Database Users

[Q] How can I make the Nexus 7 super-easy to use?

How can I make the Nexus 7 super-easy to use?
I have an elderly relative who has never used any Android device, or much technology at all to be honest besides old feature phones and television boxes, and we shall soon be purchasing her a Google Nexus 7. We settled on this idea after noticing that the 8GB Nexus 7 model is only £159 GBP, which isn't much more than the Kindle Touch and also offers a slightly larger screen. I am looking to make the experience personal and also easy for her.
Since I am going to use a custom launcher to prevent access to the app menu and simplify the user experience by showing her only the apps she will need to use (preventing access to the settings will prevent her accidentally deleting things), I am looking for a widget which will allow me to add my own custom text set to a custom size to the home screen. With this, I'll separate up the few apps she plans on using. Any recommendations for such an application?
Since this person does not have full function of a second arm, are there any applications which make one-handed operation easier on the tablet's 7 inch display?
Is there a widget which will allow me to add "picture frames" to the home screen? I could put some pictures of the family in these, which will add a nice personal touch.
Are there any keyboards which are good for one-handed use? Please do not say Swype.

Any suggestions to any of my issues I face? Also, any general app recommendations are welcome, but keep in mind who this tablet is for when making suggestions. For example, no messenger apps.

No ideas to any of those applications/features I'm looking to implement?

Twenty minutes before the first bump and between the first and second - get a bit of patience! People aren't lurking on forums waiting to jump on your every post...
1. Yes - Minimalistic Text and others
3. Yes - search Play store for "picture widget"
4. Why not Swype? What makes it unsuitable (that'll make it easier for others to make suggestions.

Swype probably requires two-handing on a device this big.
Honestly, any keyboard that works well with one hand, will also reconfigure so much that you'll essentially have to relearn it.
Messagease and 8pen are good with one hand, but they obviously don't look anything like qwerty. And one-hand typing is really only feasible with phones anyway.
Best bet is just to use voice recognition and hope it really is as up to snuff.

You're probably not going to like my answer, but I tried this (also with a person who had use of only one arm) and it didn't work. I mounted it to a table on a movable arm to make it easy to use.
Beyond the shaking hands and weak eyes, the biggest problem is understanding the UI. To you and I it's not complicated, but we grew up with computers. That's not any sort of judgment; the guy was capable of using a windows XP computer (very very slowly), it's just that switching to a new IU is much more confusing to the older brain than for a younger brain. They just don't have the filters to pick out the important information from the screen quickly, and every step requires conscious thought. This can be very tiring for an older person, and--at least in my experience--older people don't have a lot of tolerance for frustration.
I don't want you to be discouraged by this; I spent weeks on this (and several hundred dollars) and ended up getting him a small laptop on which I installed a simplification program that allowed only basic email and internet. But your relative may be more savvy, have better coordination, or just more interest in making it work. Here's what I'd suggest:
1) "minimalist text" can be customized to put static text on the screen. You'll have to play with it a bit.
2) There's no applications I can think of that make it easier, but I'd suggest giving her some system to mount it where she can both see and reach it. Have her sit as she would when she wanted to use it (chair, table, bed) and figure out how she can use it with her arm resting on something.
3) I think the picture frames widget is included in stock android. I'd strongly suggest against using anything other than a solid-colored background though. Again, it's difficult for an older brain to parse large amounts of information, and older eyes to see past the contrasts. I'm sure there's some way to have a rotating photo widget on some part of the screen in the market though.
4) Swiftkey. It's a bit advanced, but has one major advantage: predictive text. She can enter a few letters and the software will come up with a few words. Often it will get the intended word within a few letters, which can save a lot of inputs. That said, I think the stock android keyboard in JB has this functionality too, so you might hold off and try that.
A few other suggestions:
1) Get a launcher that can be cut down to just one screen. ADW EX does this. And get rid of the elastic screens (allows it to stay static). You said you already have a custom launcher in mind; which one were you thinking of?
2) When AOKP gets their hands on this, they'll allow you to add and change buttons to the notification bar. Get rid of the long-presses, maybe even get rid of everything but the home and back button.
3) Forget the speech recognition stuff. Old voices are not easy to understand for anyone, much less a computer, and convincing an older person to speak slowly and annunciate is not easy. Also, the first time it doesn't work you'll have a very frustrated relative to deal with...
4) Keep it simple. The first time you show her how to use it pick one thing (probably email or video chat) and show her how to do just that. If you take just one suggestion from me it's this. Add something next time, once she gets how to do email or video chat (test her first). Seriously, everyone will end up happier as a result.
OK, good luck! Hope it works better for you than it did for me!

I would say, a very simple background. No live wallpapers. A Big clock widget,
Get her a Bluetooth Keyboard, there is no sense in trying to force an older person to use a touch screen, that requires near perfect fingers. A normal keyboard is something she most likely has seen and used before. So it will feel normal.
A Widget for changing volume. Something with like a large Plus and Minus sign, and a big percent so she can easily see how loud it is.

Brad387 said:
How can I make the Nexus 7 super-easy to use?
I have an elderly relative who has never used any Android device, or much technology at all to be honest besides old feature phones and television boxes, and we shall soon be purchasing her a Google Nexus 7. We settled on this idea after noticing that the 8GB Nexus 7 model is only £159 GBP, which isn't much more than the Kindle Touch and also offers a slightly larger screen. I am looking to make the experience personal and also easy for her.
Since I am going to use a custom launcher to prevent access to the app menu and simplify the user experience by showing her only the apps she will need to use (preventing access to the settings will prevent her accidentally deleting things), I am looking for a widget which will allow me to add my own custom text set to a custom size to the home screen. With this, I'll separate up the few apps she plans on using. Any recommendations for such an application?
Since this person does not have full function of a second arm, are there any applications which make one-handed operation easier on the tablet's 7 inch display?
Is there a widget which will allow me to add "picture frames" to the home screen? I could put some pictures of the family in these, which will add a nice personal touch.
Are there any keyboards which are good for one-handed use? Please do not say Swype.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Brad387 said:
Any suggestions to any of my issues I face? Also, any general app recommendations are welcome, but keep in mind who this tablet is for when making suggestions. For example, no messenger apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Brad387 said:
No ideas to any of those applications/features I'm looking to implement?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol man, RELAX. Bumping your thread like that is terrible forum etiquette.

I'd refer to your own thread that you opened not long before this one:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1757848
Aps at startup
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

This might dumb the phone by a lot but: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=name.kunes.android.launcher.activity&hl=en
Here's a photo widget app that people seem to like though : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.thinkjava.androidphotowidgetfree
If you can wait for further development.. flashing MIUI seems to attract a lot of newer android users due to the similarities with iOS. If not you can always get the MIUI style launcher.

Thanks. I will likely use Nova Launcher to keep the amount of screens to a minimum.

darkamikaze said:
This might dumb the phone by a lot but: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=name.kunes.android.launcher.activity&hl=en
Here's a photo widget app that people seem to like though : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.thinkjava.androidphotowidgetfree
If you can wait for further development.. flashing MIUI seems to attract a lot of newer android users due to the similarities with iOS. If not you can always get the MIUI style launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yuck. No thank you on miui. I hate the unorganized nature of having every icon on the home screen. App drawer please.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

blackhand1001 said:
Yuck. No thank you on miui. I hate the unorganized nature of having every icon on the home screen. App drawer please.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fascinating. But this isn't for you; it's for an older person.
OP, the folks pointing out that it's bad forum etiquette to create multiple threads and bump them are right. And considering the time folks put into answering your question, it wouldn't hurt to respond and click the "thanks" button.

thebobp said:
Swype probably requires two-handing on a device this big.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand how you would use Swype with two hands even if you wanted to. Swyping requires one continuous swipe with one finger across all of the letters that spell out your word, and besides the actual act of swyping, I don't understand how using it would be any different from using one finger to type on a non-Swype keyboard.

blackhand1001 said:
Yuck. No thank you on miui. I hate the unorganized nature of having every icon on the home screen. App drawer please.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry that you don't know much about MIUI. It's the easiest ROM that I have used and now have it on my Infuse and Nook Color.
I am 66yo and like very simple and clean screens that are easy to use. The attached s/s's are from a 7" Nook Color screen.
1. Home screen.
2. Favorites expanded
3. 2nd Page....only have 2 pages...show all my apps in folders...no app drawer.
4. Reading folder opened
EDIT: You can set up as many or as few folders as you need and name them anything you choose.

dparrothead1 said:
Sorry that you don't know much about MIUI. It's the easiest ROM that I have used and now have it on my Infuse and Nook Color.
I am 66yo and like very simple and clean screens that are easy to use. The attached s/s's are from a 7" Nook Color screen.
1. Home screen.
2. Favorites expanded
3. 2nd Page....only have 2 pages...show all my apps in folders...no app drawer.
4. Reading folder opened
EDIT: You can set up as many or as few folders as you need and name them anything you choose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used miui on several devices. I just find it clunky. I like having an alphabetically sorted app drawer.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

I'm working on the same issue for my mom, who just turned 86.
I downloaded Minimalistic Text for her, but I had assumed it would be simple to set up - it isn't.
Am I correct that it's very limited as to what it can display? It appears to be able to display the time, date, temp, and then a few other things not important to your typical 86 year old, such as battery level, cpu speed, etc.
I had hoped I would be able to have it launch apps, so I could for instance, have it show "Email", Facebook", etc.
Older people have difficulty remembering the names of apps sometimes. "K9" for instance, would not mean email to my mom.
Something that would allow you to make app icons larger might help. But I had high hopes for Minimalist Text!
Btw, we did a four way hangout with her yesterday. She has beginning Alzheimer's, but she loves technology!
Edit: I see in the OP's other thread someone mentioned Simple Text . Can that be used on a stock N7? Must I use a different launcher?

CyanogenMod Questions.

Hi there,
I have been stumbling across some awesome CM10 themes and it's something I'd like to have although they are only for CM9 and CM10. I'm currently running rooted stock nexus 4, whats the benefits of having a rom like CM10 - does CM10 run 4.2.1? which is what im currently using?
Whats are the positives and negatives to switching?
If i switch, can I convert BACK to stock?

1. Use the search feature. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=35521539
2. CM10 = Android 4.1.X....... does not support Android 4.2.X and does not support N4 (mako)
3. first link. no negatives. its like reformatting your computer. If you go to Windows 8 and don't like it, go back to Windows 7.. what are the negatives? none. just reinstall apps... use titanium backup to backup/restore apps (buy pro version)
4. Yes you can revert back to stock. Nothing is permanent on android.
......... next time, do some research before just straight up asking these questions as they are already answered.

T89 said:
Hi there,
I have been stumbling across some awesome CM10 themes and it's something I'd like to have although they are only for CM9 and CM10. I'm currently running rooted stock nexus 4, whats the benefits of having a rom like CM10 - does CM10 run 4.2.1? which is what im currently using?
Whats are the positives and negatives to switching?
If i switch, can I convert BACK to stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
a big positive with AOKP is the ability to add in and customize the on screen nav bar buttons. i came from a gs2. so setting this phone to have the same layout as my gs2 capacitive buttons is a real winner. you can also rearrange the order of and how many toggles there are in the quick settings drop down. there is a whole list of features that you get and the devving has only just begun.

phermey said:
a big positive with AOKP is the ability to add in and customize the on screen nav bar buttons. i came from a gs2. so setting this phone to have the same layout as my gs2 capacitive buttons is a real winner. you can also rearrange the order of and how many toggles there are in the quick settings drop down. there is a whole list of features that you get and the devving has only just begun.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CM10.1 (Jellybro) already has Navigation Bar changes. It's better off getting used to those three buttons IMO, menu is useless for me. I prefer having it as a touch button somewhere on the app. If not then I'll use the bottom right one.
You can arrange toggles on quick settings drop down as well on CM10.1.
CM10.1 is a ongoing project and is developing really fast without dirty hacks that AOKP does. Very clean code.

zephiK said:
CM10.1 (Jellybro) already has Navigation Bar changes. It's better off getting used to those three buttons IMO, menu is useless for me. I prefer having it as a touch button somewhere on the app. If not then I'll use the bottom right one.
You can arrange toggles on quick settings drop down as well on CM10.1.
CM10.1 is a ongoing project and is developing really fast without dirty hacks that AOKP does. Very clean code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i got tired of trying to figure out how to get into settings. and even worse... nova settings. so used to it being the menu key that i had to get it back.
tried out cm. a week ago. it was behind aokp in features so i went back to aokp. couldnt speak for what it has so i gave examples of what i know.
clean code or not. aokp has always suited my needs better than cm. but thats just me.

phermey said:
i got tired of trying to figure out how to get into settings. and even worse... nova settings. so used to it being the menu key that i had to get it back.
tried out cm. a week ago. it was behind aokp in features so i went back to aokp. couldnt speak for what it has so i gave examples of what i know.
clean code or not. aokp has always suited my needs better than cm. but thats just me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pull down notifications -> Tiles -> Settings. Guess I got accustomed to it on my Galaxy Nexus where there wasn't a tile button. It was just pull down notifications -> settings. It takes some time getting used to it, but it's pretty good imo. But that's the best part about android you can do it the way you like it, traditionally or the new way
I used to like AOKP but felt it was too bloated with unnecessary crap like AOKP Wallpapers (Swagpapers), unnecessary unicorn stuff etc. I prefer CM as its cleaner code and more optimal whereas AOKP does things in 'hackish' code and just like what the name implies, it's kanged from CM sources anyway.

zephiK said:
Pull down notifications -> Tiles -> Settings. Guess I got accustomed to it on my Galaxy Nexus where there wasn't a tile button. It was just pull down notifications -> settings. It takes some time getting used to it, but it's pretty good imo. But that's the best part about android you can do it the way you like it, traditionally or the new way
I used to like AOKP but felt it was too bloated with unnecessary crap like AOKP Wallpapers (Swagpapers), unnecessary unicorn stuff etc. I prefer CM as its cleaner code and more optimal whereas AOKP does things in 'hackish' code and just like what the name implies, it's kanged from CM sources anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol. that damn pink unicorn is so old. the day it was released it got old, and every time someone tries to be cute by adding another wallpaper... i think to myself WHY!!!
one thing i loved about sticking cm on my nexus was that bad a$$ boot animation. once the first milestone get released i will definitely be checking cm out again. you are also 100% correct on the code thing. and i never thought of the meaning of kang. <--- good point.

phermey said:
lol. that damn pink unicorn is so old. the day it was released it got old, and every time someone tries to be cute by adding another wallpaper... i think to myself WHY!!!
one thing i loved about sticking cm on my nexus was that bad a$$ boot animation. once the first milestone get released i will definitely be checking cm out again. you are also 100% correct on the code thing. and i never thought of the meaning of kang. <--- good point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
haha yeah i was annoyed of keep having to remove AOKPClock, SwagPapers, Swag Toggle like wth... unnecessary line of code. i do love the amount of customization in there though. i used xylon on my galaxy nexus before i got my N4 (it started coming to rise at 4.2.X) its pretty customizable as well, very feature rich.
does AOKP have navigation height / width adjustments in the ROM already? i miss that feature, CM has everything I want as of right now. only missing nav height changes. can't wait for PGM for N4 though http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=bZEodCnYv58#t=14s is a brief video of what it is. i love it because i dont have to use the buttons

zephiK said:
haha yeah i was annoyed of keep having to remove AOKPClock, SwagPapers, Swag Toggle like wth... unnecessary line of code. i do love the amount of customization in there though. i used xylon on my galaxy nexus before i got my N4 (it started coming to rise at 4.2.X) its pretty customizable as well, very feature rich.
does AOKP have navigation height / width adjustments in the ROM already? i miss that feature, CM has everything I want as of right now. only missing nav height changes. can't wait for PGM for N4 though http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=bZEodCnYv58#t=14s is a brief video of what it is. i love it because i dont have to use the buttons
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they also just stuck in some arrow keys when the keyboard is active.
will check out that video. saw the thread in themes and had no clue what it was.
edit. that is pretty cool. does that also mean the phone never sleeps? and i dunno how you managed to get that video to load at 14s. but you the man for doing it. i see the #t=14s. learn something new every day.

phermey said:
they also just stuck in some arrow keys when the keyboard is active.
will check out that video. saw the thread in themes and had no clue what it was.
edit. that is pretty cool. does that also mean the phone never sleeps? and i dunno how you managed to get that video to load at 14s. but you the man for doing it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah I don't need arrows, I actually prefer them to be normal size. AOKP probably has this feature already, CM has a feature in which if you are on a entry field (typing) you can use volume keys.. up and down to move left and right of your words if you choose to (can be disabled).
the phone does sleep, it's built into a kernel module and uses very minimal battery life. I've used it since I saw it on the GN apps forum. if you use light flow, it probably uses the same amount of battery (or less). lightflow barely interferes with the phone's battery life.
oh that's easy.. just go to any youtube video and right click the video and click "Copy current url at current time" I figured I would save you some time and get to the point

zephiK said:
Ah I don't need arrows, I actually prefer them to be normal size. AOKP probably has this feature already, CM has a feature in which if you are on a entry field (typing) you can use volume keys.. up and down to move left and right of your words if you choose to (can be disabled).
the phone does sleep, it's built into a kernel module and uses very minimal battery life. I've used it since I saw it on the GN apps forum. if you use light flow, it probably uses the same amount of battery (or less). lightflow barely interferes with the phone's battery life.
oh that's easy.. just go to any youtube video and right click the video and click "Copy current url at current time" I figured I would save you some time and get to the point
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i dont use light flow. aokp has something similar baked in.
that pgm app keeps looking better and better. i will be using it. thanks

Can you use custom nav bars on cm10 ?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

colobos said:
Can you use custom nav bars on cm10 ?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Custom nav bars as in... what? You can modify your nav bar to your liking.
Home back recents
Recents Back Home......... whatever combo you want.
i dont use light flow. aokp has something similar baked in.
that pgm app keeps looking better and better. i will be using it. thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't try using it on N4. Not supported yet. Will most likely cause problems if you try it.

zephiK said:
1. Use the search feature. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=35521539
2. CM10 = Android 4.1.X....... does not support Android 4.2.X and does not support N4 (mako)
3. first link. no negatives. its like reformatting your computer. If you go to Windows 8 and don't like it, go back to Windows 7.. what are the negatives? none. just reinstall apps... use titanium backup to backup/restore apps (buy pro version)
4. Yes you can revert back to stock. Nothing is permanent on android.
......... next time, do some research before just straight up asking these questions as they are already answered.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Asking people for their opinions is different to research. I would have to search soo many cm posts to find opinions or I could ask. This forum is q and a so please stop.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

Also, and thanks everyone for your replies I think I'll stick with what I have.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

ANY way to use camera from pin-lockscreen??

Came from Iphone where you can use camera even from a passcode-locked lockscreen. All the answers on the net require a NON-passcode locked lockscreen to get to the camera.
Are there any ways around this?
Thanks

Settings>My Device>Lock Screen
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337

starmanj said:
Came from Iphone where you can use camera even from a passcode-locked lockscreen. All the answers on the net require a NON-passcode locked lockscreen to get to the camera.
Are there any ways around this?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think this is a limitation from Touchwiz. I don't have CM on my phone atm to confirm, but I know that the lockscreen Pin lock behavior is different on the Nexus 7. Meaning the key difference is the fact that on my Nexus 7 I can still use other widgets (Google Now or HD Widgets) on the Pin lock, whereas SGS4 TW does not allow that...

Nope. Wrong. Try adding a passcode and then try adding a camera widget.
JChespirito24 said:
Settings>My Device>Lock Screen
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

nakedninja42 said:
I think this is a limitation from Touchwiz. I don't have CM on my phone atm to confirm, but I know that the lockscreen Pin lock behavior is different on the Nexus 7. Meaning the key difference is the fact that on my Nexus 7 I can still use other widgets (Google Now or HD Widgets) on the Pin lock, whereas SGS4 TW does not allow that...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is correct.... Just tested this on PAC ROM and I could access the camera and other lock screen widgets with both a pattern and pin lock

Right, but is there a ROM or tool to make this work on a Galaxy S4? captivatingtab did you try this on your tab or S4? Also I don't use Touchwiz, I use Nova, which still has this limitation-- so I think it's the ATT Samsung ROM.
It amazes me that ATT/Samsung/Google could put out a ROM that (at least for me) is so buggy and misses key features. Don't want to get into the host of bugs I've found, just trying to get to camera quickly...

starmanj said:
Right, but is there a ROM or tool to make this work on a Galaxy S4? captivatingtab did you try this on your tab or S4? Also I don't use Touchwiz, I use Nova, which still has this limitation-- so I think it's the ATT Samsung ROM.
It amazes me that ATT/Samsung/Google could put out a ROM that (at least for me) is so buggy and misses key features. Don't want to get into the host of bugs I've found, just trying to get to camera quickly...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is the problem with Touchwiz, no matter what custom launcher you run, Lockscreen is still controlled by Touchwiz. Nova(or any other launcher) only replaces the default Touch wiz launchers Touchwiz Home or Easy Launcher, so you are still using Touchwiz with Nova installed, just not the launcher it provides.
This is a Touchwiz problem, having used an HTC One you can access 4 different apps including the Camera from the lock screen as your dock is visible on the lock screen.
If you flash a AOSP rom this problem will most likely go away.

starmanj said:
Came from Iphone where you can use camera even from a passcode-locked lockscreen. All the answers on the net require a NON-passcode locked lockscreen to get to the camera.
Are there any ways around this?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is an alternative lock screen app called LockerPro in the Play store does what you ask, as well a providing lock screen notifications. I think you may still need to enter your PIN before accessing the camera if the timeout has expired, but its still a shortcut. There is a free version called LockerPro Lite that you can try out.

Please read forum rules before posting
Questions and help issues go in Q&A and Help sections
Thread moved
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Sorry you are right, this thread belongs in Q&A.
I tried lockerpro, it doesn't work unless you enter pin as well. Thanks for information, looks like Touchwiz is way behind times-- Iphone has had this for a while, and even before it was on IOS there were Cydia apps that could do this. I'm astonished Android can't do this.
So I guess I have to throw out the AT&T ROM to get rid of Touchwiz?

I have to agree with the OP. I came from an iPhone, and I actually like touchwiz. But not having the ability to use lockscreen widgets with security options is pretty ridiculous.
It should be the users choice to have certain functions available without a password/lock. I understand Samsung attempted to make the device more secure and prevent "uninformed" users from making mistakes; but It should be our choice what we put out there. IMHO.
I not a developer by far, and a long-time lurker of XDA, I wish I had the ability to change Touchwiz to include this.

starmanj said:
Thanks for information, looks like Touchwiz is way behind times-- Iphone has had this for a while, and even before it was on IOS there were Cydia apps that could do this. I'm astonished Android can't do this.
So I guess I have to throw out the AT&T ROM to get rid of Touchwiz?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lets clear some things up...
First and foremost, Touchwiz is the name of the User Interface that we see. Its not an application, it is not a launcher (Nova) or anything, just the User Interface. With that said, Touchwiz features are the extra gimmicks added to the phone like Air View and whatnot. This is the ROM given by Samsung as stock, it has nothing to do with Android itself. So comparing Apple to Oranges (Samsung) is different than comparing iOS to Android (which you are not doing).
So "being behind on times" has nothing to do with Android itself. If you were to load a AOSP (Android Open Source Project) ROM is it the same? Running AOSP on the phone is a different experience than running Touchwiz. It is closer to the Nexus stock experience than using Samsung stock ROM and is what Google wants as Android. So if you want to compare Android and state that your astonished it doesn't do something, then test it on AOSP based ROM and see if Android could do it.
As it has been confirmed anyways that what you want can be done running an AOSP ROM...
captivatingtab said:
This is correct.... Just tested this on PAC ROM and I could access the camera and other lock screen widgets with both a pattern and pin lock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

nakedninja42 you are absolutely correct, thanks. I should say that I'm astonished that Samsung wouldn't offer this on their ROM.
Having said that, and maybe off-topic, my conclusion in moving from Apple to Android is Google allows far too much modification from the manufacturers and carriers to ensure a consistently good experience. Perhaps that's the nature of its open-source approach, but man has it been a massive pain trying to get a quality experience. Bluetooth problems, terrible lag, inconsistent application of UI rules, terrible battery drain-- in exchange for a more open environment (which, yes, is very important to me). Jury is out, I'm still trying to find a good working environment, not giving up yet.

starmanj said:
nakedninja42 you are absolutely correct, thanks. I should say that I'm astonished that Samsung wouldn't offer this on their ROM.
Having said that, and maybe off-topic, my conclusion in moving from Apple to Android is Google allows far too much modification from the manufacturers and carriers to ensure a consistently good experience. Perhaps that's the nature of its open-source approach, but man has it been a massive pain trying to get a quality experience. Bluetooth problems, terrible lag, inconsistent application of UI rules, terrible battery drain-- in exchange for a more open environment (which, yes, is very important to me). Jury is out, I'm still trying to find a good working environment, not giving up yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But as the consumer you have the choice on what you buy. If you want something that has X set of features you can buy it (Nexus for example), if you want other features you buy a different phone. This is not unlike buying a car - most cars (these days) have Bluetooth, but the implementations vary greatly.
You bought a phone with Android, and most stores let you compare dozens of models side by side. If Camera on the lock screen is a requirement, it is easy to test drive to find one that supports this.
My phone is rooted and stock - it has no lag and works fantastically well with superior battery life to any smartphone i have owned. Touchwiz is not perfect, but neither is stock android IMO.
Yes, this is off topic, but the point is that if you want only one way to do something, and only one way, then Apple is for you. I recommend iphones to the technically challenged and older people - they can't get lost. The home button is always there and bails them out from any screen. And I can always help them get to settings and menus are 100% consistent. These people don't want widgets and don't want to do any customization, they want simple consistent experience. Android gives choices and that may mean that one phone has a feature that another phone does not. But then there are 3rd party apps that usually step in to fix things.
Widget locker may let you put the camera on the lockscreen - has anyone tried that?

starmanj said:
Came from Iphone where you can use camera even from a passcode-locked lockscreen. All the answers on the net require a NON-passcode locked lockscreen to get to the camera.
Are there any ways around this?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kjay's framework allows it. You'll need to be on a BMEA ROM to use iy though.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=42350844
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

starmanj said:
nakedninja42 you are absolutely correct, thanks. I should say that I'm astonished that Samsung wouldn't offer this on their ROM.
Having said that, and maybe off-topic, my conclusion in moving from Apple to Android is Google allows far too much modification from the manufacturers and carriers to ensure a consistently good experience. Perhaps that's the nature of its open-source approach, but man has it been a massive pain trying to get a quality experience. Bluetooth problems, terrible lag, inconsistent application of UI rules, terrible battery drain-- in exchange for a more open environment (which, yes, is very important to me). Jury is out, I'm still trying to find a good working environment, not giving up yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The nature of the game... Open-Source...
I haven't had any battery drains... in fact when I go to bed at night, I have ~50% left with the same usage I had on the S3 @ 10%. GoldenEye ROM solved all my other qualms with TouchWiz. I did find it annoying that I cannot use my widgets on the lockscreen that I removed my pattern/pin lock. I generally prefer running AOSP ROMs like CyanogenMOD, but I am waiting for the release of the Google SGS4 to see if the stability improves.

Yes I am waiting for the Google S4 ROM as well. I have CM on all my HP Touchpads so am a bit leary of quality of the device drivers for S4 at this point. The official Google version will fix that.

Theoretically, couldn't someone just find the files for the lockscreen and edit the code to allow it? I mean, it's like natively there already - right?
I haven't tried any custom ROMs, in fact i am pretty close to what the OP is describing, coming from an iPhone and having the learning experience. But I am really bummed I can't do it. lol

So bottom line is there any ROM that will allow the use of camera shortcuts or lockscreen widgets while having a secure lockscreen?

blackguy101 said:
So bottom line is there any ROM that will allow the use of camera shortcuts or lockscreen widgets while having a secure lockscreen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TW no, AOSP yes.
---------- Post added at 01:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:16 PM ----------
shadowfiber said:
Theoretically, couldn't someone just find the files for the lockscreen and edit the code to allow it? I mean, it's like natively there already - right?
I haven't tried any custom ROMs, in fact i am pretty close to what the OP is describing, coming from an iPhone and having the learning experience. But I am really bummed I can't do it. lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Theoretically, yes. I am interested in this myself. I started programming a year ago and haven't had time to learn the ends and outs for Android to try yet. I am hoping someone with greater talents might be able to do it...

Judging interest!

Hey everyone!
I've been looking to get back into ROM development, after a too much so extended break.
So what exactly would you all like to see? Stock, or AOSP? If so, what would you like out of either of these? Leave me some feedback, and let me know what you all would like to see. ^_^

I'd love something like these:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2266993
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2349656
Stock ROM with ports, activated features that were previously hidden, new features...
I'm getting this beauty in a few months when I pass by the US, so I'd love something for it. But seems like 4.2.2 for it is just around the corner, so you could wait a bit before doing anything based on stock...
And, on 4.2.2, PLEASE do one of these hacks that bring the 4.1.2 System Layout back. I hate the 4.2.2 one (status bar at top, buttons at bottom). Suck a waste of screen space...

Felimenta97 said:
I'd love something like these:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2266993
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2349656
Stock ROM with ports, activated features that were previously hidden, new features...
I'm getting this beauty in a few months when I pass by the US, so I'd love something for it. But seems like 4.2.2 for it is just around the corner, so you could wait a bit before doing anything based on stock...
And, on 4.2.2, PLEASE do one of these hacks that bring the 4.1.2 System Layout back. I hate the 4.2.2 one (status bar at top, buttons at bottom). Suck a waste of screen space...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I'll likely be waiting on 4.2.2. And that's also assuming that Sony didn't go ahead and rectify that on the 4.2.2 build. (As that's a rather offsetting UI change.)

Dameon87 said:
Yeah, I'll likely be waiting on 4.2.2. And that's also assuming that Sony didn't go ahead and rectify that on the 4.2.2 build. (As that's a rather offsetting UI change.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. As I've been reading with some people with info, they are finalizing the software. Also, seems like you're a really good dev. Coming from the Samsung Epic 4G and the LG G2x. Can't wait to get my hands on this tablet and also seeing your work here.
See ya another time, bro

i would love you if you could do something similar to slimbean

+1 for something stock based!
Because I definitely want the special features (MHL, IR blaster, Small Apps etc.), and in AOSP-based ROMs it seems rather unlikely that we will get these...

yeah, stock based would be awesome. do not want to miss out on some cool features like the remote control etc

do people look in the development section. Apache; a contest winner is making a ir blaster for aosp roms so we can use tablet as remote
Sent from my SGP311 using xda app-developers app

Yeah, honestly I was thinking something stock based as well, unless I can port some of the features to a CM or AOSP based rom. Truth be told, I actually prefer the Sony interface over AOSP; and I'm a huge AOSP supporter. Sony did it right with their interface. Minimal additions, but all seemingly add to the appeal of the interface. The small apps are quite nice too; and those would be rather hellish to port to AOSP.
@skiwong20 ; That's fine and dandy, but the application is far from mature at this point, and it's hardly the most appealing looking application at this time. No disrespect to the developer, as he's done a great job. But the maturity of the application simply isn't there, yet.

The ROM style I dig is best summed up with a look at the Viper ROMs on HTC devices. Mostly stock, but with an external mod supplied app that allows to toggle all the small and nifty tidbits... Changing app drawer grid size, modifying hardware buttons and the behavior of the soft buttons.
Adding stuff like: quick double tap on task manager icon does not bring up the app list but just toggles back to the last used app. Double tap Home goes directly to Google Now or something else, user-configrable, etc.
If its unclear let me knoe, and I will elaborate, its late here, need to sleep

Dameon87 said:
Hey everyone!
I've been looking to get back into ROM development, after a too much so extended break.
So what exactly would you all like to see? Stock, or AOSP? If so, what would you like out of either of these? Leave me some feedback, and let me know what you all would like to see. ^_^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd like a port of the Nexus 7 Ubuntu desktop ROM to this tablet. I know folks like android, but this thing is basically an HD-res desktop PC. That's thinner than a pencil.
The main hiccup is the Xorg driver, but I think this has some probability of working: http://freedreno.github.io/
Anyway, I'd be willing to collaborate on it, but I'd like to see Ubuntu Core working on this without all the Ubuntu Touch bits...

Felimenta97 said:
activated features that were previously hidden
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got mine for one week, is there hidden stuff that I missed ?
Not so much developement in this section, definitely recovery for locked bootloader is missing, I don't really need it myself as I'll unlock it soon when more stuff will be available but some have requested.
An Advanced Stock Kernel would be cool too, for now only DoomKernel is available.
Just what comes in mind...

babylonbwoy said:
Got mine for one week, is there hidden stuff that I missed ?
Not so much developement in this section, definitely recovery for locked bootloader is missing, I don't really need it myself as I'll unlock it soon when more stuff will be available but some have requested.
An Advanced Stock Kernel would be cool too, for now only DoomKernel is available.
Just what comes in mind...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know exactly in Tablet Z, but if you decompile some apps from Xperia S, Xperia Z, there are stuff in bools.xml, for example, that activates some nice stuff. Sadly, no one managed yet to deodex the stock ROM, that's why there is no stock based ROMs around. You need a deodexed ROM to make some mods...

Tough choice, dev. Stock looks really cool and keeping the functionality of the multitasking windows and the IR blaster would obviously be great, but isn't the lag quite bad in simple scrolling of home screens? I would say pure Android would be better on this device but that is just my humble opinion :cyclops:
Looking forward to seeing your great work.

Well I'm running CM10.1 on my Xperia Z Tablet SGP311 - works pretty well, no GPS, no IR Blaster
Although it has the horrible navigation buttons in the middle - I'm always hitting either home or back or multi-task when I'm typing away furiously - but I must admit that I like the top use for notifications. Seems logical to have it up the top.
Either way OP all I'm after is the something regularly maintained, with good communication. I know thats a lot to ask, but its critical if people want to use your hard work.
Thanks in advance mate.
Tel'X

Which roms have multiwindow?

Hello everyone,
I ordered a Nexus 6P, it should be here in a couple of days.
I'm coming from a Note 5 and one feature I really want to keep is Multi-window. What roms currently have a fully functional multiwindow feature? I know omnirom used to have it, not sure if they still do. Omni Rom's site doesn't even list it anymore.
Marshmallow's crappy multiwindow isn't a preferred option, as it's really half baked.
Android N has it, but I hear the developer previews get really laggy after a while.
Thanks

That's the only multi window there is for now. I suggest you to try N preview, I heard the new one runs relatively stable.

bouncynemoss said:
Hello everyone,
I ordered a Nexus 6P, it should be here in a couple of days.
I'm coming from a Note 5 and one feature I really want to keep is Multi-window. What roms currently have a fully functional multiwindow feature? I know omnirom used to have it, not sure if they still do. Omni Rom's site doesn't even list it anymore.
Marshmallow's crappy multiwindow isn't a preferred option, as it's really half baked.
Android N has it, but I hear the developer previews get really laggy after a while.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Multi-window on N Preview is extremely smooth, compared to the experimental MW in Marshmallow. Plus it now lets you play YouTube videos simultaneously while carrying out tasks in the second window.
I have been using N preview since the second release, I agree that it may freeze some times, but only when a lot of memory hogging apps are running. Otherwise, pair it with a decent custom kernel (I use ElementalX), and you will be fine. And anyways, if it doesn't suit your device, you can always roll-back to MM.

I wonder if someone will port Android N's Multi Window to Android M.
I really dont like N so far.. The cluttered cards in NF tray, the massive recents tabs, and the ridiculously tiny google keyboard when setting custom DPI. Its a huge mess, and I doubt those things will be fixed.

imatts said:
I wonder if someone will port Android N's Multi Window to Android M.
I really dont like N so far.. The cluttered cards in NF tray, the massive recents tabs, and the ridiculously tiny google keyboard when setting custom DPI. Its a huge mess, and I doubt those things will be fixed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do realize its a developer's preview/BETA right ? So its kinda gonna be a mess since they're still working the kinks out AND asking for feedback. So those complaints you have? (Which are legitimate i agree) Click the little N button in the the pull-down menu and let google know. That's how an open beta works.Hopefully they fix it and if not the bright minds here on XDA probably can. I myself gave feedback on how it'd be nice to have an expanded power menu for power users.

OMGBrowniez said:
You do realize its a developer's preview/BETA right ? So its kinda gonna be a mess since they're still working the kinks out AND asking for feedback. So those complaints you have? (Which are legitimate i agree) Click the little N button in the the pull-down menu and let google know. That's how an open beta works.Hopefully they fix it and if not the bright minds here on XDA probably can. I myself gave feedback on how it'd be nice to have an expanded power menu for power users.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am familiar with the reporting process, and I have made dozens of suggestions.

MIUI 8 Have multi window feature....
Sent from my 2014818 using XDA-Developers mobile app