Database Users

[MINI GUIDE] App Optimization: Reducing Overdraw

Hey XDA - I just wanted to share some useful information I came across while developing my app:
App performance is crucial if you want your users to enjoy using your app - the goal is to reduce lag.
There are many ways one can achieve this:
Using multithreading
Simplifying View hierarchy
Reducing Overdraw
Pixel Overdraw occurs when an app repaints a pixel multiple times. This is something we don't really think about, but can have a massive effect on our performance.
Enabling Profiling:
Fortunately, Android has some built in tools to help us developers. (You can find these under Developer Settings)
You'll want to turn on:
1) Force GPU Rendering
2) Show GPU Overdraw
Next, simply restart the app you want to profile and voila - areas of the screen are 'painted' in a variety of colours!
Interpreting Results:
These colours have significant meaning
No color: No overdraw.The pixel was painted only once.
Blue: 1x Overdraw
Green 2x Overdraw
Light red: 3x Overdraw
Dark red: 4x Overdraw
Fixing The Problem:
You'll want to dig in your XML layout files and look for areas of overlap. The biggest issue is if you are drawing backgrounds on top of each other. In my case, my app was drawing 4 backgrounds: one for the activity, one for the fragment, one for the ListView and one for the list item. Then text was drawn on top. As the the image at the bottom of this post suggests, it wasn't pretty.
The solution was simple:
Code:
android:background="@null"
I simply removed the unnecessary backgrounds.
Your solutions may not be as easy, but it doesn't hurt to give it a try. In fact, the scrolling performance of my app improved dramatically - it's now buttery smooth!
Some Results:
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"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"
}
Credits to Romain Guy. He has a full tutorial on his blog that you should definitely check out.
Please let me know what worked for you and do share any tips you have to optimize app performance!

thanks a lot.. a will be using this on my app and see the resaults

alobo said:
Code:
android:background="@null"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where do you find the XML files to modify?

-deleted-

je2854 said:
Where do you find the XML files to modify?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm referring to your app's XML layout files, which can be found in res/layout.

does this work with emulators?i tried checking both overdraw and gpu rendering from dev setting in 4.2 emulator but opening apps does not show me anything

molzz said:
does this work with emulators?i tried checking both overdraw and gpu rendering from dev setting in 4.2 emulator but opening apps does not show me anything
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apparently you have to check 'User Host GPU' when creating your virtual device. Check this answer for more information.

Nice! I'll check it out

Yes, thanks Romain Guy for this tip. Actually I would recomend to watch all videos with him -- he gives a lot of valuable hints.

You should not use android:background = null, rather set the background to null in your onCreate.

Thanks a lot! I'll try it.

woaaa... great work!! it can be set generally? I mean with that code?

[GAME] Big Tower

Description
Big Tower is a classic tower defense game that features a unique gameplay mechanic whereby players have the ability to customize their own towers. Want to build a tower that shoots rainbow lasers? You got it! How about a long range sniper that one-shots everything? Sure! Maybe you need a tower that discharges electricity and chains damage to other enemies. Big Tower is all about customization, you can even name your towers.
History
Prof. Genius faces-off Prof. Kinky in their annual science competition, this year the goal is to create the biggest invention. Genius is inspired by his nephew, Kid Z, and decides to develop the biggest tower ever build, the Big Tower. In order to do that, Kid Z time travels to different eras in human history to recover mystical artifacts capable of powering Big Tower. Discover alongside with Mr.Drone, the dangerous enemies such as dinosaurs, vikings, gauls, and many more!
Features
2 cinematics
A compelling story filled with historical characters
8 eras to visit
32 levels to beat
84 parts to unlock
8 unique boss battles
42 different looking enemies to defeat
Retro styled graphics and sound
Screenshots
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"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"
}
Available on Google Play
Full Game
Demo​
For more information:
- insanesheep.com
- bigtower.insanesheep.com

Update 1.2 is live!
This patch consists in fixing bugs in the U.I
Here's the full release notes:
+ Corrected bug in Level Select
+ Corrected bug while reading files on 4.4
+ Updated some of the functionalities in the Construction Panel
+ Corrected bug in Tower Manager UI

Update 1.3 is live!
This update focuses on implementing additional interface features that enhances user experience as well as some bug fixes.
Here's the full changelog:
+ Changed Saving game method
+ Solved some bugs while saving & loading the game
+ Corrections made in the Help Section
+ Added on-screen button to skip cutscenes
+ Added on-screen button to quick access option while playing
+ Added a button in the Main Menu screen that links to our facebook page
+ Added links for easy access to the website and twitter profiles available in the Credits
+ Some gameplay adjustments were made

Thread updated with new pictures, Release Trailer and Full Game.
Hope you enjoy!

Big Tower got a new update, more bug fixes and an extensive revision in all eras (some levels were more difficult than others and now they should be more balanced).
You can read the full release notes here: http://goo.gl/0yMiUC

Update 2.0 is live!
New looks, better performance, new features, new challenge and many more good things in this update! You can read the full release notes here -> http://goo.gl/ZyzgW4
Also we've reduced the game cost by 33% from the previous price point.
Big Tower is available on Googleplay -> http://goo.gl/007hO9
Try the demo (with 1 extra level to test your might) -> http://goo.gl/T13X8N

You'd better post this thread in other section so it can be more relevant ....

Posted in the section Android Apps and Games.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2774000
Thanks anuloid

J00z said:
Posted in the section Android Apps and Games.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2774000
Thanks anuloid
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just hit that "THANKS" button

Battery draining-Heating problem [Best Advice]

Battery draining-Heating problem [Best Advice]
Advice I
Most modern devices are running at much higher clock speeds than necessary.
What is the obvious problem, it is how many devices are very poorly optimized governor
(Auto-switching frequency and the number of cores in the processor), depending on the current task.)
For example, when watching a video from YouTube processor all times hammered with 8 cores and at maximum frequency.
In order to reduce unnecessary waste of resources of our phone:
-Battery-draining
-Heating problem
(Maximum speed and core busy for unnecessary actions)
No-frills CPU
app from google play, you need Root authority.
We limit the processor speed to max 1,183 GHz
(In these settings can be played Asphalt 8 to a maximum settings.)
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"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"
}
Be sure to let No-frills CPU to work in sleep mode:
(Battery/Power saving management/Advanced power saving/Smart battery for apps/Disable auto cleaning)
Disable auto cleaning for No-frills CPU application
source:
http://4pda.ru/forum/index.php?showtopic=706481&st=1280#entry46685088
author:
Nikolass777
Translated and adapted from the Russian language (by laikexpert)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advice II
With tools (Mobileuncle Tools etc.)
which enable tweaking of the MTK android phones
(allow you to run Advanced Setup)
go to Engineering Mode Menu
and deactivate MTK Logger.
Sometimes MTK Logger:
just takes a smartphone from a deep sleep
and holding unnecessary strained memory.
source:
http://4pda.ru/forum/index.php?showtopic=706481&st=1280#entry46685088
author:
Nikolass777
Translated and adapted from the Russian language (by laikexpert)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advice III
With tools (Mobileuncle Tools etc.)
which enable tweaking of the MTK android phones
(allow you to run Advanced Setup
go to Engineering Mode Menu/Band Mode
and disable band frequencies that you don't use.
source:
http://forum.letv.com/in/index.php?...ng-problem-best-advice.1332/page-2#post-33320
author:
_773_573_573

Reserved

how to increase font size beyond large in setting
how to increase font size beyond large in setting as MIUI 7 gave options in Redmi note 3 etc
a sharma
sharing is power

Saw a post about change the scale view Standard to Zoom would help to get battery life, Is that Correct ?

that is not the correct solution . It affects performance

Kanth's
that is not the correct solution . It affects performance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most modern devices are running at much higher clock speeds than necessary.
What is the obvious problem, it is how many devices are very poorly optimized governor
(Auto-switching frequency and the number of cores in the processor), depending on the current task.)
For example, when watching a video from YouTube processor all times hammered with 8 cores and at maximum frequency.

[APP] SideSqueeze 2.08 - add squeeze gestures to your S10e!

What is SideSqueeze?
SideSqueeze is an innovative and unique app that uses the barometric pressure sensor in your device to detect squeezes and screen presses. It is compatible only with Samsung Galaxy devices from 2017 onwards, although some people have reported varying degrees of success with Pixel devices.
What It Does
SideSqueeze gives your S8/S9/S10 series Galaxy the ability to respond to squeezes, double squeezes, triple squeezes, quadruple squeezes, long squeezes, and/or inertial squeezes, as well as force presses on the screen. For example, you can double squeeze your phone to activate Google Assistant...or maybe you'd like to quadruple squeeze to toggle auto-rotation. And now with Tasker integration, you can even create elaborate tasks to do just about anything and trigger them with any type of squeeze! SideSqueeze's new modular GUI allows you to pick and choose what you want to do with ease.
Features (not all available in trial version)
7 detectable squeeze types (single, double, triple, quadruple, long, long double-squeeze, and inertial)
3 detectable press types (single, long, and 2-finger)
Independently selectable criteria allow you to assign multiple actions to any trigger type (if lockscreen open, if homescreen open, if camera open, if S-Pen detached, if within 5-seconds of power on, if the phone is ringing, if in-call, or if screen is off)
New app picker to launch any app of your choosing
Tasker integration to launch any task of your choosing
Quick Settings tile to toggle detection engine
Wide selection of common actions, such as flashlight toggling, status bar toggling, etc
Adjustable pressure thresholds
Calibration assistant to customize SideSqueeze to your device's unique characteristics
Efficient detection algorithm that is designed to be as lightweight and low-power as possible with no significant impact on battery life
Questions?
See the in-app Help section for answers to commonly asked questions.
Where do I get it?
SideSqueeze 2 is now available on the Play store!
Screenshots
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"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"
}

I'm not able to pass through calibration (SideSqueeze), so for me it is not working.

SideSqueeze is on sale for $1.99 through July 13th!
Version 2.07 (just released) offers better reliability and faster response-time, especially when "Disable baseline verification" is set (checked) on the settings panel (go to the About or Help tab, tap the gear icon on the top-right corner).

[guide] *statusbar* permanently show cpu/gpu clockspeed & temperature and more

Hello,
while we are all waiting for the next update to bring custom launcher support.
I found an app that will help allot people who want to see whats going on under the hood while gaming.
The app is called Cool Tool system stats and is free on playstore.
-no root required.
-you'll need an app like Transparent CPU Monitor to check which cpu core is heated the most so we can monitor it with the Cool Tool app lateron.
As the app doesn't ship with gpu stats and cpu temp stats i will explain how to monitor those using some paths inside the custom label feature.
keep in mind that the custom labels will only stick after you reboot the phone.
1. inside Cool Tool enable the 3 options seen in the image below
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"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"
}
2. enable the options shown in the screenshot below
and activate the already available ram and cpu clock option of cool tool.
3. to show gpu frequency:
- choose one of the 3 custom options inside the finetuning menu
- type "MHz" for postfix
- type "/sys/class/kgsl/kgsl-3d0/gpuclk" for path
- type "(\d+)\d{6}" for RegEx
4. to show gpu temperature:
- choose one of the 3 custom options inside the finetuning menu
- type "°C" for postfix
- type "/sys/class/thermal/thermal_zone10/temp" for path
- type "(\d+)\d{3}" for RegEx
5. to show cpu temperature:
- open the "transparent cpu monitor" app
- enter the "manually configure sensors" option
- scroll to the bottom and check which thermal zone (0-7) heats the most.
In my case it's thermal zone 6.
- choose one of the 3 custom options inside the finetuning menu of cool tools.
- type °C for Postfix
- type "/sys/class/thermal/thermal_zone6/temp" for path
- type "(\d+)\d{3}" for RegEx
Finally reboot and have fun.
You can easily arrange the values in the correct order by moving the slides up and down inside the fintuning menu.
This overlay won't be killed by the system even if you clean the recents menu and stress the memory.
It will also autostart at each boot.
You can test all the stats using the performance options in gamelauncher.
the Statusbar overlay can be placed differently horizontally and vertically so make sure to move it in the area in both perspectives.
- too avoid screen burn artefacts use high transparency, global white color and disable unneeded gauges.
- too avoid collisions with other elements inside statusbar place it like i did shown in the screenshots.
- i also use tab option to avoid the values to jump around on the screen. (this will disable fonts)
- i use a refreshrate of 0.5 and dont see any additional power loss.
This guide might work on other android devices too.

reserved

Hi there,
Thanks for the brilliant guide, I love tweaks like this!
Do you have any advice on how to show the Battery temp?
Thanks,
Sam
Edit: Found it! I just enabled the battery temp which was already setup in the menu.

I prefer to put the line of info on the navbar.
I mean if folk use a navbar, i can understand why its in tbe notification bar if you dont have a navbar enabled, but as i use a 3rd party launcher nav bar is there, so i add mine to the bottom under the home button.