I found a way to get Dex to open apps it would otherwise block, due to them not being supported. This method also makes all apps resizable, useful for those apps with fixed portrait layout like Instagram (where the menu items only show when canvas is expanded).
Some apps, like games, won't render correct if you change the window size. You have to change to the size you want, and then restart the app. 8 Ball Pool for instance appears too oversized, but playing resized it's now playable.
Instructions:
Install Desktop Hub for Dex (optional)
Select the 'True window' option (if using Desktop Hub)
Go to Dex Settings > About Dex
Tap Dex logo multiple times to activate developer mode
Scroll to the bottom of Developer options (in settings) and enable 'Force activities to be re-sizable'
Edit: It seems you don't need the Desktop Hub app. Follow the instructions to enable Dex developer mode and you're done.
Now you can do things like open a custom launcher from Dex to access functionality like gestures, activities shortcuts. For instance, I use Muzei a live wallpaper in Dex and set a double tap gesture in Nova Launcher to change wallpaper. I can now also access my widgets.
Have RAM issues in Dex/LoD?
You can now open 3C Toolbox, and clean memory. (Note: make sure you exclude Dex and/or LoD from the auto-kill list, otherwise your session will end/restart. If using 3CToolbox - Settings > Active Tweaks > Auto-kill > Configuration.
Why not just use Device Care to clear RAM? 3C Toolbox let's you kill system apps using root.
How it works:
Dex is a multi-window environment, so apps have to support multi-window within their manifest. By enabling the developer option, we're telling Dex that all apps should be multi-window.
Download the app but don't find these options 2 and 3
Sent from my SM-T830 using Tapatalk
First launch Dex Mode
enotar said:
Download the app but don't find these options 2 and 3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I didn't realize, you have to first be in Dex mode before the option appears.
I have found out though that the app isn't required. It just provides a guide on how to do it. You can enable the feature by enabling Dex developer mode.
I don't this works for every app. For example, Slashtop Streamer still gives the orange outline over the app and refuses to let me stretch it to full screen. Unless I'm doing something wrong. I would love some advice.
woundedworld said:
I don't this works for every app. For example, Slashtop Streamer still gives the orange outline over the app and refuses to let me stretch it to full screen. Unless I'm doing something wrong. I would love some advice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't resize the window because you're using a remote desktop app. It requires an add-on for Knox in order to control your device using KLMS and device admin permissions. So this has to do with how Splashtop Streamer is setup and configured. You either need to make a change in the main app, or the On-demand Support from another device. The app is controlling what screen size to set it to.
I can't test this on my tablet to help you, because I'm already giving another app device admin rights.
ilabstudios said:
You can't resize the window because you're using a remote desktop app. It requires an add-on for Knox in order to control your device using KLMS and device admin permissions. So this has to do with how Splashtop Streamer is setup and configured. You either need to make a change in the main app, or the On-demand Support from another device. The app is controlling what screen size to set it to.
I can't test this on my tablet to help you, because I'm already giving another app device admin rights.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, I was able to make the Splashtop app full sized by tapping the DeX on the bottom left hand corner and selecting Dex Labs and there is an option there to "Force apps to resize". This did the trick, thanks for pointing me in the right direction. I'm not sure if they work in conjunction or if the Force apps to resize did it. I'm just glad it works.
Related
Is it possible to create shortcuts on the home screen to point directly to specific settings?
E.G. I would like a shortcut to the USB utitlites setting (Settings>Wireless and network>USB Utilities) for when I want to plug my usb cable in to transfer files.
I'd also like a shortcut to the Wi-Fi settings (Settings>Wireless and network>Wi-Fi settings) to scan and switch network quickly.
You can add shortcuts to the 1st tier of settings, but not below. Other than that, you're looking for a 3rd party app that acts as a shortcut, or Launcher Pro may be able to do it by adding activities as shortcuts.
Thanks johnc. Can you explain how I can set a shortcut to the first tier of settings.
This is my first Android phone and I have only had it for 3 weeks but the more I use it the more unfinished Android is looking. There are just so many basic usability functions that are missing within the core apps. It seems you need to tack 2-3 3rd party apps on everything to make it work properly.
sunseaker said:
Thanks johnc. Can you explain how I can set a shortcut to the first tier of settings.
This is my first Android phone and I have only had it for 3 weeks but the more I use it the more unfinished Android is looking. There are just so many basic usability functions that are missing within the core apps. It seems you need to tack 2-3 3rd party apps on everything to make it work properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you get more used to it you'll be fine. There's obviously a learning curve, but it's well worth it as Android allows you to do so much, but yes, usually with the help of an app or two.
Anyway, to add a settings shortcut, long-hold on your home screen and in the pop-up menu, select "Shortcuts". Then, scroll down and select "Settings". That will give you your settings menu and you can then add anything off that menu to your home screen.
That's instructions for doing it with the TouchWiz launcher, which is the default launcher on stock devices. If you have a different launcher then it may be slightly different, but that's generally it for all of them.
Hope this helps mate
**** THIS PROJECT IS NO LONGER MAINTAINED ****
Niwatori changes the display position of apps. The target device is a smartphone that has about 5-inch display because the purpose is one-handed operation.
Thanks to rovo89, I can use this on Lollipop!
Niwatori provides three one-handed modes:
- Movable Screen
- Slide Down
- Small Screen.
They work temporary, NOT permanent.
**
Niwatori was my local version of Flying Android. I released Niwatori since Xposed framework supports Android 5.0 Lollipop.
Differences:
- Abolished FA Toggle, pin, flying dialog and notification shortcut features.
- Control the window only from shortcuts.
- Move the status bar and the dialogs in the same way as the apps.
**
Compatibility
NIWATORI CONFLICTS WITH OTHER MULTIWINDOW AND ONE-HANDED SYSTEM.
I test on Nexus 4 with Stock ROM. Niwatori should work on Nexus devices running Stock. And I support CyanogenMod if Niwatori works with small special code for CM.
Usage
Create shortcut for one-handed mode by Niwatori on sub-launcher , such as Pie control.
[MY USAGE 1] Navigation Bar and Gravity Box
Use shortcuts:
Movable Screen
Pin
[MY USAGE 2] LMT Launcher's Pie
Use shortcuts:
Small Screen
Swap Left/Right
Expand notifications with extra action (Small Screen)
Testing (v0.4.5)
[DEV] Nexus 4, Android 5.1.1
Nexus 9. Android 6.0.0
Download
Xposed Module Repository
Google Play for Premium Settings
Translation
Volunteers are welcome to translate text (strings) to your language.
Download strings and edit two files:
- strings.xml
- strings_activity_settings.xml
And send them to me Note that text encoding of android is UTF-8.
If possible, place them in your language folder. ('values-ja' for Japanese, 'values-ru' for Russian, etc.)
Troubleshooting
Turn on "Log Actions" in niwatori's settings and call a shortcut for one-handed mode. Then Xposed framework logs as follow.
Code:
04-21 08:25:47.553 24125-24125/? I/Xposed﹕ jp.tkgktyk.xposed.niwatori.intent.action.SMALL_SCREEN
04-21 08:25:47.556 24125-24125/? I/Xposed﹕ NFW(ModActivity$20#onReceive): jp.tkgktyk.xposed.niwatori consumed: jp.tkgktyk.xposed.niwatori.intent.action.SMALL_SCREEN
The first line is shortcut (action) name, above case is Small Screen, and the second line logged who consumed the action by package name, above is niwatori settings. If the consumer isn't expected package, add the package into blacklist in niwatori settings.
Well
tkgktyk said:
Niwatori changes the display position of the apps. The target device is a smartphone that has about 5-inch display because the purpose is one-handed operation.
Niwatori introduces flying mode to apps and status bar. In the flying mode, you can move the display position of them.
**
Niwatori was my local version of Flying Android. I released Niwatori since Xposed framework supports Android 5.0 Lollipop.
Differences:
- Abolished FA Toggle, pin, flying dialog and notification shortcut features.
- Control the window only by shortcuts.
- Fly the status bar in the same way as the apps.
**
Download: Xposed Module Repository
v0.1.1: tested on Android 5.0.1 and 4.4.4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do I use it ?
tkgktyk said:
Niwatori changes the display position of the apps. The target device is a smartphone that has about 5-inch display because the purpose is one-handed operation.
Niwatori introduces flying mode to apps and status bar. In the flying mode, you can move the display position of them.
**
Niwatori was my local version of Flying Android. I released Niwatori since Xposed framework supports Android 5.0 Lollipop.
Differences:
- Abolished FA Toggle, pin, flying dialog and notification shortcut features.
- Control the window only by shortcuts.
- Fly the status bar in the same way as the apps.
**
Download: Xposed Module Repository
v0.1.1: tested on Android 5.0.1 and 4.4.4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good Job!
It seems to be the first module which has updated to adapt for new Xposed on Lollipop!
But i'm new to FlyingAndroid/Niwatori. My Device has no virtual navigation buttons and can't call the app as you shown on Youtube. is it now possible to call the app and scale the screen out by setting some kind of triggers???
Thanks in advance!
Demonbane_x said:
Good Job!
It seems to be the first module which has updated to adapt for new Xposed on Lollipop!
But i'm new to FlyingAndroid/Niwatori. My Device has no virtual navigation buttons and can't call the app as you shown on Youtube. is it now possible to call the app and scale the screen out by setting some kind of triggers???
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got it, finnaly. You can add a gesture to every setting. But I see no use to it fi I can't put 2 window in the same screen.
@GalaxyS4_Lollipop;
@Demonbane_x;
Trigger for Niwatori is shortcut. The "shortcut" is the same as ordinary shortcuts of any apps. So you can fire "shortcut" from home app, launcher app, GravityBox's action (works on lollipop?) , etc.
This mod moves the display position of foreground app, but not show multiple apps. In the screenshots, I only show one app (Niwatori UI) and expanded statusbar.
This module not working on MIUI 6.
sugestion
tkgktyk said:
@GalaxyS4_Lollipop;
@Demonbane_x;
Trigger for Niwatori is shortcut. The "shortcut" is the same as ordinary shortcuts of any apps. So you can fire "shortcut" from home app, launcher app, GravityBox's action (works on lollipop?) , etc.
This mod moves the display position of foreground app, but not show multiple apps. In the screenshots, I only show one app (Niwatori UI) and expanded statusbar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like the idea of making floating apps, but if you can't put two apps in one window , I don't know for what to use it.
You are a good developer , I hope you will make an app like XHaloFloatingWindow for lollipop in future.
doesn't fly the window
I associate the "toggle" NFW action with a gesture via GMD Gesture Control. When I execute the gesture, it doesn't fly the window. Instead, it opens the Niwatori settings app.
I should add that most of the time it does nothing at all. I know I'm executing the gesture correctly because I get the correct haptic feedback. I'm using the paid app.
Seems promising, gonna try it out
Amazing app!
One problem I saw that came up was that I was no longer able to perform the second pull-down of the notification bar from the middle of the screen; instead, I now have to reach my thumb upwards far more.
I think the module changes the trigger area. Can you check this out? It would make life easier!
And by second pull-down, I mean the method to get from notifications to toggles (bt, wifi, etc.)
exodius48 said:
This module not working on MIUI 6.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I cannot test on MIUI.
GalaxyS4_Lollipop said:
I like the idea of making floating apps, but if you can't put two apps in one window , I don't know for what to use it.
You are a good developer , I hope you will make an app like XHaloFloatingWindow for lollipop in future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XHaloFloatingWindow is one of the best modules. I cannot make such app.
But I cannot use halo window efficiently because my phone doesn't have enough display size for multi window. On the other hand, I don't reach thumb at the top of the screen. I need to pull down the screen.
Jimmy34742 said:
I associate the "toggle" NFW action with a gesture via GMD Gesture Control. When I execute the gesture, it doesn't fly the window. Instead, it opens the Niwatori settings app.
I should add that most of the time it does nothing at all. I know I'm executing the gesture correctly because I get the correct haptic feedback. I'm using the paid app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please check these points:
If you fire the "toggle" action from the other launcher (e.g. home app), does the "toggle" work fine?
Close Niwatori settings app before you use its actions.
If you need a refund, please tell me your order number by email or private message on XDA.
EDITED: I tried GMD Gesture Control, however it says "no supported device". (because of lollipop?)
georgelogan said:
Amazing app!
One problem I saw that came up was that I was no longer able to perform the second pull-down of the notification bar from the middle of the screen; instead, I now have to reach my thumb upwards far more.
I think the module changes the trigger area. Can you check this out? It would make life easier!
And by second pull-down, I mean the method to get from notifications to toggles (bt, wifi, etc.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I checked it out and It's a bug certainly. I want to fix it.
Can do split screen for two applications on the Samsung firmware?
tkgktyk said:
Please check these points:
If you fire the "toggle" action from the other launcher (e.g. home app), does the "toggle" work fine?
Close Niwatori settings app before you use its actions.
If you need a refund, please tell me your order number by email or private message on XDA.
EDITED: I tried GMD Gesture Control, however it says "no supported device". (because of lollipop?)
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, GMD currently doesn't work on Lollipop.
I tried closing Niwatori settings before using its actions, but it still doesn't work.
I put the NFW actions widget on my home screen (selecting "toggle"), but when I press the widget, nothing happens.
Thanks, but I won't bother with the refund: I'm glad to throw you the support, and I'll keep re-testing the app every time you update. I hope you can try some things to make it work on my S4.
bonny_k-9 said:
Can do split screen for two applications on the Samsung firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I don't know Samsung's split screen. I have only old Samsung's device.
@Jimmy34742;
Thank you for your cooperation.
I found a fatal error in the settings. Depending on the combination of settings, it is not possible to change the window mode and move the app.
Please disable "Reset automatically" option basically. It is useful only when to fire actions from recents button.
bonny_k-9 said:
Can do split screen for two applications on the Samsung firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have a look here for an effective way to get split screen on any device. Make sure you read the entire OP (It's 4 posts long)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2419287
vanisleguy1976 said:
Have a look here for an effective way to get split screen on any device. Make sure you read the entire OP (It's 4 posts long)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2419287
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw this application. It does not work correctly (logically) and is no longer updated.
tkgktyk said:
@Jimmy34742;
Thank you for your cooperation.
I found a fatal error in the settings. Depending on the combination of settings, it is not possible to change the window mode and move the app.
Please disable "Reset automatically" option basically. It is useful only when to fire actions from recents button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have "reset automatically" switched off, but it still doesn't work. If I don't back out of Niwatori's before going to another app, then the shortcut will re-enter Niwator at the same point. But if I exit Niwatori by backing out of it, then my shortcut just does nothing.
bonny_k-9 said:
I saw this application. It does not work correctly (logically) and is no longer updated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're mistaken on both points! It does work quite well, and it has been updated for lollipop. I've been using it since lollipop Xposed was released (even before it was 'officially' supported, it worked on version 2.38... It's now been updated to version 2.41)
I would ask to add double-click on a recent. In CM12 like as long press is already taken - switch between the last two applications.
The ability to run the application down to the user is in the Donut version?
vanisleguy1976 said:
You're mistaken on both points! It does work quite well, and it has been updated for lollipop. I've been using it since lollipop Xposed was released (even before it was 'officially' supported, it worked on version 2.38... It's now been updated to version 2.41)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I said that logic does not suit me. A developer does not do anything to add / edit functions.
I have installed a multi window manager to add more apps to the multi window options. Kindle worked fine. Then I uninstalled Kindle and installed again and it no longer works. It doesn't show up on the options most of the time, and when it does, it doesn't actually open in split screen or pen window mode. Any ides on how to fix this? I've written the developer of the multiwindow app and he hasn't responded. Maybe there's something I can do on my end?
nogloww said:
I have installed a multi window manager to add more apps to the multi window options. Kindle worked fine. Then I uninstalled Kindle and installed again and it no longer works. It doesn't show up on the options most of the time, and when it does, it doesn't actually open in split screen or pen window mode. Any ides on how to fix this? I've written the developer of the multiwindow app and he hasn't responded. Maybe there's something I can do on my end?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Might want to check and see it Multiwindow requires root.
Hi folks,
I have a Huawei Mediapad M5 Pro with current FW (CMR-AL 19 8.0.0.111(C432) ) and I activated the freeform mode, as I was bothered by not being able to use apps in freeform mode...
To do so, I used adb.
in adb-folder open cmd:
Code:
adb devices
verify on your Mediapad M5 Pro.
then
Code:
adb shell settings put global enable_freeform_support 1
Now I can theoretically choose freeform mode when I am on the "running apps" window. However the X for closing the App and the icon for freeform are at the same place ...
Is there any easy way to (re)move the X or the freeform-icon ?
To the mods: As this clearly is not a device specific question, feel free to remove the thread ...
I hope someone can answer this issue
best wishes,
Kevin
Thanks for posting this, i didn't even know this was possible.
I gave it a shot, but my adb doesn't seem to be able to detect my M5. I enabled USB debugging on the tablet, but when i plug the usb cable, i'm only getting the usual prompt to charge/transfer files etc. Running the "abd devices" command on my pc turns up nothing. Any idea what i might be doing wrong?
Edit: managed to set it up somehow, ran into the same issue you described.
Sorry I only answer you now.
You need to connect the Tablet after enabling USB-debugging.
I am not an Expert, maybe s.o. can look into this further. I am willing to help wherever I can.
You need to:
1. turn on the tablet
2. enter the pattern/pin/password/fingerprint
3. connect it to the PC via USB
4. change the USB mode from charging to file transfer.
Alternatively, there is an option in the developer settings to allow debugging while in charging mode.
chris_g said:
You need to:
1. turn on the tablet
2. enter the pattern/pin/password/fingerprint
3. connect it to the PC via USB
4. change the USB mode from charging to file transfer.
Alternatively, there is an option in the developer settings to allow debugging while in charging mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, exactly what I did just failed to mention it....
has anyone tried freeform mode, yet?
Yes I did. I have the same problem on my 8.4 inch model: The freeform and close buttons overlap, and the close button takes precedence.
However, I found an app which can launch programs in free form mode:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.farmerbb.taskbar
This works, even resizing (by dragging an edge of an app), moving and multiple apps on the screen. But once I maximize an app, I need to re-launch it via the taskbar app to get it back in windowed mode.
Unfortunately, the touch screen sometimes stops responding when I tap on the background in free form mode. I can still launch apps via Android Studio, but cannot use them. So it's OK to test apps in free form mode, but not really usable for work.
I also found Taskbar, however due to its battery drain it cannot be the solution, I think. The drain is about 5% more / hour, which I find inacceptable
chris_g said:
Yes I did. I have the same problem on my 8.4 inch model: The freeform and close buttons overlap, and the close button takes precedence.
However, I found an app which can launch programs in free form mode:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.farmerbb.taskbar
This works, even resizing (by dragging an edge of an app), moving and multiple apps on the screen. But once I maximize an app, I need to re-launch it via the taskbar app to get it back in windowed mode.
Unfortunately, the touch screen sometimes stops responding when I tap on the background in free form mode. I can still launch apps via Android Studio, but cannot use them. So it's OK to test apps in free form mode, but not really usable for work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what I think works better:
https://github.com/farmerbb/Launcher3-Freeform
I miss, however, the flexibility of Nova (normal launcher3 has at least some features ...) Can freeform functionality be introduced into Launcher3 (which is Open Source) by merging the projects? :-/
kev1807 said:
I also found Taskbar, however due to its battery drain it cannot be the solution, I think. The drain is about 5% more / hour, which I find inacceptable
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know if it exists on the standard variants, but can you look if you are able to activate Desktop Mode via QuickSettings. It's a Desktop like laucher mode allowing to open apps in free-form mode out of the box.
Sent from my HTC U11 using XDA Labs
I have the pro.
Desktop mode is more or less useless, imho.
I'd love to have both. And Microsoft Office does not support the free form mode in a good way in Desktop Mode (which it does with Taskbar for example). Launcher3 forked into one supporting free form mode, however I don't know how to reintegrate it into source code, so that everything works fine... ( https://github.com/farmerbb/Launcher3-Freeform). I think the idea of desktop mode is good, but not thought through, yet. I hope that improvements are on their way....
kev1807 said:
I have the pro.
Desktop mode is more or less useless, imho.
I'd love to have both. And Microsoft Office does not support the free form mode in a good way in Desktop Mode (which it does with Taskbar for example). Launcher3 forked into one supporting free form mode, however I don't know how to reintegrate it into source code, so that everything works fine... ( https://github.com/farmerbb/Launcher3-Freeform). I think the idea of desktop mode is good, but not thought through, yet. I hope that improvements are on their way....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
agree, I used to have an asus transformer book T100 with Windows 10 on it and found the screen to be OK size, but this on desktop mode is useless, not all are resizable, and besides no cut and paste stuff like what you would use desktop mode for (side by side copy and paste images from Web browser). WPS office supports it, and I will use that since I can't be asked to pay for Ms office.
I have the same issue. The freeform icon is overlapped with the close icon so I can not hit it.
nex86 said:
I have the same issue. The freeform icon is overlapped with the close icon so I can not hit it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sur huawei mediapad M5, après modification commande par "adb", l'application "floating apps" fonctionne correctement.
Anyone know if it's possible to always open the app (assuming the user has an app open) in side-by-side mode when unfolding?
Presumably this would need to be done with Tasker...
for that I use "Split Screen Launcher" in the play store BY paprikanotfound
*note sometimes it might be glitchy if one app was already open. but its a good enough way.
Actually you can do this natively by launching the apps in split-screen, then taking the splitter and saving to the home screen.
What I want though is for the app that your currently using in fold mode - when you unfold it automatically is on the left side of the screen and the home-screen shows on the right ready for you to launch a second app...
in that case you might be able to do it by using a new profile
choose State > Display Orientation > Landscape
then create a task for it search for split screen toggle and voila
*note this require my xml file
lombrozo said:
Actually you can do this natively by launching the apps in split-screen, then taking the splitter and saving to the home screen.
What I want though is for the app that your currently using in fold mode - when you unfold it automatically is on the left side of the screen and the home-screen shows on the right ready for you to launch a second app...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unfortunately using custom launcher breaks the default split screen shortcuts at least on my device.