Inverted apps - why not more from devs? - Nexus 7 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I've found myself truly wondering why so many android developers don't seem to offer an inverted option for their apps. I mean, look at all the inverted apps that float around out there. I can't imagine that Google is doing it for the same reason that say, Facebook is - by that, I mean that it's a brand thing for many companies. For smaller apps, and ones where it really doesn't matter what the colors are (most of Google Apps are a good example), why don't the devs offer a light and a dark version at least? I suspect it would make a lot of users happy if there was a standard options for this in any app....
Personally, I prefer the dark apps. Less white on the screen saves battery (a little, at least), and to me it just looks better. But hey, I'm not necessarily the poster boy for everyday users.
Maybe it's just a time/money thing? Takes more time and money to develop two sets of display options? Anyone have better insight into this? I've never spent much time theming android apps, but I know reworking web styles can be a pain, so I don't necessarily blame the devs for delivering one option only. It would be nice to have the choice though.

On the Nexus 7 display having light or dark pixels will not affect battery life at all.
And I guess not a lot of people request it to be in Roms so the devs don't include them.
Sent from my Nexus 7

I totally want more inverted apps!

which apps are inverted?

thunder9111 said:
which apps are inverted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XDA?

Love inverted...they are the best.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

I was just under the impression that since jelly bean is so clean & crisp visually, inverted apps aren't really needed/requested too much
Sent from my XT912 using xda app-developers app

I too would like more inverted apps!!

Related

pure ICS on galaxy s3?

mod edit: i don't like the touch wiz UI
Lol at least give it a chance before making such a claim. Use it when it comes out then we can say if it is shyte... There are other launchers like apex and etc..
ok good point, i like the concepts though like if you are messaging then put to your ear and it calls, but im talking about the pure visual aspect of it, the icons look like they come from a 2001 nokia colour phone
Icons are always customisable though with root access. I always wonder why people complain about a UI or skin when it can always be changed or removed.
Ive never used any of the previous versions of touchwiz for more than a few minutes at a time on friends' phones but have always preferred it over the other mfr UIs ive tried. Its actually one of the things im looking forward to with this.
Sent from my LG-P920 using xda premium
pure aosp will take atleast a month or 2, team hacksung have not yet received enough donations for getting the mobile yet.
and guys the term "touchwiz" not only mentions the launcher but mentions the whole load of softwares customized by samsung like, fm radio, music player,camera app etc etc.
bala_gamer said:
and guys the term "touchwiz" not only mentions the launcher but mentions the whole load of softwares customized by samsung like, fm radio, music player,camera app etc etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed.
Sent from my LG-P920 using xda premium
Wow wait.. so you've already used the new Touch Wiz? You must have to make a claim like that..
Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2
why would I use it? its all over the web the videos
mox123 said:
why would I use it? its all over the web the videos
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not the entire UI.. little clips here and there but the fact is NONE of us have it and NONE of us have actually used the new Touchwiz UI. Its not just an icon pack
Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2
i don't want AOSP on it. It's damn boring. NO more vanilla for me. And the Nexus program is an epic fail, NOT the first to get updates.
I always use Go Launcher but will run with TW on the S3 to see how I like
What's wrong with TouchWiz, I would rank it second after TimeScape of Sony (dont like HTC Sense)
And I would give TouchWiz 4.0 the crown
vanilla rocks!
i got a warning for swearing, sorry for swearing
Pure ICS is definitely coming to the S3. Some developers have already said it.
Deliximus said:
i don't want AOSP on it. It's damn boring. NO more vanilla for me. And the Nexus program is an epic fail, NOT the first to get updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uh, yes, the Nexus lines ARE the first to get updates... Well, the GSM variants anyway. Don't whine about having a Nexus and not getting updates fast when you're on a stupid CDMA network with their closed source radio driver crap.
Look aosp is cool, but i am that type of human that i will hardly live with only one type of ui for more than two months, first there are themes and than its big jump (like tw->cm9 or cm9->MIUI....)....so i expect i will try to stick with stock as long as possible and than go out and try some modifications
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA
Im going to change just one thing , I square icons at the bottom to stock ics, and that's it. Love the drop down toggles. And some of the touchwize apps I'll just not use.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
nbell13 said:
Uh, yes, the Nexus lines ARE the first to get updates... Well, the GSM variants anyway. Don't whine about having a Nexus and not getting updates fast when you're on a stupid CDMA network with their closed source radio driver crap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't agree more to this!!!
No more carrier delays for me... and I really look forward to PURE AOSP! The closest I ever got to that was with CM 7 resp. CM 9 on my S2 and Nook tablets... and I liked it a lot!
Certainly better than st*pid HTC Sense..!
Can't wait for next week to arrive!!!!!!
why would you use a feature`less software like stock ics? i had galaxy nexus and it was boring ... tw may have bloat but it has nice features ... if you want stock buy google phone if you want sense buy htc ... simple...
plus if you look in the app drawer is ics stock like
It's a matter of preference. look at the stock ICS E-mail, Contacts and messaging apps. a combination of a Beautiful, modern design with the maximum possible functionality. It just looks, feels and works so well, exactly how a modern UI should. Google really hit the ball out of the park with holo.
Now look at the TW ones - they're basically the same FroYo ones used in the previous galaxies - they don't have that stremlined, modern look of stock ICS. They look dated and ancient and do not feel like ICS at all. The messaging app especially. Black background with grey borders and ugly buttons - and yellow and cyan chat bubbles.. seriously samsung?
having said that, TW does have a very, very good launcher - very smooth and very flexible - i have no issues with that. The TW UX launcher is even better in that regard. it's the core apps that piss me off because they look ugly and dated.

Opinions on Aviate

So instead of hijacking the other Aviate thread that is mainly for being wanting to try it I decided to start this one. How does everyone feel about Aviate? How many are still using it? Any cool/nice features that some may not know about? Lets hear what you all think!
What I've learned from aviate is that apparently I'm a control freak. It's very hard for me to let the launcher make decisions for me. That being said, the idea is pretty amazing. I can see why there is so much excitement surrounding it.
Sent from my VS980 4G
I feel the same way. It's almost like being whipped by a significant other, it tells you what to like whether you do or not but yet you can't seem to pull yourself away. I'm intrigued.
It's restrictive and boring to me. I'm passing on it personally. I don't understand the hype. Android is about having options and being open, not closed lol.
Sent from my LG-D800 using xda premium
WizeGuyDezignz said:
It's restrictive and boring to me. I'm passing on it personally. I don't understand the hype. Android is about having options and being open, not closed lol.
Sent from my LG-D800 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the argument here would be that this is an option that wouldn't be available on other platforms because of Android being so open.
Sent from my VS980 4G
I lean more towards stock because I can control it more, but Aviate is pretty nice so far (after 1 day). I think I like it more than Themer themes because of the way Aviate organizes apps. Aviate is fairly customizable, with a dark and light theme. You can sort apps however you please, granted it will be in the bins that Aviate provides for you.
I haven't really used the Spaces feature much. I've just been forcing it to play by my rules. It seems like it suits minimalists like me, but I'll give it a few more days.
I run it on my G2 that I use for work (Yes, I have two G2's. I know I know lol), and I gotta say it really does help me there. I would like it to be more customizable though, and be able to set more specifically which screen should open when.
Having fast access to my meetings while I'm in the office is great. Getting the GPS with all my team-mates locations on when I'm out would be great, along with our collected GPS-tags. Then a more entertainment-oriented screen when I'm at home.
In short, I like the concept, but I would like to be able to change what content it presents more.
I like it. It's clean, quick, I don't worry about all the customization I've been obsessing over.
The current places, apparently from foursquare is entertaining.
If you want to change it you don't get it.
I love the cleanliness. One feature I would like is to turn the collections off And have home and apps. Even get rid of the letters etc so it's a bit more like launcher 7.
Sent from my LG-D802 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
It's very pretty - after messing around with it for about 15-20 minutes, i have the following short wishlist:
1) Would love to have the ability to set the homescreen photo to rotate.. but I guess I could do that with a widget.
2) I'd also love to see custom icon packs on this, would give it a much cleaner look.
Overall, I'm just not feeling the lack of customization. I've been using Action Launcher Pro for months now (HIGHLY recommend it), and this seems so stripped down in comparison.
Good idea but...
It looks nice, it's fluid and I like the idea of different workspaces depending on where you are and what you are doing.
But I stopped using it for a few reasons:
It keeps thinkin that I am at a bar because the office is located right above one. And at home, it thinks that I am at the library in the next building.
It left aligns all my icons which makes it difficult for me to reach them as I am right handed like 66% of the population.
I miss the double-tap functionality to turn off the phone.
Gnarfsan said:
[*]I miss the double-tap functionality to turn off the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To turn the phone off you double tap on the notification bar. This was almost a deal breaker for me as well until I saw someone mention this is the other thread.
Sent from my VS980 4G using xda app-developers app
Lockett said:
To turn the phone off you double tap on the notification bar. This was almost a deal breaker for me as well until I saw someone mention this is the other thread.
Sent from my VS980 4G using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's easier for me to re-place the phone in my hand to push the power button than to reach the notification bar
But thanks for the tip. It's good to know in any case!
I seemed to have more battery drain with aviate. Pretty nice launcher though. Wish it was more customizable
Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk 2

Hide On Screen Nav Buttons

One of the software features that isn't getting much press but one that I'm hugely looking forward to is the ability to hide the On Screen Nav Buttons on an app by app basis.
I've never been 100% behind Google's decision to advocate the On Screen Nav Buttons. A huge waste of screen real estate sitting there doing nothing while you read/play etc. The expectation was that developers would choose to hide them when they weren't needed but that never really happened. Some developers got behind the idea (thanks!) but even Google has inconsistent behavior when dealing with them.
Now we can choose to display them or not on an app by app basis. A swipe up from the bottom of the screen displays them again.
There are a number of delightful touches like this one on the G3.
Great work LG.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
I agree. Even though it's easy enough to root the phone and force immersive mode, I applaud LG for implementing something that should be on every applicable Android phone, yet isn't. I'm very much looking forward to the phone becoming available, whenever that may be.
Though a nice effort by LG, there are a lot of games that use up motions for movement. Anyone into game emulators will especially have issues. Not to mention not all apps work with it, including web browsers.
I prefer my S4 having buttons at the bottom. The irony is the G3 5.5" display is the same size as the 5" display S4 for some apps and navigation.
Still, LGs effort is MUCH better than nothing.
rushless said:
Though a nice effort by LG, there are a lot of games that use up motions for movement. Anyone into game emulators will especially have issues. Not to mention not all apps work with it, including web browsers.
I prefer my S4 having buttons at the bottom. The irony is the G3 5.5" display is the same size as the 5" display S4 for some apps and navigation.
Still, LGs effort is MUCH better than nothing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Browsers do work with it. I say 'browsers' but I can only confirm Chrome and the stock browser.
In the instances that it might cause a problem for things like emulators then just don't include them in the list. It's an opt-in feature on an app per app basis. Best of both worlds really.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app
this work on all apps? if so great, can't wait for mine... now if only they made Qslide works on all apps too!
rushless said:
Though a nice effort by LG, there are a lot of games that use up motions for movement. Anyone into game emulators will especially have issues. Not to mention not all apps work with it, including web browsers.
I prefer my S4 having buttons at the bottom. The irony is the G3 5.5" display is the same size as the 5" display S4 for some apps and navigation.
Still, LGs effort is MUCH better than nothing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
seems to work perfectly with chrome and stock browser and pretty much any app that i select on my phone. I have to say LG really listens to people and implement their suggestions on their devices. I hate wasting screen real estate especially when i'm playing games or watching a video in an app that can't force the nav bar to minimize. LG solved this problem.
not all apps, I guess
nap007 said:
this work on all apps? if so great, can't wait for mine... now if only they made Qslide works on all apps too!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not think this cool feature will work on all apps.
This sounds a very good feature and something that everyone should be doing, the thing is though I haven't seen this mentioned in any reviews I've seen or read and that's quite alot! As mentioned I'd prefer hard buttons ala Samsung phones but because they've dropped FM Radio I wont be buying one of those any time soon.
Does anyone know if there's the one handed mode from the G Pro 2 that shrinks the whole screen down to a size of your choice? Again was featured and mentioned in G Pro 2 reviews but is not something I've heard about on the G3
phillio said:
This sounds a very good feature and something that everyone should be doing, the thing is though I haven't seen this mentioned in any reviews I've seen or read and that's quite alot! As mentioned I'd prefer hard buttons ala Samsung phones but because they've dropped FM Radio I wont be buying one of those any time soon.
Does anyone know if there's the one handed mode from the G Pro 2 that shrinks the whole screen down to a size of your choice? Again was featured and mentioned in G Pro 2 reviews but is not something I've heard about on the G3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just YouTube DetroitBORG's Unboxing and Review for a demonstration of the Nav Button hiding and a demo of the One Handed Operation solution LG have implemented. It's a fantastic review showing loads of cool stuff!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app
It's a nice feature for sure, but gets old after awhile. I hate constantly having to swipe up to bring them up to hit the back button. It's cool on some apps, then others it's not. For whatever reason I can't get it to go away in YouTube. This is on 4.4.2 on a g flex though.
Sent from my LG-D959 using Tapatalk
JesseMT4G said:
It's a nice feature for sure, but gets old after awhile. I hate constantly having to swipe up to bring them up to hit the back button. It's cool on some apps, then others it's not. For whatever reason I can't get it to go away in YouTube. This is on 4.4.2 on a g flex though.
Sent from my LG-D959 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a shame there is no pie like control system in the stock rom but it's a lot better than other stock roms where you can do absolutely nothing with the on screen buttons.
It's nice to use for certain apps such as a news app or game where you don't need buttons. Other then that out doors get annoying to swipe up, but I'm glad LG included it.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Is it possible to change the nav button icons to look like HTC One M8 without root?
I saw somewhere you can change app icons without root too?
TheKrow said:
Is it possible to change the nav button icons to look like HTC One M8 without root?
I saw somewhere you can change app icons without root too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not on the G3 using the stock Optimus launcher.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

Just curious.How many of you think developers will actually use material design?

Since it's taken a very long time for a lot of devs to adapt their apps to HOLO. Is it possible to see it happens the same way? Coz i know there're plenty lazy developers arent willing to make a change. And material design is not compulsory, i guess we have to wait for a long time to see material design to get popular.
plz share your opinion on this!
Not all apps need to follow the guidelines, really depends on what the app does, functionality over form
Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk
There is on thing devs hate most that's change because they have to learn it all over again especially if its a huge change
I think it would be very boring if every app was styled the same way.
From what I've seen so far of material design, I'm not that impressed anyway.
meangreenie said:
I think it would be very boring if every app was styled the same way.
From what I've seen so far of material design, I'm not that impressed anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From screenshots, I'm not seeing the UX benefits, yet. I need to get some usage out of some apps implementing it to make any further judgments.
If you're used the new "semi material" design Google play it seems more appealing to the eyes and performance better.
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Free mobile app

all white theme on 5.0 lollipop?

Seeing some of the review videos on lollipop, including the Nexus 6 review, EVERYTHING is white on lollipop! The notification drop down, the background for all settings, and even the app drawer!
http://link.tapatalk.com/api/click?...rs.com&subid=cfcd208495d565ef66e7dff9f98764da
Besides being ugly as sin, that's going to be a significant drain on the battery! With the nexus 6 using an amoled display, why would they implement something so counterintuitive? One of the beauties of the moto x is how all the menus, app drawer etc look so elegant in black. On top of saving display energy usage.
I've searched everywhere looking to see if the theme would be customizable and there's nothing to suggest so. Comments?
I wouldn't worry about it. I don't think anyone spends a big amount of time in the notification area, drawer, or in the settings
sent from my Moto X (2014)
qwerty12601 said:
Seeing some of the review videos on lollipop, including the Nexus 6 review, EVERYTHING is white on lollipop! The notification drop down, the background for all settings, and even the app drawer!
http://link.tapatalk.com/api/click?...rs.com&subid=cfcd208495d565ef66e7dff9f98764da
Besides being ugly as sin, that's going to be a significant drain on the battery! With the nexus 6 using an amoled display, why would they implement something so counterintuitive? One of the beauties of the moto x is how all the menus, app drawer etc look so elegant in black. On top of saving display energy usage.
I've searched everywhere looking to see if the theme would be customizable and there's nothing to suggest so. Comments?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is an xposed module to convert white holo to dark, and probably it will convert white material to dark. On LCD white looks better but on AMOLED I prefer dark too
Afaik there will be dark theme for amoled.
I don't know where I read it but I read it somewhere. A few weeks ago.
0.0 said:
I wouldn't worry about it. I don't think anyone spends a big amount of time in the notification area, drawer, or in the settings
sent from my Moto X (2014)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol kidding right?
I actually like the white holo, looks great
And i think google engineers knows a little more about performance/battery of smartphones than us... But just a little !
Faruko said:
I actually like the white holo, looks great
And i think google engineers knows a little more about performance/battery of smartphones than us... But just a little !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it doesn't take an engineer to know a light background that requires an amoled screen to display uses more energy than a dark one where the pixels shut off. But that's that I suppose..
I'm running the latest preview on my N5. Yeah, it's white. Battery life? Much improved. Surprisingly so. I've no doubt the improvement in battery life will carry over to the X. I know there isn't a whole lot of room for improvement in performance on the X but it has made a startlingly difference on my N5. Sucks your not a fan of the design but for those of us that like it, it's an amazing upgrade. One I can't wait to experience on my X.
Edit: I understand your concern that the difference in display technologies will make the improvement in battery life mute but I can't imagine white backgrounds making that big a difference.
Crooke356 said:
I'm running the latest preview on my N5. Yeah, it's white. Battery life? Much improved. Surprisingly so. I've no doubt the improvement in battery life will carry over to the X. I know there isn't a whole lot of room for improvement in performance on the X but it has made a startlingly difference on my N5. Sucks your not a fan of the design but for those of us that like it, it's an amazing upgrade. One I can't wait to experience on my X.
Edit: I understand your concern that the difference in display technologies will make the improvement in battery life mute but I can't imagine white backgrounds making that big a difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well my real issue with it is its ugly as sin. Makes the os look like a 90's windows based system with the white behind the app drawer. Whites look terrible on amoled, blacms look so clean and elegant. Oh well...
qwerty12601 said:
Lol kidding right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not. Do I spend two hours or more in the notification shade at one time? no. do i spend 2 hours or more just in the settings? no. do i spend 2 hours or more on the google launcher app drawer? no. people need to relax, it won't be THAT bad. i am sure many of us are in apps that are light in color
edit: there are other factors that decrease battery life. i doubt you're constantly on a white screen for long periods of time. even with it being white, i am still sure amoled consumes less than lcd
0.0 said:
I'm not. Do I spend two hours or more in the notification shade at one time? no. do i spend 2 hours or more just in the settings? no. do i spend 2 hours or more on the google launcher app drawer? no. people need to relax, it won't be THAT bad. i am sure many of us are in apps that are light in color
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Every area of navigation in the os is white. I spend plently of time navigating my phone. No one needs to relax. If I don't like it I don't like it, and have the capability of voice that opinion
qwerty12601 said:
Every area of navigation in the os is white. I spend plently of time navigating my phone. No one needs to relax. If I don't like it I don't like it, and have the capability of voice that opinion
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am all for opinions, but the OS being white shouldn't "freak" everyone out if you have AMOLED screens. i interpreted your first post wrong and thought you were very upset to the point where you'll rage , hence why i said some need to relax a bit. i still stand by my opinion that i don't think battery is going to go down the drain. remember Project Volta, maybe that'll help a bit too. good discussion :good:
0.0 said:
i am all for opinions, but the OS being white shouldn't "freak" everyone out if you have AMOLED screens. i interpreted your first post wrong and thought you were very upset to the point where you'll rage , hence why i said some need to relax a bit. i still stand by my opinion that i don't think battery is going to go down the drain. remember Project Volta, maybe that'll help a bit too. good discussion :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The battery aspect is secondary to me. It just seems counter intuitive to make a nexus device with an amoled screen and widdle down one of the big benefits of it.
My main concern is IMO its ugly as all hell. Material design looks fantastic. But the white folder type backgrounds reallyblook out of place and dated. Of course others may love it. I just hope/wish they give an option for a dark theme..
qwerty12601 said:
The battery aspect is secondary to me. It just seems counter intuitive to make a nexus device with an amoled screen and widdle down one of the big benefits of it.
My main concern is IMO its ugly as all hell. Material design looks fantastic. But the white folder type backgrounds reallyblook out of place and dated. Of course others may love it. I just hope/wish they give an option for a dark theme..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am on the fence with it. i agree, white isn't a good color, but idk if black would be a matching color for the home screen. heck, why doesn't Google just allow us to change the background app drawer page to whatever color we want. problem solved . looks like i will just have to endure the white (at least it isn't completely hideous lol)
Material Design is gorgeous. My eyes will be happy once devs get on top of that, not just Google
0.0 said:
i am on the fence with it. i agree, white isn't a good color, but idk if black would be a matching color for the home screen. heck, why doesn't Google just allow us to change the background app drawer page to whatever color we want. problem solved . looks like i will just have to endure the white (at least it isn't completely hideous lol)
Material Design is gorgeous. My eyes will be happy once devs get on top of that, not just Google
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. I think by this iteration of android we should be able to have a color theme choice. Or an inversion mode to black out whites.
There were people that didn't like ICS/Kit Kat too. Deal with it.
Sent from my XT1096 using XDA Free mobile app
akellar said:
There were people that didn't like ICS/Kit Kat too. Deal with it.
Sent from my XT1096 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the biggest change to the ui theme. ICS and KitKat didn't have this many changes. This is how I'm dealing with it, thank you.
qwerty12601 said:
This is the biggest change to the ui theme. ICS and KitKat didn't have this many changes. This is how I'm dealing with it, thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gingerbread to ICS was a much bigger change. You're welcome.
Sent from my XT1096 using XDA Free mobile app
akellar said:
Gingerbread to ICS was a much bigger change. You're welcome.
Sent from my XT1096 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not even close. Gracias!
We need a black theme because some of us are loving it, and because of this : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=56201295

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