[Q] Softkeys - LG G Watch

Alright, So we've seen Firefox running on Android Wear, however we can't enter any menus due to no softkeys on the device. I have been trying to install apps such as "Virtual Button Bar" and SoftKeys for Root Users onto the watch and they install and run. But only the home button works. Neither the back or menu button seems to work in any application.
Has anyone else attempted to get some softkeys for controls in unsupported apps that may be able to enlighten me more on why these keypresses seem to be ignored by the OS..

ShadowEO said:
Alright, So we've seen Firefox running on Android Wear, however we can't enter any menus due to no softkeys on the device. I have been trying to install apps such as "Virtual Button Bar" and SoftKeys for Root Users onto the watch and they install and run. But only the home button works. Neither the back or menu button seems to work in any application.
Has anyone else attempted to get some softkeys for controls in unsupported apps that may be able to enlighten me more on why these keypresses seem to be ignored by the OS..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With LMT all the keys that can get on-screen are working just fine in apps that support them but the problem is the app can't be launched (FC-most probably because it has an action bar) so you can't edit the buttons or the size of them, they just work but are over sized.

Ranomez said:
With LMT all the keys that can get on-screen are working just fine in apps that support them but the problem is the app can't be launched (FC-most probably because it has an action bar) so you can't edit the buttons or the size of them, they just work but are over sized.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder if you can install LMT on your phone, customize it first, then go to /data/data/... or an appropriate location to grab the config and push it into the watch.
I'm also considering buying a GW, so if this somehow works, please let me know.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
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AndyYan said:
I wonder if you can install LMT on your phone, customize it first, then go to /data/data/... or an appropriate location to grab the config and push it into the watch.
I'm also considering buying a GW, so if this somehow works, please let me know.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes ofc it will work but the problem with that is that it will take a lot of time to customize the settings right for the watch and each time you copy the files to data/data remember that you will need to set the right permissions, owner and SELinux context for each and every file and considering that currently SELinux contexts can differ from one device to an other and from one ROM to an other that will be really time consuming and hard as you will have to find an app on your watch that has the same types of files to see the SELinux contexts for each of them.
To say it short yes you can do that but it will probably take you at least 1 day and I don't have the time or patience to do that and I doubt many people on this forum will but ofc if you do buy a G Watch have a go at it and tell us just how much time you've wasted.

Ranomez said:
Yes ofc it will work but the problem with that is that it will take a lot of time to customize the settings right for the watch and each time you copy the files to data/data remember that you will need to set the right permissions, owner and SELinux context for each and every file and considering that currently SELinux contexts can differ from one device to an other and from one ROM to an other that will be really time consuming and hard as you will have to find an app on your watch that has the same types of files to see the SELinux contexts for each of them.
To say it short yes you can do that but it will probably take you at least 1 day and I don't have the time or patience to do that and I doubt many people on this forum will but ofc if you do buy a G Watch have a go at it and tell us just how much time you've wasted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, I doubt it would take that much effort, because I've tried manually moving config for some other apps without even touching the permissions, and they seem to fix that automatically. System apps don't like that way, though.
But seeing how Android Wear hates ActionBar, thus making many of my apps unavailable, I don't know if I'd still buy one. Yes I do want something Android on my wrist, but if it's just time-telling and Google Now (which is not even available here in China), then I'm not paying that chunk for it.
What apps do you have, then?
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]

AndyYan said:
Hmm, I doubt it would take that much effort, because I've tried manually moving config for some other apps without even touching the permissions, and they seem to fix that automatically. System apps don't like that way, though.
But seeing how Android Wear hates ActionBar, thus making many of my apps unavailable, I don't know if I'd still buy one. Yes I do want something Android on my wrist, but if it's just time-telling and Google Now (which is not even available here in China), then I'm not paying that chunk for it.
What apps do you have, then?
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you are talking about moving configs to the same phone I guess? Also if not were you on android 5.x+ cause if yes SELinux has became really strict, to the point that if you mess up some contexts on any file in the data partition you could even get a bootloop (happened to me) or have all your apps disappear and be unable to install any app until you fix up the SELinux context (again happened to me), which you will have to do using adb in that state if you don't happen to have and file manager with root capabilities installed in /system/app or /system/priv-app.
Also to answer your question: yes most normal android apps don't work but there are some that do, even some games and some are even really playable, moreover there are enough useful android wear apps out there, I don't know what you plan to use your watch for but for me it does way more than enough, after all it's a watch, it's not like I'll ever want to spend a lot of time looking at it doing anything but I can do some fast reading on it when I need (not like I'll ever read a whole book on it, that's why I have an android e-book reader or even my phone in the worst case scenario), browsing the internet fast (ofc it needs to be connected to a phone with a data connection), receive and send messages, reject calls, even some light or not so light gaming, even things as Temple Run 2, can play music when I don't have my phone using a bluetooth headset/speaker), the only thing I miss is a full office suite, really, I am writing a novel at the moment and never know when I get some inspiration and have to write down what I have in my mind pretty fast so I don't forget, would love to just be able to write on the watch and not have to take out my phone for that.
Also I would suggest that if you have the money you should go with a watch that has wi-fi like the G Watch R or Urbane cause then you will be able to use the internet without a phone, also the screen of the G Watch is really bad in the sun, I had a Sony Smartwatch 2 before and that was way more limited software wise (and for that reason had a battery life of over 1 week) but the screen was miles ahead, I could see everything in powerful sun light without even setting the brightness to the maximum, on the G Watch I can barely see anything with the brightness at maximum in not so powerful sun light.

Does LMT contain the menu button by default? I could care less if it's a little oversized (as long as it's not to big for 150-175 DPI), but I'm about to reset my watch using the restore tools because I screwed up root while trying to get SoftKeyz (EDIT: I believe was the name of the softkey app I was trying to make work, can't remember and just finished resetting) to work correctly.

Ranomez said:
Well you are talking about moving configs to the same phone I guess? Also if not were you on android 5.x+ cause if yes SELinux has became really strict, to the point that if you mess up some contexts on any file in the data partition you could even get a bootloop (happened to me) or have all your apps disappear and be unable to install any app until you fix up the SELinux context (again happened to me), which you will have to do using adb in that state if you don't happen to have and file manager with root capabilities installed in /system/app or /system/priv-app.
Also to answer your question: yes most normal android apps don't work but there are some that do, even some games and some are even really playable, moreover there are enough useful android wear apps out there, I don't know what you plan to use your watch for but for me it does way more than enough, after all it's a watch, it's not like I'll ever want to spend a lot of time looking at it doing anything but I can do some fast reading on it when I need (not like I'll ever read a whole book on it, that's why I have an android e-book reader or even my phone in the worst case scenario), browsing the internet fast (ofc it needs to be connected to a phone with a data connection), receive and send messages, reject calls, even some light or not so light gaming, even things as Temple Run 2, can play music when I don't have my phone using a bluetooth headset/speaker), the only thing I miss is a full office suite, really, I am writing a novel at the moment and never know when I get some inspiration and have to write down what I have in my mind pretty fast so I don't forget, would love to just be able to write on the watch and not have to take out my phone for that.
Also I would suggest that if you have the money you should go with a watch that has wi-fi like the G Watch R or Urbane cause then you will be able to use the internet without a phone, also the screen of the G Watch is really bad in the sun, I had a Sony Smartwatch 2 before and that was way more limited software wise (and for that reason had a battery life of over 1 week) but the screen was miles ahead, I could see everything in powerful sun light without even setting the brightness to the maximum, on the G Watch I can barely see anything with the brightness at maximum in not so powerful sun light.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for compiling such a long response for me :thumbup:
As my signature says most of my devices are on 5.1. Moving some game saves across devices works nicely, though moving contacts database involves modifying owner and permission, but not SEL context - to be honest, I don't even know that ever matters.
Sure I don't have many things in mind when it comes to "what to do with GW"... Back when I was using the Gear, I had quite some apps on it, but most of the time I use it as a timekeeper. But not being compatible with ActionBar is so shocking - I can't imagine how many apps I've used on the Gear so nicely won't work with GW, the most important of which are Greenify, LMT and Root Explorer. Looks like I still have to do much research before I decide on a purchase.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]

AndyYan said:
Thanks for compiling such a long response for me :thumbup:
As my signature says most of my devices are on 5.1. Moving some game saves across devices works nicely, though moving contacts database involves modifying owner and permission, but not SEL context - to be honest, I don't even know that ever matters.
Sure I don't have many things in mind when it comes to "what to do with GW"... Back when I was using the Gear, I had quite some apps on it, but most of the time I use it as a timekeeper. But not being compatible with ActionBar is so shocking - I can't imagine how many apps I've used on the Gear so nicely won't work with GW, the most important of which are Greenify, LMT and Root Explorer. Looks like I still have to do much research before I decide on a purchase.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just looked at your signature and now I know why you had no problem with moving data from one device to an other: all your devices are running CM so they will all use the same security contexts but CM's security contexts are different from normal stock AOSP's contexts and both are different from the contexts used in Samsung TW ROM's, I can bet that if you try to move the data to a stock nexus or some other device running a manufacturer ROM or an other custom ROM than CM (most do use the same contexts but some don't) you will get into problems. SELinux contexts seem to be now just as important as permissions, sometimes you can get around with the wrong owner but if you have wrong Permissions or SELinux contexts you might mess up more than what you were changing.
Also about the app compatibility thing....I don't really miss many apps that I run on my normal devices, the only one I can actually think of is Titanium Backup (and an office app as I said), I found a good replacement for root explorer in MiXplorer, greenify is totally un-needed and wouldn't be too useful even if it worked (I'm actually not sure if it does or not, to me that layout looked like the action bar is either a non-default implementation so it might work without it) because the xposed installer doesn't work (FC-same reason, action bar) but I think xposed could work if someone adapted the installer (doesn't seem to me that the OS-level differences are so big, it's more of the framework), didn't yet try but just for a lol will flash the xposed lollipop zip and see if I can still boot.
An other option for you might be to buy a Gear S, as far as I can see there is some development going on towards running (initially) android wear on it and further afterwards full android.

Ranomez said:
I just looked at your signature and now I know why you had no problem with moving data from one device to an other: all your devices are running CM so they will all use the same security contexts but CM's security contexts are different from normal stock AOSP's contexts and both are different from the contexts used in Samsung TW ROM's, I can bet that if you try to move the data to a stock nexus or some other device running a manufacturer ROM or an other custom ROM than CM (most do use the same contexts but some don't) you will get into problems. SELinux contexts seem to be now just as important as permissions, sometimes you can get around with the wrong owner but if you have wrong Permissions or SELinux contexts you might mess up more than what you were changing.
Also about the app compatibility thing....I don't really miss many apps that I run on my normal devices, the only one I can actually think of is Titanium Backup (and an office app as I said), I found a good replacement for root explorer in MiXplorer, greenify is totally un-needed and wouldn't be too useful even if it worked (I'm actually not sure if it does or not, to me that layout looked like the action bar is either a non-default implementation so it might work without it) because the xposed installer doesn't work (FC-same reason, action bar) but I think xposed could work if someone adapted the installer (doesn't seem to me that the OS-level differences are so big, it's more of the framework), didn't yet try but just for a lol will flash the xposed lollipop zip and see if I can still boot.
An other option for you might be to buy a Gear S, as far as I can see there is some development going on towards running (initially) android wear on it and further afterwards full android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, you got a good point there. I also move data between one of the CM phones and the TF300TL tablet, but SEL is nonexistent in Android 4.2, so I guess you're right.
Gear S is way out of my reach - if I had that cash I'd buy a ZenWatch, a 360 or even an Omate TrueSmart without hesitation. But thanks for letting me know all this anyway - I choose not to look at GW and Android Wear at this moment.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]

AndyYan said:
Hmm, you got a good point there. I also move data between one of the CM phones and the TF300TL tablet, but SEL is nonexistent in Android 4.2, so I guess you're right.
Gear S is way out of my reach - if I had that cash I'd buy a ZenWatch, a 360 or even an Omate TrueSmart without hesitation. But thanks for letting me know all this anyway - I choose not to look at GW and Android Wear at this moment.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could instead look at a Gear Live then, it at least has a heart rate sensor and a way better screen for outdoors and at least in my country it is in the same price range as the G Watch (actually cheaper) but yes, I can't totally recommend android wear as it is right now, it's good enough (at least for me) but I can also see why a normal pure android watch could be way better yet I have faith that this will change.
Also I really can't recommend the Omate or any other MediaTek smart watch as 1st most of them have no resistance to water whatsoever, 2nd they have no support from and 3rd the firmware on them has so many security holes and other flaws it looks like a schweizer.
EDIT: I forgot to say that if you want full android you could search for a SmartQ Z-watch, as far as I know that is a pretty good one and also pretty cheap (on pandawill when it was on "last time sale" it was sold for 30$ and I am talking about the normal not the lite one, the lite one isn't worth it) but I don't think it will be updated anymore, yet android 4.4 is pretty good compared to other android smart watches.

Ranomez said:
You could instead look at a Gear Live then, it at least has a heart rate sensor and a way better screen for outdoors and at least in my country it is in the same price range as the G Watch (actually cheaper) but yes, I can't totally recommend android wear as it is right now, it's good enough (at least for me) but I can also see why a normal pure android watch could be way better yet I have faith that this will change.
Also I really can't recommend the Omate or any other MediaTek smart watch as 1st most of them have no resistance to water whatsoever, 2nd they have no support from and 3rd the firmware on them has so many security holes and other flaws it looks like a schweizer.
EDIT: I forgot to say that if you want full android you could search for a SmartQ Z-watch, as far as I know that is a pretty good one and also pretty cheap (on pandawill when it was on "last time sale" it was sold for 30$ and I am talking about the normal not the lite one, the lite one isn't worth it) but I don't think it will be updated anymore, yet android 4.4 is pretty good compared to other android smart watches.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Z Watch? No thanks, I've tried that *before* the Gear, and I sold it within a week and lost $15 in the process - crappy 1GHz MIPS which is not only slow but also lacks compatibility for almost everything I throw at it - not even a custom launcher or a weather app would work. Omate's MTK is indeed unfavorable, and that's why I haven't already got one. And there aren't many people who sell Gear Live here. Which leaves me zero feasible choice.
I guess I could call it an end to my hunt of smartwatches, until something like Neptune Pine (but thinner and lighter) shows up. Thanks for helping me analyze the situation all this time!

AndyYan said:
Z Watch? No thanks, I've tried that *before* the Gear, and I sold it within a week and lost $15 in the process - crappy 1GHz MIPS which is not only slow but also lacks compatibility for almost everything I throw at it - not even a custom launcher or a weather app would work. Omate's MTK is indeed unfavorable, and that's why I haven't already got one. And there aren't many people who sell Gear Live here. Which leaves me zero feasible choice.
I guess I could call it an end to my hunt of smartwatches, until something like Neptune Pine (but thinner and lighter) shows up. Thanks for helping me analyze the situation all this time!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the compatibility thing has changed as ingenic released a compatibility layer (something like libhoudini for intel CPU's) so as far as I can see from a friend's Z Watch it can run almost anything one would throw at it (ok, anything a bit rational, only apps that can actually be useful on a watch) but yes that CPU is not the fastest and the firmware is not really optimized enough so you would need a custom ROM and perhaps some RAM management script like L Speed to get it lag-free yet I can say my friend's z watch behaves pretty well on Dj Droid, it wasn't really lag-free the 2 weeks time we exchanged watches so I could test it but that's just cause I was using xposed and quite a few modules and also had about 100 apps installed, the lag wasn't really the problem for me, the annoying thing for me was the app load times, it would take me up to 1 minute to launch a 3d game.
This being said I would still recommend you to wait for something better, smartwatches right now are good but I see a lot more potential and I am sure in a few years we will see amazing ones, perhaps as good as our older phones in regards to app compatibility and flexibility, who knows, perhaps they'll even be as powerful as our current phones (as far as it goes phones in 1 year will probably be much powerful than our current phones so anything's possible).
EDIT: I also forgot to say that many apps have been adapted for MIPS since then so even without the compatibility layer there are enough apps working on the Z Watch.

Related

[Q] Rant: I HATE mini apps on my Galaxy Tab 10.1... do YOU?

I HATE mini apps on my Galaxy Tab 10.1...
That feature alone is enough to make me want to return the device.
Seriously? Why would Samsung want to decide for me my what apps I want at my finger tips? Then not only that, they use their own cheesy versions of available apps. I have already found the solutions I want to use through my Android phone. I want to carry over the same apps to the tab so that my experience is a little less fragmented.
The "mini apps" constantly get in the way. I'm brushing against the bottom bar causing the apps to pop up... none of which I ever use, completely unintentionally. Annoying! If I could only decide what apps showed up!
Total pain in the REAR!
Then Samsung loads on a bunch of unnecessary software. I HATE having 5 apps that do exactly the same thing on my device... The abundance of music players is asinine. Having three book programs (none of which you can remove) is stoopid.
Why can't you get a piece of hardware without the software all screwed up by the vendor these days?
Why is root necessary every time I put my hands on an Android device to make it useful?
Why can't I purchase an Android product with a Google backed Vanilla version of the current OS installed?
Why?
Why?
Why?
I'm so pissed that this $600 tablet requires an additional 15 dollars in apps and a good 6-12 (or more) hours of set-up time and research to get it properly rooted and operating the way I like it.
Sorry... that made me feel so much better.
Maybe an ipad would have been a better choice for you. I like tinkering with my toys so I chose the tab.
I HATE mini apps on my Galaxy Tab 10.1... do YOU?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I may have opened the mini apps tray 3-4 times unintentionally (in the 10 weeks I have the tablet) and I use the "calculator" mini app quite regularly. So no, they don't bother me but I wouldn't miss them if they were gone either.
SGPMan said:
Maybe an ipad would have been a better choice for you. I like tinkering with my toys so I chose the tab.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Them there are fighting words...
I enjoy tinkering as well. I have loved customizing my original Incredible and now Incredible 2. They have an excellent following with a lot of very reputable ROM "artists". However, their original UI wasn't that bad to start with. And with the CM nighties, my phone is near perfect.
With the Galaxy Tab 10.1, my initial experience (3 days) I have found it to be laggy and glitchy, which I was shocked about. I want this tab to work for me, but it seems that I'm trying awful hard to make this work. I think it's the fact that my phone is setup so well and runs so well... I figured the tablet would be so much better. I set my expectations high, only to be disappointed so far.
I have rooted and removed a bunch of unnecessary apps, but haven't figured out how to remove that dam mini app bar. As far as custom ROM's go... I haven't loaded any since I am still trying to figure which has the best reputation for stability and speed.
I am trying to figure out something, other wise by Thursday this thing is headed back to Best Buy. Sad thing is... I don't want an apple device, but if that's what is comes to, then I will retire my Android phone as well to keep everything streamlined. Sucks!
gokpog said:
I may have opened the mini apps tray 3-4 times unintentionally (in the 10 weeks I have the tablet) and I use the "calculator" mini app quite regularly. So no, they don't bother me but I wouldn't miss them if they were gone either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Real Calc regularly, a donate (paid) app which can handle higher level math functions. I wish I could just substitute it in place of the basic Samsung/Android version.
Agree with you, mini-apps are boring me every time i wanna play a fullscreen game, like "fruit ninja thd"... This "rolling dock" is not a great feature.
SGPMan said:
Maybe an ipad would have been a better choice for you. I like tinkering with my toys so I chose the tab.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, the reason most of us choose Android is that we aren't forced into "one man's vision" and have the ability to choose for ourself. The mini-app bar forces us into one company's vision. I have to agree with the OP about this.
We should at least have the ability to turn it off.
Meh...it's there, it's unobtrusive, and at least my experience with it is that I really have to try to get it to come up when I want it. Have never accidentally brought it up. Sometimes the calc and the memo pad are useful.
Can't see why people hate it so much.
MMcCraryNJ said:
Meh...it's there, it's unobtrusive, and at least my experience with it is that I really have to try to get it to come up when I want it. Have never accidentally brought it up. Sometimes the calc and the memo pad are useful.
Can't see why people hate it so much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So...
Try a vs party on "Fruit Ninja THD", you'll see ^^
Just hide the status bar with this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1265397
problem solved!!!
I actually don't mind having mini app tray. I use task manager, calculater and memo pad for taking notes from web regularly. The only thing I don't like is accidentally hitting the screenshot button. But I totally agree with the original post. An option to turn it off would be nice.
Personally I like them. Two of them I use on a daily basis. Most of the others occasionally.
JHeal77 said:
As far as custom ROM's go... I haven't loaded any since I am still trying to figure which has the best reputation for stability and speed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Task360/Phantom "In Paris"
v.2 works great for me, but v.4 is coming "soon"(tm)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1284355
Really not a massive fan of them being there tbh, but I don't accidentally press the button (not like the screenshot one...grr!) and I don't use the apps in it. I just ignore it and get on my way.
If there was an option of getting rid of it though, I would.
I found this thread while searching for a way to at least configure this menu bar... unfortunately it looks like the whole thing is embedded in the ROM and the only way to hide it is to patch the ROM and/or completely replace it (thanks for the links in the thread).
I fully agree with the OP on a lot of his rant. This is an awesome peice of hardware that comes out of the box with some insanely bad software. I'm still deciding on what launcher to replace the stock version with, but so far both Go and Launcher Pro are tons faster, more configurable, and better looking than the laggy default version that doesn't even let you use the full display.
The status bar menu is kind of a nice idea, but the execution is terrible. If I could configure what apps and quick commands I wanted on the menu and easily hide it, it would be a great feature.
But as it is, the choices of what to put there seem really bizarre. I can't for the life of me figure out why "screen shot" was deemed important enough for most users to justify space on an "always on" menu. I have to routinely go delete unwanted screenshots taken by accidentally brushing that menu option.
The choices of what to put on the quick launch app menu are even worse. Holding the "home" button on the main menu for a couple seconds pops up the task manager so why do I need a whole other button dedicated to pulling up this app? The world clock is just plain terrible compared to other clock apps. The calander is alright, but there are better widgets out there that serve the purpose better than a quick launch menu. The memo and calculator are again terrible and need to be replaced by 3rd party apps so you should be able to replace them on this menu too. The music player is the only one of the apps that serves my purposes, but again there are better 3rd party apps and you should be able to configure what is on a system wide quick launch bar.
From the perspective of an average consumer the out-of-box experience is fairly poor due to the OEM software rather than the hardware or system software. It should be easy for a user to fix this with simple market based apps and configuration options rather than having to apply warantee voiding ROM patches and rooting the OS. Allowing OEM's to "lock" bad software is a really bad policy. If an OEM wants me to use their software, they should develop or license best in class versions of those apps rather than locking the software on the system and forcing me to root the system to get rid of poor quality software.
You can disable all of these functions with some XML editing if it really annoys you that much
I'd happily do all these changes for you for a little donation of just a couple of quid
Try one of the sweet new cm9 kangs, I'm on the 7500 version. So much better then tw honeycomb.
I Agree!!
hate it so much, but now on overcome rom,
its at least slightly less annoying. just ever so SLIGHTLY.
at least in this rom, a swipe upward wont activate it.
wont disturb me during fruit ninja.
but still sometimes press it when i wana press spacebar.
stupid piece of crap tray.
the motorola xoom already has ICS.
samsung will be the slowest tab to get it cos of this touch widz.
Sometimes i feel sorry for samsung.
i have a hunch there is some kind of conspiracy goin on at the back,
where google force manufacturers to implement their own skin. (why else would samsung waste effort to make rubbish that people dont want?)
and google can sell their overprice nexus device to make money.
just imagine, if samsung can sell or upgrade the galaxy S2 and note with the pure and stock vanilla android, and upgrade them to ICS without touch widz, would anyone buy galaxy nexus?
nexus has lausy hardware. last gen GPU and horrible camera. (not due to the 5MP, but generally a weak camera compare to S2 and note)
Luv'em why we have android
Pop up windows that are independent of screen, getting closer to desktop experience. I would like to swap some out but overall, (calc, note, calendar, calculator, & music player) work great. Allow true multitasking.
I just installed OverSkreen which gives me a windowed web browser on top of screen. I really like them.
I am on an ICS KANG version by Mabalito
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1461240
With this ROM, I don't have a bottom row of mini apps.
I am using GO Launcher EX HD
http://golauncher.goforandroid.com/2012/03/go-launcher-hd-v1-0-beta/
With the launcher, I able to hide the bottom bar whenever I want.
This is awesome when I watch video and play games

[CLOSED] Export Q Function to Any Android Device

Sorry Guys,
As there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of interest in this project and as no one stepped forward to assist, I'm afraid I'm going to have to abandon this project.
Thanks for following.
___________________________________
OK Guys,
I've run into a bit of a brick wall and need some input from other developers. One of the required APKs from the Q needs a class not included along with my CM9 or Samsung stock roms. The class appears to be called "android.os.UpdateLock". So how do I go about ripping the class out of the Nexus Q rom and injecting it into CM9? Any help would be very appreciated!$!
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Hello All,
The Project
I'm looking to embark on a project to rip out the cloud function from the Q and install it on any android device. I want the cloud streaming of "Google" music and movies without the $300 expense.
The Progress
As of today I have the Nexus Q Deodexed, ripped out several apk files including the Nexus Q "Launcher" HubBroker.apk. I've merged the apks along with the fonts and lib folders of /system and my Galaxy Tab now boots up and runs like a Q. Primary issue outstanding is, the Nexus Q app won't detect the "galaxy Q" through bluetooth. I assume that some functions of the Q are sitting either within the bluetooth libs or that the Nexus Q has a specific bluetooth address that the app needs to see before detection.
My next attempt will be to try taking apart the Nexus Q apk and either changing its bluetooth search criteria or removing it completely. Second to that if anyone out there has a Q and has it setup on their phone, I could use the /data/data folder to extract more information about how it works. Or even better if someone knows what config file is generated on the actual nexus Q when it's set up for that first time.
You can already do that on most android devices. The Q just takes it to the big screen conveniently.
The function of being able to control the Google queue of device A from device B, C, D etc does not exist. Or at least I'm not aware of an app that does that.
I believe that I've tracked down the apk that does it on the nexus but I need to deodex the apps and can't seem to find a tool that works. Anyone out there deodex this rom yet?
JoeJonnyBoy75 said:
Hello All,
The Project
I'm looking to embark on a project to rip out the cloud function from the Q and install it on any android device. I want the cloud streaming of "Google" music and movies without the $300 expense.
The Progress
As of today I have the Nexus Q Deodexed, ripped out several apk files including the Nexus Q "Launcher" HubBroker.apk. I've merged the apks along with the fonts and lib folders of /system and my Galaxy Tab now boots up and runs like a Q. Primary issue outstanding is, the Nexus Q app won't detect the "galaxy Q" through bluetooth. I assume that some functions of the Q are sitting either within the bluetooth libs or that the Nexus Q has a specific bluetooth address that the app needs to see before detection.
My next attempt will be to try taking apart the Nexus Q apk and either changing its bluetooth search criteria or removing it completely. Second to that if anyone out there has a Q and has it setup on their phone, I could use the /data/data folder to extract more information about how it works. Or even better if someone knows what config file is generated on the actual nexus Q when it's set up for that first time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a pretty nice project and there is nothing like this happening in Android now, besides the nexus Q. I'd like to see a future port of it to Google TV devices
auad said:
I'd like to see a future port of it to Google TV devices
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would love to have this functionality in an APK for me Google TV. Don't see why it wouldn't work, well other then no bluetooth on the Revue....
Still very interested in this thread regardless of GTV. I will be following your progress. Thanks!
.
I'm looking for this as well.
I have 3 spare HTC EVO's, and they all have HDMI out. I would like to be able to just plug them into the TV and use my other phones to control them / play music / etc. Maybe even throw XBMC on them with the ability to control from another phone..
They're slower, and less memory..but it may be doable.
Did anyone dig into this? I'd like this for the latest port of Android for a Raspberry Pi and willing to do some of the (noob)stuff myself.
That would be awesome to use any HDMI equipped phone along with the Nexus Q functionalities. I'm really interested.
I guess the problem with the missing API is that the Nexus Q runs android JB and he tried with a cm9.
Vettekult said:
I guess the problem with the missing API is that the Nexus Q runs android JB and he tried with a cm9.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true, Q runs ICS...
Let me know...
what I can do to help. If you give me a run down on what you would like me to try as far as pulling files from the q or my connected devices just shoot me a PM and i'll give it a shot. I too would love to add this functionality to my spare devices laying around.
I've been interested in this since day one as well. IT is what has me almost ready to fork out the money on more then one occasion. I have a party coming up and it would be fun to have my N7 as the Jukebox.
The Class issue, I'm not sure about. Here is some info that might get it started.: http://www.itcsolutions.eu/2011/08/...te-a-new-activity-class-with-manifest-editor/
AND:
http://stackoverflow.com/questions/5012004/adding-a-new-class-to-android-project
It looks like it is something created with the app. Since you cut/pasted the apk into system it may not have been installed. But I'm thinking that it is something else. Some where in the android system lib's it is probably installed. Since this was a device dedicated to this purpose, they were able to install it into the system and the app calls it. I'm slowly learning to write apps (very slowly) so I am not sure beyond this, or even about this for that matter.
I do have a question. It looks like you pulled some system apps and put them in your galaxy tablet. I think a better test would be to basically replace all the /system contents of say a N7 (galaxy tab may work) with those from the Q. Then once it works, cut down the files until it stops. Then with a list of what is needed to make it work we could get down to the nitty gritty.
My guess is some more knowledgeable devs, like those who got Google Now working, would have a better idea.
I'd love to see a third party app do the jukebox function, I think a issue is license certificate (DRM) for the multiple users. I don't understand how the user is associated/authenticated for the music. One Question is if a user Ques up music then leaves does it cause that music to not be able to be played or will it still play once it's been que'd? My guess is the app just organizes the music/user who is next then when it's their turn it streams from their device in real time... but I'm really not sure about this.
joeavery2 said:
I've been interested in this since day one as well. IT is what has me almost ready to fork out the money on more then one occasion. I have a party coming up and it would be fun to have my N7 as the Jukebox.
The Class issue, I'm not sure about. Here is some info that might get it started.: http://www.itcsolutions.eu/2011/08/...te-a-new-activity-class-with-manifest-editor/
AND:
http://stackoverflow.com/questions/5012004/adding-a-new-class-to-android-project
It looks like it is something created with the app. Since you cut/pasted the apk into system it may not have been installed. But I'm thinking that it is something else. Some where in the android system lib's it is probably installed. Since this was a device dedicated to this purpose, they were able to install it into the system and the app calls it. I'm slowly learning to write apps (very slowly) so I am not sure beyond this, or even about this for that matter.
I do have a question. It looks like you pulled some system apps and put them in your galaxy tablet. I think a better test would be to basically replace all the /system contents of say a N7 (galaxy tab may work) with those from the Q. Then once it works, cut down the files until it stops. Then with a list of what is needed to make it work we could get down to the nitty gritty.
My guess is some more knowledgeable devs, like those who got Google Now working, would have a better idea.
I'd love to see a third party app do the jukebox function, I think a issue is license certificate (DRM) for the multiple users. I don't understand how the user is associated/authenticated for the music. One Question is if a user Ques up music then leaves does it cause that music to not be able to be played or will it still play once it's been que'd? My guess is the app just organizes the music/user who is next then when it's their turn it streams from their device in real time... but I'm really not sure about this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so here is some more detailed info for those of you still following the project.
HubBroker.apk is the app that is for all intents and purposes the "launcher" for the nexus Q. It will install on the Galaxy Tab and Nexus 7. It takes over your "home" and replaces it with a picture of the Nexus Q and a welcome sign. This app looks to be only the launcher as it doesn't do anything if you tap on it. Also having the app running doesn't allow the Nexus Q app (from your phone) to find the device.
So I assume that that the Q is controlled via bluetooth to get it setup and running. Including configuring the Wifi, network settings, etc. Oddly enough the app does send a request to android system to turn on the bluetooth and changes the bluetooth device name to Nexus Q.... The ... part is a odd string of characters that I assume is used in case you happen to have multiple Nexus Q's.
Now as just having the app doesn't seem to work (Phone finding the Q). I've replaced all the bluetooth libs with the ones from the Q. Still nothing. I've migrated all the other APK files and then I get FCs all over, and still no connection. I haven't tried replacing the whole system yet, but I assume the hardware differences would be to great. The only other piece of the puzzle I have yet to attempt it merging the kernels or at least the init parts of the kernel relating to bluetooth.
If you have any questions though let me know. I've been up and down this thing.
Why don't we just flash the img on an old phone and see if that works?
zAo_ said:
Why don't we just flash the img on an old phone and see if that works?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For that to work we'd need to get a device with similar hardware (CPU, Chipset, etc.) Not only that but it would need to have the same MTD setup unless I'm mistaken.
Actually I'm going to give that a try with the nexus 7. I'll let you know what happens, won't be till tonight though.
JoeJonnyBoy75 said:
For that to work we'd need to get a device with similar hardware (CPU, Chipset, etc.) Not only that but it would need to have the same MTD setup unless I'm mistaken.
Actually I'm going to give that a try with the nexus 7. I'll let you know what happens, won't be till tonight though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, Thanks.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
JoeJonnyBoy75 said:
For that to work we'd need to get a device with similar hardware (CPU, Chipset, etc.) Not only that but it would need to have the same MTD setup unless I'm mistaken.
Actually I'm going to give that a try with the nexus 7. I'll let you know what happens, won't be till tonight though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Galaxy nexus has very similar hardware. Someone should try porting it.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
If someone still interested in the project, i'm very interested in it, i have a galaxy nexus (almost same hardware) so we can give it a try, im also a android developer, so if it need to build some apk for it to work, i could give a shot.
Anyway, if there is someone interested just post here and we do all we can to make that work.
edit: Only one problem, as I'm out of USA, i need the q apk to test if it will connect or not. I cant download from play store.
I'm sure there will be so many people interested in it. I just think that not to many of them enter this category on forum
I also need the nexus q image so I can flash it. I tried searching it but didnt find

[Q] windowsandroid help !

as most of you may have probably learned .. windowsandroid lets you use android (I.C.S) in windows without emulation ... so i have side-loaded 2 or 3 apps but when i press them in windowsandroid .. it opens the app then suddenly closes it .. does this happen to you also ?? and how can i increase its resolution to run it in "tablet mode" ???
Someone help plz !
Maybe this'll help...a little
If you're into disappointment, maybe, that is.
I was interested in the same thing (among other things), with this emu (which, basically it is).
I found this Reddit post on the topic; basically, it says you should merely ADD the following line to the 'build.prop' file in the WindowsAndroid root folder--that's right, just ADD it, no reason to plug it in anywhere specific, or use it to replace anything there:
ro.sf.lcd_density=120
It's important to note, however, this is a density setting rather than a resolution setting, and so caused my own installation to show up in tablet mode, but, as I'm using an older low-res LCD Projector as my monitor (and, er, Windows knows this quite too well, BTW), my copy kept showing up with the screen out of registration--in fact, it looks like you're in 'settings', choosing between active screens (see my screenshot).
Ooops--my writing compositional skills must be lapsing, because--how do I know this stuff about your monitor res having anything to do with anything in this app?
Glad you asked!
An answer posted to a well-worded question that ended up on this site:
http://stackoverflow.com/questions/...in-socketeqs-windowsandroid/14885130#14885130
Note I reverse-answered his question with the same stuff I posted here--I'm so cheap!
So, for people using regular ole hi-res monitors, and not lower (pretty much 1024x768 for me, the trade-off being it's HUGE!) monitors, this may be okay for you.
Lol thx ... Have you tried side loading apps .. If yes do they work ?
Sent from my GT-S5570 using xda app-developers app
Turned-off notifications...sorry
Yarp...if you count merely dumping them into the '[root]\system\app' folder (methinks)...tried that the first night, and got so many that didn't work (even pretty simple, 'non-graphicky' ones) that I gave up on this OS that very first night...'til later...maybe.
Too much janky behavior from that otherwise very cool idea. I got into some other things temporarily--I'll look back in (some things in mind) in a week or so.
That thing was locking up pretty consistently every time I ran an app on it other than the 'system apps' that came with it...I was interested in trying out my favorite old news & weather app--the 'geniewidget.apk' I loved from Froyo on (see here), post by username VJKotts with attachment--worked for me!
I may have time to list apps that worked, and didn't, later today, but many of them are specific to me (like, my over-use of the Ulysse speedometer while driving my last car, which didn't have a working speedo, so, that was priceless!).
Some various media player apps are of interest to me, since I build HTPCs, and am getting into using the Android OS for the same purpose (with portability offered by the new Android mini PC's!)
Some reviewers of that thing are reporting tons of happy success with using them as basic HTPCs, and lots of people love XBMC and Plex (not me necessarily--I've had limited success with each of these, and resort to much simpler playback of my own 'Windows-Recorded TV' files using Skifta, so I'm happy with that app.
sebas98619 said:
Lol thx ... Have you tried side loading apps .. If yes do they work ?
Sent from my GT-S5570 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Can Someone Help me Get a Couple of Newer Apps Onto an Older Tablet?

So the goal here is to have a tablet in our home gym that I can cast music to a nearby receiver and to have a timer displayed. The device in question is an ancient Xelio tablet and I believe the model to be P900BK if that's of any use. It's currently running Android 4.0.4 and doesn't come stock with the Android Google Play App Store although it has Slide Me and I partially side loaded the Play Store but most of the newer apps I'm trying to install fail some form of validation that occurs in the background whenever I try to run them. I found an APK for Google Play Music that was compatible (I think) with Android 4.0.4 and casting wasn't an option then so it wasn't there.
In a perfect world I'd be able to install Google Play Music (Now has to be YouTube Music though I suppose) and this app here: Hero Timer - WOD Timer Crossfit and HIIT Since it's free and easy to see like the timers most gyms use. I could also use Flex Timer or something else but most all I would want to use for ease of viewing from a distance don't appear to be compatible. The Slide Me app store has nothing of any use that I can find.
I guess the easiest solution would be to find 2 apps in the Slide Me app store that stream music via Chromecast and one that's a good timer that allows for intervals and is large enough to see from a distance on a smaller tablet but as of now I can't seem to find anything that fits that bill. My guess is I won't either on the former due to Google locking that streaming feature down and the latter is mostly trash from what I can tell.
So, any thoughts on this? I'd rather not invest a boat load of time into rooting and potentially bricking this device if I can avoid it but if it's the only option I guess I don't mind. I'd just have to wait until I can carve out enough time to do this which may not be right away. If I do explore this option, one of my concerns is hardware. I'm not sure the ancient hardware this device sports can handle much in terms of ROMs or latest whiz-bang apps or features.
I'm not sure it even has the guts to do what I'm asking but I was hoping someone here who knew the answer could offer up some solutions as I've been out of the custom Android device game for a number of years now.
Thoughts?
This low-end tablet was released 2013-07-09. It runs on Android IceCream. You only can install and run apps on it what are compatible with this Android version.
jwoegerbauer said:
This low-end tablet was released 2013-07-09. It runs on Android IceCream. You only can install and run apps on it what are compatible with this Android version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right after you finished typing that and you read it back to yourself did you think "Yeah, he'll find this useful" before you clicked submit?

CCTV App on an Android Box

Hello. First time posting here - please forgive if wrong section.
Trying to use android boxes as hardware to run client android app for a security camera system I install quite regularly.
The app they have for iphones, macs, windows, android phones and tablets all work quite well, however, recently I thought "hey, why not use android boxes instead of $300+ computers to use as auxiliary displays and save customers some money".
It's a great idea I thought. Well... Turns out, I'm always wrong about Something...
So i've tried this on Android 7, it installed, but I can't get passed some screens like the "accept" and "Skip" screens.
On Android 9, I can install it as well, but I can't do things like get into the menu, scroll down certain areas.
Basically, it doesn't let me use a mouse and use it as a touch device.
Now, where I've had some better luck was using my Nvidia Shield. That one worked quite well, but again with this one, I couldn't "Drag" menus or even use a keyboard to see next screens or down menus.
I'm not going to get into a LOT more details, because I'm sure if somebody here is really going to help, they'll test this app to see what I mean. It's just REALLY weird!
Anyway, the app name is Provisioncam2.
I'd love to test things out with someone who may know more about android OS and these boxes. Please hit me up.
Good time of the day! It's cool that there are such applications. I myself use a similar application from ajax, which was so let's say bundled with this security system. I really liked the functionality. You can set up sensors and remotely monitor the apartment online. This is a very innovative solution just for the 21st century. Not like all the wired alarms from the last century, right? I'm always for progress! Therefore, I rate this app highly regardless of how well it works. Anyways, mine is better.

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