Database Users

Useful apps and tools you might not know about

I wanted to start a thread for community members to learn about some apps they might not know about, but would love if they did.
Mods, please don't move this to the "apps" sections. I understand it would be the likely choice. But in "general" it will be more viewed by the average user it's intended for. I'd like to encourage others to provide some apps or tools they use that they believe would be beneficial to the user.
Our tired EVOs might be using an AARP card by now, but some of these programs may give it a new feel and breath life back into the OG.
1. ROM Toolbox: Even tho I know many of you are familiar with this app, I don't believe everyone knows it's full potential. Especially when you unlock "pro". What doesn't it do? Font changer, boot animations to pick from, cpu set, auto memory manager, root file explorer, a2sd, adFree, Termainl Emulator, backup and restore, kernel tweaks., one of the best uninstallers I ever used with the ability to "freeze" apps.
It's probably the most useful app ever invented for the rooted user. Has a clean interface and easy to navigate. Go check it out. It will replace about 20 apps you might already have.
2. Cache Cleaner NG: schedule cleaning on internal & SD storage. One click to clean. Simple, effective. Nuff said.
3. TSF Shell: A launcher that I was turned onto by a post from Ropodope. It's simply beautiful and like something you've never used before. The speed and response of this launcher is unmatched. And the animations are smooth. Tho it lacks a great deal of widgets, it makes up in customization and look you've never seen.
4. SPB Shell: another launcher, maybe even more visually appealing than TSF but with less options. It's a nice change of pace to the norm and something worth checking out.
5. CoPilot Live: GPS Navigation like you've never seen. About the only one I've found better than the Google mainstay. It downloads the maps to your SD. (About 250mb by region). This way it can guide you even if you lose data coverage. Clean interface. Easy to use and maps are updated often,
6. History Eraser by INFOLIFE: Simple. Cleans SMS MMS browser and call log in one click. Downside is even tho there is an option for you tube and search, it will lead you to manual erase.
7. iTag: Auto tags your mp3s. Adds album art from a huge database. This app is more complete than almost any program you can use for your CPU.
8. GTunes Music V6: music download. Has access to billboard charts to get popular radio play mp3s fast. But also finds songs that Frostwire can't. Upgrading unlocks more engines and you can find almost anything you can think of.
9. Crop Wallpaper: The ability to use entire picture as wallpaper. There is alot out there but this hands down the most effective and easy use.
10. Holo Launcher: ICS look and feel for GB. Super quick and small file size. Only surpassed in speed by TSF, this launcher does a great job emulating ICS when you still want use of FFC and camcorder. Not very customizable, but you're looking for ICS right?
Im sure there are a ton of apps out there "I" don't know about, but would become mainstays if I did. I encourage all of you to try some of these great apps out, but also give back and let others know some great ones you've found along your way.
Please refrain from posting about games, this thread is to be dedicated to "useful" apps.
Let's all learn a little more about the ever growing Android community.

Thanks for iTag didn't know about that one.
that stoner at Circle K

Buisness Calender: great if you use your smart phone as a personal organizer. This app syncs with Google so all your events will save to your account. Main advantage to this app is the plethora of Widgets available. With color combination and size structures. See below
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}

CoPilot is just what I've been looking for. For some reason Google Maps will not pinpoint or navigate my phone when several other apps would so I know it's not my drivers.

Along the Calendar line, I use Pure Grid Calendar Widget...HipKat turned me on to that one
Battery Monitor Widget Free/Pro
Better Battery Stats...to check for wakelocks
Net Monitor...to check what tower you are connected to and signal strength and map to tower.
To name a few.

No Lock: very simple widget that will allow you to disable your lock screen. Simple. Effective. Can also be used as a fix for slow unlocks upon waking screen

SD Maid: a great program that cleans up the remnants of deleted files on your SD card. Thought you got rid of that stuff? Guess again. This program will 100% free up space on the SD. Whether its 1mb or 500mb you'll be happier in the long run. Try it out.

Indredicontrol for havs kernels
Easily and quickly adjust voltages and governers

KeepScreen: will disable screen timeout. Very useful when using certain car docks or Google books. Best part is you can set it to only work when specific apps are running.

Boot Manager....install and boot roms from sd card.... haven't yet dabbled with it but sounds cool
Screen Off Widget--click to turn off screen...also has an invisible widget!
Note Everything.... quite possibly the best note taking/reminder app I have used.

Reboot scheduler by dread7 let's u plan and schedule a reboot however often u want. Nice little widget also
sent using a freaking pigeon, with a note tied to its leg.

I like seeing people adding to this. Also glad that these apps you're listing are truly apps I've never heard of bit have caught my interest. Keep it going boys.

Llama, is a really useful app. You can train it to know your home /work area and then set actions based on when you enter/leave that area. So I have it turn to silent when I enter work, disable wi-fi etc then when I leave it switches all of those back on, handy!
Sent from my GT-I9000

Good idea man, here are a few I can't live without....
ChargeBar - Adds a highly customizable battery bar to whatever Rom you are on (Miui, reverse, or centered) (top or bottom or below status bar...or top or bottom of Nav. bar)
Amazon App Store - They give away a paid app everyday for free...nuff said!
Audio Manager - Perfect hide it app so your girl or friends don't see your porn files on your phone...also lets you hide SMS and apps you don't wanna have to explain...and its FREE! and updated regularly.
ScoreMobile - If you are a sports fan, this is a great app to use to follow your teams. You can set up alerts for the teams in whatever sport you wanna follow, also has up to the minute scoring in a great looking widget also has stats for the game at the push of a button...and its F.R. DOUBLE. E.!
Zedge - Hands down the best all in one wallpaper, ringtone, and notification downloader ever all in a beautiful interface and also FREE!
Quickpic - The best gallery replacement your phone will ever need. It has a beautiful UI and great animations, its updated regularly, and also FREE!
Doggcatcher - I love podcasts simply put, this app is expensive but worth every penny. Its easy to use, you can find what you want, and it has worked like a champ regardless of whatever Rom I've been on. Alot of the free podcast apps I've used are crap, can't pull everything I listen to, or can only stream. It is also updated regularly!
Enjoy!
Sent from my Curiosity rover on Mars using radio waves

bimmerman7 said:
Good idea man, here are a few I can't live without....
ChargeBar - Adds a highly customizable battery bar to whatever Rom you are on (Miui, reverse, or centered) (top or bottom or below status bar...or top or bottom of Nav. bar)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that 1 bimmerman7!!!
I'd nominate BeWeather & Widgets Pro for a good weather app/widget. The animations are just beautiful and well worth the $.99 IMO.
From the developer:
Bellshare Inc said:
Makes even bad weather look good!
See the current weather in stunning high definition weather animations! Contains many beautiful and highly customizable weather and clock widgets.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Yeah. I like that BeWeather widget with the simple text. I got to say that's pretty tight.

Contact Picture Sync: you can pull any profile picture off Facebook and link it with anyone in your contact. Very quick and useful for those roms that have problems syncing Facebook to contacts.

sms backup and restore. a necessity for you flash junkies.

alaman68 said:
sms backup and restore. a necessity for you flash junkies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Might as well pair that with Call Log backup and restore.
Sent from my PC36100 using xda premium

These are some of the mainstream apps that I find useful:
Better Battery Stats: provides a comprehensive analysis of your battery usage
Titanium : backs up apps, system settings & data, call logs, messages
Pixlr o matic : a very useful picture editing app. Has tons of options and very easy to apply.
Audi manager pro : let's you set profiles and set schedules for them. Useful for me as I don't have to keep decreasing the volume when I get to work or setting the phone to silent when I sleep. The profiles are applied based on the set time.
Cam scanner : use your phone as a scanner. Allows you to take batch scans, enhance images, convert to pdf, password protect docs, integrated with Drop Box and Box for cloud storage
Convert pad : one stop for all your conversions. Let's you set user defined metrics too.
Glympse : real time gps tracking.
Distance and area measurement : let's you calculate distance of travel or area of the closed path you've taken.
SMS scheduler : schedules SMS to be sent whenever. No more grief from those friends who get upset if you don't wish em at 12am on their birthday
Smart app protector : lock specific apps. Useful to lock up social apps when handing your phone over to nosy people.
Adobe reader : very useful pdf reader.
DROID Stats : keeps a track of your calls, SMS, data and let's you keep a track of your costs and limits.
Sent from my GT-I9100

[APP][2.3+] MIUI V5 Launcher for Tablets

{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
MiLauncher for Tablets​
I'm proud to announce the overhaul of the MIUI Launcher for Tablets.
It's been a very long time since I've updated the project, as when I left it, (due to not owning a tablet any more) I believed that it was working as I had intended on Tablets, sadly, as of Android 4.3 that was no longer the case.
With the release of Android 4.4 I obtained another tablet and decided to update the project. This is the result of my work, my research and the help of a few others, who will be mentioned below.
Please, provide feedback, hit thanks, and most importantly, enjoy it. Please understand that this is currently in beta, the bugs that it currently contains are all small graphical quality of life ones, and I'll be getting right on those.
As someone who is studying full time, please understand that I don't have a lot of free time, but I'll do my best to update this regularly and respond to any concerns or issues you may have.
I do not give permission for my work to be redistributed, direct linked or posted anywhere else other then XDA-developers.com or en.miui.com forums. Anyone who shares this must post a link to this thread and give credit.
Landscape Mode Only - Persistent for the moment.
Grid Sizing Options;
-6x6
-7x5
-8x5
-8x6
Pretty MIUI Icons
Various Transition Effects
Hide apps from your home screen and make their access pin protected!
MIUI Widgets
MIUI Theme Market
Android 2.3-4.4 support
Code:
Beta 1:
31st March 2014
Initial re-release
Based off MiHome 2.22.0
Resolved an issue where the launcher would not open on Android 4.3 and 4.4 devices
Not really a ton to say as of yet
They're probably a little giant, brace yourself.
​

Bug or Graphical Issue / Work around
Beta 1:
The weather clock 4x2, Clock 2x1 and Clock 2x2 do not appear graphically correct on the HP Touchpad.
> Pending further feedback from other devices.
In the Launcher Settings -> Launcher: There is text that does not appear in english.
>This is the Hide Apps With a Pin Function.
Static Wallpapers seem blurred when using this launcher on the HP Touchpad.
> Pending further feedback from other devices, not sure if this is device specific or not, Live Wallpapers Seem to Work Fine.
There is text that does not appear in english in the themes market
Obviously as the market stuff is server side, I can't change that, however there may be a few local images > Pending further investigation.
MIUI Express Locker is terribly scaled, low res and buggy
> Disable Express Locker, which is stated in the install instructions anyway.
This is something I'm still looking into and I'm not sure if I can fix it, generally it's about as buggy and slow as most lock screen replacements anyway,
not sure if they've improved that from the last time I used MiHome on a phone > Pending further investigation.
If you have an issue be it graphical or performance based, the first step is to make sure it isn't a bug from your rom,
if you've excluded that possibility post in the main thread, for me to be able to do anything with it, you must include;
Code:
Your Device Name
Your Android Version
Your Current Rom
Your Device DPI
Version of this Launcher
The problem.
If you haven't followed the install instructions below, don't expect me to do anything to resolve your issue until you do.
Part 1:
Download and Install MiHome-Step1.apk
Once the launcher loads slide up from above the nav bar and hit "Launcher Settings."
Scroll down the options until you find "Cell Layout Type"
Hit it and select the option that suits your device best
Please choose wisely because you'll need to re-install the app to change this.
Part 2
Download and Install ZSC.mihome.BX.apk, (X being the latest version number)
You will be prompted to update MiHome, obviously confirm it.
Once MiHome loads, you may or may not notice a rather mangled looking clock widget.
I am aware of this and for the moment, delete it.
Head into launcher settings, if you don't have a physical menu button look in the next section.
Hit the "Lockscreen" option, uncheck "Use MiHome Locker",
this is the lockscreen replacement Xiaomi includes with the launcher.
It doesn't play well with larger screens or landscape as of the moment
Optional But Very Recommended
If you do not have a physical menu key,
long press an empty part of the screen and hit the "Toolbox" icon.
Select the "Launcher Settings" icon on the far right.
You'll see the icon is on your home screen, open the settings.
Hit the "Launcher" option, look down at the last option "Choose Swipe Up Gesture Function"
Hit it and select the last option "Swipe up to open Menu."
Now you can view all your options by sliding up from above the nav bar again!
If your transitions seem slow, or strange when changing home pages,
Head into "Launcher Settings", Hit Launcher
Hit "Screen Transition Effects" and select something other than "Classic",
This is optional, but Classic looks silly and makes the launcher seem less fluid.
It may also appear strangely on some devices.
Beta 1:
Step 1 - Refer to the Instructions
Step 2 - Refer to the Instructions
Code:
I'm not responsible for anything that happens to your device, but I highly doubt anything will.

I will try it. The only bad thing about miui is the battery drain. Like universities drain money from you
Send from my SM-T210R (Rocket Tab Rom) using XDA HD Premium

Hi Guys
Many thanks for this great work.
Are there any bugs/feedback as this still shows BETA
Also, Will this be work on Tab3 T110
thanks once again

Zerosuit Connor said:
Bug or Graphical Issue / Work around
Beta 1:
The weather clock 4x2, Clock 2x1 and Clock 2x2 do not appear graphically correct on the HP Touchpad.
> Pending further feedback from other devices.
In the Launcher Settings -> Launcher: There is text that does not appear in english.
>This is the Hide Apps With a Pin Function.
Static Wallpapers seem blurred when using this launcher on the HP Touchpad.
> Pending further feedback from other devices, not sure if this is device specific or not, Live Wallpapers Seem to Work Fine.
There is text that does not appear in english in the themes market
Obviously as the market stuff is server side, I can't change that, however there may be a few local images > Pending further investigation.
MIUI Express Locker is terribly scaled, low res and buggy
> Disable Express Locker, which is stated in the install instructions anyway.
This is something I'm still looking into and I'm not sure if I can fix it, generally it's about as buggy and slow as most lock screen replacements anyway,
not sure if they've improved that from the last time I used MiHome on a phone > Pending further investigation.
If you have an issue be it graphical or performance based, the first step is to make sure it isn't a bug from your rom,
if you've excluded that possibility post in the main thread, for me to be able to do anything with it, you must include;
Code:
Your Device Name
Your Android Version
Your Current Rom
Your Device DPI
Version of this Launcher
The problem.
If you haven't followed the install instructions below, don't expect me to do anything to resolve your issue until you do.
Part 1:
Download and Install MiHome-Step1.apk
Once the launcher loads slide up from above the nav bar and hit "Launcher Settings."
Scroll down the options until you find "Cell Layout Type"
Hit it and select the option that suits your device best
Please choose wisely because you'll need to re-install the app to change this.
Part 2
Download and Install ZSC.mihome.BX.apk, (X being the latest version number)
You will be prompted to update MiHome, obviously confirm it.
Once MiHome loads, you may or may not notice a rather mangled looking clock widget.
I am aware of this and for the moment, delete it.
Head into launcher settings, if you don't have a physical menu button look in the next section.
Hit the "Lockscreen" option, uncheck "Use MiHome Locker",
this is the lockscreen replacement Xiaomi includes with the launcher.
It doesn't play well with larger screens or landscape as of the moment
Optional But Very Recommended
If you do not have a physical menu key,
long press an empty part of the screen and hit the "Toolbox" icon.
Select the "Launcher Settings" icon on the far right.
You'll see the icon is on your home screen, open the settings.
Hit the "Launcher" option, look down at the last option "Choose Swipe Up Gesture Function"
Hit it and select the last option "Swipe up to open Menu."
Now you can view all your options by sliding up from above the nav bar again!
If your transitions seem slow, or strange when changing home pages,
Head into "Launcher Settings", Hit Launcher
Hit "Screen Transition Effects" and select something other than "Classic",
This is optional, but Classic looks silly and makes the launcher seem less fluid.
It may also appear strangely on some devices.
Beta 1:
Step 1 - Refer to the Instructions
Step 2 - Refer to the Instructions
Code:
I'm not responsible for anything that happens to your device, but I highly doubt anything will.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi Connor
usually MIUI work on stok rom ( ( that it's true?)
i tryed it on modded PIMPDROID with P5200 ..it crash !
but any way if i come back to stock with ODIN
do you think it works??
i love MIUI
thanks for reply
Ciao

miui on stock rom GTS3 10.1
supercavio said:
hi Connor
usually MIUI work on stok rom ( ( that it's true?)
i tryed it on modded PIMPDROID with P5200 ..it crash !
but any way if i come back to stock with ODIN
do you think it works??
i love MIUI
thanks for reply
Ciao
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your Device Name: GTS 310.0
Your Android Version: 4.2.2
Your Current Rom: pimpdroid
Your Device DPI
Version of this Launcher 2.3+
The problem.:
HI usually MIUI work on stok rom ( ( that it's true?)
i tryed it on modded PIMPDROID with P5200 ..it crash !
but any way if i come back to stock with ODIN
do you think it works??

[APP] CarWebGuru - Universal car launcher with widgets, skins and music

CarWebGuru Launcher 2.0
Functions:
• Skins for interface
• Widgets (internal) System widgets in the near future
• Custom backgrounds
• Up to 6 desktops
• Speedometr (GPS), Odometr (GPS)
• Clock, Time, Calendar
• GPS logger (export tracks to KML)
• Internal music player
• External player control (Power Amp, Jet Audio and other)
I am developer of CarWebGuru - this is universal car launcher with player, widgets, GPS logger and more useful functions.
CarWebGuru is free without functional limitation. There is an opportunity to buy additional themes.
Download 2.xx here:
You can download from Google Market or download
Some screenshots.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}

looking real nice, i'm gonna try it

i will try it tonight

Not all functions completed yet, but I hope you like it!
Now I make web site for CarWebGuru. I want to post help and documentation in the future.

I think this should go in "android" topic as it hasnt anything to do with android auto, as it doesn't work there..
Sent from my SM-G9350 using XDA-Developers Legacy app

amazing. anyway you can make the music "widget" in the homescreen compatible with the native music player?

sosimple said:
I think this should go in "android" topic as it hasnt anything to do with android auto, as it doesn't work there..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, it's an Android Head units topic, not Android Auto.

How I can move this topic? Or moderator only?

you have the time in military can you have a option for regular time
also if you use poweramp for your music some of the cover art does not show

Hello! I make release of version 2.0 - See on Google market.

Looks great. Gonna give it a try soon on my AC83XX device.
Thanks!

Just installed CarWebGuru. Awesome App! Its super smooth and works very well.
Here are my observations/wishlist:
1. Volume (+) and Volume (-) buttons are not functional. Is there a way for me to map these to the system volume control any how?
2. Apps found in my MainUI.apk are not present for adding to any of the home screens. I've used a shortcut app that allows me to create shortcuts from the apps within MainUI.apk but they did not appear once I created them (they did appear on the home screen when I used nova launcher). These include shortcuts for the following apps: Radio, Bluetooth Sound, GPS, and AV In.
Do you happen to have any work around for these findings?
Thanks,
Scott

the most amazing launcher that i ever used on my headunit...way to go man :good:
Can't wait for upcoming updates

We're you able to map the volume controls and radio shortcuts to the hone screen? If so would you please share how.
Thanks

Really good app - everything I've tested so far works great!
Just one request - in the music browser, is it possible to change the sort order of the folders? E.g. alphabetical, date, etc. Currently they seem to be in a random order with no way to change it. I keep all my music in folders and it makes it difficult to find the folder I want!
Thanks for making such a great app!
Boff

Issues and recommendations
I'm a long time Android Car Head Unit user (currently using the Newsmy NU-3001 running KitKat 4.4.2) and fairly critical when it comes to Car Front-ends. I've tried just about every front-end available and they all have their pros and cons. CarWebGuru certainly looks very nice and is highly configurable but a do have some issues and recommendations:
Stability - issue
There's one thing a Front-end absolutely has to be: stable for obvious safety reasons. You can't have an app crash or stop on you while driving, itching you to fix it. And in my experience CarWebGuru crashes.......a lot. That doesn't necessarily mean it's CarWebGuru fault. It could also be the android firmware or another app that's running. I just think there needs to be more field testing done before releasing a stable version.
Built in audio player - issue
I've got all my music (albums) organized in folders, properly tagged and have embedded album-art. There are no single tracks in the root folder. Using the music browser I can only select one folder to be played. I cannot (as most music players can) choose the entire music content (all folders) to be played subsequently or, if I choose to, all tracks from within those folder in random order. Luckily the user can choose another default player. I use PowerAmp
PowerAmp as player - issue
As said, all music is properly tagged and has embedded album-art. However, CWG seems to have issues displaying the album-art. Though art is present in every track, CWG often displays nothing. Skipping back and forth sometimes resolves the issue but most of the time an app restart is needed to display the correct album-art.
Using my current front-end (CarDashDroid) in conjunction with PowerAmp, music playback nicely resumes where it left off when resuming from sleep (or when the car is restarted within the grace period). Using CWB, I have to manually start playback again.
Launcher integration - issue
Even if both options (set as launcher and launch at boot) are ticked, the operating system keeps asking at reboot and every once in a while if the user wants CWG as its default launcher. This also happens when resuming from sleep (i.e. car is restarted, NO lock-screen used). It seems if CWG's does not register itself properly as a launcher (or is not allowed to). Perhaps launcher behavior is different on a Car head-unit compared to a normal phone. This might not be such a problem when used on a phone, but in car car this is very annoying and doesn't help with the seamless integration. Again, this could be an issue of the android firmware CWG is running on.
Also, when CWB is set as launcher, it's difficult to do anything once CWB has crashed. There's no way to start the default launcher to restart the program or to start anything else. Most front-ends have the ability to (re)start default launcher if needed. In my case the associated apk (launcher3.apk) does not appear in the app-drawer
Interface - recommendations
CWB has a nice interface, but sometimes it can be a bit cluttered. Less is more......
Please have an option to discard the icon titles (CWG-wide). Just displaying an icon should be enough information for the user (like the app-drawer icon). The interface would look a lot 'cleaner'
On the main skin, please have an option to fade the music controls and time/date. You have beautifully integrated album art, but the controls and time/date overlay often hide some valuable album-art information. Show the controls for a short period of time, hide them and let them reappear with a touch on the screen or some other event (set by user). I know widgets can be deleted, but fading seems a nice option.
If no player controls are added at all, maybe add gestures like a tap on the album art to play/pause and swipe left/right (on the album art) to go to the previous and next track. When driving (and if no SWC is present), it would also be much saver to tap the relatively large screen area of the album-art instead of clicking on the tiny player controls. Also maybe add voice commands in the future.
An option to rearrange the skins. I've spent a considerable time configuring skins, but when ready, I found out I'd really would like skin number x left from the main screen and skin number y on the right. In order to do so now I had to begin all over.
An option to add, delete or edit multiple widgets at once. When a widget is added, the interface immediately shows the result. When more widgets are needed, especially on a blank form, the user has to start the configuration process all over again. It would be nice to add and place multiple widgets (like play, next, previous etc) first and after confirmation show the end result.
Please forgive me if some of the issues/recommendations are already fixed or are just related to the user. I haven't found a really good "how-to" of all CWG features

Thank you!

Very nice launcher, i'm using it with a Panelo head unit running 5.1. Still trying to work out everything.
One thing I noticed is I cant add some widgets, I'm not sure if its something with the ROM or the launcher. I installed CWG on my phone (7.1) and when I click add system widget I see all of them as I should. However from the Panelo If i click add system widget it only shows a few and not the ones I need. 2 in particular I'm trying to add are a digital clock widget, as the built in clock seems it can only be set to 24 hr time with no option for AM/PM. And Power controls widget for the music player controls. The built in music controls only seem to control the built in music player, I would like them to work for pandora, google music, and bluetooth music. When I click the controls they stop my music and play from the built in player, this is a little confusing since your listening to say google music and you hit play/pause only to have a completely different audio file play.
EDIT: Ok I figured out I can add a music player switcher for pandora, stock player and google music, it doesn't work for the BT music player though. But that is good enough. Every now and then something happens and music randomly starts playing from the built in player. I say music but its actually a bunch of navigation .wav files in another language. I need to locate and delete them.
I would like the ability to add home, recents, back button as widgets. I think that would be a nice addition

Any updates from the developer? I really like this launcher and would love to see it improved. Thanks!

Maybe the OP is on vacation? Perhaps he abandoned the project? Such a shame...this launcher was the best I've seen so far. Just wish the volume controls would work and the radio widget would appear.
...back to the drawing board

OPPO Find X5, Step 3: Let's move to the review Part 2

Hello Everyone,
The second part of the review is this thread.
The first one is here.
The second is this thread
The third one is here.
ColorOS and Connectivity
So ColorOS… ColorOS… ColorOS
A new UI for me. Pixel and Stock OS have been my best friend for years now, including Oxygen OS up to 11. After seeing its direction, I used MIUI for a long time and got fed up with it.
So, first boot: Android 12 of the box with ColorOS 12.1 + a D1 OTA/February Patch.
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It's themed like many OEMs. However, you can see the Android 12 base behind the curtains and sometimes even Android itself with no customization.
However, OPPO made many customizations in their system when you dig into it. Launcher, notifications, Icons, settings, smart sidebar, their own privacy sub-menu, including the Android functionalities. They have tons of their applications such as OPPO Share, Omoji, gallery, video, even the clock, files app, O Relax (?) and so many apps like App cloner, App Enhancement, App services or others OPPO in-home system apk. Not mentioned on top of the Android Framework, you will also find an OPPO/OPlus framework to make all these works together (surely necessary for the Phone Manager that looks like the security center in MIUI).
We are on Google App for Android for the Phone Dialer and SMS/Messages APP. No OPPO system apps for that. And I like that. So, no debate here.
At first glance, all these apps are just giving the users some native functionalities Android already integrates into Android 12. And give the impression that they are reminiscence of a China firmware variant without Google services in this local market. But lots of them are marked as EU APK variants. And many system apps can't be uninstalled (disable only). And all of them are not available on the Google Play store as they should be if we follow Android Guidelines.
I said earlier, no biases. I have to get it a try…. And it was hard at first.
It gives the impression that OPPO has integrated Android 12 functionalities made by Google, added theirs on top to expand them, and managed to balance it somehow.
But... But… It's weird. It's a heavily customized UI based on Android, with the flavor of a Fork and a clean OS (which is not).
Let's start with the launcher. It's fast, allows many options, got the discover/at glance functionality, and you can add widgets (works well with OPPO widgets, less with 3rd party apps/Google widgets), change the layout of the home screens, change the shape or even colors of the icons, notification shade icons. So, you will say Material You. Nope. It seems an OPPO solution, including a wallpaper's colors picker.
And it's the same for many things. Notification shades are a struggle for me. Too many operations to have a global view and enter the app. I have many email accounts and receive many emails. You can all the notifications grouped for each inbox; that's great. You can unfold them and see each notification for each mail. Great. But when it's folded, clicking on the shade, you should get you in the inbox with all read and unread mail. Here, you need to unfold, select an email, go into the email in the app, go back, and then be in your inbox.
And the system is still responsive, the battery is good, and no drain due to these additions, and you customized the X5 to get a closer look at a Pixel/Stock OS. Some options or functionality will pop, giving you more of this feel… or the opposite.
I choose the US region on the phone, meaning lots of functionalities are deactivated to comply with local regulations… No Omoji, Themes, or way to customize the OS. Usually, when these options are free (like themes), the product is you (and your data). The X5 doesn't have Air Gestures functionality like its big brother, the X5 Pro. It can be a nice touch; for me, it's just a gimmick, like a quick ball, smart bar. I tried them. I understand the addiction, but it's not for me. At least the goal of Android, personalize it for your own usage. And it was the same for O Relax. It allows you to relax with a mix of music and video for a time duration you have decided. Zen attitude. Yeps, great for those who need, nope for me.
For Privacy, OPPO stated, "User privacy is about transparency. OPPO has been improving data compliance through storage and process. With servers deployed in multiple locations worldwide, OPPO guarantees that user data stays in the nearby servers, saved in a non-plain text transmitted using a proprietary protocol."
ColorOS 12 comes with Private System, Private Safe, App Lock, and more security features with Android 12 Privacy Dashboards. However, on the phone, their privacy notice is outdated from November 2020. It seems the servers are in Germany for EU users, so OPPO complies with GPDR.
Okay, user data are safe and encrypted. ColorOS even integrates the new A12 guidelines as permissions of apps to use the camera, microphone, localization (approximate or precise), the data used, and the green dot to indicate whether an app uses a microphone or camera.
Anti-peeping feature is also included, and the system will recognize if it's the viewer looking at the screen, so the notification or content can be hidden if tuned this way.
So, with the integration of Android 12 Features, OPPO custom-made additions, a new 3D engine for rendering, the wallpaper-based theming stuff, the smart sidebar, the nearby share integration, the quick return bubble, and all the animations On, what about the battery?
Surprisingly… Good. 3 Gmail accounts + 2 Exchange ones + photography + not a great network as fewer frequencies available here in the US with an EU variant + YouTube + some casual games here and there… You are good to go for the day. As usual, I turned my smartphone by restricting apps I don't use, and I need to refresh when I go inside them (and believe me, it makes a massive difference as ColorOs allows Foreground Activity, Background Activity, and Auto Launch options to enable or disable.
And if there is an issue, you can activate the Super power-saving mode making your smartphone a feature phone. You can add 3 apps on top of the clock, dialer and messaging apps. It will help you be reachable until you find a way to recharge your phone.
Like many OEMs, OPPO integrates the virtual RAM gimmick, adding virtual memory using your storage as paginated space for the less used apps still in memory and the multitasking mode. So, you will have from 2Gb to 5Gb more than the 8Gb RAM available in this variant. With UFS 3.1, the less used in-memory apps, no slowdown with that… but again, a gimmick to avoid pushing a 12Gb variant as the 101 available variants for a flagship.
Floating windows, flexible windows… all these kinds of things are available under Android 12 with PIP mode, and obviously, they are also present in the X5.
Except for the split-screen functionality, the others I don't use … on a smartphone. The screen is too small; Bingo is on a tablet, but here, again, not my usage. It's functional; animations are great, nothing to add. Some OEMs have an issue implementing on top of their framework, but this is not the case here. If you're a fan of it, you will have it with the X5 series.
ColorOS also integrates all you need for casting your screen. From Miracast to Chromecast, wirelessly to a wired way from TV to your computer screen.
You have your TV or Android or Google or whatever Box up to date, and you should have the opportunity to share your screen and the Audio.
To share your screen on your computer, you will need to download an app, PC Connect client for Mac or Windows, allowing the connection with your phone… And that's it. You will have a floating window on your desktop mirroring your OPPO screen. Fast and easy. Sharing clipboard functionality is also available.
The wired connection is working via USB-C to HDMI cable; gaming and YouTube are okay, but I had an issue with streaming apps like Prime Video or Netflix where I don't have any with other brands. Maybe it's up to these apps to allow or integrate this new model. The issue is a no go from the apps to decrypt protected content.
​
Speaking of updates, this Find series should usually receive 3 years of Major OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates (per month or as required…)
Something I didn't see a lot in OPPO communication is the O-Haptics functionality. I like it, and it gives a little punch to the notification or when you are using the smartphone. And you can finetune the intensity and synchronize it with the tones. The demonstration video is convincing, and I am waiting for a third-party app using the API/Library.
Another exciting thing is that the product has 2 IMEI, 2 SIM cards trays, and the eSIM option. I will bet the eSIM will deactivate the SIM 2 port if active. But saying eSIM is finally live is a great thing.
The Wi-Fi 6 is 2.4Gbps compatible in the Connectivity part, so easy to reach these numbers. With my GB internet plan, I reach 1.4Gbps on download, with the Wi-Fi meaning with got here the 2x80Mhz bandwidth instead of only 1x80 or 2x40Mhz for some competitors and blocked you only at 1.2Gbps.
For LTE, LTE-A, LTE NR, SA, NSA, 5G, or whatever, sorry, EU variant, and I am in the US, so that it won't be representative.
Let's go for Part 3 and the Final Thoughts
Again, thank you OPPO and @OPPO Ambassador Team for this opportunity.​

New Car launcher Infinite (iLauncher) last update version V7.5.0 - Fix TS18 head unit can't read image problem

last update version V7.5.0, Fix TS18 head unit can't read image problem. download link: https://t.me/dofun_app/45
New Car Launcher infinite(iLauncher) last update version V7.3.6, fix theme download alway loading problem, download link: https://t.me/dofun_app/39
When encountering use problems, you can refer to this video, record a LOG of the failure, and upload it to the official：
New launcher for android Head-Units ilauncher V7.2.18 updates two new function: customized image and theme gouping features.
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Download Link: http://ilauncher.net
To try out all the features, please contact me.

Hi @aRaychan , can I use this into a FYT head unit?

ksloh1 said:
Hi @aRaychan , can I use this into a FYT head unit?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, It can work on most Android devices, but FYT head unit just support Spotify music player, More online players will be added in a later version update.

Well, it would be great if iLauncher could be compatible with more music players like PowerAmp, JetAudioPlayer, Musicolet so the album cover and song name could work in the themes like Spotify does now in iLauncher.
The problem for me with iLauncher on my Topway TS10 is that all themes lack the possibility to add a second screen (or as many you want) where users can add the app shortcuts they want or widgets. It also only have one theme (called LOOKUP) with a window function (see picture below)
where you can use the map you want like Sygic, TomTom, Yandex or whatever and this theme will not show up if you have the THEME1 firmware installed on TS10 instead of WINDOW-THEME1.
I would love to see a iLauncher version where we can jump from WINDOW themes to standard ones without having to change firmware to be able to use the only single window theme that is provided.

CyberSwede said:
Well, it would be great if iLauncher could be compatible with more music players like PowerAmp, JetAudioPlayer, Musicolet so the album cover and song name could work in the themes like Spotify does now in iLauncher.
The problem for me with iLauncher on my Topway TS10 is that all themes lack the possibility to add a second screen (or as many you want) where users can add the app shortcuts they want or widgets. It also only have one theme (called LOOKUP) with a window function (see picture below)
View attachment 5697681 where you can use the map you want like Sygic, TomTom, Yandex or whatever and this theme will not show up if you have the THEME1 firmware installed on TS10 instead of WINDOW-THEME1.
I would love to see a iLauncher version where we can jump from WINDOW themes to standard ones without having to change firmware to be able to use the only single window theme that is provided.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are some themes in iLauncher with window function, but this requires you to manually brush your TS10 system to window version, you can send me your TS10 system information and I will upload a firmware to google drive for you to download.
In addition, iLauncher currently only supports Spotify player, subsequent updates will add support for more online music players and allow free switching between them.
Thanks for your support! Please private message me and I will provide you with an activation code to try out all the themes.

Hey I found your launcher today. It seems like it might be the only launcher that really works right for my Android box. I have the streamtoyourcar 11 pro box. The normal launcher was ugly. I have tried others but all had their issues. I have only got to play around with it briefly, but do we need to install the Dofun weather to get the weather to show?
Thanks

JAWheat411 said:
Hey I found your launcher today. It seems like it might be the only launcher that really works right for my Android box. I have the streamtoyourcar 11 pro box. The normal launcher was ugly. I have tried others but all had their issues. I have only got to play around with it briefly, but do we need to install the Dofun weather to get the weather to show?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dofun weather can display more detailed weather information, but if you don't need to know the weather information for the next few days, you can also leave it installed. DoFun iLauncher & DoFun weather download from here.

Thanks for the reply. In your video it is stated I can change the middle icon for our own animated gif. I have tried that but long pressing on it I get a message about navigation app not found or something like that.

hello, I have this product and adas camera in my car, I can't open the feature in the area I drew in the picture, can you help me?

JAWheat411 said:
Thanks for the reply. In your video it is stated I can change the middle icon for our own animated gif. I have tried that but long pressing on it I get a message about navigation app not found or something like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only the themes under the "Switch Logo" category can replace the middle image, you can make your own or download your favorite image from the Internet, if the transparent background you can choose to download the image in PNG format, here supports several formats GIF, PNG, JPG, the size of the best 3:2 ratio.

esrarieses said:
View attachment 5699725hello, I have this product and adas camera in my car, I can't open the feature in the area I drew in the picture, can you help me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but you'd better take some pictures or videos, you need to know the model of ADAS camera you are using and whether the software corresponding to it is installed or not, so it's easier to know what the problem is

Ok. I will look at one of the switch themes. One question though. The theme I looked at seemed a bit expensive. So I had a question. With that VIP plan with unlimited themes, do you still keep the themes after that time frame is up?

I bought the main unit and camera from the same seller. the seller said there is a setting on the main unit but he doesn't remember

JAWheat411 said:
Ok. I will look at one of the switch themes. One question though. The theme I looked at seemed a bit expensive. So I had a question. With that VIP plan with unlimited themes, do you still keep the themes after that time frame is up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When the VIP period ends, you can still use the last normal use of the theme, you can no longer switch to another theme at will

esrarieses said:
I bought the main unit and camera from the same seller. the seller said there is a setting on the main unit but he doesn't remember
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Normally, the switch is found in the settings page of the DASH CAM app.

I like this app, but theme's are pricey and I wish there was a way to customise the theme a bit more. I just want something really simplistic, but all themes (i'm a premium member) are a little too much for me

GooseFetus said:
I like this app, but theme's are pricey and I wish there was a way to customise the theme a bit more. I just want something really simplistic, but all themes (i'm a premium member) are a little too much for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To participate in our promotion, simply take a video of yourself using iLauncher and post it on any social media to receive a 3-month VIP trial activation code, and we will also give away a 1-year VIP activation code when any one of the posted media gets more than 1000 views.

aRaychan said:
To participate in our promotion, simply take a video of yourself using iLauncher and post it on any social media to receive a 3-month VIP trial activation code, and we will also give away a 1-year VIP activation code when any one of the posted media gets more than 1000 views.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm already a VIP member - doesn't allow me to make many changes though to to templates - even just basic background changing I can't change

I also subscribed as a VIP member after buying a theme and realizing how much money I would be spending. On that note, I noticed that every since subscribing to VIP the app really slowed down..what I mean is going to the theme selection has really slowed a lot. It now takes forever to load the theme preview and to download them. I have used different networks and hotspots too.

JAWheat411 said:
I also subscribed as a VIP member after buying a theme and realizing how much money I would be spending. On that note, I noticed that every since subscribing to VIP the app really slowed down..what I mean is going to the theme selection has really slowed a lot. It now takes forever to load the theme preview and to download them. I have used different networks and hotspots too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe there is a difference in the response speed of some countries' servers connected to China，If you encounter a download failure or crash, please let me know and we'll find a way to sync to a few more servers if we can.