[Q] How do I...? A few questions from a new convert - Nexus 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Ok so I'm coming from a different platform and I have a few questions on how to get back some (or if possible all) functionality I'm currently missing that has been essential to my work flow for a while. So hopefully if you can bare with the newb factor of some of these questions I'd really appreciate some pointing in the right direction....
Functionality Questions
1.) How do I get notification counts on app icons? So I can know how many texts or calls I've missed or haven't responded to yet.
2.) How do I rearrange my favorites list in the dialer... it seems to be in order that I star the contact but I can't seem to figure out how to rearrange them in the list.
3.) How do I arrange notifications in the notification shade? Currently notifications come in cronological order but how do I make it so text notifications are always first, then emails, then everything else...?
4.) How do I make it so even if my phone is on silent or vibrate, it still plays a notification sound for people I've designated (ie people on my favorites list)?
5.) How do I set individual text tones for contacts? I can set ringtones however I can't seem how to set text tones.
Misc... Questions
1.) In the messages app how do I make it so that instead of texts being broken up in "1 of 3" etc... that the texts come as one complete paragraph?
2.) How do I set a different picture for the lock screen than the home screen?
3.) Is there a music player widget that I can use that sits in the notification shade and or/ has an accompanying desktop widget that's more 'universal' or uses common music API's so that no matter what music app I use I can control it and see album art etc...? I'm coming from iOS a d the music widget in the task tray acts as control for any music app you choose to use etc...
Anyway like I said, I've switched platforms (from iOS to Android) and I'd like to have some of the aspects I've grown used to and made a part of my workflow and daily activity back. I know Android is ultra customizable and that the beauty is you can make it whatever you'd like so I'm sure these things are already there or can be done easily I'm just new and can't seem to figure it out. Any direction would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks in advance!

The Nexus 4 runs pure Android, which is quite basic as far as features. You're going to need a mix of a custom ROM with apps/widgets you download. Get to searching on the play store. There are tons of apps with great features. A simple search of "universal music widget" will yield results you can use. Also, check out the good messaging apps like Handcent, Go! SMS, and Chomp SMS. Search, download, test.
Edit: Here is another result from a simple search.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bruce.ringtonepicker

1. Download a third-party launcher such as Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher as they have these features. Some of these features may require a 'Pro' version of the launcher to unlock extra features.
2. Can't rearrange, it's based on the # of calls. You can download third-party dialers such as TouchPal.
3. someone else can explain
4. someone else
5. someone else.
misc.
1. download third party messenger app such as chompsms, handcent sms
2. custom rom
3. someone else

itpromike said:
Ok so I'm coming from a different platform and I have a few questions on how to get back some (or if possible all) functionality I'm currently missing that has been essential to my work flow for a while. So hopefully if you can bare with the newb factor of some of these questions I'd really appreciate some pointing in the right direction....
Functionality Questions
1.) How do I get notification counts on app icons? So I can know how many texts or calls I've missed or haven't responded to yet.
2.) How do I rearrange my favorites list in the dialer... it seems to be in order that I star the contact but I can't seem to figure out how to rearrange them in the list.
3.) How do I arrange notifications in the notification shade? Currently notifications come in cronological order but how do I make it so text notifications are always first, then emails, then everything else...?
4.) How do I make it so even if my phone is on silent or vibrate, it still plays a notification sound for people I've designated (ie people on my favorites list)?
5.) How do I set individual text tones for contacts? I can set ringtones however I can't seem how to set text tones.
Misc... Questions
1.) In the messages app how do I make it so that instead of texts being broken up in "1 of 3" etc... that the texts come as one complete paragraph?
2.) How do I set a different picture for the lock screen than the home screen?
3.) Is there a music player widget that I can use that sits in the notification shade and or/ has an accompanying desktop widget that's more 'universal' or uses common music API's so that no matter what music app I use I can control it and see album art etc...? I'm coming from iOS a d the music widget in the task tray acts as control for any music app you choose to use etc...
Anyway like I said, I've switched platforms (from iOS to Android) and I'd like to have some of the aspects I've grown used to and made a part of my workflow and daily activity back. I know Android is ultra customizable and that the beauty is you can make it whatever you'd like so I'm sure these things are already there or can be done easily I'm just new and can't seem to figure it out. Any direction would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. For unrooted phone there are launchers and for rooted many roms supports eg. Paranoid android.
2. Way around is to creat short cut on screen for contacts you prefer in your order. And Dont remember but there are several app available in play store. Search is your friend here.
3. Just have no idea about it.
4. lots of profile scheduler in play store. Check few out.
5. Never needed so no idea.
Misc.
1. Try other popular sms apps from play store.
2. In custom rom im sure I have used this in the past.
3. I didn't get that question.
Hope it helped you little. Just try few apps and choose what you like the best.
Good Luck :good:

Thanks for all the feedback so far. I'm going through the play store and getting there bit by bit. Any other suggestions keep'em coming. Thanks guys!

Related

[Q] Custom Lockscreen, built from the ground up?

Do any exist and what does it take?
Basically I'm envisioning the standard Android lock screen, except for the right slider. I don't use it for vibrate, so it goes unused.
So, I would like to replace the right side slider with a smart button that allows you to open notifications based upon what you have received.
If you have an unread text, it shows a text message icon and sliding it opens to your texting app. Same thing for Gmail. Obviously its possible to have more than one type of notification, so there would need to be some sort of hierarchy (say Texts > Gmail > Email > WordFeud > Facebook > etc) so that it only opens the most important to you. Users could choose like 3-5 apps that would work with it.
If you have no notifications, then it should default to a single app you use regularly, but does not necessarily have/need notifications (Camera, Google Reader, etc).
Changing the background color of the icon would also be a good way to help differentiate between the default slider, and one that would open a new notification. For example, on the current stock lock screen, the vibrate slider has a gray background. You could keep the gray background for the default app, but when you have a text or email, the icon would change to that app and the background could change to a specified color (say orange for a text, green for an email, etc).
In addition, I wouldn't mind having the weather on the lockscreen as well. Too often do I find myself having to unlock my phone just to check the temperature outside. Obviously the down side to this is having to poll for weather data, but it is something I'd be more than willing to live with. Especially if one could chose how often it updated (30 mins, 1 hour, 3 hours, etc).
I realize most of this can be done with Widgetlocker (or maybe Cyanogen), but honestly I don't like using it and it does not feel polished enough for me. So would something like this have to be baked into a ROM, coded from scratch or whatever? Are there any devs who do this kind of work? is this level of detail even realistically possible given the nature of Android? is this even the right forum?
Just saw the last part, but I think it's still your best bet.
Just curious why don't you like widget locker, it does everything you asked for?
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.teslacoilsw.widgetlocker&feature=search_result
custom puzzle slider for widget locker
can some one please make a puzzle slider for widget locker.
i love the puzzle unlock feature.
i would love for the puzzle piece to be the chicago whitesox logo.
thankyou in advance.

[Q] Would like to customize the phone a little bit, just not sure how

There are a few things that really bug me about the Touchwiz software.
1) The ridiculous color scheme/non-standardization between pages. For instance, the new apk install menu is just horrid to look at, as well as certain pop-up confirmation buttons. Is there any easy way to change these so that they more reflect AOSP?
2) The messaging application and the widget that appears on the lock screen when you have a missed phone call/text message. I was wanting to use Dashclock widget on the homescreen to replicate this purpose, but no matter what, I can't find a way to disable that widget that always appears. Is there a way to remove it?
3) This sorta ties along with #2, but when you use a pattern on the lock screen, you can't use a stand alone widget, Samsung automatically takes over and uses it's own. I know it's possible to use pattern and a widget (I can do it on the GE Rom, and my Nexus 7), is there a way duplicate this process?
4) Is there a way to replace the TW messaging app with an AOSP messaging application?
5) The pull down notification bar, is there any way to make it look more like AOSP?
There are things that I love both about TW and AOSP, and unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a rom (in my opinion) that compliments both of the features that they consist of nicely. I don't have the knowledge (or the time at the moment with school coming up) to try and build my own rom that would enjoy the features that I would want. I was wondering if anyone could help me out with this process. I would be forever grateful.

Are proper lockscreen notifications possible?

Since I got the Note 3 a week ago, I've spent most of that time trying to find a way to get proper lockscreen notifications. "Proper" in this case means pretty much what LockInfo IV did on jailbroken iPhones (if you're familiar with that):
Each notification chosen by the user is displayed on the lockscreen as a separate entity
Each notification (text or email) can be viewed in its entirety on the lockscreen, if the user chooses that option (such as by tapping to expand each notification)
Notifications are persistent, in that they remain visible on the lockscreen whenever the phone is brought out of sleep mode.
I've tried LockerPro, Nils, Pop-up Notifier, and others and they all fail in one way or another. I'm led to believe that lockscreen notifications are limited by the way that Android populates the notifications panel. The big problem is that if you get more than one email or text, they all get lumped together into a single, useless "You have <x> number of new messages" entry, which means you have to unlock the phone and launch the respective app to see who it's from and what it says.
This completely defeats the purpose of screening notifications on the lockscreen.
I'd appreciate recommendations for any app that will make lockscreen notifications useful. Thanks to designgears, my phone is rooted now, if that makes a difference.
Try dynamic notifications. It mimics the moto x.
Won't show everything though.
Thanks for the suggestion. I've tried that one and it didn't do it for me, but I'll give it another shot at some point.
For now, I've stopped worrying about lockscreen notifications, since push email is basically broken on the Note 3 anyway. It's like a time machine back to 1995.
barnabydog said:
Thanks for the suggestion. I've tried that one and it didn't do it for me, but I'll give it another shot at some point.
For now, I've stopped worrying about lockscreen notifications, since push email is basically broken on the Note 3 anyway. It's like a time machine back to 1995.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey - I was looking for the same for my N3....i've been trying Dynamic Notifications on and off for awhile now. At first it works, and then just stops. Maybe give Knock2 +V2..I'm testing it now and so far it seems to work flawlessly for me

[Q] Best Notifications Method for text and missed calls

Guys, I am looking for any suggestions you guys use for the best method to be notified of text and missed calls and such. It was always pretty good with the old iphone in such see the message swipe and then reply. I now really like the new little pop up that comes with the stock messaging app. But the popup is gone in about 2 seconds. Also do we not have any method to have notifications show on the lock screen. Just do not like at all to have to look in the notification center for this stuff. I do use Handcent texting mostly just for the pop up. But still not popup for a missed call. At least the S4 has a notification on the lock screen. I usually finally find a good set up but was wondering what most of you guys do. Thanks
You can try dashclock from play store. It's a widget that you can put on the lockscreen and it has a lot of extensions allowing you to see between others: clock, date, calendars, weather, alarm, gmail, whatsapp, sms, missed calls etc, battery info, etc...
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Years ago I used Handcent solely because I could set recurring notifications. I've since gotten so attached to the little green droid that we now communicate via telepathy...or so it seems...
Why not rely on the notification light? I use Light Flow which not only lets you customize color but also duration and flash rate. So for me emails get a normal flash and turn off after 15 minutes. But a missed call is more important so I have it flashing red very fast and for a long time - like an hour so I'm sure not to miss it.
But this only works when screen is off of course.
I use Dynamic Notifications and Light Flow. The combo really works well for me and I like that I can schedule a sleep time so it doesn't light up the screen or the notification lights when I'm sleeping. DN will keep showing the notification at set intervals until I enter the app or clear it. Very simple, efficient, and customizable. LF is used mainly because the stock light settings did not have enough customizing ability.
Sent from my VS980 4G using xda app-developers app
tw557 said:
Guys, I am looking for any suggestions you guys use for the best method to be notified of text and missed calls and such. It was always pretty good with the old iphone in such see the message swipe and then reply. I now really like the new little pop up that comes with the stock messaging app. But the popup is gone in about 2 seconds. Also do we not have any method to have notifications show on the lock screen. Just do not like at all to have to look in the notification center for this stuff. I do use Handcent texting mostly just for the pop up. But still not popup for a missed call. At least the S4 has a notification on the lock screen. I usually finally find a good set up but was wondering what most of you guys do. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get Nils along with Nils+. This will give you very iPhone-ish lockscreen notifications. You can swipe them away to dismiss or slide the icon to launch the app. Nils is the main program and includes a widget (old method), and Nils+ will overlay the lockscreen with the notifications (new method, doesn't need a widget).
I personally use Nils beta from Google+: https://plus.google.com/communities/115156552435983276604?partnerid=gplp0
Use the links on the right side to Enable Tester for Nils and Nils+. Then you can download them. Nils is on the play store (no tester required), but you must be a Nils+ tester to use Nils+.
I really like the convience of getting a notification, not missing it and being able to reply quickly. As much so many other things the android system does betteras compared to IOS, This is were I struggle to get it better. The LED is great. Helps not miss anything. I have used Lightflow on and off a lot over the last year with a GS3. SO MANY mixed results. lights would work for some apss then not others and then getting the notification LED to cancel when message was cleared has always been a pain. Maybe need to give Lightflow a try on the G2. I'll check out Nils+ and Dynamic Notifications. For now I'm using Handcent which is working ok but I actually like the stock messanger. Thanks again!!!
if you don't mind paying, look up glowfly. it's a pop-up app for texting that works pretty well. I've been using it for about a year. I loved the stock g2 sms pop-up bc it didn't interrupt what you were doing, like if you're watching a video it kept playing... any other popup app, including glowfly, pause the video. but whatever. works better.
Sent from my LG G2 using Tapatalk Pro

[ZOOPER] Now Cards for Zooper

Please have a look at my new app Now Cards for Zooper. I've used tsasker integration to make some of the widgets more unique - there's auto updating news widgets (more feeds will be made on request) and one which shows you your latest text message.
They're alongside calendar, weather, clock, etc. widgets. Take a look and make sure you read the description before you download. If you've got any problems, just post and let me know.
EDIT: The free version now contains a facebook widget too! (post 10 for pictures). This will stay as 4x1, but this, alongside a 4x2 and 4x3 will be coming to the paid version in the next few days
Paid version - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.est1994.zwskin.nowcards
Free version - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.est1994.zwskin.nowcards
Very cool idea, few questions.
Is this a "Google Now" replacement?
Its almost identical to "Goolge now" , whats the advantages of using Zooper and Tasker?
Could you add other buttons and functionality to the cards aswell?
- like say the incoming text card, can you add a reply button? that would pop up a reply text box etc?
- Or a card that has the ability to show current sound volumes? or the ability to change them from card?
- If you could add other app info like facebook (probably insane to get configured) it would be an awesome "Launcher" type of app etc.
Are you allowed to post links to paid apps on xda? Cant remember the rules (Current)
other than those, looking great! good luck.
Thanks for the support! Its kind of intended as a Now replacement, I love having Google now built into the Google launcher, but can't deal without any customizations, son its really intended for people with similar ideas.
Using Tasker gives a lot more options in terms of what can be displayed! Many things from the internet and almost any stat from your device can be displayed oince you combine the two - tasked is a lot more powerful than Zooper.
Unfortunately some if what what you're asking is still a little out of range. Things which involve interaction such as volume sliders or a functional reply box are not do-able from my app, however, you could create your own tasked scene and launch it as an OnTap action on the widget. I'd love to bundle this with the app my pself but I've found that Tasked scenes do not translate well across changes in screen size. I could definitely add one for current volumes though if you wanted? And anything else you might like? I will look into Facebook tomorrow, but its late here so I need some sleep!
And I'm not sure about posting paid links, I meant to double check the rules before posting but totally forgot! I didn't hear anything last time I did it though so fingers crossed
EDIT: I couldn't resist having a quick look - Facebook notifications can (and will) be made as a widget, but actual feeds cannot
These look great! But I am unclear as to when these show onscreen...are they always on widgets or just popup when info arrives? Thanks
They are all always on. Everything always has information to display! Are you asking more specifically about the Tasker widgets? If so, tasker collects information every 2 hours by default, with each collection gaining 5-7 stories (depending on provider). Only one story is 'given' to Zooper at a time, with the displayed story changing every 30 minutes.
I hope that answers your question?
I know this may not be exactly what you had in mind, but here's a Facebook widget I knocked up. There's also a 4x2, but that's just a shorter version of the large one. What do you think?
butler0607 said:
I know this may not be exactly what you had in mind, but here's a Facebook widget I knocked up. There's also a 4x2, but that's just a shorter version of the large one. What do you think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks great. Upon pressing it. Takes you right to Facebook?
To me flip book is annoying. But . I'm looking for a "sense" type of home page. You ever seen HTC sense home pages? If you could make the boxes a transparent black etc. Lol I love the Google now aspect, but their new material colors are... Not what I like. Lol but that's a great start. Smaller font perhaps.
Thanks for the feedback I thought about smaller fonts, but I wanted it wall to be readable at a glance and to follow Google as much as possible, but yes, clicking on the FB widget could take you straight to Facebook, but I've left all the shortcuts blank so you can pick where you want it to take you, possibly the notifications page directly?
If you send some HTC sense pics, maybe I'll think about making some wpof their widgets at some point too?
I decided to do a free version of this too - its got all the 4x1 widgets, but with none of the tasker integration or 4x2 widgets, so you can still get a good effect. Follow the link to grab it! Lasker
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.est1994.zwskin.nowcardsfree
Here's the new facebook widget, submitted to the free version already and coming to the paid version soon!

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