SPB mobile shell 3d! It is finally here; I've given it a try, and I must say I like it. However, the $15 (£~10) price tag is a little steep.
http://spb.com/android-software/shell
alexhtclegend said:
SPB mobile shell 3d! It is finally here; I've given it a try, and I must say I like it. However, the $15 (£~10) price tag is a little steep.
http://spb.com/android-software/shell
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Does it run fine, no lag?
Maybe I'll say it, I guess I will: This thing looks like it struts its stuff more hardcore than Sense.
Yeah, how does it run? $15 is pretty steep..but it looks pretty intense compared to the other home replacements.
I was playing with it a bit on my CM7 legend, and it ran super smooth. Not sure what's it's battery impact or anything was since I was running what shall be considered a trial version, that wouldn't stay as the default home screen so only had it going for a few minutes. But like usual SPB makes a nice program and runs it at way above average cost for what it is. Might still get it later not sold on it yet though. Oh not sure if it says it anywhere but it seems to kill live wallpapers.
It doesn't support live wallpapers for 'performance issues'. It runs very smoothly though, but I've noticed that when you open the app drawer it sometimes freezes for a few seconds. Generally, it seems very good; just as eye-pleasing as sense, but smoother, and I especially like the 3d carousel and the folders. Android folders where always a bit rubbish, but the folders on this thing are as good as in iOS, only you can have an unlimited number of apps in each one!
$10 would probably be a better price for it - that's still quite a bit compared to other Android apps, but the developers have clearly put a lot of effort into this.
alexhtclegend said:
Android folders where always a bit rubbish, but the folders on this thing are as good as in iOS, only you can have an unlimited number of apps in each one!
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I'm utterly confused by this statement...what makes iOS folders so special? Other than it looking pretty when you open it.
I was almost sold on it until I figured out icon and widget placement is just like iOS, ie you can't put them anywhere. That totally kills my layout scheme.
Well, I had a go. $15 is way too much for this. It's not what I'd call a "phone changing" app. I'll stick to LPP
speedyink said:
I'm utterly confused by this statement...what makes iOS folders so special? Other than it looking pretty when you open it.
I was almost sold on it until I figured out icon and widget placement is just like iOS, ie you can't put them anywhere. That totally kills my layout scheme.
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That's all I meant - the Android folders are quite ugly. I've always wanted a cross between iOS and Android, like MIUI, and this just about achieves that.
And yes, that is slightly annoying!
15 is way too much.. i would pay 15 for sth mindblowing, but Not for this ^^
Sent from my Legend using XDA Premium App
I've made the "mistake"...and have paid. The shell lasted on my phone 1 hour. Maybe it's just me, but when returning from each application launched or other screen besides the home screen, I got a BLACK one instead of the homescreen. I had to touch the screen (or press back button) once again to get the proper screen. I wrote to support, they asked me to reinstall it. I did and it's the same. So getting a black screen each time I'm supposing to be back at homescreen does not convince me at all.
That was the biggest drawback for me. There was no lag though when scroling through carousel or when playing with the menus. Other things I didn't like were the lack of widget resizing support or some other stuff I got used to from ADW Launcher/EX. The switch widgets (for WiFi/BT, etc) were not so customisable, same goes for the widgets on the screens. I was not able to set the alarm appl to be launched when pressing the clock (I use Alarm Clock+ by default), or the SMS application, or the dialer. These are things I didn't like at all, especialy from a 10 EUR/15 USD launcher. I've expected too much I guess. Back on Launcher 7 or ADW Launcher EX. Oh...I almost forgot to mention that the "auto arrange" setting for icons, widgets and so on, pissed me off alot. Could be that I didin't find where to deactivate it, but usualy I want to arrange things on my screen myself.
Good job guys...Marketing deserves it all. They convinced me to buy it...the application itself didn't.
Rapier said:
I've made the "mistake"...and have paid. The shell lasted on my phone 1 hour. Maybe it's just me, but when returning from each application launched or other screen besides the home screen, I got a BLACK one instead of the homescreen. I had to touch the screen (or press back button) once again to get the proper screen. I wrote to support, they asked me to reinstall it. I did and it's the same. So getting a black screen each time I'm supposing to be back at homescreen does not convince me at all.
That was the biggest drawback for me. There was no lag though when scroling through carousel or when playing with the menus. Other things I didn't like were the lack of widget resizing support or some other stuff I got used to from ADW Launcher/EX. The switch widgets (for WiFi/BT, etc) were not so customisable, same goes for the widgets on the screens. I was not able to set the alarm appl to be launched when pressing the clock (I use Alarm Clock+ by default), or the SMS application, or the dialer. These are things I didn't like at all, especialy from a 10 EUR/15 USD launcher. I've expected too much I guess. Back on Launcher 7 or ADW Launcher EX. Oh...I almost forgot to mention that the "auto arrange" setting for icons, widgets and so on, pissed me off alot. Could be that I didin't find where to deactivate it, but usualy I want to arrange things on my screen myself.
Good job guys...Marketing deserves it all. They convinced me to buy it...the application itself didn't.
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This is a cyanogen issue, no problems for other roms.
@Rapier. As the guy above me pointed out, this seems to be a issue with CM. The same thing happened to be, but flashing Blayos Rom solved it.
I'm actually very happy with it, I think it looks great and the speed is awesome. The only thing I don't like is the shortcut auto arrange.
Sent from my HTC Legend using XDA App
Too bad then. And to understand better, you're talking about the "black screen issue" right?
Still there are some other things that I don't like (I've pointed them out in my post) and I don't think they're CM related. I'm not sorry about the money, but I will not change CM ROM for this. If SPB will work on CM ROM, great, I'll give it another try...till then, I'll stick with Launcher 7 or ADW Launcher EX.
Don't missunderstood me...SPB IS GREAT. Really. I had it on my HTC Diamond (an older version) and it was the best launcher I've ever used on that phone. But after switching to Android and playing with ADW, Launcher Pro and others, I just feel it more "restricted" and offering fewer options, especially when talking about a much higher price. The interface is neat, has a lot of things, but going deep under it's hood is not allowing you to customize it as much as other launchers. Most of the widgets are limited in functionality and do not allow many customizations. But it may be a perfect match for someone looking for basic functionality and usage of standard apps.
Hi
I just purchased a legend having stock 2.2 Sense on it (Vodafone). When I try to goto SPB Shell Home, it shows that SPB Shell is loading, but then nothing happens
Any suggestions?
Yes I'm talking about the black screen issue. I agree with you, it's not worth changing roms over. I actually use Blayos Rom regularly, just happened to test it with CM. So its not a big deal for me. I also think the lack of customization is a bummer, but I'm happy with it for now. In a month I don't know. Also for me 15 dollars ain't that much, that's barely one dinner in Norway
Sent from my HTC Legend using XDA App
TheGrammarFreak said:
Well, I had a go. $15 is way too much for this. It's not what I'd call a "phone changing" app. I'll stick to LPP
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Agreed. It was cool for a day then I missed ADW.
Sent from my Ultimate 2.3.3 Incredible
I have HTC Legend with Blayo's B0.8 and I installed SPB but then when I hit home button it asks wich launcher to use, I select SPB and then it asks if I want to activate, I click "yes" but the get error: The device is not supported.
What should I do? I don't think it not supported since you guys managed to run it on your Legends.
laurent.siku said:
I have HTC Legend with Blayo's B0.8 and I installed SPB but then when I hit home button it asks wich launcher to use, I select SPB and then it asks if I want to activate, I click "yes" but the get error: The device is not supported.
What should I do? I don't think it not supported since you guys managed to run it on your Legends.
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I was not able to use it either on my Legend with stock ROmM
MaBlo said:
... Also for me 15 dollars ain't that much, that's barely one dinner in Norway
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Neither for me I said "much" compared with the price for other launchers (and which are also better in my opinion)
Rapier said:
Neither for me I said "much" compared with the price for other launchers (and which are also better in my opinion)
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To be honest I'm not using it anymore, got tired of it fast
On a side note, do anyone else find Launcher Pro laggy with CM7? I switched to ADW EX, and it's much smoother.
Sent from my Legend using XDA Premium App
So, I've seen that there are a few nice widgets that allow you some control over the design of the widgets. BITS is very very customizable, Zoom looks amazing, so does Widgetsoid, and Beautiful Widgets are indeed beautiful.
I'm looking for one that allows a specific thing, though, and I'd rather not go through what I did with Beautiful Widgets (installing it, being very disappointed, uninstalling, finding I'm just a few minutes beyond the refund time period, emailing the very-helpful developer and asking for a refund anyway, and they're very nice people by the way).
Also, please be understanding; I've had a migraine coming and going for a week and a half, and I'm trying my best to distract myself from it. So this info is probably available but I just can't *find* it. I can't manage to brain properly, I just can't. Please excuse the rambling...
So. I like the size and look of the HTC Sense clock on my Sensation--the one that takes up half the screen but is very large and has nice contrast--and also the location/temperature/high-low predictions on it. I *love* the BITS ability to stick anything anywhere in the widget, and to have an app or shortcut launch from the anything.
Is there a design-your-own-widget that is as pretty as the Sense clock, with the same location/weather info, but will let me stick battery indicator and shortcuts all over it? And make, say, the location launch Maps, and the date launch my calendar, and so on? It doesn't look like I can manage that with Widgetsoid or BITS, Beautiful Widgets won't let me show all the info I want to show at the same time, and Zoom is just plain intimidating. I'm sure there are more make-your-own-widgets but these are the ones I've found so far.
Is this out there? Can it be done?
Thank you!
elfchick said:
So, I've seen that there are a few nice widgets that allow you some control over the design of the widgets. BITS is very very customizable, Zoom looks amazing, so does Widgetsoid, and Beautiful Widgets are indeed beautiful.
I'm looking for one that allows a specific thing, though, and I'd rather not go through what I did with Beautiful Widgets (installing it, being very disappointed, uninstalling, finding I'm just a few minutes beyond the refund time period, emailing the very-helpful developer and asking for a refund anyway, and they're very nice people by the way).
Also, please be understanding; I've had a migraine coming and going for a week and a half, and I'm trying my best to distract myself from it. So this info is probably available but I just can't *find* it. I can't manage to brain properly, I just can't. Please excuse the rambling...
So. I like the size and look of the HTC Sense clock on my Sensation--the one that takes up half the screen but is very large and has nice contrast--and also the location/temperature/high-low predictions on it. I *love* the BITS ability to stick anything anywhere in the widget, and to have an app or shortcut launch from the anything.
Is there a design-your-own-widget that is as pretty as the Sense clock, with the same location/weather info, but will let me stick battery indicator and shortcuts all over it? And make, say, the location launch Maps, and the date launch my calendar, and so on? It doesn't look like I can manage that with Widgetsoid or BITS, Beautiful Widgets won't let me show all the info I want to show at the same time, and Zoom is just plain intimidating. I'm sure there are more make-your-own-widgets but these are the ones I've found so far.
Is this out there? Can it be done?
Thank you!
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I would recommend Minimalistic Text. I'm not sure it will do *exactly* what you're asking it terms of design (but the possibilities are truly endless). There's a slight learning curve if you've never used anything like it, but once you get it figured out... you're likely to never look back.
Also, it's been a while since I've used it, but have you tried Fancy Widget? Back in the day it was a mirror image of the Sense flip clock, but it's come a long way... it was pretty customizable last I checked. Both apps have a free and paid version in the Market. Good luck.
Please use the Q&A Forum for questions Thanks
Moving to Q&A
Well, hey, I didn't know that was what Fancy Widgets was That looks like it *almost* can manage everything I want. So very close, terrific! It only has fixed info it can display, but it can start any application I want from the info it does have.
I've edited one of the backgrounds to stick icons next to the places where I've selected them to start, and that'll do for now. Thank you so much!
Minimalistic text definitely didn't agree with the on-again-off-again migraine, though Maybe I'll futz with it again some other time. I'd really like a pretty 4x2 clock that also has actual shortcuts with relevant icons embedded in it.
I wish the battery indicator on Fancy Widgets stood out a little more, even were just a different color of text. I wonder if that's possible.
Hello XDA I’ve been away from android for some time; switched to iPhone for a bit, from the htc evo 4g. I have switched to Verizon and the galaxy s4 sense then and I want to make some changes to my phone (hence the post). I have rooted my device but haven’t put any custom roms or kernels on my s4 just different launchers. Here is a list of thing I want to change:
Quick disclaimer: some of my wording may be off, I don’t have my phone in front of me to check everything and do proper background research
Phone UI-I want to change the phone app entirely. Its ugly it’s white and it’s [for lack of a better word] fat and cartoonish. I hate the stock dialer and the in-call ui. It has to go; please if nothing else give me some ideas on how to change this! Im using ex dialer and contacts but that doesn’t change the in call experience.
Unread Notifications- I’m currently using nova launcher prime and action launcher pro the kicker is that neither have a proper unread counter for calls texts and emails. Nova works the best because it does in fact have an unread counter but it only works for phone and texts but not for Samsung emails which I use for both my Gmail and my exchange emails. It irks me; I’ve emailed the developer but haven’t heard anything back from him.
Wi-Fi- is there a way to move/add wifi to the notification panel? The panel being the quick access buttons on the top of the notification scroll down. I hate that is “floating” in the other part of the notification list.
Volume- how can I get rid of the volume alert I get when I have something plugged in to the headphone port? I feel that it’s the dumbest warning in the world and it’s even more annoying because it keeps coming back after each reboot (I think). We aren’t 5 years old we already know that loadnoises arnt good for our ears…
App drawer icon- I love the touchwiz app drawer icon and that’s probably the only thing I can’t live without. I’ve got a similar icon from a touchwiz icon pack but it’s not the same one. How can I extract it from touch wiz so that I can use it with various roms or launchers?
Google play- I buy things from Google play every now and again and would like to continue to do so. The only problem is, is that I can’t move the content over to the SD card I would like to store it there because 16gb can only hold so much. I saw that someone figured out how to move Google play music over to SD which is great but I want my magazines and movies on the SD too.
I would like to keep as many Samsung features as I can when I rom my device I enjoy a lot of the Samsung gimmicks that came with it; such as multi-window and the smart stay, view, scroll and pause it’s fun to play with.
Are there specific roms and kernels I need to use for my specific device? If so please refer me to the thread.
Is there a rom that adds a professional and sleek look to the device and adds the discussed features from above? If so what is it and where can I get it!?
J.L.Greene
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Hey folks.
As the title implies, I would like to know what everyone's favorite weather app is. Yes Xda has an article occasionally on the front page that gives their opinion on the best weather app but I want to hear it from those who matter the most (all of us end users).
My favorite, since 2000 has always been WeatherBug but after earth networks sold the WeatherBug brand to xAd (now known as ground truth), something happened that left a bitter taste in my mouth.
Anyhow, I pretty much liked everything about WB except the ads (which I never noticed because of Adaway lol) but I'm a truck driver and I especially loved their radar. It was the best looking radar I had ever seen and what made it even better is I didn't have to buy the premium version to unlock radar.
I also liked the widget would show me my current temperature of the area I am driving through while I could have the temperature back home always displayed in the notification bar.
Anyhow, those are all of my favorite things about my former favorite app but I have been actively searching for months for a solid replacement. The things it must have are
1. Radar
2. Current conditions
3. 5-7 day forecast
Those are my 3 MUST haves. Also I'm not a fan of apps packed with ads and trackers or yearly subscriptions nor having to pay just to unlock radar and other options. By the way, I tried 1weather and its a beautiful app but its radar is lacking compared to WB.
So what's your favorite weather app and why? What makes it stand out?
My favorite weather application will always remain Overdrop, it doesn't have radar (which doesn't bother me personally), but I find it impossible to make a prettier weather application, really, test it and you'll see
hunam6 said:
My favorite weather application will always remain Overdrop, it doesn't have radar (which doesn't bother me personally), but I find it impossible to make a prettier weather application, really, test it and you'll see
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Yessir I will check it out. Hey, if nothing else, if I like Overdrop, I could always use it and find myself another app with just radar.