Multitask button on Nav Bar - G2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Looked around and didn't see this being brought up. Is there away to out the multitasking app instead of the menu button and bring back the 3 dot menu button back in apps? Hate freaking menu buttons and having to long press the home.
I remember figuring out a way to add software nav buttons on an S4 manually by editing some lines in the system but since the soft nav bar is already present I don't think that would work. Any ideas? Thanks.
Sent from my LG-D800 using Tapatalk 4

Root, and there's a few nav bar replacements in the play store that autohide as well.
Sent from my LG-D800 using Tapatalk 4

saywhat4118 said:
Looked around and didn't see this being brought up. Is there away to out the multitasking app instead of the menu button and bring back the 3 dot menu button back in apps? Hate freaking menu buttons and having to long press the home.
I remember figuring out a way to add software nav buttons on an S4 manually by editing some lines in the system but since the soft nav bar is already present I don't think that would work. Any ideas? Thanks.
Sent from my LG-D800 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm with you, I think its stupid to have a dedicated menu button when android already has this covered.
The apps the poster above is speaking of does not fix this issue as it also hides the buttons, which is just dumb. Just be patient, I'm sure we will have a fix soon!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

This may be my only gripe about this phone, I have tried several of the options, but you have to hide it or tour home screen icons in the dock get lost.
Sent from my LG-D800 using Tapatalk 4

While using the Note 2 I was able to go to the (root) system file and mess with the nav bar. Im going to play with this in a few. I'll report back.

jmill75 said:
While using the Note 2 I was able to go to the (root) system file and mess with the nav bar. Im going to play with this in a few. I'll report back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the S4 I was able to manually add the On screen nav buttons with a line of code. Default android soft buttons are back home and multitask LG edited that to the menu button which is annoying. Let me know what you find. I'm going to try some stuff my self
Sent from my LG-D800 using Tapatalk 4

While I would like to have a dedicated multitasking button, I don't think the menu button is a waste or stupid. There are still numerous apps that don't adhere to Google's new rules for a software menu button and they result in a black bar on the screen. LG dodged this by adding a dedicated software menu button. If you want to see how annoying it is, just pick up an HTC One (or DNA, or One X) and it will make more sense. What they did is emulate the Optimus G Pro (and Samsung's Touchwiz) with software buttons to give the same feel (hold home for multitasking, back and menu). I see why they did it. But yeah, it would be nice if they'd add an option for a multitasking button as either a fourth option or in place of the menu. It would certainly make more sense than the notification shade toggle.

greyhulk said:
While I would like to have a dedicated multitasking button, I don't think the menu button is a waste or stupid. There are still numerous apps that don't adhere to Google's new rules for a software menu button and they result in a black bar on the screen. LG dodged this by adding a dedicated software menu button. If you want to see how annoying it is, just pick up an HTC One (or DNA, or One X) and it will make more sense. What they did is emulate the Optimus G Pro (and Samsung's Touchwiz) with software buttons to give the same feel (hold home for multitasking, back and menu). I see why they did it. But yeah, it would be nice if they'd add an option for a multitasking button as either a fourth option or in place of the menu. It would certainly make more sense than the notification shade toggle.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The main reason I did not get the One was because of the stupid buttons. First not on screen and second only 2 buttons.
I do think it will only be a matter of time until someone makes a zip to add the recent button back. Wish I knew how

saywhat4118 said:
Looked around and didn't see this being brought up. Is there away to out the multitasking app instead of the menu button and bring back the 3 dot menu button back in apps? Hate freaking menu buttons and having to long press the home.
I remember figuring out a way to add software nav buttons on an S4 manually by editing some lines in the system but since the soft nav bar is already present I don't think that would work. Any ideas? Thanks.
Sent from my LG-D800 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So my solution to this after 2 days of fiddling with the phone and trying EVERYTHING actually turned out for the better. The setup I have is using GMD gesture control for my buttons and auto hide navbar to have the navbar gone. This app let's you slide certain regions of the screen and trigger different conditions. I have no buttons at all on my screen and have slide functions that work perfect exactly where the Normal buttons would go. Slide up on the left is menu, slide in middle is home, and slide in right is recent apps. My back button is set by my thumb and it works out much better than I could have hoped.

kurofox23? said:
So my solution to this after 2 days of fiddling with the phone and trying EVERYTHING actually turned out for the better. The setup I have is using GMD gesture control for my buttons and auto hide navbar to have the navbar gone. This app let's you slide certain regions of the screen and trigger different conditions. I have no buttons at all on my screen and have slide functions that work perfect exactly where the Normal buttons would go. Slide up on the left is menu, slide in middle is home, and slide in right is recent apps. My back button is set by my thumb and it works out much better than I could have hoped.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I'm going to try this.
Sent from my LG-D800 using Tapatalk 4

Apps that have their own 3-dot menu
Thanks for the research on this topic. Does anyone know if the GMD app allows an app to retain its 3-dot menu functionality? I've encountered several apps that won't work with the G2's menu softkey preventing you from accessing the app's options.
thanks in advance!

Related

[Q] home -> back to ADW?

I just got an NST today and rooted it with the clockwork mod method. So far things are working pretty well, with one major setback: I am having trouble getting back to the ADW. I selected ADW as the default home, but the nook button -> home still takes me to the original home screen, and the menu bar at the top only shows menu & back buttons. So once I open an app, I have no way to launch anything else (besides rebooting, which will bring me back to ADW).
Any help would be greatly appreciated, and I apologise if this has been answered elsewhere, but I couldn't track it down...
Thanks!
Oh, also, I lose the navigation buttons when I go into of the nook interface/reader/settings etc.
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda app-developers app
B&N modified Eclair co-opts the Home key.
You need to either install Button Saviour (which gives you a constant selection of micro buttons on the edge)
or install one of the mods here that will hack the "n" button.
I use a modified /system/framework/android.policy.jar but I'm trying to clean up the mod.
Thanks, button savior did the job. Actually, I had already installed it with the CWM flashes, but I just hadn't figured out how to activate it; I'd noticed the little icon on the side of the screen, but hadn't actually managed to click it!
An alternative to Button Savior is to launch NookTouch Tools and use it to customize the B&N QuickLaunch menu via the B&N Buttons option to open your launcher of choice instead of one of the standard B&N apps. I find the side buttons for BS, Virtual Button Bar or similar programs always seem to be too small to press when I want them, yet get in the way when I don't. The QuickLaunch menu also won't get closed accidentally.
I've over-ridden all of the standard app selections and don't actually see the B&N apps anymore unless I deliberately launch one.
Hmm, that sounds ideal, but I can't seem to find an apk anywhere, can you link me? The root process installed nookcolor tools, which doesn't seem to have that option.
Thanks!
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda app-developers app
Nook Touch Tools is by XorZone.
Be sure to check the Show extra action buttons in recent dialog option to get the Home, Menu, Back, Search and Orientation options when you long-press the 'n' button, and you can completely eliminate the need for Button Savior.
Just got it up and running, that makes for a much more comfortable configuration. Thanks again!
Sent from my NOOK using xda app-developers app

Menu Remap Mod?

On my Evo LTE running CM10 the recent apps button on short press opens settings and long press opens recent apps. I like this function vs having to have a shortcut on the desktop or getting to it from notifications. On most newer phones/tablets running ICS/JB there are mods that remap this function but I've not seen this anywhere for the Nexus. I"m running stock but rooted and would prefer to stay that way if i can. Does anyone either know how to do it or if there's a mod floating around that i was unable to find using "search"?
I would also love to customize what app is opened when sliding up from the soft keys, if that's related.
Pezo said:
I would also love to customize what app is opened when sliding up from the soft keys, if that's related.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No that's not exactly what i'm talking about but i would like to do that as well. If i understand correctly if you hold any of the software key/button (IE back, home, or recent apps) and slide your finger up there is a dotted circle with google search button at the top. If i could place the settings app there that would get me by. As for now when i hit the recent apps button i would prefer that to be the settings button or being able to long press the button to open settings. I think what i want is a limitation of the launcher but who knows. Anyone who does have any idea how to do this please let me know. I did attempt to edit the keys file in system/usr/keylayout by trying to add an extra key for settings but it didn't work.

Was the N4 bottom nav designed by a lefty?

Just got the N4 yesterday and love it but for one really irksome thing -- that the back button, which I use a lot, is on the left while the "running apps" button, which I don't, is on the right. It's a big phone so having stuff as near as possible to the bottom right-hand corner is key to one-handed operation (for righties, of course). So when I'm using Google Reader, the back button is at bottom left, and the "Up to category list" button is at top left. Really slows things down.
Am I the only one annoyed by this? Is there a fix short of a new ROM?
A rom may allow you to swap the buttons around. It doesnt bother me I hold my phone in my left hand a lot.
That was a big reason why I decided to root and go to an AOKP rom. Back button on the right side now and I'm so much happier.
It bothered me at first when moving from a Galaxy S (back on right side) to the Galaxy Nexus (back on left side). Got used to it after about a month though.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Never noticed! But I prefer to get rid of them for the screen real estate.
It's more of a design choice rather than a pragmatic decision. Back on the left makes more sense. Some apps move the screen to the right when they go back, so tapping back on the left side and having the screen goes left makes sense thematically. I came from a Galaxy S which also had a right-side back button, and I have accustomed myself to the left-side back button with little effort. It fits the flow of apps better.
However, I'm strongly against the removal of the Search button that started in 3.x. I used Search for many apps, and it was an amazing shortcut. Fullscreen browser? Press search and you got access to the URL bar. Looking for a contact? Search button. Want to do a search in a file explorer? There's a familiar button for that. Recents should have stayed as a long press of the Home button.
Hung0702 said:
It's more of a design choice rather than a pragmatic decision. Back on the left makes more sense. Some apps move the screen to the right when they go back, so tapping back on the left side and having the screen goes left makes sense thematically. I came from a Galaxy S which also had a right-side back button, and I have accustomed myself to the left-side back button with little effort. It fits the flow of apps better.
However, I'm strongly against the removal of the Search button that started in 3.x. I used Search for many apps, and it was an amazing shortcut. Fullscreen browser? Press search and you got access to the URL bar. Looking for a contact? Search button. Want to do a search in a file explorer? There's a familiar button for that. Recents should have stayed as a long press of the Home button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagree with long press on home as recents. Many android noobs didn't even know there was a a "alt tab" in Android until they've heard it from someone or was told by someone.
It's more intuitive when theres a recents button. As far as search, it's supposed to be on the top right of an app same with the legacy menu. On contacts, its on the bottom left.
IMO they should go back to the 4 capacitive buttons. Menu, Home, Back, Search. There was NOTHING wrong with this setup. Search was arguably the weakest one but with Google now, I'd say it's just as important as the rest of them. I get the fact that not all apps will have Menu, but Home and Back are just about universal, and Menu is used quite a bit too. The capacitive buttons free up screen real-estate too. I don't like styling things just for style's sake.
se1000 said:
IMO they should go back to the 4 capacitive buttons. Menu, Home, Back, Search. There was NOTHING wrong with this setup. Search was arguably the weakest one but with Google now, I'd say it's just as important as the rest of them. I get the fact that not all apps will have Menu, but Home and Back are just about universal, and Menu is used quite a bit too. The capacitive buttons free up screen real-estate too. I don't like styling things just for style's sake.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the app's fault for not implementing the menu button on their app, regardless you have the legacy menu button the bottom right.
If you don't like it then install a custom ROM and change the navigation bar to your liking. It's simple as that, no reason to debate about this and how it should be on stock android.
zephiK said:
That's the app's fault for not implementing the menu button on their app, regardless you have the legacy menu button the bottom right.
If you don't like it then install a custom ROM and change the navigation bar to your liking. It's simple as that, no reason to debate about this and how it should be on stock android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have, and I like my current setup (Menu, Home, Back). I'm just saying that I'd rather have the 4 capacitive buttons back.
zephiK said:
I disagree with long press on home as recents. Many android noobs didn't even know there was a a "alt tab" in Android until they've heard it from someone or was told by someone.
It's more intuitive when theres a recents button. As far as search, it's supposed to be on the top right of an app same with the legacy menu. On contacts, its on the bottom left.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If only recents was actually comparable to Windows' Alt+tab. As it is, recents is no more useful to me than it was in Gingerbread
The best button choice for me would have been, in the order, BACK, HOME, MENU. You need to go to settings? Just press the "menu" button. Need to open recent apps? Just press and hold the "home" button. Simple as that.
It was all so much more consistent when the menu button was integrated in the system. Now you have to go and look for it in a place that differs from app to app... jeez, I feel like I'm holding an iPhone.
No menu and a dedicated, invasive multitasking app is a double step backwards for me.
SkippyFlipjack said:
Just got the N4 yesterday and love it but for one really irksome thing -- that the back button, which I use a lot, is on the left while the "running apps" button, which I don't, is on the right. It's a big phone so having stuff as near as possible to the bottom right-hand corner is key to one-handed operation (for righties, of course). So when I'm using Google Reader, the back button is at bottom left, and the "Up to category list" button is at top left. Really slows things down.
Am I the only one annoyed by this? Is there a fix short of a new ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's how us lefty's feel living in a right handed world
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Hung0702 said:
It's more of a design choice rather than a pragmatic decision. Back on the left makes more sense. Some apps move the screen to the right when they go back, so tapping back on the left side and having the screen goes left makes sense thematically. I came from a Galaxy S which also had a right-side back button, and I have accustomed myself to the left-side back button with little effort. It fits the flow of apps better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that design-wise it makes sense; the aesthete in me would take issue with a left-facing arrow button sitting on the right side, which sort of looks like it's telling you to press the button in the middle. I just think that these larger phones should design where possible for one-handed operation (and have a lefty mode too!)
note: by 'one-handed operation' no, I don't mean I'm watching porn

[Q] Enable Onscreen Menu Button

I have rooted my Note 3 and remapped the navigation buttons to match the galaxy nexus I came from. Now that I don't have the menu button is there a way (maybe in the build.prop) to enable the onscreen menu button? If not is there a way to enable all onscreen navigation buttons for the note 3? I tried the "qemu.hw.mainkeys=0" approach but it caused system ui to crash. Thanks.
Looking for this as well. Got the same UI crash when adding that kind.
Why would you want to when we have hardware buttons?
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk now Free
Gvaz said:
Why would you want to when we have hardware buttons?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I remapped my hardware buttons to match my galaxy nexus onscreen buttons (from left to right: Back, Home, Recent Apps). As you can see I don't have a menu button mapped. A lot of apps have the menu button in the UI but it doesn't show up if your device thinks it has a hardware menu button. So what I am looking for is a way to tell android that I do not have a hardware menu button. Thanks.
could you keep us updated if you find anything? could you make a quick tutorial how you were able to remap the buttons, or does it work exactly like on the s3:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=34848407
smoothjeff said:
could you keep us updated if you find anything? could you make a quick tutorial how you were able to remap the buttons, or does it work exactly like on the s3:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=34848407
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it looks like it is exactly the same. Wish I could have found that guide when I was searching lol.
Do the correct icons appear to the right and left of the home button with this mod?
chhaggerty said:
Do the correct icons appear to the right and left of the home button with this mod?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately not. I just turned the touch key lights off in display settings.
Has anyone figured this out yet?

Is there any way to put Nav Controls on the Second Screen?

I have my V20 navigation controls hidden for almost all apps because I like the full 5.7" screen always displayed, but it's a pain sometime to swipe up to get access to them. Is there any way to get a 3rd party app that you can put into the Second Screen as an app shortcut, and when you click the app shortcut icon it will navigate DIRECTLY with the one press on the second screen (i.e. go to home screen and back button, mainly)? I don't think it could be a widget because you can't load widgets as a app shortcut on the 2nd screen. Note that I am NOT rooted.
Probably not but I just thought I'd ask.
This actually works in the nav bar as a return to home button, although will not appear on recent apps when used. Now looking for a back button
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.devjackey.homebutton
If you have any sort of experience with Tasker I'm sure you can create a simple task that goes back, and just assign it to a button that you throw on the 2nd screen though I just checked and some widgets don't actually work in the 2nd screen. Greenify works fine but my mobile payment app doesnt't.
Seems like it can't be a widget or floating button. Can't find a back button that works by clicking the app shortcut icon like the home button does above (i.e. no app options - click and executes the one function directly). Oh well at least I have half what i need.
A pain to swipe up but easier to reach all the to the top of the screen? Smh. Doesn't make sense.
@rbiter said:
A pain to swipe up but easier to reach all the to the top of the screen? Smh. Doesn't make sense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm often at the top of my screen switching apps and want to get to the home screen. Plus ONE press on a button instead of a swipe up and press and have it hide again. My thumb is on average in the middle of the screen so up and down or the same. Plus if holding the phone in my left hand it's easier to get at the top with my right hand index finger. Just tried the home button above and definitely faster and less annoying then the hidden nav bar. Doesn't seem like there is a similar back button anywhere that i can find.
Tony
All I have to say is software nav FTW!

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