Does anyone think it would be possible? The widget is nice and clean, telling you the amount of apps running. If it is possible, I'd like to use it in LauncherPro.
Me too (running Galaxy S I9000 though). I had a play around, found I could run it as an 'activity' in LauncherPro, but only running in its own little screen, not as a widget. Had a play around with the apk and some basic dev tools, considered either copying the app but making it a regular widget which could then be installed like any other, or creating a new app that runs the existing activity (like LauncherPro) as a widget. Unfortunately, either I'm not skilled enough or it's not possible (or both - I'm not skilled enough to properly work out that it's not possible ).
Dean-O said:
Me too (running Galaxy S I9000 though). I had a play around, found I could run it as an 'activity' in LauncherPro, but only running in its own little screen, not as a widget. Had a play around with the apk and some basic dev tools, considered either copying the app but making it a regular widget which could then be installed like any other, or creating a new app that runs the existing activity (like LauncherPro) as a widget. Unfortunately, either I'm not skilled enough or it's not possible (or both - I'm not skilled enough to properly work out that it's not possible ).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
didnt know you could do it as an activity, but whats wrong with just holding the home button and clicking on task manager?
djkdawg said:
didnt know you could do it as an activity, but whats wrong with just holding the home button and clicking on task manager?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like most widgets, just being able to glance at the Program Monitor widget rather than open Task Manager is faster, that's all
Good news - I looked into this a while ago and was stumped as per my previous post. Then a couple of days ago I stumbled upon how to properly decompile the widget's apk, which I have now done. Very busy with other work right now, but will look into trying to turn it into a widget that runs on any launcher as soon as I get the chance - hopefully as an easily installable apk file (by recreating the program as a standard widget), but possibly might need to be an update.zip file (modifying the program in /system/app to run as a standard widget). Will post any updates.
That would be awesome - I have been googling this for a while now and I didn't think it was possible to do. Keep us posted!
The same as me ! Keep us posted if any news !
I too would like to get just this running again.
Any word on this? I love the widget.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
bump......
any one know if this is still happening?
jinx8402 said:
Does anyone think it would be possible? The widget is nice and clean, telling you the amount of apps running. If it is possible, I'd like to use it in LauncherPro.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried any of the modded tw launchers from sgs tools?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
anything ever happen here? Got Bionix v1.2 with TW launcher but program monitor is gone. Love to get it back
nothing with this yet? it'd be a great addition to roms.
jdm4u said:
nothing with this yet? it'd be a great addition to roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't believe that i haven't came across this thread but if it hasn't been answered. A port has been created and it's called "Active Apps". Try a search in a market and it should appear.
Well the closest you are going to get it seems is active apps. It's not as fast, and it doesn't show everything (I.E if you hold home and bring up the task manager, it will show your aftermarket launcher as an active app, where Active Apps doesn't show it if it's running on top of it)and it's a little laggy, but you can theme the icon, change colors, it doesn't monitor battery use and change colors but it's still the best you are going to get for a program monitor style app.
http://androidforums.com/application-announcements/306629-app-active-apps.html
On the S2, it seems when you remove an app, the app drawer doesn't re-org it just leaves a gap meaning it has to be manually sorted. Is there a way to automatically sort it other than using the list view?
I also have a similar question to this that I can't find the answer to anywhere..
Basically I have the same problem with around 9 app drawers half filled. I could sit here for an hour dragging each app icon, one at a time, to other app drawers to consolidate them into less drawers but it's very tedious and annoying to do this.
In some apps, I can select multiple icons (such as multiple pictures) and then move them all to another folder, or perform an action on all the selected icons; I can't seem to find a way to do this with my non-rooted SGS2.
I'm trying to find an app that will allow me to set categories and then assign app icons to those categories and then be able to sort all my icons based on the different categories... again, I've not had any success finding an app like that...
...so I've ended up here, on XDA Forums, to ask the people who know more than me.
light487 said:
I also have a similar question to this that I can't find the answer to anywhere..
Basically I have the same problem with around 9 app drawers half filled. I could sit here for an hour dragging each app icon, one at a time, to other app drawers to consolidate them into less drawers but it's very tedious and annoying to do this.
In some apps, I can select multiple icons (such as multiple pictures) and then move them all to another folder, or perform an action on all the selected icons; I can't seem to find a way to do this with my non-rooted SGS2.
I'm trying to find an app that will allow me to set categories and then assign app icons to those categories and then be able to sort all my icons based on the different categories... again, I've not had any success finding an app like that...
...so I've ended up here, on XDA Forums, to ask the people who know more than me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you have let me think 3 options or maybe two...either download appzorter application from the market..that basically will sort all your applications in alphabetical order and also the folders you create. then if you have gaps it will sort that for you as well and fill the empty spaces.
or second option use a different launcher from the market and it sorts the icons and folders for you.
one launcher that lets you organize your apps into categories i think its either nova launcher or 360 launcher..no need to be rooted or anything like that to be able to use those apps. good luck let me know how you guys get on
Thanks, I have the EX Launcher.. but I don't like it because I have to setup the home screen gain and I had trouble finding the same widgets I had on the out-of-the-box launcher.. maybe I will try again one day.. but for now I will have a look at appzorter to solve my immediate annoyances
+1 for Appzorter
Why Samsung didn't include this function is beyond me.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Samsung does. But on Epic 4G which has an auto organized TW4 launcher. I only fine one custo which ported it to our model. But i am not able to make it run on another rom. So bad...
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
light487 said:
In some apps, I can select multiple icons (such as multiple pictures) and then move them all to another folder, or perform an action on all the selected icons; I can't seem to find a way to do this with my non-rooted SGS2.
I'm trying to find an app that will allow me to set categories and then assign app icons to those categories and then be able to sort all my icons based on the different categories... again, I've not had any success finding an app like that...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To add a folder just go to Applications -> Context menu (hardware button) -> Edit -> Add Folder
light487 said:
Thanks, I have the EX Launcher.. but I don't like it because I have to setup the home screen gain and I had trouble finding the same widgets I had on the out-of-the-box launcher.. maybe I will try again one day.. but for now I will have a look at appzorter to solve my immediate annoyances
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have a look in themes and apps. there is a thread there that has modified touchwiz launchers and implemented in the touchwiz there is a modified version of appzorter. have a look there
So here is the idea, a X-Cross Media Bar (XMB) style interface launcher that can be used on android devices, phones or tablets, but I plan on using it on my N7 since I use a Bluetooth keyboard I use for remote desktop and chrome and a pc xbox controller for games from time to time I have been trying to figure out how to make a decent android home screen that interacts like the XMB controls wise but have come up short.
I have found quite a few threads and other pages for stuff like this that has moved nowhere in the past and was hoping you guys might be able to get something in some sort of solution to my desire for a clean interactive interface. The closest thing i have, thanks to one of my friends who first came up with the idea but I have obsessively been trying to find a way to perfect, is using Nova launcher with folders set to tap to open a set app and swipe up to open the folder and a custom icon based off a PS3 theme pack I took the images from all arranged in an XMB style (picture linked) with the Wave Life Wallpaper to give it that PSP/PS3 look.
Basically all I want is an interface that interacts like the XMB, can be controlled either with directional buttons or by swiping across the screen (or tapping the icon of what you want if possible). But the big kicker here is that it has to support each column set acting as a customizable folder, like in Nova, and a standard app drawer where you can see all your apps. I don't even care if this requires xposed, a different launcher, and widgets, I want it and have done everything short of trying to code it myself. (probably not a good idea, I'm a network guy, not a good programmer)
All the pages I have come across in search of the pot of gold:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1104989
http://home.gna.org/gp2xmb/
https://code.google.com/p/xpmb/
http://boards.dingoonity.org/jxd-devices/xmb-launcher-for-android-5891/
The second to last one was a launcher somebody made, and believe it or not runs on 5.0.2, but has some issues and does not really let you change anything. The last Link is an actually functional one but does not allow for much customization.
What I am thinking of is more of a launcher that allows you to create columns for certain things and select which apps fill them like a folder does, allows you to have whatever wallpaper (static, scrolling, live) and has customization options. If somebody out there can program this and get it working I would pay for it. It just seems like such a usable interface for when using a controller, keyboard, or even on a touchscreen as a way different way to have everything organised. Although a standard app drawer would still be nice to avoid having every app in a column and just the ones you frequently use (I basically want an XMB in place of multiple desktops on the home screen)
Just let me know if anybody can help me figure this out.
I've been using this launcher for about a month or so now, and I REALLY love it!! If anyone else likes Windows 10 inspired launchers, this is the best one I've found. It is very true to the name. It looks and operates like Windows 10. There are absolutely NO ADS, or in-app purchases. It has a lot of features, with more on the way. The developers are very friendly, and prompt with their responses. Third party icon pack support is included as well, so you can have the layout you want.
Here's a play store link to the app in case anyone wants to try it out. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.InternityLabs.Launcher.WinX
I have added screen shots showing the home screen and various windows for functions, and options. This launcher does support live wallpapers, I tested that out as well. The live wallpaper I used is about 10 years old, and there were no errors or interruptions to my regular everyday usage. I spend a lot of time on my phone changing my layout and themes, and this works perfectly for that.
Items that have been moved to the recycle bin can be deleted directly from there. There is also a screen shot showing apps that have been hidden from the app drawer. You can resize the app drawer as well.
Changed my theme
Nova launcher used to be (arguably) the best free Android launcher - until now - so what's better?
Unfortunately, the day after Branch Analytics acquired Nova launcher, it grew in size by 150% (8MB to 12MB) without anyone noticing that "something" huge (but as yet unknown) is going on inside of the previously venerable Nova launcher.
So now, I, like anyone else who is logical, is in the market for a new "best Android launcher" app APK.
But which Android app launcher replaces the venerable Nova free APK?
Mostly what I loved about Nova was that the homescreen could be organized by any grid - or no grid (see screenshot example below).
What best launcher do you recommend to replace Nova [now that Nova was sold out and as such, it has (apparently) gone over to the dark side]?
I take you're on a Samsung device?
One UI shreds Nova on my N10+; faster and uses less battery even has some features Nova lacks. It's missing a trick or two that Nova can do. One UI is rock solid stable on my device, no issues.
After a 3rd party launcher boot looped me twice, back to back over 2 years ago I stopped sampling them One UI won.
blackhawk said:
I take you're on a Samsung device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. But I've been using Nova free launchers since the dawn of time on Motorola, LG, and other phones - simply because Nova did what nobody else could do - which was allow me to place any icon on any grid or no grid at all.
But now that Nova went over to the dark side - it's time for a new "best launcher" that works for more than just one brand of phones.
blackhawk said:
One UI shreds Nova on my N10+; faster and uses less battery even has some features Nova lacks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With batteries being five amps and more nowadays, I don't have any problem going days without a charge, but it's interesting you say that you found that one launcher uses more battery than another.
I've never tested how much battery power two different launchers use. But I've done a lot of battery power testing over the years.
The fact is that you can only use one launcher at a time - so it would be hard to test two of them side by side given only one can work at any given time frame on any one phone.
Sure you can test two launchers with two exact same phones side by side, but did you really run a test that detailed to conclude what you did?
Given that practical problem set, how could I tell if one launcher used more battery than another?
blackhawk said:
It's missing a trick or two that Nova can do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Besides putting icons on any grid (or no grid at all), what I next like best about Nova is I set up EVERY phone in the house, for years, with the same well-managed set of apps and icons.
Motorola
LG
Nexus
Samsung
They ALL have the same homescreen.
For years and years and years.
Note that what you do on a computer never changes so the organization of the homescreen never changes.
Does the Samsung OneUI launcher save a backup file to be used on any brand of phone?
Nova launcher easily saves a backup file which is imported into the new phone. It's TRIVIAL to re-install all the apps in the EXACT same place from the old phone to the new phone, even when you move from an LG phone to a Samsung phone.
There's no way any Samsung launcher could possibly do that, right?
blackhawk said:
One UI is rock solid stable on my device, no issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My only experience with One UI is that I originally saw it when I got a handful of Samsung Galaxy A32-5G phones from T-Mobile for free.
I didn't like it at all but maybe it does the two most important things that Nova free does?
1. Put any icon on any grid (or no grid at all), and,
2. Save a backup file of the homescreen to load onto any other device
Note that this backup file includes all installed apps in the location that they are installed in - which - for me - is important since EVERY app icon is placed in an EXACT location for a reason.
There's a third thing I love about Nova free launcher but I don't know if it's part of the launcher or part of Android 12, which is:
3. Place a widget INSIDE any folder on the homescreen
Is THAT last feature of being able to resize a widget and then place it INSIDE a folder on the homescreen part of Android 12 or Nova launcher? (If it's part of Nova, then can One UI do that too?)
blackhawk said:
After a 3rd party launcher boot looped me twice, back to back over 2 years ago I stopped sampling them. One UI won.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have nothing against One UI because my only experience with it was that it was the first launcher I saw when I received my free Samsung phones from T-Mobile and the last Samsung I had was about ten years or so ago (the S3) but what I asked on the Samsung groups what apps from Samsung were worth getting just about a month ago.
Is there any app in the Samsung Galaxy Store worth the login requirements?Note the screenshots show you can resize widgets and then place those resized widgets INSIDE folders on the homescreen.
That homepage is way too busy and not AMOLED friendly at all.
In 24 hours this is what One UI used...
One UI supports folders which are a lot better than burning up pixels. Over time this will happen. I rotate my icons, folders and widgets to spread out the wear. The icon packs are red for a reason, red pixels have the longest lifespan, blue the shortest. No wear if a pixel isn't light and it's easier on your eyes.
I'm not too concerned with backup. I want a clean load if I have to factory reset to avoid doing another one. The current load on this phone is over 2yo and running strong. I keep a screenshot to help with setup. SmartSwitch will preserve some homepage settings but it can also cause issues.
Apex Launcher Classic, get the PRO and Apex Notifier.
You can use ancient Launcher and Icon packs, I've kept many old Apex Themes from 2013 and on, and they all still work with the latest Apex Classic.
Offers the same features as Nova.
Its clean.
I understand you are looking for a FREE launcher, but with the launcher being so integral to your device experience, maybe thats the one app you should be prepared to pay for.
I have been using what I think is the most powerful and customizable launcher. Not only does it do the few things you mentioned:
Put any icon on any grid (or no grid at all), and,
Save a backup file of the homescreen to load onto any other device
Note that this backup file includes all installed apps in the location that they are installed in - which - for me - is important since EVERY app icon is placed in an EXACT location for a reason.
Place a widget INSIDE any folder on the homescreen (yes thats launcher specific)
So it does ALL what you listed (i know its a quick list), but also (among many MANY other things..)
Folders inside folders, inside folders.... and widgets n deep in the folder structure
Any widget can be Resized, Scaled (Different to resize which I think is more on the widget to resize itself), Rotated, transparency, Skewed (think parallelogram), positioned to a decimal pixel position
All visible (or even hidden transparent hot-spots) have complete control of the event (eg start ab app, start a script etc) or I *thinik* even multiple actions (I dont use that feature)
All items covered by 3 above also have short AND long press events (Tap, Long Tap, Swipe Left, Swipe Right, Swipe up, Swipe down) I personally have transparent hot-spots (on top of other widgets that respond to their default tap), that I swipe uy[p on to turn on AUID and down to turn off AOD. I also have a long press on my navigation, which turns on GPS, Bluetooth (to connect and call handsfree), starts my music player, starts playing the music and finally starts the Navigation app ready to navigate.
Lots of visual effects such as shadow of the text
Control of the Font, Size, position/offset
"Reflections" on the icons, as if they are hovering above a crystal clear pool/puddle of water
You can have/add code to make your own things. There is an example out there how to add a analogue clock simply with code. Well beyond any of my needs.
and on and on and on...
My personal experience is, if you can imagine it, then there is a way to do it. I have been using it since gingerbread, and as I upgrade device and/or ROMs, I use the backup / restore to get the launcher config started. NB: The private widget data/config doesn't come across in the launcher backup, but a "fallback" image/placeholder is show, reminding you of how you previously had it set up. So although there is a steep learning curve, and with ALL the different options/function can take some time to set up how you want, a lot will transfer onto your next device or ROM. But since its a paid app, you can only run it on one device at a time.
Now, the thing to REALLY take note of, the default set-up on first install is utter TOTAL rubbish ,and so are the preview/demo images on the PlayStore. It really is a case of "if you can imagine it, you can do it"
Oh, and the launcher is called "Lightening Launcher Extreme"
The following are some screen shots I qui8ckly snapped, but the actual config is of course very personal. And because its so customizable, I can do things others will hate I just quickly flashed through the screens I personally use the most in set-up, but didn't scroll through anything or ensured I got everything that is beyond the screen and there are many more options/features I dont use; or even know about.
Part of the problems Nova is having maybe the same that ones Samsung is having dealing with scoped storage and other changes starting with Android 10. I have 2 N10+'s, one still running on Pie, the newer one on 10. The look and behave almost identically except the Android 10 has a 100 or more small Samsung system apks.
I prefer Pie because it's easier to troubleshoot and provides better functionality for trusted apps. I don't even want to see what 11, and especially 12/beta 13 look like. Maybe it's not so much Nova but rather Android that has turned to the dark Apple side...
imonxda said:
Apex Launcher Classic...
Offers the same features as Nova.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that suggestion of the Apex Launcher to replace the functionality of the Nova free launcher, specifically:
a. Place homescreen folders on any grid, or no grid at allb. Export homescreen and import into ANY brand of phonec. Resize widgets and place widgets INSIDE folders
Assuming the free version of the Apex Launcher is this one...
Apex Launcher by Android DOES teamFree, contains ads, contains in-app purchases, requires GSF,rated 4.2 out of 354K reviews with 10M+ Downloads
That sucks in terms of requiring GSF (Nova free doesn't spy on us with GSF, and no app should ever need to use GSF calls) and requiring ads (again, Nova free doesn't have any ads and no launcher should, IMHO); but unfortunately, the description on the Google Play Store doesn't say whether Apex Launcher can do the three most important things that I feel ANY "best" launcher should do (see above).
Bear in mind there are a billion app launchers, where there's a good REASON Nova free was almost universally hailed as the best out there.
If Branch Analytics didn't take over TeslaCoil software, I wouldn't even be LOOKING for a better app launcher... (sigh)... but no free app launcher with ads and lack of privacy can possibly be on the list of the "best" there is.
That's just impossible (IMHO of course).
No app can be the "best" if it has ads and if it sucks out your privacy.
BTW, I know full well what I'm asking is NOT an easy question to answer... otherwise I'd have found the answer already, but I do appreciate the suggestions.
In order to be "better" than Nova free, it can't be worse.
GalaxyA325G said:
Thanks for that suggestion of the Apex Launcher to replace the functionality of the Nova free launcher, specifically:
a. Place homescreen folders on any grid, or no grid at allb. Export homescreen and import into ANY brand of phonec. Resize widgets and place widgets INSIDE folders
Assuming the free version of the Apex Launcher is this one...
Apex Launcher by Android DOES teamFree, contains ads, contains in-app purchases, requires GSF,rated 4.2 out of 354K reviews with 10M+ Downloads
That sucks in terms of requiring GSF (Nova free doesn't spy on us with GSF, and no app should ever need to use GSF calls) and requiring ads (again, Nova free doesn't have any ads and no launcher should, IMHO); but unfortunately, the description on the Google Play Store doesn't say whether Apex Launcher can do the three most important things that I feel ANY "best" launcher should do (see above).
Bear in mind there are a billion app launchers, where there's a good REASON Nova free was almost universally hailed as the best out there.
If Branch Analytics didn't take over TeslaCoil software, I wouldn't even be LOOKING for a better app launcher... (sigh)... but no free app launcher with ads and lack of privacy can possibly be on the list of the "best" there is.
That's just impossible (IMHO of course).
No app can be the "best" if it has ads and if it sucks out your privacy.
BTW, I know full well what I'm asking is NOT an easy question to answer... otherwise I'd have found the answer already, but I do appreciate the suggestions.
In order to be "better" than Nova free, it can't be worse.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, absolutely correct, Apex Launcher DOES NOT have all the features your looking for, but AndroidDOES has brought back the Classic launcher (I'm assuming because of popular demand) it is called Apex Launcher Classic - this is FAR superior to the new-ish Apex Launcher. BTW, some of the best features of Apex Classic are unavailable without the paid Pro but most features work with free version.
As for privacy concerns, you can use something like My Android Tools Pro, it will tell you exactly what an app like Apex is doing behind the scenes and it gives you control over all hidden activities. https://www.myandroidtools.com/ it has been kicked out of Google play store, I don't know the reason, but I've been using this app for years, I have never seen any evidence of malware in it, and it has revealed the spying, reporting activities, and ad activities of all other apps I use and I can actually STOP these activities, I trust it.
It takes a bit of getting-used-to, but it works great once you do (get used to it). Some advice, check the About in settings for automatic detection of newly installed or updated apps feature, and check the Apps tab at the bottom, then select any app and then tap "see all component info", this is really helpful and easily overlooked feature.
@DiamondJohn That's a cool Launcher I've never heard of, I will certainly check it out
GalaxyA325G said:
Nova launcher used to be (arguably) the best free Android launcher - until now - so what's better?
Unfortunately, the day after Branch Analytics acquired Nova launcher, it grew in size by 150% (8MB to 12MB) without anyone noticing that "something" huge (but as yet unknown) is going on inside of the previously venerable Nova launcher.
So now, I, like anyone else who is logical, is in the market for a new "best Android launcher" app APK.
But which Android app launcher replaces the venerable Nova free APK?
Mostly what I loved about Nova was that the homescreen could be organized by any grid - or no grid (see screenshot example below).
What best launcher do you recommend to replace Nova [now that Nova was sold out and as such, it has (apparently) gone over to the dark side]?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Love Niagara launcher
Pear Launcher - Apps on Google Play
Download Pear launcher — a launcher designed for performance and customization.
play.google.com
Just started using this app and it's pretty good so far