Hi,
I picked up a touchpad when HP held their second firesale. I loaded Android shortly after and have been running Alpha 3.5.
I would like some feedback on what are some must have utility apps for this combination of hardware and software.
So far I have AVG anti-virus, android pro widgets, and adw free launcher. I have downloaded CPU master free but haven't turned it on yet.
What are some other utilities you consideration must have.
Thanks,
Rick
hmmm...depends what sort of apps you are after, quick office, adobe reader enhanced email, evernote & skitch for the productivity stuff.
android pro widgets is a good one allows you good selection of widgets to cover the large screen (except email)
if you're after a nice clock HD widgets works well.
Choice (the free will android offers ) is yours pretty much
My suggestions:
Airdroid for quick access to the Touchpad.
Rom Toolbox and/or Titanium Backup in case you need it.
SetCPU is another option instead of CPU master free.
File Expert is often helpful
Quick Settings for turning options.
bye the way: Quite a number of apps and games are available and are really worth.
You wil find it on the market or also at getjar (m.getjar.com)
Thank you both for the replies. My original post was about utilities for the OS and software. Having said that, I'm looking for all good app recommendations.
I have installed several highly praised apps like Evernote, Google Maps, etc.
I was wondering if I should get launcher pro. I'm not exactly sure what a launcher does. Will it include new widgets? Does it also add the functionality to change icons?
Again, appreciate all the suggestions and welcome more.
Rick
The launcher is really the interface you see and use to launch apps. I haven't used launcher pro lately and last time I used it, it was not being updated. I think most people either use the default launcher, ADW, or Go launcher. There isn't much harm installing each and trying it other that the time invested setting up the screens. Every time you hit the home button, it will ask which launcher you want to use. When you find one you like, check make default and uninstall the others.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
C5Longhorn said:
So far I have AVG anti-virus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need that, delete it.
peachpuff said:
You don't need that, delete it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you saying a anti-virus app is not needed or there is a better one out there?
pbot said:
The launcher is really the interface you see and use to launch apps. I haven't used launcher pro lately and last time I used it, it was not being updated. I think most people either use the default launcher, ADW, or Go launcher. There isn't much harm installing each and trying it other that the time invested setting up the screens. Every time you hit the home button, it will ask which launcher you want to use. When you find one you like, check make default and uninstall the others.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to know. I have the free ADW launcher as it came with the Honeycomb look alike 3D SB theme I downloaded.
C5Longhorn said:
Are you saying a anti-virus app is not needed or there is a better one out there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not needed.
What about Advanced Task Killer. That is not needed either, right?
I would suggest (in addition to what you have, thought I agree you don't need AVG):
root explorer (file browser with root access and built in text editor)
HashDroid (md5 checker to doublecheck downloads were successful)
amazon market (free app a day, can't go wrong with that)
mClock (fully customizable clock widget)
C5Longhorn said:
Are you saying a anti-virus app is not needed or there is a better one out there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not needed, there are no android viruses.
What about Advanced Task Killer. That is not needed either, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely not. Task killers work against how android works, and will actually use more battery.
sitlet said:
Not needed, there are no android viruses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya, it's not like android is the #1 most infected OS for 2011
sitlet said:
Not needed, there are no android viruses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not exactly true, there ARE Android viruses (at least, by most people's definition of virus... there are no true viruses but the same could be said for Windows)
However, they're far and few, and you can only really get one if you carelessly install something without knowing what it is. The Android Market shows you application permissions needed before installing for that very reason, for example if a live wallpaper needs to read your contact info then something is wrong.
File Expert -->Powerful File Manager/WIFI File Transfer Web & FTP/App Manager
Super Manager -->All in One powerful system utility (backup apk in "Readable Display Name").
Do u know any other utility capable of this apart "AppMonster"?
I am currently running the Xeron Beta 2.9 build, which is ICS themed just a little.
But these are my downloaded apps:
Ice Cream Sandwich (theme) for adw and go launchers [replaces the stock icons to ice cream sandwich]
Clean Clock Widget [a nice 3x2 widget for showing time and date]
Dropbox [enables me to transfer some apk's files without the hassle and using usb]
ES File Explorer [file manager with root access to remove unwanted apps/bloat ware]
Firefox [best browser imo with access to my desktop bookmarks, and quick access to the address bar]
AnTuTu CPU Master (free) [overclocked my tablet to 1512 MHz]
Tiwiz ICS Search Bar [adds google search widget ICS themed]
Thanks for all replies. I'm going to the app store and checking out all recommendations. Keep them coming.
Forgot to mention this theme:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1311339
Ignore the error message about screen size when you install, it works and looks fantastic! I love how the wifi and battery are the same color now, and the notification window is shaded so it's easier to tell when it's up. Also it makes the soft buttons more consistent with ICS.
Related
Does anyone think it would be possible? The widget is nice and clean, telling you the amount of apps running. If it is possible, I'd like to use it in LauncherPro.
Me too (running Galaxy S I9000 though). I had a play around, found I could run it as an 'activity' in LauncherPro, but only running in its own little screen, not as a widget. Had a play around with the apk and some basic dev tools, considered either copying the app but making it a regular widget which could then be installed like any other, or creating a new app that runs the existing activity (like LauncherPro) as a widget. Unfortunately, either I'm not skilled enough or it's not possible (or both - I'm not skilled enough to properly work out that it's not possible ).
Dean-O said:
Me too (running Galaxy S I9000 though). I had a play around, found I could run it as an 'activity' in LauncherPro, but only running in its own little screen, not as a widget. Had a play around with the apk and some basic dev tools, considered either copying the app but making it a regular widget which could then be installed like any other, or creating a new app that runs the existing activity (like LauncherPro) as a widget. Unfortunately, either I'm not skilled enough or it's not possible (or both - I'm not skilled enough to properly work out that it's not possible ).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
didnt know you could do it as an activity, but whats wrong with just holding the home button and clicking on task manager?
djkdawg said:
didnt know you could do it as an activity, but whats wrong with just holding the home button and clicking on task manager?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like most widgets, just being able to glance at the Program Monitor widget rather than open Task Manager is faster, that's all
Good news - I looked into this a while ago and was stumped as per my previous post. Then a couple of days ago I stumbled upon how to properly decompile the widget's apk, which I have now done. Very busy with other work right now, but will look into trying to turn it into a widget that runs on any launcher as soon as I get the chance - hopefully as an easily installable apk file (by recreating the program as a standard widget), but possibly might need to be an update.zip file (modifying the program in /system/app to run as a standard widget). Will post any updates.
That would be awesome - I have been googling this for a while now and I didn't think it was possible to do. Keep us posted!
The same as me ! Keep us posted if any news !
I too would like to get just this running again.
Any word on this? I love the widget.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
bump......
any one know if this is still happening?
jinx8402 said:
Does anyone think it would be possible? The widget is nice and clean, telling you the amount of apps running. If it is possible, I'd like to use it in LauncherPro.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried any of the modded tw launchers from sgs tools?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
anything ever happen here? Got Bionix v1.2 with TW launcher but program monitor is gone. Love to get it back
nothing with this yet? it'd be a great addition to roms.
jdm4u said:
nothing with this yet? it'd be a great addition to roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't believe that i haven't came across this thread but if it hasn't been answered. A port has been created and it's called "Active Apps". Try a search in a market and it should appear.
Well the closest you are going to get it seems is active apps. It's not as fast, and it doesn't show everything (I.E if you hold home and bring up the task manager, it will show your aftermarket launcher as an active app, where Active Apps doesn't show it if it's running on top of it)and it's a little laggy, but you can theme the icon, change colors, it doesn't monitor battery use and change colors but it's still the best you are going to get for a program monitor style app.
http://androidforums.com/application-announcements/306629-app-active-apps.html
I've been using Zeam 2.8.8 as my desktop launcher and think it's great for the Nook Touch, simple, fast. I am having a problem when trying to remove large widgets, i.e 4x2, 2x3. I long press the widget and drag it to the trash can, I'm not that stupid, but when it's in the right spot the widget and trash can are supposed to both turn red. Problem is on a grayscale like Nook there is no visiable change in color. Is there an app I can use to remove the widget? I've been looking for an app the past three days but not lucky. I also am using ES File manager which allow sys access. Is the widget listed somewhere in the system files so I can delete it?
Please don't suggest I update to a new OS, it's not possible. The Nook Touch runs on Android 2.1. While people are cooking custom ROMS nothing's out yet.
Maybe you should just try a different launcher
I like GO-Launcher, much better than my original Sense 3.0 for example..
ryanpl said:
I've been using Zeam 2.8.8 as my desktop launcher and think it's great for the Nook Touch, simple, fast. I am having a problem when trying to remove large widgets, i.e 4x2, 2x3. I long press the widget and drag it to the trash can, I'm not that stupid, but when it's in the right spot the widget and trash can are supposed to both turn red. Problem is on a grayscale like Nook there is no visiable change in color. Is there an app I can use to remove the widget? I've been looking for an app the past three days but not lucky. I also am using ES File manager which allow sys access. Is the widget listed somewhere in the system files so I can delete it?
Please don't suggest I update to a new OS, it's not possible. The Nook Touch runs on Android 2.1. While people are cooking custom ROMS nothing's out yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The widget related data is specific to launcher so you can either try new popular launchers like GO launcher, launcher pro, ADW launcher which are prettu stable and user friendly.
Or else if you want to stick to your older launcher then in that case you can clear data for launcher application. (Goto setting - application - manage application and search for your launcher application. Open it and clear data)
sorry I don't know how to remove specifically a single widget from launcher data. By clearing data all user defined shortcuts and widgets will be removed. (Launcher Reset)
Enjoy!!
Sent from my CSL-MI410 using XDA App
I like Go Launcher and would use it, in fact that is the launcher included on the Nook Touch rooting file, but when looking in the app drawer the font is too big and I can't see the app name. The funny part is when looking at the recent app tab and close app tab I don't have that problem.
First, I'm not a developer (any more), just a novice user of a Nexus 10.
I've been playing with various widgets, putting them on the home screen & building groups of apps to keep the screen simple,
so I can actually see my wallpaper. (Nothing special, just pics I like.)
Problem is that huge Google bar at the top. Is there an simple way to get rid of it, like the select-drag-drop for other home screen stuff.?
Also, there seems to be some limits on where I can actually put apps or widgets. Is there a way to adjust this too?
I'd really like to put a dashboard widget in place of that Google bar.
Finally, is there a way to disable Google when I select or swipe nearby the bottom of the screen?
This is a real pain-in-the-patootie when playing solitaire & the cards get near the bottom of the screen.
Thanks in advance. I could not find this anywhere in the Q&A forum for Android.
Try a different launcher, like nova, which will allow you to disable the persistent search bar.
Ok, what' a "launcher"?
bodh said:
Try a different launcher, like nova, which will allow you to disable the persistent search bar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds helpful, if I knew what a launcher is.
I am soooooo out of date re: computers of any kind anymore...
Just go on google play and search "launcher"! It is the app which launches other apps, provides the app drawer, and many other setting options, like how pages scroll, etc.
Thanks!
Thanks for the info. I'll go see whats I can find, & come back here to make sure its a good one.
Root file manager under system then apps. Look for Google search bar and add .back at end then restart phone
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using xda premium
... and how do I...?
aandkharris said:
Root file manager under system then apps. Look for Google search bar and add .back at end then restart phone
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds good, a real engineering solution instead of a workaround (not that there is anything wrong with a workaround).
How to I get to the root file system to modify filenames?
I'm on a Nexus 10. Any idea what app/widget/setting function to use?
I've got "androzip" which let's me see the file system down to a certain point ( /.) & shows a bunch of folders,
but crashes when I try to see what's in the folder named "root"
Suggested launcher?
bodh said:
Just go on google play and search "launcher"! It is the app which launches other apps, provides the app drawer, and many other setting options, like how pages scroll, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which one is best/most reliable/free-or-cheap?
If I muck this thing up, Duh Hubby will get really upset!
I know there is/was a list of recommended apps & widgets, but can't find the thread now. Don't know if it mentioned a launcher anyway.
Thanks again!
bodh said:
Try a different launcher, like nova, which will allow you to disable the persistent search bar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just now realized that you suggest a launcher here... Doh!
The other suggestion about changing s filename may be good too. I suspect a launcher will be safer for me.
Yes, using a launcher is better. Otherwise you'd have to unlock the bootloader of Nexus 10, which will wipe all your data, then set it up all over again and restore backed up data, then get into the root filesystem and modify the file name of the app file, which can be too much since you say you're not experienced (unless you're interested in learning to do all that) The app is called QuickSearchBox.apk btw not GoogleSearchBox.apk.
Also, custom launchers like Nova and Apex launcher look exactly the same as the default launcher you're using right now, but have a boatload of additional features a lot of which you may find interesting and useful. The default (stock) launcher is very basic in functionality.
Sent from my Desire HD using xda premium
Now using Nova launcher
sashank said:
Yes, using a launcher is better. Otherwise you'd have to unlock the bootloader of Nexus 10, which will wipe all your data, then set it up all over again and restore backed up data, then get into the root filesystem and modify the file name of the app file, which can be too much since you say you're not experienced (unless you're interested in learning to do all that) The app is called QuickSearchBox.apk btw not GoogleSearchBox.apk.
Also, custom launchers like Nova and Apex launcher look exactly the same as the default launcher you're using right now, but have a boatload of additional features a lot of which you may find interesting and useful. The default (stock) launcher is very basic in functionality.
Sent from my Desire HD using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
Much nicer than Android basic, more "toys" to play with & no Google bar at the top!
I even learned what a home screen actually is & have set up several for different uses.
Another fun time waster to play with beyond just games... would be nice to set
different wallpaper for each screen, but being able to actually see the whole
image is really nice.
I think I'll get the Pro version to get rid of other Google launch with the sweep/touch near
the bottom of screen- the answer to the second part of my original question.
Thanks to all who replied... I feel like such a noon at this point. These forums are truly the best place
to find/get answers to basics questions. The Help provided by Google is distinctly lacking in detail.
Now to search for answers to more questions....
damn. the stock launcher is actually pretty nice on the hydro edge at least for my pop but I want that damned google bar gone (BUT WANT google search and google now) I just want the stupid useless homescreen bar gone (its too small for him to use he can't hit the mic icon reliably) so I just put a regular voice search icon on the screen for him.
Grrr I hate when they "shove" things down your throat like that.
nerys71 said:
damn. the stock launcher is actually pretty nice on the hydro edge at least for my pop but I want that damned google bar gone (BUT WANT google search and google now) I just want the stupid useless homescreen bar gone (its too small for him to use he can't hit the mic icon reliably) so I just put a regular voice search icon on the screen for him.
Grrr I hate when they "shove" things down your throat like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree with you
Is there any way to go into system and delete it all together?
You can't delete system apps unless you are rooted, which if you have a nexus device than this is super easy
Yes as mentioned before the simple fix is just use another launcher, there are many amazing ones to pick from often with a free version that works great
As for removing the bar from the stock launcher the easiest way would be to decompile the .apk and find the xml file for it and chances are change a simple bit of code from true to false but without ever decompiling this myself can't say how its set up. But in truth this may be more work than it is worth
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Thread to discuss what apps you've disabled and any side effect. This doesn't require root.
To disable apps go to Settings > Application Manager > All, select App then select Turn off. All the disabled apps will then show up under Application Manager > Turned Off. Probably a good idea to reboot when done to make sure disabled apps are cleared from RAM.
Went through and disabled these apps:
Amazon (two apps with this name)
Amazon Kindle
Amazon MP3
Amazon Appstore
Audible
Caller Name ID
IMDb
NFL Mobile
S Voice
Slacker
Verizon Mobile Security
Verizon Tones
VZ Navigator
Deciding on these:
Trip Advisor
Someone please do me a favor and note the RAM usage before and after. Forgot to note before but my after is 725MB used and 1.7GB free.
How do you disable? In application manager?
Exodus885 said:
How do you disable? In application manager?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Application Manager > All, select App then Turn off. All the disabled apps will show up under Application Manager > Turned Off. Probably a good idea to reboot when done to make sure disabled apps are cleared from RAM.
mi7chy said:
Yes. Application Manager > All, select App then Turn off. All the disabled apps will show up under Application Manager > Turned Off. Probably a good idea to reboot when done to make sure disabled apps are cleared from RAM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will report back once i get home
I disabled below apps (for now):
1. Amazon
2. Amazon Kindle
3. Amazon MP3
4. Audible
5. Caller Name ID
6. Group play
7. HP Print service
8. NFL Mobile
9. Samusung Watch on (it was crashing)
10.Verizon Location agent
11. Verizon Tones
12. VZ Navigator
There is so much bloat on the phone, will disable many more apps later, cann't wait for the root to uninstall all this crap.
Hey guys i just a little write up here for our newer members and to show which ones i disabled http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2478589
After disabling some bloat and with NOVA launcher - it's now super smooth, as good as a nexus.
Does any one know any non root apps to skip music with long press of volume keys and re mapping soft keys (miss these from my GS3 LS rom)?
droidguy22 said:
After disabling some bloat and with NOVA launcher - it's now super smooth, as good as a nexus.
Does any one know any non root apps to skip music with long press of volume keys and re mapping soft keys (miss these from my GS3 LS rom)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been curious about this. I've used Nova Launcher for years, and I love it. However, there are some pretty neat features in TW for this phone (like the split screen view, some of the stylus stuff, etc.). Are you, or anyone else, giving TW a try, or just going straight to Nova?
My N3 will be in tomorrow so I'll experiment for myself. Just curious what everyone else was thinking.
I'm sticking with TW for now until I get bored with it. I have Nova Launcher Prime installed but I'm not using it yet...
dclutter1 said:
I've been curious about this. I've used Nova Launcher for years, and I love it. However, there are some pretty neat features in TW for this phone (like the split screen view, some of the stylus stuff, etc.). Are you, or anyone else, giving TW a try, or just going straight to Nova?
My N3 will be in tomorrow so I'll experiment for myself. Just curious what everyone else was thinking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those features aren't exclusive to the launcher ... About the only thing you'll loose are widgets. Some widgets only work with the TW launcher, typically the cool ones like the full calendar and weather widgets LOL
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
This guy did an amazing job listing apps that can be deleted for Verizon
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2478589
lmike6453 said:
Hey guys i just a little write up here for our newer members and to show which ones i disabled http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2478589
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very comprehensive list, thanks! I already used up all my thumbs for today in the Bounty thread, but I'm commenting here so I remember to come back tomorrow and give you a proper thanks.
---------- Post added at 08:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:27 AM ----------
dclutter1 said:
I've been curious about this. I've used Nova Launcher for years, and I love it. However, there are some pretty neat features in TW for this phone (like the split screen view, some of the stylus stuff, etc.). Are you, or anyone else, giving TW a try, or just going straight to Nova?
My N3 will be in tomorrow so I'll experiment for myself. Just curious what everyone else was thinking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YankInDaSouth said:
Those features aren't exclusive to the launcher ... About the only thing you'll loose are widgets. Some widgets only work with the TW launcher, typically the cool ones like the full calendar and weather widgets LOL
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@dclutter: I agree with with @YankInDaSouth, the widgets are all you give up. I went straight to Nova because I wanted to put a lot more icons on the screen (seriously 1080p & 5.7", and they want to put only 4 columns?), plus you can get some cool replacement widgets to make up for the Sammy ones you can't use. And, with Nova/other launchers, you can resize any widget, giving you more flexibility. Personally, I use Fancy Widgets for clock/weather -- I really like the MIUI skin -- and aCalendar for the calendar widget because it's very flexible.
mynameismolotov said:
@dclutter: I agree with with @YankInDaSouth, the widgets are all you give up. I went straight to Nova because I wanted to put a lot more icons on the screen (seriously 1080p & 5.7", and they want to put only 4 columns?), plus you can get some cool replacement widgets to make up for the Sammy ones you can't use. And, with Nova/other launchers, you can resize any widget, giving you more flexibility. Personally, I use Fancy Widgets for clock/weather -- I really like the MIUI skin -- and aCalendar for the calendar widget because it's very flexible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great news. I'm really glad those features aren't dependent on the launcher. Like you, the ridiculously small grid on this screen is a big hangup for me. Plus, I'm so used to the 5 slot scrolling dock now that I don't know what I'd do without it.
dclutter1 said:
That's great news. I'm really glad those features aren't dependent on the launcher. Like you, the ridiculously small grid on this screen is a big hangup for me. Plus, I'm so used to the 5 slot scrolling dock now that I don't know what I'd do without it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to do something really different, I just learned of a new launcher called Buzz Launcher. You can design some really unique setups with it, but what's really cool is it automatically saves the whole setup as a package file. So you can share it through the app, and browse other people's creations, then if you find one you like, you just apply it, and it downloads the whole layout, background, theme, etc. If it involves widgets or apps you don't already have, it just puts a placeholder icon and when you touch it, it takes you to the Play Store directly to said app to install (or you can replace it with something else if you prefer). It's pretty slick and there's a ton of different ones available, with more variety than you can imagine.
No posts by the staff in months, no updates to the app, even new themes are down to a trickle...
I'm trying out Buzz Launcher, but it isn't as user friendly as Themer.
What's up?
RED ZMAN said:
No posts by the staff in months, no updates to the app, even new themes are down to a trickle...
I'm trying out Buzz Launcher, but it isn't as user friendly as Themer.
What's up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been wondering the same thing. It's like ever since Marco quit, back in April, Themer has been dead. The only people that are making themes are making paid themes and posting on mycolorscreen.com.
Buzz Launcher sucks. Just saying.
Ok
IrradiantFlux said:
I've been wondering the same thing. It's like ever since Marco quit, back in April, Themer has been dead. The only people that are making themes are making paid themes and posting on mycolorscreen.com.
Buzz Launcher sucks. Just saying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are some things I really like about buzz launcher, but it is not terribly user friendly. Don't understand how people drop projects like this. They could have made a ton of money on it if they just put it out for sale, and money truly motivates people.
Is there some information somewhere about what's going on? I don't know who Marco is.
I've recently updated my opinion on Buzz Launcher, but it's really not user friendly and the random widget usage of the populace is ridiculous. I like the transition effects when swiping to the next screen.
Anyway, there is information on Marco on mycolorscreen.com, as well as, YouTube. Marco was the main theme developer for Themer. He kind of kept the app going and ran the website. But it's been dead since he left for another job. He'd been with themer for 2 years.
Yeah, the widget deal is silly, and the system isn't well described. The vertical app drawer sucks, and for some reason needs a network connection to open...
And what is with the constant adding of smaller social networking programs or never heard of apps?
Themer was about perfect.
RED ZMAN said:
Yeah, the widget deal is silly, and the system isn't well described. The vertical app drawer sucks, and for some reason needs a network connection to open...
And what is with the constant adding of smaller social networking programs or never heard of apps?
Themer was about perfect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that they don't add new themes through the app, I am downloading themer themes from the mycolorscreen site. Their are some great themes there. There are also non-themer themes on the site. I don't understand how to get them on my phone?
Sent from my LG-F460S using XDA Free mobile app
Unless there are directions I wouldn't either. I'm checking out Go Launcher, but the theming isn't deep like Themer and no vertical app drawer that I can find.
IrradiantFlux said:
Anyway, there is information on Marco on mycolorscreen.com, as well as, YouTube. Marco was the main theme developer for Themer. He kind of kept the app going and ran the website. But it's been dead since he left for another job. He'd been with themer for 2 years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm having to leave BUZZ now because after adding 3 of the main widget apps the themes wanted my phone worked like crap. I'm trying Launcher 8 and Go Launcher right now, but not completely pleased with either. Launcher 8 has some cool stuff in it.
The search continues...
RED ZMAN said:
I'm having to leave BUZZ now because after adding 3 of the main widget apps the themes wanted my phone worked like crap. I'm trying Launcher 8 and Go Launcher right now, but not completely pleased with either. Launcher 8 has some cool stuff in it.
The search continues...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are many good Themes on their website, but the website has possibly been hacked. I don't know, and I've never had problems with it. I read on a post on xda forum, somewhere, that the site was hacked. I don't really believe it, but they've had more pop-up problems than ever since April. I upload my designs there, and have for over a year. Though, lately the most recent uploads are from the same guy that only creates paid themes on Google Play.
I'm currently using Buzz Launcher, but it's annoying. I hate looking for days, literally, for a complete set of icons. The only redeeming quality that Buzz has, is that Zooper Widget works with it very well. I've been using full screen widgets, and opening my Themer themes page by page. It's a bit slower, but it works. I really don't like the app drawer. Vertical it's hideous and clunky, but horizontal is a bunch of unwanted folders. I just want a plain app drawer with the icons in an infinite scroll list. I've tried Nova Launcher and it was even less user friendly than Buzz Launcher. There are 2 launchers made by the same company that created the Clean Master App, Cheetah Mobile I think, and both are very good if you're trying to escape the battery drain, but neither is really customizable.
Oh, and Go! Launcher will speed through your battery, or the cost of the semi okay themes will break your bank account. There aren't many themes on Go that look good and are functional without being costly. I design. I don't buy Themes, or icons. I either make my own, or I Google icons + deviantart. There's a ton of free, professionally made, icon packs that can be downloaded in a zip file.
As for the how to on getting the themer themes onto themer from mycolorscreen.com, there a tutorial at the bottom of the post. The short version is, download the theme zip file. open up file manager. move the zip file from downloads to the mycolorscreen/exported/zip folder. leave it zipped. then open up the themes menu in themer, look under categories tab, tap exported, find the name of the zip folder, tap it, tap okay. voila.
---------- Post added at 04:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:58 AM ----------
RED ZMAN said:
I'm having to leave BUZZ now because after adding 3 of the main widget apps the themes wanted my phone worked like crap. I'm trying Launcher 8 and Go Launcher right now, but not completely pleased with either. Launcher 8 has some cool stuff in it.
The search continues...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh! I almost forgot. Buzz Launcher. Instead of downloading the app for the theme's widget, you can redirect the widget to another app, such as Zooper or Buzz Widget. It's much easier to replace the base app of the widget than to download some random never heard of apps.
Plus, some of those apps aren't rated, and they come with a warning from Google Play that they could contain inappropriate content or possibly viruses. -_-
IrradiantFlux said:
There are many good Themes on their website, but the website has possibly been hacked. I don't know, and I've never had problems with it. I read on a post on xda forum, somewhere, that the site was hacked. I don't really believe it, but they've had more pop-up problems than ever since April. I upload my designs there, and have for over a year. Though, lately the most recent uploads are from the same guy that only creates paid themes on Google Play.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Strangely since a few weeks a handful of themer Widgets are causing security problems according to avast mobile. It has been approximately since I was downloading themer themes from their website, could it be hacked??
Sent from my LG-F460S using XDA Free mobile app
Thanks for the info. Seems like too much work to go through to use the damned widgets.
Right now I'm trying out Hola Launcher, and I'm kind of impressed by how nice it is. The vertical app drawer in it is the best I've seen, quick letter access like Themer had, but it groups them by letter. VERY nice. The themes are a bit more of the Go Launcher style, but not bad, unfortunately the icons aren't all themed yet. The only annoying stuff in this one so far...
1. The auto sorted app folders. Want to get rid of one? Nope. You need to "release" the folder, which pours all the apps inside that folder onto one of your homepages. Want to get rid of those icons? Sorry, you can only HIDE or Uninstall them. Once you hide them, they aren't shown in the App Drawer anymore.
2. For me, the 2 finger swipe up to get to your hidden apps doesn't work. I'm on Lollipop, my wife with the same phone on 4.4.2 has it working.
And thats about it. REALLY nice, like surprisingly so. Even some of their little custom app icons do some neat stuff.
WP Launcher is neat too, really impressed with it, but wish there were more American or English speaking users/themers for it.
Themer was almost perfect, like RIGHT there...
IrradiantFlux said:
I'm currently using Buzz Launcher, but it's annoying. I hate looking for days, literally, for a complete set of icons. The only redeeming quality that Buzz has, is that Zooper Widget works with it very well. I've been using full screen widgets, and opening my Themer themes page by page. It's a bit slower, but it works. I really don't like the app drawer. Vertical it's hideous and clunky, but horizontal is a bunch of unwanted folders. I just want a plain app drawer with the icons in an infinite scroll list. I've tried Nova Launcher and it was even less user friendly than Buzz Launcher. There are 2 launchers made by the same company that created the Clean Master App, Cheetah Mobile I think, and both are very good if you're trying to escape the battery drain, but neither is really customizable.
Oh, and Go! Launcher will speed through your battery, or the cost of the semi okay themes will break your bank account. There aren't many themes on Go that look good and are functional without being costly. I design. I don't buy Themes, or icons. I either make my own, or I Google icons + deviantart. There's a ton of free, professionally made, icon packs that can be downloaded in a zip file.
Oh! I almost forgot. Buzz Launcher. Instead of downloading the app for the theme's widget, you can redirect the widget to another app, such as Zooper or Buzz Widget. It's much easier to replace the base app of the widget than to download some random never heard of apps.
Plus, some of those apps aren't rated, and they come with a warning from Google Play that they could contain inappropriate content or possibly viruses. -_-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Snip
I should note, they updated Hola Launcher today and fixed a few issues I didn't like yesterday. Also just figured out part of the hide apps thing so that's not an issue anymore really. The double swipe up to show hidden apps started working for me, and there's a setting button in there. You can turn on the option in there to show hidden apps in the All Apps (app drawer).
This thing really is almost perfect...
RED ZMAN said:
I should note, they updated Hola Launcher today and fixed a few issues I didn't like yesterday. Also just figured out part of the hide apps thing so that's not an issue anymore really. The double swipe up to show hidden apps started working for me, and there's a setting button in there. You can turn on the option in there to show hidden apps in the All Apps (app drawer).
This thing really is almost perfect...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried wp launcher and that would be the second one for me (after themer)... Thanks for the hint.
Sent from my LG-F460S using XDA Free mobile app
RED ZMAN said:
I should note, they updated Hola Launcher today and fixed a few issues I didn't like yesterday. Also just figured out part of the hide apps thing so that's not an issue anymore really. The double swipe up to show hidden apps started working for me, and there's a setting button in there. You can turn on the option in there to show hidden apps in the All Apps (app drawer).
This thing really is almost perfect...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Themer was best launcher I've ever used, especially as a designer. I'm rather tired of Buzz Launcher.
As for the virus, well.. I'd say it's bugged. I had to reset my phone and tablet back to factory after using the site a few times about a week ago. I thought it was just a random virus from possibly downloading design photos from Google search. ha ha. It was a weird virus that infected Chrome first, I started seeing a lot of random porn pop-up ads on any webpage, and since I'm not using my devices for porn, I can only assume it's a virus. I uninstalled the updates for Chrome first then I disabled it. Unfortunately, it wasn't before the rest of my device was infected, and my phone started randomly downloading apps I've never even heard of before, without my permission I might add. the one I remember was Alibaba. Idk what that is but it's not something I would download, and I was trying to install Webroot Anti-Virus onto my phone and when I scanned, it said almost every app I had was infected and a security breach. I tried to fix that but it force closed and when it wouldn't open I tried to download another Webroot app, but a bunch of other apps started to install themselves and then I was blocked from installing Webroot Internet Security Complete. The download would not start. it said downloading but didn't start. I restarted my phone in safe mode, but couldn't find the problem, then the Play Store was continuously trying to download Webroot, even when I turned WiFi and Data off it was still trying. I finally just removed those apps as they came in to my phone, then I restarted my phone again, but when I went to Google Play it was only a blank white screen. I had to complete a hard reset to stop it from spreading further and I installed Webroot after. I'll be staying away from mycolorscreen. safer to Google "what happened to themer mycolorscreen" and read on Marcos G+ or YouTube because both show up under that search. Themer was great, but whatever is going on with that company now, I don't know and I want no part of it.
I'll look into Hola Launcher, but if I can't customize then I'll be back to finding a customizable launcher. So far, I've not had any luck on that front. Themer is still the most customizable launcher with their integrated Zooper Widget Pro inside of it.
RED ZMAN said:
Thanks for the info. Seems like too much work to go through to use the damned widgets.
Right now I'm trying out Hola Launcher, and I'm kind of impressed by how nice it is. The vertical app drawer in it is the best I've seen, quick letter access like Themer had, but it groups them by letter. VERY nice. The themes are a bit more of the Go Launcher style, but not bad, unfortunately the icons aren't all themed yet. The only annoying stuff in this one so far...
1. The auto sorted app folders. Want to get rid of one? Nope. You need to "release" the folder, which pours all the apps inside that folder onto one of your homepages. Want to get rid of those icons? Sorry, you can only HIDE or Uninstall them. Once you hide them, they aren't shown in the App Drawer anymore.
2. For me, the 2 finger swipe up to get to your hidden apps doesn't work. I'm on Lollipop, my wife with the same phone on 4.4.2 has it working.
And thats about it. REALLY nice, like surprisingly so. Even some of their little custom app icons do some neat stuff.
WP Launcher is neat too, really impressed with it, but wish there were more American or English speaking users/themers for it.
Themer was almost perfect, like RIGHT there...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't really like their User Agreement, and so far I've found no information on where the company is located. I noticed the video in the Play Store app page had text in some form of Sanskrit language.
Sent from my LG G3 using XDA Free mobile app
EMJI79 said:
Strangely since a few weeks a handful of themer Widgets are causing security problems according to avast mobile. It has been approximately since I was downloading themer themes from their website, could it be hacked??
Sent from my LG-F460S using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for sharing that. It finally made my strange virus problem clear. What a mess that company is without Marco. He maintained the website and now it's been left to die. I'd recommend getting a killer anti-virus software for your devices that have been there. I tried every anti-virus software on the app store and only Webroot found any problem. Luckily, I already have Webroot Internet Security Complete on my laptops and desktops, so it didn't cost anything. (It's like $30-$70 for a year subscription for up to 5 devices. It depends on the product keys you choose. Internet Security Complete is the best you can get, and when you use it on mobile, it comes as one download from Google Play but it's 3 high security apps in one. It protects on all fronts.)
Sent from my LG G3 using XDA Free mobile app
---------- Post added at 02:09 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:02 AM ----------
RED ZMAN said:
I should note, they updated Hola Launcher today and fixed a few issues I didn't like yesterday. Also just figured out part of the hide apps thing so that's not an issue anymore really. The double swipe up to show hidden apps started working for me, and there's a setting button in there. You can turn on the option in there to show hidden apps in the All Apps (app drawer).
This thing really is almost perfect...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Star Trek theme.. Sigh.
Thank you for pointing Hola Launcher out to me. I found that theme for it and fell in love. Actually, I browsed all of their themes and they're really nice. I won't be able to design with this launcher, but it's nice to take a break from it and finally delete Buzz Launcher. Hooray! Now I only have to complete design requests, instead of create themes for myself and everyone I know plus the requests. Vacation.
IrradiantFlux said:
Thanks for sharing that. It finally made my strange virus problem clear. What a mess that company is without Marco. He maintained the website and now it's been left to die. I'd recommend getting a killer anti-virus software for your devices that have been there. I tried every anti-virus software on the app store and only Webroot found any problem. Luckily, I already have Webroot Internet Security Complete on my laptops and desktops, so it didn't cost anything. (It's like $30-$70 for a year subscription for up to 5 devices. It depends on the product keys you choose. Internet Security Complete is the best you can get, and when you use it on mobile, it comes as one download from Google Play but it's 3 high security apps in one. It protects on all fronts.)
Sent from my LG G3 using XDA Free mobile app
---------- Post added at 02:09 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:02 AM ----------
The Star Trek theme.. Sigh.
Thank you for pointing Hola Launcher out to me. I found that theme for it and fell in love. Actually, I browsed all of their themes and they're really nice. I won't be able to design with this launcher, but it's nice to take a break from it and finally delete Buzz Launcher. Hooray! Now I only have to complete design requests, instead of create themes for myself and everyone I know plus the requests. Vacation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I'm thinking that Hola Launcher is just beginning, it is SO quick and small. 2.4MB? Really?!?!?
It supports regular widgets so any you've created SHOULD work, I wonder if there's a way to package a theme back up from them and distribute it with custom widgets? Hola Shine is pretty amazing too, and the Technology theme for it is frigging gorgeous! I asked them a bunch of questions via Email yesterday and they are VERY responsive. I can post some of that here if you want. Perhaps if you contacted them they'd be open to becoming more designer friendly in the way you design.
And how about that app drawer... *sigh* Now let me go find that Star Trek theme.
I need to ask, isn't Zooper also owned by MyColorScreen? I thought it was and was also going to head down the same path to abandonment.
RED ZMAN said:
I should note, they updated Hola Launcher today and fixed a few issues I didn't like yesterday. Also just figured out part of the hide apps thing so that's not an issue anymore really. The double swipe up to show hidden apps started working for me, and there's a setting button in there. You can turn on the option in there to show hidden apps in the All Apps (app drawer).
This thing really is almost perfect...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
RED ZMAN said:
Well, I'm thinking that Hola Launcher is just beginning, it is SO quick and small. 2.4MB? Really?!?!?
It supports regular widgets so any you've created SHOULD work, I wonder if there's a way to package a theme back up from them and distribute it with custom widgets? Hola Shine is pretty amazing too, and the Technology theme for it is frigging gorgeous! I asked them a bunch of questions via Email yesterday and they are VERY responsive. I can post some of that here if you want. Perhaps if you contacted them they'd be open to becoming more designer friendly in the way you design.
And how about that app drawer... *sigh* Now let me go find that Star Trek theme.
I need to ask, isn't Zooper also owned by MyColorScreen? I thought it was and was also going to head down the same path to abandonment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, Zooper Widget is owned by mycolorscreen. Though, I believe that wasn't always the case, I'm not exactly sure.
I've contacted the Holaverse people, but so far no response. I had a technical question about a Theme. In the preview photos of the theme, it showed Play Store and Email as having themed icons, yet when I installed it(1, 2, 3, times), those apps didn't get themed icons. Though, it is a wonderful launcher, and I adore that clean memory icon, I'm already missing being able to customize in depth. Lol. There's just no pleasing a woman.