[Q] Alternatives to the hardware side buttons? - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4

Hi,
I've recently rooted my Verizon Galaxy S4 (THANK YOU open1your1eyes0 for the guide, and hiikezoe, DooMLoRD, and PWM978 for the root exploit!) and everything went pretty much flawlessly.
So brimming with confidence after almost a week of root related tweaking I'm now hunting for a solution to replace part of the functionality of the right hand side HARDWARE button for putting my phone to sleep - or whatever the correct term is for when "I click the button to make my screen go dark so as to avoid calling people with my butt while I'm carrying my phone around".
Is there such a thing?
As an old school IT guy, my philosophy is that I'd rather use the touch screen (with like a toggle or what have you) for this super frequent function than use the hardware button which will eventually wear the hell out. Yeah, I know it prolly has around a gogillian use cycles before that day but I'm a bit of a purist and maybe we should just call it a philosophy with me. Or maybe I'm debilitatingly OCD.
Either way, is there such a solution out there? I'm hoping for a toggle similar to the pull-down shade buttons already provided for mobile data, or GPS etc. However I would also be satisfied with a standalone "app" type button I could situate someplace handy onscreen or maybe even in a "Button Savior" type "drawer" that I could access with just a flick and click after every phone call (and BEFORE I drop the phone into my pocket and call random people as I have been doing far too often *lol*)
Anyway, thanks for reading and I appreciate any help you may be able to give me to get me pointed in the right direction.
Best regards,
Joe C.

Only thing I can consider is trying to get a job with Samsung and maybe they will let you build the s5 with the buttons you want. Good luck!
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium

Search for screen off in the play store. Found it within a minutr of searching.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2

Yeah there's a app in the play store that let's you so that
Sent from my VZW Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

Thanks
Thanks hexitnow and nativi! I appreciate your time answering me but I should have been clearer. I had seen those various "app" options and even tried a few.
What I was trying to describe by, "..a toggle similar to the pull-down shade buttons already provided for mobile data, or GPS etc." was the actual rectangular toggle buttons for those functions and others like airplane mode and screen rotation and all. I'm referring to the batch of buttons which can even be reordered to control which 5 are displayed across the top of the pull down shade area.
One of the Play Store apps called "Screen Off and Lock" by "Katecca" comes close because it lets you configure it to show in the pull down shade - but only in the "Text" area of the "Notifications" area (like where battery info or things like that are shown). Am I describing what I mean adequately?
It's a wonderful app but I was hoping to limit the screen real estate dedicated to this function even more is all.
Thank you again though for your tips.
Best,
Joe C.

The free Button Savior app can do this. Use the on/off looking button.
Also in system settings, security, device administrator, you need to give lock screen privilege to Button Savior

Would nova Launcher have a gesture that you could do to turn the screen off with a gesture or even a gesture app.
Sent from my VZW Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

Related

[APP] zMooth use gestures to replace hardware keys

zMooth works on nook's with rooted android 2.2+.
zMooth lets you use gestures to mimic your device's hardware keys (back, home, menu and power(in Pro)), you will be able to use very intuitive gestures to navigate your device.
zMooth is unobtrusive and uses minimum amount of screen space but very easy and intuitive to use. If you use for couple of days you won't even think about using the buttons.
After you install the app you will see a blue area at the bottom of the screen, swipe left on this area to go back, swipe right for menu, gesture a up-arrow(^) for home and gesture a lightning strike/thunderbolt to power off. Please check the screen shots and video for more info.
App website
App market link
Support is built-in to the app, "Preferences->Help" will resolve most issues. If not resolved just contact me through "Preferences->Help->Contact Support" and I will be happy to resolve any issues.
Thanks.
it works, its kinda cool but being able to move the gesture area would be great
Can you provide screenshot of your nook, never tested on it so was wondering on how it looks.
Would you mind if I use your screenshot in other places? (hope your screenshot doesn't show any personal details)
windroidHD said:
Please check out my app to replace hardware keys using gestures. I tested it on HD2 and don't have a nook, would appreciate any feedback if you could try it on your nook.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1027112
App website
App market link
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really awesome application. I'm the kind who can't stand having soft buttons popping out by the side. This works wonderfully for me. Didn't know how to use it at first though. There should be a quick guide in this app without having to connect to the internet to view the FAQ.
However, with that said, this is still awesome. Love it.
WOW! I'd say I spend about 1/1000th of my time on XDA in the themes and apps section...Now..in one day..the sense icons for settings..the honeycomb style softkeys are here (which are awesome..but now obsolete IMO...because of THIS! this is EPIC!)...It took me about 1 minute to get so comfortable w this that I completely hid my dockbar and statusbar...Now I have ALLmy screen real estate, except for a thin blue line at the bottom of my screen that does it all. This is going straight on my EVO...and I'd bet you start seeing something like this on factory releases or at least as an option. A very simple yet brilliant idea. It actually makes me feel a little bit sad for Murdock...he accomplished so much for CM7 in SO little time..and now this comes along.TRY this NOW.
Sent from my NookColor using Tapatalk
It's OK but interferes with stuff on the bottom - there should be an option to move the swiping area. Also, it doesn't always register touches.
Wow!!!
Sounds awesome, i'm trying this straight away
Looks like I won't be having to double click my home screen button anymore
+1 for being able to move the swipe area. I don't like gestures over my dock.
Yeah, I Sent an Email
to the developers to enable the gesture area to be moved - until the app is useless and will probably get hammered on ratings in the market. I'm giving it one star until they do this.
docfreed said:
to the developers to enable the gesture area to be moved - until the app is useless and will probably get hammered on ratings in the market. I'm giving it one star until they do this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't Even NEED to use the launcher's dock...that's why there's an option for losing it under a launcher's settings....Eliminate the dock...Put a shortcut or action butons to whatever you want on either side of the "thin blue line", and you're golden. The gesture area can be adjusted to where its about a third of the size of a dockbar anyway, so I don't really understand that issue...I set my swipe options to hide/unhide my notification bar (which now lives at the top)..so my end results look like these before and after shots: From A to B to C....Who likes C?
Sent from my PC36100
Moving of swipe area is under development in Pro version. I wanted to make the moving very intuitive/configurable so it's taking time.
To people who are threatning with 1 * rating, you are just being mean.
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App
Awesome app, got the pro verison. Keep up the good work.
1 bug to report. When modifying the display of the bar, values seem to constantly reset when going into the sliders, though the physical bar won't change itself until you return. You might want to make the sliders default to the currently set points when entering the screen.
Ceger
Ceger said:
Awesome app, got the pro verison. Keep up the good work.
1 bug to report. When modifying the display of the bar, values seem to constantly reset when going into the sliders, though the physical bar won't change itself until you return. You might want to make the sliders default to the currently set points when entering the screen.
Ceger
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
incorrect value issue is on my list.
mazook98 said:
You don't Even NEED to use the launcher's dock...that's why there's an option for losing it under a launcher's settings....Eliminate the dock...Put a shortcut or action butons to whatever you want on either side of the "thin blue line", and you're golden. The gesture area can be adjusted to where its about a third of the size of a dockbar anyway, so I don't really understand that issue...I set my swipe options to hide/unhide my notification bar (which now lives at the top)..so my end results look like these before and after shots: From A to B to C....Who likes C?
Sent from my PC36100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get what you are saying, but it's a to each his own thing. Maybe some people REALLY like their docks. I actually do hide my dock, but I don't want to have to do all of my gestures on the bottom of the screen. I already use gestures in ADW. Swipe up for notifications (notification bar on the bottom), swipe down for my app drawer. I would like to use this app for side to side gestures, and preferably I would like the gestures to take place somewhere in the center.
..and windroidHD, just to be clear. Your app is awesome. I would just like to see the additional functionality. It sounds like you're on top of it, and I gladly await the arrival of a pro version that will allow me to move the swipe area.
regarding why it's at the bottom of the screen to start with...
Why not left?. because when you think about back, intuition is to swipe back, if gesture area is on left side then you can't swipe left as your finger will move out of screen and gesture can't be recognized.
Why not right?, same as above but for menu.
Why not top?, If it's at the top then your hand has to obstruct the screen and do a gesture at the top of screen, this breaks the visual link of your eyes with screen.
Google knew that they made a mistake with android hardware buttons, that's why honeycomb has fewer hardware buttons and soft buttons at the bottom.
The "standard" way of designing in android seems to be let user configure everything and figure out the layout of app, that to me is absolute crap. Developer has to think what makes most sense and let the user not worry and do trial and error out the position of gesture area.
That said, I don't have nook so I don't know the general workflow on it. Configuration of position still under development.
windroidHD said:
regarding why it's at the bottom of the screen...
Why not left?. because when you think about back, intuition is to swipe back, if gesture area is on left side then you can't swipe left as your finger will move out of screen and gesture can't be recognized.
Why not right?, same as above but for menu.
Why not top?, If it's at the top then your hand has to obstruct the screen and do a gesture at the top of screen, this breaks the visual link of your eyes with screen.
Google knew that they made a mistake with android hardware buttons, that's why honeycomb has fewer hardware buttons and soft buttons at the bottom.
The "standard" way of designing in android seems to be let user configure everything and figure out the layout of app, that to me is absolute crap. Developer has to think what makes most sense and let the user not worry and do trial and error out the position of gesture area.
That said, I don't have nook so I don't know the general workflow on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No offense, but you're not giving your end users very much credit.
...it's all about options.
Give me the option to do it whichever way I want, and let ME figure out which works best for my setup.
philburkhardt said:
No offense, but you're not giving your end users very much credit.
...it's all about options.
Give me the option to do it whichever way I want, and let ME figure out which works best for my setup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand if it sounded like I was "not giving credit", but do you see why I picked bottom to start with?. On contrary to not giving credit I have added options in the first Pro version itself to let user pick his colors and size which suits their theme and finger size.
Can you let me know which of my points about position are incorrect?, may be I am wrong, but which one will work for nook workflow?.
Thanks.
philburkhardt said:
No offense, but you're not giving your end users very much credit.
...it's all about options.
Give me the option to do it whichever way I want, and let ME figure out which works best for my setup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's a perfect option: Write your own app or don't use this one. OP..purchasing pro now...(and I almost NEVER buy apps)....and telling everyone I know to do the same. Change things if you want, but this version is quite perfect in my opinion. Off to Reddit to absolutely honk this. Great Job.
Sent from my PC36100
mazook98 said:
Here's a perfect option: Write your own app or don't use this one. OP..purchasing pro now...(and I almost NEVER buy apps)....and telling everyone I know to do the same. Change things if you want, but this version is quite perfect in my opinion. Off to Reddit to absolutely honk this. Great Job.
Sent from my PC36100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. Don't forget to rate the app .
Just for future reference support is built-in to the app, "Preferences->Help" will resolve most issues. If not resolved just contact me through "Preferences->Help->Contact Support" and I will be happy to resolve any issues.
mazook98 said:
Here's a perfect option: Write your own app or don't use this one. OP..purchasing pro now...(and I almost NEVER buy apps)....and telling everyone I know to do the same. Change things if you want, but this version is quite perfect in my opinion. Off to Reddit to absolutely honk this. Great Job.
Sent from my PC36100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty harsh buddy. All I did was request a feature. That is what happens in every other app thread I have been in. I wasn't rude, I didn't threaten to leave a crappy rating.
...I also stated my intent to get the pro version.
I am glad it is perfect for you. Enjoy.

Gestures for multitasking?

I dont know if this is possible within the framework of Honeycomb, but I was wondering if I was possible to add gesture control using a root-access app?
Personally, I'm only looking for one feature: WebOS style task switching. I love the way Honeycomb multitasks, but I wish I could just swipe up from the bottom of the screen (starting on the bezel below the screen) and have it open up Honeycomb's app switcher. For reference, WaveLauncher implements similar WebOS-lite utility with a similarly implemented gesture implementation.
And just for the hell of it, I think it would be great if there could be an option to open the task switcher horizontally across the middle of the screen. I know I know, "Go buy a touchpad!" I'm just saying I think it would be awesome, and I'm certain others would think so too.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using XDA Premium App
there's this app call dock4droid. you can find it in the market. some member post about this app some time ago here. I am using that app now. it works great.you can choose to put it on left/right top or down, anywhere you like. it will show recent app, and you can customize what app to appear on that dock.
sorry for my poor explanation. download it and have a try, it should fits what you want. I think. There's a free version of it.
p/s : i never touch the multitask button ever since i used this app it's kinda lag for me
I am I afraid there is no good solution, and each app that overlay your screen like this one will make your tablet lag :-(
Normaly I switch betwen 2 apps, it would be nice being able to one click switch between them
Patrul said:
Normaly I switch betwen 2 apps, it would be nice being able to one click switch between them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. Just a "Quickswitch" button that switched between the last 2 used apps would be awesome.
irishtexmex said:
I agree. Just a "Quickswitch" button that switched between the last 2 used apps would be awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm, we already have something like a "2-click-switcher"...
but the idea of swithcing tasks like in webos is really charming )
would love to have this, too.
hebbe said:
hmm, we already have something like a "2-click-switcher"...
but the idea of swithcing tasks like in webos is really charming )
would love to have this, too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was thinking more along the lines of an individual button next to the task switcher. It's surprising how much quicker & intuitive things feel when there is only one action needed to be performed (one swipe, one button press, etc.).
Anyway, I'm just sorta spitballin' in this thread. I've been using an Android phone for over a year now, and my tablet for a few months, and I still haven't been able to get over missing WebOS style multitasking. That's not to say I'm dogging on Android's, it works well, it's just not the absolute best.
Is there any minimize button? It wold be what I need
Patrul said:
Is there any minimize button? It wold be what I need
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The home button
This is a great idea, but may only be possible on rooted phones with custom ROMs. I am going to look into an implementation that does not toll performance or battery. Perhaps a simple widget at the bottom of the home screen? Then again that would require going home first, making the widget redundant.
irishtexmex said:
I dont know if this is possible within the framework of Honeycomb, but I was wondering if I was possible to add gesture control using a root-access app?
Personally, I'm only looking for one feature: WebOS style task switching. I love the way Honeycomb multitasks, but I wish I could just swipe up from the bottom of the screen (starting on the bezel below the screen) and have it open up Honeycomb's app switcher. For reference, WaveLauncher implements similar WebOS-lite utility with a similarly implemented gesture implementation.
And just for the hell of it, I think it would be great if there could be an option to open the task switcher horizontally across the middle of the screen. I know I know, "Go buy a touchpad!" I'm just saying I think it would be awesome, and I'm certain others would think so too.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So exactly like the blackberry Playbook... that's exactly what it does ... swipe from bezel to open multitasking
The only thing I miss from IOS is ACTIVATOR.
So many options.
You could hook any action/gesture to any app.
It was awesome.
Sometimes is cumbersome to hit the home button located at the bottom when I'm holding the tab with both hands on the sides.
Would pay money for an activator equivalent.
.torrented said:
So exactly like the blackberry Playbook... that's exactly what it does ... swipe from bezel to open multitasking
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, and just like the TouchPad/WebOS.
A swipe gesture from the bezel is inherently easier than almost any other single input option because when holding the tablet there is at least one digit within an extreme proximity to the bezel & screen. I would say over 90% of my usage patterns are with me holding the tablet in at least one hand, and a large majority of me holding it with both hands. In my case, gestures like that are accessible from any direction and any side of the screen, and would be superior than having to click a 20x20 pixel button in a single location that isn't near either of the places where my hand naturally holds the tablet.
Again, for other people their usage patterns may dictate a better option. I just happen to think most people use their tablets in a manner similar to mine, which would make these gestures extremely useful.
Gesture Control
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1535740

Home long-press

Hi,
I know it's a general android question but let me ask it here.
Let's say I'm driving, using (just as an example) Waze as a navigator and Audible as a bookreader. Easiest way to switch between them is to do a long press home and choose an app. But is there a way to make it even simpler? Like I long press home or search or whatever and it switches between two most recent apps? Or some bluetooth gadget that swaps apps on a button click? I'm open for options because available routine is too much of distraction - long press then look and tap a proper icon?
Sent from my SGH-I717R using Tapatalk 2
As far as I know...no. But if that simple changing of apps distracts you that much...maybe you shouldn't be fiddling with your phone and driving.
With that said, android tablets have this wonderful program called "cornerstone". Lets you simultaneously run 3 apps on screen at the same time. Would be pretty sweet if it could get adapted to the note. Maybe just 2 apps at a time.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
Pity...
In fact, there are more possibilities than Home button. Waze beta voice command mode is being triggered by waving a hand (proximity sensor?). Good idea for someone to write a task switcher - you wave a hand, and it switches applications!

[IDEA][APP] auto hide widget widget

I'm not sure if it is possible but I have an idea of a widget:
It's a widget that contains another widget that will auto after a specific condition (perhaps with llama/tasker?)
Examples:
hide music widget of choice if there's no music playing or headset plugged in.
Hide (school) timetable if you're not at that location.
Show GPS/traffic widget if not at home/school/work.
You might think of another great use yourself.
This is just an idea, and since I'm no app developer myself, (at least not yet) I hope one of the great android developers that are on these fora will take an interest in this project.
Sent from my SHV-E160L 32GB with XDA HD
But why hide the widget? That space where the widget that hid the other widget is still unusable because the widget can become transparent, but it can not remove itself from the home screen and then put itself back, since adding widgets is a system level command. And if it could do what I just said it can't, what if you put apps/shortcuts/widgets in its place, where would they go? I might be over thinking this whole idea a little but that's just my two cents. I do have a similar idea now that I read this, though. Use Tasker to restore backed up Nova/Holo/Adw/Apex/Etc, settings and home screen layouts based on what you said in your first post. That is probably going to take way longer to do, but it get the same effect and could probably save battery that way too. I mean, if I make a Tasker profile set up so that whenever I connect to my schools wifi, that it restores a previous backed home screen and settings layout. My phone always dies at school, so my home screen would become blank, with no dock or status bar, and just have gestures set up so that I can still get to my apps (swipe up for drawer, down for notifications, two fingers up for phone app, and two fingers down for messaging). With nothing on my home screen, I save battery because the Launcher does not have to load any thing. Android itself might be a limitation for what we're saying here, but maybe Key Lime Pie could bring us closer to that.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2
Thanks for the reply!
PenguinxEnjoi said:
But why hide the widget? That space where the widget that hid the other widget is still unusable because the widget can become transparent, but it can not remove itself from the home screen and then put itself back, since adding widgets is a system level command. And if it could do what I just said it can't, what if you put apps/shortcuts/widgets in its place, where would they go? I might be over thinking this whole idea a little but that's just my two cents.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the reply, PenguinxEnjoi
I can see now that my idea can be a bit confusing.
I just had the idea to hide the widget when I don't need it so it doesn't clog up my lock/home screen.
If it means turning it invisible I'd like that just as much as removing it. I just don't want to see it.
PenguinxEnjoi said:
I do have a similar idea now that I read this, though. Use Tasker to restore backed up Nova/Holo/Adw/Apex/Etc, settings and home screen layouts based on what you said in your first post. That is probably going to take way longer to do, but it get the same effect and could probably save battery that way too. I mean, if I make a Tasker profile set up so that whenever I connect to my schools wifi, that it restores a previous backed home screen and settings layout. My phone always dies at school, so my home screen would become blank, with no dock or status bar, and just have gestures set up so that I can still get to my apps (swipe up for drawer, down for notifications, two fingers up for phone app, and two fingers down for messaging). With nothing on my home screen, I save battery because the Launcher does not have to load any thing. Android itself might be a limitation for what we're saying here, but maybe Key Lime Pie could bring us closer to that.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If this is possible it would totally be an option. Especially since I'm using widgetlocker and nova launcher.
This will probably be done using intents (if it's supported) but I've only begun using tasker (after llama) so I'm still not sure how they work.
Have you found the way to auto hide widgets for example with Tasker?
extension!?
I have been trying to find a way to recreate a menu pop down resembling the app drawer menu on my desktop and yes...there are many hurdles to be made through an auto hide feature. Why there cant be an app writin that works along with zooper pro or uccw (or done internaly themselves) that can acknowlege a widget name and link it to a static bitmap/icon within another widget as in a"press on" action is beyond me. I know that is probably the last thing those two companies wanna do but it would really make it fun for the average joe just trying to create something fresh and different for their own pride and joy. I havent had much luck getting any reaponse on this. Lol obviously due to a lack reason. And no im not talking about the chocolate covered carmel candy. Bit if any of you developers out there want to take a stab at it. Looks like there is a code writtin in a somewhat similar context that i believe could work. In the end. Its us vs. Them. Hope to see something more happen with this.
And of course..i am mot allowed to copy and paste outside links yet. Thanks XDA. but if you type in."auto hide widget" in google it should be the second link you see. Hope someone makes this a reality. Will be watching for developments.:silly:
Pop up widgets from the developer of the sslauncher. Does the trick nicely. Also you can use swipepad with the widgetpad addon. Works nice for me. Widget here, widget gone
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk
tie7 said:
Have you found the way to auto hide widgets for example with Tasker?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you could use overlays (paid version) which integrates in tasker (free version does not)

[Q] Is there a good thumbwheel UI I can use with one hand?

I've been using my HOX+ for almost six months now, fairly light use but I'm mostly happy with it. I'm still running unrooted stock, just installed the official 4.2.2 update. This is my first real smartphone, I had an unsubsidized $100 3.14" Android smartphone last year that I don't think really qualifies.
The big complaint I have with the jump to a 4.7" screen is that one-handed use is uncomfortable and requires me to stretch to reach the corners, where the buttons are often stupidly located, or sometimes even to slide the phone up and down in my hand to make the buttons accessible, not exactly easy to do with one hand without dropping the phone. I would really like a phone that is comfortable to use one-handed, but I don't want to compromise by buying a smaller screen phone, say 4.3" or god forbid the 4" size of the iPhone, as I'm not exactly thrilled with the "looking through a keyhole" quality of 4.7" either.
I think the right solution would be a thumbwheel UI in the bottom right corner, placed in the arc right where my thumb is, so I can use it one-handed with my thumb and not have to reach with my fingers. As long as it let me virtually hit all the buttons on the screen, even native app buttons like the menu button at the top or the tab switcher button at the top in Chrome, I could even buy a phablet if there was something like this, maybe a 5.5+ inch screen that I could use comfortably one-handed with just my thumb in the bottom-right corner.
The closest thing I've been able to find like this is the Splay launcher, but I don't think such launchers actually let me control menus within apps, only launch apps. This guy wrote a small app earlier this year to do something similar, seems to be a great article talking about the idea but I don't think that effort went anywhere.
Is there any effort within the xda community to integrate a one-handed control interface like this? This is a feature that would actually make me root and install a ROM, as I haven't had the need to go to the trouble yet. I'd love to see an effort like this on Android, wonder what everyone else thinks.
joakim_one said:
I've been using my HOX+ for almost six months now, fairly light use but I'm mostly happy with it. I'm still running unrooted stock, just installed the official 4.2.2 update. This is my first real smartphone, I had an unsubsidized $100 3.14" Android smartphone last year that I don't think really qualifies.
The big complaint I have with the jump to a 4.7" screen is that one-handed use is uncomfortable and requires me to stretch to reach the corners, where the buttons are often stupidly located, or sometimes even to slide the phone up and down in my hand to make the buttons accessible, not exactly easy to do with one hand without dropping the phone. I would really like a phone that is comfortable to use one-handed, but I don't want to compromise by buying a smaller screen phone, say 4.3" or god forbid the 4" size of the iPhone, as I'm not exactly thrilled with the "looking through a keyhole" quality of 4.7" either.
I think the right solution would be a thumbwheel UI in the bottom right corner, placed in the arc right where my thumb is, so I can use it one-handed with my thumb and not have to reach with my fingers. As long as it let me virtually hit all the buttons on the screen, even native app buttons like the menu button at the top or the tab switcher button at the top in Chrome, I could even buy a phablet if there was something like this, maybe a 5.5+ inch screen that I could use comfortably one-handed with just my thumb in the bottom-right corner.
The closest thing I've been able to find like this is the Splay launcher, but I don't think such launchers actually let me control menus within apps, only launch apps. This guy wrote a small app earlier this year to do something similar, seems to be a great article talking about the idea but I don't think that effort went anywhere.
Is there any effort within the xda community to integrate a one-handed control interface like this? This is a feature that would actually make me root and install a ROM, as I haven't had the need to go to the trouble yet. I'd love to see an effort like this on Android, wonder what everyone else thinks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A "Whole" UI made especially for one hand usage? Well I know the second best solution.
Install "Pie Controls" and assign it to any corner/side of the screen, it will allow you to launch apps but for the function that you want, you will need to root. Once you are rooted PIE has extra features like "Back, Home, Sleep, Menu, Recent Apps" ..etc.
A Second best is "LMT" launcher ALSO requires root. Once you have it, you will be able to have PIE Controls as well, PLUS a unique feature to have gestures working in all screens. You can swipe down to bring up the notification bar or swipe up for recent apps. The reason i put it as second best was because I don't really like it ..
Ofcourse there are normal launchers , like nova launcher ..etc. that allows you to swipe down to bring up the notifications but sadly that only works on the home screen.
There are also ROMS like AOKP (For us Carbon rom or something similar) which has a stock feeling but extra buttons in the Power menu. When you hold down the power menu , under the normal "Power off, restart, screenshot, airplane" you will also find "Back, Home, Recent apps"
I honestly think that PIE Controls is the best app to have out of them all since it works on all ROMs . Though for full features you should buy the Pro version.
P.S: All apps that you are looking for will require ROOT access.
Ghand0ur said:
A "Whole" UI made especially for one hand usage? Well I know the second best solution.
Install "Pie Controls" and assign it to any corner/side of the screen, it will allow you to launch apps but for the function that you want, you will need to root. Once you are rooted PIE has extra features like "Back, Home, Sleep, Menu, Recent Apps" ..etc.
A Second best is "LMT" launcher ALSO requires root. Once you have it, you will be able to have PIE Controls as well, PLUS a unique feature to have gestures working in all screens. You can swipe down to bring up the notification bar or swipe up for recent apps. The reason i put it as second best was because I don't really like it ..
Ofcourse there are normal launchers , like nova launcher ..etc. that allows you to swipe down to bring up the notifications but sadly that only works on the home screen.
There are also ROMS like AOKP (For us Carbon rom or something similar) which has a stock feeling but extra buttons in the Power menu. When you hold down the power menu , under the normal "Power off, restart, screenshot, airplane" you will also find "Back, Home, Recent apps"
I honestly think that PIE Controls is the best app to have out of them all since it works on all ROMs . Though for full features you should buy the Pro version.
P.S: All apps that you are looking for will require ROOT access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for all the info. I tried the Pie Control app by coolace based on your recommendation, but it didn't seem to do anything on my unrooted HOX+. I'll look into the other stuff you talked about.
joakim_one said:
Thanks for all the info. I tried the Pie Control app by coolace based on your recommendation, but it didn't seem to do anything on my unrooted HOX+. I'll look into the other stuff you talked about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How didn't it function?
Well here is a good video that will help you install it : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBud1hk27Rw
Although to have full features you will require to BUY the pro version and root, the free version on an unrooted version should have some functions that will work like launching apps and other stuff. Try to clarify what you meant
Ghand0ur said:
How didn't it function?
Well here is a good video that will help you install it : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBud1hk27Rw
Although to have full features you will require to BUY the pro version and root, the free version on an unrooted version should have some functions that will work like launching apps and other stuff. Try to clarify what you meant
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I installed the app and set it to work on the left, right, and bottom, then configured two short-click apps in level 1. I would then long-press at those edges and nothing happened with pie control: HTC Sense would send me to widget configuration instead.
I just watched your video and he does a slight swipe from the edge, instead of the long-press I was trying. I just installed the app again and tried that on the home screen and within a couple other apps, again no pie controls. If I do it on the home screen, it starts to scroll to the next home screen, as it always did.
There may be something about HTC Sense that it's not giving control to the pie app for gestures, or maybe there's some other switch I have to hit somewhere to actually enable the pie gestures?
joakim_one said:
I installed the app and set it to work on the left, right, and bottom, then configured two short-click apps in level 1. I would then long-press at those edges and nothing happened with pie control: HTC Sense would send me to widget configuration instead.
I just watched your video and he does a slight swipe from the edge, instead of the long-press I was trying. I just installed the app again and tried that on the home screen and within a couple other apps, again no pie controls. If I do it on the home screen, it starts to scroll to the next home screen, as it always did.
There may be something about HTC Sense that it's not giving control to the pie app for gestures, or maybe there's some other switch I have to hit somewhere to actually enable the pie gestures?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh yeah I forgot to tell you. Although HOX+ and S3 have the same screen size, for the PIE to activate you just need to increase the activation area width. Just thought of installing Pie again after a while of not using it and just remembered. Now it's working fine
I remember there was a small bug of the activation area width being reset everytime you open the app if I can remember correctly. That or everytime you press on the activation width area. Can't really remember but my point is, while using the app if it suddenly doesnt appear anymore just increase the width again and it will work.
Sorry it took me a while to reply since I couldn't really remember
Sent from my HTC One x+ using XDA developers app
Ghand0ur said:
Oh yeah I forgot to tell you. Although HOX+ and S3 have the same screen size, for the PIE to activate you just need to increase the activation area width. Just thought of installing Pie again after a while of not using it and just remembered. Now it's working fine
I remember there was a small bug of the activation area width being reset everytime you open the app if I can remember correctly. That or everytime you press on the activation width area. Can't really remember but my point is, while using the app if it suddenly doesnt appear anymore just increase the width again and it will work.
Sorry it took me a while to reply since I couldn't really remember
Sent from my HTC One x+ using XDA developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, now it shows up. I'll mess around with it and let you know what I think.

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