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Alternate Home Screen Launchers good to go?

I do not own a Kindle Fire yet I understand that Kindle Fire technically runs 2.3. Since sideloading is good to go, has anybody tried running an alternate home screen launcher? I know it won't look at good as a tablet running honeycomb, but at least it will have more tablet look. My wife is on the fence about getting either an Acer A100 or this Kindle Fire. Oh and she is not computer literate and thinks that root is the part of the tree that resides under the ground. Thanks everybody!

I was able to load Go launcher on mine - it looks nice.
My wife is also technically challenged - that said, it's technically her device, she preferred the native launcher - I do too.
Why? For her the ease of 'click to launch' all in one place rather than scrolling through screens.
Fwiw, my kids were able to turn on the device and navigate - the out-of-the-box carousel launcher is quite intuitive.
I found it (native launcher) launched the apps faster, actually - although ymmv - hence my preference for the native launcher.

Interesting, thank you for your time and input regarding this matter. I probably will download the app that will help my wife switch between go launcher and the native launcher app for the kindle. I'm running go Launcher on my SGS II so she should have zero issues customizing it to her likings.
Thanks again for your assistance!

You bet! Glad to help.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA Premium App

Adw.ex works great.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

ICS (Icecream Sandwich) 4.0 Launcher is really awesome and works well.
https://market.android.com/details?id=mobi.SyndicateApps.ICSv2&hl=en

I use adw ex works great gives it more of a tablet feel which I want lol
Sent from my Kindle Fire using Tapatalk

I tried Go Launcher, but didn't like it that much. Having used ADW on my Droid for a long time I decided to try it out, and I have to say I much prefer it.
I even have Beautiful Widgets running on it too.
However, a couple of problems I've seen.
1. I can't create folders?
2. There is no GeoLocate (even for WiFi), so I can't get the weather working. Anyone get this working or have any tips?
Passing on a little tip for those that haven't rooted and don't have the Android Market running. Beautiful Widgets requires the Market for themes/skins etc. What I've found is that if I download to my phone, and then copy the contents of /data/beautifulwidgets/scskins, skins and wskins to my Kindle, I am able to select the widgets.

ADW EX works great.
Launcher pro keeps FC.
The only two I have tried.
I just bought the Fire today and it is seriously a tiny tablet without a camera. Pretty cool.

I'm using adw.ex without issue. Only complaint is that you have to.switch back to the kindle interface to browse your books and magazines and custom desktop backgrounds revert to kindle backgrounds after screen unlock.
Sent from my Kindle Fire using xda premium

deleted. sorry

VTLauncher also nothing but FC unfortunately.
Sent from my HTC Flyer P512 using Tapatalk

Am I the only one who seems to love the Amazon backgrounds, and even more so that they change? I for one will try and keep them if we ever get a custom ROM.
With ADW Launcher, and an almost opaque Beautiful Widget Super Clock widget, mine looks fantastic!

sl0ttedpig said:
2. There is no GeoLocate (even for WiFi), so I can't get the weather working. Anyone get this working or have any tips?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the Beautiful Weather setting, there is a section for location settings. In this section, you can toggle geolocation and manually search for a location. I got it working fine on my Fire with Launcher Pro.

Schubatis1 said:
In the Beautiful Weather setting, there is a section for location settings. In this section, you can toggle geolocation and manually search for a location. I got it working fine on my Fire with Launcher Pro.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, I got that a short while after posting. I should have posted as much, but as you did, you get the thanks!
Now if only someone could figure out the geolocate stuff...

Zeam Launcher doesn't work for me.
Force Closes.
Tried several different versions.
Anyone get it working?
​

Wish I could remember which app I was playing with but I don't. The important part that I want to share was that it showed that the Fire internal settings showed that there is a GPS and it's on. Since there really isn't one perhaps that's why apps are having troubles. They query the OS and it's says there is an active GPS yet the data returned from the get GPS location call is worthless so the app gets confused. Whichever app it was that showed the setting also had the ability to turn GPS off. Can't help but wonder if that'd make a difference.
Sent from my HTC Flyer P512 using Tapatalk

leyvatron said:
ADW EX works great.
Launcher pro keeps FC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm getting force closes with ADW EX. I can't seem to remove it either. Could someone post the trick to remove this application?
EDIT: I got ADW removed, maybe I was using an old version or something.
EDIT 2: I got a later version of ADW to work. The only issue so far is getting the "Kindle" application to execute.
Thanks

YMark, same here - I have ADW running fine, yet the book reader app is not working. Maybe fix permissions and reboot?
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA Premium App

If LP is crashing for you, convert it to a system app in titanium backup and reboot. Don't select LP as your default launcher until you are sure it won't crash it you'll end up in a loop and have to adb to remove LP. Ask me how i know
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA App

Is there any way to get flash or something like it

Sucks I can't watch videos. Anyone have an alternative?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

feelinfroggy23 said:
Sucks I can't watch videos. Anyone have an alternative?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
first step would be using the search function on these forums...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=28734102&postcount=5 download the apk here...
then just use any browser other than chrome.
alternatively, if you're using youtube website, just go to www.youtube.com/html5 and enable html5. that will allow your device to use html5 for any webpages that use embedded youtube videos.

Thank you very much guy. I don't know why didn't think about a different browser. Again thank you
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

I am running FireFox (google Mozilla APK) and Flash APK and using a FireFox addon called 'Full Screen'. It gets rid of the URL part so u can zoom in and get as close to 'full screen'; if u try to use the regular full screen, most of the time the browsers crash.
At first I thought 'Full Screen' sucked b/c of the ratings but its not as bad, actually its pretty good b/c it seems to work perfect for tablet (seems like phones its not so good since smaller screen). Just make sure u know that u have to turn it on thru the menu (no quick hotkey/gesture) and to turn it off to get back URL bar, u hold down on a page till popup comes on asking to turn it off or not. Overall its pretty good on the Nexus 7, only wish is to have a quick gesture/hotkey to turn it on.

IamPro said:
I am running FireFox (google Mozilla APK) and Flash APK and using a FireFox addon called 'Full Screen'. It gets rid of the URL part so u can zoom in and get as close to 'full screen'; if u try to use the regular full screen, most of the time the browsers crash.
At first I thought 'Full Screen' sucked b/c of the ratings but its not as bad, actually its pretty good b/c it seems to work perfect for tablet (seems like phones its not so good since smaller screen). Just make sure u know that u have to turn it on thru the menu (no quick hotkey/gesture) and to turn it off to get back URL bar, u hold down on a page till popup comes on asking to turn it off or not. Overall its pretty good on the Nexus 7, only wish is to have a quick gesture/hotkey to turn it on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this still working for you because I tried doing it and despite engaging full screen my Firefox crashes as soon as I enable the flash video by tapping it.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

I just installed MX Player from the Store. Copy/Paste the url and it plays. Stupid that Adobe hasn't released a patched version yet.

[REF] Definitive 'apps that work with multi-screen' list

So it seems that only certain apps work with multi-screen and it is not just samsung apps.
Here I plan (with your help) to create a difinitive list of all apps that will work.
I have already noticed that some apps allow themselves to be splitscreened even when they do not appear in that list e.g. official twitter app.
Some apps you will find when you press the edit button, you can then drag them to the main list, or remove ones you do not use.
Samsung Apps
- ChatON
- Email
- Gallery
- Internet
- Messaging
- S-Note
- Video Player
Google Apps
- Chrome
- Gmail
- Maps
- Talk
- Youtube
Third Party Apps
- Facebook
- Official Twitter app
- Polaris (Viewer)
Note: you will need to be using Samsung stock keyboard to benefit from typing when on multi-screen mode, otherwise your keyboard will cover the entire bottom screen.

I just installed the official Twitter app and it is now in the multiscreen menu tab
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

htc6500uk said:
I just installed the official Twitter app and it is now in the multiscreen menu tab
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
weird its not showing up for me, did you login to the app? maybe its because I have not logged in?

What about S-planner and Calculator app? I would think these would be two of the most useful to use multi-screen, or at least floating over the screen like the galaxy tabs.

Lennyuk said:
So it seems that only certain apps work with multi-screen and it is not just samsung apps.
Here I plan (with your help) to create a difinitive list of all apps that will work.
I have already noticed that some apps allow themselves to be splitscreened even when they do not appear in that list e.g. official twitter app.
a '*' denotes that the app works in split screen but cannot be selected from the list, it must be activated first then another added as the second screen, therefore two apps with the '*' will not be able to be paired together.
Samsung Apps
- ChatON
- Email
- Gallery
- Internet
- Messaging
- S-Note
- Video Player
Google Apps
- Chrome
- Gmail
- Maps
- Talk
- Youtube
Third Party Apps
- Facebook
- Official Twitter app (*)
Note: you will need to be using Samsung stock keyboard to benefit from typing when on multi-screen mode, otherwise your keyboard will cover the entire bottom screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine had Twitter in it from the time the multi view was installed.

I had to press edit and drag the twitter icon from there.
Splanner and calculator do not work in split screen.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

Can you try tapatalk and see if it works?

Lennyuk said:
I had to press edit and drag the twitter icon from there.
Splanner and calculator do not work in split screen.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. Bewildering why they would leave out calculator and S-planner from split screen. Two apps that would seem to benefit most from it.

Maybe Samsung will add more apps at future firmware updates.

VTEChump said:
Thanks for the info. Bewildering why they would leave out calculator and S-planner from split screen. Two apps that would seem to benefit most from it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
get aircalc. it's a floating calculator

Anyone know if there is a multi-screen api that devs can use to make compatible apps? It would be epic to get tapatalk and Skype added to the list.
Sent from my Paranoid Atrix

tomh235 said:
Anyone know if there is a multi-screen api that devs can use to make compatible apps? It would be epic to get tapatalk and Skype added to the list.
Sent from my Paranoid Atrix
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would love to use Skype with Multi-window. A video call while being able to use the phone.Actually, imagine Skype with video pop up. That would be fairly handy.
Looking forward to the future of the Note 2.

Ohh, This splitscreen rocks

Waiting for Skype to be added in this list
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If anyone gets a chance can you see if Netlix will work, possible by opening it then adding something like Facebook to the screen. Thanks in advance, I'm so excited about getting this phone.

Sebring5 said:
Mine had Twitter in it from the time the multi view was installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just brought the note2 and I can't use the split screen feature would you help me how to do it?

soulreaperak said:
I just brought the note2 and I can't use the split screen feature would you help me how to do it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Press and hold the back button for 2-3 seconds. If nothing happens then your firmware doesn't support multiview.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app

CreepyDroid said:
Press and hold the back button for 2-3 seconds. If nothing happens then your firmware doesn't support multiview.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It didn't worked. So now what should i do?

update your note 2.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

Does Evernote work as a multi-window app?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

[Q] Which Internet Browser are you using?

Title says it all, I keep going back and forth, the only annoying part of using Chrome is that when you try to to scroll horizontally it is a little trigger happy to switch tabs/windows.

edmchoi said:
Title says it all, I keep going back and forth, the only annoying part of using Chrome is that when you try to to scroll horizontally it is a little trigger happy to switch tabs/windows.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Chrome. I have the occasional tab switching problem you mention but it really doesn't happen often the way I use it. Being able to sync bookmarks, passwords, history, and opening tabs from other devices is invaluable to me.

Firefox Beta and Boat Browser

Chrome

I'm using Chrome.
Is there a way to get a "Forward" button on this thing?

Mhjeff301 said:
I'm using Chrome.
Is there a way to get a "Forward" button on this thing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea..... Hit menu and select Forward just like any other Chrome on phone.

hyelton said:
Yea..... Hit menu and select Forward just like any other Chrome on phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never used Chrome on a phone before.
I had the forward button on my Xoom tablet on the address bar.

I use dolphin find it the best overall. However some financial sites block transactions on Dolphin but work ok on Chrome. So for those I use Chrome.

Mhjeff301 said:
Never used Chrome on a phone before.
I had the forward button on my Xoom tablet on the address bar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, On a TABLET. The ONLY way to obtain a forward button and tabs at the top like a tablet, You would need to wait for CM10 or something for Mutiapp DPI.
You wont be able to do that on STOCK rom..

Chrome and Dolphin here. The only thing I hate about Chrome is the lack of an exit button.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2

Boat browser is my favorite, better than dolphin IMO, chrome sucks on android.

The stock browser not supporting a permanent desktop-mode is enough to make me look for a replacement though, this is a HUGE letdown for me. Not only that, but the removal of flash content makes the stock browser almost useless to me other than the text preview function.
However, It seems the stock browser is the only one that supports text preview without opening a link (mostly useful for various forums) in addition to smart scroll.
Which would be the best browser that supports flash while not being laggy/bloated with features and also having a permanent desktop mode?

I've found the latest chrome update to be really slow. In comparison, the stock browser loads the same page/pages in double quick time. Am I the only one or is it a general problem across the board?
Sent from my Incredible S using xda app-developers app

canveen said:
I've found the latest chrome update to be really slow. In comparison, the stock browser loads the same page/pages in double quick time. Am I the only one or is it a general problem across the board?
Sent from my Incredible S using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also found Chrome to be too sluggish. The browsers with the highest ratings at least based on reviews were Dolphin & Boat. A lot of the reviews on Boat said it was very snappy, very fast and that imo is probably the biggest factor with Flash support and a permanent desktop mode right behind.

been using chrome, but slowly trying to convert myself to the default browser so i can actually use all the gestures that i paid to have on the damn phone

I personally love dolphin with the jetpack installed. Normal browsing, jetpack turned off. When watching flash, jetpack turned on. With that turned on, flash works like dream on this phone. Can watch full episodes of Colbert no problem =)

firefox

Chrome.
Works great.

So people using Chrome. ...does it have flash support?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337

Maxthon all day
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

Original Google N1 Car Home APKs

I use my phone a lot in the car (GPS, music and phone calls), so I always keep the original apk's files from the Nexus One Car Home handy. The app is still listed in the Play Store, but it won't install in newer devices.
Just install both files as regular apps, reboot and you are set to go. I always liked this app for its simplicity. Enjoy!
Also, I will recommend getting some NFC tags and Trigger (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jwsoft.nfcactionlauncher), so you can launch the app automatically in your car. Trigger is a very easy to use, but if you want more control, get Tasker instead.

I really like the look of it too, but it kept reopening after I closed the app.

Try wiping Dalvik and cache, this happened to me one time and that fixed the problem.
I hope thus helps.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Nice one thanks, don't like the speedo, compass rubbish all the other apps have and the only other solutions to get the proper one on needed root.

Hah, no way. Cool thanks for posting this. I might have to give this a go.
Like @b1g1an said, to get proper car dock mode (i.e. landscape on the home launcher) you gotta have root, that's why I made this app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.warner.carmode
but this Nexus One app is a nice optional solution.

kentoe said:
Like @b1g1an said, to get proper car dock mode (i.e. landscape on the home launcher) you gotta have root, that's why I made this app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.warner.carmode
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ultimate Rotation Control doesn't need root to rotate the home screen so might be worth a look how they do it, you'll get a lot more takers of yours if you can lose the root reliance.

b1g1an said:
Ultimate Rotation Control doesn't need root to rotate the home screen so might be worth a look how they do it, you'll get a lot more takers of yours if you can lose the root reliance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for showing me this. Definitely worth noting this down.

When I use car mode I get the notification in the status bar which is fine but it also flashes the notification light which is useless and hides whether I have any "real" notifications.
Didn't have this issue on other phones I used it on previously. Any ideas how I can stop the light flashing just for this app?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4