Effective use of SGS4 - Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi guys. I am a proud owner of a Samsung Galaxy S4. I run the stock rom 4.3 rooted and don't use any launcher. I am overall very happy with TouchWiz and don't see why most people hate it. Anyway, somehow I feel that I don't take a full advantage of the phone. I use it to listen music, the calendar for events and tasks, playing some racing games, use some widgets for a quick info, watching videos on youtube, taking quick notes. I should say that I find most of the s apps useful, don't know why so many people are hating them. What is the reason? Also I will be interested in how you are using your s4

I truly dont understand the touchwiz hate either ... especially for those who have galaxy s line phones before ... If you don't like it why you bought it? Still touch wiz is a heavy skin but I don't actually feel that the phone is slow ... It s just feels slower than nexus and htc one because of its animations not because it's actually slow ... Still If your phone does without problems those things you expect it to do every day them you are using it effectively ... There is no reason of getting to take advantage all of its features of you don't actually need them

AvelonTs said:
I truly dont understand the touchwiz hate either ... especially for those who have galaxy s line phones before ... If you don't like it why you bought it? Still touch wiz is a heavy skin but I don't actually feel that the phone is slow ... It s just feels slower than nexus and htc one because of its animations not because it's actually slow ... Still If your phone does without problems those things you expect it to do every day them you are using it effectively ... There is no reason of getting to take advantage all of its features of you don't actually need them
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Click to collapse
Speaking just for myself, I do not necessary dislike Touchwiz. However, I do not like the fact that through Touchwiz, Samsung has forced upon myself a myriad of what I (and many others) consider, bloatware. All the bloatware causes the device to function slower and be more laggy. Case and point, I had 4.2.2 on my S4 with most bloatware removed and it was snappy and responsive. I recently flashed 4.3 and it was sluggish to say the least. Then I proceeded to remove all the bloatware and after such, my device restore to the same level of snappiness.

What I suggest is to play around with camera. Just try every mode and know how it works and how to use it properly so you can get the best out of camera at the proper time in future.
Secondly get some nice HD games, Like Asphalt 8 (It is now free), Call of duty etc.
and if you like the multiplayer madness, I'd suggest Shadowgun:deadzone, Respawnables, Modern Combat 4 etc.
I'm planning to make a thread for making a clan/group of S4 users and rule one of those best multiplayer games.

Now i'm the stock rom after flashing dozin of custom rom. Non of custom rom is not as stable as stock rom.

fuser1337 said:
What I suggest is to play around with camera. Just try every mode and know how it works and how to use it properly so you can get the best out of camera at the proper time in future.
Secondly get some nice HD games, Like Asphalt 8 (It is now free), Call of duty etc.
and if you like the multiplayer madness, I'd suggest Shadowgun:deadzone, Respawnables, Modern Combat 4 etc.
I'm planning to make a thread for making a clan/group of S4 users and rule one of those best multiplayer games.
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Click to collapse
Lets us know when get that thread up, I would like to join in the multiplayer madness:laugh:

The only reason I use TW is battery life and Camera software other than that I prefer AOSP. TW Dialer/Contact/Launcher make me headache. Of course I removed all SS Craps when I use TW fw. If the AOSP kitkat is stable I will switch in a heart beat.

i really like TW and i agree that many S apps are really good.I am sticking with TW till cyan will come with 4.4

fuser1337 said:
What I suggest is to play around with camera. Just try every mode and know how it works and how to use it properly so you can get the best out of camera at the proper time in future.
Secondly get some nice HD games, Like Asphalt 8 (It is now free), Call of duty etc.
and if you like the multiplayer madness, I'd suggest Shadowgun:deadzone, Respawnables, Modern Combat 4 etc.
I'm planning to make a thread for making a clan/group of S4 users and rule one of those best multiplayer games.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I actually play a lot of this games. Let us know if you make a clan/group and i will join you guys definitely.

asbanoglou said:
i really like TW and i agree that many S apps are really good.I am sticking with TW till cyan will come with 4.4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4.4 is already out, with minor bugs.
http://www.droidcrave.com/install-a...galaxy-s4-i9505-lte-via-cyanogenmod-11-guide/

I use my S4 for listening to music (emphasis on this haha), use the camera a lot, play some games, watch some videos and as a "media controller/server" (along with my other two tablets and TV). Also I navigate in the internet a lot and use Tapatalk a lot too. I have dual-booted it, so I have all the benefits from TW on it and when I get bored I can go back to AOSP, which is another ROM I really like. I owned a X10 Mini Pro before S4, so I didn't really know what was a fast phone. But I had a Motorola Xoom, so that was my comparing parameter, and as I was used to AOSP on it I felt the need of installing on S4 too. And by the same time I got a S4 I got a Nexus 10, so AOSP was even better for me by then!
It was just a matter of opinion, I really like the AOSP ROM, as it comes with almost zero things and is way lighter than TW, but if you're happy with TW you should have no worries on keeping it. Here's a small pros and cons by me:
Touchwiz
Pros:
HD Icons
Samsung apps
Group Play
More S4-friendly settings
More customization options
Cons:
Slower than AOSP
Many of Samsung apps are bloatware
If badly set up battery drains way faster
Part of the interface looks childish
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AOSP:
Pros:
Faster
Lighter
Less bloatware
More System space
Simpler
Stock Nexus look
Cons:
Doesn't have S4 "signature" features
Less customization options
Icons doesn't have the same resolution as on TW
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope this helps .
fuser1337 said:
What I suggest is to play around with camera. Just try every mode and know how it works and how to use it properly so you can get the best out of camera at the proper time in future.
Secondly get some nice HD games, Like Asphalt 8 (It is now free), Call of duty etc.
and if you like the multiplayer madness, I'd suggest Shadowgun:deadzone, Respawnables, Modern Combat 4 etc.
I'm planning to make a thread for making a clan/group of S4 users and rule one of those best multiplayer games.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh! I want to enter that clan!! I'm a monster on MC4 hehe (I'm Brigadier General, I'm just lazy of playing more to level up )... And also on Asphalt 7 (I'm not THAT good on 8) and play a little of Shadowgun Deadzone too lol. Tell me more about this group when you manage to create it hahaha!

XxLordxX said:
Oh! I want to enter that clan!! I'm a monster on MC4 hehe (I'm Brigadier General, I'm just lazy of playing more to level up )... And also on Asphalt 7 (I'm not THAT good on 8) and play a little of Shadowgun Deadzone too lol. Tell me more about this group when you manage to create it hahaha!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2523910

I'm on the TW bandwagon.
What I like:
- Native Facebook syncing,
- AirView handy for quick previews on emails and SMS,
- AirView in stock music player, hover over to see full titles, hover over previous and forward to see track,
- Adapt Sound - makes music louder, also in the phone app, 4 different options, and a button to make it even louder in very noisy situations, useful,
- Camera, many modes and options, unlike AOSP, Samsung & HTC etc implement burst mode, useful,
- S Planner - I like it, better than AOSP Calender, again ties in with native Facebook syncing, when it's mates birthday S Planner allows me to post on their walls,
- Notification toggles, AOSP you have to 2 finger slide for toggles, TW is always their and useful, built in natively yes there are apps that can replicate this,
- Not a TW thing but IR, useful, like having one remote for all your devices, pair it with Smart IR app and you've got a harmony all in one plus more,
- Gestures, I use the quick wave over the phone to see time and if I have had any notifications, and also the call one were you can wave your hand to answer, useful when my hands are dirty etc,
Some features are useful and having somethings built in natively is also useful.
Thing's I don't like:
- The look, it's dated and needs a revamp, Samsung have said they are going to focus on software so things can only improve,
- Not as smooth or fast as AOSP, again due to the bloatware etc but it's not bad at all, Nexus devices are fantastic and feel fast and fluid in comparison, hopefully 4.4 will improve on things,
Other than that I am still happy with my S4 rooted running Omega 4.3. I had the N5 but kept my S4 as I couldn't see the point in changing so soon, may as well wait until next year and see what else crops up and hopefully further software updates improve on the user experience further more.

Related

What are you looking forward to?

Ok I saw ics like most and im somewhat excited by the possibility of this update on the sgs2.
Now rather than focussing on ports, dev issues, etc. How about we talk about what were looking forward to the most?
Personally I've always found the ui of android lacking compared to its piers like iOS and WP7. My personal interest is in the new look, im running the excellent theme by vertimus and its made using the phone more enjoyable (odd I know) I think options like folders on the homescreens, and even the handling of the running apps makes the ui seem far more user friendly.
my second point I like is the facial unlock, i've never liked unlocking phone via codes or patterns, one people can learn them, and second there labourius
So i'll ask once DO NOT START RANTING ABOUT THE PORT, DEMANDING, ETC. JUST TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO.
moderators if you think this is a bad post feel free to shut it down, and ill hold tongue re ics til a later time, id also suggest if some derails this topic u ban them, as a warning..
So what you looking forward to?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
i demand to have a beta build to play with and i want it NOW haha i wanted to be a troll oh yeah by the way when is the release going to be
Just messing...anyways what i am looking forward to the most from ICS. well firstly the ultra smooth fujutweaks that make it extra crisp and smooth when scrolling through the homescreens. also the new layout and animations. to be honest mate although GB is good im just looking forward to the whole OS and i am wondering what the devs of gaming applications and other apps can do with the new beast once it comes out
Matriak31 said:
i demand to have a beta build to play with and i want it NOW haha i wanted to be a troll oh yeah by the way when is the release going to be
Just messing...anyways what i am looking forward to the most from ICS. well firstly the ultra smooth fujutweaks that make it extra crisp and smooth when scrolling through the homescreens. also the new layout and animations. to be honest mate although GB is good im just looking forward to the whole OS and i am wondering what the devs of gaming applications and other apps can do with the new beast once it comes out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
And as a side note.. Its a shame all the keyboard heroes couldn't shut their mouths n there by ruining your thread
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Ban the Matriak31, BAN HIM!!!
jokes
Yeah I think ICS will bring Android up to the same bar as it's piers, i'm also interested to see if the camera will be instantanious as the Nexus, this will be very useful to myself.
Also you guys have any views on the colour swap google have introduced, i mean green for how long now? and were switching to a colour which i'd call cyan... cyanogen?
diablous said:
Ban the Matriak31, BAN HIM!!!
jokes
Yeah I think ICS will bring Android up to the same bar as it's piers, i'm also interested to see if the camera will be instantanious as the Nexus, this will be very useful to myself.
Also you guys have any views on the colour swap google have introduced, i mean green for how long now? and were switching to a colour which i'd call cyan... cyanogen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i wouldn't mind the colour change to be honest..Reminds me of Tron
I'm looking forward to the new awesome smoothness its reported to have . Hopefully force closes and lag will be a thing of the past come ics. and do u think Samsung will launch a new version of tw for the update? Or just release ics and add in the new features wit tw4 :L
------------------
sent from my galaxy s2, using my fingers.
I think iOS has a good interface for a toy with that app drawer and nothing more where you don't even have widgets and you have to go to settings to enable or disable wifi, etc.
Now its about android or wp7 and yes... a real improvement for the intarface is wellcome.
To be honest, I am more than satisfied with my sgs 2 right now. However I will say I do look forward to hardware acceleration. I might not see the difference, but its still appreciated. Also maybe some system improvements would be nice so android would be more efficient at handling resources.
Quite a lot actually...
The camera interface and multitude of extra features that ICS has on offer.
Not much of TW. I mean TW has got better, but is still not in Sense's league (which actualy is pretty big resource hog, the reason why htc phones have never had good battery life). I wouldn't extra software tweaks and additional apps (bloatware..), but keep it non obtrusive.
Keep it as close to stock in terms of visual overlay. Stock ICS does look amazing.
Better battery management, no android os bug.
Better audio quality in video recording.
Better optimised browser and tabbed browsing. All of us do use third party browsers but an excellent stock browser wont hurt. Not everyone is a nerd and we do expect some things to be good , out of the box.
Steer clear of trying to copy ios.. (Sammy you know what I am talking about).
Loads of expectations but well that is just me.
I'm excited about the new multitasking, launcher, and redesigned UI and Widgets.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
King Shady said:
I'm excited about the new multitasking, launcher, and redesigned UI and Widgets.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Basically we were left out when honeycomb came out. They got the deal and we didn't so this is the update that brings us in the same league.
I am looking forward to Linux kernel 3. Efficiency Improvements. Better games with joystick support. Word like spell check throughout UI. Even smoother graphics. Kick ass mobile platform besting multi tasking. Data usage control like a BOSS.
Am waiting to see what Samsung does to ICS. I feel with touchwiz 4 they did an awesome job.
Sent from my GT-I9100
Honestly, this phone is close to perfect, as was my Android-running HD2 before it, but anything that improves battery life is particularly appreciated on the sgs2... I know its the old conundrum of battery tech not improving at a time of touchscreen frenzy, but a phone is a phone - something you occasionally need to depend on - and 24 hours does not cut it.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
It should be as battery resourceful as an iphone. xD
I'm looking forward to what the manufacturers are going to do...
What is HTC going to do with sense, what about Touchwiz, Motoblur etc etc?
The ICS UI/launcher looks great and my question is: Does it it need further modification by those companies?
I'm looking forward to rubbing my iphone using friends noses in the dirt!
Nah, just the smoothness and overall optimized speed and look of the ui. Not too big a fan of touchwiz ui though! We'll see.....
Cobesz said:
I'm looking forward to what the manufacturers are going to do...
What is HTC going to do with sense, what about Touchwiz, Motoblur etc etc?
The ICS UI/launcher looks great and my question is: Does it it need further modification by those companies?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not about looking great, it's about being different. We ain't no ios or wp7.
$1 gets you a reply
It seems a lot of users are unaware that touchwiz is hardware accelerated, including the stock browser. I underclock my sgs2 to 500mhz and its just as smooth and slick as default 1200mhz, no difference what so ever. If you use other launchers, you will notice the difference big time. Only really need the extra power for graphically demanding games like Shadowgun and Blood and Glory, and Flash player.
MDaveUK said:
It seems a lot of users are unaware that touchwiz is hardware accelerated, including the stock browser. I underclock my sgs2 to 500mhz and its just as smooth and slick as default 1200mhz, no difference what so ever. If you use other launchers, you will notice the difference big time. Only really need the extra power for graphically demanding games like Shadowgun and Blood and Glory, and Flash player.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The extra power for graphically demanding games isn't coming in the form of ICS. For that we need an improved GPU which unfortunately won't be until the sgs3 is released. That being said, try Siyah kernel, you can overclock the GPU and have no graphical issues.
---------- Post added at 05:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:20 AM ----------
I'm hoping ICS reduces OS fragmentation. Sadly though, I fear it will only lead to more of it.
Improved battery management. Really, I don't ask for much.

4 daya with the gs2 after wp7

Well, of all the android devices, I had to use Samsung. They seem to be the only ones who even attempt to make the android software user-friendly. For my little experiment, I went a full 4 days without using WP7. A full four days using only android. Overall, I enjoyed the games. Dungeon Defenders is a great game that I've poured time into, but the battery life of that thing makes it impossible to play for any fair period of time. I even picked up the Mugen battery with double the capacity, it still had horrid battery life. The hotmail simply doesn't work, regardless of settings the built-in mail just doesn't work. You have to install third party apps to check your email, it's sad. The UI leaves a lot to be desired, it takes a lot of rearranging and way too much management for my taste. I tried other launchers, themes, and folders, it just seemed really haphazardly tossed together. Even as a, "Facebook machine" as most use it, it just doesn't seem to work well. The hardware is great and it would be great if well implemented, but everything short of the gaming I could do on wp7 quicker, smoother, and hassle-free. If customization is your bit, android all the way. It won't be pulling me away from WP7 as I want something that really works and does t cause more headaches than it resolves. Anything you guys would recommend to make an android experience more... User-friendly?
Cool story bro
z33dev33l said:
Well, of all the android devices, I had to use Samsung. They seem to be the only ones who even attempt to make the android software user-friendly. For my little experiment, I went a full 4 days without using WP7. A full four days using only android. Overall, I enjoyed the games. Dungeon Defenders is a great game that I've poured time into, but the battery life of that thing makes it impossible to play for any fair period of time. I even picked up the Mugen battery with double the capacity, it still had horrid battery life. The hotmail simply doesn't work, regardless of settings the built-in mail just doesn't work. You have to install third party apps to check your email, it's sad. The UI leaves a lot to be desired, it takes a lot of rearranging and way too much management for my taste. I tried other launchers, themes, and folders, it just seemed really haphazardly tossed together. Even as a, "Facebook machine" as most use it, it just doesn't seem to work well. The hardware is great and it would be great if well implemented, but everything short of the gaming I could do on wp7 quicker, smoother, and hassle-free. If customization is your bit, android all the way. It won't be pulling me away from WP7 as I want something that really works and does t cause more headaches than it resolves. Anything you guys would recommend to make an android experience more... User-friendly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rooting and flashing an AOSP ROM?
I personally hate TW like hell especially on ICS.....its makes everything look crap.
As for facebook, the official app is always slow IMO. I recommend using Friendcaster.
And for hotmail, there is an official hotmail app from MS i believe.
edit: I personally just auto forward my hotmail to my gmail so therefore no need for third party email apps
I wouldn't use gmail if it was the only email service there was, can't stand it. See, I, disagree though. I got the phone used and it had aosp on it and I went back to stock because I hated it. touchwiz is the only considerable hone replacement I've stumbled upon. I'll check out friend caster though. I want to like this phone, but it feels like someone wrapped a ton of capability in something...
Android is good, unless 2 problems: short battery - high degree
OP: I totally agree with you. Its something iOS and WP7 beat Android in.
Sent from my R800x using XDA
Never got on with TW/ASOP which was one of the reasons I stuck with HTC and got the Sensation, the built in Apps seem more polished, take the email client and Polaris office on the phone, if someone sends me a .xlsm file, I can open it, something IOS and other Android devices I've tried cannot do. The Blackberry playbook can, but that's poo.
Do people still use Hotmail as a daily address rather than just a spamtrap? I haven't logged into mine for about 4 years now, I only have a live acount these days for accessing MS services like their licences page.
Hate gmail but use Android? Makes absolutely no sense.
Thats like me using a Windows Phone and hating Bing.
keep on trying to promote WP7, you may actually stop the losing market share.
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk 2
Im confused...you had an SGSII, got rid of it months ago and then bought another one to "try out"? That doesn't make much sense at all...
U sir don't know what android is about.When u start messing with rooms and customization u will know.Give it some time.And flash aokp or cm9 loads of features
Sent from my SGS2 powered by cm9 love
I REALLY don't get you. Android is common sence. Download a easy launcher if you don't know what your doing. Android was never intended for people without common sence if you read they're story.
Also, you saw samsung has the most user friendly interface however all android phones have the same basic stock ui. The layout is the same just different styles.
Remember you have widgets
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
Had a gs2, didn't like, heard ICS fixed all that I've hated, gave it a shot as I'm an equal opportune type when it comes to an OS,.still the same issues. The OS just isn't very intuitive.
Anyone got a ROM that will give me more than my hour and a half battery life? Something with Swype as the stock keyboard won't keep up.
Matty, don't mock someone common sense until you can distinguish the difference between, "your" and "you're" or, "there," "their" and, "they're."
z33dev33l said:
Had a gs2, didn't like, heard ICS fixed all that I've hated, gave it a shot as I'm an equal opportune type when it comes to an OS,.still the same issues. The OS just isn't very intuitive.
Anyone got a ROM that will give me more than my hour and a half battery life? Something with Swype as the stock keyboard won't keep up.
Matty, don't mock someone common sense until you can distinguish the difference between, "your" and "you're" or, "there," "their" and, "they're."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
use AOSP not that bloat filled ugly thing called TW ontop of ICS
Just sign up for Swype beta and you can get swype on any device
Last I signed up for Swype beta, there was a waiting list. AOSP isn't really appealing to me. It's pretty unpleasing aesthetically.
No more waiting on swype beta. Just sign up.
Or you can use WP7 keyboard.
Hour and a half battery life is a over exaggerated, dont you think?
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk 2
z33dev33l said:
Last I signed up for Swype beta, there was a waiting list. AOSP isn't really appealing to me. It's pretty unpleasing aesthetically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
each to their own.
If you dislike android so much; go back to WP7
Won't is my main OS, I use it as my daily driver.
I tried the imitation wp7 keyboard, it's still a bit slow. I'll sign up for Swype beta and look for more battery friendly roms. I wish I was exaggerating, my phone dies faster than it charges while plaiting dungeon defenders.
How can you use something as gimmicky and non-user friendly as WP7 and say Android is not intuitive? Basically WP7 is similar to the beta Windows 8and can be considered a step backwards for MS going by the new UI so I wouldn't exactly call WP7 intuitive and user-friendly/
AndIKnow said:
How can you use something as gimmicky and non-user friendly as WP7 and say Android is not intuitive? Basically WP7 is similar to the beta Windows 8and can be considered a step backwards for MS going by the new UI so I wouldn't exactly call WP7 intuitive and user-friendly/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clearly an assumption without foundation.

Hybrid TouchWiz for the Note 2. Did Samsung miss something?

Please take a minute to read my question in the general forum, and see if you agree: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=33401284
*bump*
Just in case no one wants to go to the other forum to read:
Here's a very simple question for anyone out that who happens to know the answer, or who thinks they might know a solution:
Is it possible to force Google Play Music (or any app for that matter!) to use a tablet UI instead, regardless of your DPI settings or ROM? (Kinda like how you can do this for individual apps on Paranoid Android) If so, how? What's involved?
To elaborate, I'm currently pretty happy with my shiny new Galaxy Note II, and honestly, I can't really say many bad things about the stock TouchWiz UI this time around; I think Samsung (mostly) got it right, at least well enough for me that I don't feel the insatiable urge to flash an AOSP/AOKP ROM or something else. I also happen to love using the Google Play Music app as my daily driver for all my music.
However, the phone UI for Google Play Music is, (how can I put this delicately?), utterly and hopelessly abysmal. It's awful! It's ugly! It's nowhere NEAR as fluid and as intuitive or even functional as its tablet UI counterpart!
I dearly miss the Google Play Music experience on my GTab 7.7, and I wish I could bring that same experience over to my Note II.
I already know about changing DPI settings in my build.prop, but since that causes a whole litany of issues with a stock interface (TouchWiz in particular), that's not what I'm looking for here. I'm looking for a way of somehow tweaking a per-app UI/DPI layout for specific apps, much like how you can with a Paranoid Android ROM, BUT while staying on whichever ROM you happen to be running.
As awesome as the Note 2 is, I do kinda feel that Samsung is dropping the ball on this one. If they're going to market the device as a happy medium between a phone and a tablet, a hybrid device for all intents and purposes, then it seems logical to reason that they really should have made a hybrid UI for it right from the get-go. Without a truly hybrid stock UI baked in, it's just another high end phone, with a REALLY big screen and an S-Pen.
Then again, maybe I'm just crazy...
Jade Eyed Wolf said:
Just in case no one wants to go to the other forum to read:
Here's a very simple question for anyone out that who happens to know the answer, or who thinks they might know a solution:
Is it possible to force Google Play Music (or any app for that matter!) to use a tablet UI instead, regardless of your DPI settings or ROM? (Kinda like how you can do this for individual apps on Paranoid Android) If so, how? What's involved?
To elaborate, I'm currently pretty happy with my shiny new Galaxy Note II, and honestly, I can't really say many bad things about the stock TouchWiz UI this time around; I think Samsung (mostly) got it right, at least well enough for me that I don't feel the insatiable urge to flash an AOSP/AOKP ROM or something else. I also happen to love using the Google Play Music app as my daily driver for all my music.
However, the phone UI for Google Play Music is, (how can I put this delicately?), utterly and hopelessly abysmal. It's awful! It's ugly! It's nowhere NEAR as fluid and as intuitive or even functional as its tablet UI counterpart!
I dearly miss the Google Play Music experience on my GTab 7.7, and I wish I could bring that same experience over to my Note II.
I already know about changing DPI settings in my build.prop, but since that causes a whole litany of issues with a stock interface (TouchWiz in particular), that's not what I'm looking for here. I'm looking for a way of somehow tweaking a per-app UI/DPI layout for specific apps, much like how you can with a Paranoid Android ROM, BUT while staying on whichever ROM you happen to be running.
As awesome as the Note 2 is, I do kinda feel that Samsung is dropping the ball on this one. If they're going to market the device as a happy medium between a phone and a tablet, a hybrid device for all intents and purposes, then it seems logical to reason that they really should have made a hybrid UI for it right from the get-go. Without a truly hybrid stock UI baked in, it's just another high end phone, with a REALLY big screen and an S-Pen.
Then again, maybe I'm just crazy...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pumb...
Good to see someone else taking an interest!
Jade Eyed Wolf said:
Good to see someone else taking an interest!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I too miss the elegance of the Google music experience...the album art doesn't show up...when I try to fast forward, the device restarts the song completely. ..

Improving your S4

Hello there,
Like most people, the TouchWiz on the new Samsung Galaxy S4 is the most annoying and useless thing on the planet. Its slow, laggy, and intrusive, and you are wondering who you want to improve your device. Not only is TouchWiz annoying you but some other things within the Samsung/Android OS are annoying you, well here are some of the best solution and work arounds to all problems that you may encounter on the Galaxy S4.
LAUNCHER
TOUCHWIZ IS NO GOOD. If you are any type of developer or someone who generally likes to customize their device, you will not enjoy TouchWiz. The look and feel are terrible, its slow and laggy, and everything about it just seems childish. So here the solution to that. If you want to you can Unlock, Root, and Flash ROM's on to your device, IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCED. You can easily brick your device if you do not follow the directions correctly and will lead to a lot of hair tearing out. If you want to Root and Flash then check some other threads out, Here is a easy solution on the Play store.
Go and check out some of the Launchers in the Play store. There are so many to choose from. I personally used ADW on my Xoom, but now on my S4 I am using Nova Launcher Prime. This is a little pricey at $4.00 but is well worth it. You can do almost anything in the means of customizing the device. Grid size can be changes, animation, screen transition style. The long you play around with the Launcher more and more you find it can be customized easily. Plus the best part about Nova Prime is that you now have a "Stock" Android feel, plus is runs perfectly. If this Launcher isnt your first chose there is also Apex, Smart, Holo, Buzz, and Launcher 8. These launchers can be changed at any time and make your device completely your own.
APPS
Samsung put a lot of bloatware on this device. You will not use a lot of it. So how to you get rid of all of this software... Disable all apps that you are not going to use, NOT PROCESSES. Disabling these apps will ensure that they are not used and are not using up your battery. This ensures that what isnt important wont be used and use battery.
Stock apps that Samsung has are.......ok nothing to rave over. The Messaging app is a pain along with the Music Player. Ive replaced the Messaging app with GO SMS Pro, and then switched it to be default. Other Messaging apps include Messaging 7 and Sliding Messaging Pro, SMP is very laggy and is in Beta stages right now. For the Music Play I use NexMusic, which works perfectly. These apps ensure the best experience with the phone. I also replaced the Lockscreen with an app called Widgetlocker. I set the lockscreen in the settings to be NONE and then set up my Widgetlocker. This is a much better lockscreen than before.
Battery is always a major concern for all users, and BatteryGuru is awesome, its from Qualcomm and it helps with the processor usage. I will get into detail on how to conserve battery life in another section.
If you dont like a certain app that cannot be removed, and you want to find an alternate check YouTube and the Play store, or you can message me and I will help you with the problem app.
BATTERY
Improving battery life is such an important issue. Samsung has a lot of things that will kill your battery and give the phone a bad name in the battery division. Heres how to improve it. TURN OFF EVERYTHING. If you are not using GPS, Bluetooth, AirView and stuff like that, then turn it off. All it does is use battery... and a lot of it. I only have Sync, and or Wifi and Mobile Data depending on my location. Watch what settings and services you have running and you can save a lot of battery as long as you just turn off stuff that you are not using.
App management is huge. When you finish using apps make sure to delete it in the Multitasking tray, otherwise is will continue to run and use battery. Again, disable the unused app and manage usage on the others.
MOST IMPORTANT is the Screen, its a huge display. The higher the brightness, the less battery you are going to have. Also, with they type of screen this is, if you can use a black background you dont have to light up those pixels on the screen, which will save a ton of battery. Set the timeout to the lowest settings and make sure that you dont run a ton of graphic heavy apps or anything like that.
Overall manage you apps, screen, and services and you can get two days out of the phone. ALWAYS get a Full charge cycle. Run the battery dead and then fully recharge, but dont leave it on the charger. This will optimize the performance of the battery and phone.
QUESTIONS
If you have any question, send me a message and I can answer whatever question that you have. If I get enough request I can make a video to show these features. It will help, so let me know if any of you want a video.
Wow man, I like touchwiz. I ran AOSP for a year in my S3. I'm happy with touchwiz features. Hate the way it looks. Wish we had theme engine for touchwiz! Thanks for the tips. You definitely would enjoy liquid smooth. AOSP based rom!
SGH-M919_Omega, the end result
TouchWiz?
mike216 said:
Wow man, I like touchwiz. I ran AOSP for a year in my S3. I'm happy with touchwiz features. Hate the way it looks. Wish we had theme engine for touchwiz! Thanks for the tips. You definitely would enjoy liquid smooth. AOSP based rom!
SGH-M919_Omega, the end result
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TouchWiz is good in some regards, but it has a long way to go in the means of easy of use and smoothness. Trying to get some new Android phone to put some ROMS on, but sticking with my S4 with Nova. If you saw a setup video on this would you think it would help?
Thanks for the reply, they help so much.
I just tried a AOSP based rom and it was blazing fast. I just miss the camera and features too much. I really need to get off my ass and theme it out with images from my favorite theme engine theme. The beautiful thing about android is there is no right or wrong. It's all about freedom and the users choice to choose exactly what they want. The other beautiful thing is if your on the more intelligent side you can run both. Have both backed up and nandroid away
SGH-M919_Omega, the end result
---------- Post added at 02:09 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:47 AM ----------
Missing Cuban said:
TouchWiz is good in some regards, but it has a long way to go in the means of easy of use and smoothness. Trying to get some new Android phone to put some ROMS on, but sticking with my S4 with Nova. If you saw a setup video on this would you think it would help?
Thanks for the reply, they help so much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would specifically do you want to set up. The phone itself out nova?
SGH-M919_Omega, the end result
I prefer T/W with either Nova or Holo HD I also don't or won't pay for apps.
I've been flashing Roms since my S2 and I've flashed practically every aosp and aokp ROM for the S3.
As soon as the devs started offering tons of mods and themes for T/W I went back cuz I prefer the stability of T/W.
To each his own right now on my ATT S4 I'm running a Kanged GE ROM that's very smooth and fast.
I really don't care about battery life since I have a 7500 mAh ZeroLemon battery that I get 40 hours of run time.
Flash what you want find out what you enjoy most and have a nandroid. Have a blast with this wonderful device.:thumbup::thumbup:
"Zed"Zed's baby Zed's dead"
s4freak said:
I prefer T/W with either Nova or Holo HD I also don't or won't pay for apps.
I've been flashing Roms since my S2 and I've flashed practically every aosp and aokp ROM for the S3.
As soon as the devs started offering tons of mods and themes for T/W I went back cuz I prefer the stability of T/W.
To each his own right now on my ATT S4 I'm running a Kanged GE ROM that's very smooth and fast.
I really don't care about battery life since I have a 7500 mAh ZeroLemon battery that I get 40 hours of run time.
Flash what you want find out what you enjoy most and have a nandroid. Have a blast with this wonderful device.:thumbup::thumbup:
"Zed"Zed's baby Zed's dead"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why wouldn't you support developers? People work hard to bring you these apps. Doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. I hate free apps. Always buy if there's a option to. I suppose you don't donate to developers neither huh
SGH-M919_Omega, the end result
mike216 said:
Why wouldn't you support developers? People work hard to bring you these apps. Doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. I hate free apps. Always buy if there's a option to. I suppose you don't donate to developers neither huh
SGH-M919_Omega, the end result
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't know me.
I support devs and I have my other screenname on their donaters list to prove it.I do with my money what I wish I work hard enough for it.
I buy what I want to buy. You spend your money how you see fit.
Have a great day.
"Zed"Zed's baby Zed's dead"
This is your own opinion obviously. Because I don't agree with half of this..sorry
---------- Post added at 03:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:31 PM ----------
mike216 said:
Wow man, I like touchwiz. I ran AOSP for a year in my S3. I'm happy with touchwiz features. Hate the way it looks. Wish we had theme engine for touchwiz! Thanks for the tips. You definitely would enjoy liquid smooth. AOSP based rom!
SGH-M919_Omega, the end result
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed here.
TheAxman said:
This is your own opinion obviously. Because I don't agree with half of this..sorry
---------- Post added at 03:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:31 PM ----------
Agreed here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried a good AOSP rom yesterday because I was bored on my day off. Cane back to Touchwiz in 3 hours. It's so boring after a year of being on it faithfully. To each there own. Touchwiz is really growing on me. Love the features and amazing battery life. It's just as fast using omega and ktoonsez! I average over 4 hours of screen on time over 23 hours of idle time! Great combo
SGH-M919_Omega, the end result
I ran nothing but aosp on the G3..hated tw..one day got tired of the continous bluetooth issue...went back to tw..haven't left it since. For the G4 tw rocks. I have ran most of the G4 aosp roms...BORING. same ole stuff. It is always going to be this against that. And I am sorry, but the tw rom is better in the battery dept. Way better.
Ax's opinion only.
TheAxman said:
I ran nothing but aosp on the G3..hated tw..one day got tired of the continous bluetooth issue...went back to tw..haven't left it since. For the G4 tw rocks. I have ran most of the G4 aosp roms...BORING. same ole stuff. It is always going to be this against that. And I am sorry, but the tw rom is better in the battery dept. Way better.
Ax's opinion only.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best video player ever made, I'm always using the motion gestures to answer phone in the car. I'm a mechanic who really appreciates the hand gesture for all kinds of reasons. No more tricks to get my sixaxis controller working. Smart stay is one can't live without once use to it. The stock browser is unmatched speed wise. I'm sure I can keep going but those are a couple reasons I prefer to run touchwiz for everyday use. The touchwiz crowd grows bigger with every new galaxy S release. Me being one with this last release
SGH-M919_Omega, the end result
mike216 said:
Best video player ever made, I'm always using the motion gestures to answer phone in the car. I'm a mechanic who really appreciates the hand gesture for all kinds of reasons. No more tricks to get my sixaxis controller working. Smart stay is one can't live without once use to it. The stock browser is unmatched speed wise. I'm sure I can keep going but those are a couple reasons I prefer to run touchwiz for everyday use. The touchwiz crowd grows bigger with every new galaxy S release. Me being one with this last release
SGH-M919_Omega, the end result
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow my friend in the heat of the battle. Exactly my thoughts. If you have a phone with these features, and you have a rom that does not use them, whats the point? Could have just stayed on the G3.
Ax's opinion only.
Battery with all the features enabled. Running at a clock speed range 189-1998
80% Brightness. I ****ing love it
SGH-M919_Omega, the end result
S3 was my first Samsung device. I didn't care for touch wiz for a long time, not because of the gesture control or anything, but because of the app drawer being to the right and the bloated bulkiness of it. I ran aosp rooms for quite a while but then started playing with touchwiz based roms. I found synergys room and stayed on that until I got my s4. Now I use stock rooted which I have debloated and modded to near perfection. I get pretty good battery and experience little to no lag. I'm starting to enjoy gesture and all the touchwiz features (ir blaster is awesome).
Pretty much any flavor of Android is customizable and debloatable, so the only thing that you can really hate is the fact that you have to manually mod it (which is the best part of owning an android).
Sorry for the long post just don't understand such a strong hate for a different flavor of Android. ...
I don't know why there's so much hating of t.w sure its not great but then again neither is aosp there's also tons of issues on cm and p.a for that matter.
All of my devices(look at my SIG)are on cm or something aosp and honestly I've gotten to the point that I'm so bored of aosp and cm always Bluetooth issues or some little bug.....with the s3 u needed cm but so far on my s4
I'm on stock rooted deodexed ROM with over locked kernel and it runs amazing.Just use a launcher man and use tibu to remove bloatware this way u get better battery.
I get like almost 16 hours with almost 4 hrs screen time and over clocked CPU and GPU some people probably are just running mad sh#t on the background and that's why your phones are as#ed out.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Idk about you but this is pretty good for me look.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium HD app
You see what i mean....
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium HD app
sk8trix said:
Idk about you but this is pretty good for me look.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks good my friend but you have a battery problem. Google services should not be showing up there. Look for the new market. Version 4.1.10 there's a location bug fix and I highly suggest you read this thread. It solved my problem! Haven't had battery life like this ever in this phone. Here's the thread and here's a pic of today's user so far! Absolutely insane battery life
SGH-M919_Omega, the end result
Been off the charger all night to go along with that screen on time
SGH-M919_Omega, the end result
Sorry forgot to post this thread for you
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2338487
SGH-M919_Omega, the end result

New S10+ owner looking for setup recommending (came from iPhone)

Greetings android users! I am reaching out to XDA community for some advice on my new S10+ setup, configurations, and some do's and don'ts.
I have been a long time Apple user (since the first original iPhone), but lately the lack of innovation from Tim Cook has been pushing me away. Anyways, when Samsung announced the S10+ with One UI, I was hooked! I picked up my first android device on Friday and have been greatly enjoying the it!
Now, at this time, I have not installed any apps from Google Play store as I have been reading many different things that others are doing to remove Google and Samsung from the phone. I looked around on reddit and various forums for setup guides, what apps to remove/block, and recommendations that iPhone users should do when moving to android. However, I have not come across a guide/list with the various things people have done.
Lastly, I read that many android users have done one of two things. One, some folks do not use the Google Play store to install any apps to bypass Google's analytics. by installing all apps manually. In addition to this, folks are blocking anything google and Samsung related. Secondly, I read that some users are flashing their device and installing custom roms to completely remove anything related to google and Samsung and will install the apps manually.
Based on this information and coming from iPhone, what are your recommendations? Should I not use the Google Play store and install the apps manually? If so, where and how would I go about it? Should I just block Google and Samsung in general to prevent any invasion of privacy and from gaining analytics? Or, should I flash and use a custom rom?
Any advice you can provide would be really helpful! Thanks in advance for reading my post.
I switch from back and forth from iOS and Android all the time. There are certain things you'll come to appreciate about each.
The good news for you is that the there isn't a huge difference in how android (ahem - specifically samung for the past couple years) performs in terms of fluidity and responsiveness. During the early days this was horrendous, and don't let any fanboys tell you different. With the S10, I find myself not having to play the disable/remove apps/features game like before (out of habit I did anyway lol). This means you can really just start enjoying things as is, without having to worry about the best performance. - so far at least.
WIth that said, if you're new to the platform, I'd start with the basics of getting familar with the OS and apps. If you ever run into a situation where you think "i don't like that way that works/feels/looks" figure out how to change it. That's the one of the best parts about android honestly. And since you found your way over to XDA, sometimes it can seem like a never ending game. It seems like the days of custom roms may be slowly coming to an end, but in a way it's a good thing because the phones are so good out of the box now.
Probably not what you wanted to hear, but it's the truth imo.
If you're looking on how to some ideas on where to start from there -
-Play with a different launcher (i love nova premium)
-Figure out which widgets do what you want - you can take this really far into customization if you look at different homescreen setups... the rabbit hole can go pretty deep
-Find the right app for certain things so you don't have to live with double or triple of the same thing (calendar/messaging/keyboard for example)
I wouldn't worry about much else for now. Keep reading the boards, and you'll figure out how things go. Back in the days we used to have to flash custom roms sometimes weekly to try and get good performing, stable devices with great battery life. Then it moved to disabling a bunch of **** we didn't use, and now it's fine so far as is.
Oh and while you can prevent some apps from collecting data about you, in the bigger picture, there's nothing you can do about it. Ask marketing people who are into big data, we are all already profiled. If you don't want data collected, you gotta disconnect, go move to the woods and live off the land.
Danslides1 said:
I switch from back and forth from iOS and Android all the time. There are certain things you'll come to appreciate about each.
The good news for you is that the there isn't a huge difference in how android (ahem - specifically samung for the past couple years) performs in terms of fluidity and responsiveness. During the early days this was horrendous, and don't let any fanboys tell you different. With the S10, I find myself not having to play the disable/remove apps/features game like before (out of habit I did anyway lol). This means you can really just start enjoying things as is, without having to worry about the best performance. - so far at least.
WIth that said, if you're new to the platform, I'd start with the basics of getting familar with the OS and apps. If you ever run into a situation where you think "i don't like that way that works/feels/looks" figure out how to change it. That's the one of the best parts about android honestly. And since you found your way over to XDA, sometimes it can seem like a never ending game. It seems like the days of custom roms may be slowly coming to an end, but in a way it's a good thing because the phones are so good out of the box now.
Probably not what you wanted to hear, but it's the truth imo.
If you're looking on how to some ideas on where to start from there -
-Play with a different launcher (i love nova premium)
-Figure out which widgets do what you want - you can take this really far into customization if you look at different homescreen setups... the rabbit hole can go pretty deep
-Find the right app for certain things so you don't have to live with double or triple of the same thing (calendar/messaging/keyboard for example)
I wouldn't worry about much else for now. Keep reading the boards, and you'll figure out how things go. Back in the days we used to have to flash custom roms sometimes weekly to try and get good performing, stable devices with great battery life. Then it moved to disabling a bunch of **** we didn't use, and now it's fine so far as is.
Oh and while you can prevent some apps from collecting data about you, in the bigger picture, there's nothing you can do about it. Ask marketing people who are into big data, we are all already profiled. If you don't want data collected, you gotta disconnect, go move to the woods and live off the land.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the information. I find the OneUI very fluid and responsiveness - I also find the colors more vivid than my iPhone XS MAX. I remember when some of my friends had the older galaxy and pixels phones they would complain about how it slows down over time, while my iPhone would be running strong. However, I have encountered several issues with black screen and freezing on my iPhone XS Max.
The customization is really nice on the S10+. Honestly, it feels great to be able to make theme changes and different customization to my phone in order to make it more personal to me! That is one thing I was also "jealous" about and wished the iPhones had - everyone's phone looks the same!
Makes sense about the custom roms. Not having any knowledge about them I wasn't sure if it was the way to go. Based on what you're saying they are slowly coming to an end, so I guess I won't need to worry about it.
You mentioned "Find the right app for certain things so you don't have to live with double or triple of the same thing (calendar/messaging/keyboard for example)". Do you have any app recommendations I could start with? Also, do you use the default google mail app, or is there a better one that I should use?
Best email app is AquaMail
Nothing much when you install it first. But once you experiment with its options you'll find an ocean of possibilities.
When finally set up it is a powerful monster.
I've gotta agree with Aquamail. I've tried a lot of email apps and stuck with this one. The developer regularly updates the app and responds to problems.
tiho5 said:
Best email app is AquaMail
Nothing much when you install it first. But once you experiment with its options you'll find an ocean of possibilities.
When finally set up it is a powerful monster.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tel864 said:
I've gotta agree with Aquamail. I've tried a lot of email apps and stuck with this one. The developer regularly updates the app and responds to problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you both for the recommendation.
@Tel864 and @tiho5 when setting up Aquamail for the first time, do you use the connect feature for "Connet a Gmail account from the phone's Settings" or setup manual?
Curlypx said:
Do you have any app recommendations I could start with? Also, do you use the default google mail app, or is there a better one that I should use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's stuff I'm playing with at the moment
Gcam (grab from the s10 themes and apps forum)
Gboard keyboard, I used to use swiftkey
I haven't decided on Textra or the Google messages app yet
Fluid navigation gestures
Goodlock (using the task switcher and multitasking app)
Other stuff I suggest to check out
Nova launcher prime
Zooper or KWGT widgets
I use chrome beta as my browser, but I love kiwi. Id switch to kiwi of it would sync with my chrome stuff
The rabbit hole is insanely deep. You can get lost in the apps available here on xda alone. Install a bunch and delete a bunch. The fun part is whenever you get board with your phone, enough time will have passed for new stuff to come out. Keeps it interesting.
1. Bluemail - Playstore
2. Nicelock- Playstore
3. ES File Explorer- Playstore
4. Screen Lock- Playstore
5. GBInsta- Alternate Instagram with customised options- Google it
6. Tubemate- Customised YouTube- Google it
7. Fildo- Music- Google it
8. Navbar Apps- Playstore
9. Phone Info- Playstore
10.SMS Backup and Restore- Playstore
11.Zedge Ringtones- Playstore
12 Waze - Navigation- Playstore
13. Team Blackout APK- Google it. It's trusted. Will give you black Telegram etc.
14. XDA Labs
Sent from my Samsung SM-G975F using XDA Labs
ashishpmb said:
13. Team Blackout APK- Google it. It's trusted. Will give you black Telegram etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Black telegram? Telegram has a dark mode?
Does it also manage to blacken WhatsApp?
Hey there, you might want to check my guide for power optimisation basics, I didn't go in depth with specific apps since it really depends on user requirements/tastes and on date.
If you have doubts about two similar apps but can't decide just google a "A Vs B Reddit", it's the fastest way to hear honest reviews that aren't bought.
For basic phone functions, prioritize Samsung apps over Google ones unless the function is strictly related to a specific Google service such as Drive, I find Samsung apps to be way more polished and seamless than Google ones.

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