[Q] Is there a good thumbwheel UI I can use with one hand? - HTC One X+

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.

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.

Questions after using G Tab for 2 weeks, password, multi-tasking, icon spacing, and

I've had the G-tab for two weeks and always use something for a while before I ask questions. It looks like at least one of the questions, icon spacing is answered elsewhere but since I am going to as a few questions I'll still include it here.
I'm using TNT-L 4.4 but guessing most of these are universal to Android.
1. The G-tab does lock after a while and I just slide the lock up and it unlocks but is there a place to tell it you want a password. Also when it boots up I'd like a password on it.
2. I know it does multi-tasking but when I am in certain apps, browser and others, I have to either back out of it, or hit the home and when I go back the app starts over again. I thought you could just slide from screen to screen.
3. On the home screen when I put icons on the home screen only four across and and three high. Should be able to get at least 6 or 7 wide and 4 or 5 high. What's up with that?? Can you set icon spacing on the home screen?
4. A lot of devices you can have information displayed when it is locked like your name/phone number in case it is lost/found they know who's it is. Anything to do that?
5. I've seen a number of posts about screen protectors and most are related to fingerprints. I'm mostly wanting to get rid of glare. What is the best Anti-glare screen protector?
6. Where can I get free chocolate? Always a good question.
Thanks.
p.s. This is a great resource!
TheArtfulPenguin said:
I've had the G-tab for two weeks and always use something for a while before I ask questions. It looks like at least one of the questions, icon spacing is answered elsewhere but since I am going to as a few questions I'll still include it here.
I'm using TNT-L 4.4 but guessing most of these are universal to Android.
1. The G-tab does lock after a while and I just slide the lock up and it unlocks but is there a place to tell it you want a password. Also when it boots up I'd like a password on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TNT-L is based off the stock ROM, I do not believe setting a lock-screen code is available. Other ROMs may/may not offer this choice. CM7 and those built from the CM7 base do.
2. I know it does multi-tasking but when I am in certain apps, browser and others, I have to either back out of it, or hit the home and when I go back the app starts over again. I thought you could just slide from screen to screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, no sliding from screen to screen as apps are designed to be inclusive to their own layout. Hold HOME to switch between apps. Don't press it, hold it....a screen will pop up with the last few used apps. Selecting it will take you right back to where you were in the app.
3. On the home screen when I put icons on the home screen only four across and and three high. Should be able to get at least 6 or 7 wide and 4 or 5 high. What's up with that?? Can you set icon spacing on the home screen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not with the stock one. Launcher Pro, ADWLauncher, VTLLauncher will allow you to increase the columns and rows. I use an 8x8 grid that fits nicely without chopping off the text of the icons.
4. A lot of devices you can have information displayed when it is locked like your name/phone number in case it is lost/found they know who's it is. Anything to do that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, though off the top of my head I don't recall. Plenty of app/widgets that will overlay/use on top of the lockscreen.
5. I've seen a number of posts about screen protectors and most are related to fingerprints. I'm mostly wanting to get rid of glare. What is the best Anti-glare screen protector?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No answer for you there...I hate screen protectors.
6. Where can I get free chocolate? Always a good question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking for the answer myself.
thanks....
Thanks for the info, more than I knew to start even thought you didn't have all the answers
tcrews said:
No, no sliding from screen to screen as apps are designed to be inclusive to their own layout. Hold HOME to switch between apps. Don't press it, hold it....a screen will pop up with the last few used apps. Selecting it will take you right back to where you were in the app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This ought to be in the "Android Navigation 101" thread...it has been driving me nuts trying to figure it out. Thank you...
Regarding screen lock in TNT
I'm not sure if this will work in 4.4. I switched to Vegan a while back to get EAP functionality, so I haven't had to check. However, I did figure out how to do this a while back on TNTLite 5. It requires Launcher Pro (or a launcher with similar functionality).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=997004
Next question for a simp
What is the easiest way to get into the Sound applet without having to navigate through the settings menu? The volume control only brings up the Media Playing volume levels, and I'd like to be able to get into the Master and Notifications volumes quickly as well.
EDIT: set up a custom shortcut which gets to the general Sound Settings, but would still like a way to get directly to the volume applet.
It works in TNTL 4.4.0.
I just followed the instruction and was amazed.
Thank you!

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

Back Button App

A nice little free non-root app that sits on the right hand side of the screen when in landscape so you can go the Home Screen, Go Back or look at the Notification dropdown quickly :good::laugh:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appspot.app58us.backkey&hl=en-GB
Not The Flong said:
A nice little free non-root app that sits on the right hand side of the screen when in landscape so you can go the Home Screen, Go Back or look at the Notification dropdown quickly :good::laugh:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appspot.app58us.backkey&hl=en-GB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice app!
Not The Flong said:
A nice little free non-root app that sits on the right hand side of the screen when in landscape so you can go the Home Screen, Go Back or look at the Notification dropdown quickly :good::laugh:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appspot.app58us.backkey&hl=en-GB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great - thanks a lot!
The buttons located at the middle of the status bar were the topic that bothered me most on my new Z2 tab, as you always have to move your hand and let go the tablet's frame.
:good:
One of the main reasons I have already rooted my device (although the bootloader had to be unlocked).
So I can use "Expanded Desktop" from Xposed module "Gravity Box" (no navigation bar anymore, which additionally means more screen estate) and GMD Gesture control instead.
For instance, for "Back" I have set 2 gestures: Either diagonally (!) to the right and down with 3 fingers, or the same to the left and down.
Since "Back" is a very frequent command, this is the most comfortable direction for a swipe because the arm which is holding the tablet is anyway in that direction. I just have to pull the arm "back" instead of bringing it into a certain position first. And the two gestures ensure that I can make the Back gesture with either hand equally comfortably.
I had the device unrooted for two weeks, and it felt simply awkward to be forced again to hit little spots on the screen for basic commands. (My other devices are always also rooted.)
I've tried GMD gestures but wasn't able to get it work. Any idea why or did you do anything special to make it work? On my N7 it's been working like a charm for a long time. Thanks.
On the Z2 Tablet, you have to set (in "Advanced“) "Override touch events parser detection" to "HC_DEFAULT".
Sorry to be an idiot but this sounds very good and natural. However I can't picture the mvmt. Do u grab with the free hand and then swipe or what?
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Free mobile app
Revive!!!
I tried this but it's a little cumbersome and gets in the way.
And then I remembered PIE! Durr
sorry but piecontrol is far superior. Also no root, and can do a lot more.
I much prefer swiping in method, got used to it with old paranoidandroid builds waaaaay back in the ICS era
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jun.ace.piecontrol&hl=en-GB
Try Button Saviour. Way better than pie.

Question Ugh - Nav Bar buttons

Any way to remove or hide or skin or otherwise change the look and color of the Nav Bar buttons? Im using Nova and don't see an option and don't see an option in the OS settings.
Appreciate any help.
JMak00 said:
Any way to remove or hide or skin or otherwise change the look and color of the Nav Bar buttons? Im using Nova and don't see an option and don't see an option in the OS settings.
Appreciate any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably only with root and then a Substratum theme, IF that even works on A12
Nimueh said:
Probably only with root and then a Substratum theme, IF that even works on A12
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
JMak00 said:
Any way to remove or hide or skin or otherwise change the look and color of the Nav Bar buttons? Im using Nova and don't see an option and don't see an option in the OS settings.
Appreciate any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Settings>Accessibility>System Controls>System Navigation gives you the choice of Gesture Navigation or 3-Button Navigation. I'm using Nova also
docfreed said:
Settings>Accessibility>System Controls>System Navigation gives you the choice of Gesture Navigation or 3-Button Navigation. I'm using Nova also
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But that doesn't change the "look and color of the Nav Bar buttons" at all and that's what he wanted
Nimueh said:
But that doesn't change the "look and color of the Nav Bar buttons" at all and that's what he wanted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From his post "Any way to remove or hide or....."
Google, no one wants the back button on the left! after 6 years, let's go ahead and add the option to switch it already!
buschris said:
Google, no one wants the back button on the left! after 6 years, let's go ahead and add the option to switch it already!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess my name is "no one" then ... I'm perfectly happy with the button layout the way it is
But I do get it if someone wants it reversed ... I for one would love the option to assign my navbar buttons with different actions, for example longpress Home for screenshot like on my other devices
Nimueh said:
I guess my name is "no one" then ... I'm perfectly happy with the button layout the way it is
But I do get it if someone wants it reversed ... I for one would love the option to assign my navbar buttons with different actions, for example longpress Home for screenshot like on my other devices
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It makes no sense. Most people are right-handed, so why put the button that gets used more often (Back) in a less accessible position than the one that hardly ever gets used (Recent apps)? Maybe take a hint from Samsung (the most popular Android phone maker) and keep the Back button on the right.
gavingt said:
It makes no sense. Most people are right-handed, so why put the button that gets used more often (Back) in a less accessible position than the one that hardly ever gets used (Recent apps)? Maybe take a hint from Samsung (the most popular Android phone maker) and keep the Back button on the right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personal preference. I'm totally with you on giving users the option, but I personally use the recents button more often and always hated the placement on Samsung phones.
I wish I could use FNG with A12 gestures, but I'm still stuck having the useless bottom bar...
Velcorn said:
Personal preference. I'm totally with you on giving users the option, but I personally use the recents button more often and always hated the placement on Samsung phones.
I wish I could use FNG with A12 gestures, but I'm still stuck having the useless bottom bar...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung is all tricked out...
Galaxy Store, Good lock family of apps tops off the nav bar mods.
gavingt said:
It makes no sense. Most people are right-handed, so why put the button that gets used more often (Back) in a less accessible position than the one that hardly ever gets used (Recent apps)? Maybe take a hint from Samsung (the most popular Android phone maker) and keep the Back button on the right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"the one that hardly gets used" - huh? I use the Recents button all the time before turning off the screen. I don't believe in having apps linger there that I only use once a week or even less often, so my Recents get cleared all the time. Plus while I am righthanded I hold my phone with the left hand and navigate/tap with my right ... I've never been someone to use a phone with only 1 hand.
And like Velcorn said - personal preference. Users should have the option to set it up the way they like it best, not have Google (or other OEMs) dictate what they have to like.
Nimueh said:
"the one that hardly gets used" - huh? I use the Recents button all the time before turning off the screen. I don't believe in having apps linger there that I only use once a week or even less often, so my Recents get cleared all the time. Plus while I am righthanded I hold my phone with the left hand and navigate/tap with my right ... I've never been someone to use a phone with only 1 hand.
And like Velcorn said - personal preference. Users should have the option to set it up the way they like it best, not have Google (or other OEMs) dictate what they have to like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely agree that it should be an option. But if they're not going to provide an option, putting it on the right makes more sense.
Also, you know clearing your recents gives you no performance improvement, right? Android could have completely killed an app weeks ago and its most recent snapshot could still show up there.
Gesture Navigation for the WIN!!!!!
gavingt said:
Also, you know clearing your recents gives you no performance improvement, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't care, I don't want the clutter in my recents. It's not so much about performance but about tidyness
I am right handed and use my P6 with my left hand. I use a wallet case on my devices with my index finger wedged behind the internal case. The thumb wins.
I always clear my recent, I don't care if you call it OCD or not.
gavingt said:
It makes no sense. Most people are right-handed, so why put the button that gets used more often (Back) in a less accessible position than the one that hardly ever gets used (Recent apps)? Maybe take a hint from Samsung (the most popular Android phone maker) and keep the Back button on the right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My LG phones let me not just switch their order but whether they were outlines or filled in, too.
gavingt said:
It makes no sense. Most people are right-handed, so why put the button that gets used more often (Back) in a less accessible position than the one that hardly ever gets used (Recent apps)? Maybe take a hint from Samsung (the most popular Android phone maker) and keep the Back button on the right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
especially since third parties have made it an option for over 7 years
sic0048 said:
Gesture Navigation for the WIN!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
again... no righty has a thumb that long that you can reach the left side of the screen
Velcorn said:
Personal preference. I'm totally with you on giving users the option, but I personally use the recents button more often and always hated the placement on Samsung phones.
I wish I could use FNG with A12 gestures, but I'm still stuck having the useless bottom bar...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use FNG and have for a while now. Of course it takes root to get rid of the navbar.

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