Database Users

Suggestions for scene widgets please

Hi Folks
Just wondered if anyone has any suggestions for full size widgets for the hero?
Basically my home screen has clock,weather widget and a couple of other freqently used widgets.Swipe to the left and I have a full page of 16 other widgets.Swipe to the left again and i have a full size music player.Last swipe to the left and i have the full size bookmarks widget. If I swipe right from my homescreen then I have my camera album and thats it! The next two pages are empty
Now i for some reason dont like it I dont like to see the unused space but i'm struggling to find anything to put in them. I dont use twitter and not bothered about the footprints widget.
I have had a search on the net for something but as of yet been unsuccsesfull.
Anybody have any suggestions? Dont matter if its a novelty kind of widget or whatever....I'll give it a look!
Thanks in advance
Gaz

I too currently have an empty page
Mainly due to the fact bookmarks widget is not working on latest build of VillainRom.
Can't think of anything to place on that page at all.

The more widgets then generally the slower the UI and faster the battery drains. If you don't desperately need something there I would leave it blank.

cyberkid2002 said:
The more widgets then generally the slower the UI and faster the battery drains. If you don't desperately need something there I would leave it blank.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this just because there is more on the screen graphically or do the widgets themselves slow it down? I was under the impression that the widgets are only shortcuts to the programs and so obviously use no memory untill launched!?
Gaz

Gazaman said:
Is this just because there is more on the screen graphically or do the widgets themselves slow it down? I was under the impression that the widgets are only shortcuts to the programs and so obviously use no memory untill launched!?
Gaz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
since widgets are "active" shortcuts they are executed the moment you go to the screen they are on. how would it display weather or news when it is a "dead" shortcut?

kendong2 said:
since widgets are "active" shortcuts they are executed the moment you go to the screen they are on. how would it display weather or news when it is a "dead" shortcut?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The weather widget that i use is the one on the clock so not an independant widget. I just assumed that this one was opened when i first chose this clock and just stays open.
Please go easy on me here as im still getting to grips with the whole 'mechanics' of the phone.
So all widgets that i have on my phone scene are active? Most (if not all) are just executable programs like google maps,google sky maps,shazam,flixter,meebo etc and as far as i'm aware dont require to be constantly updated via internet connection(unless opened).
Why would these be active?
If they are constantly active then why would people use task killers? It seems pointless if they are always active anyway!
Like i said,I'm sorry if this is all a bit basic but would be nice to now how it all works as i have actually noticed my phone seems quite slow lately and for some reason notifications on the top notification bar aren't disspearing when i have read my messages etc.
Maybe i have too many active widgets?!?
Thanks
Gaz

you have to make a difference between a widget and a shortcut to an app. the clock is a clock widget with integrated weather support. it is triggered if you go to the screen it is on and by time change (to display the correct time for example). as it has the weather feature it can also activate the background weather service.
a shortcut is the same thing as those on your windows desktop. it is nothing else than a link to the app, and doesn't do anything until you click on it.
check the way you add a shortcut and a widget, after pressing the + sign you have to choose which one you want to add.

It is a gray area as to what a widget is and not all widgets are active. The weather one is active. So is the one I use to give me London Tube status - as others have said they update as soon as you switch to the window (in fact I thought they did it in the background all the time, but i may well be wrong on that).
On the other hand the widget that switches BT or wifi or GPS on or off are not active unless you touch them then they do what is required (switch it on or off) and then become inactive. In reality they are a little mini-programme in their own right, but they are still called widgets.
Shortcuts are not the same as widgets - all they do is open a programme when touched - so Google maps etc are not widgets they are shortcuts.
I have filled all of my screens - any space left after the widgets is now filled with shortcuts to programmes I use most often. Doesn't appear to slow down the phone at all.

[Q] New HD Sense UI

Will the HTC Evo 4g receive a update for the new sense ui? I have been wanting this implementation for a while now. Also what does HD in the new HTC Desire mean?

probably high definition, high definition is more of a buzzword then a term, technically the first "hd" tv was invented back around the 50s, its definitely above 480p (enhanced definition) but below the current standard of high definition (720i) the current trend of android phones support 800 x 480 while the highest standard for edtv i believe it 576p(pal resolution)

What's so HD about the HTC Desire? I mean it's like a beefed up verson of the Evo without the kickstand. Also I hope the new sense ui comes out soon!

are there any major differences? I can't tell by looking at some of the pictures out there. what is new in sense?

"-New flip clock animation. There also aren't that many clock widgets,
-There is a blocked callers app, HTC Hub app for your HTC Sense account. For people who just get this new phone, they have an App where they can transfer over their data from their other phone over a bluetooth connection.
-Messaging app: UI overhaul. You have an option for push messages. In the settings you have the option to forward messages to your phone or email addres. Inside the thread there is a sort of new view. It displays the contacts name and number at the same time.
-There is also an app that will link your contacts with the social networking websites, that was demonstrated in that video. It's nothing really new, it just gives you the option to link the twitter and facebook once you add a new contact to the phone.
-The personalize button is the same thing as long pressing on the screen, but it's more personal. A lot more options are put all together in the same place, but essentially the same thing.
-People Widget: There is a new People widget, and by default it displays the contact photos and their facebook/twitter status. But once you get a message or they update any one of those, it replaces the previous status. So if you got a text message, it would show up next to their name, you can tap it and be redirected to the messaging app.
-New Live Wallpaper: There is a wallpaper that you can set that will be based off of pictures you select, so that every time you unlock the phone or go back to the homescreen from any app, you see a new wallpaper. The default images on this rom are great, and i love seeing a new image, its my favorite wallpaper.
-Notifications: Inside your notification pulldown, it displays all recent apps, so you no longer have to hold down the home button, just drag down and select. Also, what htey didnt talk about is how if you're playing music, you have the option to pause the song from the notification pulldown.
-There is a power saver feature
-There is an option for the ringer to become quiet once the phone is moved, and for the ringer to become louder when it's in your pocket.
-New HTC Keyboard, and a new calibration app that looks sexy as hell
-HTC Skins
-Over all higher resolution
-Internet browser: No more fullscreen mode, but you have the refresh button and a new RSS button. Also, next to the RSS button is a button for bookmarking. YOu have the option to disable animated gif animations.
-This is true froyo, so it restores your apps when you load up the app, but only if you were on a version of froyo that had that option, like cyanogenmod
-for search, i never really used it so this may not be new, but you can search every single thing on your phone. i mean, down to a specific word in a text message
-this isnt on my rom but i remember seeing it..you had the option to have these nice power control widgets. one of them that i used was the wireless and settings widget. which contained htc sync, wifi, roaming, mobile network and a button that took you to the settings section under settings
-iPhone magnifying glass when it comes to editing text. It's not the exact same (obviously) it's a square."
I posted that on reddit some weeks ago,thats just some of the new stuff i noticed in the new rom

ms79723 said:
"-New flip clock animation. There also aren't that many clock widgets,
-There is a blocked callers app, HTC Hub app for your HTC Sense account. For people who just get this new phone, they have an App where they can transfer over their data from their other phone over a bluetooth connection.
-Messaging app: UI overhaul. You have an option for push messages. In the settings you have the option to forward messages to your phone or email addres. Inside the thread there is a sort of new view. It displays the contacts name and number at the same time.
-There is also an app that will link your contacts with the social networking websites, that was demonstrated in that video. It's nothing really new, it just gives you the option to link the twitter and facebook once you add a new contact to the phone.
-The personalize button is the same thing as long pressing on the screen, but it's more personal. A lot more options are put all together in the same place, but essentially the same thing.
-People Widget: There is a new People widget, and by default it displays the contact photos and their facebook/twitter status. But once you get a message or they update any one of those, it replaces the previous status. So if you got a text message, it would show up next to their name, you can tap it and be redirected to the messaging app.
-New Live Wallpaper: There is a wallpaper that you can set that will be based off of pictures you select, so that every time you unlock the phone or go back to the homescreen from any app, you see a new wallpaper. The default images on this rom are great, and i love seeing a new image, its my favorite wallpaper.
-Notifications: Inside your notification pulldown, it displays all recent apps, so you no longer have to hold down the home button, just drag down and select. Also, what htey didnt talk about is how if you're playing music, you have the option to pause the song from the notification pulldown.
-There is a power saver feature
-There is an option for the ringer to become quiet once the phone is moved, and for the ringer to become louder when it's in your pocket.
-New HTC Keyboard, and a new calibration app that looks sexy as hell
-HTC Skins
-Over all higher resolution
-Internet browser: No more fullscreen mode, but you have the refresh button and a new RSS button. Also, next to the RSS button is a button for bookmarking. YOu have the option to disable animated gif animations.
-This is true froyo, so it restores your apps when you load up the app, but only if you were on a version of froyo that had that option, like cyanogenmod
-for search, i never really used it so this may not be new, but you can search every single thing on your phone. i mean, down to a specific word in a text message
-this isnt on my rom but i remember seeing it..you had the option to have these nice power control widgets. one of them that i used was the wireless and settings widget. which contained htc sync, wifi, roaming, mobile network and a button that took you to the settings section under settings
-iPhone magnifying glass when it comes to editing text. It's not the exact same (obviously) it's a square."
I posted that on reddit some weeks ago,thats just some of the new stuff i noticed in the new rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice summary.
Sent From My HTC Evo 4G Using Tapa Talk Pro!

god does this get new thread every day?

Thanks for summary.
Is this just an updated list... ie: is the new Sense UI still in development.

rockky said:
Thanks for summary.
Is this just an updated list... ie: is the new Sense UI still in development.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The new Sense UI is complete, because its already on the Desire HD and Z. Only things that is constantly being updated is the stuff for the HTC Hub. But thats just themes, ringtones, wallpapers, skins and whatnot.

New Sense = SEX.
I can't stop using it...

The Mail app and widget have also been greatly improved on the new Sense UI. It adds a universal inbox as well as batch actions. Much nicer to need only one Mail widget now on the homescreen for those people with mutliple email addresses.

i wish they would release an update to the sense ui for the non HD Desire :/

[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!

Sprint version, static GPS icon

Quick question:
I have the Sprint version. I've noticed a GPS icon that doesn't seem to go away from the status bar. I've searched around and found that all other published screenshots on forum/blogs etc (would be on the GSM version) do NOT have this icon. It will get crossed out if I turn off Location services, but will not go away.
Anyone have ideas for how to remove these? I'd prefer not to Root, but will if necessary. I know you can root-->xposed to modify these icons. Just trying to make sure I'm not missing a menu somewhere that lets us turn these off (BT, NFC, GPS icon)
Thanks in advance -
turtle3

turtle3 said:
Quick question:
I have the Sprint version. I've noticed a GPS icon that doesn't seem to go away from the status bar. I've searched around and found that all other published screenshots on forum/blogs etc (would be on the GSM version) do NOT have this icon. It will get crossed out if I turn off Location services, but will not go away.
Anyone have ideas for how to remove these? I'd prefer not to Root, but will if necessary. I know you can root-->xposed to modify these icons. Just trying to make sure I'm not missing a menu somewhere that lets us turn these off (BT, NFC, GPS icon)
Thanks in advance -
turtle3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This must be your first Sprint HTC phone. That is called reticle icon for location. To remove it completely you need to install a custom ROM like Badboyz. It is removed by default.

It's been a while. I had the M7. I get a new phone about every 6mo. I'm mostly a Nexus fan, but when new good devices come along, I like using them for a while. That circle (along with the NFC and BT icons) are essentially worthless. Wish they'd enable the System UI tuner from Marshmallow and allow us to turn those icons off.
Not sure I want to root/ROM just yet. I'll probably wait a bit. Thanks for the reply.

6.0.1 customization advice

Have: Nexus 6P stock 6.0.1. Need: some customization. Items in green have a solution.
I've enabled Developer Mode and System UI Tweaker. I'd like to do this without root, or anything that would affect individual Google Play-installable apps. (The reason is, I need this device for final user release testing, so it should be what users have just from factory reset + install apps and normal OS upgrades):
Different wallpaper on Lock Screen than behind icons and widgets. (Tried: http://forums.androidcentral.com/an...-lock-screen-wallpaper-help-how-can-i-do.html - No triple dot menu visible in Wallpaper)
Full brightness on Lock screen instead of 90%, independent of brightness settings. ("OK" option: same brightness as manual brightness in Settings) (http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/help/home-lockscreen-brightness-t1704705 - no Lock Screen Options in Settings)
Disable peeking globally. ("OK" option: put them in the statusbar like 4.4.4) (I don't want to disable peeking for every new app I install: http://www.phonearena.com/news/Here...ifications-in-Android-6.0-Marshmallow_id75408) Temporary solution: I will manually disable peeking for every new app that shows them.
Global saturation setting for icons. (They're all saying "click ME!", that's an icon designer's job. With an excellent high-contrast screen like this, it's a crowd shouting.) ("OK" option: some other way of getting icons to look more Zen.) Icon packs for launchers are that "OK option", browsing tons on Google Play left Hexacon and Dual Shadow. So Hexacon.
Remove the Google Now bar from my Home Screen (without disabling any services). (As in, I taught the device my voice, so I don't need it there for me to tap. Tried: https://www.androidpit.com/how-to-remove-the-google-search-bar-from-your-android-homescreen - it's not long-tappable nor draggable, nor does it appear under Google Apps in Widgets.) Best solution so far: Nova Launcher.
I'd like to be able to do this:
Some quick way (preferably swipe) to access a more compact Quick Settings widget, like on my Xperia Z. I've reduced it to 9, can't remove "Invert Colors" and Location toggles.
Global Night Mode for everything in the System UI - to make it look similar to the Quick Settings. (This is a "like to" only because it's been promised in N. I really need it like, now. ) Best solution so far: Nova Launcher.
Basically I have the greatest phone, so I want it to look good at all times, and with the aim Clean, Fresh, Zen.
I posted here bc the forum was most specific. Feel free to refer or advise me how to best get answers as I joined tonight.
Any & all advice on single questions is appreciated Not possible is a valid answer, and I'm also prepared to wait for N if that's the answer.

I used to think of "ok google" as a novelty but its become more polished and if it remains reliable Ill continue to use it more& more. As it applies to keeping things clean it sort of does eliminate need for extra widgets.
If you have ok google everywhere u can just say " ok google...launch settings". Same goes for music apps, podcasts, youtube videos etc.
Started using a new app other day you might like called sesame edge. I set it on the right edge, virtually invisible and it brings up quick access to apps.

KLit75 said:
I used to think of "ok google" as a novelty but its become more polished and if it remains reliable Ill continue to use it more& more. As it applies to keeping things clean it sort of does eliminate need for extra widgets.
If you have ok google everywhere u can just say " ok google...launch settings". Same goes for music apps, podcasts, youtube videos etc.
Started using a new app other day you might like called sesame edge. I set it on the right edge, virtually invisible and it brings up quick access to apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, trying it out. Also tried Sesame in the hope that it would let me set a different lock screen wallpaper, but it only had "their automatic lock screen wallpaper or off" as setting. I sent feedback to them, so let's see.

HenrikErlandsson said:
Thanks, trying it out. Also tried Sesame in the hope that it would let me set a different lock screen wallpaper, but it only had "their automatic lock screen wallpaper or off" as setting. I sent feedback to them, so let's see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont use a lockscreen but on Pure Nexus which Im using now there is an option to set lockscreen wallpaper.
I use action launcher 3 which doesnt allow me to remove google bar (i dont think) but nova will let u do that. I like the bar cuz on action launcher i can put several shortcuts for whatever i want.
ASAP launcher is very minimal. Again you cant REMOVE the bar but swipe down and it turns into a simple clock widget.

KLit75 said:
I dont use a lockscreen but on Pure Nexus which Im using now there is an option to set lockscreen wallpaper.
I use action launcher 3 which doesnt allow me to remove google bar (i dont think) but nova will let u do that. I like the bar cuz on action launcher i can put several shortcuts for whatever i want.
ASAP launcher is very minimal. Again you cant REMOVE the bar but swipe down and it turns into a simple clock widget.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx, tried Nova and it gives me Night Mode. Thanks for that Still, no way to have a different wallpaper on the lock screen than on the home screen, and I can find no Prime option for it either. Pure Nexus requires CM.
Can I mix and match this type of apps? Will they interfere with each other? Sesame seems to work with Nova at least.
What about Hi Locker? http://android.wonderhowto.com/how-to/get-back-lock-screen-customization-android-lollipop-0160204/
Can custom lock screens lock me out of my phone, make me butt dial, hog battery? I just want to change the gdmn background!
As I wrote, if some feature comes in N I'd rather wait than mess up my new phone.

HenrikErlandsson said:
Thx, tried Nova and it gives me Night Mode. Thanks for that Still, no way to have a different wallpaper on the lock screen than on the home screen, and I can find no Prime option for it either. Pure Nexus requires CM.
Can I mix and match this type of apps? Will they interfere with each other? Sesame seems to work with Nova at least.
What about Hi Locker? http://android.wonderhowto.com/how-to/get-back-lock-screen-customization-android-lollipop-0160204/
Can custom lock screens lock me out of my phone, make me butt dial, hog battery? I just want to change the gdmn background!
As I wrote, if some feature comes in N I'd rather wait than mess up my new phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems Im constantly tweaking things and having problems recalling exactly what I used. I know making lockscreen different from desktop is something Ive done many times. Do u have xposed? Pretty sure gravitybox has that option.
As far as butt dials, I use sweep to wake & it was a problem. Always remember to put it in your pocket screen facing out. I also need to do that when using bt headphones or else i get distortion. Anyways if i find something relevant Ill let u know.

Thx for suggestions!
I want weather, clock, and a background that matches my high-end case on the lock screen AND NOTHING ELSE, and then wherever there are icons I want a neutral background or just a color so I can see them properly. I think that's being a normal user with sensible demands.
Right now a huge dark gray or white slate COVERS the background anyway. I don't mind it, it lets me see the icons of all manner of variety and quality against something neutral, still... just allowing a background to set behind your icons seems to be an easy addition... since Froyo... Anyway, end rant about Simple Things. Android at least lets you customize them.
I'm battling notifications now. Light Manager is recommended for the 6P - testing it out now for notifications that are actually important, will report.