Really missing a function like press and hold the Home button to see previous used apps to switch to.... I'm running with GoLauncherEX but it apparently doesn't have that ability.
Any easy way or app that can and still work with GoLauncher.
I would consider another Launcher but I've not tried any others.
Market search for taskswitcher by shisho. Worked great for me. I use Adw but should work with any launcher including stock.
One home tap for switcher, two for real home.
Thanks that works fine.
Another option is SwipePad with the Tasking add-on. Hold for a split-second at the corner or edge of the screen of your choice and then drag towards the center of the screen and a task switcher will pop up. Move to the task of your choice and let go to switch to it. You can switch really quick once you get the hang of it.
boomn said:
Another option is SwipePad with the Tasking add-on. Hold for a split-second at the corner or edge of the screen of your choice and then drag towards the center of the screen and a task switcher will pop up. Move to the task of your choice and let go to switch to it. You can switch really quick once you get the hang of it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow that's a freaking amazing app. I paid for the recent tasks addon (since I think that's necessary for multitasking).
Thanks!
I think SwipePad is one of those "best kept secret" apps. I've been using it since it was released and cannot use an Android phone without it. It was the first app I downloaded from the market after rooting. Glad to see it gaining popularity though.
[email protected] said:
Market search for taskswitcher by shisho. Worked great for me. I use Adw but should work with any launcher including stock.
One home tap for switcher, two for real home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This solution is working nice for me.
I installed swipe pad and tasker but I cant figure out how to make my recent apps menu come up when I swipe. Can someone help me?
teookie said:
I installed swipe pad and tasker but I cant figure out how to make my recent apps menu come up when I swipe. Can someone help me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got SwipePad with Tasker as well and it seems the only way you can do it is to put a shortcut to Tasker in one of the boxes, swipe to it, and THEN it pulls up a menu of your recent apps. I ended up getting a refund for it because that's not what I wanted - I was hoping it would automatically populate the tiles with my recent apps instead of adding an extra step.
I'll have to try some of the other solutions mentioned in this thread.
Open the settings for SwipePad and then go to the Hotspots tab where you choose which spot activates the normal swipepad. Click on a different hotspot and "recent tasks" will show up as an option. Once set up it does work like what you were hoping
Just to clarify for anyone else reading, the add-on required is "Tasking: SwipePad add-on", not to be confused with the unrelated "Tasker" app for scripting and automation
boomn said:
Open the settings for SwipePad and then go to the Hotspots tab where you choose which spot activates the normal swipepad. Click on a different hotspot and "recent tasks" will show up as an option. Once set up it does work like what you were hoping
Just to clarify for anyone else reading, the add-on required is "Tasking: SwipePad add-on", not to be confused with the unrelated "Tasker" app for scripting and automation
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, can't believe I missed that! I'll have to give it another shot.
Corners problem
I installed Swipe Pad and wondered... where have you been for all of my Fire life? Am surprised amazon hasn't absorbed them into their product since it is so easy and simple to jump.
Altho, I did have problems configuring the corners (might be the custom home bar down there), but configuring lower left panel for tasks didn't seem to have any problem.
BTW, what a great premise - give basic app for free, sell the advanced.
[Edit: Before you jump on this, I'm now having crashing of SwipePad when trying to get it to launch market or other shortcuts. Will contact developers and see if this is imminently fixable.]
[email protected] said:
Market search for taskswitcher by shisho. Worked great for me. I use Adw but should work with any launcher including stock.
One home tap for switcher, two for real home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you configure double home taps for ADW home screen?
You can also install button savior if you're rooted your Fire. It can come in handy for some full screen apps that rely on the non-existent hard buttons also. You just long press on the button savior home icon and you'll get the little icon list of recent apps. I have mine setup with a slight delay before it invokes but it defaults to instant on.
Sent from my Kindle Fire using Tapatalk
Smart Taskbar
I tried swipepad and didn't find it easy to set up and use on the KF. I also didn't want to pay for the extra add-ons without being totally sure I liked it. Found smart taskbar and I've been really happy with it. Easier to pull up than swipepad and has recent tasks built in. I recommend it.
SenorDeuce said:
I tried swipepad and didn't find it easy to set up and use on the KF. I also didn't want to pay for the extra add-ons without being totally sure I liked it. Found smart taskbar and I've been really happy with it. Easier to pull up than swipepad and has recent tasks built in. I recommend it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Remember that with paid apps, you can try them out and get a refund if you uninstall within 15 minutes. But if you don't like how Swipepad works then having the Tasking addon won't be worth it.
ags29 said:
I think SwipePad is one of those "best kept secret" apps. I've been using it since it was released and cannot use an Android phone without it. It was the first app I downloaded from the market after rooting. Glad to see it gaining popularity though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you use Swipepad w/o rooting?
Well you need to get it from the Android market (which requires root to install), but I guess you can also sideload it. The app itself doesn't require root access.
bsoplinger said:
You can also install button savior if you're rooted your Fire. It can come in handy for some full screen apps that rely on the non-existent hard buttons also. You just long press on the button savior home icon and you'll get the little icon list of recent apps. I have mine setup with a slight delay before it invokes but it defaults to instant on.
Sent from my Kindle Fire using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 on Button Savior... a nice out-of-the-way solution for the long press home feature.
Naturally some helpful soul here on XDA pointed me to this app and it works like a charm.
Related
So with all this talk about Hero's ability to multitask I just wanted to ask how people leverage this ability.
Unless I'm missing something if I want to go from a browser session to my playing music app I have to go via the home screen. Similarly if I want to switch from say Google Maps to Google Mail then I need to go via the home screen and the app's icon.
This is no different to how the iPhone handles things except that the apps on the Hero continue to run in the background.
Am I missing some technique for 'TAB'ing' between running apps? Palm's Pre has got the 'cards' and the floaty shortcut menu thing.
To be honest if there is no ability to switch DIRECTLY to a running app from another running app then the whole multitasking thing is a bit pointless (Widgets not withstanding)
I'm new to Android so I'm hoping that I'm just missing something.
I have a G1 but if you hold down the home key you can switch between running apps and I imagine that works as well on the hero.
Also, you can use an app such as "task switcher" or "bar control" found in the android market to switch between applications without having to go through the home screen with a few more options than the home key thing.
HTH
Holding down the home key only displays 6 recently opened apps not ones that are running. Thats what it does on the Hero anyway. It also brings you back to the home screen and out of whatever app you were in when you held it down.
It seems that the Palm Pre is currently the only handset that truly enables multitasking app switching.
I'm somewhat disappointed in the Hero in this regard.
To be fair, the whole concept of multitasking doesn't really address in what way you would be switching from app to app. The major thing is the ability of the phone to keep two, three or ten apps running at the same time, doing their stuff in the background. This is what the iPhone doesn't have and Android does. This is the "competitive edge".
If you install "Advanced Task Manager", it will put itself in the notification drawer for two-click activation. I think I'd enable it, if there was a setting to make all apps behave this way. A sort of "show all running apps in the notification drawer" feature (or the apps I select).
Notice you can switch to all running apps from Advanced Task Manager, but that makes for a total of four clicks, moving from one app to another. It's a bit cumbersome.
Pressing and holding Home should IMHO bring up the recent apps list to allow switching WITHOUT returning Home first.
Maybe a bug or a bad decision UI wise.
@joemax
That would sort me out. Having it behave like that would be really useful.
Commantalb looked promising in the Market - very nice effect when bringing apps list up too
BUT, it cannot be envoked unless you press and hold HOME and then select Commantalb.
If it were a background process that changed the default HOME button behaviour - to launch itself, it would be very cool.
ShiroEd said:
To be honest if there is no ability to switch DIRECTLY to a running app from another running app then the whole multitasking thing is a bit pointless (Widgets not withstanding)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok -here's a real world example.
I use MyTracks when out walking. Since the Hero can multitask, I can start MyTracks recording, then as I'm walking do anything else with my phone that I want and not be artificially limited to a select few apps. This is something that I do regularly.
From my perspective, the lack of a true task switcher is largely immaterial to me, but the fact that the apps are still running, even when not active, is.
Regards,
Dave
joemax said:
Pressing and holding Home should IMHO bring up the recent apps list to allow switching WITHOUT returning Home first.
Maybe a bug or a bad decision UI wise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can happily report that this is exactly what it does with the new ROM. Yipee!!
It does indeed
Posted as such on another thread.
The new firmware is very good IMHO.
ShiroEd said:
I can happily report that this is exactly what it does with the new ROM. Yipee!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GOD ALLMIGHTY IN THE HEAVEN!!! THERE IS STILL A GOD!!!
I didn't know this untill now... and it god damn works... WEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
We love you HTC...
Oh damn... a double post... :-(
Do you want an additional 'THREE' customizable homescreens on your Hero? Well, there's an 'app' for that! HA!
First, I'm not sure if doing this has any bugs or inherent problems, and I am not responsible for any problems you may encounter doing this! BUT, I haven't experienced any so far myself.
Anyway, I stumbled onto this by using the Home Switcher app. When I saw how it launched the original Android Home app, that gave me an IDEA.
Using an application called 'Bar Control', I setup a Taskbar ICON to launch the native Android 'Home' application which, if you ask me, 'extends' the Hero with an additional three homescreens. I simply pull down the Taskbar and tap Home to launch the original Android Home app which gives me access to three more homescreens. AND, a simple tap of the Home button takes me back to HTC Sense.
So, I now have TEN (10) homescreens!!!!! These additional native Android homescreens are where I put some Android widgets (non HTC Sense widgets of course). And get this, the two Sprint widgets, NFL Mobile Live and Sprint TV, are available too! The Hero uses the same Wallpaper for both HTC Sense and Home, but it unlocks the native Android wallpaper gallery too.
Steps I did:
1. Downloaded Bar Control from the Market.
2. Launched Bar Control and waited for it to scan all the programs.
3. Scrolled down to the app called, 'Home' and selected it.
4. Selected an ICON of choice. (I used the same home ICON)
5. Pulled down my Notification Bar, tapped 'Home, and WALLA!
Simply hit the Home button to return to HTC Sense.
Note: To get rid of this Home ICON in the Notification Bar, simply perform the first three steps above again which will remove it.
OK, now can anyone tell me of a simple shortcut app that can be set to launch the native Android Home app without having to go through the Taskbar via the Bar Control app in my example above?
So, I believe this is the GREATEST HERO HACK so far!
When two unused screens just aren't enough lol, nice find.
Not really an hack if you ask me... why don't you install a few extra homescreen replacement apps (like openhome) so you'll even have more homescreens
this is not a hack at all. installing apps and using them as intended is as far away from a hack as could be. please change the title, this is so lame...
btw, i would love to have my homescreens scrolling "round", meaning if i swipe screen #7 (the most right one) to the left i want to go to screen #1 (the most left one). anybody know if this is possible?
kendong2 said:
btw, i would love to have my homescreens scrolling "round", meaning if i swipe screen #7 (the most right one) to the left i want to go to screen #1 (the most left one). anybody know if this is possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to know this as well, I sort of wonder why htc didn't design it like that.
DaWeav said:
5. Pulled down my Notification Bar, tapped 'Home, and WALLA!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
[PEDANTRY-MODE]
It's "Voila" not "Walla"!
[/PEDANTRY-MODE]
Sorry, couldn't resist - to me, it's like fingernails on a black board!
Regards,
Dave
lol, the same happens when you install any theme app such as open home, dxtop, etc...
What happens is, the default for the home button is cleared of it's default (HTC Sense) giving you the option which home screen you want to fire up after holding down the home button.
You could probably just clear the default yourself in App settings, limiting the need for another app all together.
Downloading a home screen app equals hacking your phone?
give him a Break it was his first post.He was over zealous on his find..LOL
well atleast he let us know about his find.sum peeps probably wouldnt had even shared..thx DaWeav
Yup, just to elaborate on what N0J mentioned:
menu/settings/applications/manage applications/HTC Sense
tap "Clear defaults"
Now, every time you push your "Home" button you will be presented with the options "Home" and "HTC Sense." As long as you don't check the default box you will always have a two-touch access to either interface.
Alternatively, for those that prefer vanilla Android to Sense, check the default box and hit "Home." Your phone will no longer load the Sense UI. This can be reversed by going to Home in manage applications (above) and again clearing defaults.
cgraunke said:
Yup, just to elaborate on what N0J mentioned:
menu/settings/applications/manage applications/HTC Sense
tap "Clear defaults"
Now, every time you push your "Home" button you will be presented with the options "Home" and "HTC Sense." As long as you don't check the default box you will always have a two-touch access to either interface.
Alternatively, for those that prefer vanilla Android to Sense, check the default box and hit "Home." Your phone will no longer load the Sense UI. This can be reversed by going to Home in manage applications (above) and again clearing defaults.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well said and thanks for the detailing the steps out for me!
Dang. I thought this was actually going to be some useful information that could lead me to getting rid of the 4 unused homescreens
This isn't a hack and not much of a discovery but if it makes you happy...
Would be kind of cool if Sense had 10 screens of its own.
nice find! But yes, 7 home screens is a little much. until we find some better widgets.
kendong2 said:
this is not a hack at all. installing apps and using them as intended is as far away from a hack as could be. please change the title, this is so lame...
btw, i would love to have my homescreens scrolling "round", meaning if i swipe screen #7 (the most right one) to the left i want to go to screen #1 (the most left one). anybody know if this is possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GDE Home Screen does this
edit: by the way this is a dumb "hack"
I'm assuming this works for vanilla android as well? One of the most annoying things about my Moment that my Hero does is only having 3 screens.
Does anyone know how to REMOVE any of the homescreens from sense?
My hero is so slow!
I really hope that as part of an update to Sense that they make it so you can have any number of screens so long as it's 2X+1. (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11)
Personally, I only really use 5, so I would just drop the last 2 screens and have the little indicator get a tiny bit larger.
I'm hoping to get some help from a developer to make two apps that I can't find anything like on the market. I have no clue what's involved, but if nothing else, maybe someone can shed some light on how hard these would e to make - or actually make them
- App 1 is just a simple app to replicate the function of the home button. IE, you run the app, you go to your home screen. That's it.
- App 2 is an app to go to your last task. The idea is to be able to simple toggle between two apps. Program might need some sort of ignore list (like ignoring itself!).
Reason - I'm using Gesture Launcher (http://www.appbrain.com/app/gesture-launcher/com.reeyees.gesturelauncher) and am getting used to going to the floating hand instead of the home button. I'd like to be able to do everything from there.
So, ideally, I would like to program a gesture to go home instead of hitting the home button, and program a gesture to go to last app instead of last app.
Thanks in advance!
the first one..
http://db.tt/kcYl8Oy
Jordan5222 said:
the first one..
http://db.tt/kcYl8Oy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, that was fast, tyvm. Is this something you just wrote, or xists somewhere where I failed to find it via google/appbrain?
edit - just tried it out, works perfectly!
I've writed it. It's pretty easy.
For the second one sorry but today i don't have so much time and i have to think about it.
So you want an app that just takes you to the last open app or an app that opens the most recently used tab thing?
https://market.android.com/details?id=org.lulz_industries.lassiecomehome
uploaded in the market, just in case someone want download it and does not want to search the url in the forum.
For the second one just hold down the home button. The apps there are listed in order of latest opened.
Jordan5222 said:
I've writed it. It's pretty easy.
For the second one sorry but today i don't have so much time and i have to think about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thought about looking into the language (I program in VB6), but figured there were fees & stuff - wasn't worth it just to have my name in the market
generalamerica said:
So you want an app that just takes you to the last open app or an app that opens the most recently used tab thing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
An app that takes you to the last open app (and ignore itself). For example, in the morning I load up Waze (a map/traffic program) and Astro player for listening to podcasts. Would like to be able to gesture to move back & forth between them.
Another example - I'm .. reading a book. I gesture to check Twitter, then want to use a gesture to go back to last app (book reader).
It would have to ignore itself (or the app itself would get into a loop or something?), and it would have to ignore the gesture program - and possibly others (ignore home?) - so that one would be harder to do.
As a temp. measure, looking for a program that just pops up the same thing that holding down the home-key would do (show 8 recent apps). That would be better then nothing, but not quite what I would ideally like.
Jordan5222 said:
https://market.android.com/details?id=org.lulz_industries.lassiecomehome
uploaded in the market, just in case someone want download it and does not want to search the url in the forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A good idea - never know when someone else might want it, and there's nothing else in the market like it I'm aware of.
-----
Edit - looking into:
QuickSwitch - watching video, looks like designed for a slide out keyboard, but can do hard-keyboard-less. Testing shortly.
and
PreviousApp description says it's activated by Camera long press which wouldn't help.
So you basically want an app that emulates the back arrow key?
Sent from my HTC Droid Incredible. This Droid Does More.
generalamerica said:
So you basically want an app that emulates the back arrow key?
Sent from my HTC Droid Incredible. This Droid Does More.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wish it was that easy.
(example 1) Run Twitter app, launch web link. Click 3 or 4 more links. Want to go back to Twitter? Click back arrow about 5 times. Back arrow has no way to know if you meant back 1 page, or back to previous app. (Similar things happen with many many apps).
(example 2) Run book reader. Run Twitter. Click back arrow to go back to book (works fine). Click back arrow to go back to Twitter (oops, doesn't work).
(in example 2 - would like app to go back & forth between reader & twitter)
Went back & forth with the maker of QuickSwitch (a pretty neat app on it's own) describing what I was looking for. He's looking into it as well
OH - also btw - an all called Clutch Pad does similar things (including a last app), but having a bad time triggering the event regularly. If/when it runs perfectly every time it would handle everything I mentioned! The dev there is also very responsive.
Thanks to all for help - I was hoping this last app thing would be like the home thing that Jordan5222 made - something that a dev would spend 10 minutes making. If it's a big project, it's not that important!
Give a try to this if it's ok. I don't have your launcher so i can't test it.
http://db.tt/3EKXugO
Let me know how it work or if I don't have understood well what you want.
Jordan5222 said:
Give a try to this if it's ok. I don't have your launcher so i can't test it.
http://db.tt/3EKXugO
Let me know how it work or if I don't have understood well what you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Downloading now.
Installed... loading app list in program.. hmm, not working on Gesture Launcher.
I tried to load up Twitter, then load up NewsRob (rss reader). Then I ran the program from GL. GL shows it found the app & ran it, but nothing happened.
To test it further, I re-ran Twitter & Newsrob. Then using the hold-down-home, I ran your app over & over again. This correctly switched between Twitter & Newsrob.
Do you have Gesture Editor as an ignored-app (ie, if I launch your app from GL, it doesn't go to the last app - which is GL) ?
I'll gladly pay for your license for the GL if you'd like to try it yourself. I'm getting kinda curious if this is do-able at this point, since I think these 2 apps can be used for many different alternate launchers (like GL, Clutch Pad, Swipe Pad [actually, this last app would be fricking amazing in Swipe Pad])
polstein said:
Downloading now.
Installed... loading app list in program.. hmm, not working on Gesture Launcher.
I tried to load up Twitter, then load up NewsRob (rss reader). Then I ran the program from GL. GL shows it found the app & ran it, but nothing happened.
To test it further, I re-ran Twitter & Newsrob. Then using the hold-down-home, I ran your app over & over again. This correctly switched between Twitter & Newsrob.
Do you have Gesture Editor as an ignored-app (ie, if I launch your app from GL, it doesn't go to the last app - which is GL) ?
I'll gladly pay for your license for the GL if you'd like to try it yourself. I'm getting kinda curious if this is do-able at this point, since I think these 2 apps can be used for many different alternate launchers (like GL, Clutch Pad, Swipe Pad [actually, this last app would be fricking amazing in Swipe Pad])
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i don't understand how many tasks i have to go back without using your launcher. i have only gesture search.
i don't guarantee that will work with the launcher but i can at least try.
i don't know the others launcher, are they similar?
-----------------------
EDIT
Just in case.. give a try to this, maybe it will work in gesture launcher
http://db.tt/3EKXugO
Jordan5222 said:
i don't understand how many tasks i have to go back without using your launcher. i have only gesture search.
i don't guarantee that will work with the launcher but i can at least try.
i don't know the others launcher, are they similar?
-----------------------
EDIT
Just in case.. give a try to this, maybe it will work in gesture launcher
http://db.tt/3EKXugO
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Downloading new version now.
The other launchers are similar - you can try SwipePad for free from the market. SwipePad gives you some hot points - you click on them and 12 favorite apps/shortcuts appear (so it's drag from corner to shortcut to launch it). I've actually read in the SP thread about people asking to make the bottom 3 apps the most recent ones.
The 1st version of Back 2 Home works *perfectly* with Slide Pad. I'll have to play tomorrow with it, the home program & SwipePad (played a bit in the car on the way home) - but it worked very, very well !
2nd version of Back 2 Task seems to work about the same. Works well with SwipePad, not at all with Gesture Launcher. Works with press & hold of home button. What's the difference between the versions?
I'll actually have to think a bit of which launcher makes more sense. Gesture Launcher allows unlimited programs & shortcuts (limited by memory really), but is slower. Slide Pad allows 12, but is quicker. Both do Shortcuts (like a Folder Organizer folder) & Applications. GL seems to have a problem with Sense's Mail app (it gets stuck there).
With you app (currently) working perfectly in SwipePad, (and the home app too) it's a big ++ for SwipePad. I'll search for the thread of Slide Pad and ask them to test out the Home app & both versions of the Last app & see if we can get some other people in on this.
Either way, you might want to publish the 1st version of Back to the Task on the market as well for people that can't otherwise get to it.
...and once again, thanks for your work!
Edit - I noticed that sometimes I called it "Slide Pad", and sometimes "Swipe Pad" - the free one I'm talking about is SwipePad Beta - sorry, getting mixed up in all the names!
Edit 2 - In the name of the warped: Currently playing with a combination of SwipePad & Gesture Launcher. My 3x4 grid that I'll be experimenting with tomorrow is:
sms/mail/contact group manager
ireader/camera/quick settings
internet/newsrob/tweetcaster premium
gesture launcher/lassie come home/back to the task
I have Swipe shortcuts to my most common apps used. I have Swipe set to use bottom corners, so BTTT is at a very quick position, as is home. I can use Gesture Launcher to access the other programs (including Gestures to get to my 5 Folder Organizer folders).
I did experiment briefly with putting a Favorite Folder Organizer folder in the bottom left, but Back to the Task had similar problems as Gesture Launcher with it (it kept puling up the folder as a task).
Lessee. Direct SwipePad for most common apps. SwipePad into 20 or so memorized apps in Gesture Launcher. SwipePad into GestureLauncher (shapes are 1-5) to get to my Apps/Games/Internet/Multimedia/Tools Folder Organizer stuff - sounds good to me
polstein said:
Downloading new version now.
The other launchers are similar - you can try SwipePad for free from the market. SwipePad gives you some hot points - you click on them and 12 favorite apps/shortcuts appear (so it's drag from corner to shortcut to launch it). I've actually read in the SP thread about people asking to make the bottom 3 apps the most recent ones.
The 1st version of Back 2 Home works *perfectly* with Slide Pad. I'll have to play tomorrow with it, the home program & SwipePad (played a bit in the car on the way home) - but it worked very, very well !
2nd version of Back 2 Task seems to work about the same. Works well with SwipePad, not at all with Gesture Launcher. Works with press & hold of home button. What's the difference between the versions?
I'll actually have to think a bit of which launcher makes more sense. Gesture Launcher allows unlimited programs & shortcuts (limited by memory really), but is slower. Slide Pad allows 12, but is quicker. Both do Shortcuts (like a Folder Organizer folder) & Applications. GL seems to have a problem with Sense's Mail app (it gets stuck there).
With you app (currently) working perfectly in SwipePad, (and the home app too) it's a big ++ for SwipePad. I'll search for the thread of Slide Pad and ask them to test out the Home app & both versions of the Last app & see if we can get some other people in on this.
Either way, you might want to publish the 1st version of Back to the Task on the market as well for people that can't otherwise get to it.
...and once again, thanks for your work!
Edit - I noticed that sometimes I called it "Slide Pad", and sometimes "Swipe Pad" - the free one I'm talking about is SwipePad Beta - sorry, getting mixed up in all the names!
Edit 2 - In the name of the warped: Currently playing with a combination of SwipePad & Gesture Launcher. My 3x4 grid that I'll be experimenting with tomorrow is:
sms/mail/contact group manager
ireader/camera/quick settings
internet/newsrob/tweetcaster premium
gesture launcher/lassie come home/back to the task
I have Swipe shortcuts to my most common apps used. I have Swipe set to use bottom corners, so BTTT is at a very quick position, as is home. I can use Gesture Launcher to access the other programs (including Gestures to get to my 5 Folder Organizer folders).
I did experiment briefly with putting a Favorite Folder Organizer folder in the bottom left, but Back to the Task had similar problems as Gesture Launcher with it (it kept puling up the folder as a task).
Lessee. Direct SwipePad for most common apps. SwipePad into 20 or so memorized apps in Gesture Launcher. SwipePad into GestureLauncher (shapes are 1-5) to get to my Apps/Games/Internet/Multimedia/Tools Folder Organizer stuff - sounds good to me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok, what works better? 1st version or 2nd version? so i can restore it eventually and re upload.
From tomorrow i have more time so i can try with launchers.. We use the phone in a different way, i've never use these launchers, i have many icons on the home screen.
Jordan5222 said:
ok, what works better? 1st version or 2nd version? so i can restore it eventually and re upload.
From tomorrow i have more time so i can try with launchers.. We use the phone in a different way, i've never use these launchers, i have many icons on the home screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll have to play with version 1 for a day, then uninstall and try 2 to know for sure. Limited (under 5 minute) testing - they seem to be the same.
I was thinking about an exclusion list/ignore list - problem is, I'm not sure where you would build it unless you (in theory) had 2 apps: The one that did last app, and a separate config app.
This morning, I did hit some force closes on the app (it gave me a FC, then oddly worked anyway). I wound up rebooting my phone & haven't hit any yet.
Also, while it's only been a couple of hours, this entire layout thingy I'm doing seems very promising. Like you, I was just using 12 icons on my today screen, backed with Launcher Pro (5 dock icons are all Folder Organizer shortcuts). While it works, it never felt that smooth.
The plus is that you don't have any extra apps in memory, so it's pretty fast. And when you go to your home screen to launch an app, you can see other widgets (weather, maybe a to-do list..etc).
On the flip side, I was getting annoyed at being in a program, hitting home, hitting a folder, then running the app. At this rate, my home button won't last much longer! I don't like most recent apps since they apps aren't always in the same spot. I don't want to have to stare at my screen & look for a specific icon to run a program.
So in short, it just feels like android could do better. My current solution is defiantly over-complicated.. but so far working for me (with your help!).
SwipePad is free - if you are really curious, download a copy and give it at least a day to play with. Try putting your last app on one of the bottom corners & experiment a bit. Heck, for all I know, in a couple days I'll toss this idea out & go back to where you are now myself.
EDIT: Found out that SwipePad works on lock screen (or does on Widget Locker, which I use). So I removed all sliders from Widget Locker and now using SwipePad as my hidden unlocker. SwipePad to Back to the Task does the same thing as a normal unlock - goes to the last app running before Widget Locker
I have installed Swipepad beta. Bttt does not work. Later when i return home i try to fix it. Interesting way to use the phone and navigate trough the various things you're doing.
---------------------------------------
EDIT
Just fixed...
can you try with swipepad? http://db.tt/3EKXugO
Is this the correct behaviour that it's expected to have?
Jordan5222 said:
I have installed Swipepad beta. Bttt does not work. Later when i return home i try to fix it. Interesting way to use the phone and navigate trough the various things you're doing.
---------------------------------------
EDIT
can you try with swipepad? http://db.tt/3EKXugO
Is this the correct behaviour that it's expected to have?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using Swipe Pad for a few days, and BTTT is behaving mostly correct. It's a real fast way to jump to the last task. Only problem I hit is when the last app is Gesture Launcher or a Folder Organizer folder (which register as the last "app").
polstein said:
I've been using Swipe Pad for a few days, and BTTT is behaving mostly correct. It's a real fast way to jump to the last task. Only problem I hit is when the last app is Gesture Launcher or a Folder Organizer folder (which register as the last "app").
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the problem is exactly that. Different launchers and apps behave in different ways and we need to go back in different ways
Jordan5222 said:
the problem is exactly that. Different launchers and apps behave in different ways and we need to go back in different ways
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. I had a feeling when I first posted that the last app wasn't a simple thing.
Still, I think the way it works is fine for what I need. If you really want to make it into something more professional, the only way I can see doing it would be to implement some sort of "ignore apps on this list."
If your Last App ignored Home/Widget Locker/Gesture Launcher/Folder Organizer/Swipe Pad it would be perfect.
For a quick app made for 1 user (anyone else using it that isn't posting?) - it's fine the way it is (and one again, thanks for the apps!)
Devoting a soft key exclusively to recent apps seems ridiculous to me. Is it a Motoblur thing or stock ICS?
Is there an app that will allow an unrooted user to program a shortcut to the key that is of some use? Maybe on long press?
I installed Google Launcher and noticed that accidentally hitting that key shows recent apps but then takes you out of Go Launcher and back to Motoblur. Any way to avoid that?
That's pure ICS, not Moto. Actually was there in honeycomb too. I never understood removing the search key and menu key to put in the far less used recent apps. If there is a mod out there to convert it's function to a menu button I'd be on it too.
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using xda app-developers app
Any shortcut would be preferable. I thought it would be a nice button to open phone dialer or dolphin browser.
I'm really surprised you guys don't find it useful. There's plenty of times where I'd rather have that button than hit the home button and go back to the home screen or hold the home button for a second or more to get that popup on my Nexus S.
I find that I'm swapping back between texting, web browsing, the music player / pandora and facebook quite often
snowmanwithahat said:
I'm really surprised you guys don't find it useful. There's plenty of times where I'd rather have that button than hit the home button and go back to the home screen or hold the home button for a second or more to get that popup on my Nexus S.
I find that I'm swapping back between texting, web browsing, the music player / pandora and facebook quite often
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, I agree as well. Not to mention, the menu and search are legacy buttons. People need to let them die and embrace the design direction Android is moving forward in...but I guess old habits die hard (and painfully). Why so much resistance towards the death of the menu button?
UserDemos said:
Thank you, I agree as well. Not to mention, the menu and search are legacy buttons. People need to let them die and embrace the design direction Android is moving forward in...but I guess old habits die hard (and painfully). Why so much resistance towards the death of the menu button?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I can definitely do without the menu button since every new app has been building it into the application. It's a button that I'd hardly hit while interacting with most applications.
I do miss the contextual search though. I got used to tapping the search button in Contacts or Chrome and searching within that context. Only searching globally when I was at the home screen. Well now with the changes (at least to the Nexus S) the search button brings up Google Now and there's no in-app search unless they specifically build in a button. Most have done that now, so it's not really a problem, just a habit that I got into.
I understand it's benefits but those apps I use quite often you speak of are already shortcuts on my home page. Using the recent apps button adds another key press to open it. I've only used it when I can't remember the name of an app I recently installed.
For me personally, useable? Yes. Useful? Not really. Especially when it gets bogged down with tons of recent apps and my finger already knows where the shortcuts are.
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using xda app-developers app
Hey look I'm the OP and said nothing about making it a menu button. What I want is a programmable button to do what I want and you could have one to do what YOU want. Now you tell me NOOOO.., I should embrace the direction of Android. That sounds suspiciously like Apple philosophy.
I never have had any use for a recent apps button and still don't. I don't care what apps I have used recently. Since there is a key there I would like it to be useful. Personally, I would like short press to be Opera and long press to be Dolphin. Now shall I look forward to be scolded for not embracing Chrome? I thought the whole point of Android was personal choice. Android users don't have to be sheeple imo.
Zodwraith said:
I understand it's benefits but those apps I use quite often you speak of are already shortcuts on my home page. Using the recent apps button adds another key press to open it. I've only used it when I can't remember the name of an app I recently installed.
For me personally, useable? Yes. Useful? Not really. Especially when it gets bogged down with tons of recent apps and my finger already knows where the shortcuts are.
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You've got to admit though that closing applications by swiping them "off" at that quick switch menu is kind of nice. I like that a little bit better for closing off high RAM applications quickly compared to the CM method of holding "back". Then again, I'll admit it's a very rare thing where I want to kill more than one application at once haha
Sorry, no I don't admit it. (not for me anyway) Never have done it. Never will. I prefer not to force close apps. I let Android handle it.
Dolphin and Opera are in a folder on my desktop so it takes two keypresses to access them while that utterly useless recent apps key sits there doing nothing. In fact it does harm if I am using another launcher and hit it by accident.
There was an app I used to use that allowed you to program the search key (which I also never used) and double tap of home key (which normally produced something else I never used). I think it is called Home to Shortcut. Unfortunately, it hasn't been updated to use the recent apps key.
I also think Moto should have made the navigation bar transparent so we could see the entire screen like Nexus. I hope somebody figures out a way to do that too.
Give it time for custom roms and you will be able to do loads of stuff with that bar, including changing the icons and uses. Aokp is great for that.
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2
I don't think swiping from the recent apps menu is an FC function. Just a history. To check it I FC'd a bunch of stuff from the proper menu and opened the recent apps. Sure enough everything is still there. Clicked on one of the apps and sure enough it had to start up.
I generally don't use app killers but there are always rogue apps that will give you problems. Netflix is a bad one for me where I'll watch an episode and when it's over Netflix develops Alzheimer's whether there are more episodes. Does the same on the Roku and tablet so I'm sure it's a Netflix thing. The only way to slap sense into their servers is an FC and restart.
Sent from my Droid RAZR HD MAXX using the XDA Developer App
robstunner said:
Give it time for custom roms and you will be able to do loads of stuff with that bar, including changing the icons and uses. Aokp is great for that.
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't wait. I was spoiled by the super developers for Tbolt.
I I have looked all over for an app to do this but have found nothing. I am ready to start writing my own, but want to make sure it doesn't exist already? Seems hard to believe no one has done this yet!?
say i need to copy/paste listing descriptions from evernote into ebay... I want a QUICK trigger, maybe double tapping home or something that shows a simple app list in a transparent overlay.
Pick the ebay app and it loads. After pasting the title there, double tap home again and instantly, it flips back to Evernote where I can repeat this process with the description and other fields. Maybe the volume key could flip between the two apps, or better yet, a swipe.
Seeing how I use that technique a million times a day, it would save countless hours over all the other task manager types that always load a display of all (or none) of the recent apps when triggered. I don't know about everybody else, but there's a 90% chance that if I want to quickly flip to another app, it's because I intend to quickly flip right back in a few seconds.
This is such a vital function for me on computers that I dedicate a whole button on my mouse to pressing Alt+Tab so I can flip back and forth very fast. I have become very spoiled by that technique and can't stand doing work on Android just because of its annoyingly slow and painful "task manager" if you can even call it that. TIA!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
toothpick5 said:
I I have looked all over for an app to do this but have found nothing. I am ready to start writing my own, but want to make sure it doesn't exist already? Seems hard to believe no one has done this yet!?
say i need to copy/paste listing descriptions from evernote into ebay... I want a QUICK trigger, like double tap home (or whatever) that shows a simple app list in a transparent overlay.
Pick the ebay app and it loads. After pasting the title there, double tap home again and instantly, it flips back to Evernote where I can repeat this process with the description and other fields. Maybe the volume key could flip between the two apps, or better yet, a swipe.
Seeing how I use that technique a million times a day, it would save countless hours over all the other task manager types that always load a display of all (or none) of the recent apps when triggered. I don't know about everybody else, but there's a 90% chance that if I want to quickly flip to another app, it's because I intend to quickly flip right back in a few seconds.
This is such a vital function for me on computers that I dedicate a whole button on my mouse to pressing Alt+Tab so I can flip back and forth very fast. I have become very spoiled by that technique and can't stand doing work on Android just because of its annoyingly slow and painful "task manager" if you can even call it that. TIA!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am sorry, but you cannot override the home button.
You could try one of the various side bar apps though.
It could be a swipe gesture or anything that requires only ONE step. I don't want to bring up an app selection list on every switch, but just the first time. Maybe a notification bar button could bring up the selector, then a side swipe gesture could flip back and forth between the two apps? It should be simple to write this. I just cant believe that it hasn't already been done? Surely someone knows of an existing app?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
toothpick5 said:
It could be a swipe gesture or anything that requires only ONE step. I don't want to bring up an app selection list on every switch, but just the first time. Maybe a notification bar button could bring up the selector, then a side swipe gesture could flip back and forth between the two apps? It should be simple to write this. I just cant believe that it hasn't already been done? Surely someone knows of an existing app?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is that the part of the screen which will be "swipeable" will not react to touch events anymore.
nikwen said:
The problem is that the part of the screen which will be "swipeable" will not react to touch events anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. But it could be a small invisible hotzone like many of the task managers do. Swiping is just for the cool factor really. Using the volume button should work just fine for my needs. Would that work? The volume button can still listen to an app thats not in focus because music players do it right? But i guess that would be a problem if one of the switched apps overrides the volume control...? Any suggestions? If nobody has pointed out an existing app with this capability I will start on it tonight. I'm still a newb to Android but, I am majoring in programming so I gotta jump in on something!
toothpick5 said:
Yeah. But it could be a small invisible hotzone like many of the task managers do. Swiping is just for the cool factor really. Using the volume button should work just fine for my needs. Would that work? The volume button can still listen to an app thats not in focus because music players do it right? But i guess that would be a problem if one of the switched apps overrides the volume control...? Any suggestions? If nobody has pointed out an existing app with this capability I will start on it tonight. I'm still a newb to Android but, I am majoring in programming so I gotta jump in on something!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if I understand correctly you just want to have multitasking without having to hit the multitask button and then choose the app; you just want to be able to choose the app. I would say something like floating folders would work for you.