful.
love the fish bowl photo viewer.
I use Miren browser, it's not perfect on the tablet yet but I've set the user agent to chrome and it works well.
swarm torrent
the 3rd one i tried, got 500kbps on the same torrent file...works well and will keep it (unless anybody else can suggest another...hate just installing stuff without some kind of review)
astro
its a must i think. put shortcuts to downloads, torrent downloads and my data all on a desktop panel...works really well
snesoid, nesoid
works great, still to try with the wiimote
launcher pro
i use this on my hd2 so quite familiar with it. sluggish when first starting, but after 15 seconds or so its fine.
ive not tried mini gore on the vega yet, but im addicted to it on my hd2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvGR0JQtfXg
if its works let me know so I can send it to my friend
bakedecake said:
I use Miren browser, it's not perfect on the tablet yet but I've set the user agent to chrome and it works well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try this edited version of Miren Browser and set useragent to iPad for better viewing on tablet
After reading it on here I have to say I was sceptical about the use of "button saviour" but I tried it on the recommendations anyway.
Its a great app, very well thought through and designed, I may have to purchase the pro to remove the bits I don't need to use but its a clever idea.
Everyone should check it out
Been using Button Savior for awhile now yes and paid the 80 odd pence to remove the buttons I don't need. The author of the application is looking to add a button to bring up the software keyboard for sites like Google Docs.
Cheers
remlap said:
Been using Button Savior for awhile now yes and paid the 80 odd pence to remove the buttons I don't need. The author of the application is looking to add a button to bring up the software keyboard for sites like Google Docs.
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
works really well, but when i turn landscape it get in the way of launcher pros dock.
fracmo2000 said:
works really well, but when i turn landscape it get in the way of launcher pros dock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No such problems here, mine is set to be on the centre left of the screen.
remlap said:
No such problems here, mine is set to be on the centre left of the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me too, that's definitely the best place for it, unless you prefer to put it somewhere else.
Just installed the Button Savior as well, and I love it. Especially the Recent Apps menu, that's one I've really missed on the Advent Vega.
Other apps I use:
- iSyncr to synchronise iTunes playlists with my tablet
- Swiftkey keyboard, prefer it above the regular keyboard.
- QuickOffice (paid), to create Word/Excel/etc documents and sync them with my google docs account
In GB, you could add a shortcut for Running Services by going to Shortcuts and then Settings>Running Services. Ever since I upgraded to ICS (AOKP by TasK; I can't remember if the samsung roms that I tried had it), I didn't see that option. There was only Settings>Apps, and then you'd have to switch to the Running Services tab. But there's also a one-click/press method I found.
I don't know if anyone else is interested; google search wasn't helpful, and I found the solution so I thought I'd share.
So this will probably be slightly different depending on the launcher you use, but with Nova and Apex it's basically this:
long press>shorcuts>Activities>Settings>Running services.
There's two entries for running services. They both do the same thing so I don't know why that is. If someone could shed light on that I'd be interested to know.
Hit the thanks button if this was useful to you!
johny_i said:
In GB, you could add a shortcut for Running Services by going to Shortcuts and then Settings>Running Services. Ever since I upgraded to ICS (AOKP by TasK; I can't remember if the samsung roms that I tried had it), I didn't see that option. There was only Settings>Apps, and then you'd have to switch to the Running Services tab. But there's also a one-click/press method I found.
I don't know if anyone else is interested; google search wasn't helpful, and I found the solution so I thought I'd share.
So this will probably be slightly different depending on the launcher you use, but with Nova and Apex it's basically this:
long press>shorcuts>Activities>Settings>Running services.
There's two entries for running services. They both do the same thing so I don't know why that is. If someone could shed light on that I'd be interested to know.
Hit the thanks button if this was useful to you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I have my facts straight, this only works if you have a launcher installed that supports the "Activities" shortcut menu. I know Nova supports it...
I think that's right. Like I said it's launcher specific. Trebuchet doesn't seem to even have an option to add shortcuts other than the standard app-launch shortcut.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using XDA
johny_i said:
I think that's right. Like I said it's launcher specific. Trebuchet doesn't seem to even have an option to add shortcuts other than the standard app-launch shortcut.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh...I missed that in your post...sorry.
all good
Also, I think even if a launcher doesn't have an "activities" option, as long as you install nova or apex (whether u use it or not) there should be a way to get this shortcut. The LG launcher on the root-box rom is a case in point. (Trebuchet is a counter-example). I forgot how I did it tho...
Sent from my SGH-I777 using XDA
johny_i said:
Also, I think even if a launcher doesn't have an "activities" option, as long as you install nova or apex (whether u use it or not) there should be a way to get this shortcut. The LG launcher on the root-box rom is a case in point. (Trebuchet is a counter-example). I forgot how I did it tho...
Sent from my SGH-I777 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, this is true. I use go launcher but I have nova installed, and the activities options shows up in the create shortcut menu.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
what would this be good for? i set it up. but there is no kill all option, so its kinda useless.
for nova users:
nova settings>long press menu>then do what he says in op.
phermey said:
what would this be good for? i set it up. but there is no kill all option, so its kinda useless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've always had a shortcut to Running Services on one of my homescreens. It's useful to know what's running in the background when it shouldn't...so I can track down the sources of battery drain. Then I use Autostarts to try to control those services.
What's really useless is a task manager with a kill all option. All it does is cause Android to reopen those services, wasting more battery than it's saving.
mattdm said:
What's really useless is a task manager with a kill all option. All it does is cause Android to reopen those services, wasting more battery than it's saving.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i agree. i use android assistant. great widget. can immediately see what my running processes are and i can kill if i tap the other side. along with look to see how much memory i will be freeing up. there is also an ignore list to throw those ones that reboot in.
different strokes for different folks i guess.
i used slideit on my original inc (like it better than swype and the other keyboard apps).
since switching to the 4g i've been using the stock htc keyboard with swype enabled. it's been working fine for me so i have not installed any keyboard app.
yesterday i saw this thread...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2058856
after a day's use this is a great keyboard app! more responsive and configurable than the stock keyboard... combines features of apps such as swiftkey, swype, etc...
my biggest concern so far is that it calls home for updates. i have not found a way to stop that. i don't like my apps updating unless i manually allow it. i don't know if there's something i can do to stop this or not.
I installed Kii from the Playstore and it updates through there. There's been about 3 updates in the last week but I keep going back to the swiftkey flow beta it's been the best I've used.
j13smiley said:
i used slideit on my original inc (like it better than swype and the other keyboard apps).
since switching to the 4g i've been using the stock htc keyboard with swype enabled. it's been working fine for me so i have not installed any keyboard app.
yesterday i saw this thread...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2058856
after a day's use this is a great keyboard app! more responsive and configurable than the stock keyboard... combines features of apps such as swiftkey, swype, etc...
my biggest concern so far is that it calls home for updates. i have not found a way to stop that. i don't like my apps updating unless i manually allow it. i don't know if there's something i can do to stop this or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a really nice keyboard replacement. There are a couple of features that I like on Swype better tho. Easy punctuation by sliding from the character to the space bar and easy dictionary input. If there's there's an easy way to do this with kii I haven't found it yet
Sent from my ADR6410LVW using Tapatalk 2
Sent from my ADR6410LVW using xda app-developers app
First, I'm not a developer (any more), just a novice user of a Nexus 10.
I've been playing with various widgets, putting them on the home screen & building groups of apps to keep the screen simple,
so I can actually see my wallpaper. (Nothing special, just pics I like.)
Problem is that huge Google bar at the top. Is there an simple way to get rid of it, like the select-drag-drop for other home screen stuff.?
Also, there seems to be some limits on where I can actually put apps or widgets. Is there a way to adjust this too?
I'd really like to put a dashboard widget in place of that Google bar.
Finally, is there a way to disable Google when I select or swipe nearby the bottom of the screen?
This is a real pain-in-the-patootie when playing solitaire & the cards get near the bottom of the screen.
Thanks in advance. I could not find this anywhere in the Q&A forum for Android.
Try a different launcher, like nova, which will allow you to disable the persistent search bar.
Ok, what' a "launcher"?
bodh said:
Try a different launcher, like nova, which will allow you to disable the persistent search bar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds helpful, if I knew what a launcher is.
I am soooooo out of date re: computers of any kind anymore...
Just go on google play and search "launcher"! It is the app which launches other apps, provides the app drawer, and many other setting options, like how pages scroll, etc.
Thanks!
Thanks for the info. I'll go see whats I can find, & come back here to make sure its a good one.
Root file manager under system then apps. Look for Google search bar and add .back at end then restart phone
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using xda premium
... and how do I...?
aandkharris said:
Root file manager under system then apps. Look for Google search bar and add .back at end then restart phone
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds good, a real engineering solution instead of a workaround (not that there is anything wrong with a workaround).
How to I get to the root file system to modify filenames?
I'm on a Nexus 10. Any idea what app/widget/setting function to use?
I've got "androzip" which let's me see the file system down to a certain point ( /.) & shows a bunch of folders,
but crashes when I try to see what's in the folder named "root"
Suggested launcher?
bodh said:
Just go on google play and search "launcher"! It is the app which launches other apps, provides the app drawer, and many other setting options, like how pages scroll, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which one is best/most reliable/free-or-cheap?
If I muck this thing up, Duh Hubby will get really upset!
I know there is/was a list of recommended apps & widgets, but can't find the thread now. Don't know if it mentioned a launcher anyway.
Thanks again!
bodh said:
Try a different launcher, like nova, which will allow you to disable the persistent search bar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just now realized that you suggest a launcher here... Doh!
The other suggestion about changing s filename may be good too. I suspect a launcher will be safer for me.
Yes, using a launcher is better. Otherwise you'd have to unlock the bootloader of Nexus 10, which will wipe all your data, then set it up all over again and restore backed up data, then get into the root filesystem and modify the file name of the app file, which can be too much since you say you're not experienced (unless you're interested in learning to do all that) The app is called QuickSearchBox.apk btw not GoogleSearchBox.apk.
Also, custom launchers like Nova and Apex launcher look exactly the same as the default launcher you're using right now, but have a boatload of additional features a lot of which you may find interesting and useful. The default (stock) launcher is very basic in functionality.
Sent from my Desire HD using xda premium
Now using Nova launcher
sashank said:
Yes, using a launcher is better. Otherwise you'd have to unlock the bootloader of Nexus 10, which will wipe all your data, then set it up all over again and restore backed up data, then get into the root filesystem and modify the file name of the app file, which can be too much since you say you're not experienced (unless you're interested in learning to do all that) The app is called QuickSearchBox.apk btw not GoogleSearchBox.apk.
Also, custom launchers like Nova and Apex launcher look exactly the same as the default launcher you're using right now, but have a boatload of additional features a lot of which you may find interesting and useful. The default (stock) launcher is very basic in functionality.
Sent from my Desire HD using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
Much nicer than Android basic, more "toys" to play with & no Google bar at the top!
I even learned what a home screen actually is & have set up several for different uses.
Another fun time waster to play with beyond just games... would be nice to set
different wallpaper for each screen, but being able to actually see the whole
image is really nice.
I think I'll get the Pro version to get rid of other Google launch with the sweep/touch near
the bottom of screen- the answer to the second part of my original question.
Thanks to all who replied... I feel like such a noon at this point. These forums are truly the best place
to find/get answers to basics questions. The Help provided by Google is distinctly lacking in detail.
Now to search for answers to more questions....
damn. the stock launcher is actually pretty nice on the hydro edge at least for my pop but I want that damned google bar gone (BUT WANT google search and google now) I just want the stupid useless homescreen bar gone (its too small for him to use he can't hit the mic icon reliably) so I just put a regular voice search icon on the screen for him.
Grrr I hate when they "shove" things down your throat like that.
nerys71 said:
damn. the stock launcher is actually pretty nice on the hydro edge at least for my pop but I want that damned google bar gone (BUT WANT google search and google now) I just want the stupid useless homescreen bar gone (its too small for him to use he can't hit the mic icon reliably) so I just put a regular voice search icon on the screen for him.
Grrr I hate when they "shove" things down your throat like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree with you
Is there any way to go into system and delete it all together?
You can't delete system apps unless you are rooted, which if you have a nexus device than this is super easy
Yes as mentioned before the simple fix is just use another launcher, there are many amazing ones to pick from often with a free version that works great
As for removing the bar from the stock launcher the easiest way would be to decompile the .apk and find the xml file for it and chances are change a simple bit of code from true to false but without ever decompiling this myself can't say how its set up. But in truth this may be more work than it is worth
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Thread to discuss what apps you've disabled and any side effect. This doesn't require root.
To disable apps go to Settings > Application Manager > All, select App then select Turn off. All the disabled apps will then show up under Application Manager > Turned Off. Probably a good idea to reboot when done to make sure disabled apps are cleared from RAM.
Went through and disabled these apps:
Amazon (two apps with this name)
Amazon Kindle
Amazon MP3
Amazon Appstore
Audible
Caller Name ID
IMDb
NFL Mobile
S Voice
Slacker
Verizon Mobile Security
Verizon Tones
VZ Navigator
Deciding on these:
Trip Advisor
Someone please do me a favor and note the RAM usage before and after. Forgot to note before but my after is 725MB used and 1.7GB free.
How do you disable? In application manager?
Exodus885 said:
How do you disable? In application manager?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Application Manager > All, select App then Turn off. All the disabled apps will show up under Application Manager > Turned Off. Probably a good idea to reboot when done to make sure disabled apps are cleared from RAM.
mi7chy said:
Yes. Application Manager > All, select App then Turn off. All the disabled apps will show up under Application Manager > Turned Off. Probably a good idea to reboot when done to make sure disabled apps are cleared from RAM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will report back once i get home
I disabled below apps (for now):
1. Amazon
2. Amazon Kindle
3. Amazon MP3
4. Audible
5. Caller Name ID
6. Group play
7. HP Print service
8. NFL Mobile
9. Samusung Watch on (it was crashing)
10.Verizon Location agent
11. Verizon Tones
12. VZ Navigator
There is so much bloat on the phone, will disable many more apps later, cann't wait for the root to uninstall all this crap.
Hey guys i just a little write up here for our newer members and to show which ones i disabled http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2478589
After disabling some bloat and with NOVA launcher - it's now super smooth, as good as a nexus.
Does any one know any non root apps to skip music with long press of volume keys and re mapping soft keys (miss these from my GS3 LS rom)?
droidguy22 said:
After disabling some bloat and with NOVA launcher - it's now super smooth, as good as a nexus.
Does any one know any non root apps to skip music with long press of volume keys and re mapping soft keys (miss these from my GS3 LS rom)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been curious about this. I've used Nova Launcher for years, and I love it. However, there are some pretty neat features in TW for this phone (like the split screen view, some of the stylus stuff, etc.). Are you, or anyone else, giving TW a try, or just going straight to Nova?
My N3 will be in tomorrow so I'll experiment for myself. Just curious what everyone else was thinking.
I'm sticking with TW for now until I get bored with it. I have Nova Launcher Prime installed but I'm not using it yet...
dclutter1 said:
I've been curious about this. I've used Nova Launcher for years, and I love it. However, there are some pretty neat features in TW for this phone (like the split screen view, some of the stylus stuff, etc.). Are you, or anyone else, giving TW a try, or just going straight to Nova?
My N3 will be in tomorrow so I'll experiment for myself. Just curious what everyone else was thinking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those features aren't exclusive to the launcher ... About the only thing you'll loose are widgets. Some widgets only work with the TW launcher, typically the cool ones like the full calendar and weather widgets LOL
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
This guy did an amazing job listing apps that can be deleted for Verizon
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2478589
lmike6453 said:
Hey guys i just a little write up here for our newer members and to show which ones i disabled http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2478589
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very comprehensive list, thanks! I already used up all my thumbs for today in the Bounty thread, but I'm commenting here so I remember to come back tomorrow and give you a proper thanks.
---------- Post added at 08:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:27 AM ----------
dclutter1 said:
I've been curious about this. I've used Nova Launcher for years, and I love it. However, there are some pretty neat features in TW for this phone (like the split screen view, some of the stylus stuff, etc.). Are you, or anyone else, giving TW a try, or just going straight to Nova?
My N3 will be in tomorrow so I'll experiment for myself. Just curious what everyone else was thinking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YankInDaSouth said:
Those features aren't exclusive to the launcher ... About the only thing you'll loose are widgets. Some widgets only work with the TW launcher, typically the cool ones like the full calendar and weather widgets LOL
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@dclutter: I agree with with @YankInDaSouth, the widgets are all you give up. I went straight to Nova because I wanted to put a lot more icons on the screen (seriously 1080p & 5.7", and they want to put only 4 columns?), plus you can get some cool replacement widgets to make up for the Sammy ones you can't use. And, with Nova/other launchers, you can resize any widget, giving you more flexibility. Personally, I use Fancy Widgets for clock/weather -- I really like the MIUI skin -- and aCalendar for the calendar widget because it's very flexible.
mynameismolotov said:
@dclutter: I agree with with @YankInDaSouth, the widgets are all you give up. I went straight to Nova because I wanted to put a lot more icons on the screen (seriously 1080p & 5.7", and they want to put only 4 columns?), plus you can get some cool replacement widgets to make up for the Sammy ones you can't use. And, with Nova/other launchers, you can resize any widget, giving you more flexibility. Personally, I use Fancy Widgets for clock/weather -- I really like the MIUI skin -- and aCalendar for the calendar widget because it's very flexible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great news. I'm really glad those features aren't dependent on the launcher. Like you, the ridiculously small grid on this screen is a big hangup for me. Plus, I'm so used to the 5 slot scrolling dock now that I don't know what I'd do without it.
dclutter1 said:
That's great news. I'm really glad those features aren't dependent on the launcher. Like you, the ridiculously small grid on this screen is a big hangup for me. Plus, I'm so used to the 5 slot scrolling dock now that I don't know what I'd do without it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to do something really different, I just learned of a new launcher called Buzz Launcher. You can design some really unique setups with it, but what's really cool is it automatically saves the whole setup as a package file. So you can share it through the app, and browse other people's creations, then if you find one you like, you just apply it, and it downloads the whole layout, background, theme, etc. If it involves widgets or apps you don't already have, it just puts a placeholder icon and when you touch it, it takes you to the Play Store directly to said app to install (or you can replace it with something else if you prefer). It's pretty slick and there's a ton of different ones available, with more variety than you can imagine.