Related
SoftKeys provides on screen keys for menu/home/back/search for devices that don't have those keys in hardware.
SoftKeys is also available in the Android Market
If you want to make themes for SoftKeys you will need the tools to build apks (eclipse/android sdk/etc) and the template from the git repository.
http://git.hoopajoo.net
Changelog:
2011/01/11 - 3.06 - Fix notification keys, boot straight to launcher on system startup
2011/01/11 - 3.05 - Fix notification softkeys <b>broken release</b>
2011/01/10 - 3.04 - Adds dpad and up to 6 custom keys, ability to put device
to sleep, improved performance for key injection, built in documentation, bugfixes
2010/12/23 - 3.00 - Most of the layout code has been rewritten to allow for theming, couple of bug fixes, SoftKeys is now gpl3
-----
Old Changelog (I'm too lazy to reorder this newest to oldest):
2010/12/04 - 1.01 - added launcher selector and remembers last launcher
2010/12/04 - 1.02 - added themes layouts from nemith, looks more like his screenshots but the spinner text is still black so the launcher chooser is hard to read, hopefully I'll have some time to fiddle with that soon
2010/12/04 - 1.03 - My fingers are too fat, I made everything in to image buttons and moved the launcher config to a prefs screen, if anyone has nicer icons let me know these are repurposed from generic android icons
2010/12/05 - 1.04 - Added alternate long-press soft home key for secondary launcher like if you want to use the built-in nook home, added configurable options for what to do if you tap or double tap the nook button while in the softkeys screen, long press on menu/back sends an extra back to the app before sending the requested button for apps that bring up pause screens or something when you move them to the background (angry birds, etc)
2010/12/05 - 1.05 - Integrated the dark theme from nemith, you can choose it in prefs now. Added options to disable the "exit" and "configure" buttons. If you disable "configure" you can still get to the preferences using the "menu" button in the notification bar (e.g. the normal menu button)
2010/12/05 - 1.06 - fix broken key handling, menu and back didn't work, don't use 1.05
2010/12/06 - 1.07 - add recent applications to top of the screen since we don't have a long-press-home recent apps dialog, looking in to re-ordering the buttons next
2010/12/07 - 1.08 - This release adds options to re-order the softkeys, insert soft keys in to the notification area, disable the recent apps list, long press the background to configure if you lost the configure button, and some options for changing the background to dim/blurred/none (note: the notification soft keys show up in the notification area, not in the main status bar like the nook menu/back, I can't put things there as an application you would need to modify system jars to get this effect)
2010/12/07 - v1.09 - Default to non-blurred background and added note about slowness, added option to return to softkeys after pressing back button
2010/12/08 - v1.10 - Selecting "SoftKeys" for your single-press home action will make it so if you launch softkeys, it will go to the launcher unless you hit home again, e.g. single-press home to go to launcher anywhere, double-press home to go to softkeys
2010/12/13 - v2.00 - This adds a new service overlay that is displayed above all apps allowing softkeys to be sent without having to mess with the home button. Default home key behavior has changed to be single click home from anywhere goes to your default launcher, double click home to get to the old softkeys interface. I'm still fiddling with service panel layouts and ideas so things will probably change, I just wanted to get some testing with something simple.
2010/12/17 - v2.01 - The service panel can now be dragged around the screen, you can change it from horizontal to vertial by long pressing it, you can adjust the transparency of the panel and the icon size, and also control if it closes after sending key events. If you don't want the dialog background on the panel you can disable it to just have floating buttons. NOTE: the signing certificate has changed to a release cert, you will need to uninstall the old softkeys before installing this one
2010/12/17 - v2.02 - Now you can move the button that brings up softkeys service, slightly better handling for switching horizontal/vertical layout by long press
veeerrry nice man!
Thanks! I agree with you - I didn't want to permanently re-assign the volume buttons, as I use them in some apps.
One request, if possible ) - Is there any way to make it go to launcher pro (or whatever you want as default) when pressing "Home" in the app? Right now, it asks me to "Pick Home" every time.
ddenson said:
Thanks! I agree with you - I didn't want to permanently re-assign the volume buttons, as I use them in some apps.
One request, if possible ) - Is there any way to make it go to launcher pro (or whatever you want as default) when pressing "Home" in the app? Right now, it asks me to "Pick Home" every time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never personally use the "home" button, I use the quick drawer thing in the notification bar, so I don't really use a launcher. I could probably quickly add a button just for an alternate home or use last home I guess/choose new home I guess. I'll see what I can do. I've also though about adding arrow soft keys, for using in like connectbot, is there any interest in that?
There are also other minor irritating things, like apps that exit when they are not in focus will not work with this hack. For example, monkey kick (a game my son loves to play) will exit if it's not in focus so it never receives the soft keys. I suppose it doesn't matter though since it doesn't use the screen completely anyway, so he just gets to play on my old g1
bpk said:
I never personally use the "home" button, I use the quick drawer thing in the notification bar, so I don't really use a launcher. I could probably quickly add a button just for an alternate home or use last home I guess/choose new home I guess. I'll see what I can do. I've also though about adding arrow soft keys, for using in like connectbot, is there any interest in that?
There are also other minor irritating things, like apps that exit when they are not in focus will not work with this hack. For example, monkey kick (a game my son loves to play) will exit if it's not in focus so it never receives the soft keys. I suppose it doesn't matter though since it doesn't use the screen completely anyway, so he just gets to play on my old g1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again. Using the last home would be great, if that's possible. I don't personally have any use for additional buttons, but maybe someone else can comment? Rgds.
Awesome.
Code would be cool it would be nice to have them popup at the bottom of the screen like when you press the menu button in an app.
Also to take a screen shot you hold the 'n' button and tap the Vol - button. If you have as much trouble as I did with this method, you can also install drocap2 (root required) which does nice job.
awesome app. its perfect! great replacement until someone does the sidebar buttons like the ones available for the archos
nice work... now if you can make this pop up on the bottom of the screen with a black background like the archos tablets it would be awesome...
thank you, this is a great work around
I put the source up at
http: // git.hoopajoo.net
(take out the spaces I can't post links apparently)
That page has a list of my public git urls available, the last one is SoftKeys
if anyone wants to check it out, I'm currently looking at remembering the last launcher picked and defaulting to that for people that use launchers.
-- the rest of this is just for people looking in to the source, to provide some background to why I did it this way and alternate ideas I had --
If any devs look at it I thought I'd post some of my reasons for doing it this way:
1) I looked at creating a custom init service bound to a keycode at first, this would have made it so you didn't need superuser but would have required modifying your ramdisk. Even just making a daemon and communicating through some kind of pipe would require modifying the ramdisk to get it in init. In the end I abandoned the idea because it seemed easier for most normal people to just install an apk.
2) I looked at binding this to the camera button and remapping it in the keylayout, that would preserve the default home screen selections, but would require modifying a file in your /system/ so people would need to adb their stuff. Again I thought an apk would be easier and adding in shell commands would just complicate things for people and I'm not very good at support
3) I spent a LOT of time looking through git repos from aosp to find out if there was some way to bind to the long-press home and take over the recent apps list, since it doesn't even work. This would preserve your home settings and not even remove an existing function. After several hours grepping through the core.git stuff I decided this was just easier to do. If figured good enough is usually good enough. Though if someone can figure this out it would be sweet.
4) I really was hoping that we could just pull whatever archos is doing since that seems ideal, completely soft buttons. However after downloading the aos firmware I found it was encrypted and apparently currently can only be decrypted by the devices using the public key stored on them somewhere and I'm not aware of anyone having dumped their system images yet.
Also I've been looking through the superuser source to see how they handle the popups, they do a good job of not killing the running app and being all around unobtrusive, doing it their way for the popup buttons would be really sweet since it never seems to break the currently running app.
Great except one thing!
I have LauncherPro so when I click the home button, it always gives me a choice between LauncherPro and the original home. Can you make it so I can set a default? I want to just go straight to launcher pro then I select home.
Pinesal said:
Great except one thing!
I have LauncherPro so when I click the home button, it always gives me a choice between LauncherPro and the original home. Can you make it so I can set a default? I want to just go straight to launcher pro then I select home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thread is one page long and your question was already discussed.
One page was too much reading?
How about double click home button for menu and hold the button for back? Just my 2 cents.
I have taken the source code and modified it to a be a row across the bottom of the screen, I think this looks a little bit better
Note the bar at the bottom of both. Ignore that ghosting on the second image.
If anyone is good at graphics I can use some images to create a fancier looking bottom bar.
kabi said:
How about double click home button for menu and hold the button for back? Just my 2 cents.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am going to play to play with doing stuff like this. For example. Press Home for the menu. Press Home again to make the meny disappear. Double tap home for menu. Long Press for back.
I think next on my plate is setting a default launcher application to use when you hit the soft Home button.
Here is the github respository for anyone interested: https://github.com/bennetb01/SoftKeys
I can't get this to install. The first one instaled fine but when I kick this off it says it will replace the first version then "application not installed" should I remove the first one manually?
Great work BTW. Thanks
lovelacer said:
I can't get this to install. The first one instaled fine but when I kick this off it says it will replace the first version then "application not installed" should I remove the first one manually?
Great work BTW. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can uninstall the first one via the following:
Code:
adb uninstall net.hoopajoo.android.SoftKeys
Install the second one normally via:
Code:
adb install SoftKeys.apk
Interestingly enough the adb uninstall command resulted in a failure as well. I just uninstalled via long press at my app screen and was able to install via root explorer on the nook.
Thanks for the help though.
I do like those buttons, I'm not much for making things look nice, typically I just do back end stuff. If you want to rebase against head and post your git repo I'll merge those changes in to main.
I started using launcher pro and realized it does suck way too much to have to select your launcher every time. It's just 1 button press but I'm too lazy.
And for people re-installing, from adb you have to do:
adb install -r <APK>
Also to remove packages I use appremover, or you can use astro file manager with the package manager under the menu.
nemith said:
I have taken the source code and modified it to a be a row across the bottom of the screen, I think this looks a little bit better
Note the bar at the bottom of both. Ignore that ghosting on the second image.
If anyone is good at graphics I can use some images to create a fancier looking bottom bar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks very much for this, sir.
About those images: what size do ya need? i can do them right now.
-K
I didn't want to start a new thread for this piece of information, so this looks like a good place to discuss it. My wife noticed that you can always access the back button by swiping from right to left across the notification toolbar. This worked on her non-root NC as well as my rooted one. Pretty cool!
Hello, I was wondering if is there any way to make the Menu key (The one placed at the right of the home key) to work as the musltitask key on the nexus phone, I had installed a mod that enables the menu panel on the screen as in the nexus, so my phisycal key is useless and I want to map it as the multitask key , I hope you understand what I'm trying to say, if you don't please let me know
Thanks for your time!!!
Ps. My phone is a Xperia Mini Pro Sk17 with ICS
Sent from my Nokia 1100 using XDA premium
danyboy008 said:
Hello, I was wondering if is there any way to make the Menu key (The one placed at the right of the home key) to work as the musltitask key on the nexus phone, I had installed a mod that enables the menu panel on the screen as in the nexus, so my phisycal key is useless and I want to map it as the multitask key , I hope you understand what I'm trying to say, if you don't please let me know
Thanks for your time!!!
Ps. My phone is a Xperia Mini Pro Sk17 with ICS
Sent from my Nokia 1100 using XDA premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all, what mod did you install? I want one too. Lol.
As for your menu key, if get any root file manager and go to /system/usr/keylayout/ and examine the .kl files there. As for me, mine is located at cyttsp_key.kl. You should see something like
Code:
# KEY_MENU, KEY_BACK, KEY_HOME
key 139 MENU VIRTUAL
key 158 BACK VIRTUAL
key 102 HOME VIRTUAL
Simply replace MENU with APP_SWITCH and you should be all set. I'm not sure if spacing is important but keep a backup of the original file first before modifying it just in case.
ShedoSurashu said:
First of all, what mod did you install? I want one too. Lol.
As for your menu key, if get any root file manager and go to /system/usr/keylayout/ and examine the .kl files there. As for me, mine is located at cyttsp_key.kl. You should see something like
Code:
# KEY_MENU, KEY_BACK, KEY_HOME
key 139 MENU VIRTUAL
key 158 BACK VIRTUAL
key 102 HOME VIRTUAL
Simply replace MENU with APP_SWITCH and you should be all set. I'm not sure if spacing is important but keep a backup of the original file first before modifying it just in case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot man, I'll try and i will post results , the mod I used is from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1732816
danyboy008 said:
Thanks a lot man, I'll try and i will post results , the mod I used is from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1732816
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Umm, how exactly do I install it? xD
EDIT:
And I'm also using the miniCMSandwich Lite rom lol
Results: Working great ! Now my phone is more like a Nexus
ShedoSurashu said:
Umm, how exactly do I install it? xD
EDIT:
And I'm also using the miniCMSandwich Lite rom lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, just download the PACK 1 and flash it on the CWM, and well, I dont use the miniCMSandwich rom, just using the "Fixes"
danyboy008 said:
Results: Working great ! Now my phone is more like a Nexus
Well, just download the PACK 1 and flash it on the CWM, and well, I dont use the miniCMSandwich rom, just using the "Fixes"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't like the galaxy-ish theme he put, I am just interested in the on-screen menu button, how does it look like? And can I flash with only the menu button on the mod? I mean I don't want the other changes, just the on-screen menu button. I've been trying to do the same thing you did for quite some time now too.
ShedoSurashu said:
I don't like the galaxy-ish theme he put, I am just interested in the on-screen menu button, how does it look like? And can I flash with only the menu button on the mod? I mean I don't want the other changes, just the on-screen menu button. I've been trying to do the same thing you did for quite some time now too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, Actually I dont like the background and the "Dual Pane" either, but I dont know how to mod the Framework for make only the option key-on screen, I have already asked to iiandskater for only the menu button and other tweaks instead of all the pack, I hope that he at least teach me how to modify it by myself
danyboy008 said:
Well, Actually I dont like the background and the "Dual Pane" either, but I dont know how to mod the Framework for make only the option key-on screen, I have already asked to iiandskater for only the menu button and other tweaks instead of all the pack, I hope that he at least teach me how to modify it by myself
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you post a scneenshot on how it looks like?
ShedoSurashu said:
Can you post a scneenshot on how it looks like?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, just wait a min.
Here you have a little video (Sorry for the quality, recorded with my old C510, )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktD58NQvObg&feature=youtu.be
danyboy008 said:
Okay, just wait a min.
Here you have a little video (Sorry for the quality, recorded with my old C510, )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktD58NQvObg&feature=youtu.be
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Does it add the button only on google chrome and settings?
ShedoSurashu said:
Thanks! Does it add the button only on google chrome and settings?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is in every app I have on my phone (Tested them), Youtube, Calls, messages, quickpic, etc...
Btw, I'm editing my own framework res file only with these mods:
- On-Screen option (menu) button
- Action bar with text
- Fast Bluetooth turning On/Off
- Volume slider is moved to bottom (will make you easier to slide it with your finger)
- Notification toast is moved to top (everything's better if can be seen clearly )
So, if you want it I can share it or if you want the framework res with only the On screeen option button, just tell me
danyboy008 said:
Is in every app I have on my phone (Tested them), Youtube, Calls, messages, quickpic, etc...
Btw, I'm editing my own framework res file only with these mods:
- On-Screen option (menu) button
- Action bar with text
- Fast Bluetooth turning On/Off
- Volume slider is moved to bottom (will make you easier to slide it with your finger)
- Notification toast is moved to top (everything's better if can be seen clearly )
So, if you want it I can share it or if you want the framework res with only the On screeen option button, just tell me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just want the one with menu button. How are you editing it? mind adding me up on GTalk? o:
EDIT:
BTW, iiandskater already provided the on-screen button mod so you can skip my request.
ShedoSurashu said:
I just want the one with menu button. How are you editing it? mind adding me up on GTalk? o:
EDIT:
BTW, iiandskater already provided the on-screen button mod so you can skip my request.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, well I could teach you how to edit it if you want anyway . And I dont use Gtalk lol
danyboy008 said:
Oh, well I could teach you how to edit it if you want anyway . And I dont use Gtalk lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd like to learn too. BTW, why do you not use GTalk? It's like the epitome of messaging between Android phones.
ShedoSurashu said:
I'd like to learn too. BTW, why do you not use GTalk? It's like the epitome of messaging between Android phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know, but my friends and family barely know what is an android phone, so I wouldn't have any friend haha
I have got rid of the 3 dot menu bar which is easy(zip file posted). But trying to remap recent apps was a fail. When I try to remap recent to menu it would affect home button not working so in the zip is the file the original file to remap buttons if you want to take a look and see if anyone here can remap recent to menu. AND eventually me or someone else will figure out long press remaping.
As well I figured out using the GMD Gestures app from playstore, you can create your own gesture and set it to recent apps if you want.
FYI for the 3 dot menu bar removal it requires you to delete the build.prop via recovery file manager than flash. For some reason it wont replace the file. So delete than flash and same with the button remap file in the zip.
THE BUTTON REMAP IS JUST FOR PEOPLE WHO WANT TO LOOK AT THE FILE TO SEE IF THEY CAN FIX.
THE NO MENU FILE IS A FLASHABLE TO GET RID OF MENU BAR.
well to fix the files not being overwritten via the flashable i changed your updater-script to /dev/block/mmcblk0p32 vs /dev/block/mmcblk0p2 but also didn't have any luck on the mod working either..the first time it made my recents button basically do nothing my home button seem to just select things and then backed as usual.. and then i edited the .kl file thinking maybe since you had things things right next to eachother and not on each line it caused a error i just had the menu (3 dots) issue disappear but the recents key worked as usual.. maybe just user error.
lasphyxial said:
well to fix the files not being overwritten via the flashable i changed your updater-script to /dev/block/mmcblk0p32 vs /dev/block/mmcblk0p2 but also didn't have any luck on the mod working either..the first time it made my recents button basically do nothing my home button seem to just select things and then backed as usual.. and then i edited the .kl file thinking maybe since you had things things right next to eachother and not on each line it caused a error i just had the menu (3 dots) issue disappear but the recents key worked as usual.. maybe just user error.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So re-mapping DOES work if you edit the .kl file and fix the typo?
Argumentation said:
So re-mapping DOES work if you edit the .kl file and fix the typo?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no the remapping didn't work once i fixed the typo.. but it did remove the menu from the apps that show it on the bottom of the screen so it half worked..
lasphyxial said:
no the remapping didn't work once i fixed the typo.. but it did remove the menu from the apps that show it on the bottom of the screen so it half worked..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, ok. :good: Also, did it break multitasking?
You might want to check with runandhide about long press remapping:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1681034
He got this working on the evo lte by changing this code:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=26734996&postcount=3
I agree with you that the recent apps button should be menu on tap and recent apps on long press.
str8upx said:
You might want to check with runandhide about long press remapping: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1681034
He got this working on the evo lte.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will pm him and see if he can help with long press.
He fixed long press on home but that is already google now which I like. I'm asking him about long press on recent key.
Actually the modified build.prop is what gets rid of 3 dot menu bar.
What's the reasoning behind making the recent apps button do menu upon tap and actually show recent apps upon long press? That seems logically backwards to me.
Maybe its just because I use the recent apps button more than any other, but it seems like it should be like it is stock and then upon long press show the menu. Isn't that how HTC did it officially on their update to the One?
Obviously its a matter of personal preference - glad to see someone working on this (thank you!) because that bar is driving me nuts haha.
thenickisme said:
What's the reasoning behind making the recent apps button do menu upon tap and actually show recent apps upon long press? That seems logically backwards to me.
Maybe its just because I use the recent apps button more than any other, but it seems like it should be like it is stock and then upon long press show the menu. Isn't that how HTC did it officially on their update to the One?
Obviously its a matter of personal preference - glad to see someone working on this (thank you!) because that bar is driving me nuts haha.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I like it more that way too
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
+1, I like it that way too.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda premium
So if I flash this MOD ... will this just remove the annoying 3 dot menu on the bottom of my phone that comes up on all the screens/apps that I use.
Or am I going to lose the functionality of pressing recent apps, home, back?
whats this MOD do, as is..?
Thank you! I can't thank you enough!
Sent from my HTC Droid DNA
-4ndr01d- said:
So if I flash this MOD ... will this just remove the annoying 3 dot menu on the bottom of my phone that comes up on all the screens/apps that I use.
Or am I going to lose the functionality of pressing recent apps, home, back?
whats this MOD do, as is..?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well since my zip file does not replace files then all you do is delete build.prop via recovery file manager and flash. It won't mess with capacitive buttons unless you deleted that file too but don't so only 3 dots will go away.
thenickisme said:
What's the reasoning behind making the recent apps button do menu upon tap and actually show recent apps upon long press? That seems logically backwards to me.
Maybe its just because I use the recent apps button more than any other, but it seems like it should be like it is stock and then upon long press show the menu. Isn't that how HTC did it officially on their update to the One?
Obviously its a matter of personal preference - glad to see someone working on this (thank you!) because that bar is driving me nuts haha.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably because you have had to long press for recent apps since android cupcake. Its natural.
So if I am following this thread correctly, this WILL completely remove the 3 dotted menu, HOWEVER, we have NO access to getting in to an app menu until the recent button can be remapped. Correct?
BFirebird101 said:
So if I am following this thread correctly, this WILL completely remove the 3 dotted menu, HOWEVER, we have NO access to getting in to an app menu until the recent button can be remapped. Correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes or you can download GMD Gestures app from play store and set a gesture to menu. Thats what I do.
So like mentioned above, the 3 dot menu will be gone and capacitive buttons will work as normal?
and use the GMD gesture app to get into menus of applications?
can we revert this process if something happens. like replace the files it removes.
obviously in a ZIP bc we cant push them with root explorer yet
str8upx said:
Probably because you have had to long press for recent apps since android cupcake. Its natural.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But that was a long press of the home button correct? A lone button dedicated to recent apps functionality wasn't introduced until ICS. Considering the vast majority of general users(not us XDA types), I would argue that most people had never heard of the recent apps feature until el Goog stuffed it down everyone's throat when they shifted into the new 3 button system. I feel like that has become key to the operation of Android and considering the changes from 4.1 to 4.2 Google intends to keep it that way and build around it.
I know this is a mod that really isn't for the general public, but I feel like Google is a smart company. Just browse through their dev guidelines and you can see that they take every single detail into account and invest HEAVILY into finding the best way to operate Android. -I don't feel like this design change was a shot in the dark for them.
Of course, this would all be moot if HTC had decided they weren't 'too cool' for on-screens.
Sorry, ill get off my UX soapbox haha
So there is no 3 dot removal yet? Where does it place it to?
Not an iPhone.....
luke1333 said:
So there is no 3 dot removal yet? Where does it place it to?
Not an iPhone.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is. The mod I posted removes 3 dot but you need to delete build.prop via recovery file manager before flashing because it will flash a modified build.prop.
Also using GMD Gesture app for menu.
At Your Own Risk!!! I Am Not Responsible For Anything You Do To Your Device
So if you are like me you're tired of looking at the gaudy version of a nav bar and soft keys that amazon has come up with. So I started looking around for a way to modify the soft keys to look more like stock android. I may at some point dive into the framework and rewrite portions to do this, but in my search I came across an old method for removing the nav bar altogether. It is a very simple build.prop edit and at the same time adds some screen real-estate. I've confirmed this does work on this device, check out the screenshots below.
How to(rooted device):
1- You will first need a soft key/nav buttons app(once this is done the stock keys will be gone, and kinda hard to navigate without some). I like using Button Savior, it allows you to place the soft keys anywhere around the perimeter of the screen, and has multiple themes you can use. Also if you have the paid version you can change the number and position of buttons
2- Using a file manager navigate to /system/build.prop file
3- Open build.prop with a text editor, scroll to the end and on a new line enter:
Code:
qemu.hw.mainkeys=1
4- Save and reboot.
Now there are ways to do this with launchers but it will not be permanently removed and will still show up in apps.
To get stock keys back just delete the line you entered in the build.prop and reboot
Remove soft keys
onemeila said:
At Your Own Risk!!! I Am Not Responsible For Anything You Do To Your Device
So if you are like me you're tired of looking at the gaudy version of a nav bar and soft keys that amazon has come up with. So I started looking around for a way to modify the soft keys to look more like stock android. I may at some point dive into the framework and rewrite portions to do this, but in my search I came across an old method for removing the nav bar altogether. It is a very simple build.prop edit and at the same time adds some screen real-estate. I've confirmed this does work on this device, check out the screenshots below.
How to(rooted device):
1- You will first need a soft key/nav buttons app(once this is done the stock keys will be gone, and kinda hard to navigate without some). I like using Button Savior, it allows you to place the soft keys anywhere around the perimeter of the screen, and has multiple themes you can use. Also if you have the paid version you can change the number and position of buttons
2- Using a file manager navigate to /system/build.prop file
3- Open build.prop with a text editor, scroll to the end and on a new line enter:
Code:
qemu.hw.mainkeys=1
4- Save and reboot.
Now there are ways to do this with launchers but it will not be permanently removed and will still show up in apps.
To get stock keys back just delete the line you entered in the build.prop and reboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello
Just wanted to say thanks for the above info. It all works great and the extra room on the screen is appreciated. By the way, I am using CM 10 rom on my RAZR M, and it works great there as well. Doesn't work perfectly on the stock RAZR M, although both soft keys and header info (3G/4G-signal strength, etc).are removed as well, but there is a System.UI closing warning. However, it does work on the stock if the added directions are removed from build.prop in text editor, but NO reboot. Otherwise the stock keys return.
Works on 7" KFHD, too. Just set up, very cool. Big thanks
Sent from my rooted Kindle Fire HD
onemeila said:
At Your Own Risk!!! I Am Not Responsible For Anything You Do To Your Device
So if you are like me you're tired of looking at the gaudy version of a nav bar and soft keys that amazon has come up with. So I started looking around for a way to modify the soft keys to look more like stock android. I may at some point dive into the framework and rewrite portions to do this, but in my search I came across an old method for removing the nav bar altogether. It is a very simple build.prop edit and at the same time adds some screen real-estate. I've confirmed this does work on this device, check out the screenshots below.
How to(rooted device):
1- You will first need a soft key/nav buttons app(once this is done the stock keys will be gone, and kinda hard to navigate without some). I like using Button Savior, it allows you to place the soft keys anywhere around the perimeter of the screen, and has multiple themes you can use. Also if you have the paid version you can change the number and position of buttons
2- Using a file manager navigate to /system/build.prop file
3- Open build.prop with a text editor, scroll to the end and on a new line enter:
Code:
qemu.hw.mainkeys=1
4- Save and reboot.
Now there are ways to do this with launchers but it will not be permanently removed and will still show up in apps.
To get stock keys back just delete the line you entered in the build.prop and reboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works fine on my recently re-rooted 7.2.2 - went ahead & sprung for the pro so I could remap the phone key to something useful ("calling home", going to the original home so I can read books. I sometimes forget that's what I originally bought it for).
Thanks.
Sadly, i must say that i detected an issue. Some apps that are coming with an own menu-button lost this button, e.g. Aldiko (app to read books) or google chrome. In chrome, the menu can be accessed with the menu-button that comes with button saviour, but the menu of Aldiko can't be accessed at all.
Sent from my rooted Kindle Fire HD
This will work for me until cm 10 comes out. Confirmed working on Kindle Fire HD 7". This also fixes the issue of the keyboard in landscape mode.
Wow, this is the greatest thing I have done to my kindle yet, make sure to install button savior first or else you are gonna be having a hard time fixing it. Couldnt access my root to change the build prop back to install button savior, luckily i was able to download the apk file on my computer and transfer it over and install it. Set it to appear when i swipe from the right corner...and goes away after 5 seconds..different themes... and alot of options when it comes to using custom triggers. Found a pro version on google, works flawless.
Thanks for the tip, but can I suggest the better looking ltm launcher.
Sent from my KFTT using Tapatalk 2
Nice tip, I used button saviour previously on my HTC Desire and found it to be a great piece of kit, but I've noticed that while using it on my Kindle, particularly in portrait mode, when the button saviour bar is closed there is a flicker lower down the screen which is very annoying. Its as though it repositions itself at the bottom of the screen before closing. I'm using the pro version as well, so it's not got anything to do with that.
For now I've gone back to the default nav bar - it is annoying that there is no autohide for that really as otherwise it does the job. There must be a way to autohide it as some apps do that.
I also had the no menu button problem. I had to go back to stock nav bar till that is figured out..oh well
Sent from my KFOT using Tapatalk HD
rockystar000 said:
I also had the no menu button problem. I had to go back to stock nav bar till that is figured out..oh well
Sent from my KFOT using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can customize it in button savior to make a menu button there are a ton of extras in the settings
Sent from my KFTT using XDA Premium HD app
Yeah i know but with out stock nav bar the menu button doesn't do anything. For instance if i set it up with a menu button on button savior but no nav bar when an app should have a menu button it wouldn't be there any more. The button savior menu button also does nothing when u click it. If the stock nav bar is their however then the button savior menu button works again and it appears in the app again
Sent from my KFOT using Tapatalk HD
rockystar000 said:
Yeah i know but with out stock nav bar the menu button doesn't do anything. For instance if i set it up with a menu button on button savior but no nav bar when an app should have a menu button it wouldn't be there any more. The button savior menu button also does nothing when u click it. If the stock nav bar is their however then the button savior menu button works again and it appears in the app again
Sent from my KFOT using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had noticed this, but not the part about the menu working with the bar there. perhaps we could mod the framework-res.apk to set the height to 0 or something then we would not need to do the qemu.hw.mainkeys=1..
About the file edit?
When I open the file and type the new line in.. It will not let me save it. Is it write protected or something? How do I get past this?
Thanks!
thanks alot for sharing.ill give it a try in my kindle fire hd 7" keep it up and GODBless!
cmullins135 said:
When I open the file and type the new line in.. It will not let me save it. Is it write protected or something? How do I get past this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What file explorer are you using? Some of the text editors dont work on this device. I believe I ended up using root browser.
You're a life saver, man! Couldn't stand the huge bar Amazon thought looked good
Edit: Is there any way to make it so Button Savior automatically acquire super user privileges upon boot, without having to interact with it first?
An unimportant request, but would be pretty awesome
Sent from my KF-HD7
searched, but couldn't find it - but can anyone point me to a method for removing the amazon adds when in lockscreen mode? I can't stand it...! Lol... Thanks in advance!
cmullins135 said:
When I open the file and type the new line in.. It will not let me save it. Is it write protected or something? How do I get past this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you use root explorer, it works perfect - just mount as R/W,and it'll let you save.
cmullins135 said:
When I open the file and type the new line in.. It will not let me save it. Is it write protected or something? How do I get past this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure you mount the s system folder, and make sure whatever text editor you use has super user permissions or it won't save
Sent from my KF-HD7
So ive been search around for a while now on how to fix this. And to anyone that chimes in and says why do you need the menu button obviously you don't use older apps, the new touch button on the screen is a huge annoyance especially since i've used my phones this way since my first S1. Regardless this is how i want it and so do many other people.
Currently this is only for a rooted phone
I have figured out how to remap the left soft key from the App Switcher/Multi window over to the old style menu key. Instructions for that can be found here
But now i don't have any way of switching to my currently open apps, after remapping the left key, the longpress now takes you to search. and long pressing on the home button also takes you to another variation of the search (both i dont use nor want). I want to be able to remap my left softkey on longpress to open up currently open apps (APP_SWITCH) and it would be nice if long pressing on Home could open the Task Manager as it did on my S3.
As far as i can tell editing of the longpress function is done via a Policy edit. Read about that HERE
Keep in mind that post is from 2014 so i have no idea if the internal code is still being handled the same way, i couldn't even find that file on my S6, but i did find a file called SEPOLICY in my root folder using ROOT EXPLORER. Do any of you know more about this and how I can go about changing this? im sure its a code level adjustment. Thanks
Long-press home button can be controlled without root easily.
Check out this app:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spada.nowgesturetweaksfree
I use the long-press home to get to my last used app.
I wonder if I can remap my buttons to launch any other apps.. Will have to tinker around a bit.
Ewww.
@rbiter said:
Ewww.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you have nothing useful to bring to this discussion then please get out
j1635 said:
if you have nothing useful to bring to this discussion then please get out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
very useful. menu for navigation is long long outdate. software nave or 3 dots is the customary way to go. adding a secondary menu button is redudant and unnecessary. my little ewww comment brought a lot to the table. you tryingt to call me out on it is less useful.
@rbiter said:
very useful. menu for navigation is long long outdate. software nave or 3 dots is the customary way to go. adding a secondary menu button is redudant and unnecessary. my little ewww comment brought a lot to the table. you tryingt to call me out on it is less useful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol f off
If you guys use Dropbox, how do you get to the menu with SORT, etc.. without a menu key. This is making me crazy. I'm using nova launcher and there is no floating menu key. ????
The problem is if not every developer uses it, it's inconsistent.
It often helps if the options etc. In apps are on the top, so you don't have to fidget with your phone to reach the top or use two hands.
The menu button on every app is positioned somewhere else, so I find the op wanting it justified.
All in one gestures let's you remap every key, for some odd reason on my s4 I can remap the menu key, but on the S6 for some odd reason the option of the menu key has vanished in the same app:what:
Sent from my SM-G925F using XDA Free mobile app
Hi pal. Hope it helps. Make 254 button remap, then install nova launcher, in tab gestures select long press menu and then recent app. Profit! Now once tapped you have menu button, long pressed - recent apps.
So, i made it, i use it. It works.
j1635 said:
So ive been search around for a while now on how to fix this. And to anyone that chimes in and says why do you need the menu button obviously you don't use older apps, the new touch button on the screen is a huge annoyance especially since i've used my phones this way since my first S1. Regardless this is how i want it and so do many other people.
Currently this is only for a rooted phone
I have figured out how to remap the left soft key from the App Switcher/Multi window over to the old style menu key. Instructions for that can be found here
But now i don't have any way of switching to my currently open apps, after remapping the left key, the longpress now takes you to search. and long pressing on the home button also takes you to another variation of the search (both i dont use nor want). I want to be able to remap my left softkey on longpress to open up currently open apps (APP_SWITCH) and it would be nice if long pressing on Home could open the Task Manager as it did on my S3.
As far as i can tell editing of the longpress function is done via a Policy edit. Read about that HERE
Keep in mind that post is from 2014 so i have no idea if the internal code is still being handled the same way, i couldn't even find that file on my S6, but i did find a file called SEPOLICY in my root folder using ROOT EXPLORER. Do any of you know more about this and how I can go about changing this? im sure its a code level adjustment. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but if i want to change the long press from split screen to menu? how do i find that? will it work the same?
Delphinus3 said:
but if i want to change the long press from split screen to menu? how do i find that? will it work the same?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
look at my Rom.. it needs changes in framework to get that working..and it is working
Alex-V said:
look at my Rom.. it needs changes in framework to get that working..and it is working
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i saw your page.. there are 2 roms i seem to like, yours and EMPORIA but idk who is best. lol i haven't even bought the phone yet but yea the menu button will be missed for me. what i want in a rom? if its based on stock i like it as close to stock as possible (no bloatware), call recording, if there's an option for increasing camera performance thats awesome, better battery life than stock original. that's it basically. and if i only want to root, how can i change menu longpress? i hered theres like a toolbox root app for galaxy devices...
Delphinus3 said:
i saw your page.. there are 2 roms i seem to like, yours and EMPORIA but idk who is best. lol i haven't even bought the phone yet but yea the menu button will be missed for me. what i want in a rom? if its based on stock i like it as close to stock as possible (no bloatware), call recording, if there's an option for increasing camera performance thats awesome, better battery life than stock original. that's it basically. and if i only want to root, how can i change menu longpress? i hered theres like a toolbox root app for galaxy devices...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it's only my personal rom..means it's not made for making any profit or let's say thousands of users..
i think you must try it yourself for one or two days and compare..my is very clean