Database Users

Ebook readers and PDF conversion

Hello, I would like some recommendations on ebook readers for the diamond...
Also is there any way to convert your PDF files to be able to read them in an ebook reader ?

Mobipocket is the best one I've come across, you can convert from pretty much any format under the sun (including PDF) using the Creator application that can be downloaded as a companion to the Reader app; both are completely free. The cool thing is that you just install the desktop version of the Reader app then connect your phone to the PC and it'll automatically install the app on your phone for you.
The only annoying thing is that the cross pad on the Diamond is nearly impossible to use without accidentally clicking the 'hang up' button so turning pages is difficult without accidentally minimising the app, but that's an issue that would happen with any book reader app so I can't really lay the blame for that at the door of Mobipocket. Anyway, you can set up Mobipocket such that tapping the right and left hand sides of the screen moves you back and forward through the book instead which isn't too bad a workaround.
It would be nice to remap, for instance, the hardware volume buttons to back/forward but the Diamond seems determined not to allow anything like that, no matter what application you're running the sodding hardware buttons always just override the application and perform their original function (e.g. changing the system volume). I'm pretty appalled in general at how badly designed the buttons at the bottom of the Diamond are (yes, I'm sure they look very nice and it's a victory for the internal HTC design team, but actual usability of the sodding thing should never be secondary to the look of a device) but that's a different subject entirely.

Thanks am now using Mobipocket, very nice reader...like the tip with right left screen press for page turns...cheers

Medulla said:
Mobipocket is the best one I've come across, you can convert from pretty much any format under the sun (including PDF) using the Creator application that can be downloaded as a companion to the Reader app; both are completely free. The cool thing is that you just install the desktop version of the Reader app then connect your phone to the PC and it'll automatically install the app on your phone for you.
The only annoying thing is that the cross pad on the Diamond is nearly impossible to use without accidentally clicking the 'hang up' button so turning pages is difficult without accidentally minimising the app, but that's an issue that would happen with any book reader app so I can't really lay the blame for that at the door of Mobipocket. Anyway, you can set up Mobipocket such that tapping the right and left hand sides of the screen moves you back and forward through the book instead which isn't too bad a workaround.
It would be nice to remap, for instance, the hardware volume buttons to back/forward but the Diamond seems determined not to allow anything like that, no matter what application you're running the sodding hardware buttons always just override the application and perform their original function (e.g. changing the system volume). I'm pretty appalled in general at how badly designed the buttons at the bottom of the Diamond are (yes, I'm sure they look very nice and it's a victory for the internal HTC design team, but actual usability of the sodding thing should never be secondary to the look of a device) but that's a different subject entirely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you can set it to turn pages with a screen tap can't you? I haven't used it for a while but I seem to remember having it set up that way.
*edit* Oops... my bad you already said that.

you can also use down on the Dpad instead of left to turn the pages.

Best Notes app - Would prefer a Sense-like Widget...

Anyone point me in the right direction, I really like the HTC Sense Notes Widget found here However, I cannot get it to work because I've removed sense.
Any ideas or replacements - Thanks

jaypeezee said:
Anyone point me in the right direction, I really like the HTC Sense Notes Widget found here However, I cannot get it to work because I've removed sense.
Any ideas or replacements - Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right now I use two things - evernote and notification notes. Notification notes is great for quick little notes...in my case, I usually use it for shopping lists. It holds the note in the task bar until you delete it, which makes for really easy access
Evermore is a cloud based note storage service that allows you to store text or media notes from your phone or pc, and will sync them between whatever devices you use it on.

XM Notes.
8pen from my supersonic yea....

david279 said:
XM Notes.
8pen from my supersonic yea....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After posting, I came across XM Notes - I like the interface but dislike appearance of the widget. My search continues

Have you tried GTasks? It does the trick for me.
Supa Sonic Sent

I really like OnePunch its free off the market and places editable sticky notes on your screen or you can just use it as a note app and not bother with the sticky note feature. If you do like the sticky notes you can change the colors of them as well as edit them without worry of the need to delete and recreate them from scratch. I myself have one of my pages devoted to sticky notes.

Use Catch Notes (formerly 3banana) here.. Good stuff.

Evernote. Use it for all my lectures.
Sent while sitting on the toilet.

Note widget is the name of the one I use. Can have it have transparent background. It's also free.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Thanks everyone for the great input...
Some of your suggestions, although great, were a little more than what I was looking for. After some extensive market searching I found one that I really enjoy. Its called Staesj
I should have been a little more clearer on what exactly I was looking for. I was looking for a note app that would allow me to place a nice looking widget on one of my home screens, which ultimately would allow me to click on it and immediately edit it using a keyboard or a finger to scribble. I don't plan on using it as a to do list app or storing important notes but mainly for quick entries when on the road or on the phone (i.e. a phone number).
Staesj is a very simple, yet effective little app with a very small footprint. I came across other apps, specifically Multi Memo, which did EVERYTHING i wanted however I noticed a few drawbacks. 1) The app pulls a GPS location for every app entered (boo). 2) a separate widget app is required to display the notes on your home screen 3) seemed rather large for its purpose

if anyone comes across anything better, im always up for suggestions thanks.

[Q] Local retailer (US) that stocks Lenovo Thinkpad tablet?

I am considering buying one of these but would like to try it out in a store before I buy it. Does anyone know of a US retailer that stocks them?
I am mostly curious about the following things:
1) How good is it for taking notes in college/university classes? Can you rest your palm on the screen while using the stylus?
2) Is there a way to view the notes taken on pdf on a computer?
3) Is it pretty solid feel wise? Or does it feel like it will fall apart after a couple years?
4) How much bloatware comes on it and is it hard to remove via rooting?
5) Does the screen go dark enough for comfortable reading in dimly lit rooms?
Thanks for the info.

the notes are great, I use Quill, as it works nearly perfect, in the app i have turned on pen input only and jot tons and tons of notes all day long.
You can export the notes to various files, while im not sure about PDF there is certainly a format that can be read on your desktop
Like all lenovo products i've had its built to last like an enterprise system should be. as long as you take care of it it will last a long time past EOL
Bloatware isnt too bad, theres still some stuff lenovo managed to get into the system pretty deep (like the status bar wheel widget thing.) but its never bothered me that much as it only comes up at the home screen.
screen brightness works great in dim rooms, i tend to read books by a small lamp in bed most of the time with minimal strain.
I purchased mine from lenovo direct so I dont know about any local retailers.

Thanks for the info. However when I asked about notes on PDFs I should have clarified a bit. I was asking about their PDF viewer that lets you take notes on the PDF document and weather that can be exported to something useful.
Also I thought of one more thing: If I have my notes backed up with something like spideroak, can the notes be converted on a computer? I ask because I am worried about taking a semesters worth of notes on it then having it die and there being no way to read them without getting a new tablet.

FearTheCron said:
Thanks for the info. However when I asked about notes on PDFs I should have clarified a bit. I was asking about their PDF viewer that lets you take notes on the PDF document and weather that can be exported to something useful.
Also I thought of one more thing: If I have my notes backed up with something like spideroak, can the notes be converted on a computer? I ask because I am worried about taking a semesters worth of notes on it then having it die and there being no way to read them without getting a new tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ezPDF allows you to fill out pdf forms, underline, strikeout, and add freehand drawings as well as circles/squares/etc. It should do what you're looking for.
https://market.android.com/details?id=udk.android.reader&feature=search_result
and if you have the file saved as a pdf on your sd card you should be able to open it with any pdf reader (pc or otherwise).
The quill note taking app he mentioned allows you to export your notes to sdcard pdfs

Thanks for the info.
One last thing: has anyone used connect bot or another ssh client on this? I am curious if the keys on the keyboard folio such as escape quotes tild and whatnot all send the proper characters. I had a bluetooth keyboard for my N1 a while back that sent some weird unicode characters for the quotes making terminal usage very difficult.

https://market.android.com/details?id=berserker.android.apps.sshdroid&hl=en
I have used SSH droid with WINSCP worked like a charm, I'm by no means an experienced user with SSH, i just used it to dig around the file system.

SSH droid is a server for the android device, I am asking about using a client on the android device.

My bad, I left my brain at home today... I will test it for you this evening and let you know if the client works with the keymapping

Cool thanks, I look forward to hearing your results.

Update: I just ordered one, so if its too much of a bother don't worry about testing the connect bot thing. My shiny object syndrome overwhelmed my frugal side. Can't wait to get my hands on it.

It works like a charm tested with Moba SSH home 1.22 and connect bot, all the keys from the folio map properly and I haven't seen anything odd at this point, also SSH'd into a couple of Access points over my VPN at work with the TPT to test as well.
Congrats on the TPT! you're gonna love it!

Unfortunately the keys do not map properly, escape is still connected to "back" in the android os and ctrl is connected to "menu". Does anyone know if there is some way to map these to their proper functions?
Thanks
S

Annotation features of polaris office

As we all know polaris office is kind of limited in many ways in terms of function and performance. The only time I use it however is when I need to add handwriting annotations for both word documents and PowerPoint slides. These are nifty features and I've tried a few but yet to find any office apps which can do it. Any suggestions?
Sent from my GT-N8000 using xda app-developers app

Jasonchewy91 said:
As we all know polaris office is kind of limited in many ways in terms of function and performance. The only time I use it however is when I need to add handwriting annotations for both word documents and PowerPoint slides. These are nifty features and I've tried a few but yet to find any office apps which can do it. Any suggestions?
Sent from my GT-N8000 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kingsoft Office brought out an earlier version of their office suite that supported the original note's s-pen. It's still available at their website. Download and install it from there, not the Playstore. Do not update it as the update no longer supports the s-pen. http://www.kingsoftstore.com/android-office-samsung

mke1973 said:
Kingsoft Office brought out an earlier version of their office suite that supported the original note's s-pen. It's still available at their website. Download and install it from there, not the Playstore. Do not update it as the update no longer supports the s-pen. http://www.kingsoftstore.com/android-office-samsung
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks mke.
Kingsoft Office is my fav Office app since it's the only one (AFAIK) that can read and shows equations written in Word files (in the PC, with the standard "Equation Editor" or with the Commercial "MathType") then imported in the GNote 10.1. You can't edit them (they are imported as images) but at least you can see them with Kingsoft Office.
All other office apps I've tried so far (quite many) fails to even show them .
Having said that, thanks for your advice about using the Kingsoft Office app (downloadable here) that support the S-Pen. I didn't know about that and I've replaced with it the app that I had previosly downloaded from Google Play.
Anyway I'm at a loss at using the S-Pen for handwritten annotation.
I can annotate, but I can't see any option to change the ink color or size or to erase some annotation (apart from the undo option).
Maybe there's none of these features, or maybe I'm missing some setting or some way to access them through the menu.
Can somebody help me?

When using the samsung s-pen supported version, you can add on screen comments in different colors by pressing the s-pen's button once while the stylus is touching the screen. This brings up the s-pen's color/pen/brush/pencil settings. After you've made your selections annotate away. For revisions, you must go the traditional route of choosing the keyboard s-pen, which then gets converted into text. I've included 2 screen shots showing the s-pen option box and then different colored comments.

mke1973 said:
When using the samsung s-pen supported version, you can add on screen comments in different colors by pressing the s-pen's button once while the stylus is touching the screen. This brings up the s-pen's color/pen/brush/pencil settings. After you've made your selections annotate away. For revisions, you must go the traditional route of choosing the keyboard s-pen, which then gets converted into text. I've included 2 screen shots showing the s-pen option box and then different colored comments.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! It works!
I'd never have found it out by myself.
Anyway it seems that there's pressure sensitivity while writing but it disappears just after the drawing is processed into the document.
There's no eraser too?

sphere314 said:
Thanks! It works!
I'd never have found it out by myself.
Anyway it seems that there's pressure sensitivity while writing but it disappears just after the drawing is processed into the document.
There's no eraser too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rather than sensitivity, line width seems to be the only option (in the s-pen settings box). So far, I've not found a way to erase so I use the undo tool bar feature. There are no real instructions that I've found; perhaps there's an erase feature buried that I've not discovered. I don't know if this developer would be willing to update the s-pen version if enough note 10.1 users would express interest. If they updated it and only made it a paid app, I'd be willing to buy it. I think it's the best Android office suite to date.

Thanks for this! though the spen functionality isn't as good as polaris'. Ah I can't find one single office app which fulfill all my needs. When is Microsoft office app coming to android?
Sent from my GT-N8000 using xda app-developers app

mke1973 said:
Kingsoft Office brought out an earlier version of their office suite that supported the original note's s-pen. It's still available at their website. Download and install it from there, not the Playstore. Do not update it as the update no longer supports the s-pen. http://www.kingsoftstore.com/android-office-samsung
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the link!
I was able to use the s-pen in word documents, but it didn't work in spreadsheet and presentations. Is there a way to do that?

ddavtian said:
Thanks for the link!
I was able to use the s-pen in word documents, but it didn't work in spreadsheet and presentations. Is there a way to do that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, I don't think so, but I haven't found any online instructions for the s-pen enabled app so I've just stumbled on things by trial and error. I wish Samsung had encoraged this developer to update s-pen support for the note 10.1 and note 2. This is one of the best Android office suites, but the updated version doesn't support the s-pen.

sphere314 said:
Thanks mke.
Kingsoft Office is my fav Office app since it's the only one (AFAIK) that can read and shows equations written in Word files (in the PC, with the standard "Equation Editor" or with the Commercial "MathType") then imported in the GNote 10.1. You can't edit them (they are imported as images) but at least you can see them with Kingsoft Office.
All other office apps I've tried so far (quite many) fails to even show them .
Having said that, thanks for your advice about using the Kingsoft Office app (downloadable here) that support the S-Pen. I didn't know about that and I've replaced with it the app that I had previosly downloaded from Google Play.
Anyway I'm at a loss at using the S-Pen for handwritten annotation.
I can annotate, but I can't see any option to change the ink color or size or to erase some annotation (apart from the undo option).
Maybe there's none of these features, or maybe I'm missing some setting or some way to access them through the menu.
Can somebody help me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
silly question how do you install this?

dtl said:
silly question how do you install this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand your question.
If you are referring to "Equation Editor" it's part of MS Office for PC. Can be installed as an extra and can then be used in Word, Excel, etc.
I don't know about more recent versions of Office but I think something similar is there too.
Anyway that's OT here.

sphere314 said:
I don't understand your question.
If you are referring to "Equation Editor" it's part of MS Office for PC. Can be installed as an extra and can then be used in Word, Excel, etc.
I don't know about more recent versions of Office but I think something similar is there too.
Anyway that's OT here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
actually was questioning how to install that kingsoft office.

dtl said:
actually was questioning how to install that kingsoft office.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Last version (v. 5.3.2) is here in GooglePlay.
For the other (older) version with S-Pen support (Kingsoft Office - for Android Samsung Galaxy Note - v. 5.2.128694-en00040) you go here and download the .apk file. (android_office_samsung.apk).
Then you copy the .apk file somewhere in your GNote 10.1 and (with any file manager) tap on it.
In so doing, the app will be installed in your tablet.
Anyway, before doing that, be sure to have enabled Unknown sources in "Settings - Security", otherwise you won't be able to install manually an app this way.

sphere314 said:
Last version (v. 5.3.2) is here in GooglePlay.
For the other (older) version with S-Pen support (Kingsoft Office - for Android Samsung Galaxy Note - v. 5.2.128694-en00040) you go here and download the .apk file. (android_office_samsung.apk).
Then you copy the .apk file somewhere in your GNote 10.1 and (with any file manager) tap on it.
In so doing, the app will be installed in your tablet.
Anyway, before doing that, be sure to have enabled Unknown sources in "Settings - Security", otherwise you won't be able to install manually an app this way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perfect thanks!

dtl said:
Perfect thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome
Anyway, as a personal consideration, I'm thinking of returning to the most recent (5.3.2) Google Play general version.
It seems that The GNote/SPen version development has stopped and it doesn't offer very useful SPen improvements apart from the possibility to change the handwritten notes pen colors and size.
For instance there's no eraser and (apparently) no pressure sensitivity.
Furthermore the navigation is more awkward: you haven't the option to turn off the writing pen so that you can't use the pen just to scroll a document but must remember to use your fingers instead to do that.
So I think I'll go back to the newest general version, waiting to see if the SPen version resumes development.

SPen (touchwiz free) - CM12(Lollipop) best apps to use

SPEN on a none touchwiz ROM
The most compelling reason for buying an SPen Samsung device to me was the vision and possibility for a paper-free lifestyle.
Moving seamlessly between the paper-free and paper-bound world's is a must along that journey.
You can just about see/feel/ makeout the possibility of everything coming together in a best of all worlds type setup.....
So here it is - a capable device that has all the firepower but none of the vision by its manufacturer oh Well...
I bought a Samsung Note 2014 wifi only device with spen in november 2014.
Don't like touchwiz for its bloat and its gimmicky "locked data" feeling.
Installed Cyanogenmod 12 and then Temasek ROM port.
Please share your current setup.
Specific apps you use, relevant settings and how smooth your setup integrates( screenshot examples etc)
The more elegant and evolved your setup the better!!!
Please use the feature request section. See my "Google's Keep app
Sketch for keep
+
Handraw
Option 2 : Note buddy(Free)
OR Note buddy(Paid)
+ Papyrus app
Option 3 : Fiinote - Google Play Store
Option 4 : SpenCommander ( beta testing stage and paid ATM)[RESIZE=100]
[/RESIZE]
Option 5 : Dionote
This app utilizes the SPen pressure sensitive abilities(Not many apps do)! Well worth of further studying.
Other decent apps that you should be aware of are
Lecture Notes (bought the pro but haven't used it much)
OneNote ( feeling timid to rely on a Microsoft app in the Android ecosystem. Thats because of the politics and conflict of interest that underline Microsofts potential for success on an Androids OS. May be an overreaction or far-sightness/short-sightness blunder on my behalf ... but hey we all live and learn )
XDA:DevDB Information
SPen (touchwiz free) CM12(Lollipop), ROM for the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 Edition)
Contributors
xda_nikita
ROM OS Version: 5.0.x Lollipop
Version Information
Status: Testing
Created 2014-12-12
Last Updated 2014-12-11

Ok here is my setup :
CM 12 ( credit goes to RaymanFX and all contributors) with "google keep" , "handraw" and "sketch for keep" . Launcher(side) with "glovebox"
This gives a sort of "action memo" knockoff.
Need help with :
-SPen driven Screenshot select similar to touchwiz spen screengrab app(lassoo select a portion of the screen and have that annotated in an app like handraw before pasted into google keep).
- browser side copy image for images that get pasted into google keep note as you browse ect(much like the pinterest button on a desktop browser pins the image directly to a board)
-browser tabs session save(which ever browser is best for this kind of thing) on a google drive account with corresponding "google keep note" link inside to restore the saved session would be phenomenal!
- spen touch depth sensors in handraw(or alternative setup)
Any way for "handwritting recognition" in any input box field to be used as a system-wide keyboard input method??
Any ideas?

For apps I use Write Beta. Just get through your prefered paper setting and you will be good to go. Maybe it doesnt have the best UI but it compensates by having the best stroke smothing technology.
To make notes, as many of you above I use Keep.
I am trying to be a developer and i made this app which any of you might find usefull
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.BCorp.SPasteAnywhere
But i have to say that i abandoned it because for it to work i need SPenSDK which suck, and because it has some error with touchwiz. Happily i dont have touchwiz anymore and so sadly i havent been able to fix it, it should be fine if anyone want to try it on cm12 with some video glitches that currently bug Rayman's great rom.
The point is, If anyone can find a better handwriting library that doesn't depends on a third party app please tell me and lets make great apps together. I was actually working on an action menu replacement for cm12 but see the information i give below.
To do some great stuff for the tablet on CM we will need the functionality that only this app is giving:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tushar.cmspen
without that app we can not detect pen dettachment, pen hover button, etc(No gestures like the one getting you to action memo or action menu). There are simply no broadcast of this actions in the system. The free version, I think, also has limited functions so if anyone does a cool app with anything else they would require the user to buy this app; and for it to have a decent pen stoke detection the user would have to add the spensdk from the play store. Can you see the hassle here? I asked @RaymanFX to look into it and add the CM SPen companion principle into cm12 for developers to have a better time doing something.

I just thought i'd let you all know before you get too far ahead of yourselves but the spen isnt actually functioning as an spen and doesnt get recognized as one so therefore the spen sdk wouldn't work witn cm12 due to as one of the bugs described says that "e-pen gets recognized as pointer device" and i'd also like to mention that i don't actually see any development in this post itself and should have been put in the general section rather than the original development or at least be a comment on the cm12 thread itself due to it being related to that

dc959 said:
I just thought i'd let you all know before you get too far ahead of yourselves but the spen isnt actually functioning as an spen and doesnt get recognized as one so therefore the spen sdk wouldn't work witn cm12 due to as one of the bugs described says that "e-pen gets recognized as pointer device" and i'd also like to mention that i don't actually see any development in this post itself and should have been put in the general section rather than the original development or at least be a comment on the cm12 thread itself due to it being related to that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if the rom detects it as a pointer device it is still detected as an spen withing the kernel. SPenSDK detects its as so and functions properly. If you want proof, use my app, SPaste, and see that spen makes strokes and finger is an eraser. This doesnt happens with any other pointer device like a mouse.
Still, as i said, the spen actions(Hover+button, attach, dettach, etc) are not broadcast to the system(Even if the actions are detected on the kernel) and thus, without the cm12 companion app, these functions are unusable. To add something, API to use them are also on the SPenSDK, but because there are no broadcast, this functions still dont work with the sdk installed.
You are completely right about this been in general.

Pazzu510 said:
Even if the rom detects it as a pointer device it is still detected as an spen withing the kernel. SPenSDK detects its as so and functions properly. If you want proof, use my app, SPaste, and see that spen makes strokes and finger is an eraser. This doesnt happens with any other pointer device like a mouse.
Still, as i said, the spen actions(Hover+button, attach, dettach, etc) are not broadcast to the system(Even if the actions are detected on the kernel) and thus, without the cm12 companion app, these functions are unusable. To add something, API to use them are also on the SPenSDK, but because there are no broadcast, this functions still dont work with the sdk installed.
You are completely right about this been in general.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is where you're wrong, a large majority of applications test to see if the s pen is actually available on the device to make sure there is compatibility yet none of them can recognize the device has an s pen because it isn't giving off the correct aigniture check. For instants give GMD spend control or cm s pen add-on a go and you'll see yet the apps are compatible with the device they don't actually get the correct response that the device has an spen because it's failing a aigniture check, I've even had contact with the developer to make sure that it isn't an issue with the app and cm12 and he sent me a debugging enabled version of the add-on app and it was something with the ROM itself preventing the app from verifying that an s pen is present. Sure a application can read the pressure strokes as I've tested it with sketchbook but the issue itself lies within the ROM having the correct drivers to send out the correct signal that it is in fact an s pen which it isn't because for starters the mouse icon is showing up and due to the s pen SDK it actually uses its own set of files to utilize the hardware rather than the Roms files that utilize it

Pazzu510 said:
For apps I use Write Beta. Just get through your prefered paper setting and you will be good to go. Maybe it doesnt have the best UI but it compensates by having the best stroke smothing technology.
To make notes, as many of you above I use Keep.
I am trying to be a developer and i made this app which any of you might find usefull
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.BCorp.SPasteAnywhere
But i have to say that i abandoned it because for it to work i need SPenSDK which suck, and because it has some error with touchwiz. Happily i dont have touchwiz anymore and so sadly i havent been able to fix it, it should be fine if anyone want to try it on cm12 with some video glitches that currently bug Rayman's great rom.
The point is, If anyone can find a better handwriting library that doesn't depends on a third party app please tell me and lets make great apps together. I was actually working on an action menu replacement for cm12 but see the information i give below.
To do some great stuff for the tablet on CM we will need the functionality that only this app is giving:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tushar.cmspen
without that app we can not detect pen dettachment, pen hover button, etc(No gestures like the one getting you to action memo or action menu). There are simply no broadcast of this actions in the system. The free version, I think, also has limited functions so if anyone does a cool app with anything else they would require the user to buy this app; and for it to have a decent pen stoke detection the user would have to add the spensdk from the play store. Can you see the hassle here? I asked @RaymanFX to look into it and add the CM SPen companion principle into cm12 for developers to have a better time doing something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dc959 said:
I just thought i'd let you all know before you get too far ahead of yourselves but the spen isnt actually functioning as an spen and doesnt get recognized as one so therefore the spen sdk wouldn't work witn cm12 due to as one of the bugs described says that "e-pen gets recognized as pointer device" and i'd also like to mention that i don't actually see any development in this post itself and should have been put in the general section rather than the original development or at least be a comment on the cm12 thread itself due to it being related to that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really like "Write Beta" app. Loved the undo and lasso features.
"Fiinote" is worth checking and is definately the best snote replacement app I am aware of.
CM12 ROM is being worked on by RaymanFX. As a developer he is focused on delivering the Android OS.
SPen relies on RaymanFXs efforts to open spen to app developers.
You still need good apps and user friendly functionality while all the developers work out the OS segment.
To avoid polluting RaymanFXs thread with discussions outside of the OS delivery I've made this thread...
Its meant to give a glancing reference on ways of setting up SPen functionality after you are done flashing CM12( or any other Lollipop based ROM )
The Gold standard would be for all SPen functionality to be exposed on OS level , app developer level passed on to app user level. Only then can the spen be freed from its touchwizz chained existence!:crying:

Android stock keyboard is really good!
*We have decent size keyboard
*We have the accessible but not aggressive voice typing option
( Being a "keyboard and trackpad only" user until recently, I can feel ,"google voice" being currently under leveraged by me )
The only let down when using Spen able device is hand writing input option on the stock keyboard.
"Hand writing recognition" should be available anywhere inside Android OS where keyboard input is possible.
Here is an example mockup Android keyboard that should exist (refer to image)
That Handwriting should be just as understated and persistently available like the "voice typing" icon on stock keyboard today.
I would like to put forward the following questions to the wider community, especially active developers .
How do we port/import a handwriting recognition feature into an Android keyboard?
What are the best hand recognition apps and projects that lend themselves to further improvement or integration?
Is it very difficult to modify stock Android keyboard?
What are the essential pieces that need to come together to make this happen??
Hope this makes sense on one level or another.

What about myscript stylus beta?

{Diemex} said:
What about myscript stylus beta?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, it gives the hand writing recognition option to any input field and covers all SPen keyboard points I was after.
Thank you!

{Diemex} said:
What about myscript stylus beta?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another "beef" I got with SPen at the moment is Screenshots.
Taking screenshot segments with SPen able device is a frustrating experience on a Touchwiz free ROM like CM12 at the moment.
Its no fault of the ROM builds themselve.
In fact it is truly remarkable how stable CM12 (Lolliopop) runs and just how fast
RaymanFX's effort is paying dividends to P600 owners(Samsung Note 2014 wifi)!
I wasn't able to assemble a draft paper/document with images as I browse thumbnails and articles without leaving the browser screen....
No way to select multiple areas of the screen and have them imported/clipboard copied as individual selections(check mockup imagery)
OK we have no SPen pressure detection at the moment and SPen is just a pointing device to a toucvhwiz free ROM , fine. All should be sufficient to achieve
SPen Screenshot integration like I outlined in the mockup images.
Please excuse my ignorance and share everything that can be done to improve the SPen screenshot situation!!!

I started trying to get a simple screencapper to work similiar to the one included in touchwiz roms.
What is working:
Taking screenshots - root required
Interception of taps
Selection of the crop area above other apps
Cropping of the screenshots to the rectangular selection
What still needs to be fixed/improved:
Atm you start the screencapper it will intercept all touch events. You basically can't use any other apps and have to somehow kill it. I still have to figure out how to toggle interception on/off. Pressing the spen button while it is touching the screen should toggle interception needed for the selection of the area for the screenshot. Releasing the button should return to a state where other apps can be used again.
Pressure and the button state seems to be working correctly. The mouse pointer is just visual, stylus functionality is working correctly.
I have very little time, I have to study for exams. Nevertheless I'm interested in getting a functional app at some stage.

{Diemex} said:
I started trying to get a simple screencapper to work similiar to the one included in touchwiz roms.
What is working:
Taking screenshots - root required
Interception of taps
Selection of the crop area above other apps
Cropping of the screenshots to the rectangular selection
What still needs to be fixed/improved:
Atm you start the screencapper it will intercept all touch events. You basically can't use any other apps and have to somehow kill it. I still have to figure out how to toggle interception on/off. Pressing the spen button while it is touching the screen should toggle interception needed for the selection of the area for the screenshot. Releasing the button should return to a state where other apps can be used again.
Pressure and the button state seems to be working correctly. The mouse pointer is just visual, stylus functionality is working correctly.
I have very little time, I have to study for exams. Nevertheless I'm interested in getting a functional app at some stage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What app are you using to achieve that?
There is a Mac app Screencapper but nothing on Androd Google play with that name.
I tried using a dozen+ screenshot apps with variable degrees of success. None of them gets me close to a touchwiz ROM like screencapture setup.
Its interesting that the SPen button and stroke pressure work for you.
A few posters on the thread suggested that SPen functionality like stroke pressure and button are not working in Lollipop based roms at the moment.
Are you using a KitKat based rom with CM spen app and the SPen SDK for that functionality?

I wrote the app myself. There are some screenshot apps but I couldnt find one that was designed for spen. Maybe there is one that allows cropping of the screenshot afterwards.
I tested stylus input with cm 12, you can try it yourself. Link is in my signature.

xda_nikita said:
What app are you using to achieve that?
There is a Mac app Screencapper but nothing on Androd Google play with that name.
I tried using a dozen+ screenshot apps with variable degrees of success. None of them gets me close to a touchwiz ROM like screencapture setup.
Its interesting that the SPen button and stroke pressure work for you.
A few posters on the thread suggested that SPen functionality like stroke pressure and button are not working in Lollipop based roms at the moment.
Are you using a KitKat based rom with CM spen app and the SPen SDK for that functionality?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, sorry if i didnt explained myself correctly. First of all, pressure, hover and button click work correctly on cyanogenmod, that information is correctly taken by the kernel and given to the system. If an app can work with that information through Samsung or other libraries their app will work as intended just like papyrus, write, wacom, etc.
What does not work, or to express it correctly, is not implemented yet, is the broadcast of some information taken correctly by the kernel that should be sent to the system as broadcasts. These information are the gestures we all know like pen attachment dettachment, pen button+hover, pen double tap, and these broadcasts are the ones that would permit the developer to imitate some of touchwiz main features.
A very silly example of what broadcast like these would create:
hey, the user just double tapped the screen with his SPen, is there any app that wants to open itself when this happens? perhaps you SuperDuperNote app? maybe you TotalyLegitActionMemo app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So there are no broadcasts and we developers have no easy way to act to these gestures system wide, anywhere on your screen and on any app that is opened at the moment just like samsung does with ActionMemo on "button+doubletap", or ActionMenu on "button+Hover".
With this in mind the developer would have to do one of 3 things.
Give up and do apps that only react to EPen information(Pressure, hover, button click) through Samsung or Other SDK(Wacom, Papyrus, Write, Spaste)
Intercept the Spen events with root and be a very skillfull programer to something like our friend @{Diemex} is doing.
Install CM SPen companion app and act to the broadcasts like we should be able to, but be dependent on those free app functions or whether the user want to buy the pro version of the same.

Thank you Pazzu510.
You have covered all angles. The explanation is crystal clear.

I've sent an email to the CM SPen Addon developer to see what his frame of mind is like regarding CM12.
His app had the attach/detached covered ok in CM 11 so maybe he has a good angle on getting the functionality registered in CM12.

xda_nikita said:
I've sent an email to the CM SPen Addon developer to see what his frame of mind is like regarding CM12.
His app had the attach/detached covered ok in CM 11 so maybe he has a good angle on getting the functionality registered in CM12.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He has explained that it would be rather easy if these broadcast code would be implemented directly into the rom. You can see the post here, it is a good read.
With the understanding of that, and too have a real impact on how broad the apps based on this can be, the important thing would be to make this changes and commit them on cm code. That way, any device with an spen could install cyanogen mod(or any rom based on cyanogenmod) and access apps intended to use this broadcasts. If it is not that way, our apps would be limited to those devices that run only the roms that make the code available, let it be "Cm12 rayman edition" or anything like that. I dont see this as a great idea because the apps made will have little to no compatibility.
What i see as a viable option, until those commits are on cyanogenmod code at least, is to analyze the code behind CM S Pen add-on(Its in github if i recall correctly) and see how they are looking for the kernel event changes. This would work in any device with spen and asking for root in cm is not difficult at all. Any app could start the tracking service for this events and act accordingly that way. My only worry is that if you have, say, 4 or 5 apps with its own service it would probably drain battery life. Another option would be to have a big project with all the functions in one app, but big projects mean few people to make it work and not many have the knowledge, the time or the passion to do such thing; even less when you think that the target market for this project is not big. Sadly, I count myself as a passionate amateur, I dont have the knowledge to do such things.

CM12(RaymanFX) with build 12/15/2014 has now been tested with CM SPen add-on and Notebuddy.
SPen Attach and detach triggers are detected and broadcast with the latest build!
What are the best apps to use with Notebuddy ??

xda_nikita said:
Developers help, enlightenment and info needed to improve Spen integration in CM 12 dramatically!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recently bought this device purely for the spen functionality and hate touchwiz with a passion. I'm a design student and will be using Sketchbook (the paid version) for the majority of the time. All the applications mentioned are focused towards note taking, whereas I'm primarily concerned with correct pressure sensitivity/stoke accuracy.
I'll flash the rom when I get my hands on one, might donate if all goes well!