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Is it me or does having the soft keys eat up a strong 1/4" of the screen negate the larger screen?
I have used the program to auto hide them but every time I type a text they pop up and take be back, home or wherever depending on how I have the layout set.
In addition, the text messaging viewable area is smaller given these keys and continually hides the last messages.
Something tells me I am not going to get used to not having a physical home key and off screen menu and back keys.
Thoughts / Opinions?
Have you considered re-sizing them? G2 Xposed can do that if I remember correctly, and if you're on an AOSP-based rom Gravity Box can do it if that functionality is not included in the ROM. You can make them quite small, which may look a tad strange at first but in terms of actual use I think it's completely natural, considering any off-screen buttons would be below the screen anyway. I currently run them at about half height, and you can pretty easily get away with even less than that if you wanted to. I used to prefer hardware keys as well but in time I grew to like soft keys. I like how you can try all sorts of different sizes, button combinations and button layouts, to the point that I have even used soft keys of phones that did not initially have them. Try some different sizes and setups before giving up on them altogether.
DHM078 said:
Have you considered re-sizing them? G2 Xposed can do that if I remember correctly, and if you're on an AOSP-based rom Gravity Box can do it if that functionality is not included in the ROM. You can make them quite small, which may look a tad strange at first but in terms of actual use I think it's completely natural, considering any off-screen buttons would be below the screen anyway. I currently run them at about half height, and you can pretty easily get away with even less than that if you wanted to. I used to prefer hardware keys as well but in time I grew to like soft keys. I like how you can try all sorts of different sizes, button combinations and button layouts, to the point that I have even used soft keys of phones that did not initially have them. Try some different sizes and setups before giving up on them altogether.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Kindly.
I had been searching for something like this but for whatever reason didn't find it.
Love the call quality on the phone and this may just be the answer
The soft keys also keep the size of the phone down. Otherwise it would be a butt hurt Note 3 . This phone is a perfect size.
What app are you using to hide them? I'm using GMD Auto Hide.. The paid version. I never accidentally bring up the software icons while texting. Did you know you can adjust the area that triggers the software keys? I have mine set to a tiny area across the bottom of the screen.
Sent from my LG-LS980 using xda app-developers app
Also currently enjoying GMD auto hide PRO
Sent from my LG-LS980 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
is that possible the Soft Keys to change smaller???
profeet said:
is that possible the Soft Keys to change smaller???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
READ, man.
DHM078 said:
Have you considered re-sizing them? G2 Xposed can do that if I remember correctly, and if you're on an AOSP-based rom Gravity Box can do it if that functionality is not included in the ROM. You can make them quite small, which may look a tad strange at first but in terms of actual use I think it's completely natural, considering any off-screen buttons would be below the screen anyway. I currently run them at about half height, and you can pretty easily get away with even less than that if you wanted to. I used to prefer hardware keys as well but in time I grew to like soft keys. I like how you can try all sorts of different sizes, button combinations and button layouts, to the point that I have even used soft keys of phones that did not initially have them. Try some different sizes and setups before giving up on them altogether.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
UDN Pro
I'm using Ultimate Dynamic Navbar Pro to hide the navigation bar. It takes some getting used to, but now I wouldn't have a phone without it.
You can set different triggers to show/hide the nav keys, I prefer sliding at the bottom of the screen to show the keys. With this you can also customize your buttons in many ways; glow effect, key color, keys sizes, fade effect and so on.
There's a free version available on Play Store, so give it a try.
Then there's pie to...
Or what I do, is:
Root (of course)
Download "texDroider" from the Play Store to change the DPI from 480 (default) to 400. Reboot. Enjoy MOAR SPACE
If you want to actually resize the NavBar to make it thinner:
Download the TWRP Recovery image using your phone that is designed for your version model
Download "Flashify" from the Play Store and select the TWRP Recovery file you downloaded (Probably in the "Downloads" folder on your Storage)
Reboot
Then look in the Development threads for a NavBar size mod, download the MEDIUM or SMALL. I use Medium with 400 DPI, else I'd use Small with 480 DPI
Reboot into TWRP and flash the NavBar Mod.
Rejoice
OR
Search for, and download, XPosed APK file from XDA, then install the APK
Search for and download the XPosed G2 Settings Module, then install the APK
Launch XPosed, enable the G2 Settings Module, resize NavBar
OR Hide them as previously said but I don't much care for this. It gets annoying pretty quick IMO. I move around too quick to require extra taps or swipes to go back or home.
The only reason I want to upgrade from an S3 right now, to either the S4 or the G2, is due to the larger screen size. The N3 is a little big so it seems these two are the only logical options.
I upgraded from the Galaxy nexus to the S3 purely due to the fact that it did not WASTE screen real-estate on black and white static icons. Frankly that is the absolute stupidest use of the screen there is. Samsung has it right by continuing to keep the buttons off screen.
So, the only way the G2 fits the bill (for probably many people) is if one of the following two solutions can exist:
1. The nav bar is totally transparent. The buttons still register when you tap there, but when browsing or watching video, the frame or text completely spills behind the buttons as if they don't actually take up space. Still not ideal.
2. The buttons are taken off screen fully and remapped to the rear HW keys. One volume key can be the back button, and the other can be the home button, etc. To change the volume, you gotta drag the software slider. Not a problem. I believe there are many button remapping apps in the market. Anyone tried this?
Is there an app to do these things? Can this feature be built into a ROM? For solution number 1, the nav bar can be hidden using a feature like PA has, and an app can just have a virtual transparent button floating where the original ones were. This app might also just exist in the android market.
Can we work on getting the entire screen area useful on this large phone?
k00zk0 said:
The only reason I want to upgrade from an S3 right now, to either the S4 or the G2, is due to the larger screen size. The N3 is a little big so it seems these two are the only logical options.
I upgraded from the Galaxy nexus to the S3 purely due to the fact that it did not WASTE screen real-estate on black and white static icons. Frankly that is the absolute stupidest use of the screen there is. Samsung has it right by continuing to keep the buttons off screen.
So, the only way the G2 fits the bill (for probably many people) is if one of the following two solutions can exist:
1. The nav bar is totally transparent. The buttons still register when you tap there, but when browsing or watching video, the frame or text completely spills behind the buttons as if they don't actually take up space. Still not ideal.
2. The buttons are taken off screen fully and remapped to the rear HW keys. One volume key can be the back button, and the other can be the home button, etc. To change the volume, you gotta drag the software slider. Not a problem. I believe there are many button remapping apps in the market. Anyone tried this?
Is there an app to do these things? Can this feature be built into a ROM? For solution number 1, the nav bar can be hidden using a feature like PA has, and an app can just have a virtual transparent button floating where the original ones were. This app might also just exist in the android market.
Can we work on getting the entire screen area useful on this large phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same mentality as you before deciding on the G2. There is a solution.
You will have to ROOT first.
GMD Auto hide app. This app will completely hide the software keys. They only appear when you swipe up from the very bottom of the screen.. or just tap the very bottom of the screen. You chose that in settings. The software keys can be made transparent as well.
Im currently using the app and love it. Works perfectly.
Without root... i dont think there is a solution.
I just use the navbar mod that shrinks the navbar down to either half or a third of the size. That way they take up hardly any screen at all.
Sent from my LG-D802 using xda app-developers app
o0adam0o said:
I had the same mentality as you before deciding on the G2. There is a solution.
You will have to ROOT first.
GMD Auto hide app. This app will completely hide the software keys. They only appear when you swipe up from the very bottom of the screen.. or just tap the very bottom of the screen. You chose that in settings. The software keys can be made transparent as well.
Im currently using the app and love it. Works perfectly.
Without root... i dont think there is a solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used the Xposed Module - Ultimate Dynamic Navbar (available on play store). Looked to have more customization options than GMD (can have up to 7 buttons on the nav bar, for example, and more options for configuring long press of the buttons). But anyway, overall concept is the same as GMD.
And so far, i am loving it. Nice to have the full screen real estate at all times.
And root is so damn easy on this phone.
Big Boy Laroux said:
I've used the Xposed Module - Ultimate Dynamic Navbar (available on play store). Looked to have more customization options than GMD (can have up to 7 buttons on the nav bar, for example, and more options for configuring long press of the buttons). But anyway, overall concept is the same as GMD.
And so far, i am loving it. Nice to have the full screen real estate at all times.
And root is so damn easy on this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I considered Xposed as well... but i thought that method just let you adjust/resize and theme the soft buttons.. but i wanted to completley hide them and have them reappear with a touch/swipe of my finger and then go away again. Xposed can do that as well? I just took a quick glance at the thread and figured it couldnt.
o0adam0o said:
I considered Xposed as well... but i thought that method just let you adjust/resize and theme the soft buttons.. but i wanted to completley hide them and have them reappear with a touch/swipe of my finger and then go away again. Xposed can do that as well? I just took a quick glance at the thread and figured it couldnt.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The xposed module Ultimate Dynamic Navbar can do all that.
it's on play store, but i just found it here on XDA. Note to self - remember to ALWAYS check xda first before you pay! although, i like the app so far, so it's worth the money.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2270198
EDIT : One note - on the G2, I've found you have to use another Xposed module (like g2 xposed or gravity box) to hide the stock nav bar first. At least right now.
I'm already using G2 xposed to remove the volume slider in drop-down, and for transparent status bar, so I already had it to make this change.
I love the software buttons because you can customize them and have various animations and actions. I agree with the wasted space but I root and download "tex_Droider" from the Play Store and change the DPI down from 480 to 400. This will make everything smaller and more roomier... including the Nav Bar.
Then I downloaded Flashify and TWRP Custom recovery. Flashed with Flashify.
I downloaded a Smaller Nav Mod. I used the "Medium" size since I already lowered the DPI. You can use the small size too if you want it really small. Boom.
I've played with hiding the navbar and using gestures and also that PA mod. I dunno just doesn't work for me. I use those buttons a lot and adding a swipe each time is a pain. Personally I wouldn't mind just having a transparent bar across ALL apps.
With ya player911, wound just using small nav bar. Wish I could add a couple more apps to the stock home swipe out.
With the G nexus I've tried making the nav bar about half. It worked except for the occasional mis-tap. Still it was annoying to have it cover up screen - on top of all of these options, can the nav bar be made transparent? I figure apps would have a hard time realizing what's going on so a solution would go something along the lines of first removing the nav bar to make every app draw full screen, and then adding a module that would create false transparent buttons simply overlaying the screen content at all times, rather than having a swipe or some other gesture pull the nav bar up or down. The false buttons could be in the very corners of the screen so as to not likely cover anything up.
The thing I like about the S3/4 is in dark conditions where you are being more tactile with the phone/case (I turn my softkey backlight off totally) your thumb rests on the edge of the case and rolls over to tap the softkey. It wouldn't be an issue to get used to the position of this virtual softkey by adopting the same behavior, it's just a matter of whether an app exists that will draw repositionable virtual transparent mappable "area" on the screen that would correspond to a button.
Don't think you're going to find one. Every app/game is different, so who is to say that where you place your "always there" transparent buttons won't interfere with an actual area you need to tap inside an app, game, etc. Even in the corners.
I would again suggest trying the auto-hide mods mentioned above. They do exactly what you are describing with the overlay, except you have to swipe or tap to bring it up.
Swiping is really not that big a deal. Ultimate dynamic navbar gives you the ability to swipe right to a button, so your finger never has to come off the screen. It's very fluid.
You could also try PIE. But what I like about the auto hide nav bar mods is that you can set the nav bar to toggle, so it stays up if you need to press nav bar buttons a bunch of times in a row. With PIE (at least when I last used it), you have to swipe for every button press.
Sent from my LG-LS980 using xda app-developers app
Hello everyone! I just got a brand new Galaxy Note 4 (Exynos) coming from a Galaxy S4. The "new' left softkey now triggers the Recents app instead of being a Menu (Options) key and that makes me sad. I'm not much of a multi-tasker, I'm not going to use it often, but I do like using the Options key in Chrome, picture galleries and basically everywhere since it's easier for me to reach it. I know most apps now have the "three dots" menu, but it's usually very high on the screen (hard to reach on a Note 4) and it's also non-intuitive. One can just press the left soft key with eyes closed, while you need to precisely see where you click if using app's "three dots". So I discovered that if I "hold" the left soft key, it would actually bring the Options menu, but I would like to swap the behavior. One press = Options, Hold = Recent.
I'm on a stock Kitkat 4.4.4 now, running ART, fully rooted. Can someone post(make) a CWM/TWRP .zip to address this problem?
PS: I tried to search for such feature here on the Themes and Apps section, but couldn't find a solution.
Thanks!
Look here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2646304 and here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2337229 I think that the logic is the same, look if there are similarities.
Yay, thanks! Indeed in "/system/usr/keylayout" there was a file called "Generic.kl" and inside of it #254 was called "APP_SWITCH". I changed that to "MENU", restarted and... the button now acts like a Menu key, just like on my old Galaxy S4. For some reason the "hold" function of this key changed to "S Finder" (a search app) and I would like to make it "APP_SWITCH" in order to fully accomplish my goal of swapping those two functions, but still I think now it's a little bit better since I really care more for the Option key, especially on this big screen where reaching the "three dots" menu in upper right corner is not that easy.
Remap buttons with "xposed additions"
Obviously, you need xposed installed.
ctrlaltdeln said:
Remap buttons with "xposed additions"
Obviously, you need xposed installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I've heard somewhere about that, but I don't like Xposed to be honest. I don't live running lots of background processes and Xposed is a whole fremework.
ZeroCGTI said:
Yeah, I've heard somewhere about that, but I don't like Xposed to be honest. I don't live running lots of background processes and Xposed is a whole fremework.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not as bad as one would think.
Alot of them you could greenify(greenify can function as a xposed module or a stand-alone app), like Wanam.
Also, modules like greenify and boot manager would save you resources and would probably even-out with the resource demands of the framework.
IMO, Xposed is an absolute must-have for a device that's efficient, customized, and blazing fast.
Maybe. Still last time I checked it wasn't available for Samsung TouchWiz based ROMs on Lollipop. And I'm considering the opportunity to step up to the Lollipop upgrade finally and it won't be compatible anyway. I mean I surely can install it now, but I don't like the idea of getting used to it since I won't be able to use it once I upgrade to LP.
I think that you must change menu to app_switch
When the Google Pixel C tablet was updated to Android 6.0.1, it had a slight change on the navigation bar. The back and home buttons were placed on the bottom left side of the screen, while the recent apps button is on the bottom right. I think the change made navigation and usage of tablets easier. Unfortunately, the change was only present on the Pixel device.
Could anyone help me how to make the navigation bar look like from Pixel C's, on my 6.0.1 (CM13) device? I have issues with Xposed, so I cannot use it. Thank you.
Is it possible to change the diagonal gesture from Google assistant to something else?
I really like gesture navigation, especially because of screen space, and there's no minimize function in the 3 button navigation which isn't great.
Anyway, would be great to modify the gesture or somehow add the minimize functionality to the 3 button navigation.
MyNameIsEarlB said:
Is it possible to change the diagonal gesture from Google assistant to something else?
I really like gesture navigation, especially because of screen space, and there's no minimize function in the 3 button navigation which isn't great.
Anyway, would be great to modify the gesture or somehow add the minimize functionality to the 3 button navigation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been using a Magisk module to hide the swipe gesture bar entirely on mine, and had previously used 3 buttons as well (using the gesture because then floating Gboard has more room and no forced space on the side for 3-buttons even when hidden) via "Fullscreen/Immersive Gestures (Q-S), have it set to fully hide the gesture bar, and have been relying on "Xposed Edge Pro" for my actual gesture navigation and customizing of it, since I've changed my Moto G Power 2021 into a Watch (modified build prop to force landscape even by system apps and more ). So have Riru and Lsposed naturally via Magisk as well. Just some ways to pull that off.
Onoitsu2 said:
I have been using a Magisk module to hide the swipe gesture bar entirely on mine, and had previously used 3 buttons as well (using the gesture because then floating Gboard has more room and no forced space on the side for 3-buttons even when hidden) via "Fullscreen/Immersive Gestures (Q-S), have it set to fully hide the gesture bar, and have been relying on "Xposed Edge Pro" for my actual gesture navigation and customizing of it, since I've changed my Moto G Power 2021 into a Watch (modified build prop to force landscape even by system apps and more ). So have Riru and Lsposed naturally via Magisk as well. Just some ways to pull that off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome!
Which version of riru works with edxposed?
I've tried a few and can't get edxposed to find any of them when installing.
EDIT:
I just noticed you said you installed Lsposed, got it installed successfully and i'm going to be checking out xposed edge pro, thanks a lot!
EDIT 2:
For those wanting a step by step to accomplish this. Not sure exactly how you got yours setup @Onoitsu2, but this way works for me.
First enable 3 button navigation (search navigation in settings)
Install "Xposed Edge" from here, enable it in Lsposed, reboot.
Xposed edge | Xposed Module Repository
repo.xposed.info
Enable the gestures in Xposed Edge, definitely at least a home gesture, a back gesture, and maybe a recent apps gesture. If you do not do this before the next step, you may have to restore a backup.
Note that gestures from the bottom of the screen will not work when the keyboard is open, so I created a back gesture from the side of the screen like the stock one. Then you can tap back to close the keyboard, other things could be used too, like a toggle soft keyboard among others I'm sure.
Then follow this guide.
[MOD][Magisk] Disable Navbar For 3rd-Party Navigation Gestures
If you're like me, you like using a 3rd party navigation gesture app with the navbar hidden. In Android 11, google disabled wm overscan which makes it difficult to hide the navbar. Luckily, it's possible with Magisk and a little bit of...
forum.xda-developers.com
Now your relying only on the Xposed Edge module, and it's awesome!
Thanks @Onoitsu2
For some reason, my system UI keeps restarting, usually after I unlock my phone. Does that happen for you using Xposed Edge?
It only seems to happen when I use my fingerprint to unlock.
MyNameIsEarlB said:
First enable 3 button navigation (search navigation in settings)
For some reason, my system UI keeps restarting, usually after I unlock my phone. Does that happen for you using Xposed Edge?
It only seems to happen when I use my fingerprint to unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would recommend enabling the gesture nav actually, as with the 3 buttons enabled, you actually lose screen real estate from invisible sections it keeps there in gboard and other keyboards as well, if you use the Android gesture nav it opens up that space as it seems to read that state in the gboard app and honors it, even if hidden or not it still gives the room. But then that "Fullscreen/Immersive Gestures (Q-S)" Magisk module, run through the console it has you answer questions. Once you have Xposed Edge set up right, you can use that to fully hide the Android gesture nav, and get full screen space overall.
As for your crashing system UI, it sounds like you may have the double tap gesture enabled still for your power button. When I rooted, I think that is the only thing that I lost access to, just stopped working, but reader itself worked fine. I did have some issues when I left that option on in Settings, with System UI being dumb at times as I think it tried to trigger it but would not work properly. Just a thought, since I've come to use Xposed Edge and the shortcut panel instead, much more feature rich than the stock panel.
Onoitsu2 said:
I would recommend enabling the gesture nav actually, as with the 3 buttons enabled, you actually lose screen real estate from invisible sections it keeps there in gboard and other keyboards as well, if you use the Android gesture nav it opens up that space as it seems to read that state in the gboard app and honors it, even if hidden or not it still gives the room. But then that "Fullscreen/Immersive Gestures (Q-S)" Magisk module, run through the console it has you answer questions. Once you have Xposed Edge set up right, you can use that to fully hide the Android gesture nav, and get full screen space overall.
As for your crashing system UI, it sounds like you may have the double tap gesture enabled still for your power button. When I rooted, I think that is the only thing that I lost access to, just stopped working, but reader itself worked fine. I did have some issues when I left that option on in Settings, with System UI being dumb at times as I think it tried to trigger it but would not work properly. Just a thought, since I've come to use Xposed Edge and the shortcut panel instead, much more feature rich than the stock panel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome thanks for the tips.
I tried installing the full screen gestures module but I couldn't figure out how to disable the assistant gesture. I don't remember exactly, but I thought it only asked to disable the back button gestures, however I wouldn't doubt that I'm wrong ther on that. I'll have to reinstall it and try it the way your describing here.
MyNameIsEarlB said:
Awesome thanks for the tips.
I tried installing the full screen gestures module but I couldn't figure out how to disable the assistant gesture. I don't remember exactly, but I thought it only asked to disable the back button gestures, however I wouldn't doubt that I'm wrong ther on that. I'll have to reinstall it and try it the way your describing here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used that module to not only alter the gestures, but turn that gesture nav fully off, hiding it entirely relying only on Xposed Edge Pro for navigations on my device actually. No System UI crashes here, nor other quirks that way like keyboard going dumb and not permitting swiping from bottom (be sure you look at Xposed Edge's settings and tweak them, it's worth it messing versus defaults)
Onoitsu2 said:
I used that module to not only alter the gestures, but turn that gesture nav fully off, hiding it entirely relying only on Xposed Edge Pro for navigations on my device actually. No System UI crashes here, nor other quirks that way like keyboard going dumb and not permitting swiping from bottom (be sure you look at Xposed Edge's settings and tweak them, it's worth it messing versus defaults)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just reinstalled it a bunch of times and you do get a lot more options if you choose immersive instead of Fullscreen.
It seems that no matter which options I choose and regardless of whether or not you use the 3 button or gesture system navigation, there's still a tiny black bar on the bottom of the screen.
The black bar is in exactly the same place as it is during boot. When compared to the top of the screen which goes all the way to the top, the bottom bar still has a little part of unused space.
Did you manage to extend the screen all the way to the bottom, as it does with the top of the screen?
It's definitely extended more, but it would be awesome to get the entire screen space.
On a side note, do you know if there's a way to force all apps to be completely fullscreen and go all the way to the very top with the status bar hidden?
When I hide the status bar and turn it into landscape mode with the status bar hidden, I do get to use the full space in the app readera for example, but when using it in portrait mode, the space just goes unused despite checking off all apps to go around the camera whole in settings. For example, Firefox doesn't use the full space at the top of the screen, even with the status bar hidden.
MyNameIsEarlB said:
On a side note, do you know if there's a way to force all apps to be completely fullscreen and go all the way to the very top with the status bar hidden?
When I hide the status bar and turn it into landscape mode with the status bar hidden, I do get to use the full space in the app readera for example, but when using it in portrait mode, the space just goes unused despite checking off all apps to go around the camera whole in settings. For example, Firefox doesn't use the full space at the top of the screen, even with the status bar hidden.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried in multitasking list, tap on app's icon, it has a pullout of options that show like Full screen and if enabled split screen as another. That is the only thing I've used to make it fill up that upper notch area the camera is housed in. Mine is set to (Developer Options > Display Cutout) Device default. You want yours set to Hide to use the full space as often as possible I believe.
If you're on A11, When you go to Settings > Display and tap Advanced to expand the menu, do you have an option labeled "Full Screen" ? From there you can choose the apps you'd like to run full screen, of course this assumes the app is compatible and capable to do so.