Overview
Plasmalite is a suite of handy things for Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+/Note8 devices, designed to make life easier. Originally started as a simple project to input the corresponding navbar button via swiping up, it has grown exponentially since then. Plasmalite is a hybrid design; consisting of both an app, and a shell backend dubbed the “PlasmaCore.” The app’s user-interface is divided into modules. Each module has its own screen that is accessible via the pullout-menu that runs along the left side of the app.
Features
Root not required
Designed exclusively for the S8, S8+, and Note8
Some features may work better with a bigger (wider) screen
Adds a total of over 105 customizable triggers (SwipeUp: 35 + SideSwipe: 10 + SideSqueeze: 9 + TopTap: 12 + Bixit: 11 + HardPress: 10 + AOD: 6 + General: 12)
Individual vibration control for almost all triggers
Can operate without accessibility services (back and recents will take longer to press, so this is not recommended - see FAQ question below for more details)
If enabled, only the bare minimum accessibility services are requested. Plasmalite only needs this to issue the command to “press” Back, and Recents because unlike the Home button, they have no hardware equivalent. This means it doesn't cause lag.
Works in Secure Folder (when auto-grant accessibility services is enabled)
Designed to reduce false positives by detecting the acceleration of your swipe. This means a slow swipe up won’t do anything, thus allowing you to open a hidden navbar, etc.
A multitude of shortcuts to make life easier (more detail in the following sections)
Works best with the navbar hidden or removed (via 0px mods found elsewhere)
Make better use of your screen - gives you added screen real-estate, since toggling the status bar can be done with one easy gesture. As a result, it also helps prevent AMOLED burn-in in those areas.
No ads. Ugh, I hate ads.
REQUIRES your ability to run a command via ADB
What can it do?
SwipeUp (left, center, right, left-left (diagonal), left-right (diagonal), center-left (diagonal), center-right (diagonal), right-left (diagonal), right-right (diagonal), center wide-press, 2-fingers up left side, 2-fingers up home, 2-fingers up right side, 1-finger up both sides, left corner (either corner can be set to automatically switch to Input Method Chooser while the keyboard is open), right corner, both corners, corner horizontal swipe left, corner horizontal swipe right, 3-fingers up, double-tap bottom edge when screen is on to power off)
SwipeUp & Hold adds more functionality (long-hold – left, center, right; longer-hold – left, center, right; longest-hold – left, center, right; bump swipes – left, center, right)
SwipeUp High adds even more (swipe up to at least the middle of the screen – left, center, right)
SideSwipe adds swipe-in gestures to the right side of the screen (Swipe Up - fast, slow; Diagonal Swipe Up Left - fast, slow; Straight Out Swipe Left - fast, slow; Diagonal Swipe Down Left - fast, slow; Swipe Down - fast, slow)
SideSqueeze adds the ability to squeeze the sides (Normal Squeeze - While Screen On, While Homescreen Open, While Camera Open, While Lockscreen Open, While Screen Off; Long Squeeze - While Screen On, While Homescreen Open, While Camera Open, While Lockscreen Open)
TopTap offers functionality to the top of the screen (double tap status bar – left, center, right; long-press status bar – left, center, right; swipe down a side – left, right; swipe across radius – left, right; swipe across top – left, right; 3-finger swipe down turns screen off)
Bixit remaps the bixby button (normal press, long-press, longer-press, longest-press, panic press, double-tap, triple-tap, instant press, and camera mode)
HardPress is only for users without navbars, who therefore have lost the stock ability to use the hard press area while the screen is on. (hardpress, hardpress & swipe (left, left-up (diagonal), swipe up, swipe right-up (diagonal), swipe right), hard press & hold (long, longer, longest), hard double-press)
Always-On Display customization (left of AOD widget, right of widget, above widget, on widget, below widget, home button area)
Double-tap to wake via the AOD features just mentioned
Automatic Autorotation
Low Battery Shutdown
HoldDown actions – These special actions can do something when first triggered, and then reverse it when you release. Eg. turn on the flashlight when 4-fingers are down, then turn it off when you let go. Or, open the status bar and close it when you release.
A variety of other gestures, as found on the [General] tab, such as: power button long-press; power button double-press; home button long-press; power button + volume down; 4-finger tap anywhere; wide-tap anywhere; open the hidden status bar with one swipe; 3-finger swipe down from the top of the screen will turn it off (works best when the status bar is hidden); automatic autorotation; double-tap on the lockscreen; 3-finger tap on the lock screen; automatically start an app (and optionally press “play”) when headphones are plugged in; passive fingerprint sensor gestures; rolling the volume buttons with your thumb will input tracknext/trackprev.
Where do I get it?
Plasmalite is available via direct download from pocketdevelopers.com. It is not available at this time on the Play store due to uncertainty over Google’s restrictions on apps that use accessibility services, and specifically the violations that could arise from that. There is also concern that it would be inundated with bad reviews from people who do not understand that ADB is REQUIRED. However, should it end up on the Play store at some point, anyone who purchased it via PayPal will be entitled to a free code to redeem towards the store version.
Plasmalite comes with a 7-day trial, during which time all features are unlocked. This allows you to thoroughly test and see if it suits your needs. Once the trial has ended, all features will be locked except for the following:
3 basic SwipeUp zones (left, center, right)
Low battery shutdown
SwipeOff
Fingerprint gestures
Full licenses may be instantly purchased for $5 USD via PayPal. In addition to unlocking all features, you will also be entitled to all future updates of Plasmalite for your device series (as explained in the FAQ). Once the transaction has completed, you will be emailed a license key that can be used on any compatible devices of that series. The key is in the form on a text file that can be saved in your default download directory, or the root of internal storage. From that point Plasmalite will find it and apply it as soon as the app is opened. You can then delete the key - but save the email in case you need it again.
How do I install it?
Currently Plasmalite only officially supports Android 7.x (Nougat). However with this version stable, work on Oreo compatibility will promptly begin.
Install the APK as usual, once that is done the app will provide instructions on how to start the backend (aka "PlasmaCore") via ADB. If you don't have ADB installed on your computer, or don't know how to use it, that is beyond the scope of this guide. There are many, many tutorials on various forums and YouTube with instructions on how to do this - it's very easy!
Due to its powerful design, the core must be started via ADB once PER BOOT of your device. This is because it needs to run at the ADB user-level, which cannot be ascended to via an unrooted device by itself. It can only be started with a computer using the ADB command. However once started, this “spark” can be maintained for as long as your device is running – Plasmalite (both core and/or app) can be fully updated without needing ADB again. But once your device reboots for whatever reason, the PlasmaCore will be unable to start until you issue that ADB command again. This may be a deal-breaker for some, but for others (like myself) who only reboot once every few weeks, it is only a minor inconvenience - especially compared to how helpful Plasmalite is.
Is there anything I should know?
The PlasmaCore is a separate ~2 MB file that is downloaded when you first run the command via ADB.
The core is updated separately from the app. In the future it may become part of the apk.
Starting the core will also automatically grant WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS and READ_LOGS to the app. These are needed for the app to function. There is no need for you to grant these manually.
What if I have a 0px navbar mod installed, and the PlasmaCore isn’t running because I rebooted or my battery died?
Plasmalite was originally only intended as a way to make the buttons on the navigation bar easier and quicker to access, but it is also ideal for use in situations where you have no navbar at all (eg. 0px mods, or other apks you can install to remove the navbar completely). Unfortunately, this presented a very bad scenario: what if you rebooted away from a computer, and now had no way to input back, home, or recents? Fear not!
Since Plasmalite normally needs the PlasmaCore to be running, special consideration and development has gone into providing a simple fail-safe should you need to reboot your device while away from ADB. Should the PlasmaCore not be running, Plasmalite will seamlessly switch over to a rudimentary set of 3 actions along the bottom – Recents | Home | Back (or whatever you have the three main zones set to on the [SwipeUp] tab). By default Plasmalite starts on boot, so this will ensure that don’t end up without a way to navigate. During this time a notification will be displayed reminding you to start the core via a computer to enable normal functionality. To be clear, almost no other functions will work until the core is started.
Upcoming features (in no particular order)
Make daily update check optional
Make a better action chooser (it’s just a list now, the ability to assign a custom app is coming)
Oreo support
Where can I get help? Or report a bug?
You can reply to this thread, use the official Google group, or paid users may send an email. If you would like to report a bug, or request a feature, click here and create an issue in the system.
What if I am rooted?
You can still use Plasmalite, however for some there still may be no way for you to start it without a computer. Results have been varied - so far an Exynos S8+ user rooted via Magisk has had success with the button the [Extras] tab.
Can I disable all Bixby-related packages and still use Bixit?
Yes. Bixit does not need any Bixby packages or services to be running in order function.
Tell me more about Accessibility Services
It is common knowledge that granting accessibility privileges to some apps will introduce lag throughout an Android system. However, not many people realize that apps can request varying levels of feedback. For example, an app can request to be notified when window content changes, or when lists are scrolled, or when things are tapped. Depending upon what is requested, a LOT of data can be generated, and that is what causes the lag.
Plasmalite requests nothing. This is because Plasmalite needs nothing. In this case, declaring the accessibility service is just a formality for being able to “press” recents, back, appswitch, and screen split. This can be confirmed when you grant accessibility privileges and Android shows you what Plasmalite has requested. As a result of not asking for anything other than the bare minimum, there is no lag or stutter. It is recommended to enable and use accessibility services (Command Mode: 3) to enjoy near-instantaneous “presses.” Otherwise, “Direct” mode takes about 1 second.
Hopefully future versions of Android will provide a way for apps to request only the ability to press virtual buttons, and then Google won’t have to accuse developers of abusing the entire Accessibility Services system.
What is the future of Plasmalite?
I have devoted many months of time into the development, testing, and dog-fooding of Plasmalite. Spending over 1,000 hours and countless all-nighters thinking of new features, teaching myself Java, implementing them, using them for long periods of time, then tracking down and fixing the inevitable bugs. It is my first app, and has been my passion-project for quite some time. I have every intention of maintaining Plasmalite. I do not anticipate losing any functionality, but however unlikely it may be, it is a possibility if Samsung changes certain things.
One of my primary goals is to earn enough money to finance the purchase of more devices for development, such as an S9+, and eventually other devices such as a Pixel 2, etc.
Should Plasmalite evolve beyond the S8 line, current plans are to license per device model/series. Eg. S8 series (S8, S8+, Note8), S9 series (S9, S9+, Note9), Pixel 2 series (Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL), etc. Given the broad spectrum of capabilities Plasmalite offers, the technical overhead to adapt between devices is quite substantial. It is not as simple as just tweaking an APK to add support for more devices. For example, various gesture apps go months, or even years, without updates. By comparison, Plasmalite requires work nearly every week. I have been internally developing Plasmalite for months now, with work being done almost every single day. But I find development to be satisfying, so thinking of and implementing new features is something I gravitate towards when I have any free time.
Given how late into the S8 series’ lifetime it now is, anyone who purchases a license for the S8 series will be entitled to a free license of their choosing in the future. To clarify: if you support me today and in a few months you upgrade to an S9 (or Pixel) device, as soon as there is an S9 (or Pixel) version of Plasmalite you will be entitled to it for free.
XDA:DevDB Information
Plasmalite, Device Specific App for the Samsung Galaxy S8+
Contributors
ffolkes
Version Information
Status: Beta
Current Beta Version: 1.015
Beta Release Date: 2018-02-26
Created 2018-02-12
Last Updated 2018-02-26
Reserved
Reserved
testing
Can it do like the IPhone X borrowed actions possible on the latest Oxygen Os?
Sent from my Samsung SM-N950F using XDA Labs
oh my god thanks paypal not work in turkey money send method please ?
---------- Post added at 07:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:35 PM ----------
adb command ?
EMJI79 said:
Can it do like the IPhone X borrowed actions possible on the latest Oxygen Os?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think so. I am not familiar with those gestures, but from what I read it should be possible.
hasanben35 said:
oh my god thanks paypal not work in turkey money send method please ?
---------- Post added at 07:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:35 PM ----------
adb command ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure what you're asking. As for your license, PM me your "Support code" from the About tab.
thanks paypal not work turkey money send ?
Seems promising!
Do you propose a swipe up from the middle then back down like for example for the notification tray to appear?
Sent from my Samsung SM-N950F using XDA Labs
Hey, I'm on he note 8, is there anyway to have the plasma core, to stay installed after reboots?
Thank you ?
oh my god awesome program thanks big man
EMJI79 said:
Seems promising!
Do you propose a swipe up from the middle then back down like for example for the notification tray to appear?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That should be possible using SwipeUp & Hold's "Bump Swipe" feature.
Ferbee said:
Hey, I'm on he note 8, is there anyway to have the plasma core, to stay installed after reboots?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately the core stays running in the background, so it must be started each time, unless you are rooted.
Great to see this released
You didn't post a link in your beta thread linking to this one. Many people should be interested.
Sent from my Samsung SM-N950F using XDA Labs
ffolkes said:
That should be possible using SwipeUp & Hold's "Bump Swipe" feature.
Unfortunately the core stays running in the background, so it must be started each time, unless you are rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm rooted and I've donated for the full version as well, I'm rooted with magisk, but it seems that the "Force start plasma core (root)" doesn't work for me. I check the status afterwards and nothing has changed...
And do would it be better to instead have the installation in a magisk module? Just a thought ?
Question if i buy the full version. When this app gets released on play store do i need to purchase it again? Also is this app for the s8 or note 8 only? Can i use it for other phone that uses a navbar?
Where can i download this app
J4CKI3 said:
Question if i buy the full version. When this app gets released on play store do i need to purchase it again? Also is this app for the s8 or note 8 only? Can i use it for other phone that uses a navbar?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is explained in the first post. You can use it on as many S8/S8+/Note8 devices as you want. If I put it in the Play store, you will be entitled to a free version of it.
[email protected]¥ said:
Where can i download this app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The download link is in the first post.
Ferbee said:
I'm rooted and I've donated for the full version as well, I'm rooted with magisk, but it seems that the "Force start plasma core (root)" doesn't work for me. I check the status afterwards and nothing has changed...
And do would it be better to instead have the installation in a magisk module? Just a thought
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for your support! Last I heard someone with Magisk was able to successfully start the core. I'll ask them if there was anything special they did. I am unrooted, so I can't test myself.
ffolkes said:
Thank you very much for your support! Last I heard someone with Magisk was able to successfully start the core. I'll ask them if there was anything special they did. I am unrooted, so I can't test myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait just to make it clear... I can use the "Start plasma core (root)" as a substitute for adb yeh?
And also I don't know if this should work or not buuut...
If I use terminal emulator to run the 'p' file (with root perms) it also doesn't do anything....
I don't know if that should be possible or not, but it isn't ?
Thank you, you've changed the way I use my device and I love it ??
Ferbee said:
Wait just to make it clear... I can use the "Start plasma core (root)" as a substitute for adb yeh?
And also I don't know if this should work or not buuut...
If I use terminal emulator to run the 'p' file (with root perms) it also doesn't do anything....
I don't know if that should be possible or not, but it isn't
Thank you, you've changed the way I use my device and I love it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be able to use it instead of adb, yes. And it should also be possible via p. I'll PM you something to test. And thank you so much for the compliment! I'm so glad what I've been working so hard on has proved useful for others!
Hi there, I hope this is the right place where to post this.
I'm not an expert at coding and I am struggling a lot with this issue I have.
I have an autistic child and since they have sensory issues he likes to set the brightness to its maximum level on his tablet,
he does the same with the sound but let's face the brightness issue now.
I'd like to have the chance to remove the brightness slider from the notification shade so that he cannot change it too easily.
On his previous tablet, unfortunately it has died, I managed to install a CyanogenMod Rom which had this option,
his new tablet is a HONOR Pad 8, I couldn't find any CyanogenMod Rom and since it's new I'd really like not to mess around with it for now.
I cannot really undestand how it is possible that such a useful and easy option is missing on stock roms,
the number of disabled people and children that could benefit from this kind of settings option is huge and they are completely neglected.
Is there any way to hide the brightness slider from the notification shade or lock its value?
Thank you in advance.
Alex
n3551 said:
Hi there, I hope this is the right place where to post this.
I'm not an expert at coding and I am struggling a lot with this issue I have.
I have an autistic child and since they have sensory issues he likes to set the brightness to its maximum level on his tablet,
he does the same with the sound but let's face the brightness issue now.
I'd like to have the chance to remove the brightness slider from the notification shade so that he cannot it change too easily.
On his previous tablet, unfortunately it has died, I managed to install a CyanogenMod Rom which had this option,
his new tablet is a HONOR Pad 8, I couldn't find any CyanogenMod Rom and since it's new I'd really like not to mess around with it for now.
I cannot really undestand how it is possible that such a useful and easy option is missing on the stock roms,
the number of disabled people and children that could benefit from this kind of settings option is huge and they are completely neglected.
Is there any way to hide the brightness slider from the notification shade or lock its value?
Thank you in advance.
Alex
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your options may be grim.
First off - you cannot remove the brightness slider without using a custom rom.
However there might be a fix for the volume controls - which will disable the volume controls, using Button Mapper. It's on the Google Play Store, however not sure if it'll work though.
webhook said:
Your options may be grim.
First off - you cannot remove the brightness slider without using a custom rom.
However there might be a fix for the volume controls - which will disable the volume controls, using Button Mapper. It's on the Google Play Store, however not sure if it'll work though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your reply.
I have found out how to change volume or brightness levels via ADB commands but I couldn't find a command to lock those values, maybe it's not possible I don't know.
I can assure you that there are lot of people who need to lock volume and brightness, disable the uninstall shortcut by long pressing apps icons, lock phone's settings via the app lock option...
All of this is missing on the stock ROMs and it's really unbelievable.
I think every parent would be willing to pay to benefit of such features.
There are many useless accessibility options available but these obvious ones are missing, I would like to know how to raise awareness about this issues with the official Android developers.
In the meanwhile I hope someone else could suggest me a workaround.
Thank you again
Alex