Database Users

Complete replacement for Samsung apps

Seeing as the Samsung apps are pretty crappy I thought I'd come up with a list of total replacements. All suggestions welcome
Touchwiz home - launcher pro
Email - k9
Samsung Facebook - Android Facebook
Samsung Twitter - android Twitter
Samsung keyboard - HTC_ime
Daily briefing - fancy widget + news rob
Still need decent sms client. Phone and contacts seem ok as they are.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

ryukent said:
Seeing as the Samsung apps are pretty crappy I thought I'd come up with a list of total replacements. All suggestions welcome
Touchwiz home - launcher pro
Email - k9
Samsung Facebook - Android Facebook
Samsung Twitter - android Twitter
Samsung keyboard - HTC_ime
Daily briefing - fancy widget + news rob
Still need decent sms client. Phone and contacts seem ok as they are.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
An explanation for each suggestion would be sufficient for us to change our mind.

I also suggest the Droid X keyboard, it's far far better than both samsung and htc keyboards. It also support multitouch and writing is really fast.

The Samsung keyboard is great, how many of the other give you access to cursor keys are cut and paste?

I'd like to see a replacement for daily briefing.
Coming from a windows 6.5 phone I like the display of multiple appointments.
My Daily Briefing only shows one appointment per day and nothing for the next day. It would be good if it could display all appointments in one day and also the next day. It may be difficult if you have many appointments, but for people like me who use it for a memory jogger with 2-3 appointments(reminders really) per day....

I would say that a replacement for messaging is handcent sms, I think its far better than the default. I disagree with the keyboard though, samsungs is great and nothing can beat swype
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

Scrub that, just paid £1.49 for Pure Calender. Does exactly as I had asked. I suppose thats the the great thing about apps and widgets. There is always something out there that will do what you need!!!

When you say you replace these applications, do you remove the stock applications from Samsung or you leave it installed still? How do you remove them?

eaglesteve said:
When you say you replace these applications, do you remove the stock applications from Samsung or you leave it installed still? How do you remove them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not meaning to actually uninstall them or anything, just alternatives to get from the Market and use instead.
There's nothing stopping you from having multiple twitter or facebook apps. =P
For keyboards, you need to download and install the app, then go to Settings -> Locale and text -> tick the new keyboard if there's a checkbox.
Then to switch to that keyboard, open a random app such as memo that uses a keyboard and touch-hold on a text input to until 'Input Method' pops up and choose the keyboard you want.

ryukent said:
Seeing as the Samsung apps are pretty crappy I thought I'd come up with a list of total replacements. All suggestions welcome
Touchwiz home - launcher pro
Email - k9
Samsung Facebook - Android Facebook
Samsung Twitter - android Twitter
Samsung keyboard - HTC_ime
Daily briefing - fancy widget + news rob
Still need decent sms client. Phone and contacts seem ok as they are.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow! almost as me, the only difference i like the Droid X keyboard instead

I've since moved to Feedr as it compresses RSS and uses much less battery & date. Handcent seems to be the best SMS software out there because of the popup that you can reply in without having to launch the app and the customisation options.
For keyboards, the samsung keyboard is flawed because the suggestion bar pops up and down as you type. This means when you hit space, the whole screen above you moves down when the bar disappears and as soon as you type again it pops up. This is really annoying to look at when your textbox is jumping around.
As for cursor keys. You can use swype for this. Help files have detailed info.
The HTC Evo keyboard has cursor keys, but settings cause force close, so I stick with HTC_IME for the time being.
Also... I've got DiallerOne as an alternative to the normal phone app. I think I actually prefer the normal one though. Looks better and DiallerOne doesn't seem to offer much in the way of additional functionality.

TRCJudge said:
Scrub that, just paid £1.49 for Pure Calender. Does exactly as I had asked. I suppose thats the the great thing about apps and widgets. There is always something out there that will do what you need!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I picked up Smooth Calendar for free after seeing it recommended. Seems pretty good, so, check it out if you want to see if it's maybe better...I shouldn't go in depth on it as I won't have a good basis to judge it from.

Regarding RSS, I prefer using the browser and Google Reader.

HTC Apps on CM6

I've had some problems getting HTC apps working in cm6 latest nightly.
I get my apks from DC froyo.
First I tried an easy install which failed.
Then I moved it to the system/app folder and chmod and chowned to make sure the permissions and owners were the same as stock.
Right now the HTC internet browser opens but force closes.
How can I get it working?

Aren't the HTC apps tied to the Sense framework? If so, I don't think it'll be possible to get them working on a non-sense ROM.
I could be completely wrong.
Sent from my HTC Evo 4G using XDA app.

jkinnison90 said:
Aren't the HTC apps tied to the Sense framework? If so, I don't think it'll be possible to get them working on a non-sense ROM.
I could be completely wrong.
Sent from my HTC Evo 4G using XDA app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No you are not completely wrong. You are completely correct. Sense is deeply integrated into Android. It's not like there are just some added libraries. The source code that compiles into the framework.jar and framework-res.apk, etc are directly modified by HTC. This means Sense is no mere skin. It is a complete integration into Android. Regardless, without this framework HTC apps will only run on Sense phones. Some can be ported over but it's a difficult process so most likely the apps you want will not be ported over. Out of curiosity though, which apps are you trying to use on CM6?

If you want Sense, go back to Sense.

topdnbass said:
How can I get it working?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use DC.
Can't use HTC apps without Sense. Please check the FAQ in the future.

if you provide the applications you're trying to run, perhaps alternatives can be suggested for you.

I personally like the HTC Tip Calulator widget....
and the HTC Notes....
But you can't use them on adw.
I don't want an app shortcut, I want a widget.

I prefer AOSP thankyou very much.
I just like the option of having some apps that I got used to.
HTC_ime for example. The keyboard.
Even though I use swype.
The camera app which pwns the stock.
Got flashlight and car panel working.
FM radio and weather would be nice too.
There were some nice Widgets but the only one I miss is the clock.
Any porting tips?

topdnbass said:
I prefer AOSP thankyou very much.
I just like the option of having some apps that I got used to.
HTC_ime for example. The keyboard.
Even though I use swype.
The camera app which pwns the stock.
Got flashlight and car panel working.
FM radio and weather would be nice too.
There were some nice Widgets but the only one I miss is the clock.
Any porting tips?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i liked the HTC keyboard as well. I'm assuming that you did your due diligence and found this did not work? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=7429254#post7429254
4G and FM Radio is not working in CM6 yet.
this is listed in the CM6 OP.
i'm not sure what HTC browser your talking about. perhaps try installing Dolphin HD browser.
last nights CM6 build incorporated a new camera app and deathray (er...Flashlight app w/ widget). just get the nightly build and flash over what you have...i wipe 'cache' and 'dalvik cache' ...you loose no settings.
i use 'MyWeather' but then, i don't care for weather widgets. have you even looked on the android market for this? maybe try browsing from a computer on a site like www.appbrain.com
i use digital clock widget to provide my time date...many folks praise Beautiful Widgets.
here is a post that may be of use..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=7312516#post7312516
tips...
- everyone once in a while...copy a nand backup onto your pc (ie: what if you SD card gets lost or borked?)
- read the entire forum for the ROM you're playing with
- use the search function liberally. (both on xda and google)
- read more

DraginMagik said:
i liked the HTC keyboard as well. I'm assuming that you did your due diligence and found this did not work? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=7429254#post7429254
4G and FM Radio is not working in CM6 yet.
this is listed in the CM6 OP.
i'm not sure what HTC browser your talking about. perhaps try installing Dolphin HD browser.
last nights CM6 build incorporated a new camera app and deathray (er...Flashlight app w/ widget). just get the nightly build and flash over what you have...i wipe 'cache' and 'dalvik cache' ...you loose no settings.
i use 'MyWeather' but then, i don't care for weather widgets. have you even looked on the android market for this? maybe try browsing from a computer on a site like www.appbrain.com
i use digital clock widget to provide my time date...many folks praise Beautiful Widgets.
here is a post that may be of use..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=7312516#post7312516
tips...
- everyone once in a while...copy a nand backup onto your pc (ie: what if you SD card gets lost or borked?)
- read the entire forum for the ROM you're playing with
- use the search function liberally. (both on xda and google)
- read more
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your post, but.
This isn't about anything specific, i simply want to know how to get apps ported, without the java source.
That said, I AM using dolphin, but I prefer the copy-paste that I can only find with HTC sense, I was hoping the browser on stock sense would help.
I've come across that thread, and use Swype without much issue, but having no trackball () makes me wish I had some arrow keys.. Not available in that thread.
Since my OP I have customized ADW and i'm quite pleased with it overall.
Now I just want to be able to use any app I wish. Regardless of alternatives!
Beautiful widgets is good, but has no analog clocks last I checked.
I do use it either way, but again, this isn't about anything specific.
I want to unlock apk's so they work anywhere. Any rom. Not just with HTC apps, but even the touchwiz apps!
Don't care about 4G, and i know that there are bugs being worked out with CM6 but i'm following it closely. On the 8/11 nightly build right now.
Finally, I read too much. I know a lot more than I put on..
Been "playing" with android roms since Dream (especially CM).
The problem which I have won't be solved by simply looking around for a version of the APK that works.
I want to know how they are being ported/unlocked .
If you can help, then thankyou very much!
Otherwise, I don't need your irrelevant tips. (No offense intended)

topdnbass said:
I've come across that thread, and use Swype without much issue, but having no trackball () makes me wish I had some arrow keys.. Not available in that thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Swype from the Swype key to the SYM key. Voila.

[Q] facebook widget crashing for anyone else?

opening the app works, but as soon as i add the widget to a screen it FCs
this happening to anyone else?

Yes. I use the pulse widget for my facebook updates. Its better anyway in my opinion.

I havent used the facebook app since i got the xoom. I just load it up in the browser and it has full functionality just like my pc. so I dont even see the need to use the app or the widget. I am sure it is not optimized for tablets as well. FB said they arent going to design for tablets because they dont consider them portable, mobile devices. so you are prob stuck with the non functioning widget for now.

Yup. Known issues. Be sure to report it
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App

onicrom said:
opening the app works, but as soon as i add the widget to a screen it FCs
this happening to anyone else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes -- the Facebook app works, though it's still formatted for a phone, but the widget does not. I think Facebook is still working at updating their app for Honeycomb, so I expect they will either make the widget work or get rid of it. In the meantime, it just crashes like you said.

Its a known issue because its not optimized for honeycomb. Only use optimized apps if you want to use Widgets.

Sorry for zombifying the thread, but after Facebook never getting off their butts to fix it, some dev made a facebook widget for honeycomb - seems pretty nice, I grabbed it and it uses the stacked card widget style to display posts, with themes and such, click to jump to the post and stuff. Simple and nice.

[Q] wich launcher?

Hi all
I'm using DZO's Aurora ROM since 1.10 or so.
Very happy with it, only issues i felt are with Nova Launcher
sometimes it lags a lot, home takes a long time to get...
I changed to stock launcher, and it seems much better - but i hate it
Is anyone using Aurora with a different launcher? and how do you feel about it?
Thanks

Apex Launcher is pretty good for customising. I think I started using it to get rid of the persistent Google search bar.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1452663

is there a way to copy my NovaLauncher settings rapidly to Apex?
Mark98 said:
Apex Launcher is pretty good for customising. I think I started using it to get rid of the persistent Google search bar.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1452663
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

hmarques said:
is there a way to copy my NovaLauncher settings rapidly to Apex?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know, sorry. Haven't found anything on teh interwebs...

I use Go Laucher (multilingual) and it's the most easier and customizable to use.
I like the option to create folders and organize aps on the drawer, like a folder for games, call, internet, travel, admin, tools, etc...
I tried many launchers and to me, this one is the best.

I use Go Launcher EX for a week now and i find it very easy and fun to customize. It does ofc have shortcomings too. It has made the phone a bit slower for example. But that may be cause its running on stock froyo (the phone is rather new) and when I get the time to root and install a better rom it will be better.

I prefer stock launcher. No lags and super speed

I can't believe they didn't fix this...

One thing that annoyed me deeply under Gingerbread was the fact that I would carefully arrange my apps icons along the apps pages, as I needed them to be, only to find out, a couple of days later, that the system "rearranged" some of them by its own will.
I struggled with this a bit and then just gave up thinking that the move to Honeycomb would solve the problem.
It didn't!...I am having the exact same problem with this new 7.7
Is there a solution to this?
It is kind of critical that icons stay where we want them to when their number starts to proliferate...This is exactly the kind of thing that can give Android a bad name, in what respects to user-friendliness......I don't think iOs suffers from a shortcoming as basic as this one...
XK

Are you using a different launcher or still TouchWiz? If you aren't try any of the better known launchers (i'm using Go Launcher HD).

miiike said:
Are you using a different launcher or still TouchWiz? If you aren't try any of the better known launchers (i'm using Go Launcher HD).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am staying with TW until ICS comes around...I intend to change it afterwards.
Am I to understand that this specific problem is "launcher-dependent" ?
Thanks!
XK

In my experience, the icon self-rearrangement happened when I go to the "My apps" or "Frequent" pages. In other words, as long as I remain in the "All" page, the icons seem to stay without this self-arrangement.

I use a program called appzorter for this. It works well in keeping the TW launcher and my sanity.

robroy90 said:
I use a program called appzorter for this. It works well in keeping the TW launcher and my sanity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah...Thanks!
I'll give it a try.
XK

XDAKhan said:
I am staying with TW until ICS comes around...I intend to change it afterwards.
Am I to understand that this specific problem is "launcher-dependent" ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what i've noticed. The app drawer is part of the launcher, so it would reason why I haven't seen it happen in the other launchers i've tried (I also noticed this in TouchWiz with the Tab 7 Plus I tried before going to the 7.7).
If you are willing to switch to a different launcher after ICS, I strongly suggest you try before hand. If nothing else, it doesn't hurt to try, they can be easily removed.

robroy90 said:
I use a program called appzorter for this. It works well in keeping the TW launcher and my sanity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Under description, it says "Honeycomb devices are not supported yet."

ikeny said:
Under description, it says "Honeycomb devices are not supported yet."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it seems to work ok, under HC...
It sorts out the apps in alphabetical order and further allows to group them into separate "System" and "Installed" groups, if wanted.
For the moment, it will do...
(Thanks Robroy90!)
XK

There came a point for me where the app drawer was not useful due to all my apps. Instead I use folder organizer and put my apps in specific folders.
Originally i put those folders on my desktop/docks but realized they were redundant after i added them to a SwipePad panel.
Now my desktops and docks are less cluttered and i only need to swipe in from the side of the screen to get instant access to my apps organized in those folders. I ignore my drawer now.