android noob looking to personalize & theme - Samsung Epic 4G Touch

Hello,
I am a noob to android coming from wm6.5 and blackberry. I have been browsing the homescreen thread and would like to learn how to get my phone to look as great as the ones i have seen. is there a tutorial available or is it more so trial and error? when i see some of the screen details in the thread, it's like a foreign language to me.
TIA
Steve

Welcome to Android. Its much easier than you think. Some will be trial and error to get something just how you like it. Some is as easy as changing the launcher you use and applying themes. There are also tons of apps like desktop Visualizer, folder organizer, circle launcher, and many more that you can use to customize the look and feel of your device. You can also install different clocks or lockscreens and if you have rooted your phone and flashed a de-odexed rom you can use some of the themes you see posted here. My best advice is for you to look through "post your homescreen" type threads. Most people will list what apps they use and may share icons or wallpapers too. Use Google and Android Market to learn what some of those apps do. Many are free or very inexpensive. You could also look at the sticky posts in this thread, forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=527 for some more about theming. There is really no right or wrong, just do what you like and make your phone your own. Good luck.
sent from my SGSIISE4GT

Do you have root? Do you have a rom also? Which rom are you running? If you do not have root I recommend using zedomax's v3 root kernal to root.

No, i'm running completely stock for now. I was able to customize my homescreen using go launcher, simple text and WP clock that wil hold me over for a little while. I tried posting an image, but my noon status won't let me.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App

Related

(Q) How to personalize Sense

Hey fellow evo enthusiasts!
I've been searching and searching for an answer (I'm sure it's out there, I just haven't found it) to my Q, so hopefully you can help me.
I'm interested in personalizing Sense. I like using widgets, and I like the idea of not using Launcher Pro (I don't know why, I just want to use sense)....
I REALLY like the custom tool bars of Launcher Pro, and I want to incorporate those types of tool bars on Sense (not sure if I'm using the right word - I'm interested in using a custom bar on the bottom of the phone where you can link to your actual phone, text messaging, apps, web, etc).
Can anyone walk me through how to do this?
I'm also interested in creating custom screens with the other 7 options we all have w/ Sense.
All of this seems harder than it should be - I am rooted, currently running Warm 2.2 (release 2). Any help is appreciated - and if you say I gotta use launcher pro, I guess I do.
Thanks in advance!!
Gotta check out the theme forum. They have some tutorials over there that are stickied, I'm not sure if they will tell you how to do exactly what you want, but they sure as hell are good starting points.
......use LauncherPro. There's only so much you can do with sense......plus sense eats the battery and is slower.
It is possible do decompile sense and rewrite it......but it's just not worth it.
There is a thread in the themes section that will allow you flash to remap the the 3 buttons on the expresso.

Recommended Apps/Themes [Updated 4.13.12]

This is a list of recommended apps to make your Android experience an awesome one.​
I don't really post any games because... well, games are your liking and you get those depending on what you like xD
I'll be adding apps over time so keep on coming back and checking!
I feel like the Ace has a lot of apps and themes to choose from. Here is a list of the apps I believe are epicly awesome.
What's a phone without space and some right app management? For that, I recommend s2e. It moves all the Dalvik Cache to the SD card. When I first installed it, it freed up 92MB of internal memory that I didn't knew what getting used up.
S2E: https://market.android.com/details?...ult#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsInJ1LmtyaWt1bi5zMmUiXQ..
A pretty good ram manager for any phone would be Ram Manager. It keeps your phone running smoothly and worry free.
Ram Manager:https://market.android.com/details?...WFydHByb2plY3RzLlJBTU9wdGltaXphdGlvbkZyZWUiXQ..
For backups and more app management, I highly recommend Titanium Backup. One of the best apps out there hands down. You can batch move all your apps to SD, back up all your apps and system data or just apps if you like. Its so epic, it even backs up all the data on a game. Since I like to switch things a lot on my phone, I use a lot of back ups and Titanium always has me covered.
Titanium Backup https://market.android.com/details?...DEsImNvbS5rZXJhbWlkYXMuVGl0YW5pdW1CYWNrdXAiXQ..
Now for themes; I highly recommend the ICS theme from AChep. This theme completely spices up your phone to the newest and fancy ICS. It changes up everything. Its the BEST ICS theme you'll find out there.
ICS Theme: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1313722
For some really awesome ICS live wallpapers, here are some epic ones;
ICS Phase Beam Live Wallpaper: https://market.android.com/details?...pZC5saXZld2FsbHBhcGVyLmljc2NsYXNzaWMubGl0ZSJd
And Ice Cream Sandwich Live WP: https://market.android.com/details?...kLmxpdmV3YWxscGFwZXIuaWNzd2FsbHBhcGVyLnBybyJd
The second one is a paid app but its really worth the money.
Anyway if you want more kickass themes, check out this post! They rock
More Themes!:http://forum.cyanogenmod.com/topic/17567-list-cm7-theme-chooser-themes/
Afterwards, I present to you the awesome Roboto Font. They new font looks really cool and a different font gives a whole new feel to your phone. To install it, you must first install Font Changer, extract the font and put it in the Font Changer folder in the SD.
Roboto Font: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1309621
Font Changer: https://market.android.com/details?...sImNvbS5tYXJ0aW5vMms2LmZvbnRjaGFuZ2VybGl0ZSJd
Next up is an awesome add-on. It gives your status bar a whole new makeover with the ICS style. This add-on also hooks up your phone with the ICS transitions. In my case they're really fast and work wonderfully. Another epic piece of work from CM7.2's dev.
[ANIMATION][STATUS BAR] ICS for CM7.2 by J.A.F. :http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1360899
To mess with your system files or just check out whats inside your SD, I recommend Root explorer or ES file explorer. Whichever one fits your taste.
Here's another ICS look changer! Themes your lock screen to the ICS style! Just flash it and everything will be fine.
ICS Lockscreen:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=18603870&postcount=1
Root Explorer: https://market.android.com/details?...sImNvbS5zcGVlZHNvZnR3YXJlLnJvb3RleHBsb3JlciJd
ES File explorer: https://market.android.com/details?...wxLDEwOSwiY29tLmVzdHJvbmdzLmFuZHJvaWQucG9wIl0.
Now if you want to get rid of all of those ads (Or mostly) I present to you AdFree. This app blocks out most ads from getting to your device.
AdFree: https://market.android.com/details?...DEsImNvbS5iaWd0aW5jYW4uYW5kcm9pZC5hZGZyZWUiXQ..
Now, what's an ace with a whole bunch of customization but still with the same old bootanimation? Here's where this thread comes in handy; its one of the largest repositories of bootanimations. Pick one that suits your taste and enjoy!
Bootanimations: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1348731
If you like cloud storage; DropBox is what I recommend. The simple UI makes everything really easy to use. If you don't feel like going through the hassle of connecting your phone via USB just to pass a simple file, you can always DropBox it through your PC and download it to your phone. (Lazy, I know )
DropBox: https://market.android.com/details?...251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5kcm9wYm94LmFuZHJvaWQiXQ..
Here's the best notepad ever. The only issue I have with it is that you can't set it as a sticky note widget. But besides that, it does EVERYTHING you can possibly think of.
Evernote:https://market.android.com/details?...esult#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5ldmVybm90ZSJd
The stock gallery app is kind of slow and sluggish sometimes so here's a little something to speed up your picture viewing experience.
Quick Pic: https://market.android.com/details?...51bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5hbGVuc3cuUGljRm9sZGVyIl0.
Need some help in math class? Here's a scientific calculator to make things a little easier!
RealCalc: https://market.android.com/details?...sMSwxLDEsInVrLmNvLm5pY2tmaW5lcy5SZWFsQ2FsYyJd
Now for web browsing... There's a whole bunch of browsers out there and I can honestly say I've tried them all except one I didn't download because I had the mini version already. Turns out that one that I didn't try was actually the best one. I'm talking about Opera. Opera is smooth, slick and speedy as hell. Its got decent features to use. If you want a max customizable browser, go for Dolphin HD.
Opera Browser: https://market.android.com/details?...251bGwsMSwxLDEwMiwiY29tLm9wZXJhLmJyb3dzZXIiXQ..
Dolphin HD: https://market.android.com/details?...wsMSwxLDEsIm1vYmkubWdlZWsuVHVubnlCcm93c2VyIl0.
A new browser has been discovered. Its fast and the UI looks really good. Its called Nineski Browser.
Ninoski Browser:https://market.android.com/details?...251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5uaW5lc2t5LmJyb3dzZXIiXQ..
For music, I really like Power AMP. The UI is very cool and it has a couple of themes you can use to switch it up a bit. The equalizer is pretty good too and it has some customization that could change up the way you listen to music on your phone. It offers a 15 day trial and then you have to buy the app. Its another one thats really worth the money.
Power Amp: https://market.android.com/details?...GwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5tYXhtcHouYXVkaW9wbGF5ZXIiXQ..
If you like to keep an eye on what your usage is, whether its data, calls or sms; Traffic counter is the one for you. It counts every single MB of data that enters or exits your phone and is pretty accurate.
Traffic Counter: https://market.android.com/details?...wsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5jYXJsLnRyYWZmaWNjb3VudGVyIl0.
Here's another counter. This one details everything you can possibly know about your battery!
Battery Monitor Widget:https://market.android.com/details?...eloper#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEwMiwiY2NjNzEuYm13Il0.
Now this next one will make your life A LOT easier. This next app can make a widget of almost ANYTHING you can think of in your phone. Its called Widgetsoid and it works wonders.
Widgetsoid: https://market.android.com/details?...rch_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5qaW0yIl0.
There are a lot of people having the "Insufficient storage available" problem when downloading apps through market, Here's a fix:
MarketFix:https://market.android.com/details?...sMSwxLDEsIm5ldC5mZWxpcGVhcm9uLm1hcmtldGZpeCJd
Here is another beastly app that EVERY ROOT/CUSTOM ROM USER MUST HAVE.Which ever one fits you. Point is, you need to have it.
ROM Toolbox:https://market.android.com/details?id=com.jrummy.liberty.toolbox&feature=search_result
I never thought I'd put this app in here because of all the flaws but they finally fixed it. Facebook 1.8.0. The update is completely in sync with the web version and everything just simply works wonderfully.
Facebook:https://market.android.com/details?...1bGwsMSwxLDIwNSwiY29tLmZhY2Vib29rLmthdGFuYSJd
And well, if Facebook doesn't work for you, here's a complete (and better in my opinion) replacement!
Friendcaster:https://market.android.com/details?...wxLDEsInVrLmNvLnNlbmFiLmJsdWVOb3RpZnlGcmVlIl0.
This next app speeds up the reading and writing speed of your SD card for less waiting time. If you're like me that waits an eternity for the SD to get scanned at boot, wait no more and install this!
SD-Booster:https://market.android.com/details?id=de.mehrmann.sdbooster&feature=search_result
If you want a complete iPhone look, check out this thread!: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=21384446#post21384446
Since our phone doesn't have an LED notification, here's a complete replacement! (Must have a kernel that supports it!)
BLN:https://market.android.com/details?...wsMSwxLDEsIm5lbGRhci5ibG4uY29udHJvbC5mcmVlIl0.
This next app fakes a call to get you out of those weird and awkward situations!
FCM:https://market.android.com/details?...DEsImNvbS5hZ2lsZXN0b3JtLmZha2VjYWxsLmZyZWUiXQ..
Want to know how fast data is transferring on your phone? This widget is for you!
Network Speed:https://market.android.com/details?...result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsIm5ldHNwZWVkLnB0Il0.
If your phone gets lost or stolen, you can lock it or track it simply by texting it!
Lost Phone:https://market.android.com/details?...DEsImNvbS5nYWRnZXRwcm9qZWN0cy5sb3N0cGhvbmUiXQ..
Here's a little something to make your phone look bigger! Really works and looks cool. Some apps won't adjust to the size though.
LCD Density:https://market.android.com/details?...wsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5iaXJkYXBpLmFuZHJvaWQuZHBpIl0.
I personally like having a loud phone. But since our Ace's speaker is a little too low, I fix that up with Volume+. Works wonders. There's a free and paid version. The paid lets you set your volume higher. Here's the link:
Volume+:https://play.google.com/store/apps/...GwsMSwxLDEwMiwiY29tLlRFU1QuYW5kcm9pZC5sdmgiXQ..
This next one is a file manager. But I mostly use it to make back up apks of apps. Its Astro. If my friend wants an app I have, I just back it up and bluetooth it to him. Simple =D
Astro:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.metago.astro&feature=search_result
This next one is one I found out about recently since I didn't like the dialer of a rom I was using. Afterwards, it became my replacement dialer for every rom I use xD. Here's exDialer. Has some pretty cool themes too.
exDialer:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.modoohut.dialer&feature=search_result
Since I'm a musician, a tuner is really important. This one always has my back. I'm talking about gStrings
gStrings:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.cohortor.gstrings&feature=search_result
The only calculator you'll ever need in ALL of Android.
Handycalc:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.mmin.handycalc&feature=search_result
System Tuner Pro might be a paid app, but there's no other task manager like it. Highly recommend it.
System Tuner Pro:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ccc71.pmw.pro&feature=search_result
The next one is a complete replacement for the FaceBook chat. I honestly like it better than the normal chat on the desktop website too xD. Here's Go chat!
Go Chat!:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spartancoders.gtok&feature=search_result
Wanna know how your governor handles your CPU? Want to keep more control over your battery consumption? CPU Spy can give you all that detailed information!
CPU Spy:https://play.google.com/store/apps/...251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5idmFsb3Nlay5jcHVzcHkiXQ..
Use MSN but can't find a good app for it? MSN: Mercury has your back!
MSN: Mercury:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=im.mercury.android&feature=search_result
Since some roms don't have USB Tether and there are too many apps out there for it, I'd have to say PdaNet is hands down the best out there.
PDA Net:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pn.helper&feature=search_result
Looking for a Twitter client? Look no more! This fuild, fast and really smooth app will have your back at all times!
Twicca:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.r246.twicca&feature=search_result
Have problems with sound recording? Here's Tape-A-Talk! Recording high quality audio.
Tape-A-Talk:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=name.markus.droesser.tapeatalk&feature=search_result
Feel like reading sometimes but don't know what to read? Definitely have to check out Wattpad! You'll never see books the same way.
Wattpad:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=wp.wattpad&feature=search_result
Well, this about sums up the epic apps on my phone for now. If you have any other recommendations, please post it in the comments and tell us why you like it!
Thanks! Finally got Roboto as my font...
And the apps recommendation are pretty useful to maintain the phone too!
Roboto just rocks!
Sent from my Galaxy Ace running J.A.F CM 7.2 Odexed using XDA App
MrChaosDesire said:
Thanks! Finally got Roboto as my font...
And the apps recommendation are pretty useful to maintain the phone too!
Roboto just rocks!
Sent from my Galaxy Ace running J.A.F CM 7.2 Odexed using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. There are a whole bunch of really good apps out there that people can't find. Glad I helped!
But I just realized you're using the Odexed rom version. Can you tell me what the difference is?
No idea what's the difference, it just feels the same to me, but then again I don't rely on Quadrant/Antutu so no idea on the performance
Sent from my Galaxy Ace running J.A.F CM 7.2 Odexed using XDA App
You should include sony's ICS too, since there are some difference to both themes, I'm just using AChep's one cos it feels better than it.
Sent from my Galaxy Ace running J.A.F CM 7.2 Odexed using XDA App
The odexed one has much more free space in data/app.
Anyway the roboto font can be flashed as a zip file to save the hassle.
Hey, I know it's not the place for it, but, since you seem to know a lot, I have to ask... Do you know an ICS theme for CM7.2 but in green instead of blue ?? I'm not a big fan of blue
consegregate said:
The odexed one has much more free space in data/app.
Anyway the roboto font can be flashed as a zip file to save the hassle.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh? No wonder I could store more themes on my phone then when testing out Deoxed.
Sent from my Galaxy Ace running J.A.F CM 7.2 Odexed using XDA App
Thank you very much for your outstanding effort man!
I didnt know that phase beam live wallpaper was already released, now I got it and it goes like a charm on my ICS ace
Just to improve your ICS experience, I highly recommend 360 launcher, Ive been always a fan of GO launcher but Ive found this one and Im definitely in love with it. It has a ICS theme and it works perfectly alongside with those ICS transitions.
There you go :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1358736&highlight=360
alexnm said:
Hey, I know it's not the place for it, but, since you seem to know a lot, I have to ask... Do you know an ICS theme for CM7.2 but in green instead of blue ?? I'm not a big fan of blue
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hm.. green? Not really sure. Haven't seen one yet. Theres also transparent and another version though, you dont have to get blue. Ill PM you if I find a green one though
alcachofita said:
Thank you very much for your outstanding effort man!
I didnt know that phase beam live wallpaper was already released, now I got it and it goes like a charm on my ICS ace
Just to add a better ICS experience, I highly recommend 360 launcher, Ive been alwasy a fan of GO launcher but Ive found this one and Im difenetely in love with it. It has a ICS theme and it works perfectly alongside with those ICS transitions.
There you go :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1358736&highlight=360
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. Ill check it out!
Can you make me please flashable version ICS ROBOTO. THANKS
Sent from my GT-S5830
if got the ont installed like an normal .apk and i love it i am on stock rom
Sent from my GT-S5830 using xda premium
Greats apps i ever seen. Thanks a lot
Enviado desde mi GT-S5830 usando Tapatalk
joryS5830 said:
Can you make me please flashable version ICS ROBOTO. THANKS
Sent from my GT-S5830
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would you want to flash a font? You just install it through font changer and that's it. I've no idea about flashing fonts, just installing through apps.
If when instal font changer say me don't have right version busybody and then go very slow.
Sent from my GT-S5830
Good work bro.
Sent from my GT-S5830 using xda premium
joryS5830 said:
If when instal font changer say me don't have right version busybody and then go very slow.
Sent from my GT-S5830
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm.. I have no idea how that could happen. what rom are you using?
Apk which you give advice font changer me don't possible work.
Sent from my GT-S5830
Use. CM7.2 WITH. Kernel ketut without oc.
Sent from my GT-S5830

Coming from an Iphone

Hey guys been reading for a bit...Actually about 2 days now lol
Anyone else have a hard transistion over?
A few things im excited about is the wifi calling and possibly tehtering.
Right now Im tring to accomplish getting a different theme and removing the bloatware and might just wait for ICS to come out before I start playing with roms I feel like I got the phone a bad time because soon we will be transitioning over.
So right now,
Get a theme where I can access and change my music with out opening the to the home screen...
Wifi calling
And possibly tether but I think I need to install a custom rom and freeze the tether option.
Other than that just figure things out.
Firstly, you cant remove bloatware, truely, without rooting your phone. However, you can hide certain apps with a themer/launcher.
Root free, the most iphone-like launcher is Espier launcher 5.x . Espier also has a safari like browser called Espier Browser. Both of these apps can be found in the market place and will fool you into thinking you have an iphone.
The best iphone like lock screen is the miui lockscreen on the market.
Yea I don't know if I want to go iphone style theme I was looking at some other threads even tried a few widgetlocker I couldnt figure this one out find some nice ones on this site just couldn't get them to look like that one mine.
The other was lockbot its was a bit cheesy.
I will have to look into launcher(s)
blazin6969 said:
Yea I don't know if I want to go iphone style theme I was looking at some other threads even tried a few widgetlocker I couldnt figure this one out find some nice ones on this site just couldn't get them to look like that one mine.
The other was lockbot its was a bit cheesy.
I will have to look into launcher(s)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The girlfriend and I both really like golauncher and golocker, but you'll have to play with them and figure out which works best for you.
Give it a bit of time and you'll really like the phone I think. It takes a bit to get used to finding things. The OS has a ton more depth to it so it can be a bit overwhelming at first, but once you get the lay off the land you'll be able to enjoy it a lot more.
Both my girlfriend and I had iPhones before Android and couldn't go back. Unless you're really itching for some new feature you can only use by rooting the phone I'd just take some time to familiarize yourself with the phone and it's menus. New roms add a lot of flexibility and new features, but the new options/moved menus may just add to the frustration for now.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
I would personally suggest WidgetLocker, as you can put a music player widget(I'd suggest pure music widget 4x2), and DX Home as the homescreen. It's just iphone-like enough to look really nice, but it has android where it counts.
Android Heaven
Welcome to Android Heaven.
Here you'll find many choices during your PERMANENT stay
1) Awesome Customization
2) CIQ free
3)Games with better graphics
4)No Bloatware
5) Customs rooms and kernals
6)Google and Social Integration
7)Bigger Screen
8-9999999999999999999999999999999999999) Tell you the those reason later. Going to destroy something with my build in android phone camera laser/rocket/hologram
peconaut said:
Welcome to Android Heaven.
Here you'll find many choices during your PERMANENT stay
1) Awesome Customization
2) CIQ free
3)Games with better graphics
4)No Bloatware
5) Customs rooms and kernals
6)Google and Social Integration
7)Bigger Screen
8-9999999999999999999999999999999999999) Tell you the those reason later. Going to destroy something with my build in android phone camera laser/rocket/hologram
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't forget the kernel update for the Valkyrie rocket.
Any who back on topic. If your completely new, you're gonna want to wait a bit to root and ROM, as it can get overwhelming. Get a good feel of how it works. Look at a lot of reviews for your phone on YouTube, then search around the forums for some good tips. Especially stickies.. and yea
That's about it.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA App
if you don't really want a launcher that bad you can play around with the Samsung Launcher thing, and add music instead of contacts etc... Home Button > Settings > edit > switch >take out whatever you want and add whatever you want, sure it goes out of order but you can always put it back in order by Home > Settings > View Type > Alpha, etc..
blazin6969 said:
Hey guys been reading for a bit...Actually about 2 days now lol
Anyone else have a hard transistion over?
A few things im excited about is the wifi calling and possibly tehtering.
Right now Im tring to accomplish getting a different theme and removing the bloatware and might just wait for ICS to come out before I start playing with roms I feel like I got the phone a bad time because soon we will be transitioning over.
So right now,
Get a theme where I can access and change my music with out opening the to the home screen...
Wifi calling
And possibly tether but I think I need to install a custom rom and freeze the tether option.
Other than that just figure things out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best launchers are Go Launcher EX, ADW Launcher, or Launcher Pro in my opinion. If you want an iphone-like experience, MIUI is a good way to go but i dont think its quite ready for prime time for our phone though theres a MIUI Launcher standalone available, which has many of the same features from a UI standpoint.
As for lock screen controls, apps like Poweramp have lock screen controls for music. There are also lock replacements like Go Locker and Widget Locker that have customizable lock screens.
peconaut said:
Welcome to Android Heaven.
Here you'll find many choices during your PERMANENT stay
1) Awesome Customization
2) CIQ free
3)Games with better graphics
4)No Bloatware
5) Customs rooms and kernals
6)Google and Social Integration
7)Bigger Screen
8-9999999999999999999999999999999999999) Tell you the those reason later. Going to destroy something with my build in android phone camera laser/rocket/hologram
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is is strapped to a shark?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Like jumping to any platform you get your pros and your cons, You have a more flexible OS but Battery might not be as good the list goes on. and not every OS is made for everyone just give it a shot you have 30 days to change your mind.
Thanks for the info guys! Yea been playing with it a bit more I think the screen is a million times better than my 3gs I might try go locker or the launcher today
Get qq launcher. I use it now and love it. it's free in the market and had s bunch of different internal themes.you can use.
I'm using the iPhone theme for obvious reasons
There's a thread called home screenshots in the theme and apps section where you can take a look at how some ppl have their home screens set up with different launchers, themes, widgets, and icons that way you can get some ideas of how you might wanna set things up as for roms it's really up to you and which you like better there's no harm in trying each one til you find your daily driver remember you can always mix different roms and kernels and find what combo works best for you (just remember to stick to roms and kernels that are for our specific model you don't wanna end up with your first android paper weight) .. Btw I was the same had been using iPhones since the first one to the iphone4 and this was my first Android and haven't looked back since love this phone it's a beast!
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk
If you want to change the lockscreen around, try milocker. Its free and there are alot of options, plus you can change your lockscreen wallpaper.

Customize

Trying to customize phone like new battery icons different icons and such. But do i have to root phone and download roms or w.e or can i do it another way. I know of adw launcher but ive seen some sick looking phones and dont know how they got it like that.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
Research
I'm new to the customization game, but I learned most of what I know from hardcore research and google can track most of your questions in seconds.
try the go stuff in the market they have all kinds of cool things lockers ,keyboards , launchers , just search go invthe market this stuff doesnt need root
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
for most of the "hardcore" type mods , yes you have to be rooted, custom ROMs are a good place to start, if you find one you mostly like , you will not have to customize it as much ...
If you just Root and start modifying stock, you could be at it for a long time before you get it the way you want it , plus, some of the mods don't always play well with each other ...
I rooted and just found a custom rom I liked.

[Q] ROM advice please - switched from Evo 4G to Galaxy S2

I've been using the S2 for a couple weeks now and although I'm satisfied with it for the most part, I want the bloatware gone and I want it rooted. Easy enough, except for one thing; there are TONS of ROMs for it and I have no idea where to start as far as which ones are best, and don't want to have to flash dozens of them to find out.
A few things to note;
1 - I'm looking for ease of use, something that includes minimal apps or at least allows me to delete apps that are packaged with it if I don't want them, and something that gets good battery life. I read this thread here and may try Slim Beam Unofficial due to it's better battery life.
2 - Or is there a way to just rip the stock ROM off, remove what I don't want, re-package it and flash it back to the phone? That's what I did with my Evo but it's been over a year and I was VERY familiar with that phone and what tools to use for such tasks. A point in the right direction (ie: link to an informative thread on this subject) would suffice, but specific replies are very much appreciated.
3 - Useful apps would be nice. Perhaps not packaged WITH the ROM but just names of useful apps (I see Titanium Backup mentioned a lot on here) would be helpful. Something to easily copy contacts & texts/call records to my PC would also be nice - the Evo didn't have much as far as that went, at least not that I could find. Maybe some music mixing apps and memory editor suggestions too. This phone is new and exciting to me, capable of WAY more than my old Evo 4G. :victory:
4 - HTC and Samsung have much different interfaces. HTC's was more customizable...I'd like to get that back. Anyone know of any HTC interface ports? Specifically the way the icons on the screen are - I don't like being forced to keep the 4 it came with on the bottom, I'd like to change them to something more useful. Also some switches for a quick data network toggle (not by going into Data Usage to toggle) and stuff like that would be nice. I can do it the Samsung way if I have to, but HTC's interface was more user friendly for me.
Anyway, I'm glad to be back at xda. Thanks for any help/suggestions! :fingers-crossed:
Try AOKP 4.2.2 :thumbup:
AOKP B5 3/10nightly NOS V0.0.7
Suppose I'll try that or a stock Samsung ROM. Surprised at the lack of replies and suggestions...usually everyone has something to say on this forum.
Cl3kener AOKP 1.3 is very good. Has good audio apps, and several built in useful apps.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
Try aokp 4.1.2 everything works perfectly. 422 was great but bluetooth, specifically bluetooth tethering does not work. No issues with 412
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
I don't know anything about CM or AOKP roms cause I need Wi-Fi calling so I stick with TW. Ptmr3 has some good roms and puts out loaded and stripped roms. There is a lot of development here so your gonna have to do some research. Read the op's list of what's included and what doesn't work if any. Good luck
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
You need Jedi Jelly. Trust me. Best ROM in my opinion
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using xda premium
If you want to be able to customize most of the ROM you want PAC man. The best ROM for your needs.
----------------------------------------------
Phone: Galaxy s2 t989
Rom: PACman 21.0.1
Kernel: PAC
I'm full of great idea's, but don't have the time to create them or learn the coding to create them. If you want to make one of my ideas a reality just message me and I will give you my idea as specific as possible.
ideas:
-launcher/lock screen
-line rider type game where you control the character
-2d fighting game like art of fighting for the SNES
-multiplayer fps where you create your own map with a creative mode (minecraft style)
-roller coaster tycoon style game
-get phone out of sleep mode
-many more!
Just message me which idea you want info on and I'll tell you!
----------------------------------------------
In reading your post it seems as if to me 1 you need to simply root your phone. From that point forward you can do anything you want to it. Now coming from an Evo which I myself came from, at first things seem different but when its software related its relatively all the same. I know you said you were shocked at the lack of responses but I think thats because your questions/feelings are a simple fix and more personalized than just sending you somewhere.
You dont have to use the 4 at the bottom they can be switched and data toggles are all over the web. Not for nothing but you really need to do some homework on android and the amount of customization apps out there...You are missing out on quite a bit
Steps to personalizing your phone below:
Root your phone
Install Root Explorer
install Titanium Backup
Install Android Commander on your pc (if you like)
Just use Google or Google Play to look up apps
Hundreds of way to simplify your rom and I only named a few.
Use the SGS2 toolkit, install a custom recovery, and root your phone. From there you can delete all the Tmo bloatware and clean up the stock rom.
see how that is for a little while, and if you still aren't satisfied, you can try some of the other roms in the dev section.
As far as apps, I have all my contacts in gmail, which automatically syncs to my phone. Airdroid is a neat app that lets you manage stuff on your phone through a PC that is connected to the same network. Evernote, quickpic, photoeditor, titanium backup, and google drive are a few apps I always install.
refyused said:
I've been using the S2 for a couple weeks now and although I'm satisfied with it for the most part, I want the bloatware gone and I want it rooted. Easy enough, except for one thing; there are TONS of ROMs for it and I have no idea where to start as far as which ones are best, and don't want to have to flash dozens of them to find out.
A few things to note;
1 - I'm looking for ease of use, something that includes minimal apps or at least allows me to delete apps that are packaged with it if I don't want them, and something that gets good battery life. I read this thread here and may try Slim Beam Unofficial due to it's better battery life.
2 - Or is there a way to just rip the stock ROM off, remove what I don't want, re-package it and flash it back to the phone? That's what I did with my Evo but it's been over a year and I was VERY familiar with that phone and what tools to use for such tasks. A point in the right direction (ie: link to an informative thread on this subject) would suffice, but specific replies are very much appreciated.
3 - Useful apps would be nice. Perhaps not packaged WITH the ROM but just names of useful apps (I see Titanium Backup mentioned a lot on here) would be helpful. Something to easily copy contacts & texts/call records to my PC would also be nice - the Evo didn't have much as far as that went, at least not that I could find. Maybe some music mixing apps and memory editor suggestions too. This phone is new and exciting to me, capable of WAY more than my old Evo 4G. :victory:
4 - HTC and Samsung have much different interfaces. HTC's was more customizable...I'd like to get that back. Anyone know of any HTC interface ports? Specifically the way the icons on the screen are - I don't like being forced to keep the 4 it came with on the bottom, I'd like to change them to something more useful. Also some switches for a quick data network toggle (not by going into Data Usage to toggle) and stuff like that would be nice. I can do it the Samsung way if I have to, but HTC's interface was more user friendly for me.
Anyway, I'm glad to be back at xda. Thanks for any help/suggestions! :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All Star Devs or Jedi Knight Roms. I ran Slim Bean for a little bit, but the bugs, as insignificant as they may seemed, would occur too frequently. I'm currently testing out Jumping JellyBeans and lets just say I'll be flashing back to Jedi Knight this evening. Good luck on your ROM Quest.
Yeah I rooted it but it still doesn't function entirely the way I want it to.
In using this phone for a couple weeks now, one BIG complaint I have is the clock & weather widget on my Evo allowed me to check the weather OR change thje time/date/alarm simply by clicking it...unless I'm blind, the SG2 didn't even come with an alarm clock, let alone a way to click the clock widget and edit alarms.
Is there anything like that for the SG2? And yes, I do need to do more research and find out what's out there...which is kinda why I'm asking here instead of spending countless hours which I don't have, reading through tons of forums and trying tons of bunk apps. Anyway, thanks for the advice, it's been helpful so far!
Mr. bird said:
I don't know anything about CM or AOKP roms cause I need Wi-Fi calling so I stick with TW. Ptmr3 has some good roms and puts out loaded and stripped roms. There is a lot of development here so your gonna have to do some research. Read the op's list of what's included and what doesn't work if any. Good luck
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here - I need Wifi Calling.
What Rom are you running? I'm still on Darkside Evolution 3.8 (Andoid 4.0.3)
I've been looking for something a little more current, but haven't been able to find anything that has Wifi Calling.
mavblues said:
Same here - I need Wifi Calling.
What Rom are you running? I'm still on Darkside Evolution 3.8 (Andoid 4.0.3)
I've been looking for something a little more current, but haven't been able to find anything that has Wifi Calling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Evolution is still a good Rom. I have recently gone back to stock cause my phone has been acting up since it went for a swim but I was using jedi knight and jedi mind trick.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk HD
refyused said:
Yeah I rooted it but it still doesn't function entirely the way I want it to.
In using this phone for a couple weeks now, one BIG complaint I have is the clock & weather widget on my Evo allowed me to check the weather OR change thje time/date/alarm simply by clicking it...unless I'm blind, the SG2 didn't even come with an alarm clock, let alone a way to click the clock widget and edit alarms.
Is there anything like that for the SG2? And yes, I do need to do more research and find out what's out there...which is kinda why I'm asking here instead of spending countless hours which I don't have, reading through tons of forums and trying tons of bunk apps. Anyway, thanks for the advice, it's been helpful so far!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could always flash a better rom that is newer, like others have suggested. Any rom with ICS or above will have a clock that allows you to tap the widget and get the alarm, and can display the weather below it. If you're looking for a fully loaded rom, "PACman" (see the link in my signature at the bottom of this post) is the way to go. It it 3 roms built into one, "Paranoid Android, AOKP, Cyanogen Mod". I literally bought my SGSII just to be able to use the PACrom, (I came from a Tmobile MyTouch 4G (Doubleshot) which didn't have a working PACman rom link, so far as my patience to find one allowed).
Other options are to install a new launcher for your phone, like the "Go Launcher" from the play store, or an htc clock widget from the playstore or online. Either of the 2 will instantly provide you with your clock and weather settings.
I have world weather clock widget on my lockscreen. Has weather and time. I think there might be a way to configure it to set alarms, but I'm not sure. I don't really ever set alarms on my phone.
I am using JB 4.1.2 with build Jedi Mind Trick JB2 and the beta kernel as a DD and it is fast and smooth. Prior to I was using Jedi Mind Trick X4 by the same dev and I prefer JB 4.1.2 over the X4 but everyone is different.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1818305
---------- Post added at 03:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:18 AM ----------
refyused said:
unless I'm blind, the SG2 didn't even come with an alarm clock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
go to the clock and create an alarm

Categories

Resources