I dont know if this is possible within the framework of Honeycomb, but I was wondering if I was possible to add gesture control using a root-access app?
Personally, I'm only looking for one feature: WebOS style task switching. I love the way Honeycomb multitasks, but I wish I could just swipe up from the bottom of the screen (starting on the bezel below the screen) and have it open up Honeycomb's app switcher. For reference, WaveLauncher implements similar WebOS-lite utility with a similarly implemented gesture implementation.
And just for the hell of it, I think it would be great if there could be an option to open the task switcher horizontally across the middle of the screen. I know I know, "Go buy a touchpad!" I'm just saying I think it would be awesome, and I'm certain others would think so too.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using XDA Premium App
there's this app call dock4droid. you can find it in the market. some member post about this app some time ago here. I am using that app now. it works great.you can choose to put it on left/right top or down, anywhere you like. it will show recent app, and you can customize what app to appear on that dock.
sorry for my poor explanation. download it and have a try, it should fits what you want. I think. There's a free version of it.
p/s : i never touch the multitask button ever since i used this app it's kinda lag for me
I am I afraid there is no good solution, and each app that overlay your screen like this one will make your tablet lag :-(
Normaly I switch betwen 2 apps, it would be nice being able to one click switch between them
Patrul said:
Normaly I switch betwen 2 apps, it would be nice being able to one click switch between them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. Just a "Quickswitch" button that switched between the last 2 used apps would be awesome.
irishtexmex said:
I agree. Just a "Quickswitch" button that switched between the last 2 used apps would be awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm, we already have something like a "2-click-switcher"...
but the idea of swithcing tasks like in webos is really charming )
would love to have this, too.
hebbe said:
hmm, we already have something like a "2-click-switcher"...
but the idea of swithcing tasks like in webos is really charming )
would love to have this, too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was thinking more along the lines of an individual button next to the task switcher. It's surprising how much quicker & intuitive things feel when there is only one action needed to be performed (one swipe, one button press, etc.).
Anyway, I'm just sorta spitballin' in this thread. I've been using an Android phone for over a year now, and my tablet for a few months, and I still haven't been able to get over missing WebOS style multitasking. That's not to say I'm dogging on Android's, it works well, it's just not the absolute best.
Is there any minimize button? It wold be what I need
Patrul said:
Is there any minimize button? It wold be what I need
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The home button
This is a great idea, but may only be possible on rooted phones with custom ROMs. I am going to look into an implementation that does not toll performance or battery. Perhaps a simple widget at the bottom of the home screen? Then again that would require going home first, making the widget redundant.
irishtexmex said:
I dont know if this is possible within the framework of Honeycomb, but I was wondering if I was possible to add gesture control using a root-access app?
Personally, I'm only looking for one feature: WebOS style task switching. I love the way Honeycomb multitasks, but I wish I could just swipe up from the bottom of the screen (starting on the bezel below the screen) and have it open up Honeycomb's app switcher. For reference, WaveLauncher implements similar WebOS-lite utility with a similarly implemented gesture implementation.
And just for the hell of it, I think it would be great if there could be an option to open the task switcher horizontally across the middle of the screen. I know I know, "Go buy a touchpad!" I'm just saying I think it would be awesome, and I'm certain others would think so too.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So exactly like the blackberry Playbook... that's exactly what it does ... swipe from bezel to open multitasking
The only thing I miss from IOS is ACTIVATOR.
So many options.
You could hook any action/gesture to any app.
It was awesome.
Sometimes is cumbersome to hit the home button located at the bottom when I'm holding the tab with both hands on the sides.
Would pay money for an activator equivalent.
.torrented said:
So exactly like the blackberry Playbook... that's exactly what it does ... swipe from bezel to open multitasking
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, and just like the TouchPad/WebOS.
A swipe gesture from the bezel is inherently easier than almost any other single input option because when holding the tablet there is at least one digit within an extreme proximity to the bezel & screen. I would say over 90% of my usage patterns are with me holding the tablet in at least one hand, and a large majority of me holding it with both hands. In my case, gestures like that are accessible from any direction and any side of the screen, and would be superior than having to click a 20x20 pixel button in a single location that isn't near either of the places where my hand naturally holds the tablet.
Again, for other people their usage patterns may dictate a better option. I just happen to think most people use their tablets in a manner similar to mine, which would make these gestures extremely useful.
Gesture Control
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1535740
Related
zMooth works on nook's with rooted android 2.2+.
zMooth lets you use gestures to mimic your device's hardware keys (back, home, menu and power(in Pro)), you will be able to use very intuitive gestures to navigate your device.
zMooth is unobtrusive and uses minimum amount of screen space but very easy and intuitive to use. If you use for couple of days you won't even think about using the buttons.
After you install the app you will see a blue area at the bottom of the screen, swipe left on this area to go back, swipe right for menu, gesture a up-arrow(^) for home and gesture a lightning strike/thunderbolt to power off. Please check the screen shots and video for more info.
App website
App market link
Support is built-in to the app, "Preferences->Help" will resolve most issues. If not resolved just contact me through "Preferences->Help->Contact Support" and I will be happy to resolve any issues.
Thanks.
it works, its kinda cool but being able to move the gesture area would be great
Can you provide screenshot of your nook, never tested on it so was wondering on how it looks.
Would you mind if I use your screenshot in other places? (hope your screenshot doesn't show any personal details)
windroidHD said:
Please check out my app to replace hardware keys using gestures. I tested it on HD2 and don't have a nook, would appreciate any feedback if you could try it on your nook.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1027112
App website
App market link
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really awesome application. I'm the kind who can't stand having soft buttons popping out by the side. This works wonderfully for me. Didn't know how to use it at first though. There should be a quick guide in this app without having to connect to the internet to view the FAQ.
However, with that said, this is still awesome. Love it.
WOW! I'd say I spend about 1/1000th of my time on XDA in the themes and apps section...Now..in one day..the sense icons for settings..the honeycomb style softkeys are here (which are awesome..but now obsolete IMO...because of THIS! this is EPIC!)...It took me about 1 minute to get so comfortable w this that I completely hid my dockbar and statusbar...Now I have ALLmy screen real estate, except for a thin blue line at the bottom of my screen that does it all. This is going straight on my EVO...and I'd bet you start seeing something like this on factory releases or at least as an option. A very simple yet brilliant idea. It actually makes me feel a little bit sad for Murdock...he accomplished so much for CM7 in SO little time..and now this comes along.TRY this NOW.
Sent from my NookColor using Tapatalk
It's OK but interferes with stuff on the bottom - there should be an option to move the swiping area. Also, it doesn't always register touches.
Wow!!!
Sounds awesome, i'm trying this straight away
Looks like I won't be having to double click my home screen button anymore
+1 for being able to move the swipe area. I don't like gestures over my dock.
Yeah, I Sent an Email
to the developers to enable the gesture area to be moved - until the app is useless and will probably get hammered on ratings in the market. I'm giving it one star until they do this.
docfreed said:
to the developers to enable the gesture area to be moved - until the app is useless and will probably get hammered on ratings in the market. I'm giving it one star until they do this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't Even NEED to use the launcher's dock...that's why there's an option for losing it under a launcher's settings....Eliminate the dock...Put a shortcut or action butons to whatever you want on either side of the "thin blue line", and you're golden. The gesture area can be adjusted to where its about a third of the size of a dockbar anyway, so I don't really understand that issue...I set my swipe options to hide/unhide my notification bar (which now lives at the top)..so my end results look like these before and after shots: From A to B to C....Who likes C?
Sent from my PC36100
Moving of swipe area is under development in Pro version. I wanted to make the moving very intuitive/configurable so it's taking time.
To people who are threatning with 1 * rating, you are just being mean.
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App
Awesome app, got the pro verison. Keep up the good work.
1 bug to report. When modifying the display of the bar, values seem to constantly reset when going into the sliders, though the physical bar won't change itself until you return. You might want to make the sliders default to the currently set points when entering the screen.
Ceger
Ceger said:
Awesome app, got the pro verison. Keep up the good work.
1 bug to report. When modifying the display of the bar, values seem to constantly reset when going into the sliders, though the physical bar won't change itself until you return. You might want to make the sliders default to the currently set points when entering the screen.
Ceger
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
incorrect value issue is on my list.
mazook98 said:
You don't Even NEED to use the launcher's dock...that's why there's an option for losing it under a launcher's settings....Eliminate the dock...Put a shortcut or action butons to whatever you want on either side of the "thin blue line", and you're golden. The gesture area can be adjusted to where its about a third of the size of a dockbar anyway, so I don't really understand that issue...I set my swipe options to hide/unhide my notification bar (which now lives at the top)..so my end results look like these before and after shots: From A to B to C....Who likes C?
Sent from my PC36100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get what you are saying, but it's a to each his own thing. Maybe some people REALLY like their docks. I actually do hide my dock, but I don't want to have to do all of my gestures on the bottom of the screen. I already use gestures in ADW. Swipe up for notifications (notification bar on the bottom), swipe down for my app drawer. I would like to use this app for side to side gestures, and preferably I would like the gestures to take place somewhere in the center.
..and windroidHD, just to be clear. Your app is awesome. I would just like to see the additional functionality. It sounds like you're on top of it, and I gladly await the arrival of a pro version that will allow me to move the swipe area.
regarding why it's at the bottom of the screen to start with...
Why not left?. because when you think about back, intuition is to swipe back, if gesture area is on left side then you can't swipe left as your finger will move out of screen and gesture can't be recognized.
Why not right?, same as above but for menu.
Why not top?, If it's at the top then your hand has to obstruct the screen and do a gesture at the top of screen, this breaks the visual link of your eyes with screen.
Google knew that they made a mistake with android hardware buttons, that's why honeycomb has fewer hardware buttons and soft buttons at the bottom.
The "standard" way of designing in android seems to be let user configure everything and figure out the layout of app, that to me is absolute crap. Developer has to think what makes most sense and let the user not worry and do trial and error out the position of gesture area.
That said, I don't have nook so I don't know the general workflow on it. Configuration of position still under development.
windroidHD said:
regarding why it's at the bottom of the screen...
Why not left?. because when you think about back, intuition is to swipe back, if gesture area is on left side then you can't swipe left as your finger will move out of screen and gesture can't be recognized.
Why not right?, same as above but for menu.
Why not top?, If it's at the top then your hand has to obstruct the screen and do a gesture at the top of screen, this breaks the visual link of your eyes with screen.
Google knew that they made a mistake with android hardware buttons, that's why honeycomb has fewer hardware buttons and soft buttons at the bottom.
The "standard" way of designing in android seems to be let user configure everything and figure out the layout of app, that to me is absolute crap. Developer has to think what makes most sense and let the user not worry and do trial and error out the position of gesture area.
That said, I don't have nook so I don't know the general workflow on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No offense, but you're not giving your end users very much credit.
...it's all about options.
Give me the option to do it whichever way I want, and let ME figure out which works best for my setup.
philburkhardt said:
No offense, but you're not giving your end users very much credit.
...it's all about options.
Give me the option to do it whichever way I want, and let ME figure out which works best for my setup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand if it sounded like I was "not giving credit", but do you see why I picked bottom to start with?. On contrary to not giving credit I have added options in the first Pro version itself to let user pick his colors and size which suits their theme and finger size.
Can you let me know which of my points about position are incorrect?, may be I am wrong, but which one will work for nook workflow?.
Thanks.
philburkhardt said:
No offense, but you're not giving your end users very much credit.
...it's all about options.
Give me the option to do it whichever way I want, and let ME figure out which works best for my setup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's a perfect option: Write your own app or don't use this one. OP..purchasing pro now...(and I almost NEVER buy apps)....and telling everyone I know to do the same. Change things if you want, but this version is quite perfect in my opinion. Off to Reddit to absolutely honk this. Great Job.
Sent from my PC36100
mazook98 said:
Here's a perfect option: Write your own app or don't use this one. OP..purchasing pro now...(and I almost NEVER buy apps)....and telling everyone I know to do the same. Change things if you want, but this version is quite perfect in my opinion. Off to Reddit to absolutely honk this. Great Job.
Sent from my PC36100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. Don't forget to rate the app .
Just for future reference support is built-in to the app, "Preferences->Help" will resolve most issues. If not resolved just contact me through "Preferences->Help->Contact Support" and I will be happy to resolve any issues.
mazook98 said:
Here's a perfect option: Write your own app or don't use this one. OP..purchasing pro now...(and I almost NEVER buy apps)....and telling everyone I know to do the same. Change things if you want, but this version is quite perfect in my opinion. Off to Reddit to absolutely honk this. Great Job.
Sent from my PC36100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty harsh buddy. All I did was request a feature. That is what happens in every other app thread I have been in. I wasn't rude, I didn't threaten to leave a crappy rating.
...I also stated my intent to get the pro version.
I am glad it is perfect for you. Enjoy.
Swipe Switcher
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.appspot.eikatou0.ss
Enjoy guys.
Thanks, installing now. I've been looking for other ways to toggle applications (really used to assigning hardware keys on a BlackBerry for SMS and Email).
It looks like it just goes to the last used program, so you're essentially just switching between two at a time. Or am I doing something wrong?
Edit: Duh. Settings. You can customize the action depending on what part of the screen you swipe from. I have my top left set for the previous application, and the bottom left for messages. I disabled both right hand ones.
Pretty neat actually, but I'm fine using Home long press for recently used.
Skv012a said:
Pretty neat actually, but I'm fine using Home long press for recently used.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
......
Not bad. Only run into a couple of annoying details, but nothing major. Nice find.
Sent while riding a buffalo.
Skv012a said:
Pretty neat actually, but I'm fine using Home long press for recently used.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Home long press *only* gives you recently *used* apps. Which is great and all, I use it too. But this allows a different way to go about it, giving you not just a "back" button but sort of a "forward" button too.
A very big difference is it allows you to use any of the corners to open any app or shortcut you want.
That allows easy access whether you've *recently* used a program or not.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
There is another app called Swipe Pad that is similar and very customizable.
https://market.android.com/details?id=mobi.conduction.swipepad.android&feature=search_result
I found it worked well enough but I wasn't a big fan. I am very anti bloatware and while that app technically wasnt bloat.. its an "unecessary" addition to android that I dont find useful. Just thought my peers would enjoy it and they have lol. so I'm happy
Had the iPhone 4s for about 6 months and had the EVO LTE for the past 3 weeks. Before my iPhone, I had the EVO 3D and EVO 4G. I found love for both phones, which is why I want to switch to the White S3. Seems like a potential great hybrid. However, there are some things I'm forseeing as a possible problem. Hopefully, there are ways around.
~When using exchange eMail, many of my eMails have pics integrated into them. My iPhone showed the pics as part of the eMail. EVO's make me download each pic as separate files. Can the S3 do it like my iPhone?
~What are the tactile buttons on the S3? I thought the one on the left was the menu button, but was told that was wrong. With that, how do you multi-task without the button and what is the button on the left?
~When playing music through my car stereo with my EVO LTE and I change songs, there is a weird digital noise blip. Anyone notice this with the S3?
~What's so horrible about TouchWiz that are sending people into Frenzy's in other threads? Personally, I think TouchWiz makes the phone look more like iOS.
~On the launch bar, is there a way to move where the apps launcher drawer is? I like it in the middle. Is that customizable?
Again, these are small things that I like, and any help is greatly appreciated
virgil1528 said:
.
~When using exchange eMail, many of my eMails have pics integrated into them. My iPhone showed the pics as part of the eMail. EVO's make me download each pic as separate files. Can the S3 do it like my iPhone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My gs2 can and if the gs3 can't I'm sure there an app for that
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
This is weird as Hell Man! I had the same exact phone you did and in the exact same order.
Irrelevant but I had to point it out LOL.
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
virgil1528 said:
~What are the tactile buttons on the S3? I thought the one on the left was the menu button, but was told that was wrong. With that, how do you multi-task without the button and what is the button on the left?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Left is menu
Multi task is done by holding home
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
virgil1528 said:
~What's so horrible about TouchWiz that are sending people into Frenzy's in other threads? Personally, I think TouchWiz makes the phone look more like iOS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U answered your own question
We are iPhone haters lol
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
virgil1528 said:
~On the launch bar, is there a way to move where the apps launcher drawer is? I like it in the middle. Is that customizable?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No its not with stock launcher but if you use a replacement launcher like nova launcher (all of stock features and more) you will be able to
If I helped hit the thx button
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
virgil1528 said:
Had the iPhone 4s for about 6 months and had the EVO LTE for the past 3 weeks. Before my iPhone, I had the EVO 3D and EVO 4G. I found love for both phones, which is why I want to switch to the White S3. Seems like a potential great hybrid. However, there are some things I'm forseeing as a possible problem. Hopefully, there are ways around.
~When using exchange eMail, many of my eMails have pics integrated into them. My iPhone showed the pics as part of the eMail. EVO's make me download each pic as separate files. Can the S3 do it like my iPhone?
~What are the tactile buttons on the S3? I thought the one on the left was the menu button, but was told that was wrong. With that, how do you multi-task without the button and what is the button on the left?
~When playing music through my car stereo with my EVO LTE and I change songs, there is a weird digital noise blip. Anyone notice this with the S3?
~What's so horrible about TouchWiz that are sending people into Frenzy's in other threads? Personally, I think TouchWiz makes the phone look more like iOS.
~On the launch bar, is there a way to move where the apps launcher drawer is? I like it in the middle. Is that customizable?
Again, these are small things that I like, and any help is greatly appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Not sure since I use Gmail and in the Gmail app, the attachments are on the bottom of the email and I can open them up individually.
2. Left button is the menu button. You multi task by long pressing the home physical button.
3. No sound issues whatsoever. Played great in the car.
4. To me TouchWiz is a little cartoonish but it doesn't bother me as much as others. But I think because it looks like iOS that's the reason people really hate it .
5. No way to move the apps launcher icon to the middle, but you can get a launcher if that's a big deal.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
Thank you for the answers. The have prompted for two more:
~If the menu button is one of the physical buttons, does that mean that the apps are aware of this and don't allocate the bottom of the screen for it as well. That bottom 5% where it's all black, except for the menu icon that is. I feel that would be dumb
~If I do root, which I have never done before, does that interfere with updates that come out? The reason I ask is, I may want to switch dialers, where the app drawer launcher is, and a few other minor things
Again, thank you so far
virgil1528 said:
Thank you for the answers. The have prompted for two more:
~If the menu button is one of the physical buttons, does that mean that the apps are aware of this and don't allocate the bottom of the screen for it as well. That bottom 5% where it's all black, except for the menu icon that is. I feel that would be dumb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, they recognize it and there is no on-screen menu button.
virgil1528 said:
Thank you for the answers. The have prompted for two more:
~If the menu button is one of the physical buttons, does that mean that the apps are aware of this and don't allocate the bottom of the screen for it as well. That bottom 5% where it's all black, except for the menu icon that is. I feel that would be dumb
~If I do root, which I have never done before, does that interfere with updates that come out? The reason I ask is, I may want to switch dialers, where the app drawer launcher is, and a few other minor things
Again, thank you so far
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The touch keys on either side of the physical home key are recognized throughout the entire OS, apps included.
Also you do not need to root in order to use a different Launcher [to change app launcher location).
On screen buttons have so far only been used on the Galaxy nexus, so the screen space on the S3 is purely for whatever your doing on it.
Also in case your still confused on multitasking, Holding down Home (physical middle button) brings up your running/recent apps, in which you can A: tap the one you want to go to or B: close them out by sweeping them left or right just like the notifications.
And the new touchwiz allows lock screen shortcuts now, just throwing that out there since your coming from an Evo background.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA
virgil1528 said:
Thank you for the answers. The have prompted for two more:
~If the menu button is one of the physical buttons, does that mean that the apps are aware of this and don't allocate the bottom of the screen for it as well. That bottom 5% where it's all black, except for the menu icon that is. I feel that would be dumb
~If I do root, which I have never done before, does that interfere with updates that come out? The reason I ask is, I may want to switch dialers, where the app drawer launcher is, and a few other minor things
Again, thank you so far
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont worry about updates
If you root you will get an update saying that update is available but you can't install it but you can always unroot and install
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
When update is coming you don't need unroot dev can update with unroot method.
Sent from my PC36100 using xda premium
http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/0...cations-to-put-an-app-launcher-in-your-shade/
Thank me later ^_^
Shifted from planet Namek
Thanks. (It's later now. Lol)
Over engineering. Pull down the notifications bar, pull down the Quickly bar, then select app. I can find it in my app drawer faster than that with just one click and no swipes But to each his own!
OAN: Did anybody check out Vire launcher they documented on xda homepage? It's pretty sweet, but I'm so used to LauncherPro+ that I can't switch to it.
I like it ok but I tend to stick with sense, holo and go.
klund29078 said:
Over engineering. Pull down the notifications bar, pull down the Quickly bar, then select app. I can find it in my app drawer faster than that with just one click and no swipes But to each his own!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the idea is its supposed to be a solution for accessing app's while in other apps, eg. multi-tasking without going back to the home screen first and then app drawer(which is a minimum of two clicks and possible a swipe or two).
With that said, I think that pie launcher, lmt or something, is a much better solution.
BigSplit said:
I think the idea is its supposed to be a solution for accessing app's while in other apps, eg. multi-tasking without going back to the home screen first and then app drawer(which is a minimum of two clicks and possible a swipe or two).
With that said, I think that pie launcher, lmt or something, is a much better solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahhh kind of like a long home press, except you can specify the apps instead of using recent apps. I'm not that big of a multitasker but that's not a bad idea
I've been using my HOX+ for almost six months now, fairly light use but I'm mostly happy with it. I'm still running unrooted stock, just installed the official 4.2.2 update. This is my first real smartphone, I had an unsubsidized $100 3.14" Android smartphone last year that I don't think really qualifies.
The big complaint I have with the jump to a 4.7" screen is that one-handed use is uncomfortable and requires me to stretch to reach the corners, where the buttons are often stupidly located, or sometimes even to slide the phone up and down in my hand to make the buttons accessible, not exactly easy to do with one hand without dropping the phone. I would really like a phone that is comfortable to use one-handed, but I don't want to compromise by buying a smaller screen phone, say 4.3" or god forbid the 4" size of the iPhone, as I'm not exactly thrilled with the "looking through a keyhole" quality of 4.7" either.
I think the right solution would be a thumbwheel UI in the bottom right corner, placed in the arc right where my thumb is, so I can use it one-handed with my thumb and not have to reach with my fingers. As long as it let me virtually hit all the buttons on the screen, even native app buttons like the menu button at the top or the tab switcher button at the top in Chrome, I could even buy a phablet if there was something like this, maybe a 5.5+ inch screen that I could use comfortably one-handed with just my thumb in the bottom-right corner.
The closest thing I've been able to find like this is the Splay launcher, but I don't think such launchers actually let me control menus within apps, only launch apps. This guy wrote a small app earlier this year to do something similar, seems to be a great article talking about the idea but I don't think that effort went anywhere.
Is there any effort within the xda community to integrate a one-handed control interface like this? This is a feature that would actually make me root and install a ROM, as I haven't had the need to go to the trouble yet. I'd love to see an effort like this on Android, wonder what everyone else thinks.
joakim_one said:
I've been using my HOX+ for almost six months now, fairly light use but I'm mostly happy with it. I'm still running unrooted stock, just installed the official 4.2.2 update. This is my first real smartphone, I had an unsubsidized $100 3.14" Android smartphone last year that I don't think really qualifies.
The big complaint I have with the jump to a 4.7" screen is that one-handed use is uncomfortable and requires me to stretch to reach the corners, where the buttons are often stupidly located, or sometimes even to slide the phone up and down in my hand to make the buttons accessible, not exactly easy to do with one hand without dropping the phone. I would really like a phone that is comfortable to use one-handed, but I don't want to compromise by buying a smaller screen phone, say 4.3" or god forbid the 4" size of the iPhone, as I'm not exactly thrilled with the "looking through a keyhole" quality of 4.7" either.
I think the right solution would be a thumbwheel UI in the bottom right corner, placed in the arc right where my thumb is, so I can use it one-handed with my thumb and not have to reach with my fingers. As long as it let me virtually hit all the buttons on the screen, even native app buttons like the menu button at the top or the tab switcher button at the top in Chrome, I could even buy a phablet if there was something like this, maybe a 5.5+ inch screen that I could use comfortably one-handed with just my thumb in the bottom-right corner.
The closest thing I've been able to find like this is the Splay launcher, but I don't think such launchers actually let me control menus within apps, only launch apps. This guy wrote a small app earlier this year to do something similar, seems to be a great article talking about the idea but I don't think that effort went anywhere.
Is there any effort within the xda community to integrate a one-handed control interface like this? This is a feature that would actually make me root and install a ROM, as I haven't had the need to go to the trouble yet. I'd love to see an effort like this on Android, wonder what everyone else thinks.
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A "Whole" UI made especially for one hand usage? Well I know the second best solution.
Install "Pie Controls" and assign it to any corner/side of the screen, it will allow you to launch apps but for the function that you want, you will need to root. Once you are rooted PIE has extra features like "Back, Home, Sleep, Menu, Recent Apps" ..etc.
A Second best is "LMT" launcher ALSO requires root. Once you have it, you will be able to have PIE Controls as well, PLUS a unique feature to have gestures working in all screens. You can swipe down to bring up the notification bar or swipe up for recent apps. The reason i put it as second best was because I don't really like it ..
Ofcourse there are normal launchers , like nova launcher ..etc. that allows you to swipe down to bring up the notifications but sadly that only works on the home screen.
There are also ROMS like AOKP (For us Carbon rom or something similar) which has a stock feeling but extra buttons in the Power menu. When you hold down the power menu , under the normal "Power off, restart, screenshot, airplane" you will also find "Back, Home, Recent apps"
I honestly think that PIE Controls is the best app to have out of them all since it works on all ROMs . Though for full features you should buy the Pro version.
P.S: All apps that you are looking for will require ROOT access.
Ghand0ur said:
A "Whole" UI made especially for one hand usage? Well I know the second best solution.
Install "Pie Controls" and assign it to any corner/side of the screen, it will allow you to launch apps but for the function that you want, you will need to root. Once you are rooted PIE has extra features like "Back, Home, Sleep, Menu, Recent Apps" ..etc.
A Second best is "LMT" launcher ALSO requires root. Once you have it, you will be able to have PIE Controls as well, PLUS a unique feature to have gestures working in all screens. You can swipe down to bring up the notification bar or swipe up for recent apps. The reason i put it as second best was because I don't really like it ..
Ofcourse there are normal launchers , like nova launcher ..etc. that allows you to swipe down to bring up the notifications but sadly that only works on the home screen.
There are also ROMS like AOKP (For us Carbon rom or something similar) which has a stock feeling but extra buttons in the Power menu. When you hold down the power menu , under the normal "Power off, restart, screenshot, airplane" you will also find "Back, Home, Recent apps"
I honestly think that PIE Controls is the best app to have out of them all since it works on all ROMs . Though for full features you should buy the Pro version.
P.S: All apps that you are looking for will require ROOT access.
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Thanks for all the info. I tried the Pie Control app by coolace based on your recommendation, but it didn't seem to do anything on my unrooted HOX+. I'll look into the other stuff you talked about.
joakim_one said:
Thanks for all the info. I tried the Pie Control app by coolace based on your recommendation, but it didn't seem to do anything on my unrooted HOX+. I'll look into the other stuff you talked about.
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How didn't it function?
Well here is a good video that will help you install it : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBud1hk27Rw
Although to have full features you will require to BUY the pro version and root, the free version on an unrooted version should have some functions that will work like launching apps and other stuff. Try to clarify what you meant
Ghand0ur said:
How didn't it function?
Well here is a good video that will help you install it : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBud1hk27Rw
Although to have full features you will require to BUY the pro version and root, the free version on an unrooted version should have some functions that will work like launching apps and other stuff. Try to clarify what you meant
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Click to collapse
I installed the app and set it to work on the left, right, and bottom, then configured two short-click apps in level 1. I would then long-press at those edges and nothing happened with pie control: HTC Sense would send me to widget configuration instead.
I just watched your video and he does a slight swipe from the edge, instead of the long-press I was trying. I just installed the app again and tried that on the home screen and within a couple other apps, again no pie controls. If I do it on the home screen, it starts to scroll to the next home screen, as it always did.
There may be something about HTC Sense that it's not giving control to the pie app for gestures, or maybe there's some other switch I have to hit somewhere to actually enable the pie gestures?
joakim_one said:
I installed the app and set it to work on the left, right, and bottom, then configured two short-click apps in level 1. I would then long-press at those edges and nothing happened with pie control: HTC Sense would send me to widget configuration instead.
I just watched your video and he does a slight swipe from the edge, instead of the long-press I was trying. I just installed the app again and tried that on the home screen and within a couple other apps, again no pie controls. If I do it on the home screen, it starts to scroll to the next home screen, as it always did.
There may be something about HTC Sense that it's not giving control to the pie app for gestures, or maybe there's some other switch I have to hit somewhere to actually enable the pie gestures?
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Oh yeah I forgot to tell you. Although HOX+ and S3 have the same screen size, for the PIE to activate you just need to increase the activation area width. Just thought of installing Pie again after a while of not using it and just remembered. Now it's working fine
I remember there was a small bug of the activation area width being reset everytime you open the app if I can remember correctly. That or everytime you press on the activation width area. Can't really remember but my point is, while using the app if it suddenly doesnt appear anymore just increase the width again and it will work.
Sorry it took me a while to reply since I couldn't really remember
Sent from my HTC One x+ using XDA developers app
Ghand0ur said:
Oh yeah I forgot to tell you. Although HOX+ and S3 have the same screen size, for the PIE to activate you just need to increase the activation area width. Just thought of installing Pie again after a while of not using it and just remembered. Now it's working fine
I remember there was a small bug of the activation area width being reset everytime you open the app if I can remember correctly. That or everytime you press on the activation width area. Can't really remember but my point is, while using the app if it suddenly doesnt appear anymore just increase the width again and it will work.
Sorry it took me a while to reply since I couldn't really remember
Sent from my HTC One x+ using XDA developers app
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Thanks, now it shows up. I'll mess around with it and let you know what I think.