[Q] App to lock files on desktop? - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi everyone,
I`m looking for an app to lock two files on the desktop of an tablet.
The company i work for is looking to supply their prospects with a tablet (for promotional reasons offcourse) . The idea is that a video and a pdf are locked to the desktop of that tablet.
Alternatively a solution that would periodically copy the shortcuts back to the desktop would be an option aswell.
I have looked at commercial and freeware options without any luck sofar. I`m hoping someone from the XDA community can help me out.

You can lock the desktop in Apex Launcher (and I bet you can lock it using a few other popular launchers as well, such as Go Launcher or Nova Launcher). Get the free version or the paid Pro version.
If you find a widget that plays a video and and another that shows a PDF file, then lock the desktop using the Apex setting, I guess you have achieved the effect you want. You could also just put shortcuts to the files on the home screen of the tablet and then lock the home screen.
This app might be worth a try for the pdf widget. I haven't used it, so I can't comment on its quality.
I'm not sure if this was the solution you were looking for, but it might be it. Let us know!

Thanks for your reply, I have just tried Apex and it comes pretty close to what i`m looking for. I did remove the "apex settings" icon before locking the desktop

Related

LaucherPro

I pushed it to the NC and while it worked, I found that it became downright amazing once I used the unlock code I had purchased for my EVO.
*Widget resizing was always weird and stupid on my Evo. I set my NC to do 10x10 rows on the homescreen and when adding widgets they looked odd...finally I see a reason for the widget resizing. It fixed the widgets very well.
*Dock shortcuts crash LP, but when you unlock LP you can add swipe gestures and those work fine. So basically, it seems at this point you need to swipe to launch apps/etc because tapping the dock won't work.
*With all the screen real estate, I think 3 home screens is going to be more than enough for me (though I have yet to fill up 1). You can fit so much into it that the 7 I use on my Evo seems quite excessive.
I'd love to know if anyone can figure out how to use the dock icons as usable shortcuts.
What version you running?
I am using the latest launcher pro version and launcher pro resets when I try to add shortcuts to the homescreen.
Any ideas?
I got the same problem.. The only icon that works on the dock is the web one.
It successfully launches dolphin HD.
If I try to modify the other default icons, I can change their icon, but it will not launch any app that way. It gives the "Cannot complete requested activity."
I love this compared to the default, its so smooth! but I need to know that I can fix the problems before I'll shell out the money, haha.
Has anyone gotten this stuff to work?
Perhaps using a different version?
But you can add your own shortcuts.
Those icons refer to functions that the Nook doesn't natively support. SMS, contacts and phone. To me that's a small nuisance, hardly noticeable anymore. I'm sure these will get ironed out.
skyhawk21 said:
What version you running?
I am using the latest launcher pro version and launcher pro resets when I try to add shortcuts to the homescreen.
Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to the app dock, where you can see all of your apps. Simply tap n hold the app icon you want on your Launcher Pro homescreen, and you'll automatically be taken to the homescreen with the app still "captured", awaiting you to place it anywhere.

wave launcher

it's amazons free app of the day. pretty neat function, im using it to replace the long press for multitasking. runs smoothly
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
I thought about posting this too when I downloaded it earlier today. But then I tried it out and found that its really not for me.
Agreed, I looks like a great idea, but doesnt function as good as it could. Not for me either.
I downloaded Wave Launcher and I'm attempting to make use of it. My current setup is ADW.Launcher EX, Folder Organizer, and Beautiful widgets. I really liked this setup, but I'm looking for a new look for my phone. Having five Folder Organizer widgets on the desktop is pretty sweet. I can get to the 20ish programs I use all on one home screen via the folder organize widgets.
I was hoping to use Wave Launcher to re-do my setup so make the home screen more "empty" and clean.
The app is very easy to setup, but its use seems a bit limited. I was hoping to be able to have multiple Wave Launchers so that if I swiped from the left side of the screen it would like X apps, if I swiped from the right side of the screen it would display a different set of Y apps, and if I swiped from the bottom it would bring up a different set of Z apps. Unfortunitally, the app only allows for one swipe location and one set of apps to launch.
I am going to keep it installed, and I am going to try to make it work for me. I can free up some screen real estate via Wave Launcher, though I'm not sure what to launch with it. Should I put in my most used apps? It does make them a bit harder to launch versus having links on the screen or a Folder Organizer widget on the scren. So should I put some apps I don't use often into the wave launcher so that they don't use screen real estate as either links or a folder organizer widget.
Long story short... this launcher seems to be a great idea. A swipe motion brings up a "waved bar" with links on it. However, those links are harder to "choose" since you have to slide your thumb / finger into the right place, so folders might work better. However folders take up screen real estate. So... its a good idea, and it might work out for me. I wish that there were more options like the ones lacking that I listed above.
We'll see what I come up with over the next few days.
DK
SwipePad is A LOT better!
https://market.android.com/details?id=mobi.conduction.swipepad.android
I too got this from amazon but while I was playing angry birds it kept popping up alot and pissed me off so... I uninstalled it for now!
I just keep forgetting it's there. until it comes up at the worst possible moments.
facetubespam said:
SwipePad is A LOT better!
https://market.android.com/details?id=mobi.conduction.swipepad.android
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 it was slow to start but they keep making it better with the add-ons and speed increases
Sent from my GreyBlurred Bell Atrix
+1 for swipe pad, nothing comparable so far.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Swipepad drove my cpu usage up to 100%, ive been using wave launcher and it has been working fine. I really like how it looks like the palm os wave which is what i came from. Pretty nifty.
this app was making Contacts appear when I clicked PowerAMP. Had to uninstall Wave Launcher then reboot phone so PowerAMP operates properly.
Sent from my Motorola Atrix 4G using Tapatalk
Wave Launcher
mario925 said:
this app was making Contacts appear when I clicked PowerAMP. Had to uninstall Wave Launcher then reboot phone so PowerAMP operates properly.
Sent from my Motorola Atrix 4G using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can customize the size and location of Wave Launcher's gesture-area, try "Bottom Left - 20%" in the "Gesture-area presets" setting.
Upcoming version of Wave Launcher will allow 3rd party apps to disable / enable Wave Launcher. (Currently supported by the upcoming version of WidgetLocker) It will also include a quick disable/enable option via the notification bar.
DeathKoil said:
I downloaded Wave Launcher and I'm attempting to make use of it. My current setup is ADW.Launcher EX, Folder Organizer, and Beautiful widgets. I really liked this setup, but I'm looking for a new look for my phone. Having five Folder Organizer widgets on the desktop is pretty sweet. I can get to the 20ish programs I use all on one home screen via the folder organize widgets.
I was hoping to use Wave Launcher to re-do my setup so make the home screen more "empty" and clean.
The app is very easy to setup, but its use seems a bit limited. I was hoping to be able to have multiple Wave Launchers so that if I swiped from the left side of the screen it would like X apps, if I swiped from the right side of the screen it would display a different set of Y apps, and if I swiped from the bottom it would bring up a different set of Z apps. Unfortunitally, the app only allows for one swipe location and one set of apps to launch.
I am going to keep it installed, and I am going to try to make it work for me. I can free up some screen real estate via Wave Launcher, though I'm not sure what to launch with it. Should I put in my most used apps? It does make them a bit harder to launch versus having links on the screen or a Folder Organizer widget on the scren. So should I put some apps I don't use often into the wave launcher so that they don't use screen real estate as either links or a folder organizer widget.
Long story short... this launcher seems to be a great idea. A swipe motion brings up a "waved bar" with links on it. However, those links are harder to "choose" since you have to slide your thumb / finger into the right place, so folders might work better. However folders take up screen real estate. So... its a good idea, and it might work out for me. I wish that there were more options like the ones lacking that I listed above.
We'll see what I come up with over the next few days.
DK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can also use it for:
direct-dial contacts.
Any Android shortcut, not just apps.
Show recently-used apps
Show its built-in app-drawer (by swiping or by long-pressing the gesture-area
I'm response to LoirG I use the wave launcher to open folders from folder organizer which helps open space on NY homescreen. Wave launcher is one of my more valuable apps. It has a learning curve but the limits are almost endless
Sent from my rooted 1.8.3 Honeyglow themed Gingerblur Atrix

[Q] Change the main Applications

So, I'm new to XDA and anything android... but I have had my nook tablet (16GB) for 2 weeks or longer and I've been playing around with it. It's already rooted and its running the stock firmware because (strangely) I like it better then other roms (which I have tested). But anyway to the main question:
I was wondering if anyone can tell me if it is possible to change the main app, and by that I mean is when I press the "movies" or "music" button at the bottom of the screen it will open a different app (like Mobo Player). I am asking this because I am not fond of the fact it shows apps to purchase (From B&N app store) and that it shows the "My Media" (pressing movies button) or "Music Player" (when pressing the music button) any idea how to change this?
p.s. i hop no one made a thread on this, I did look but I didn't get much results... and also I don't wish to install GoLanucher or anything similar, Thanks for the help!
Hmm, I'm not sure about changing how what the default shortcuts on the B&N UI link to but have you considered trying a new launcher? I know you said you tried other roms but not sure if you didn't like them because of the UI (what the launcher changes) or another reason.
If the latter, I'd consider going to the play store and grabbing adw ex or go launcher. Then you'll be able to set up your own dock, personalized with apps of your choosing.
Ya I know about the launchers, its just I prefer the default UI and all. But thanks for the quick reply!
Ah, in that case I don't think its possible, at least not without some serious modification of the B&N OS itself.
Well, thanks for the suggestion! I guess I'll have to live with a different launcher.
Try Nook Color App Manager. After running once it places itself on home page and when opened allows you to select all apps on your nt directly.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hari.sideloadapps&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsImNvbS5oYXJpLnNpZGVsb2FkYXBwcyJd
Not exactly what you asked but will shortcut what you wish without changing anything or adding another launcher.
Good Luck!
Root Explorer will let you change default application for a given file. Only use if you are rooted! If you need instructions just ask!

[Q] Android Customisations for Young Child

Hi guys!
I've bought an Alwinner A13 Tablet as a Christmas present for my daughter who is 3yrs old. She has been using mine and my husbands HTC Sensations for watching BabyTV and playing various counting and alphabet games, but we twitch every time she drops them...hence the cheap tablet. It is running 4.0.4 has 512 MB RAM and 8GB internal storage. We bought a 16GB SD card to increase the storage.
I want to customise it for her in time for Christmas and was wondering if you guys mind my asking some questions on here in the hope 1 or more of you has done something similar or can point me in the right direction at least.
What I want to do:
Hide, disable and lock out the internet browser, app store and anything else that I may need to do stuff (like install apps for her) but don't want her to see or use.
Disable the system icons / buttons (battery, clock, app home etc)
Make desktop / homescreen icons bigger (approx twice their current size).
Prevent her moving and deleting icons
Create folders on the home screen with custom folder icons (different picture for each folder) that will hold apps and shortcuts to movies on the SD card.
Give App and shortcut icons custom icon images (I have graphics files for these that I can resize)
Play movies directly from shortcut
Minimalistic movie player that just plays the file and then EXITS back to the home screen when the movie is done.
If any of the above requires changing ROM from the installed 4.0.4 to something else or requires the tablet to be Rooted then I've learnt how to do that already.
Any help or advice on how to achieve the above list would be greatly appreciated.
p.s I already looked at the "big icon" app in google market, but it sticks a setup icon next to the icon which you cant lock out..which means my daughter could easily modify the icons.
Thanks
Lyndsey
most of your requirements can be found on go launcher or adw launcher as for movie shprtcuts i dont know if its possoble
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Kids Place + ES file manager
most of this could probably be handled by the Kids Place - Parental Control app on Google Play, you can make shortcuts to basically anything (including movie files) using ES File Explorer by tapping and holding on the video and selecting make shortcut and also has a pretty simple video player built in.
ngoralph said:
most of your requirements can be found on go launcher or adw launcher as for movie shprtcuts i dont know if its possoble
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your help!
Do you know if there is a movie player around that I can configure so that it closes down and returns to the home screen after it's finished playing a movie? This functionality is pretty important as I don't think she'll be able to exit the movie player herself.
I looked at go launcher but I couldn't see it supporting setting folder and shortcut icons. This is pretty important as well, because her reading level is still quite low and therefore she will have to navigate by "familiar" icons (BabyTV Icon to take her to the BabyTV player etc).
cyhax said:
most of this could probably be handled by the Kids Place - Parental Control app on Google Play, you can make shortcuts to basically anything (including movie files) using ES File Explorer by tapping and holding on the video and selecting make shortcut and also has a pretty simple video player built in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, I installed Kids place. That wouldn't let me add movie shortcuts or folders to the desktop, only apps. I want to have folders on the desktop with shortcuts inside each folder to movies. Each folder to have an icon depicting the cartoon character of the movies that the shortcuts inside point to.
Having folders with custom icons is something that computers have been capable of for 20 years and yet android can't do this. It's extremely frustrating that there are so many other types of customisations and wazzy effects (launchers seem to prioritise a hundred different ways of scrolling over desktop customisation!!) and yet something so basic is absent or poorly implemented.....
Sorry....had to get that rant off my chest!
I'll keep looking but thanks for the help http://forum.xda-developers.com/images/smilies/smile.gif
I'm trying out go launcher again. So far it's closest to what I need to do but still has some issues. Such as when you make the icons larger, folder labels disappear inside folders! I had each shortcut inside the folder listed as 1,2,3 etc because my daughter can count, just not read that well yet.
I have a question I hope someone can help with:
Why do all the custom launchers reduce the size of the desktop icons? whichever launcher I load up, when I go from stock ics launcher to the custom launcher, the icons are about 50% of the size. I'm just curious...
You daughter wouldn't be able to go to the homescreen by herself?
It's not that hard to teach her to press the home button when she wants to go to the homescreen.
Revobase said:
You daughter wouldn't be able to go to the homescreen by herself?
It's not that hard to teach her to press the home button when she wants to go to the homescreen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, we've already tested that theory out on my phone (HTC Sensation). So we know she can get back to the Homescreen. Thanks for bringing it up though, it's a valid point. We assumed that because she is only 3 she wouldn't be able to find her way around. But in truth she seems to be able to find her way to youtube and play movies there
So we've removed the youtube icons from her tablet now.
artychoke said:
Yes, we've already tested that theory out on my phone (HTC Sensation). So we know she can get back to the Homescreen. Thanks for bringing it up though, it's a valid point. We assumed that because she is only 3 she wouldn't be able to find her way around. But in truth she seems to be able to find her way to youtube and play movies there
So we've removed the youtube icons from her tablet now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kids are MUCH more tech savier then you problably are. In 5 years, she'll know as much as you.

[Q] PS3 XMB style launcher - needs help

So here is the idea, a X-Cross Media Bar (XMB) style interface launcher that can be used on android devices, phones or tablets, but I plan on using it on my N7 since I use a Bluetooth keyboard I use for remote desktop and chrome and a pc xbox controller for games from time to time I have been trying to figure out how to make a decent android home screen that interacts like the XMB controls wise but have come up short.
I have found quite a few threads and other pages for stuff like this that has moved nowhere in the past and was hoping you guys might be able to get something in some sort of solution to my desire for a clean interactive interface. The closest thing i have, thanks to one of my friends who first came up with the idea but I have obsessively been trying to find a way to perfect, is using Nova launcher with folders set to tap to open a set app and swipe up to open the folder and a custom icon based off a PS3 theme pack I took the images from all arranged in an XMB style (picture linked) with the Wave Life Wallpaper to give it that PSP/PS3 look.
Basically all I want is an interface that interacts like the XMB, can be controlled either with directional buttons or by swiping across the screen (or tapping the icon of what you want if possible). But the big kicker here is that it has to support each column set acting as a customizable folder, like in Nova, and a standard app drawer where you can see all your apps. I don't even care if this requires xposed, a different launcher, and widgets, I want it and have done everything short of trying to code it myself. (probably not a good idea, I'm a network guy, not a good programmer)
All the pages I have come across in search of the pot of gold:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1104989
http://home.gna.org/gp2xmb/
https://code.google.com/p/xpmb/
http://boards.dingoonity.org/jxd-devices/xmb-launcher-for-android-5891/
The second to last one was a launcher somebody made, and believe it or not runs on 5.0.2, but has some issues and does not really let you change anything. The last Link is an actually functional one but does not allow for much customization.
What I am thinking of is more of a launcher that allows you to create columns for certain things and select which apps fill them like a folder does, allows you to have whatever wallpaper (static, scrolling, live) and has customization options. If somebody out there can program this and get it working I would pay for it. It just seems like such a usable interface for when using a controller, keyboard, or even on a touchscreen as a way different way to have everything organised. Although a standard app drawer would still be nice to avoid having every app in a column and just the ones you frequently use (I basically want an XMB in place of multiple desktops on the home screen)
Just let me know if anybody can help me figure this out.

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