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I've got a friend who's about to be deployed overseas. He has used an Android phone for a couple of years, is an avid reader, has never had a tablet but is proficient with the Android interface.
He expects to have access to Internet (wifi) only periodically, he expects to be without electrical power for days at a time, he needs any non-essential gear to be lightweight and durable. He asked me if he should get an ereader. I think a rooted Nook Simple Touch would meet his ereader needs and go one better. I'm trying to set him up with a rooted NST that will give him access to a few essential tablet apps, an Internet browser for when he's got wifi and a selection of ereader apps so he can read anything that's out there in electronic print.
So far I've rooted the NST using SalsichaNooter (thanks for that), installed Go Launcher because you can easily increase the size of text and icons, SearchMarket to overcome the inability to search in Android Market (wtf?) and ereader apps Kindle and Google Books. I sent my Gmail account a pure white image that I use for wallpaper to make icons easy to see.
Some lingering questions:
Is there a way to reduce "color settings" or whatever it would be called so that the grayscale shades are fewer? I'd gladly trade more contrast for fewer times that a medium gray icon is barely distinguishable against an only slightly darker medium gray background.
Is there a way to make the icons of Button Savior larger? I love the app. I use it on every Android device I've got because I really like having these essential commands right under my thumb but making the icons twice as large would be nice.
Are there themes that are designed to optimize the settings for a grayscale device? I found a couple for "Go SMS" in Market but I don't know exactly what that is.
Is there a workaround for the inability to install the Barnes & Noble Nook ereader app? I keep getting "Installation error. Duplicate provider authority". I don't know if he needs three or more ereader apps but I don't want to limit his choices.
I've read the Nook Touch forums on XDA, I've done Google searches on these topics but haven't found good answers. If there are resources I've missed I'd appreciate a heads-up.
1. To reduce colors or increase contrast, the only method that comes to mind is to use APK Manager or APK Multi-tool and modify the XML, png, and 9 patch files, will need some knowledge about Android layouts, etc. and color codes like #ff000000 is solid black. I had to do some, not really sure how legit that is, but original devs did not reply to emails when requested high contrast color schemes.
2. Replacing images with APK multi-tool might work, I tried google but can't seem to determine if this project is opensource or not, if it is, send me a link and I will modify it for you.
3. The nooter that you used, installs a good launcher and theme with a lot of monochrome icons for various applications, but as you installed another launcher, you will need to come up with a theme. Go SMS is a SMS application useful on cell phones by the same developer as Go Launcher, you will need themes for Go Launcher.
4. You could try modifying the manifest using APK mult-tool, however, I fail to see the point when you have an optimized version for the device already integrated with the device.
I can only provide you optimizations for opensource software or if the dev of the application explicitly allows to modify his APK, I will not provide you with any other modifications out of respect to the developers, I am one too. I hope you understand.
TouchNooter has a version of market that has search working.
You might be able to find with a little searching an e-ink theme for Go-Launcher in market. If all else fails you could probably create your own theme based off of like Minimalist black or use a non e-ink theme that does the trick.
The built in e-reader app is the equivalent if not better than the market nook app.
While I appreciate the various suggestions from tazzix I'm not proficient enough with Android to know how to manipulate APK files or settings. I keep reading that there's a version of TouchNooter that enables search in Market but either I haven't found it or it isn't working for me (I had a lot of problems with the latest version of TouchNooter, which is why I went with SalsichaNooter). I do have basic access to Market and I am using MarketSearch for searching so I could live with this level of functionality if necessary.
I downloaded and installed the Black-N-Blue free theme for GO Launcher, which seemed to help increase contrast and thus visibility. I'd love to find a way (or at least a way that was within my abilities to use) to turn the background behind all the apps white so they were easier to see when I scroll through them all.
All in all I think this device will work for my purpose even if I can't resolve my remaining problems. Oh and I mapped the side buttons, using Nook Touch Tools, for Volume Up and Down (works great to turn pages in Kindle app), Back and Menu. All very handy. Mapping one of these buttons for Home, though, sends you to the Nook home rather than the Android launcher home. I appreciate the help I've gotten and any more ideas that I come across.
lesdense said:
I'd love to find a way (or at least a way that was within my abilities to use) to turn the background behind all the apps white so they were easier to see when I scroll through them all.
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Click to collapse
Somewhere on this forum is a theme with contrast icons for go launcher, it really helps, although it is not for all apps.
lesdense said:
While I appreciate the various suggestions from tazzix I'm not proficient enough with Android to know how to manipulate APK files or settings. I keep reading that there's a version of TouchNooter that enables search in Market but either I haven't found it or it isn't working for me (I had a lot of problems with the latest version of TouchNooter, which is why I went with SalsichaNooter). I do have basic access to Market and I am using MarketSearch for searching so I could live with this level of functionality if necessary.
I downloaded and installed the Black-N-Blue free theme for GO Launcher, which seemed to help increase contrast and thus visibility. I'd love to find a way (or at least a way that was within my abilities to use) to turn the background behind all the apps white so they were easier to see when I scroll through them all.
All in all I think this device will work for my purpose even if I can't resolve my remaining problems. Oh and I mapped the side buttons, using Nook Touch Tools, for Volume Up and Down (works great to turn pages in Kindle app), Back and Menu. All very handy. Mapping one of these buttons for Home, though, sends you to the Nook home rather than the Android launcher home. I appreciate the help I've gotten and any more ideas that I come across.
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Click to collapse
It seems odd that you'd have troubles with the latest TouchNooter, the issue I seem to come across for most people using it is the Wait a Day issue with market, but since your Market is already working and the other Nooter has done most of the work you could try running TouchNooter 1.11.20 on top of it (making sure you're upgraded to 1.1 first), or burning the card (and after installing a file manager) try installing the Market+Gapps from there manually to "update" them.
As for setting the B&N button to take you home and ending up on B&N home, try and make sure you have the setting saved for home. Also make sure that your default home is Go Launcher. As long as Button Savior's home will take you to go Launcher the B&N home button should too if you've modified the right button. Perhaps try a reboot.
Go Launcher > Preferences > Visual Settings > Backgrounds > App drawer background > Custom Background
Then just select a blank wallpaper image.
... freaking hate them.
Just kidding, would be nice to have them. Unfortunately high-res icons are not provided very often, though, as you can see on the top left of the play store app, they technically exist. The devs are required to upload 512x512 icons to google, but not to include them in the .APKs.
Do you do anything about it? Has anyone found a convenient way to replace the icons throughout the system, e.g. not only on the homescreen but also in the app drawer? (Modifiying the APKs manually on the PC or with Ninjamorph is too much of a waste of time in my opinion.)
What I do about it:
Get the Icon: Advanced search for images (Google), filetype PNG. If there is no icon: Screenshot in the play store app, remove background, save as PNG. It should be downscaled to 144x144.
Store it on the device.
Replace icon on homescreen: Via longpress in Nova Launcher. Other method, works with every launcher: Create a "Desktop Visualizer" widget, and link it to the desired app. In case the icon looks blurry, check the Desktop Visualizer settings.
However, keep in mind that the app drawer icons remain as they are.
Please tell me if you know some launcher or a highly automated APK modification app that also replaces the drawer icons.
Cheers!
Thats actually quite interesting. I noticed the high-res icons in the Play Store. I don't have my Nexus 10 as of yet but I would hate to have low-res icons simply because the developer didn't take the 10 minutes to convert the icon and upload it with the .APK!
I would suggest we try to clip this problem at the source - TELL developers of this issue! Email them about it. Request it. Developers are in it for money, customers (and, being human, they obviously appreciate positive feedback). Tell them what we want, make it an issue, show them we care, and it will get fixed. Don't just rely on Google to push for a better ecosystem, tell them yourselves!
If someone posts their email to a developer about this issue here, I will take and alter that email to send to them in support, give a bit more force behind it. Sounds like the best option to me!
CWalkop said:
Thats actually quite interesting. I noticed the high-res icons in the Play Store. I don't have my Nexus 10 as of yet but I would hate to have low-res icons simply because the developer didn't take the 10 minutes to convert the icon and upload it with the .APK!
I would suggest we try to clip this problem at the source - TELL developers of this issue! Email them about it. Request it. Developers are in it for money, customers (and, being human, they obviously appreciate positive feedback). Tell them what we want, make it an issue, show them we care, and it will get fixed. Don't just rely on Google to push for a better ecosystem, tell them yourselves!
If someone posts their email to a developer about this issue here, I will take and alter that email to send to them in support, give a bit more force behind it. Sounds like the best option to me!
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Click to collapse
I agree. However, if you want to get it done quickly and properly, you will have to do it yourself. The problem is that I couldn't find a workaround, which is weird, because the idea exists. A long time ago, I had an iPod Touch, where you could install "Winterboard" - a Cydia app which redirected the read access to the icon file (which is stored within the app on iOS, too) to a folder where you could place custom icons.
If I were Google, I'd change the filetype of icons (or even more ui elements) to a vector format like .SVG. This way every device could calculate its own full resolution icons once and cache them for fast access. There wouldn't be the need for new icons everytime the displays are improved, which is happening all the time.
This is on a rooted Verizon S5 SM-G900V with Alliance ROM 4.4.2. Is there any way to invert the background and text without inverting images? Especially in Chrome, but it would be nice for the whole phone. White lettering on a black background is much easier to read.
I'm seeing screenshots online of Alliance that are nice and dark (I think it's called Black Glass?), including the phone dialer. How do I get the whole android theme dark.
Same thing with other apps. There's a few local TV news apps that have a bright white background that I wish I could customize to a dark theme. The Samsung Music Player is bright white as well. Anyway to make these dark in Alliance?
The problem I've noticed with third-party dialer apps is that they let you type the phone number, but when you hit the phone button to place the call, it opens up the Android dialer with the bright white background. Right back to square zero. Basically, I'm just trying to figure out how to get that nice black look like I'm seeing on some of the alliance ROM screenshots.
Thanks.
Trunktracker said:
The problem I've noticed with third-party dialer apps is that they let you type the phone number, but when you hit the phone button to place the call, it opens up the Android dialer with the bright white background. Right back to square zero. Basically, I'm just trying to figure out how to get that nice black look like I'm seeing on some of the alliance ROM screenshots.
Thanks.
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Click to collapse
The app on 4.4 you needed to theme was called InCall.apk there is an app on 5.0 call LegacyInCallUI.apk so would amuse that its this one but if you are running a custom rom then it may have the original InCall app, if you look is System\app or System\Priv-app folder (most likely the priv-app folder teh one you need will be in there.
Problem at the moment is that apktool has a problem with Samsung apk's and compiling them, its not so much apk tool as more likely something Samsung have added in their security to prevent apktool working as it should, so you can decompile apps fine if the app does compile then you can use the .png files, xml files but the resources arsc most likely will cause the app to crash. Also they have use .pkm files which you can't see like you can with .png files so you need specific software to look at them, again Samsung trying to prevent theming of stock apps.
Hmmm. Well, that's all a bit over my head. So, is there not an easy way to install an app or change a setting somewhere? I'm not sure what to actually to click on with all those files you mentioned. I find searching for files in Android to be confusing and nothing like a Windows PC with the usual file directory locations. Like, WHERE is the C:\ drive on the phone?
Trunktracker said:
Hmmm. Well, that's all a bit over my head. So, is there not an easy way to install an app or change a setting somewhere? I'm not sure what to actually to click on with all those files you mentioned. I find searching for files in Android to be confusing and nothing like a Windows PC with the usual file directory locations. Like, WHERE is the C:\ drive on the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The apps are in the system folder called
system\app
system\priv-app
system\framework
But if you have never done theming before then don't even try you would need to start with simple things and learn what to do and what not to do.
Can't help with the app question as I have no idea, maybe there is something that someone else can answer that for you.
I am looking at theming these form myself but I don't have the time at the moment, I don't share them any more though as there are far too many ungrateful people around these days.
The best way to stumble upon an interesting app is to see what other folks are using. Using the app "List my apps" linked at the bottom of this list and using the "bbcode" option inside it I generated the following list of apps which are installed on my Idol 3. In most cases the link will take you directly to the app no matter where it came from...some will kick you to a google search which should find them fairly easily as well. Many of the pay apps have free versions available. Feel free to reply back with YOUR list of apps and if you find an interesting app from someone's post hit the thanks button to let them know! I look forward to seeing what some of you use. List my apps is open source and available on both F-Droid and Google Play.
My Apps:
AdAway
Agenda Widget Plus
Amazon Kindle
Android Pro Widgets
App Redirect
App Settings
AppOpsXposed
Appstore
Barcode Scanner
BootManager
BusyBox Free
Connection Stabilizer Booster
ES File Explorer
ezPDF Reader
F-Droid
Fake Wifi Connection
[*] Fix Lollipop Memory Leak
Flipboard
Gas Guru
GeekBytes
Goodreads
GoodRx
Google Voice
GoogleOfflineVoice
GravityBox [LP]
GreenPower Premium
Hangar
Hangouts Dialer
HERE
IVONA Amy UK English beta
IVONA Text-to-Speech HQ
Jango Radio
KeePassDroid
LBE Security Master
Lenovo Camera and Gallery
Lightning
List My Apps
Lolistat
LPThemer
Lux
MDScan
MinMinGuard
Mint
[*] MobileActiveRadioFix
Moon+ Reader Pro
MortPlayer Audio Books
n7player
Nandroid Manager
NetEase Music
Network
Network Speed Indicator
NotifyClean
Nova Launcher
Nova Launcher Prime
Pandora
Pandora Patcher
PaperKarma
Play Store Fixes
PlayPermissionsExposed
RDMissedCall Patcher
RebootManager
Remove Battery Saver Warning Color
Rocket Blocker
RocketDial
RocketDial Theme Neon Black
ROM Toolbox Pro
[*] RootCloak
Screebl Pro
Screen Off
Secure Settings
Servicely
Smart Unlock
Smoked Glass Digital Weather Clock Small
Spotify
Statusbar download progress
StopSwitchDelay
Super Star® Rewards
SuperSU Pro
SwiftKey Keyboard
Syncthing Silk
Talkatone
Tapatalk
Tasker
Titanium Backup
Titanium Backup PRO
Torque (free)
Totally Free VPN
Truecaller
TuneIn Radio Pro
Universal Init.d
Wakelock Detector Free
Waze
WeFi Pro
XBlast Tools
XInstaller
XInternalSD
xKindleMod
Xposed Installer
XVoice+
ZIPme
List made using List My Apps
That's a long list bro.. All are good apps. Let me add some of my favourites that's not in that list :
- Office Suite Premium
- Poweramp
- Musixmatch
- Aldiko Book Reader Premium
- Manga Rock
- Root Cleaner
- Greenify Pro
- Recently Pro
- Solid Explorer Pro
- Canvertpad Plus
Those are great apps! Try them and u'll love them
snugroho3 said:
That's a long list bro.. All are good apps. Let me add some of my favourites that's not in that list :
- Office Suite Premium
- Poweramp
- Musixmatch
- Aldiko Book Reader Premium
- Manga Rock
- Root Cleaner
- Greenify Pro
- Recently Pro
- Solid Explorer Pro
- Canvertpad Plus
Those are great apps! Try them and u'll love them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. Please consider using list my apps so it will provide links for folks. I personally prefer Moon Reader Pro over Aldiko especially since I use the text to speech option to have it read ebooks as audiobooks in the car with the IVONA Amy UK tts voice. I use es file explorer over solid explorer(I'm not fond of apps that provide crippled free versions or in this case "14 day trial software") and Servicely (written by francisco franco if you recognize the name) as an alternate to Greenify that may interest you. Did you mean "Convertpad?"
famewolf said:
Thanks for the reply. Please consider using list my apps so it will provide links for folks. I personally prefer Moon Reader Pro over Aldiko especially since I use the text to speech option to have it read ebooks as audiobooks in the car with the IVONA Amy UK tts voice. I use es file explorer over solid explorer(I'm not fond of apps that provide crippled free versions or in this case "14 day trial software") and Servicely (written by francisco franco if you recognize the name) as an alternate to Greenify that may interest you. Did you mean "Convertpad?"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Servicely is very good app and of course I know Sir Francisco with his famous Franco kernel but somehow Greenify in boost mode (need root and Xposed) works better (at least for me) because you can still received all notification from apps without the apps awaken.
Also you can use Greenify together with Nova launcher to add DT2S+greenified apps. You just double tap the home screen to put the phone in sleep + greenified all running apps.
Ahh.. yes, it's convertpad. It's the easiest to use multi-converter
---------- Post added at 11:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:52 AM ----------
Btw, do you know Xposed module to make battery circle icon and remove carrier name in lock screen that works for Idol 5.5?
Among those I use (not including a bunch of widely used apps):
Action Launcher 3 - Minimalistic launcher that gives me what I want and doesn't include a bunch of things I generally don't use. I like having one home screen with a minimum of clutter. This optimizes that preference with some unique features.
AdAway
AppDialer Pro - Number/QWERTY keypad that "dials up" whatever installed app (and, optionally, contact) you want. Its useful widget does the same.
Draft - Dropbox friendly, searchable notes app that seems abandoned by the dev. I'd like a better alternative, but I don't know that there is one that specifically matches my usage. I prefer this to something like Evernote for privacy reasons, not that Dropbox is ideal.
ES File Explorer - I use Solid Explorer, too, but this does more. Its FTP server is an approach I often use to transfer files onto the device from a computer.
Ghostery Browser - Gives the same shield from tracking and such that the Chrome extension does on a computer.
GMD Gestures - Adds a layer of usability to my minimalistic approach. On a larger screen, like a tablet or even a Nexus 6, I don't use it as much. Still, this is a major part of my user experience, one of the first things I install.
Javelin - Good, clean, alternative browser with popup feature
JotterPad - Stylish, non-programming, writing oriented text editor.
Link Bubble - Popup browser. Javelin does this, too, but I like Link Bubble's implementation a little better.
MessagEase - Out of the ordinary keyboard that offers all sorts of features that most don't (keyboard shortcuts/macros, forward delete, easy access to special characters, pretty much every functionality you'd ever find in a keyboard). Takes getting used to, but I use it more than any other.
Minuum Keyboard - Sort of like Fleksy, but I find it more usable. It was my main keyboard for awhile, but I haven't used it much, lately.
Moon+ Reader - Another staple, well tended to by its dev. By far my favorite book reader. I stopped even thinking about the rest long ago.
Music Folder Player Full - Simple, straight forward music player. Old school approach. Direct and to the point. Once in awhile, I'll try one of the flashy ones, but find that their "features" are no more than eye candy to me and delete them.
Pocket - Read articles saved from websites.
Popup Widget - I don't use this all that often, but it's very helpful when I want it. I don't want widgets permanently on my screen that I rarely use. This allows me to tap an icon or execute a gesture (via GMS) to popup a widget when I want it temporarily (weather, calendars, etc.)
Titanium Backup
TweetCaster
Viper4Android - Sound quality enhancement that I didn't realize how much I needed until I tried it.
Wallpaper Saver - Great for getting wallpaper from ROMs, launchers, wherever. Though I find that I tend to prefer wallpaper from sources other than those places.
I've used and liked both Greenify and Servicely, too. I also like Recently and bought it.
maigre said:
Among those I use (not including a bunch of widely used apps):
Action Launcher 3 - Minimalistic launcher that gives me what I want and doesn't include a bunch of things I generally don't use. I like having one home screen with a minimum of clutter. This optimizes that preference with some unique features.
AdAway
AppDialer Pro - Number/QWERTY keypad that "dials up" whatever installed app (and, optionally, contact) you want. Its useful widget does the same.
Draft - Dropbox friendly, searchable notes app that seems abandoned by the dev. I'd like a better alternative, but I don't know that there is one that specifically matches my usage. I prefer this to something like Evernote for privacy reasons, not that Dropbox is ideal.
ES File Explorer - I use Solid Explorer, too, but this does more. Its FTP server is an approach I often use to transfer files onto the device from a computer.
Ghostery Browser - Gives the same shield from tracking and such that the Chrome extension does on a computer.
GMD Gestures - Adds a layer of usability to my minimalistic approach. On a larger screen, like a tablet or even a Nexus 6, I don't use it as much. Still, this is a major part of my user experience, one of the first things I install.
Javelin - Good, clean, alternative browser with popup feature
JotterPad - Stylish, non-programming, writing oriented text editor.
Link Bubble - Popup browser. Javelin does this, too, but I like Link Bubble's implementation a little better.
MessagEase - Out of the ordinary keyboard that offers all sorts of features that most don't (keyboard shortcuts/macros, forward delete, easy access to special characters, pretty much every functionality you'd ever find in a keyboard). Takes getting used to, but I use it more than any other.
Minuum Keyboard - Sort of like Fleksy, but I find it more usable. It was my main keyboard for awhile, but I haven't used it much, lately.
Moon+ Reader - Another staple, well tended to by its dev. By far my favorite book reader. I stopped even thinking about the rest long ago.
Music Folder Player Full - Simple, straight forward music player. Old school approach. Direct and to the point. Once in awhile, I'll try one of the flashy ones, but find that their "features" are no more than eye candy to me and delete them.
Pocket - Read articles saved from websites.
Popup Widget - I don't use this all that often, but it's very helpful when I want it. I don't want widgets permanently on my screen that I rarely use. This allows me to tap an icon or execute a gesture (via GMS) to popup a widget when I want it temporarily (weather, calendars, etc.)
Titanium Backup
TweetCaster
Viper4Android - Sound quality enhancement that I didn't realize how much I needed until I tried it.
Wallpaper Saver - Great for getting wallpaper from ROMs, launchers, wherever. Though I find that I tend to prefer wallpaper from sources other than those places.
I've used and liked both Greenify and Servicely, too. I also like Recently and bought it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This looks like you used list my apps but didn't save it as bb code (share it to email and email to yourself)....the bbcode would contain links to the apps your mentioning whether they are on f-droid, amazon appstore or google play...I mention this to make it easier on others as for example some of the apps I use are xda only version and it uses a google search which should take the user to them. I have not seen a need for "recently" as I use a combination of the built in "recents" and my most popularly used apps in notification area via the app "Hanger". See Screenshot.
In place of Action Launcher 3 I'd probably use Lucid Launcher (Pro) which is what I use on my devices with less memory. (http://www.xda-developers.com/lucid-launcher-a-unique-launcher-made-from-scratch/)
Instead of dropbox you may prefer syncthing which is an opensource alternative to bittorrent sync...I use it to keep folders in sync between my pc and my phone unless you actually have a need to access your files from the net somewhere via dropbox. You actually have viper4android installed on your idol 3? I'm assuming you flashed the zip...and disabled the built in JBL audio enhancements? Does it strictly work on headphones or improve sound on the speakers as well? (I used it a long time ago).
why is this thread in idol3 forum? it has to be in main forum, because it has nothing to do with idol3
DallasCZ said:
why is this thread in idol3 forum? it has to be in main forum, because it has nothing to do with idol3
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Click to collapse
Practically every device has a thread with "favorite apps to use on my xxx device" so no it doesn't HAVE to be in the main forum. Among my apps are a list of xposed modules that work on our specific version of lolipop...thats pretty relevent. Apps that work around quirks such as reboot manager which gives us "reboot to bootloader and reboot to recovery" from in the rom are very idol specific. Rootcloak can be used to make the system update checker work..thats pretty relevant and why it's in bold among the other bug fix modules.
If you must, report it to a mod and they can decide where it goes.
no apps you are listing are device specific .. reboot manager is not idol specific... Almost none device with stock rom have reboot to bootloader or recovery option.
and anyway here is subforum called "Onetouch Idol 3 Themes and Apps" (where you allready started many dead threads), so i think its better to move it there.
famewolf said:
This looks like you used list my apps but didn't save it as bb code (share it to email and email to yourself)....the bbcode would contain links to the apps your mentioning whether they are on f-droid, amazon appstore or google play...I mention this to make it easier on others as for example some of the apps I use are xda only version and it uses a google search which should take the user to them. I have not seen a need for "recently" as I use a combination of the built in "recents" and my most popularly used apps in notification area via the app "Hanger". See Screenshot.
In place of Action Launcher 3 I'd probably use Lucid Launcher (Pro) which is what I use on my devices with less memory. (http://www.xda-developers.com/lucid-launcher-a-unique-launcher-made-from-scratch/)
Instead of dropbox you may prefer syncthing which is an opensource alternative to bittorrent sync...I use it to keep folders in sync between my pc and my phone unless you actually have a need to access your files from the net somewhere via dropbox. You actually have viper4android installed on your idol 3? I'm assuming you flashed the zip...and disabled the built in JBL audio enhancements? Does it strictly work on headphones or improve sound on the speakers as well? (I used it a long time ago).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't use any app to list the ones I mentioned. I just used the forum's list format. I'll try and get to doing it as you would like so that the links will be there for those who might want them.
I've played around some with SyncThing and more secure alternatives to the usual cloud storage. The problem in the case of my notes is that they're synched to my Mac, too, and the program I use there is close to perfect for how I use it. And it won't sync to my own server or some of the more secure public ones. But I may migrate in those directions at some point. I'd just need to find an another Mac program that would work for me.
I didn't install V4A on the Idol 3. I put it on my Nexus 6. V4A addresses sound quality on the phone speakers, ear buds/headsets and bluetooth speakers. USB connected speakers, too. It doesn't do anything for phone call audio. It takes some playing around to get it right, a process I'm still in the midst of. But the difference is striking compared to the stock audio processing, at least when I've got it configured to my comfort. I don't know what would happen on the Idol 3. Disabling the JBL audio would be wise if you play around with JBL. As you know well, you'll want a good backup in case you want to dump V4A and restore a good working JBL. But maybe the JBL processing compares favorably.
DallasCZ said:
no apps you are listing are device specific .. reboot manager is not idol specific... Almost none device with stock rom have reboot to bootloader or recovery option.
and anyway here is subforum called "Onetouch Idol 3 Themes and Apps" (where you allready started many dead threads), so i think its better to move it there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sure would be nice if you were as diligent about policing your own threads as you are about policing mine. The mod's don't agree with you. I was told general conversation like this belongs in general. Discussing installing viper4android on the idol3 is idol 3 specific. Instead of pretending to be a mod how about responding to the 5 day old request for posting @petrov.0's corrected TWRP link to the 1st post of your twrp thread?
Now I'm going to stop responding to you...report it to the mod's and Mod's if you agree this is the appropriate location for general discussion of apps to be used on the idol then please remove his posts AND my replies so this thread can stay on topic.
maigre said:
I didn't use any app to list the ones I mentioned. I just used the forum's list format. I'll try and get to doing it as you would like so that the links will be there for those who might want them.
I've played around some with SyncThing and more secure alternatives to the usual cloud storage. The problem in the case of my notes is that they're synched to my Mac, too, and the program I use there is close to perfect for how I use it. And it won't sync to my own server or some of the more secure public ones. But I may migrate in those directions at some point. I'd just need to find an another Mac program that would work for me.
I didn't install V4A on the Idol 3. I put it on my Nexus 6. V4A addresses sound quality on the phone speakers, ear buds/headsets and bluetooth speakers. USB connected speakers, too. It doesn't do anything for phone call audio. It takes some playing around to get it right, a process I'm still in the midst of. But the difference is striking compared to the stock audio processing, at least when I've got it configured to my comfort. I don't know what would happen on the Idol 3. Disabling the JBL audio would be wise if you play around with JBL. As you know well, you'll want a good backup in case you want to dump V4A and restore a good working JBL. But maybe the JBL processing compares favorably.
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Click to collapse
There was another user interested in running viper4android on the idol 3...I may get around to making a backup and trying to install it to see how it does on the idol 3. I use the speakers to play music when travelling and it's got great sound/volume already in my opinion but always willing to try options. I use syncthing to backup my TWRP and Titaniumbackup folders among others.....if you set your titaniumbackup to run on a schedule it keeps pretty well in sync. You will have to either patch your platform.xml to see that syncthing has full rights to write to the external sdcard or use an xposed module to accomplish the same thing.
Hmm I guess I should add xposed module "Sticky Location Icon Fix [LP]" to the list..It stops the location icon from always showing up in notification bar even when location is not being used. The dev released it "yesterday" since it's now after midnight even in pacific time.
famewolf said:
There was another user interested in running viper4android on the idol 3...I may get around to making a backup and trying to install it to see how it does on the idol 3. I use the speakers to play music when travelling and it's got great sound/volume already in my opinion but always willing to try options. I use syncthing to backup my TWRP and Titaniumbackup folders among others.....if you set your titaniumbackup to run on a schedule it keeps pretty well in sync. You will have to either patch your platform.xml to see that syncthing has full rights to write to the external sdcard or use an xposed module to accomplish the same thing.
Hmm I guess I should add xposed module "Sticky Location Icon Fix [LP]" to the list..It stops the location icon from always showing up in notification bar even when location is not being used. The dev released it "yesterday" since it's now after midnight even in pacific time.
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Click to collapse
The V4A installation is pretty quick and easy. It's what becomes of the JBL stuff that is the potential greater issue. But, there's always that backup. I found the speakers on the Idol 3 to be one of its surprise nice features, too. I had no quarrel with the sound as is. But I didn't on the N6, either.
A couple of other apps that I use: Smart Unlock and Simple Reboot. The former has been covered here, IIRC. I used to use Llama (sort of like Tasker) to perform the same thing and it worked great for a couple of years. But it became problematic. On my wife's phone, she actually got completely locked out at one point. We almost had to wipe it clean and start over again. Smart Unlock and Lollipop's similar functionality are an adequate, if inferior substitute to when Llama worked right. Simple Reboot is Franco's implementation of a common feature set — a boot menu that'll allow you to reboot to recovery, bootloader, etc.
I've had my Essential Phone for about three days and I've got mixed feelings about it. This is my escape from the Samsung ecosystem, and I love love love the fact that it isn't bogged down with bloat. Generally, the PH-1 does everything faster than any phone I've ever owned, even the much lauded iPhone. But there's a number of functionalities I'd like to get.
1.) File Management: I thought this was part of the Android OS. Apparently not? I would like to find a file management app that gives me Windows-like control and navigation.
2.) Camera: The PH-1's native camera app might be good someday. For now it sucks. I'd heard you could "just get the Google Pixel Camera" and everyone made it sound super easy. Well ... I did go out and find the Nougat version Google Pixel Camera APK. I installed it. It crashes instantly upon opening and never works. I'd love to know what went wrong there.
3.) Keyboard: Okay, sometimes Samsung just does it better. Their keyboard app was perfect and I'd gotten used to the layout. Now I'm wishing I could have my Samsung keyboard back. The Google one sucks, truth be told. Most keyboard apps you find searching Google Play are all about being pretty or fancy or whatever. I just want the same simple functionality back: All letters and numbers on the same screen and the most common special characters as alternate long-press options on that same page. Decent intelligent autocomplete. Larger buttons. Extensions such as .com when they make sense and not when they don't.
I'd also like to get any and every recommendation for apps. Is there any point in rooting the PH-1? That sort of thing.
Thanks in advance!
BonkersTheClown said:
I've had my Essential Phone for about three days and I've got mixed feelings about it. This is my escape from the Samsung ecosystem, and I love love love the fact that it isn't bogged down with bloat. Generally, the PH-1 does everything faster than any phone I've ever owned, even the much lauded iPhone. But there's a number of functionalities I'd like to get.
1.) File Management: I thought this was part of the Android OS. Apparently not? I would like to find a file management app that gives me Windows-like control and navigation.
2.) Camera: The PH-1's native camera app might be good someday. For now it sucks. I'd heard you could "just get the Google Pixel Camera" and everyone made it sound super easy. Well ... I did go out and find the Nougat version Google Pixel Camera APK. I installed it. It crashes instantly upon opening and never works. I'd love to know what went wrong there.
3.) Keyboard: Okay, sometimes Samsung just does it better. Their keyboard app was perfect and I'd gotten used to the layout. Now I'm wishing I could have my Samsung keyboard back. The Google one sucks, truth be told. Most keyboard apps you find searching Google Play are all about being pretty or fancy or whatever. I just want the same simple functionality back: All letters and numbers on the same screen and the most common special characters as alternate long-press options on that same page. Decent intelligent autocomplete. Larger buttons. Extensions such as .com when they make sense and not when they don't.
I'd also like to get any and every recommendation for apps. Is there any point in rooting the PH-1? That sort of thing.
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can set up the Google keyboard to display letters and numbers as well as symbols on long press. It's in the keyboard settings in your phone settings but isn't turned on by default. I don't know why. I turned it on and now it's usable. Go to phone settings, language&input, virtual keyboard, Gboard and preferences. Enable show numbers and long press symbols
Also I use file explorer from play store
barleysoda said:
You can set up the Google keyboard to display letters and numbers as well as symbols on long press. It's in the keyboard settings in your phone settings but isn't turned on by default. I don't know why. I turned it on and now it's usable. Go to phone settings, language&input, virtual keyboard, Gboard and preferences. Enable show numbers and long press symbols
Also I use file explorer from play store
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I prefer the SwiftKey Beta keyboard, been using it for years.
barleysoda said:
You can set up the Google keyboard to display letters and numbers as well as symbols on long press. It's in the keyboard settings in your phone settings but isn't turned on by default. I don't know why. I turned it on and now it's usable. Go to phone settings, language&input, virtual keyboard, Gboard and preferences. Enable show numbers and long press symbols
Also I use file explorer from play store
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the timely response. Yeah, got the Gboard sorted. Weird how you have to look to find settings and minor tweaks like that. Oddly found that I prefer ASUS file manager. Strange that the Android OS doesn't have file management built in. Is there a way to enable full control of my PH-1 files and folders from my PC?
Next problem: Sounds. Once again, Samsung made it all so much easier. Need to sort out how to specify sounds for specific apps. For example, if I get a text message, I am used to setting one sound just for that and different sounds for other specific events. What I am seeing here is ringtones, media and notifications. And quite annoyingly, EVERY APP seems to be enabled to span notifications by default. Apparently,you have to block each one individually. It's also be nice to set my phone to silent easily but on a timer so I don't forget to turn it back on. Used to just pull down top of the screen and tap the icon to silence. Had an app to turn it back on on a timer called Shush, but it didn't work reliably.
Had another "damn I love this phone" moment yesterday when I realized that I can actually just uninstall my longtime nemesis, Google Music.
BonkersTheClown said:
Thanks for the timely response. Yeah, got the Gboard sorted. Weird how you have to look to find settings and minor tweaks like that. Oddly found that I prefer ASUS file manager. Strange that the Android OS doesn't have file management built in. Is there a way to enable full control of my PH-1 files and folders from my PC?
Next problem: Sounds. Once again, Samsung made it all so much easier. Need to sort out how to specify sounds for specific apps. For example, if I get a text message, I am used to setting one sound just for that and different sounds for other specific events. What I am seeing here is ringtones, media and notifications. And quite annoyingly, EVERY APP seems to be enabled to span notifications by default. Apparently,you have to block each one individually. It's also be nice to set my phone to silent easily but on a timer so I don't forget to turn it back on. Used to just pull down top of the screen and tap the icon to silence. Had an app to turn it back on on a timer called Shush, but it didn't work reliably.
Had another "damn I love this phone" moment yesterday when I realized that I can actually just uninstall my longtime nemesis, Google Music.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the msgs app, you can set the notification sound for that.
For the timed silence, when you pull down the notification bar, you will see the do not disturb icon. A circle with a stroke through it. When you turn that on, you can set a duration for it.
I use Ex File Explorer on my phone and I use the blackberry keyboard.
There is another thread on this forum that's dedicated to the Google cam port where you can get the APK.
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
BonkersTheClown said:
1.) File Management: I thought this was part of the Android OS. Apparently not? I would like to find a file management app that gives me Windows-like control and navigation.
2.) Camera: The PH-1's native camera app might be good someday. For now it sucks. I'd heard you could "just get the Google Pixel Camera" and everyone made it sound super easy. Well ... I did go out and find the Nougat version Google Pixel Camera APK. I installed it. It crashes instantly upon opening and never works. I'd love to know what went wrong there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. If you search on the play store, there are a bunch of free file managers for download. There's a bunch of them, pick one that fits your style
2. Did you get the ported one? Havent tried it but I don't think the actual pixel camera apk will work on any phone. Check out the most recent port in this thread
https://forum.xda-developers.com/essential-phone/themes/google-camera-port-t3665197/page4
flakko86 said:
1. If you search on the play store, there are a bunch of free file managers for download. There's a bunch of them, pick one that fits your style
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got that part sorted. As a pure Android noob, I was surprised the OS doesn't have one built in.
2. Did you get the ported one? Havent tried it but I don't think the actual pixel camera apk will work on any phone. Check out the most recent port in this thread
https://forum.xda-developers.com/essential-phone/themes/google-camera-port-t3665197/page4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am pretty sure I got the right one, but I'll try the one you linked along with the instructions. We'll see how it goes.
Okay I have downloaded the APK, how do you access changelog and make the prescribed settings changes?
BonkersTheClown said:
Got that part sorted. As a pure Android noob, I was surprised the OS doesn't have one built in.
I am pretty sure I got the right one, but I'll try the one you linked along with the instructions. We'll see how it goes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock Explorer:
Settings - Storage - Explore
onenexus said:
Stock Explorer:
Settings - Storage - Explore
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Click to collapse
Yeah true, found that before. It's a lot of steps. I wanted and got something to stick on my home screen that gets me there in a single tap.
BonkersTheClown said:
Okay I have downloaded the APK, how do you access changelog and make the prescribed settings changes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While you're in the app, tap the 3 horizontal lines on the top right corner of the screen. That should take you to the settings menu
More fun stuff. I would have thought that this would be simple. I dumped Google Music because quite frankly it sucks and I have always hated it. Shopped around and found a music player that I liked: Pi Music Player. Now when I try to play music via voice command via Google Assistant, it doesn't know what app to use. I'm offered the choice between Google Play and YouTube. I have looked and looked, but haven't found steps for changing the GA default music app to Pi Music Player - at least no steps that actually work. Another one of those, "this should seriously be easier than this" things.
Also, on my old Samsung phone, I was able to get the home button working in Google Chrome. Frankly, I'd rather use Brave as I prefer to not spend my bandwidth on letting Google spy on me. Same is true in Brave and Chrome: No home button possible.
Thanks so much for the help!