So, we all by now have heard of the awesomeness that is MIUI. Im running the Rodrigez port of the ROM, and its fantastic.
One thing about this ROM is that it stores all installed apps on the homescreen, much like the iPhone. There is no launcher. So for people like myself (and IM sure many others), its pretty time consuming arranging all 132 apps on the homescreens the way I want them!
I know in ADW launcher there is a setting to save your homescreen layout to your sd card, which can be conveniently restored when needed. I used this all the time with Cyan and Enomther, simply because it saved time after a fresh install.
Im asking the awesome coders of XDA if they think there is any way of either writing a command/app that will save your homescreen layout into a file on your sd card that can later be restored? I dont know if its something that can be written into the ROM, as Im not a coder. I just know it would save a lot of time in using this ROM. I just had a problem with my sd card and had to repartition it, meaning that I ll need to set all 132 apps on the homescreen again to the order I want them
I know that a nandroid can do this, but a separate application would be nice, as MIUI needs an ext 3 parition for apps2ext to work and everything I do a Nandroid +ext backup, I always have problems restoring it.
Any devs or coders out there know if this is possible?
Ideas?
I would like to see an auto rearrange option.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
Question
Why would you want your homescreens cluttered with apps, I'm running Rod's MIUI, but I'm using Launcher Pro because I have to have a app drawer. And, I think most Android users aren't trying to make their Android phones like the Iphone. If you haven't already, check out the screenshots in the beginning of Themes & App's forum, most users are using alt. launchers to customize the UI. I didn't see one shot with anyone running stock MIUI
blas4me said:
Why would you want your homescreens cluttered with apps, I'm running Rod's MIUI, but I'm using Launcher Pro because I have to have a app drawer. And, I think most Android users aren't trying to make their Android phones like the Iphone. If you haven't already, check out the screenshots in the beginning of Themes & App's forum, most users are using alt. launchers to customize the UI. I didn't see one shot with anyone running stock MIUI
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Click to collapse
I have to agree. It seems like we are taking a step back in the evolution of the os. Like who seriously wants all apps mixed up in a clutter on your homescreen? But for the 5 people who do prefer this, I could see why they would want this save option included.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
This is convenient for all users of the very nice standard launcher that MIUI comes with.
I'd happily use it if it existed.
blas4me said:
Why would you want your homescreens cluttered with apps, I'm running Rod's MIUI, but I'm using Launcher Pro because I have to have a app drawer. And, I think most Android users aren't trying to make their Android phones like the Iphone. If you haven't already, check out the screenshots in the beginning of Themes & App's forum, most users are using alt. launchers to customize the UI. I didn't see one shot with anyone running stock MIUI
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Imperial.mack said:
I have to agree. It seems like we are taking a step back in the evolution of the os. Like who seriously wants all apps mixed up in a clutter on your homescreen? But for the 5 people who do prefer this, I could see why they would want this save option included.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to disagree, MIUI is a huge step forward. Regular xda members may not like the iPhone-ness, but I'm willing to bet that the majority of the public tend to gravitate towards it. How do you think they still sell iPhones, anyways? lol.
I look at MIUI as a breath of fresh air. I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that we needed a break from Sense and stock for a while.
That being said, I have defected back to CM for now. Main reason: Lockscreen music controls. I love the MIUI lockscreen, but having to unlock, open music app, and press skip just wasn't safe for me, as the only time I use my phone for music is while driving. Personal preference, but pretty important to me.
wdfowty said:
I have to disagree, MIUI is a huge step forward. Regular xda members may not like the iPhone-ness, but I'm willing to bet that the majority of the public tend to gravitate towards it. How do you think they still sell iPhones, anyways? lol.
I look at MIUI as a breath of fresh air. I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that we needed a break from Sense and stock for a while.
That being said, I have defected back to CM for now. Main reason: Lockscreen music controls. I love the MIUI lockscreen, but having to unlock, open music app, and press skip just wasn't safe for me, as the only time I use my phone for music is while driving. Personal preference, but pretty important to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never knew people liked that iPhone-esque home screen. Always thought installing another launcher on top of it was mandatory for the Android crowd. Step back indeed, unless you think gravitating towards the iPhone's OS' simplicity is step forward according to the poster right above me. Assuming he's not some T-Mobile exec that just looks at the "big picture's aka sales...
@Op: sorry for veering OT. I just thought what he posted was absolutely absurd! Unless it was complete sarcasm, then I apologize.
You can use Titanium Backup to backup the data portion of the MIUI launcher, restoring that will restore the layout.
And what's with this BS fake "you're the 1 millionth user" banner ads, what is this, 1998!?
gstar_raw said:
Never knew people liked that iPhone-esque home screen. Always thought installing another launcher on top of it was mandatory for the Android crowd. Step back indeed, unless you think gravitating towards the iPhone's OS' simplicity is step forward according to the poster right above me. Assuming he's not some T-Mobile exec that just looks at the "big picture's aka sales...
@Op: sorry for veering OT. I just thought what he posted was absolutely absurd! Unless it was complete sarcasm, then I apologize.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a step forward in the fact that developers are thinking outside the box and working on the framework/user-interface, instead of focusing all efforts on the "behind-the-scenes" aspect of Android. Don't get me wrong, I love CyanogenMod and TheOfficial, and appreciate all the work the countless devs have done, but the stock UI hasn't changed at all, really, since 1.5...
It's not the simplicity of iOS, per say; rather, the ease of use is what I think draws the crowds. I'm an iPhone to Android convert, and have rid myself of most of my Apple products (bad experience with my MacBook left a horrible taste in my mouth), so I guess you could consider me an Android fanboy.
And why would a T-Mobile exec be promoting a competitor's biggest seller (aka AT&T and the iPhone). Kinda off-base there, if you ask me.
I would also like to apologize for going so far off topic. Had to speak my mind .
I won't be posting (off topic) in this thread again.
wdfowty said:
It's a step forward in the fact that developers are thinking outside the box and working on the framework/user-interface, instead of focusing all efforts on the "behind-the-scenes" aspect of Android. Don't get me wrong, I love CyanogenMod and TheOfficial, and appreciate all the work the countless devs have done, but the stock UI hasn't changed at all, really, since 1.5...
It's not the simplicity of iOS, per say; rather, the ease of use is what I think draws the crowds. I'm an iPhone to Android convert, and have rid myself of most of my Apple products (bad experience with my MacBook left a horrible taste in my mouth), so I guess you could consider me an Android fanboy.
And why would a T-Mobile exec be promoting a competitor's biggest seller (aka AT&T and the iPhone). Kinda off-base there, if you ask me.
I would also like to apologize for going so far off topic. Had to speak my mind .
I won't be posting in this thread again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel you on the alleged ease of use of the iphone but personally I found the Miui homescreen harder to use. If I wanted to open an app, I had to mentally remember which homescreen I placed it on. There was also no other way to sort the homescreen. And when I wanted to move an app to a specific place, other apps shifted places but in sometimes undesirable places. I got frustrated. Thats why I think that the app drawer is a forward evolution of the os. Thats like me places a million shortcuts on my desktop computer instead of going to the start menu or searching for the program in the start menu searchbar. Just my 2cents. Iphone os just not that impressive to me.
I actually have used all the launchers out there and launcherpro is a good launcher to have over certain roms. I myself been on LP plus since CM6 and loved the ability of customizing almost every faucet of the ROM. But since MIUI, I have tried to use LP plus and I have to admit I cannot use any of the launchers to run on top of MIUI. IMO kinda takes away from MIUI.
And because of my opinion, all the apps of course, are on the screens. What did I do? I just used created two folders. One "app" and one "tools" folder and separated them that way. So far so good, unless someone can point me in the direction of a launcher that can organize it in a 'better' way, please let me know. Thanks!
kpjimmy said:
I actually have used all the launchers out there and launcherpro is a good launcher to have over certain roms. I myself been on LP plus since CM6 and loved the ability of customizing almost every faucet of the ROM. But since MIUI, I have tried to use LP plus and I have to admit I cannot use any of the launchers to run on top of MIUI. IMO kinda takes away from MIUI.
And because of my opinion, all the apps of course, are on the screens. What did I do? I just used created two folders. One "app" and one "tools" folder and separated them that way. So far so good, unless someone can point me in the direction of a launcher that can organize it in a 'better' way, please let me know. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes folders are nice. I just didn't like the look of them. I'm happy that cm is porting over the power widget notification bar! That was my fav part of Miui rom
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
wdfowty said:
That being said, I have defected back to CM for now. Main reason: Lockscreen music controls. I love the MIUI lockscreen, but having to unlock, open music app, and press skip just wasn't safe for me, as the only time I use my phone for music is while driving. Personal preference, but pretty important to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to skip music without unlock the phone, there are many solutions, search in the marker: "Shake2PlayNext".
http://www.appbrain.com/app/shake2playnext/ru.atrant.shake2playnext
Imperial.mack said:
I feel you on the alleged ease of use of the iphone but personally I found the Miui homescreen harder to use. If I wanted to open an app, I had to mentally remember which homescreen I placed it on. There was also no other way to sort the homescreen. And when I wanted to move an app to a specific place, other apps shifted places but in sometimes undesirable places. I got frustrated. Thats why I think that the app drawer is a forward evolution of the os. Thats like me places a million shortcuts on my desktop computer instead of going to the start menu or searching for the program in the start menu searchbar. Just my 2cents. Iphone os just not that impressive to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
or you just can use the search function of your phone
wdfowty said:
I have to disagree, MIUI is a huge step forward. Regular xda members may not like the iPhone-ness, but I'm willing to bet that the majority of the public tend to gravitate towards it. How do you think they still sell iPhones, anyways? lol.
I look at MIUI as a breath of fresh air. I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that we needed a break from Sense and stock for a while.
That being said, I have defected back to CM for now. Main reason: Lockscreen music controls. I love the MIUI lockscreen, but having to unlock, open music app, and press skip just wasn't safe for me, as the only time I use my phone for music is while driving. Personal preference, but pretty important to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+ 1
Sent from my Nexus One
wdfowty said:
That being said, I have defected back to CM for now. Main reason: Lockscreen music controls. I love the MIUI lockscreen, but having to unlock, open music app, and press skip just wasn't safe for me, as the only time I use my phone for music is while driving. Personal preference, but pretty important to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried WidgetLocker Lockscreen? =P maybe you'll go back to MIUI again if you try it.
I have organized lots of apps in folders so I don't miss the app drawer at all :]
Music Player Pro (app) has lock screen controls.
Best music player out there imo.
http://www.androidzoom.com/android_applications/multimedia/music-playerpro_jkyc.html
Interesting thoughts guys.
I actually take the MIUI homescreen as " a breath of fresh air" as well. I know its a bit iPhoneish, but it works VERY quickly and it looks nice. Also, less widgets = less lag, and for now Im enjoying the change.
I used ADW launcher (love it) and Launcher Pro (also great) on Cyanogen and Enomther for a while, but with MIUI, the launcher they have developed just works so well, which is why I think an app to import and retain homescreen settings would make the ROM even more awesome.
Dai323 said:
Interesting thoughts guys.
I actually take the MIUI homescreen as " a breath of fresh air" as well. I know its a bit iPhoneish, but it works VERY quickly and it looks nice. Also, less widgets = less lag, and for now Im enjoying the change.
I used ADW launcher (love it) and Launcher Pro (also great) on Cyanogen and Enomther for a while, but with MIUI, the launcher they have developed just works so well, which is why I think an app to import and retain homescreen settings would make the ROM even more awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is miui open sourced?
The beauty of android
Dai323 said:
Interesting thoughts guys.
I actually take the MIUI homescreen as " a breath of fresh air" as well. I know its a bit iPhoneish, but it works VERY quickly and it looks nice. Also, less widgets = less lag, and for now Im enjoying the change.
I used ADW launcher (love it) and Launcher Pro (also great) on Cyanogen and Enomther for a while, but with MIUI, the launcher they have developed just works so well, which is why I think an app to import and retain homescreen settings would make the ROM even more awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you on that, MIUI is a very fast and dependable rom, I just don't like my homescreen cluttered, I run a lot of widgets and I don't lag. Nexus can handle it. I have over 200 apps installed and with the standard launcher I couldn't find anything. I have to admit the icons give the phone a uniformed look, but I don't want them on my home screen. I have the App Inventor from Google, and I was trying to come up with a idea for a app, so Ima see what I can do for you. I'm not a dev or anything I'm still going through the tutorials, but we'll see.
is there anyway to remove this samsung touchui and just have basic android launcher?
Member for 3 years and over 500 posts and you need this kind of question answered?
Install a different launcher, press the home button and set the new one as default. If you want to completely remove TouchWiz, freeze/uninstall the related system APKs afterwards.
A search for "AOSP launcher" on the market returned a theme for ADW launcher.
maybe i should have wrote a little more as to what i was fishing for.
I basically wanted to know if anyone had a list of all the apks that samsung touchui used that could safely be removed rather than just disable or install a seperate launcher.
thanks for the reply i will continue my search.
A|ex said:
is there anyway to remove this samsung touchui and just have basic android launcher?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Create a custom rom based on the Stock GS2 Rom and remove the std TochWizUI.
http://romkitchen.org/sgs2/
Else ger ADW or Go Launcher Ex and set it as default .......
A|ex said:
I basically wanted to know if anyone had a list of all the apks that samsung touchui used that could safely be removed rather than just disable or install a seperate launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Removing APKs won't magically give you a replacement launcher. TouchWiz isn't sitting on top of another one. If you remove it, you'll need a replacement regardless.
It sounds to me like you'd be better with an AOSP ROM rather than Samsung ROM if you're looking for a "pure" experience. But if you do want to stay stock, see Applications Safe To Remove, which has a spreadsheet showing what most of the APKs are and which are okay to remove. Remember though, if you remove the Samsung custom elements, you're going to need replacements.
Excellent, this is what i was looking for. Cheers
Hey all,
I have recently installed ADW Launcher EX in order to set my tablet up using the Hubs philosophy. Looks great so far, but the one thing I did like was the favorites shortcut in the status bar on the stock sony launcher. I would like to add it somewhere, but it won't let me add it, probably because it is some kind of hidden system app.
Does anyone know how to add these hidden system apps to homescreens or wherever without need root access or a custom rom?
Fluxman said:
Hey all,
I have recently installed ADW Launcher EX in order to set my tablet up using the Hubs philosophy. Looks great so far, but the one thing I did like was the favorites shortcut in the status bar on the stock sony launcher. I would like to add it somewhere, but it won't let me add it, probably because it is some kind of hidden system app.
Does anyone know how to add these hidden system apps to homescreens or wherever without need root access or a custom rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without some serious dev work, it looks to me like this is not possible. It seems to be a part of the stock launcher from what I can tell. You might be able to write a non-launchable app that just launches the Favourites, but that would only work if they had any public Intents built-in.
Not too sure, since I'm at work and can't check right now, but thats just my thoughts.
Thanks,
I had thought as much. I actually don't mind the sony stock launcher, just wish I could create shortcuts that can jump to certain screens like in ADW launcher. I'm sure if I rooted, I could find some way to access that applications independently, but I don't really want to go that route with my tablet. My phone was enough lol
Hi. There have been various images of Android devices that have been greatly customized that look nothing like the original stock Android. How do people make such advanced customization. How can I try to do this on my Motorola Defy with CM9? What apps on Android and programs on the computer can help with this? I personally have a Ubuntu computer but can access a Windows one if needed.
Sent from my Xoom using xda app-developers app
try a couple of launchers and themes.
i recommend Apex launcher, and search the play store for themes.
what is it that you mean with "advanced customization"?
something like my screenshots attached?
greetz,
sUsH
Yeah sUsH667. Like that. By the way, your system looks amazing like that. When I mean advanced customization, I don't mean simply downloading a new launcher and finding a theme. The stuff you did with Android make it look entirely different from stock Android and in a good way. I want to do something like that on my device.
Launchers are a huge part of getting the customization that most users have. The default just doesn't have the same abilities, though because of Soft Keys and a few other things you can actually make a lot happen even with the stock version. A large part of it is also functional widgets that users have added.
Anyway have a look through this thread if you want to see how users do it. Most people give some kind of explanation: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=3236616#post3236616
sUsH667 said:
what is it that you mean with "advanced customization"?
something like my screenshots attached?
greetz,
sUsH
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you provide us the thing you use to make your phone look like that?
I will be very grateful if you can. Thanks man
So far I love the phone. This is the only phone I've had in a long time where I haven't wanted to load a custom rom the day I got it. There's just one thing I don't know if there's an option for, and something else I'd like to change that I hope it easy being rooted.
1. Is there a way to make the vibrate patterns apply to text messages? So far they only seem to apply to incoming calls.
2. The little dots on the bottom that show what page I'm on. Can I get rid of those or move them to the top of the screen?
ok, there's a 3rd I guess. The green phone icon, is there an EASY way to change that? Not thrilled about a couple others either like the contacts one. Don't know if there's a simple way to go in and swap out the image file for a different one or not. On my Galaxy tablet I was able to go in and create custom icons on the computer and use a program on the tab to select what program I wanted it to open, but that was a long time ago and I forgot how to do it, or what programs I used. If that's what it comes down too though, guess that's what I'll have to do. Just wanted to know if there was an easier way. I don't mind the icons themselves, just the colors. Not a fan of green or orange. Blue would be nice.
Thanks in advance for any help on these. Besides this stuff, absolutely LOVE the phone...
hope this helps...
1. I don't see any place in the touchwiz messaging app's settings to customize the vibrate pattern for texts... some possible solutions would be a custom ROM with the stock google messaging app rather than the touchwiz app, or somewhat less extreme would be to install a 3rd party texting client from the play store and see if that setting is present in that app.
2. I'm not sure if the touchwiz launcher allows you to hide or remove those little indicator dots, but you can open up a million options for homescreen launcher settings by installing a 3rd party launcher from the play store like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher. Currently I'm using Apex and it is great (still rocking the stock experience until CM9 gets a stable release).
3. As for changing icons like the phone, calendar, calculator, etc. This is another thing that can be customized using a launcher like Apex.
ShawnDobie said:
So far I love the phone. This is the only phone I've had in a long time where I haven't wanted to load a custom rom the day I got it. There's just one thing I don't know if there's an option for, and something else I'd like to change that I hope it easy being rooted.
1. Is there a way to make the vibrate patterns apply to text messages? So far they only seem to apply to incoming calls.
2. The little dots on the bottom that show what page I'm on. Can I get rid of those or move them to the top of the screen?
ok, there's a 3rd I guess. The green phone icon, is there an EASY way to change that? Not thrilled about a couple others either like the contacts one. Don't know if there's a simple way to go in and swap out the image file for a different one or not. On my Galaxy tablet I was able to go in and create custom icons on the computer and use a program on the tab to select what program I wanted it to open, but that was a long time ago and I forgot how to do it, or what programs I used. If that's what it comes down too though, guess that's what I'll have to do. Just wanted to know if there was an easier way. I don't mind the icons themselves, just the colors. Not a fan of green or orange. Blue would be nice.
Thanks in advance for any help on these. Besides this stuff, absolutely LOVE the phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Have heard others complain of this issue, so I don't believe that there a way to do it. Don't use that feature myself so...
2. Again, I'm not sure, but I think you're stuck with them. You could use a launcher that allows more customization. I like apex.
3. Download an app called "icon changer" and a icon pack or theme with the icons you would like to use. You can then open the application and select the app you want to change the icon of and pick a new icon. It will create a shortcut of the app with the custom icon on your home screen. Great for changing icons on your home screen if you want to remain using TW. If you decide to use an alternate launcher like apex this feature is already integrated and you have the ability to switch the icons within the app drawer as well.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
Thanks for the quick replies. Trying to stay away from a custom rom on this phone. There's just nothing I'm really unhappy with that much. There's always something that goes wrong when I load one. Not saying there's ANYTHING wrong with the roms themselves, there's just not that much on this phone I'm not happy with, unlike phones I've had in the past. I'm coming from a Desire.
Thanks for the Icon Changer app also. Changing them on my tablet was a pain in the butt, this was nice and simple. Any way you know the dimensions of the icons though so I can create some of my own?