Related
Trying to create a button link to "settings" in my verizon ppc for UL, any ideas?
thank you very much.
Jon
"UltimateLaunchConfig.exe" is the app. What kind of "button link" do you want? In a UL button? or a hard button?
If you mean create a button to show the settings menu, this should work for you:
Go to Windows\Start Menu
Copy Settings
Paster a shortcut (for settings) anywhere.
create a new button using the shortcut you created
AthenaLod said:
If you mean create a button to show the settings menu, this should work for you:
Go to Windows\Start Menu
Copy Settings
Paster a shortcut (for settings) anywhere.
create a new button using the shortcut you created
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Much respect to all first and foremost. From my experience with UL, that may work for some applications located in the Windows folder, but not all. For instance, you cannot create a shortcut for the Today settings to switch up your themes, Power/Soft Reset , or even Remove Programs either. There's a slew of programs that can't be made into shortcuts within UL. It's perhaps a limitation of UL.
But there is hope and light at the end of the tunnel. If one desperately wants to create /include such applications (Power, Resetting, Today, etc) with UL, one can install Mobile Shell because it create shortcuts in itself, which UL can then detect. Pocket Plus may be able do the same, but I'm uncertain.
Also, the word on the street, the next version will be 'better' and I don't have the slightest clue as to when that release will surface. I'm no expert, just a big fan like of UL. My two cents.
this answer is a little bit wrong:
1. you can make a Shortcut to ANY wm setting. example: command: ctlpnl, param: cplmain.cpl,10 (for uninstalling software) search in the other ul threads.
2. Daniel Who wrote UL made also some "smartutilities" for make calll, toggle wifi, softreset and many more, google for it. this are small .exe you can link to.
yes, i was attempting to have a button inside of UL access the settings area. I have the xv6700 which appears to have a problem with keeping UL on the today screen after a soft reset. so before I soft reset I need to change my today plugin to something else. otherwise when i reboot nothing shows up and will not load any other plug-ins. Makes it easy to have a quick link cause I'm not a stylus fan.
Thank you very much guys. would have never thought of making a short cut of it. thanks again!
-Jon
bluemetalaxe said:
this answer is a little bit wrong:
1. you can make a Shortcut to ANY wm setting. example: command: ctlpnl, param: cplmain.cpl,10 (for uninstalling software) search in the other ul threads.
2. Daniel Who wrote UL made also some "smartutilities" for make calll, toggle wifi, softreset and many more, google for it. this are small .exe you can link to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good information. This seems to be a hot topic at the moment and assume this info hasnt been highlighted before. Perhaps a brave soul will post some shortcut command params, directions/instructions in their spare time, and have them listed/located in one thread for easy like the icons. (And also some of those "smartultilities" as well).
How about game area ? my problem 's it's difficult to create all game in icons. so I would like to make a link to call all game folder as when we call it by startmenu
robosiris said:
Good information. This seems to be a hot topic at the moment and assume this info hasnt been highlighted before. Perhaps a brave soul will post some shortcut command params, directions/instructions in their spare time, and have them listed/located in one thread for easy like the icons. (And also some of those "smartultilities" as well).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I'm not very brave, but I knew this page existed on PPCSG.COM, so I thought I'd share it. It shows how you can create .LNK files to many of the Settings Applets. Hope it helps.
-pvs
Here is a link to majority of the settings options:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=340974
Just find the one you want, open notepad on your PC copy the line into notepad, with only that text, and save as power.lnk, for example, then have the button set to that link.
Any Idea on how to add a folder shortcut? I want to have my different photo albums
Is there a way to specify the appropriate ICON in the .lnk file? I have the "cplmain.cpl,26" working but it just shows a generic icon.
Just change the icon in the display tab.
Folder Shortcuts
muzikfreakah said:
Any Idea on how to add a folder shortcut? I want to have my different photo albums
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you ever get an answer on this? If so, how do you make a shortcut to a folder? I've tried using the context menu of creating a shortcut and then having UL point to the shortcut but it doesn't open it.
Thanks for any info!
would like to know this as well.
bdumch said:
Did you ever get an answer on this? If so, how do you make a shortcut to a folder? I've tried using the context menu of creating a shortcut and then having UL point to the shortcut but it doesn't open it.
Thanks for any info!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hadn't used this yet, but resco explorer has an option (you have to edit the regsitry for it) that let's you load folders according to command line arguments (then you can use UL to load the folder in resco straight using a command line).
you should check it out.
I have a Fuze with everything turned off but what I want (runs quick and smooth). I really don't want 3rd party bloatware and other "TaskManager" or "QuickMenu" applications. I am simply looking for the syntax/shortcut (or maybe small app to launch the built-in HTC QuickMenu that is in the top right corner of the Windows Mobile screen.
I like this QuickMenu and the options that are available... most of all I like that it's already a part of my phone (so hopefully nothing more to install but a shortcut). From what I can tell it's part of the "taskservice.dll" that is loaded in \HKCU\Software\HTC\BootLauncher\TaskManager\
Since the Icon in the top-right for the QuickMenu is so small (and I hate getting out the stylus) I wish to map a shortcut/command-syntax preferrably to Right-Soft Key, or possibly a hardware button like PTT.
I've contacted HTC by email and they simply said it couldn't be done but I know that's probably not the case... I just need a super genious hacker to give me the right syntax/steps to make it work.
Thank you in advance for whoever can help on this!!!!
Michael
*** Please Relocate Thread if I have somehow posted it in the wrong section. Thanks!!! ***
all you have to do to launch QM from a hardware button is maake a shortcut to programs. then, go into \settings\personal\buttons and select your program to run from one of your buttons.
you can also go into qm settings and select the option to replace the start menu.
also, QM is a third party app.
SVI,
Thanks for the reply.. I guess I should have clarified that I am familiar with the steps for creating a shortcut to an EXE however the QuickMenu that is built in to HTC's Fuze is calling a DLL at startup... so the trick would be how do I shortcut/call a DLL file that has been started up as a service??
I am not interested in any other 3rd party QuickMenu, just wanting to find the way to call up the one that is already installed on my phone... ie. by pointing a shortcut (or possibly small launch app) to start up the "taskservice.dll" with whatever tags/options to open the menu on the Today Screen.
Thanks for any additional info you may be able to provide!
Could you found the solution?
no answers yet
Sancho,
I have still been unable to find the solution, and would very much STILL BE interested in finding it. In the meantime I have just used a shortcut to the built-in Taskmgr.exe (\Windows\Taskmgr) or TaskManagerApp.exe also found in Windows. Both programs are different versions of Task Manager and I found that I like Taskmgr a bit better because I can switch to an open application using that version of Task Manager. However I still like the HTC Quickmenu in the top right corner (other than the fact that it is way to small to hit with your finger) and would love to find a way to point a shortcut to the opening it up while on the Today Screen so that I can see running apps, easily close all, switch to one in particular, or see my power & memory settings.
If anyone still has any ideas on how I might accomplish this I would be extremely grateful! Again I am wanting to do this Natively, using the HTC QuickMenu (Taskservices.dll) already built-in and not interested in installing another 3rd party app that takes up memory.
Thanks in Advance for any help that may be offered!
Michael
Thank you for your fast reply!
Re: Shortcut/App to Launch HTC QuickMenu
I just got a fuze and when i went through the settings i found out what your probably trying to do. Go to Start/setting/the small tab on the bottom that you would find your ''hold end key button''/ Hold end key setting. when you get there , they will be a couple settings relating to what you want your end key shorcut to be. then you will click on ''access quick menu'' (or something like that).
The HTC Quick Menu 2.1 (Build 1918.3631) settings:
(Start / Settings / Systems / Task Manager / Button)
Enable the "X" button to end running programs
End programs by tapping "X"
End programs by tapping and holding "X"
Enable Quick Menu on Today screen
(no more...)
I don't think that it is possible to find a shortcut for this. (do hope that I'm wrong and somebody can find the way and share it here though)
But I would like to recommend one of my favorite light apps which can realize what you desired for. It is called HButton and created by an xda contributor, please referhere:
http://hbutton.dyndns.org/
In Hbtton settings, the <Ok/Close> function actually point to the upper-right corner of the screen.
Think you will like it.
No, thanks, I don't want to install 3rd party apps. : )
I think, need to find a solution here, as under Windows the "rundll32.exe" the "taskservice.dll" to run.
Hello,
I use a litte script for that on my TOPAZ (Mortscript is a third party program, but for me indespensable)
Code:
SendSpecial ("win")
Afterwards, you can map it to a button
sudist said:
Hello,
I use a litte script for that on my TOPAZ (Mortscript is a third party program, but for me indespensable)
Code:
SendSpecial ("win")
Afterwards, you can map it to a button
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This MortScript script is call the "Win" button and open the Start menu.
This is not an option, not a good.
We would like to open the HTC TaskManager (on right-up corner).
sancho1234 said:
We would like to open the HTC TaskManager (on right-up corner).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oups... I understand now
Maybe something like this ???
Code:
Show ("Desktop")
Sleep 500
Mouseclick (470,10)
sudist said:
Oups... I understand now
Maybe something like this ???
Code:
Show ("Desktop")
Sleep 500
Mouseclick (470,10)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. But I think the "sleep" function is not too stable for me. I wrote a similar script already, I have not had good experiences.
Dit you try :
Code:
Show ("Desktop")
WaitForActive ("Desktop")
Mouseclick (470,10)
sudist said:
Dit you try :
Code:
Show ("Desktop")
WaitForActive ("Desktop")
Mouseclick (470,10)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Error, because the WaitForActive is need a ",": WaitForActive ("Desktop",)
I try with WaitForActive ("Desktop",[0-3]), no action.
wg5566 said:
I don't think that it is possible to find a shortcut for this. (do hope that I'm wrong and somebody can find the way and share it here though)
But I would like to recommend one of my favorite light apps which can realize what you desired for. It is called HButton and created by an xda contributor, please referhere:
http://hbutton.dyndns.org/
In Hbtton settings, the <Ok/Close> function actually point to the upper-right corner of the screen.
Think you will like it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WG > I looked at the link provided and I am not quite sure I understand. from the looks of it.. it would appear to be another Task Manager type application? But are you saying that when configuring the "<Ok/Close>" function and using it, that it will activate the Quick Menu on the Today Screen by "pointing ot the upper-right corner of the screen"? or have I misunderstood you?
If in fact it activates the Quick Menu on the Today screen by activating the upper-right corner, then it may be an app worth trying.
If you could reply and please clarify that would be great.
If anyone else has additional info to add on how I might do this natively that would be AWESOME!
Thanks in advance for your help!
wow... lol. ok so I guess there's been a few more posts since WG posted and my reply to his was a bit outta place.
But it sounds like Sancho unerstands what I am looking for.
I am not looking for another Task Manager/Menu, or the "Quick Access List" menu as defined by the "Long Press End Key" in the System Settings.
I am looking for the shortcut/syntax/code/scrip to access what is referred to in the Registry as the HTCQuickMenu (running taskservices.dll) and execute the drop down on the today screen from the small icon in the upper-right corner looks like: ≡ˇ
thanks!
sancho1234 said:
I try with WaitForActive ("Desktop",[0-3]), no action.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, sorry for the waiting (I was on a boattrip )
First you need to know how your desktop is called with this script:
You clic on this script and hurry to your desktop (the windowname is showed for 5 sec
Code:
Sleep 5000
X1 = ActiveWindow()
Sleepmessage (5, X1)
The you copy this windowname in the script
Code:
Show ("NAME")
WaitForActive ("NAME", 6)
Mouseclick (470,10)
I've seen miscellaneous info around on the common task of repurposing the "n" button. I'd like to see a concise rundown of ways to hack it.
The "n" button is a scancode 102 that normally gets mapped to keycode 3 with /system/usr/keylayout/gpio-keys.kl
Keycode 3 in intercepted by the interceptKeyTi method of PhoneWindowManager in /system/framework/android.policy.jar
Keycode 3 is handled directly without using any intents.
It's not easy to hack a key to give an intent. You have CALL_BUTTTON, CAMERA_BUTTON & MEDIA_BUTTON. I haven't managed to catch them. The easy one to hack is SEARCH_LONG_PRESS.
You can easily change gpio-keys.kl to key 102 SEARCH
A normal press will bring up the default Nook search. A long press will generate an intent. All you have to do is insert another intent filter in your favorite app.
Code:
<intent-filter>
<action android:name="android.intent.action.SEARCH_LONG_PRESS" />
<category android:name="android.intent.category.DEFAULT" />
</intent-filter>
I have this running on my ADW Launcher and I uninstalled Button Savior.
Personally, I prefer hacking to installing yet another app just to do one thing. I would like to come up with a solution for a dedicated action for the "n" key.
Any thoughts?
If you use NookTouchTools this allows you to remap the buttons/quicknav etc without all the hassle.
GabrialDestruir said:
... without all the hassle.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I'd really like to learn things, not just load another app.
So how exactly do the Tools work? Do they need to have another process just to listen for a keycode and translate it to an intent?
Renate NST said:
Well, I'd really like to learn things, not just load another app.
So how exactly do the Tools work? Do they need to have another process just to listen for a keycode and translate it to an intent?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It uses modification of various .jar files
XorZone said:
* Patched android.policy.jar:
*** Injected home button code from AOSP, with configuration check between goto home and b&n quicknav toggle
*** Fixed recent apps dialog with configuration check to launch recent apps dialog or configured app launch
* Patched services.jar
*** "Reading now" button check for configured launch value (possible values: Home, Back, Menu, Search, Long Search, Custom App, B&N default)
*** All quicknav buttons configurable and will load icons (once, onCreate) possible values same as above.
* ActivityPicker - B&N removed default activity (usually in Settings.apk) to serve ACTION_PICK_ACTIVITY requests, so I added it back to the app and now able to add shortcuts/edit doc shortcuts in Launcher Pro...
* Configuration - All above configurable values stored in Settings.System so both system jars and Conf app can access it.
* Clear dalvik-cache button
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, Gabrial. I had read through this entire thread before and it had left me confused. 10 pages of talking about changing the UI and not a single screenshot? I'm still not sure how an activity picker or a recent apps dialog looks like. Heck, I'm not even sure what additional things you get in Settings. Is there even a tree list of what people should have?
Yes, I do have a penchant for doing things the hard way. I like things lean and mean. If I knew how to inject code into jars I would just have fixed android.policy.jar and left it at that. My main need was a way to globally get back to my launcher desktop without onscreen controls (like Button Savior).
Renate NST said:
Thanks, Gabrial. I had read through this entire thread before and it had left me confused. 10 pages of talking about changing the UI and not a single screenshot? I'm still not sure how an activity picker or a recent apps dialog looks like. Heck, I'm not even sure what additional things you get in Settings. Is there even a tree list of what people should have?
Yes, I do have a penchant for doing things the hard way. I like things lean and mean. If I knew how to inject code into jars I would just have fixed android.policy.jar and left it at that. My main need was a way to globally get back to my launcher desktop without onscreen controls (like Button Savior).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well said
I'd try to ask Nook Color forums too...
Well, I finally learned how to hack compiled Java code.
Now, I've got a simple press the "n" and it goes directly to your desktop.
It required just a bit of editing of android.policy.jar
Why would anyone want "QuickNav"?
It's not part of Android anywhere, it's just something B&N put in.
Sometimes I use library...
brendan10211 said:
Sometimes I use library...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can drag the stock Library icon onto your desktop.
You can even put the stock Home or Shop there also.
I also use it to force refresh, but XorZone just made that soo
Renate NST said:
Well, I finally learned how to hack compiled Java code.
Now, I've got a simple press the "n" and it goes directly to your desktop.
It required just a bit of editing of android.policy.jar
Why would anyone want "QuickNav"?
It's not part of Android anywhere, it's just something B&N put in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I, same as you, like to modify my Nook as little as possible. In case of a future software upgrade, I would like to know what to change back before applying it.
Of course, I know I can just save the partitions (internal disk) and restore it as needed, but I would like to not need to do this.
Right now, I modified the gpio file for Search and created my own Launcher (base on Home Sample code in Android SDK).
Still, I don't like the need for Long Press on Search.
Could you please post the links which shows how to hack the android.policy.jar?
Maybe, if I don't ask too much, your edits to it?
Thanks!
Renate NST said:
[...] Why would anyone want "QuickNav"?
It's not part of Android anywhere, it's just something B&N put in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mainly because I don't like every device looking like an iPhone wannabe with a grid of icons. I like the reader focus with apps secondary. I do wish the QuickNav could be fully customized, including icons, easily.
bobstro said:
Mainly because I don't like every device looking like an iPhone wannabe with a grid of icons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mmm, Ok. Still, I don't like having to do three taps to do a non-book activity.
"n", then [launcher select] gets me anywhere.
The "currently reading" icon gets me back to my book.
I'm not fond of icons at all and have considered a list-oriented launcher,
but the fact remains that visually locking onto an icon is quicker.
That's why the QuickNav has icons on it.
Renate NST said:
Mmm, Ok. Still, I don't like having to do three taps to do a non-book activity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are only a few apps I use regularly on the NST, so I've just remapped the QuickNav buttons using Xor's NookTouch Tools to launch them directly: Library, maildroid, astrid tasks, calendar pad and dropsync. I find it quicker than pulling up a full launcher.
It's definitely a personal preference thing. I rather like that the NST isn't trying to be an iDevice. There's a minimalist 'Zen' to it I like.
I know you don't like additional software, but you can take it a step further using Folder Organizer. I set it to show items in the Notification menu, then show the "Starred items" and "Applications" menus in the Notification menu. You can launch apps and submenus this way, and also shortcuts, which can be handy to have 2 clicks away.
"n", then [launcher select] gets me anywhere.
The "currently reading" icon gets me back to my book.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me, it's:
"n" then run my top 5 most often used apps directly from QuickNav (2 taps)
or tap Notification->app for regularly used (still 2 taps)
or at worst, Notification->Menu->app for stuff I don't use regularly (3 taps)
This give me progressively more focused listof apps. At no point do I have to go through a launcher, thus avoiding the dreaded iPhone-wannabe look. I never use a launcher except for maintenance tasks.
I'm not fond of icons at all and have considered a list-oriented launcher, but the fact remains that visually locking onto an icon is quicker. That's why the QuickNav has icons on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Folder Organizer does essentially what you've described. You can change the folder display to show:
icons with text
icons only
list with icon and text
list with text only.
I don't recall which features are available in the free version, but I like to toss a few bucks to developers when I can, so happily paid the few bucks for the full version.
Unfortunately, NookTouch Tools only allows you to set the 'n' key to show QuickNav or not. If it allowed setting it to launch a shortcut, you could pull up a nice targeted list of apps directly, thus bypassing the 5 item limit of QuickNav.
bobstro said:
Unfortunately, NookTouch Tools only allows you to set the 'n' key to show QuickNav or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although I have no experience with any of the Tools, I presume that they
(like my mod) just generate an android.intent.category.HOME/android.intent.action.MAIN
Most "home-based" apps should already have this as a filtered intent.
You should be able to easily select one of them as the default.
Using specific "shortcuts" defeats the purpose of the Android intents system.
Renate NST said:
[...] Using specific "shortcuts" defeats the purpose of the Android intents system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does it have to be one or the other exclusively? For a basic launcher, pulling up the main app is sufficient. Other programs, such as Folder Organizer, provide shortcuts to user-defined categories, so I could have a subset of all available apps appear rather than a full launcher. Various readers provide shortcuts to books, and so on. Sometimes you don't want/need the full program.
Looks like they have the new Nook 1.1.5 OSS released: http://images.barnesandnoble.com/PResources/download/Nook/source-code/nook2_1-1-5.tgz
The "n" button is used turn the light on and off I think with long presses.
I pre-ordered mine already so will see when it arrives how it works.
See following post for workaround
I tracked down an old version of the app (2.6.2--extracted from one of the nooter project file zips) and installed it on my NST, hoping to create a simple date-day widget.
I must be daft. I cannot get a widget to display! I can go through the entire creation and customization process. I can "see" the preview result while in the settings section. But nothing appears on the home screen
I tried installing the same app on my little KitKat device and had no issues with the widget appearing on the home screen. This version of the app was surely known to work with the NST or else it would not have been included in the nooter package.
Does anyone have any experience with Minimalistic Test on the NST? I must be missing something. I have no problem adding other widgets.
Workaround
Whew! It's too bad there wasn't any chatter on the forum about working with this app. Maybe something in the newer NST firmwares just makes it mad, but whatever may be the case, here's what I did:
The last version for Eclair is 2.6.3. You can get it straight from the developer here: http://devmil.de/MT/MinimalisticText_2_6_3.apk
I did this on a system running FW 1.2.2 but I'm pretty sure this will apply to 1.2.1 also. Installation goes OK but apparently the file minimaltextprefs*.xml in /data/data/de.devmil.minimalitext/shared_pref is malformed in some way. Things just don't behave the way they should. While I floundered about I ended up installing the app on my little KitKat media player and then copied the minimaltextprefs*.xml file from that device and used it to replace the one on the NST. Voila! There is a number at the end of the file name and you can make the replacement file the same as the original file, but the number does change as you use the app. I have attached a zipped copy of the file I used below.
For me the best use of the widgets is with black text and no background. Unfortunately the opening settings screen of the app is black.... So if you use black text (the default is white) you will see nothing except a box for your widget. However, within the customization section there is a preview pane which lets you see what you've got.
One last--and the most important--thing. Supposedly when you've made changes the "back" button saves these. Not on the NST. Instead, while in the settings section (anywhere except the customization preview pane) if you tap the "menu" button one of the options that pops up at the bottom of the screen is "OK". That is how you save your changes. Using the "save" command at the end of the settings just places things in a file for later reference.
All this for a date-month-day text widget...... But you can do a lot more with the app, so maybe someday.
I want to thank @Devmil for providing the direct link to v. 2.6.3 and also for having patience with me while I tried to figure all this out.
The impetus for my project was the purchase of a (surprise!) late production line NSTG with a flawless light-dispersing layer. And I thought...this deserves a rethink. Thanks to @Renate for help with the status bar background color and clock color. The rest is a combination of DesktopVisualizer, Simi Folder, Tasker apps (only 2), Minimalistic Text, a little judicious wallpaper design, and fooling with the framework-res.apk.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Features:
-glowlight instruction banner removed from screensaver image
-status bar background changed to white
-modernized "now reading", "back", and "menu" buttons
-date/greeting widget (updates automatically)
-weather widget (3 hr updates from data scraped at 3 am)
-"Now Reading" bookcover widget with reader "badge"
----image is automatic for non-DRM epubs, requires one button press for others
----image (whether automatic or manual) is possible to set as screensaver
----image is "smart", duplicating function of "reading now" button, and knowing which reader to open for which book (button also is now "smart")
-icons in dock are Simi folder shortcuts (except for drawer icon) and open groups of apps (stock reader, Kindle, EBookDroid, as an example)
-QuickTiles fully integrated
Edit: the current version now also supports PerfectViewer as a reader option
More screenshots below.
(YouTube insisted on muting the short segment featuring Ella Fitzgerald, if you can believe it...)
"How-to" guide begins in post #11
WHOA !!! Seriously ?
hahahahahaha ... LOVE IT !!!
What is this ? ... a concept yet to be realised or an actual working 'Neu Home' for our awesome little NSTG's ?
aiamuzz said:
WHOA !!! Seriously ?
hahahahahaha ... LOVE IT !!!
What is this ? ... a concept yet to be realised or an actual working 'Neu Home' for our awesome little NSTG's ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a real thing. I've been using it for a few weeks, tracking down small issues. Think I've got them all. But...it's just ADW launcher dressed up with some nice features. The underlying B&N system remains.
nmyshkin said:
It's a real thing. I've been using it for a few weeks, tracking down small issues. Think I've got them all. But...it's just ADW launcher dressed up with some nice features. The underlying B&N system remains.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent ... where is my Nook Manager SD Card !!!
When are you planning to release it for the public with the instructions set ? ... Look forward to it.
An NSTG specific ADW launcher ... Fantastic !!!
aiamuzz said:
When are you planning to release it for the public with the instructions set ? ... Look forward to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mmm....not sure. I actually have not tried applying this to a second device. I'm sure I can do it, but there are a lot of moving parts. I need to try and simplify the process. I didn't actually think anyone else would be interested!
Probably some kind of of gradually increasing functions, like just the status bar change (easy). That's just an update of the framework-res.apk using CWM. Then add in the smart "reading now" button (without the bookcover widget). That's just a pair of apps in which I can disable all the widget stuff.
That, I think, would be doable by anyone. The rest really is window dressing. It suits me, but not all the elements may suit others. I need to look at the portability of the widgets. If that were possible it would simplify things a lot.
Edit: Well, some good news for a change. The widgets can be "exported" in a file and then read into a different device. So for people who want to duplicate any of the widgets they see on my screen (or use them as starting points), the path is smoother.
Anyway, that's my next "job".
Really good stuff. Wish I had another NST to experiment on, it's crazy what you can still do with them.
nmyshkin said:
The impetus for my project was the purchase of a (surprise!) late production line NSTG with a flawless light-dispersing layer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey ... is there anyway to know if my NSTG is from a late production line ?
jun127 said:
Really good stuff. Wish I had another NST to experiment on, it's crazy what you can still do with them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
now i am getting impatient ... hope you are able to toss in a easy tutorial for us to try this !!!
aiamuzz said:
Hey ... is there anyway to know if my NSTG is from a late production line ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to my knowledge. I've only ever read about the change in background color and beefing up of the dispersing layer in one place. They could have made it up, but there is no doubt about background "white" when I line up an NST, my new NSTG, and my older NSTG. There's a clear progression to a darker background.
Now there could simply be something wrong with my old NSTG that makes the background so dingy, but I don't think so.
aiamuzz said:
now i am getting impatient ... hope you are able to toss in a easy tutorial for us to try this !!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't guarantee "easy", but it will be my usual "overly detailed"
How-to
Disclaimer: I am not responsible for anything odd you do to your NST/G. Make a backup.
"My habits protect my life, but they would assassinate you."--Mark Twain
For this reason my original instructions were very incremental and complex. I now think that was a bad idea.
I recently discovered a way to create CWM flashable zips of installed and configured apps. I thought this might vastly simplify recreating the "new UI" look. I think I was right. I also decided that it was better to install everything at first and then subtract (uninstall) stuff that you don't want, seeing as how there are so many moving pieces and lots of dependencies. You can decide if I was right.
STAGING
Note: you need a good file manager app on your device and may also need some kind of working gallery app (like QuickPic), depending on whether the activity picker recognizes your file manager app fully. I was able to get along with ES File Explorer.
1. Make a CWM card (https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...od-based-recovery-fixed-backup-issue.1360994/), using either of the two SD card versions.
2. Download framework_newUI_CWM.zip and NST_newUI_CWM.zip. Copy these files onto the CWM card you have made.
Spoiler: What's in the zips?
framework_newUI_CWM.zip
/system/framework/framework-res.apk
/system/framework/services.jar
/system/framework/com.google.android.maps.jar
/system/etc/permissions/com.google.android.maps.xml
/data/local/fb2png
Changes to the framework-res.apk were needed to change the status bar to white and update the icons. This version also includes a few minor changes to address problems with invisible text in some apps. An update to services.jar was needed to change the clock to black text. This version of services.jar contains the patches needed for NookTouch ModManager. If you don't run NTMM, the patches are ignored. The two small "maps" files are dependencies for Tasker and any apps created with Tasker (such as NST UI, SetCover, NSTWeather and QuickTiles). These files don't do anything but if you ever want to install any of the other apps I have created with Tasker, their presence will save you a step.
The small binary file fb2png is a replacement for the malfunctioning /system/bin/screenshot. It converts the contents of the frame buffer into a graphics file with png format.
NST_newUI_CWM.zip
ADW Launcher (configured)
DesktopVisualizer
SimiFolder (sample folder configured)
Wallpaper Chooser
NST UI (dependency on MinimalisticText)
MinimalisticText (widgets pre-configured)
RotationLocker
QuickTiles (dependency on RotationLocker)
NSTWeather Widget (dependency on MinimalisticText)
So, it's pretty complicated and that's why I think this CWM method is best. In particular, MinimalisticText is difficult to install properly on the NST/G. Even following my own instructions it's hit-or-miss. This way you have a working version install with no effort. You can eventually uninstall things you are not going to use. Look for those tips in the instructions.
3. Download folders.zip. Inside the zip are two folders, media and sdcard. Copy the contents of the "media" folder to /media on your NST/G. If there is not already a "screensavers" folder in /media, create one and inside that create the folder "CurrentBookCover".
Next, copy the contents of the "sdcard" folder to /sdcard on your NST/G. If there is not already a "Pictures" folder in /sdcard, create one and inside that create the folder "Screenshots".
You now have everything you need to reproduce the UI shown in the first post.
INSTALLATION
1. Make a backup of your NST/G. Everything you are going to do is reversible, but it would be so much easier to just restore a backup if you decide you don't like the result.
2. Power down, remove your regular sdcard and replace it with the CWM card. Power up. Wait for CWM to pass the splash screen and display the first menu.
If you're not familiar with CWM, movement in the menu and item selection are controlled by hardware buttons:
upper left: previous menu, upper right: up, lower right: down, "n" button: select.
a. move down the menu to "install zip from sdcard". Press "n"
b. press "n" again ("choose zip from sdcard")
c. move to framework_newUI_CWM.zip and press "n"
d. move either up or down to confirm the file you want to flash and press "n"
Spoiler: I only want the updated Status Bar!!!
skip e,f,g and after the reboot is complete, delete all the "folder" content from both /media and /sdcard
e. again, select "choose zip from sdcard" (press "n")
f. move to NST_newUI_CWM.zip and press "n"
g. move either up or down to confirm the file you want to flash and press "n"
The screen gets a little mushed up with the menu after two flashes, but all you need is to get back to the beginning.
h. go back (upper left button) until the first item in the menu is "reboot system now"
i. remove the CWM sdcard and replace it with your usual sdcard, then press "n"
Chug, chug, chug... Boot may take a little longer because of replacing the framework-res.apk, but be patient.
THE DETAILS
1. Change Wallpaper (may have to do it twice for it to take effect). Tap on the Wallpaper Chooser app and navigate through the tiny print to /media/Wallpaper. There are three files. You want "NST UI Background_p.png". The other two files are for a smoother transition to landscape mode (handled by QuickTiles). If you never use your device in landscape mode you can design your own wallpaper to suit without making a version for landscape. The Wallpaper Changer app is sort of funky, but it gets the job done. If you have my Nook Settings app, there is a wallpaper setting under "Display", so you could delete Wallpaper Changer in that case.
2. Initialize NST UI by tapping on the icon. You are taken back to the home screen and get an SU permission prompt.
3. Use NTMM to assign NST UI to the status bar "reading now" button.
Spoiler: I only use the stock reader!!
In that case you do not need to assign the NST UI app to the "reading now" button. Everything else will function fine.
Also assign ADW Launcher to the "n" button.
Note: if you are not familiar with ADW Launcher, the three dots at the upper right corner of the app drawer screen are your friend. The first option allows you to hide apps from the drawer, the second to create additional tabs if you want to group apps. And it's a convenient place to access the App Manager.
4. Add BookCover widget (DesktopVisualizer), scale and position.
a. Long press on the home screen somewhere blank. You will see a dialog. Tap as needed to get to "Widgets."
b. Select a 4x4 Desktop Visualizer widget.
c. A place-holder for the widget appears somewhere on the home screen. Long-press until you can drag the image down to below "Now Reading". Then tap on it.
d. Tap on "Select Icon" (this will be the book cover image). Tap on "Image File". You'll see a selection of possible apps that might open such a file. In my case that was ES File Explorer. If nothing shows up that will allow you to navigate to /media/NowReading/NSTcover.png or select from a variety of images (with a gallery app like QuickPic) you will need to install something.
e. Tap on "Select Action". You will see options. We want to launch an app.
Note: if you would rather not have the book cover image repeat the function of the "reading now" button, select "None". In that case tapping on the book cover image will have no effect.
Select NST UI. This makes the widget active as a "button" which will open the "Now Reading" book.
f. To complete the setup of the widget, trash the Label and select "None" for the Touch Effect color. Then tap on OK.
g. You are now back on the home screen:
Long-press on the widget until you see the dialog open and select "Resize":
The best option for me was to move the bottom handle down a little. This gave an image that seemed to fit in the space and had the right aspect ratio. Compare with the screenshot in the first post. Of course you can position and size the image any way you want if you are developing your own design. When you select a book to read this temporary image will be replaced.
5. Getting a custom version of the SetCover app.
Spoiler: Why does this have to be so complicated????
I've really tried everything to simplify this but I've come up with nothing. The issue is with the appWidgetID and the manager hidden somewhere on the device. In order to manipulate the book cover widget via Tasker the widget ID# is required. This is no problem but there is no way to use a variable to carry this information. And...Desktop Visualizer seems to almost pick a random number for its widgets so there is no dependable way to know what your individual widget ID# for the book cover image will be until you create the widget. Desktop Visualizer has the "ability" to clear the widget from memory if you delete it (from the App Manager) but it only resets the ID# back to the value it started with (whatever it was) and that not 100% of the time (a reboot helps).
What this means is that each version of SetCover has to be custom made for your particular widget ID#. This is not a difficult thing for me to do--just a few changes in the code for your ID#--and I am happy to do it. But it does mean that if you accidentally delete the book cover widget, you may not be able to make a new one with the same ID# and thus will need a new version of the app.
a. Use a file manager to navigate to /data/data/jp.co.bii.androi.app.dskvzr/files.
Inside that folder there should be one file representing the book cover widget. The file name will be something like "conf_1.dat". Your widget ID# is the numeric part of the file name (so, "1", in the example shown). PM me with your widget ID# and I will send you a custom version of SetCover.
b. Install the app and initialize it by tapping on the icon. You are returned to the home screen and an SU permission prompt is generated. It also takes a screenshot (think of it as a test drive...).
c. Use NTMM to assign SetCover to the hardware button of your choice (for manual cover capture). Remember, automatic cover images are only generated for non-DRM epub files. Everything else requires one button press when the cover is displayed on the screen.
5. Create additional SimiFolders and arrange dock icons
Spoiler: I do not want SimiFolders. I am going to use single app icons!!!
Uninstall the SimiFolder app. If the sample SimiFolder icon (the "books") does not disappear from the dock area of the home screen, double-tap on it until the dialog appears and choose "Remove". Remember that ADW Launcher allows you to use custom icons on the home screen, so even if you use single app icons you can still customize for an overall uniform effect if you want. To change the icon, double-tap on an app icon and choose "edit" from the dialog that appears.
I've provided one sample SimiFolder (the "books") so that setup of additional folders is simplified (if you like my choices...). Here's how to make additional ones.
a. Tap on the SimiFolder icon in the app drawer. Just a useful tidbit before we go on: the "Applications" section lists your apps, as you might guess. But there is an option in there for changing the app icon. I did this with the stock Library app in the sample "Reader" folder. So, tap on "Folder" and then "Add Folder". Give the folder a name and select the type of folder ("Combined").
Finally, to keep things simple for now, you can skip all the tedious configuration by choosing to "Copy settings from Folder". In this case, the sample "Readers" folder I provided. Save before going on.
b. To add apps to the new folder, tap on it and then on "Add".
This takes you to a screen with all your apps. Check the ones you want. You can choose to order the apps manually or let the app arrange them ("Sorting", back on the previous screen).
c. To get the new SimiFolder to appear on the home screen (in the dock) you need to use DesktopVisualizer. Long-press on an empty area of the home screen to bring up the ADW dialog:
Use the dialog options that follow to navigate to /media/Icons and select the icon of your choice (you can add/design your own, of course).
You would choose your own folder, of course. Then you are back to the home screen and you can drag your new SimiFolder shortcut down to the dock and arrange as you like.
6. Add Greeting widget (MinimalisticText)
Spoiler: I do not want the Greeting widget!!!
This requires a special version of the NST UI app with the widget control parts removed. Uninstall the existing NST UI app and install NST UI_no_widget. Initialize the app by tapping on the icon and grant SuperUser permission. If you also do not want the Weather widget, you can uninstall MinimalisticText and delete /sdcard/Fonts as well as /sdcard/MinimalisticTextPreferences
a. Long-press on the home screen somewhere and add a Widget. You want MinimalisticText 5x1 Horizontal. This takes you to the app itself where you enter the name for the widget. Use the name as shown.
b. Scroll to the very end of Settings until you see Save/Restore. Choose "Restore" and select "Greeting". This reads in the widget as I have created it so you don't have to go through all the setup.
c. DO NOT USE either the back arrow or back button at this point!! You'll have to start all over again. Instead, scroll back through Settings to find "Custom Layout". You can now see the "innards" of the widget. You want the last item which will allow you to type in your name.
d. NOW use the back button (status bar) twice to dismiss the keyboard and close the editing screen. To save any changes to a widget of any kind, ALWAYS use the menu button (status bar) followed by a tap on "OK" at the bottom. MinimalisticText closes and you are back at the home screen.
e. Resize and position as before with the book cover image (see post #1). For me, pulling down on the bottom a little put the widget in the correct vertical position.
7. Add Weather widget (MinimalisticText)
Spoiler: I do not want the Weather widget!!!
Uninstall the NST Weather app. Delete the NSTWeather folder from your sdcard. From /sdcard/Fonts folder, delete weathericons.ttf
If you want to have the Weather widget, you will need to get a free API from Open Weather Maps. For more information, see the original app post. You don't need to go through the whole widget-building process. Once you have the API and your geocoordinates, tap on the app icon and fill in the Settings information. The rest is more or less automatic. You will receive a notification when the data has been processed and the app is "widget-ready". Then you follow the procedure for the Greeting widget (the size is Horizontal 4x2), but name it "Weather" and read in the configuration for that widget. There's nothing else to do but position the widget properly on the home screen. If your location is not showing up correctly for some reason, you can go into the widget settings (Layout>CustomLayout) and replace the Location variable with static text. Message me for additional help.
8. Configure QuickTiles
Spoiler: I do not want QuickTiles!!!
Be aware that if you ever use your device in landscape mode the static elements of the home screen wallpaper provided will be improperly positioned. This special version of QuickTiles (2.3) contains sufficient code to swap wallpapers during screen orientation changes. If that's not an issue for you, uninstall the QuickTiles app and delete /sdcard/Qtiles. If you never use your device in landscape (or always change from within an app like EBookDroid or PerfectViewer) you can also uninstall RotationLocker.
Tap on the app icon to initialize. By default, only the WiFi tile is set. You should read more about how the app works and how to set up additional tiles in the original app post. Some functions may require the presence of additional apps. RotationLocker is a dependency so whether you actually use that particular tile, the app must remain installed if you want to run QuickTiles.
Just in case...
If you have deleted some apps and later change your mind, it would be a shame to have to go back to the CWM zip and flash all over again. For that reason I've posted copies (or links to copies) of the main "optional" apps. Note that MinimalisticText comes as a CWM-flashable zip because it is so difficult to get a working install by just installing the app.
Desktop Visualizer
Minimalistic Text
Simi Folder
QuickTiles 2.3 (custom for this UI)
@nmyshkin ... thanks for the instruction set ...
nmyshkin said:
I can't guarantee "easy", but it will be my usual "overly detailed"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
agreed ... your instruction sets are comprehensive and detailed !!!
quite a bit of understanding and tinkering needed ... will try and get back i i like it ... currently my NSTG is an a state of ZEN ... thanks to your masterpiece of the RN button with my custom menu ... Its like i've already achived nirvana ... my mind is ONE with this current version(only cos of your RN Menu app) !!!