I was using a HTC tornado, after long used hardware keys start giving problems. I thought a fully touch phone with no depending on hardkey is my future solution and Android is more or like iPhone or more better. So, I choose this Tattoo small and beauty Android phone.
But why it is so much depending on this 'back' and 'menu' hardkeys for its operation???? Why the android developing team did not include some other alternative?? like some gestures or small icons??
I hope they consider this case in future releases.
thacen said:
I was using a HTC tornado, after long used hardware keys start giving problems. I thought a fully touch phone with no depending on hardkey is my future solution and Android is more or like iPhone or more better. So, I choose this Tattoo small and beauty Android phone.
But why it is so much depending on this 'back' and 'menu' hardkeys for its operation???? Why the android developing team did not include some other alternative?? like some gestures or small icons??
I hope they consider this case in future releases.
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Click to collapse
Because, how would you press a home icon when the appilication has frozen, and also, why not have buttons to accept/reject calls instead of pressing buttons on the screen (like the iPhone)?
I'm sure you can figure it out...
Ill have to agree with thacen on this one. I hade an artemis which in the long run had hard buttons problems. Only thing that made it still useable was that winmo doesnt depend on hard buttons. I think the android people should think about that. Im not saying the buttons should be eliminated, as coburn said they are useful. But we should have an alternative with not using the hard buttons, even if this means soft reset the device when an app freeze if the home hard button does not work anymore.
Actually, I think Android has a feature like the iPhone built-in. If someone is calling you and you get "Incoming Call", try tapping the grey box that has the android in it. It may work.
Euh I have onscreen answer/reject buttons dont you? ... we were mostly refering to closing apps etc. There is basically no onscreen close buttons.
Related
Okay, I've searched as best as I can, but I haven't been able to find information that helps. Is it possible to map the end key to a program like the Touch?
I've tried setting up the Long_End.lnk shortcut but it didn't work. I'm just hoping that the keyboard driver supports it, but I'm kinda doubting it since the Touch's keyboard driver is probably quite different (seeing as the Touch doesn't HAVE a keyboard).
If it isn't possible easily, is there a way that isn't so easy? Maybe changing the keyboard driver to the driver of another phone?
If there really isn't a way to do it natively in Windows, is there a key expander program that would work? I installed HButton, but it won't let me remap the End key.
Also, I'm running DCD 3.2.6 with Radio 3.42.50.
http://ae.inc.ru/aebplus.php
AE button plus does it. Just checked for you on my phone. I know it doesn't work with the camera button, but it works for everything else. I love that program.
very cool program. I like that I can set it up so a long press brings up the HTC End Key app and three presses locks the phone.
Ba da ba ba baah, I’m Lovin’ It....
mscreations said:
very cool program. I like that I can set it up so a long press brings up the HTC End Key app and three presses locks the phone.
Ba da ba ba baah, I’m Lovin’ It....
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Click to collapse
that is one of the first programs I install each time I flash. The titan has so many buttons, but I've mapped them ALLLLLL. What the hell will I do when I get the Touch pro with less buttons?
Total agreement on AE Buttons. Wonderful program.
I also agree on the "more buttons" thing, not less. Any complex OS is gonna have a large number of options and programs... it's just life. If ya want simple, then don't get a smart phone!
Given the complex nature of OS's these days, it just doesn't make sense to me that continue to REMOVE buttons that help us get where we want to go quickly.
RedRamage said:
Total agreement on AE Buttons. Wonderful program.
I also agree on the "more buttons" thing, not less. Any complex OS is gonna have a large number of options and programs... it's just life. If ya want simple, then don't get a smart phone!
Given the complex nature of OS's these days, it just doesn't make sense to me that continue to REMOVE buttons that help us get where we want to go quickly.
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Click to collapse
It looks prettier with more screen real estate.
1999TL said:
It looks prettier with more screen real estate.
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Click to collapse
Well, that's fine IF they were using the extra space for a bigger screen... or perhaps it's better to say it would be more acceptable if they where making a bigger screen. But they ain't doing that is most cases!
I am excited to use my TMOUS device except several small issues. Some of them already fixed here (thanks this forum), but some irritates me (especcially whole device is excellent). One of this is middle hard button ( I mean that "back arrow"). My opinion is its most useless key I saw. It will must better to use this as a comprehensive Task Manager or Task Switcher. But this ONE STEP BACK(!!)... Stupid! I can't find any decision in internet to correspond this button to useful function, except AEButton-software, but I don't like this so artificial way, which running on memory and fishing all button events. Anybody knows other solving?
i use the back button maybe a hundred times a day in opera. faster than calling opera out of fullscreen to hit the soft back button.
i havent heard of any other way to change it than by using aebuttons, sorry.
samsamuel said:
i use the back button maybe a hundred times a day in opera. faster than calling opera out of fullscreen to hit the soft back button.
i havent heard of any other way to change it than by using aebuttons, sorry.
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Click to collapse
You Sir, deserve a +1 rep (if this board would have allowed it )
You saved me a lot of screen taps
chvvkumar said:
You Sir, deserve a +1 rep (if this board would have allowed it )
You saved me a lot of screen taps
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Click to collapse
heh no worries. The one drawback is that if you hit a link that opens in a new tab, and then hit the back hard key, it drops you back to manila home (although opera is still running, just switch back to it) because there is no 'back' for that tab, so it assumes you mean to go back to home.
However you soon get used to it and it happens less and less.
samsamuel Thats good, but its not enough for device with only 5 hardware buttons (except volume control) to have only one programmable button for user friendly functions. I guess professionals in this forum can help us to establish full control for these buttons!
MYermakiov said:
samsamuel Thats good, but its not enough for device with only 5 hardware buttons (except volume control) to have only one programmable button for user friendly functions. I guess professionals in this forum can help us to establish full control for these buttons!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you search around, you will find apps to do just that.
MYermakiov said:
I am excited to use my TMOUS device except several small issues. Some of them already fixed here (thanks this forum), but some irritates me (especcially whole device is excellent). One of this is middle hard button ( I mean that "back arrow"). My opinion is its most useless key I saw. It will must better to use this as a comprehensive Task Manager or Task Switcher. But this ONE STEP BACK(!!)... Stupid! I can't find any decision in internet to correspond this button to useful function, except AEButton-software, but I don't like this so artificial way, which running on memory and fishing all button events. Anybody knows other solving?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use the back button every time I use my phone in every program. how is a back button not a good idea?
The Back arrow button functions as close app button my Euro HD2. Initially I used to think that it's just allowing me to step out of an application back to the previous screen / app that I was in, but after checking the task manager periodically, I realised that this button actually closes my apps.
Are you guys sure it's not doing the same with your T-Mo edition?
The right-click function mentioned in the topic would be an amazing feature to have in any android build. Being able to hold down on the screen for a second to bring up the menu is invaluable. Not to mention the amount of stress it would save on the Windows button..
Now this is only a request for the development of an idea I had for the current android builds. I do not expect anything to be done about it, only taken into consideration. If the work involved is too heavy and difficult to manage, then it doesn't have to be done. There are already MIUI builds that somewhat incorporate this idea.
whats wrong with pressing the windows button?
Some people have it in theur minds that pressing the keys too much will break them. Don't see why, if that happens you can't just buy a new set of keys from eBay to replace them...
Sent from my HTC HD2 using Tapatalk
Personally, I'd like to see someone develop a way of using the hardware keys to control the touchscreen. I'm really worried that, because of Android, I'm using my touchscreen more than it was designed for and I'm going to break it.
lol, yeah these people who break the hardware keys are obviously pressing them to hard or something. My HD2 is second hand, ive used it very often with the keys and they still work fine.
The keys are there to be pressed, its as simple as that.
have you seen software key panel app;http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=865525
it brings in the screen 4 software button that emulate the hardware button
no need to press anymore the hardware button
if you search in the thread you will find some very good skins for this great app
Stom said:
Personally, I'd like to see someone develop a way of using the hardware keys to control the touchscreen. I'm really worried that, because of Android, I'm using my touchscreen more than it was designed for and I'm going to break it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it is easier to break hardware buttons by too many times pressing them instead of break touchscreen from pressing
many people like me have broke their buttons because of the need that android have of them
clio94 said:
have you seen software key panel app;http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=865525
it brings in the screen 4 software button that emulate the hardware button
no need to press anymore the hardware button
if you search in the thread you will find some very good skins for this great app
it is easier to break hardware buttons by too many times pressing them instead of break touchscreen from pressing
many people like me have broke their buttons because of the need that android have of them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that was dripping sarcasm from his part.
maff1989 said:
The right-click function mentioned in the topic would be an amazing feature to have in any android build. Being able to hold down on the screen for a second to bring up the menu is invaluable. Not to mention the amount of stress it would save on the Windows button..
Now this is only a request for the development of an idea I had for the current android builds. I do not expect anything to be done about it, only taken into consideration. If the work involved is too heavy and difficult to manage, then it doesn't have to be done. There are already MIUI builds that somewhat incorporate this idea.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android already uses long-click in a lot of situations, I'm not sure how your idea would be able to co-exist with that.
StephanV said:
Android already uses long-click in a lot of situations, I'm not sure how your idea would be able to co-exist with that.
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Click to collapse
That's true. Although, my idea was to ADD a long-click/right-click function to, say, the Browser app. Instead of long-clicking a link, picture, etc, you could long-click the page and bring up the options menu for the Browser app, not necessarily just links, pictures, etc.
maff1989 said:
my idea was to ADD a long-click/right-click function to, say, the Browser app. Instead of long-clicking a link, picture, etc, you could long-click the page and bring up the options menu for the Browser app, not necessarily just links, pictures, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That could not be done on a system-wide basis. Every single app would have to specifiy what part of each screen brings up the "right-click menu" and what should be on that menu.
If they were going to do that, they'd have done it already. And that is what the menu button is for.
I've just read/watched the Engadget review.
I'm sold on the device. My concern is around the hardware keys. I much prefer hardware keys to software keys because the SW keys eat up so much of the on-screen real estate, and they also push the keyboard higher and make it harder to reach.
That being said, it seems by dropping the menu key, HTC has taken a step backwards after they mapped the legacy menu key to the HW menu key in recent versions of the One X / X+ build in Sense 4+. From what I've read, the legacy menu is back.
This is *bad* and has me thinking about another direction (although there doesn't seem to be a great device like the One - don't think the S4 will be anything interesting unless they've been setting up a smokescreen!).
I run an alternative launcher because I dislike Sense (other than the Camera!), but it won't solve the missing HW key / legacy menu.
Thoughts?
The two button layout doesn't bother me too much. I removed the soft keys on my Nexus 4 and use PIE so if I can function without any buttons, I'm sure I'll live with two. As for the legacy menu thing, that's an odd on HTC's part. Granted, apps should be updated to have proper menu button support, but it's something I can live with.
The removal of long press back remapping was/is probably a bug, I'm sure it will be back
idk about everyone else but i will root and flash my device just like every other phone ive had. with that we will be able to do almost what we want personalization wise. how long will we have to wait is the question.
eg1122 said:
The removal of long press back remapping was/is probably a bug, I'm sure it will be back
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Click to collapse
Agreed. I heard about this early on but it's not being mentioned in reviews. If nothing else HTC will cave to peer pressure like in the HOX. Long press on back is a passable solution - particularly if we can also get the in-app menu button too.
Otherwise the other idea being thrown about (by non technical people) is if the kernel can be modded to recognise the HTC logo as a button - given that the touch panel should extend over that as well. No idea how possible this is and I presume it couldn't be done until kernel source is out.
M.
Only two buttons doesn't bother me either, i only have one on my iphone!
I'm actually cool with just 2 button too. I rarely use my menu button on my mt4g. I do everything with just the home button and back button. Also rather have capacitive buttons instead of hard buttons.
Sent from my HTC myTouch 4g using xda premium
I use the multitasking and menu options quite a bit, thus my concern
I also use the menu button quite a bit.
I am sure once we get used to it, it will be like anything else and heck, we might even like it more. Who knows till we get to play withem...
Sent from a galaxy far away!
Is it possible to activate soft buttons by editing build.prop on HTC Sense roms ?
CreepyDroid said:
Is it possible to activate soft buttons by editing build.prop on HTC Sense roms ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess. It's possible on TouchWiz, so I guess you can add a line in the build.prop in Sense too.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2
My main goal would be to deactivate the hardware buttons and go completely nexus wise.
| Back - Home - Recent (small menu button when needed) |
Are stock on screen buttons smart enough to activate the additional menu button when needed?
Also... can long press software home button activate google now?
mickliq said:
I use the multitasking and menu options quite a bit, thus my concern
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So do I but a long press of the button to bring up the multi tasking menu is hardly a dealbreaker for me. Could prove to be annoying though. Time will tell I guess!
Sent from my XT925 using xda premium
^ I don't mind long-press for multi-tasking (it's what I am using today); the issue is that you can't have home, multi-tasking, Google Now and Legacy menu all on one key! I've been seeing some comments about long-press back used but the legacy menu really needs to be a single-press.
Dun recall where i read it, but the home key on double tap brings up multi tasker and on long press can b configured for google now or menu key. Thats acceptable to me.
I do prefer the 3 keys on my hox, but i realize that htc had to make a compromise to accomodate the logo. The logo could not have been placed elsewhere on the front without adding to the height of the phone.
In the end, its not a big issie and we will get used to it. Moving from 4 keys on dhd to 3 on the hox wasnt pleasing to me in the beginning, but adapted soon.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
i think its great, i never used the other two buttons anyway.
I don't like the hardkey. It feels different to press than a softkey. It takes longer to press and takes me out of my rythm. Therefore I tend not to use it as much (have built some alternate shortcut gestures into my launcher and my Notification Toggle setup).
Also from what I have seen softkeys last longer than hardkeys... the softkeys have no mechanical parts to wear out.
The whole thing bugs me, but I think I'd feel better if I understood WHY this design decision was made...
So can anyone explain the ADVANTAGES of having a hardkey home button?
electricpete1 said:
I don't like the hardkey. It feels different to press than a softkey. It takes longer to press and takes me out of my rythm. Therefore I tend not to use it as much (have built some alternate shortcut gestures into my launcher and my Notification Toggle setup).
Also from what I have seen softkeys last longer than hardkeys... the softkeys have no mechanical parts to wear out.
The whole thing bugs me, but I think I'd feel better if I understood WHY this design decision was made...
So can anyone explain the ADVANTAGES of having a hardkey home button?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I prefer a hard key for the exact opposite of what you said.
BTW, why do you own a S4 ???
The day I cant buy an Android phone with a real home button will be the day Ill switch to something else.
Switching from the straight talk galaxy S2 to the S4 took me a bit to get use to as the S2 didn't have a hard key.... but I like the hard key better.... I think its more of a personal preference than anything
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
I miss the HTC Amaze.. Power, camera, and volume were the only buttons on the phone.
I miss the smooth glass home button at the bottom of the screen between the menu and back buttons
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
Softkey takes screen real estate, but, will relocate landscape to portrait. When a major crash occurs softkey will not work. Softkey is more suscptable to accidental presses.
Hardkey has a completely different tactile feel.
This is one of many reasons why I prefer Samsung to Nexus. Each to their own.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium HD app
I love being able to wake the screen with the menu button. This is much easier when using a case.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
First of all, welcome to the late party.
Second, I hated the hard key also.
Now though, I love the fact that I can "feel" the key without looking for it.
Guess I'd rather have a capacitive key still, but it would need to be a raised button that I can "feel".
Didn't we do this thread like nine months ago?
About fourteen times, back to back threads?
I like the hard key as well. I can turn on the phone using it
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk
bennyboy78 said:
I like the hard key as well. I can turn on the phone using it
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Click to collapse
It's amazing how there is no one feature that can please everyone.
I actually have that option disabled on my phone.
Drives me nuts because everytime I pick up my phone, I'd accidentally press that button and the phone would turn on. Or when I wipe down my screen, I'd hit that button and with the next wipe, I'd unlock my phone and inadvertently open an app or something. hahah
CZ Eddie said:
Didn't we do this thread like nine months ago?
About fourteen times, back to back threads?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, that's about 90% of the threads in this particular forum now.
My bad. I'm new to S4. I didn't search but got the whim to express some frustration in what I thought would be a light-hearted conversational thread. Not the best decision in retrospect. Next time I'll do that on the Off-topic Cafe thread when I get that urge.
I think a big plus of using both a hard key and the touch sensitive keys (I really dislike the soft keys taking screen real estate, if they disappeared for full screen applications, I'd be more supportive – but I digress) is just being able to feel where the touch sensitive keys are without having to look at the phone. Long live the hard key