[Q] Galaxy SIII Sluggish - Galaxy S III Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi,
I just switched from Apple and bought my first Android Phone. I am loving the overall experience of Andriod and the power of the SIII but sometimes, it gives me a headache.
Often times, the phone becomes quite sluggish and unresponsive for a short time and then gets back to normal. This usually happens at the home screen and the phone takes a while to redraw the screens. The phone becomes very sluggish when moving from one screen to the next.
Sometimes I notice sluggishness in the contacts and in the messages.
I have tried Apex and Nova launchers too and am currently using GO Launcher. It is great and I was loving it all the way but after about 10 days of use, even GO launcher has become sluggish and during this time, I did not make changes to the phone nor added any new apps. It seems like the RAM is full with apps and little resources available to the launcher itself. I feel Andriod can do better with RAM management.
How can I speed up my phone ? Optimize my RAM / CPU resources ? Is there a solution or do I have to live with it ? I can't imagine a phone so powerful behaving this way.
Please Help ! Thanks.
I am using the I9300 with 4.1.2

Hi
The reason for this is sometimes the ram becomes full and to free it up android starts killing up processes, including the Launchers too.
The best solution would be to jack up the RAM, but that's not possible.
One way you can avoid it for 90% (if not 100%) is by using Nova Launcher.
Go to Nova Settings -> Scroll to the bottom -> Advanced -> Check on Aggressive Desktop.
What it'll do is that it'll try to keep the launcher in memory as much as possible reducing the redraws and slugginess.
It doesn't work always, but for most of the part it does.

Root your phone and install a custom kernel such as siyah. Allows you to adjust certain gpu and cpu options as well as deliver far better sound.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app

Yes, rooting seems to be an option but that is the different route. I would like to try out the non rooting solutions first. I even installed Start Up Auditor and Watchdog, well theoratically it seems to be working but in the real sense, not most effective.

Q&A section awaits you

Make sure "Power saving" is off
Make sure you havent accidentally activated power saving mode, it makes the phone noticeably sluggish and scrolling skip frames.

Turn off animations in developers settings or set to .05
jje

Ok let's get it started.
Install nova or apex and enable keep in memory from their settings.
Disable ripple effect in lock screen settings.
Go in application settings - all and disable following.
S voice
S suggest
Samsung applications
Video hub
Music hub
Everything Samsung which has a small blue cloud as an icon, there will be 7-8 apps.
If you only use Gmail. And don't use email app, you can disable it and also exchange services.
Disable flipboard
Disable everything Yahoo.
Disable live wallpaper and use a static one.
Have only one weather widget installed at one time. I would say default weather widget is good enough.
You will gain good amount of ram.
Sent from my GT-I9305 using xda premium
---------- Post added at 11:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:46 AM ----------
JJEgan said:
Turn off animations in developers settings or set to .05
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Sent from my GT-I9305 using xda premium
---------- Post added at 11:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:48 AM ----------
alphauby said:
Yes, rooting seems to be an option but that is the different route. I would like to try out the non rooting solutions first. I even installed Start Up Auditor and Watchdog, well theoratically it seems to be working but in the real sense, not most effective.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These are good for finding the problematic apps but I would not recommend these to be run in background permanently.
Sent from my GT-I9305 using xda premium

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omeryounos said:
Ok let's get it started.
Install nova or apex and enable keep in memory from their settings.
Disable ripple effect in lock screen settings.
Go in application settings - all and disable following.
S voice
S suggest
Samsung applications
Video hub
Music hub
Everything Samsung which has a small blue cloud as an icon, there will be 7-8 apps.
If you only use Gmail. And don't use email app, you can disable it and also exchange services.
Disable flipboard
Disable everything Yahoo.
Disable live wallpaper and use a static one.
Have only one weather widget installed at one time. I would say default weather widget is good enough.
You will gain good amount of ram.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I have to do ALL this .... then what's the point to buying the best in the market ? There is no better method than using all these small tweaks ?
I mean a top notch phone with great hardware and software should be able to do fine just on its own (without the tweaks) ...
Anyway ,,, my animations are already set to .05. I tried Nova, but GO launcher is just much better and faster. There is nothing in the settings or an app, that can reserve more RAM for the desktop and keep the million apps from running in the background ? Even when I kill apps from Watchdog, they pop right up after a few seconds.
I was showing off my phone to a friend who owns Apple, and right there in the middle of my Demo, The curse began and my desktop took 10 seconds to load ... it was pretty embarassing.

alphauby said:
If I have to do ALL this .... then what's the point to buying the best in the market ?
SELL IT
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

alphauby said:
If I have to do ALL this .... then what's the point to buying the best in the market ? There is no better method than using all these small tweaks ?
I mean a top notch phone with great hardware and software should be able to do fine just on its own (without the tweaks) ...
Anyway ,,, my animations are already set to .05. I tried Nova, but GO launcher is just much better and faster. There is nothing in the settings or an app, that can reserve more RAM for the desktop and keep the million apps from running in the background ? Even when I kill apps from Watchdog, they pop right up after a few seconds.
I was showing off my phone to a friend who owns Apple, and right there in the middle of my Demo, The curse began and my desktop took 10 seconds to load ... it was pretty embarassing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But this is Android my friend vastly different from the generic iPhone where everything works out of the box and everything looks the same but you are highly restricted in what you can do.
With Android you can modify and change to your hearts content, my Galaxy S3 has none of the problems you have, it whizzes along with superb battery life, people have already given good advice to you, usually noobs are told to use the search function
BTW not a chance is Go Launcher better than Nova, the best launcher in the business
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

jonny68 said:
But this is Android my friend vastly different from the generic iPhone where everything works out of the box and everything looks the same but you are highly restricted in what you can do.
With Android you can modify and change to your hearts content, my Galaxy S3 has none of the problems you have, it whizzes along with superb battery life, people have already given good advice to you, usually noobs are told to use the search function
BTW not a chance is Go Launcher better than Nova, the best launcher in the business
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
And alphauby have a look at this thread....a solution to your problem.....be brave and root ur phone.....sammy are the easiest phones to root....coz of unlocked boot loader....
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1663656

alphauby said:
.... GO launcher is just much better and faster. There is nothing in the settings or an app, that can reserve more RAM for the desktop and keep the million apps from running in the background ? Even when I kill apps from Watchdog, they pop right up after a few seconds.
I was showing off my phone to a friend who owns Apple, and right there in the middle of my Demo, The curse began and my desktop took 10 seconds to load ... it was pretty embarassing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see from the above that you came from Apple... you know, you have the Android phone now, most of the stuff unfortunately have something to read or to set up. This is especially important for ANY apk which was not written specifically for I9300, as there are plenty of Android devices on the market.
and, typically for plenty: My IPhone was brilliant, and now I have to suffer, my, oh my!. Let's start from beginnig: you have changed the Launcher on I9300 for something what was not specifically designed for it (it is only COMPATIBLE, I mean: was not optimized). Try to replace it on iPhone, and then claim something, please.
OK, let's try to make your Go Launcher more playable now.
While on main screen, push menu button, then open preferences.
go to advanced, here you will find two important for you options:
1. System persistent and 2. Prevent force close.
Furthermore, unless you will root phone and uninstall/disable TW, it will be always somewhere in running processes.
Finally, please tell how many widgets do you have, Live wallpaper? etc.
Last but not least: you should look on the processes running in background rather than on apps. And feel free to use Go task switcher for that, it is add-on to Go Launcher, and free as well.

just don't use any task killers to clean your RAM, Android handles it pretty well and you're only messing up the system

Usually rooting is the best option as Samsung updates might be pushed before its stable.
If not turn off power saving option. And other small tweaks
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app

omeryounos said:
...Disable flipboard...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can I ask how you managed to do this (specifically Flipboard). I am running a typical stock International firmware that is rooted and have managed to safely remove a good deal of the junk/bloatware but Flipboard persists in returning upon reboot. Is there something I am missing? Any advise appreciated.

Related

[Q] utility apps for cynogen mod 7 TP

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.

Simple ICS lag fixes

I have tried this on both my Razr ICS and my gf's Galaxy Note ICS and it works.
On both phones, they are pretty fast until you start to install stuff.
After applying these, the phone is much smoother even with around 200 user apps.
1) Use Autokiller memory optimisation, root needed.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rs.autokiller&hl=en
This is a common method which android veterans already know, which is to change android's internal autokill values. This is not the same as task killers!
On both phones, I use "aggressive" preset.
For other tweaks like V8 supercharger, it's recommended values are closed to autokiller's "Extreme".
I added more tweaks to the post.
2) Turn on Force GPU rendering under developers mode. Most games and apps seem to work fine with it on.
3) Turn on background process limit to 4: I thought this is interesting (from JerseyFF) so I tried it out, seem good for daily use.
(update: after a while setting for this will revert to standard, there's no way to fix this yet)
4) Use Nova launcher. (root required for Motorola widgets)
The default launcher is smooth but it likes to reload every now and then (even with default autokill values). Tried Apex launcher but it's not as smooth as default launcher. Nova launcher is close to the default launcher which allow more tweaks and and yet it is buttery smooth. Do not update to beta though. I tried it and it's a lagfest.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teslacoilsw.launcher&hl=en
VM heap size app no longer works after ICS update. If anyone knows how to fix that, please share.
Feel free to add any more tweaks or tips to make RAZR ICS better.
Is this at all somehow related to the Background Process Limit that is able to be set under Developer Options with ICS now?
It has a Standard Limit setting, No background processes, and At most 1 (through 4) processes for options.
Does anyone know what the value for Standard is?
In background process limit, it limits a number of background apps running, while the autokill values limit the number of bg apps running based on the amount of memory left, and killing off lower priority processes first.
The default values for background process limit is therefore "varies".
Sent from my XT910 using xda app-developers app
Updated first post with more tweaks.
This is my favorite launcher. Smooth... I am using it since I got the RAZR.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nemustech.launcher
Nikorasu said:
I have tried this on both my Razr ICS and my gf's Galaxy Note ICS and it works.
On both phones, they are pretty fast until you start to install stuff.
After applying these, the phone is much smoother even with around 200 user apps.
1) Use Autokiller memory optimisation, root needed.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rs.autokiller&hl=en
This is a common method which android veterans already know, which is to change android's internal autokill values. This is not the same as task killers!
On both phones, I use "aggressive" preset.
For other tweaks like V8 supercharger, it's recommended values are closed to autokiller's "Extreme".
I added more tweaks to the post.
2) Turn on Force GPU rendering under developers mode. Most games and apps seem to work fine with it on.
3) Turn on background process limit to 4: I thought this is interesting (from JerseyFF) so I tried it out, seem good for daily use.
4) Use Nova launcher. (root required for Motorola widgets)
The default launcher is smooth but it likes to reload every now and then (even with default autokill values). Tried Apex launcher but it's not as smooth as default launcher. Nova launcher is close to the default launcher which allow more tweaks and and yet it is buttery smooth. Do not update to beta though. I tried it and it's a lagfest.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teslacoilsw.launcher&hl=en
VM heap size app no longer works after ICS update. If anyone knows how to fix that, please share.
Feel free to add any more tweaks or tips to make RAZR ICS better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow the auto killer is quite the find! Sped up my phone allot. Still running quite hot though
Thanks!
Thanks for the info, I'll confirm that upon bootup after applying the Aggressive setting, I tried scrolling around the Motoblur homescreen and thought it was smoother. But then the Superuser allowance for Autokiller kicked in right in the middle of me scrolling around and I noticed quite a difference in scrolling speed, it just suddenly got faster and smoother and the framerate looked as if it had increased by about 5 FPS. I also did tweaks #2 and 3 as well, but I think Autokiller makes the biggest difference. A good find for sure!
greyanaroth said:
Wow the auto killer is quite the find! Sped up my phone allot. Still running quite hot though
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use setcpu and create profiles to set cpu speed lower when screen off and when battery is overheating. There's a free, older ver on xda.
Also you can use juicedefender to make your 3g connection turn off when screen is off. This should also help keep your phone temp down when you're not using it. Note that it will turn itself on every few min to receive whatsapp, mms and emails etc. (not for whatsapp hoes)
Hi, thanks for your tips. I don't know what lag experience you experiment but I hope this works for my RAZR lags. What is happen to my RAZR is that when I enter to apps drawer, non of the icosns appear and instead the "loading circle" takes place until the apps appears. Also when I exit any app and go to home, none of the icons of widget appears, they take half second to reapper.
e-drian said:
Hi, thanks for your tips. I don't know what lag experience you experiment but I hope this works for my RAZR lags. What is happen to my RAZR is that when I enter to apps drawer, non of the icosns appear and instead the "loading circle" takes place until the apps appears. Also when I exit any app and go to home, none of the icons of widget appears, they take half second to reapper.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here!
Sent from my XT910 using xda app-developers app
e-drian said:
Hi, thanks for your tips. I don't know what lag experience you experiment but I hope this works for my RAZR lags. What is happen to my RAZR is that when I enter to apps drawer, non of the icosns appear and instead the "loading circle" takes place until the apps appears. Also when I exit any app and go to home, none of the icons of widget appears, they take half second to reapper.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's called redraw. Try using apex and there is an option for keeping the launcher in memory so it loads faster
Full-Throttle Team
moderator at bdhroms.freeforums.org
Nikorasu said:
4) Use Nova launcher. (root required for Motorola widgets)
The default launcher is smooth but it likes to reload every now and then (even with default autokill values). Tried Apex launcher but it's not as smooth as default launcher. Nova launcher is close to the default launcher which allow more tweaks and and yet it is buttery smooth. Do not update to beta though. I tried it and it's a lagfest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can you use Motorola widgets in Nova? I can't find this function.
aaatoel said:
How can you use Motorola widgets in Nova? I can't find this function.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Moto widgets only work on moto launcher
Full-Throttle Team
moderator at bdhroms.freeforums.org
aaatoel said:
How can you use Motorola widgets in Nova? I can't find this function.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I first installed Nova launcher, it asks for root access when going into widgets.
Try going to Nova settings ->Drawer-> Check Widgets in drawer (requires root permissions for system app)
Moto widgets like fav. contacts doesn't work well because I can't "pull down"... but it's there, including Motocast widget.
You may want to manually grant Nova launcher root access.
e-drian said:
Hi, thanks for your tips. I don't know what lag experience you experiment but I hope this works for my RAZR lags. What is happen to my RAZR is that when I enter to apps drawer, non of the icosns appear and instead the "loading circle" takes place until the apps appears. Also when I exit any app and go to home, none of the icons of widget appears, they take half second to reapper.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tudork said:
Same here!
Sent from my XT910 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is why I'm using Nova launcher instead. There's a free version, do try it. It may still take a while to load the app drawer icons after playing a game, but the 'redraw' for Nova's desktop pages are pretty fast. I also liked how it switched to a tablet version when I'm using Webtop mode.
Do try Apex as well. I didn't like it as it felt laggy when I'm scrolling my desktop pages few months back. It may have improved now and many users are complimenting it. As for myself, I have already bought Nova Prime and I'm sticking to it.

Tablet mode

So I decided to try tablet mode just out of curiousity. I read that it makes non-sense launchers smoother. Well it does. For sure. Maybe not much but its enough to make go launcher Buttery smooth. So another thing I noticed is battery life? It increased? It could just be me but I find it odd that it was such a notocable difference. I'm sitting at 73% after a full days work in a building that barely gets reception. Usually by this point I have 50% left. So this left me wondering, could systemui have been poorly coded by HTC to the point where it drains a lot of battery? I know it seems ridiculous but I implore some one to try it before they say I'm crazy. Only because I may well be. Haha. So my question is, is there a way to get tablet mode to run on ics without forcing 192 dpi. Honestly the whole phone seems more usable and the quick settings I need are already in the stock ics notification bar. And whatever was missing I have in there using power controls a free app on the market. There must be some kind of edit to force tablet without going to 192 dpi.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium
metalmike6 said:
So I decided to try tablet mode just out of curiousity. I read that it makes non-sense launchers smoother. Well it does. For sure. Maybe not much but its enough to make go launcher Buttery smooth. So another thing I noticed is battery life? It increased? It could just be me but I find it odd that it was such a notocable difference. I'm sitting at 73% after a full days work in a building that barely gets reception. Usually by this point I have 50% left. So this left me wondering, could systemui have been poorly coded by HTC to the point where it drains a lot of battery? I know it seems ridiculous but I implore some one to try it before they say I'm crazy. Only because I may well be. Haha. So my question is, is there a way to get tablet mode to run on ics without forcing 192 dpi. Honestly the whole phone seems more usable and the quick settings I need are already in the stock ics notification bar. And whatever was missing I have in there using power controls a free app on the market. There must be some kind of edit to force tablet without going to 192 dpi.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I'm talking about! Tablet mode has been my daily for the longest time and I agree that it definitly helps out with battery life and with smoothness of launchers (especially Apex!). Sadly there is no way just yet of getting the phone to run Tablet mode without forcing the DPI to 192. I know that the Galaxy nexus has their ways of doing it, I tried getting it to go myself and no luck so far. One thing I want to get working is the Pop-up screen when you connect to the PC.
How did you get that nice looking quick settings on the Notification Bar? I never tried to change it from the regular pop up selections
I've had nothing but problems trying to change my dpi. Anytime I go below 270 I have nothing but force closes. How did you get it working
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2
pwned3 said:
I've had nothing but problems trying to change my dpi. Anytime I go below 270 I have nothing but force closes. How did you get it working
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Usually it depends on the App that you use to change the dpi, plus you need a launcher other than sense installed (you can have sense and something else like Go, ADW, or Apex.) I use the App call LCD Density Modder (Icon is a Monitor with a blue screen). Also It depends on the Rom that you are using as well. Some Rom's do not have the Icons in the SystemUI.APK to support Tablet Mode (Especially Sense 4 ROMS). As long as you meet all those steps you should be able to get it working with minimal problems. As stated above the only problem I run into is getting a force close when connecting phone to PC, the Pop-up that lets you select your connection mode doesnt work, you have to set your default connection type to whatever your going to use before connecting, and set it so it doesnt ask you what you want when connecting.
PM me if you need more help buddy
dalvear88 said:
Usually it depends on the App that you use to change the dpi, plus you need a launcher other than sense installed (you can have sense and something else like Go, ADW, or Apex.) I use the App call LCD Density Modder (Icon is a Monitor with a blue screen). Also It depends on the Rom that you are using as well. Some Rom's do not have the Icons in the SystemUI.APK to support Tablet Mode (Especially Sense 4 ROMS). As long as you meet all those steps you should be able to get it working with minimal problems. As stated above the only problem I run into is getting a force close when connecting phone to PC, the Pop-up that lets you select your connection mode doesnt work, you have to set your default connection type to whatever your going to use before connecting, and set it so it doesnt ask you what you want when connecting.
PM me if you need more help buddy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's probably my problem. Trying it on sense 4... I'll boot up tonked Rom and see how it likes it. I'm actually using build prop editor and manually making the change
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2
I love having the on screen navigation in tablet mode, but that tiny text.. MY EYES. I wish we could dig around and get the on screen navigation ICS has by default on a Gnex. I know we lose screen real estate that way, but capacitive buttons suck.
Ummmmm, how do you get to tablet mode? I'm running team venoms latest release
From me to you with this Snake bitten cellular thing
haliwa04 said:
Ummmmm, how do you get to tablet mode? I'm running team venoms latest release
From me to you with this Snake bitten cellular thing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Change the dpi to 192. Careful though it doesn't play nice with sense
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2
haliwa04 said:
Ummmmm, how do you get to tablet mode? I'm running team venoms latest release
From me to you with this Snake bitten cellular thing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot do this on any sense 4 based Rom. You need an ics sense 3.6 to be able to do it. Plus you MUST have a different launcher other than sense.
---------- Post added at 06:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:04 PM ----------
pwned3 said:
Change the dpi to 192. Careful though it doesn't play nice with sense
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct lol, especially sense 4. Apex runs the best fyi
dalvear88 said:
That's what I'm talking about! Tablet mode has been my daily for the longest time and I agree that it definitly helps out with battery life and with smoothness of launchers (especially Apex!). Sadly there is no way just yet of getting the phone to run Tablet mode without forcing the DPI to 192. I know that the Galaxy nexus has their ways of doing it, I tried getting it to go myself and no luck so far. One thing I want to get working is the Pop-up screen when you connect to the PC.
How did you get that nice looking quick settings on the Notification Bar? I never tried to change it from the regular pop up selections
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man sorry for the delay, So the notifications quick keys is an app called "power controls" it is free and it's honestly pretty great. if you check the settings of the app there is an option to have the power controls stay in your notification bar. go into the app from your launcher and put a check mark in the box for notification widget. then click the pin. then click the slider looking button and you can check off which buttons to add. Closest I've come to CM7 settings in drop down.
it uses the built in accessibility features of ics to do it. this and SlimRom or any variant is the closest I have been able to get to AOSP. throw that in with tablet mode and GO-SMS stripped of all their special features except themeing and you're pretty much there. I may try GoContacts as well but the last time I did (with my evo shift) it was laggy so I haven't bothered yet. Especially since this device as a whole is waaaay more laggy then my shift in every regard. I can't imagine it would play well.
Also for standard DPI the GoKeyboard is quite nice and responsive, much more so than AOSP. These are of course my personal feelings so it may just be perceived and not reality. I used to hate GODev stuff... but since getting this phone it's the only way to get what I want out of the UI. Even their launcher is shockingly smooth with 5 screens and APW scrolling widgets on 4.
I've been dealing with the small fonts. it's irritating but what can you do. Every view even down to the Gmail app is more useful to me in tab mode.
metalmike6 said:
Hey man sorry for the delay, So the notifications quick keys is an app called "power controls" it is free and it's honestly pretty great. if you check the settings of the app there is an option to have the power controls stay in your notification bar. go into the app from your launcher and put a check mark in the box for notification widget. then click the pin. then click the slider looking button and you can check off which buttons to add. Closest I've come to CM7 settings in drop down.
it uses the built in accessibility features of ics to do it. this and SlimRom or any variant is the closest I have been able to get to AOSP. throw that in with tablet mode and GO-SMS stripped of all their special features except themeing and you're pretty much there. I may try GoContacts as well but the last time I did (with my evo shift) it was laggy so I haven't bothered yet. Especially since this device as a whole is waaaay more laggy then my shift in every regard. I can't imagine it would play well.
Also for standard DPI the GoKeyboard is quite nice and responsive, much more so than AOSP. These are of course my personal feelings so it may just be perceived and not reality. I used to hate GODev stuff... but since getting this phone it's the only way to get what I want out of the UI. Even their launcher is shockingly smooth with 5 screens and APW scrolling widgets on 4.
I've been dealing with the small fonts. it's irritating but what can you do. Every view even down to the Gmail app is more useful to me in tab mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats amazing, i'm going to have to check out that app for myseslf. Thanks for the heads up though on that! Small fonts are easy to evercome, but only if the
Rom you are running Tablet Mode on has the Font Size in the Display settings. What does your app Drawer look like with Go Launcher? Is it regular size or does it put like 30 apps on 1 screen?
dalvear88 said:
Thats amazing, i'm going to have to check out that app for myseslf. Thanks for the heads up though on that! Small fonts are easy to evercome, but only if the
Rom you are running Tablet Mode on has the Font Size in the Display settings. What does your app Drawer look like with Go Launcher? Is it regular size or does it put like 30 apps on 1 screen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you have to set the launcher to have larger icons. Not "large" mind you. A custom larger amount. depends on your preference.... then change the icon spacing to a larger amount. I think I did 7 columns and 8 rows. For the record I couldn't find go sms in the app store so I downloaded it online somewhere just google gosms.apk it's a free app so this is not stealing. honestly I can't wait for AOSP. I would probably take it in it's unfinished form even (just 1x and wifi.)

[Q] How do I remove the google bar from my home screen?

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

Disabling/debloating stock apps

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.

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