Now that we have wallpapers and widgets up and running (see here, root required!) I'm curious on which launcher you use and which pro's and cons you can share!
There's enough general threads about launchers, so let's ask FireTV-specific questions:
Is the launcher fully controllable with the FireTV's remote?
Are font & symbol sizes adjustable?
Obviously XBMC and SPMC work fine, so we won't discuss them here.
Nova Launcher
+ super fluid with all the features and themes it is known for
- navigation through different home screens requires at least one app icon on EVERY screen (you get stuck if you don't have one)
- Cannot change font size (on small screens this can be a drawback)
- mouse needed to arrange icons and widgets
I think it's wise to disable dock, as it does not really give a fluid navigation feeling...
FiredTV Launcher
+ runs even without root (kinda)
+ navigtion is perfectly fine with the remote
+ has it's own wallpaper mechanism
+ customize font and symbol size
- sometimes "forgets" your custom icon order (bugs)
- no widget support
- no live wallpaper support
You can add Square Home Launcher. (Tablet) version wallpapers & live wallpapers will work.
However same like with Nova you need mouse to drag icons & widgets (if possible) in Nova yes it is, in Square Home I had trouble.
Without using Llama or some other untiity, FiredTV didn't work for me. I chose not to install Xposed for now security-wise. Did anyone get it to work? I even tried with the FireTV launcher helper util
E--Man said:
Without using Llama or some other untiity, FiredTV didn't work for me. I chose not to install Xposed for now security-wise. Did anyone get it to work? I even tried with the FireTV launcher helper util
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What security-wise reasons?
There isn't a way that works perfectly yet without xposed so it's either xposed with whatever security-wise reasons you have or you have to stick with using llama which isn't always working perfectly.
oops. wrong window. ignore this.
E--Man said:
Without using Llama or some other untiity, FiredTV didn't work for me. I chose not to install Xposed for now security-wise. Did anyone get it to work? I even tried with the FireTV launcher helper util
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Fired TV on the stick, without root. Use Autopilot to start the launch on boot. Enable home key detection in settings. Works perfectly.
I just installed FiredTV on my stick; works great.
How do i set Nova Launcher as my default on Fire TV. And how do i switch b/w Nova and Stock home screen using my remote.
Can someone guide me with some instructions. Thanks.
ncube2 said:
How do i set Nova Launcher as my default on Fire TV. And how do i switch b/w Nova and Stock home screen using my remote.
Can someone guide me with some instructions. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With Root: xposed,rbox ftv tools
Without Root: aftvlauncher helper and set it to a launcher,and select home key detection.
Related
Sorry if this is posted in the wrong area.
I am looking for a launcher that just displays a list of all the applications installed on the NC. I have tried all the usual suspects (LauncherPro, ADW, Zeam, Go Launcher etc) but they all go the desktop first and then you need to open the app drawer to access the shortcuts. I could add shortcuts to the desktop but it does not seem to be a good use of time when the shortcuts to all apps are already there.
It would be nice if the launcher had a dock of favorite apps but not necessary. It would be even nicer if press the Home (N) button in the launcher displayed a list of running programs.
In summary, the launcher should work like the Home screen on iOS.
Any suggestions? Be nice now ;-)
Thanks
Have you tried the MIUI roms yet? They are basically designed to look like the iPhone design. If your just wanting a different home replacement then I always liked the Zeam Launcher because you could add like 4-5 shortcuts to the dock bar...hopefully this helps..
Sent from my HTC Pyramid using XDA Premium App
Thanks for the suggestion
I don't really want to try a non-standard ROM at the moment. I did try some of the MIUI themes for ADW and other launchers but all the themes really do is change the icons. That is, the functionality of the launcher does not change. The default screen for the launcher is the desktop and you have to add shortcuts to the desktop.
I might try loading a MIUI ROM on a bootable SD card and see how that works.
Thanks again
ugrxda said:
Sorry if this is posted in the wrong area.
I am looking for a launcher that just displays a list of all the applications installed on the NC. I have tried all the usual suspects (LauncherPro, ADW, Zeam, Go Launcher etc) but they all go the desktop first and then you need to open the app drawer to access the shortcuts. I could add shortcuts to the desktop but it does not seem to be a good use of time when the shortcuts to all apps are already there.
It would be nice if the launcher had a dock of favorite apps but not necessary. It would be even nicer if press the Home (N) button in the launcher displayed a list of running programs.
In summary, the launcher should work like the Home screen on iOS.
Any suggestions? Be nice now ;-)
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't tried it...possibly get a key remapper. I think one of the launchers has one for the home key...see if this will work...
Ok, so I'm trying to find a decent launcher for the HDX. I'm going to chronicle my struggle with this great launcher deficit. I do realize there is a "Working Launcher Thread", but it's rather strewn about and disorganized. I would like to make my first contribution to this forum a comprehensive Launcher list, with a quick n' dirty prognosis of each item.
Kindle Fire HDX 7"
Stock ROM Version 13.3.2.4
Rooted with Towelroot
OTA Updates Disabled
I was just going to flash a new ROM, but I was not able to boot into any ROM Manager. If anyone could point me in the direction of a good ROM and ROM Manager that works with the KFHDX7, I'd be highly appreciative. Now, I digress.
Key:
Glitchy and/or Sucky
Mediocre
Awesomesauce
Tested the following launchers:
Otter(aka stock "Home"): Obviously, this one sucks the proverbial balls. No customizability, no widgets. My whole motivation for rooting.
Next Launcher 3D 3.10: Looked pretty, but unfortunately too glitchy.
GO Launcher HD: Stable thus far. Somewhat busy. GO Widgets work, if you have Google Play.
KitKat Launcher 1.14: Stable, minimalist design. Surprisingly, did use slightly more RAM than relatively cluttered GO Launcher(without Widgets activated)
Holo Launcher HD 2.0.4: Worked great until I rebooted. Sent my device into epileptic crisis.
Galaxy/Touchwiz Beta v5: Always in landscape mode, would not react to moving device to portrait mode.
GEL/Google Now: Widget support! However, I did need the Xposed Framework and GEL Settings app to make things work properly.
Unfortunately, NONE of the launchers had native widget support. They would simply crash when trying to add a launcher to the homescreen. I'm guessing this has something to do with the KFHDX OS itself. The exception to this was GO Launcher, which had working GO Widgets. To be honest, I wasn't overly impressed by the GO Widgets.
Also, another common theme was issues with the screen orientation.Several launchers had problems with device orientation. When in landscape mode with Next, you could not move icons around. The screen would invert, and you would 'drop' the icon. When in portrait mode, the persistent launcher frame with the Home/Back/Apps/Search button would cause the Next launcher bar to overlap some of the icons on the screen, thereby rendering them inaccessible. The same thing happened with KitKat as far as being unable to move icons around when in landscape mode. However, there was no issue with overlapping elements, so this was less of a deal-breaker.
I use Nova on mine. Everything works great widgets and all.
I'm using the everythingme launcher. Its my new favorite.
Sent from my KFAPWI using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Everything me crashed on me every time
Nova prime and Apex both working perfectly. Widget support, wallpapers etc
I installed KK Launcher from the Play Store. Once downloaded you can all install the KK Locker which will replace your Amazon lockscreen with KitKat style one. In the settings of KK Locker choose the disable default lockscreen option and it will take you to the amazon lockscreen options, then back out of it. Reboot device. The amazon lockscreen will appear for a few seconds, then disappear. From then on, the KK Locker screen always appears, no double lockscreen. If you download Android L Wallpapers by AKWS, you can use it to change wallpapers. You can also change the keyboard by installing keyboard of your choice and then finding it under keyboard languages. I installed Android L keyboard from the Play Store and found it under languages as "English (United States)" and checked it. There is another option with same name already checked and that was the Amazon Keyboard, which I unchecked. Then selected the checked keyboard under default and voila. Now my Fire HDX looks like an AOSP Android L (except when entering settings).
BTW - If you go to the app drawer within the launch and select manage apps, it will open the Amazon app manager, but you will lose your onscreen buttons at the bottom of the screen. I did this while typing this post ... still trying to get them back Maybe I can figure out how to load the AOSP buttons in their place:fingers-crossed:
KK Launcher : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kk.launcher&hl=en
KK Locker : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kk.locker&hl=en
Android L Wallpapers : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=alexanderkazmin.androidlwallpapers&hl=en
Android L Keyboard : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.e.android.softkeyboard&hl=en
First a preamble....
I am thinking this might be better placed in the themes and apps section, but I am not sure.
If you have read all of the posts about bricking, you would know that flashing a replacement Rom is both dangerous and bound to fail because we do not have an unlocked boot loader yet.
Be careful with implementation, but if you want to experiment with alternate roms, head over to the developer section, read everything about Dagestan for your particular device, and then have a it. Be sure the first thing you do is back up your current Rom. Then make a new slot, and only make changes on new slots.
Okay with that our of the way...
As others have stated, I use Nova. It is quite nice.
For those of you who have issues with typical Android things like wallpapers and widgets, Amazon left out some apps that run those services. Some launchers do not need those services to implement those things. Most do.
You can install those services safely (without locking up your device) by using Kindle Free. It is an app that is in the play store. I just used the free one.
I was happy to discover that even Amazon Native apps come with widgets that can be used once the fix is applied.
I am on the OEM Rom, rooted.
Good luck. Sorry if this comes across as pejorative, but a lot of people are bricking their devices and I would hate for that
T to happen to anyone else.
Apex works well for me. Love that you can resize widgets. Wallpapers work well. That being said, there is the occasional glitch that is fixed with a reboot.
rootnooby said:
Apex works well for me. Love that you can resize widgets. Wallpapers work well. That being said, there is the occasional glitch that is fixed with a reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazon Kindle doesn't open when I use Apex. Haven't tried other launchers but expect the same thing to occur. Does anyone have any ideas on how to fix that?
Thanks
I see you've come to learn how to change the Amazon Fire HD 6/ Amazon Fire HD 7 Wallpaper with no root required! Now before we begin, I must explain something. There are two methods that I've discovered and they both have their pros and cons so please don't complain. Let's begin!
Method 1:
Now this method applies only to certain launchers, for example the only launchers that have worked for me that I've tried so far are: Jolla Launcher and Buzz Launcher. You just have to set your wallpaper and it just works. I do think that this works by using an overlay effect but I'm not completely sure.
Method 2:
Now this has some disadvantages: You can't have apps over the image and the image doesn't cover the whole screen but most of it.
Download the apk from here: "apkgames.apk.onl/app/com.billyfrancisco.photogallerywidget.html" and install it.
Next on a launcher you want to use this on, app a widget and choose the 5x5 widget choose the picture you want to set and there you go. You can also scale the widget to make the image bigger or smaller.
Thanks for checking this thread out and I hope I helped!
yes i used buzz launcher and thanks to powerpoint45 for gapps and default launcher tutorial. Now i love HD 6 even more bc of the 6" size lol. The only thing that I really need is root and adaway, otherwise it's awesome no complaint.
Do widgets work with buzzlauncher ?
I think they do I'll have to check.
yes widgets work
Installed buzz launcher, disabled stock launcher via ADB but can't add widgets to homescreens. Just end up in the Fire HD Settings Menu, same issue as I had with Nova Launcher when trying to add widgets.
Stoffl_ said:
Installed buzz launcher, disabled stock launcher via ADB but can't add widgets to homescreens. Just end up in the Fire HD Settings Menu, same issue as I had with Nova Launcher when trying to add widgets.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you tell me how you are adding the widget(s)? Are you tapping them? Dragging them out? Also, try adding a different widget if one isn't working.
just go to app draw then hit widget tab, from there just hold any widget to the homescreen .
Here is the sample: spotify, flipboard, weather, youtube.
Drew123abc123 said:
Can you tell me how you are adding the widget(s)? Are you tapping them? Dragging them out? Also, try adding a different widget if one isn't working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
long press on homescreen, add, choose widget.
Only one that worked was the googel search bar, pretty much everything else ends up in the Fire HDs settings menu.
*edit* Tried dragging the widgets out of the app drawer, same result.
Maybe it's related to blocking all the Amazon processes as per this post http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=58360063&postcount=5
So I tried unblocking everything except com.amazon.kindle.otter(the native Fire HD launcher) and rebooted the device.
Tried to add widgets again but nope, none except the fire HDs natives internet search bar works. Not even the buzz widgets.
Stoffl_ said:
So I tried unblocking everything except com.amazon.kindle.otter(the native Fire HD launcher) and rebooted the device.
Tried to add widgets again but nope, none except the fire HDs natives internet search bar works. Not even the buzz widgets.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you using the built-in Buzz Launcher Widgets? It could be those. Try installing other widgets and let me know if that works because it's probably just the Buzz Launcher Widgets. Also, try applying a different theme as for some themes may not allow certain widgets.
Drew123abc123 said:
Are you using the built-in Buzz Launcher Widgets? It could be those. Try installing other widgets and let me know if that works because it's probably just the Buzz Launcher Widgets. Also, try applying a different theme as for some themes may not allow certain widgets.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I've tried loads.
VLC, 1Weather, google now, google calendar, calculator,email, tapatalk, google play music, ....
Another theme is a good idea...which one you're using in your screenshot ?
I've tried 2 or 3 random themes but with those adding widgets also doesn't work(pops up system Settings menu)
It works
By doing what as you told, it seems like works, good job for you!
Thanks so much Works for me.
droidnext said:
yes i used buzz launcher and thanks to powerpoint45 for gapps and default launcher tutorial. Now i love HD 6 even more bc of the 6" size lol. The only thing that I really need is root and adaway, otherwise it's awesome no complaint.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WOOT
Sent from my KFARWI using Tapatalk
November 30 EDIT: This was written for Developers Preview. Probably much will apply to later releases, but it needs updating.
Here's a place to discuss Lollipop, unrelated to doing the update. (Bibikalka's how-to-update thread is here.)
Got Lollipop? What's your take on speed/stability/UI? Got a favorite tip or workaround--or just want to compare notes? Me, too. I'm posting here!
For people trying to decide about upgrading, here's my quick take:
Speed (subjective, depends on use) I don't use Fire for gaming. To me, speed seems same as 4.5.4
Stability (EDIT day 12): So far, just great. Hung it once with some cross-purpose Xposed modules, but it booted out no problem.
UI improvements: Lockscreen wallpaper; normal-looking launcher; add wallpaper/widgets/shortcuts to launcher; Lolli-style nav bar, notifications and recents (see attachments)
UI cons (for me): Can only add widgets to stock launcher (won't stick on custom), but stock has no Settings so gotta live with stock icons, persistent amazon.com search bar, 1-page dock, non-customizable status/nav bar, and more
EDIT day 7: People have already posted workarounds for some of these, as well as thoughts on speed and stability. I highly recommend installing Xposed; it's turning out to be very useful.
EDIT day 12: We have widgets! (post #34) Try converting custom launcher to system app. Works for Nova, anyway
EDIT Aug 16: Kindle Reader is broken. You can access books through Bookstore app or offline with hacked app. (post #37)
EDIT Aug 22, OS 5.2.2: Sure, Play Store is broken --fortunately, HDXposed module makes it work--but Books and other Amazon apps are fixed. See @meganoahj posts here
Random thoughts:
- What's with the Developer Preview not having developer options? (EDIT! Oh, heck, it's there! Just multi-tap the serial number, like since forever!)
- Expanded external market link choices! Haha! They include: Ask, go to appstore, don't go to appstore. "Don't go" just means do nothing; still need to block appstore to make in-app links open Play Store.
(attachments)
1 - pull-down notifications on lockscreen
2 - stock launcher w/clock widget
3 - Nova w/transparent nav bar/status bar (no widgets!)
transparent nav bar and widgets
Do you have translucent navbar/status bar on stock lollipop launcher? (I could swear I did until I set something in Nova and rebooted. Now they're both 100% black on stock.) Also, anyone found a way to get widgets on a custom launcher? Thanks!
Hey is there any chance you can see if hangouts will push notifications on lollipop update? I don't receive notifications until the app is open on 4.5.4 thanks!
I pm'd you.
EDIT: No, Hangouts didn't notify. Gmail & G+ do, xda sometimes. FB, idk. What's the deal?!
I have to toggle WiFi to get it to connect sometimes. Do we loose root after factory reset?
Stability seems rock solid, speed is the same. I disable as many Amazon apps as I can. Running Xposed w/ GB and a few others, works flawlessly (for the most part). I've had trouble getting Viper audio working, though.
IMO it's a decent update, worth daily use.
pcrhckyman said:
Stability seems rock solid, speed is the same. I disable as many Amazon apps as I can. Running Xposed w/ GB and a few others, works flawlessly (for the most part). I've had trouble getting Viper audio working, though.
IMO it's a decent update, worth daily use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which version of exposed are you running?
Edit: Oh, found siegesoldier's post in the other thread. Looking forward to trying out Gravity Box on this!
pcrhckyman said:
Stability seems rock solid, speed is the same. I disable as many Amazon apps as I can. Running Xposed w/ GB and a few others, works flawlessly (for the most part). I've had trouble getting Viper audio working, though.
IMO it's a decent update, worth daily use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So this let's you have google search instead of Amazon search? I might get in on this. I don't xposed before, is it necessary to using this? What do you use it for?
argrr101 said:
Which version of exposed are you running?
Edit: Oh, found siegesoldier's post in the other thread. Looking forward to trying out Gravity Box on this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YMMV with GravityBox, but I think it's better suited for Lollipop on this device... Amazon seems to have made less modifications to Android this time, making it possible to modify multitasking and the navbar, which was never possible with KK.
dardack said:
So this let's you have google search instead of Amazon search? I might get in on this. I don't xposed before, is it necessary to using this? What do you use it for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, though all I did was disable the "Unified Search" apk. After installing Google Search, setting it to default and a reboot, it seems to have replaced it everywhere.
pcrhckyman said:
Stability seems rock solid, speed is the same. I disable as many Amazon apps as I can. Running Xposed w/ GB and a few others, works flawlessly (for the most part). I've had trouble getting Viper audio working, though.
IMO it's a decent update, worth daily use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wich launcher is this?
meganoahj said:
Wich launcher is this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apex Launcher
Replace or delete Amazon.com search bar
Thanks @pcrhckyman for this! I've added a small variation. (Note: The "Unified Search" app is com.amazon.kindle.unifiedSearch)
To replace with Google search bar:
pcrhckyman said:
. . . all I did was disable the "Unified Search" apk. After installing Google Search, setting it to default and a reboot, it seems to have replaced it everywhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To delete:
Just disable the Unified Search app. If the bar turns white and doesn't disappear, reboot. FWIW, the stock browser actually uses Google search engine now, not Bing.
Everything running fine, feels just as fast as 4.5.3 as least. I haven't had any bugs of fcs yet! Running Nova Launcher and xposed (some tweaks with gravity box but that's it). Worth mentioning some things in gravity box don't work, for example I can't get expanded desktop or get rid of the navigation bar.
cerice74 said:
Hey is there any chance you can see if hangouts will push notifications on lollipop update? I don't receive notifications until the app is open on 4.5.4 thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Push notifications aren't working for me at all since updating to Lollipop. Has anyone been able to get them to work?
argrr101 said:
Everything running fine, feels just as fast as 4.5.3 as least. I haven't had any bugs of fcs yet! Running Nova Launcher and xposed (some tweaks with gravity box but that's it). Worth mentioning some things in gravity box don't work, for example I can't get expanded desktop or get rid of the navigation bar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using "Force Immersive Mode" module for expanded desktop. It's per-app and I use it on (stock) launcher. Also enabled translucent decor in GB. It works on both bars in launcher (nice look, I think) but only on status bar in some apps. (You know, Nova had its own expanded desktop option, which seems to have gone missing, kinda like widgets. You can't get widgets on Nova, right?)
Try nav bar tweaks in GB again. I definitely was able to disable nav bar (lol, good thing I had pie controls on!) Also, nav bar height is working.
Working smooth
No problem for me either.
Everything seems stable, no bugs.
thanks a lot.
DoLooper said:
I'm using "Force Immersive Mode" module for expanded desktop. It's per-app and I use it on (stock) launcher. Also enabled translucent decor in GB. It works on both bars in launcher (nice look, I think) but only on status bar in some apps. (You know, Nova had its own expanded desktop option, which seems to have gone missing, kinda like widgets. You can't get widgets on Nova, right?)
Try nav bar tweaks in GB again. I definitely was able to disable nav bar (lol, good thing I had pie controls on!) Also, nav bar height is working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh got rid of the nav bar, thanks!
And yeah, no widgets on Nova
Anyone able to login on SnapChat? I get an problem connecting to server every time I try
Am I going to have to revert to 4.5.3 to gain root or is there a way to gain it in the developer's build? I'm really new to using ADB and worried about screwing something up.
Sent from my LG-H811 using XDA Forums Pro.
ROMAddiction said:
Am I going to have to revert to 4.5.3 to gain root or is there a way to gain it in the developer's build? I'm really new to using ADB and worried about screwing something up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps, try the latest KingRoot, see what it does?
Otherwise there is no known way to get root from within 5.2.0 You need to have root and then install 5.2.0 while keeping root.
I have LineageOS 19.1 (AndroidTV) installed on my new walmart tv box.
Is there any way to set nova launcher as a default launcher on this platform?
I did use button remapper as a temp solution, but would rather make it native.
You can change the default launcher but nova isn't designed for Android tv. I suggest atv launcher, flauncher, or dashboard
Search on GitHub for Android tv launcher manager
Also use button mapper from the playstore to change the home button to the new launcher
If open source means anything to you, google open source android tv launcher and you'll find a reddit post that has a huge list and you can look through to see what you like
Frankly, I am not a big fan of Android TV optimized launchers.
I am a very OCD kinda guy, and all my devices all have the very same layout.
A few programs in the dock and an analogue clock widget (and nothing more).
Could I achieve it, with Google TV launcher, or any of the other TV optimized launchers?
P.S I did install button remapper as a temporary measure, but it doesn't give me 100%.
For instance from Google play store, home button takes me to Google launcher so I have to press home twice to get to Nova.
matrix200200 said:
Frankly, I am not a big fan of Android TV optimized launchers.
I am a very OCD kinda guy, and all my devices all have the very same layout.
A few programs in the dock and an analogue clock widget (and nothing more).
Could I achieve it, with Google TV launcher, or any of the other TV optimized launchers?
P.S I did install button remapper as a temporary measure, but it doesn't give me 100%.
For instance from Google play store, home button takes me to Google launcher so I have to press home twice to get to Nova.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why I also said to use the android launcher manager from GitHub that's what disables the stock launcher
matrix200200 said:
Frankly, I am not a big fan of Android TV optimized launchers.
I am a very OCD kinda guy, and all my devices all have the very same layout.
A few programs in the dock and an analogue clock widget (and nothing more).
Could I achieve it, with Google TV launcher, or any of the other TV optimized launchers?
P.S I did install button remapper as a temporary measure, but it doesn't give me 100%.
For instance from Google play store, home button takes me to Google launcher so I have to press home twice to get to Nova.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe this helps:: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...-launcher-of-android-12.4512821/post-87787765
Cheers
It did, but not directly, thanks.
The original method proposed there, doesn't work.
Using launcher manager oddly didn't work either.
What did work, is uninstalling android tv launcher via adb and then using launcher manager to set nova as default.