Database Users

Galaxy SIII Annoyances Megathread

Galaxy SIII is a fantastic phone, but I seem to be constantly let down by touchwiz stuff. My idea for this thread is a big, long list of annoyances and suggestions for fixing them.
For example, an annoyance: TW doesn't support sorting the app drawer by name, you have to manually sort things and that goes slow. You would have thought they'd have a better way to manage the app drawer by now, but alas, no.
Solution: AppZorter Lite is a free solution that will sort your app drawer for you. Bonus: I like a nice empty app list, so I've gotten it hidden (one thing TW does do) and just launch it from the store when I need to.
Two that I haven't solved:
1) Facebook has filled my contact list with a huge number of people I don't care about, seems to have ignored the "only sync with existing contacts". Removing facebook users is a process: hold on the user, press delete, confirm that it isn't actually deleting.
2) The default MMS app seems to send (or displays?) all picture messages as slideshows. Super lame. Is there any way to turn this out without installing a 3rd party app?

App drawer, menu, view type, alphabetical grid or list.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using XDA

lopezpm said:
App drawer, menu, view type, alphabetical grid or list.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
much easier than my solution. skipped right over that option.
Thanks.
Trying out Pansi SMS as my sms solution, though it's a bummer that it doesn't interact with the lock screen like the native one.

kayakyakr said:
Galaxy SIII is a fantastic phone, but I seem to be constantly let down by touchwiz stuff. My idea for this thread is a big, long list of annoyances and suggestions for fixing them.
For example, an annoyance: TW doesn't support sorting the app drawer by name, you have to manually sort things and that goes slow. You would have thought they'd have a better way to manage the app drawer by now, but alas, no.
Solution: AppZorter Lite is a free solution that will sort your app drawer for you. Bonus: I like a nice empty app list, so I've gotten it hidden (one thing TW does do) and just launch it from the store when I need to.
Two that I haven't solved:
1) Facebook has filled my contact list with a huge number of people I don't care about, seems to have ignored the "only sync with existing contacts". Removing facebook users is a process: hold on the user, press delete, confirm that it isn't actually deleting.
2) The default MMS app seems to send (or displays?) all picture messages as slideshows. Super lame. Is there any way to turn this out without installing a 3rd party app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you goto phone contacts menu display you can remove fb contacts for ppl you dont want

Scrolling wallpapers!!!! (Already made a thread for it)
The app drawer thing is why I didn't use the TW launcher on the Epic. At least now I can install Apex or Nova in the system/app folder.
Network errors, Sprints fault, not the phone.
Oh, I asked that S-Voice b*tch where she was from and she didn't understand. Guess that's what I get for hitting on my phone. :crying:

kayakyakr said:
For example, an annoyance: TW doesn't support sorting the app drawer by name, you have to manually sort things and that goes slow. You would have thought they'd have a better way to manage the app drawer by now, but alas, no.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Appdrawer -> Menu button -> View Type -> Alphabetical grid
nvm, someone already posted it.

TouchWiz in general is just a piece of ****. Still running the Epic here and I cursed my phone every day until I put launcher pro on it and it was manageable. Didn't actually like my phone until I rooted and got CM9. My wife is getting the S3 upgrade but CM9 will go on as soon as it is available. She knows how ****ty TW is.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium

danipoak said:
TouchWiz in general is just a piece of ****. Still running the Epic here and I cursed my phone every day until I put launcher pro on it and it was manageable. Didn't actually like my phone until I rooted and got CM9. My wife is getting the S3 upgrade but CM9 will go on as soon as it is available. She knows how ****ty TW is.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
TW isn't that bad, it's manageable but obviously they are better options.

Magic Oreo said:
TW isn't that bad, it's manageable but obviously they are better options.
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Click to collapse
Meh. To each his own. I used to own an iphone and found it boring and featureless. TW just reminds me of the iphone too much. Not as bad as miui though.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium

try out handcent messaging app. Your right the stock messaging app is crap

i must be one of the few people in the community that like the galaxy s3 touchwiz and "motion". Maybe I'm just on that "new phone" high.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using XDA

Anyone seeing black ink spots on screen. They are invisible but I noticed them when I had the lights off and went into the settings. I can see some black ink spots
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium

I hate the home button. Hate

jvjidNite said:
Anyone seeing black ink spots on screen. They are invisible but I noticed them when I had the lights off and went into the settings. I can see some black ink spots
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
Look at the i9300 thread in general there is a topic on it
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

No swiping the notification bar to adjust brightness.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using XDA

I wish when you pressed the home button it was a lkttle quicker
Sent from my SPH-L710 using XDA

bmoreboy02 said:
I wish when you pressed the home button it was a lkttle quicker
Sent from my SPH-L710 using XDA
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Click to collapse
Turn off double ppress for svoice. It is quicker. The reason food the delay is that it is giving the user a chance to double press
Sent from my SPH-L710

Pissed that BB had no accessories when i picked up the phone and i now have 2 micro scratches on the screen from screen sliding along a piece of paper on my desk at work.
I hate the purple/baby blue rim around the phone.
Waiting for a black TPU bumper and black metal battery cover replacement from china to resolve these issues.
Outside of that- much more impressed with the form factor than that of the EVO LTE which i traded for it. The S3 is very comfortable in hand.
Phone is way too slippery!
BTW- Touchwiz sucks! i installed Apex while waiting to check out at BestBuy.

knives of ice said:
I hate the home button. Hate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't hate the home button but would have preferred all capacitive buttons.
____________
Just Flash It !!!

Wi-Fi turns on by itself
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium

Pull down notification bar?

Currently running cyanogenmod on my 7.7, I would prefer the 'phone' interface with the pull down notification bar, is there any way that I can enable this?
Thanks
Sent from my GT-P6810 using xda app-developers app

I think this requires a dpi change . I'm not sure, but I'd be interested in trying this out. It'd work kinda like the Nexus 7.
Sent from my SCH-I815 using xda premium

Set swipe-down gesture (on any decent launcher) to "open notification".

Yeah, swipe down notification like a phone, but i wanna it workable on landscape too
Sent from my GT-P6800 using xda premium

I don't understand why anyone likes the pull down bar, to me the most natural place is at the bottom of the screen where my thumbs rest. It's hassle to have to move to the top of the screen. What advantages is it to have the bar at the top?
Sent from my GT-P6800 using xda premium

New ui to test ^^ anyway we got 7.7 nexus rom ^^
Sent from my GT-P6800 using xda premium

I have a nexus 7 and maybe i'm the only one, but I personally like ics better on the 7.7
Sent from my GT-P6800 using xda premium

you should give nexus 7.7 rom a go. awesome rom. it will bring out the inner nexus

Try to check out this post for JB ROM with NEXUS 7 interface,
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1824167

vauxhallastra said:
I don't understand why anyone likes the pull down bar, to me the most natural place is at the bottom of the screen where my thumbs rest. It's hassle to have to move to the top of the screen. What advantages is it to have the bar at the top?
Sent from my GT-P6800 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
The term pull up bar was already taken. And no one likes pull up bars

You can change it with modifying the build.prop file and change the settings for:
ro.sf.lcd_density=160
I think if you set it to 240 it will run in so called "phablet" mode and you have the Pull down bar.
I tried it, but almost broke my installation, as the screen stayed totally black after a reboot.
So i stopped fiddling with this option.

Is it possible to make the nav bar transparent?

My nav bar is burning into my screen, just like all the Razr Ms I saw in the Verizon store.
So, is there a way to make the nav bar transparent without removing it? I want to stay on the stock rom (but I am unlocked/rooted).
Thanks!

Coronado is dead said:
My nav bar is burning into my screen, just like all the Razr Ms I saw in the Verizon store.
So, is there a way to make the nav bar transparent without removing it? I want to stay on the stock rom (but I am unlocked/rooted).
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know it's possible on CM based ROMs and AOKP has an autohide feature for the nav bar. However, I'm not sure on the stock ROM. You might want to check out Xposed Framework. It can be used to theme a stock ROM, without having to mess with .apk's or anything. I know that are a lot of customization modules out there for Xposed.

Somewhere in your System Settings, depending on what ROM you are using, you should find a setting called Navigation Bar. Click setting and there should be towards the bottom of the screen an option for Navigation Bar Transparency, Turn percentage down to zero. Also if you choose to use PIE Controls your Navigation Bar defaults to hidden and then when you toggle back to Navigation Bar or close PIE, your Navigation Bar appears.

Kyles1329 said:
Somewhere in your System Settings, depending on what ROM you are using, you should find a setting called Navigation Bar. Click setting and there should be towards the bottom of the screen an option for Navigation Bar Transparency, Turn percentage down to zero. Also if you choose to use PIE Controls your Navigation Bar defaults to hidden and then when you toggle back to Navigation Bar or close PIE, your Navigation Bar appears.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't those settings are there on the stock ROM.

RikRong said:
I don't those settings are there on the stock ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct
Sent from my XT907 using xda app-developers app

I was unaware that burn in was an issue for oled. I would also like to know if there is any way to make it transparent on stock rom.
Sent from my XT907 using xda app-developers app

Franteeko said:
I was unaware that burn in was an issue for oled. I would also like to know if there is any way to make it transparent on stock rom.
Sent from my XT907 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
Yeah, mine is very noticeable when playing a video or something where the buttons are not on the screen.
Man, the ones in the Verizon stores when I got mine in February had the circle widgets burned in really bad.

These burns don't even make sense. Old CRTs would burn because they're shooting electrons at the glass and if they sat long enough shooting and the same place they would literally burn into the glass. LEDs are just lights, I really want to know why it does this.
Sent from my XT907 using xda app-developers app

The best I can find so far is the app softkeyz on the market it is a paid app and its not transparent but you can select no icons they still function... I'm still looking for something better...
Sent from my XT907 using xda app-developers app

fargles said:
These burns don't even make sense. Old CRTs would burn because they're shooting electrons at the glass and if they sat long enough shooting and the same place they would literally burn into the glass. LEDs are just lights, I really want to know why it does this.
Sent from my XT907 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
You are correct. It does not burn into anything and logically, according to the technology, it doesn't make sense that it would.
---
Sent using my Droid Razor M- THE BEST SMARTPHONE ON THE PLANET!
Heard about Kettlebells... learn more: http://synergykettlebell.com

alwaysbelieve1 said:
You are correct. It does not burn into anything and logically, according to the technology, it doesn't make sense that it would.
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Sent using my Droid Razor M- THE BEST SMARTPHONE ON THE PLANET!
Heard about Kettlebells... learn more: http://synergykettlebell.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I recall, this burn in is not really burn-in per say, but that the back-lights behind the pixels are burning and decaying at different rates. Since the buttons are always white, and the area around them always dimmed, the 'burn-in' is a lot more noticeable.

alwaysbelieve1 said:
You are correct. It does not burn into anything and logically, according to the technology, it doesn't make sense that it would.
---
Sent using my Droid Razor M- THE BEST SMARTPHONE ON THE PLANET!
Heard about Kettlebells... learn more: http://synergykettlebell.com
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Click to collapse
The organic compoumds degrades over time with use. Not burn in in the old CRT sense, but a similar end effect.
Sent from my Droid Razr M using xda app-developers app

ej1911 said:
The organic compoumds degrades over time with use. Not burn in in the old CRT sense, but a similar end effect.
Sent from my Droid Razr M using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
I don't seem to have the same issue.
---
Sent using my Droid Razor M- THE BEST SMARTPHONE ON THE PLANET!
Heard about Kettlebells... learn more: http://synergykettlebell.com

It is very slight in my device. I can see where the screen has a slightly a cooler tint where the nav bar and notification bar is at. It is easiest to see when you are looking at a completely white screen.
Its barely noticeable on a day to day basis.
Sent from my Droid Razr M using xda app-developers app

alwaysbelieve1 said:
I don't seem to have the same issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try downloading one of those LCD test apps from the market.
May I suggest this https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.lappe.tim.android.lcdtest
Sent from my Unlocked Razr M using T-Mobile 4G, suck it Verizon

Is this possible? Nav buttons in notifications tray?

I've seen the apps and edits to remove or replace the navigate buttons (home, back, recent apps) or even move them to the side... But what about moving them entirely to the notifications tray? Is this a bad idea?
For the videos and apps that remove the tray, there could be a hot corner or gesture to bring it back up. Should I have patented this idea before posting?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

That's called tablet ui.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Patent it or not, Apple would still steal it.

Ace42 said:
That's called tablet ui.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
Tablet UI would bring it to the statusbar. Not the notification area.
To the OP: this would be bad for accessibility. Imagine using an app that requires you to double press back to exit. You would neet to pull down the notification area twice... just to close an app.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

pshaww said:
I've seen the apps and edits to remove or replace the navigate buttons (home, back, recent apps) or even move them to the side... But what about moving them entirely to the notifications tray? Is this a bad idea?
For the videos and apps that remove the tray, there could be a hot corner or gesture to bring it back up. Should I have patented this idea before posting?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fullscreen app gives you two hot corners, replacing the back/home, but I found I kept accidently hitting the corners within other apps or surfing, no matter whether I put them top or bottom. I ended up using Pie Control app, customised with Nav buttons to solve the problem. LOVE the huge screen via fullscreen.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.tsorn.FullScreen
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jun.ace.piecontrol

I use GMD Auto Hide Soft Keys :-
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gmd.hidesoftkeys&hl=en_GB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

SMillerNL said:
Tablet UI would bring it to the statusbar. Not the notification area.
To the OP: this would be bad for accessibility. Imagine using an app that requires you to double press back to exit. You would neet to pull down the notification area twice... just to close an app.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah I thought he was just making the 2 terms interchangeable.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Wow sorry for my late reply everybody. Thank you for you feedback. I haven't looked at tablet ui but I will. I have installed GMDs auto hide nag buttons. I like it. Sometimes. One thing I do not like is that the menu button for apps like Chrome are automatically moved to the navbar. I know I can turn it off but the menu button is just gone. Not a huge deal but I also don't like how it is sometimes less responsive than the stock navbar. Either way, I'm still shopping.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

You should try AOKP rom which you can toggle phablet and tablet UI, I've been using this feature since 4.1.
As for in app menu button, there is in option called "Show menu UI overflow" in the rom to enable it.

Start Watch On directly as remote

Hi everyone! I wanna know if there is a method to start Watch On as remote directly, without opening the screen with videos on TV and after click on remote button on top right of the screen... Any help would be appreciated

jordiz86 said:
Hi everyone! I wanna know if there is a method to start Watch On as remote directly, without opening the screen with videos on TV and after click on remote button on top right of the screen... Any help would be appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure if there's an option for that, but you can keep it running in the pull down notification bar and as a widget on the lock screen.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

gsmyth said:
Not sure if there's an option for that, but you can keep it running in the pull down notification bar and as a widget on the lock screen.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Yes I know, but sincerely I hate persistent apps notifications in notification bar... I have widget in lockscreen (and from some days ago the widget has change appearance, for me is very ugly...), but I prefer use complete remote from the app... However it's not a problem to click on a button after a few seconds, but if I can skip that screen can be better... Or delete also, and keep only remote
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

jordiz86 said:
Yes I know, but sincerely I hate persistent apps notifications in notification bar... I have widget in lockscreen (and from some days ago the widget has change appearance, for me is very ugly...), but I prefer use complete remote from the app... However it's not a problem to click on a button after a few seconds, but if I can skip that screen can be better... Or delete also, and keep only remote
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I know what you mean. I actually use IR remote as well, it's handy as it opens straight into the remote after you have used one. I know some people don't like having more than one app for one purpose but it's free and work a look.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.freeirtv
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

gsmyth said:
Yea I know what you mean. I actually use IR remote as well, it's handy as it opens straight into the remote after you have used one. I know some people don't like having more than one app for one purpose but it's free and work a look.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.freeirtv
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Thanks, I'll take a look! But I love the style of watch on (widget excluded ), hope that someone found an escamotage
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app