Software buttons annoyance! - Samsung Galaxy Nexus

Sent quite a few text messages and emails today and closed both the applications a few times in error as the homepage button is right under the space bar and very sensitive!
I suppose I will get use to it however with time.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

This is what I fear the most when I first heard about the software button. Hopefully my fingers will get used to it.

It's not too different from having a capacitive button right below the screen. Just need to type a little slower I'd say

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTMpctKxY3E&sns=em
He agrees with you.

Type in landscape mode
Sent from my X10i using xda premium

_hyperdude said:
It's not too different from having a capacitive button right below the screen. Just need to type a little slower I'd say
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I'd say having software buttons and having capacitive buttons are both equally bad for this reason. This is why I prefer real physical buttons.

Tjotte said:
Type in landscape mode
Sent from my X10i using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YT guy also agrees with you. Win. Win.

Try a keyboard on which you can set the height of the bottom row. Thumb keyboard for example or smart keyboard. Btw as the developer of thumb keyboard I plan to add an option to add extra space under the bottom row of the keyboard so it floats a bit above the keys.

They just need to make the softbuttons hide when the keyboard is open. Not hide completely but minimize so it would require 2 taps. One to maximize the buttons and one tap to go. Or shuffle them around. Or add a forth softbutton (search?) So the alignment isn't directly below it.
It happens even on my G2x. I think its just growing pains when moving into a larger screen. Going from a Nexus One to a G2x (3.7" to 4") messed up my typing until I got used to it.
G2x - 2.3.7 CM7
Transformer - 3.2 Revolver OC/UV

player911 said:
They just need to make the softbuttons hide when the keyboard is open. Not hide completely but minimize so it would require 2 taps. One to maximize the buttons and one tap to go. Or shuffle them around. Or add a forth softbutton (search?) So the alignment isn't directly below it.
It happens even on my G2x. I think its just growing pains when moving into a larger screen. Going from a Nexus One to a G2x (3.7" to 4") messed up my typing until I got used to it.
G2x - 2.3.7 CM7
Transformer - 3.2 Revolver OC/UV
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think Google just needs to figure out that having a virtual home button is a really ****ing dumb idea. Apple figured this out with the iPhone 1. Why the **** can't Google get a clue already?

Chirality said:
I think Google just needs to figure out that having a virtual home button is a really ****ing dumb idea. Apple figured this out with the iPhone 1. Why the **** can't Google get a clue already?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take a pill and chill on the language.

appelflap said:
Try a keyboard on which you can set the height of the bottom row. Thumb keyboard for example or smart keyboard. Btw as the developer of thumb keyboard I plan to add an option to add extra space under the bottom row of the keyboard so it floats a bit above the keys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're the fellow behind Thumb Keyboard? I love TB Keyboard! I've emailed you a few times about custom auto-corrections. Please implement them soon! It's the only one single thing missing from TB Keyboard.
Edit: And yes, I can vouch. Thumb keyboard is excellent and allows you to adjust the space bar line.

onthecouchagain said:
You're the fellow behind Thumb Keyboard? I love TB Keyboard! I've emailed you a few times about custom auto-corrections. Please implement them soon! It's the only one single thing missing from TB Keyboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm working on a update in which I want to include the new spellchecking options offered by Ice cream sandwich. When working on it I also want to look at some options to customize the suggestion model. For now I'm planning to add the new ICS suggestion model as an option. For me it isn't as useful as the current suggestion model used, but I'm sure for others it will fit their typing style better.

Chirality said:
I think Google just needs to figure out that having a virtual home button is a really ****ing dumb idea. Apple figured this out with the iPhone 1. Why the **** can't Google get a clue already?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Settle it down a little bit man...

appelflap said:
I'm working on a update in which I want to include the new spellchecking options offered by Ice cream sandwich. When working on it I also want to look at some options to customize the suggestion model. For now I'm planning to add the new ICS suggestion model as an option. For me it isn't as useful as the current suggestion model used, but I'm sure for others it will fit their typing style better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds terrific.
Will custom auto corrections be in an update after that? I think since everyone types a little differently and thus makes their own mistakes, custom auto corrections will go a long way in helping everyone's typing. For example, I know I constantly hit "km" instead of "I'm". It'd be great if I could set up a custom correction where every single "km" typed will correct to "I'm."

landscape ftw tbh

Chirality said:
I think Google just needs to figure out that having a virtual home button is a really ****ing dumb idea. Apple figured this out with the iPhone 1. Why the **** can't Google get a clue already?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Virtual buttons are awesome. They just need tweaks. Perhaps just reordered. Or perhaps make the icons further down on the screen and make the hit area smaller while the keyboard is up. There are lots of solutions.
Just needs tweaked.
G2x - 2.3.7 CM7
Transformer - 3.2 Revolver OC/UV

player911 said:
Virtual buttons are awesome. They just need tweaks. Perhaps just reordered. Or perhaps make the icons further down on the screen and make the hit area smaller while the keyboard is up. There are lots of solutions.
Just needs tweaked.
G2x - 2.3.7 CM7
Transformer - 3.2 Revolver OC/UV
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's good about virtual buttons?

Chirality said:
What's good about virtual buttons?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are virtual? (I had to guys.)
For starters? No physical buttons = bigger screens for the same real estate since you don't have to have the space for actual physical buttons and as an added bonus less complexity and chance of something physical breaking or going wrong in the device since it's all screen. You could argue that costs come down do to less hardware and time to actually make a device that's all screen. I'd also say if you wanted to add something down the line with the virtual buttons it's easy: software tweak.

You can do a lot more with software than you can with hardware.

Related

can i real developer help me out?

im running cm6 barebones. how do i add more than 8 recent apps in the recent apps liat (long gome press) id like to set 16-24. i know you ciuld do this in darchdroid on the hero.... please help!
unable to help. blinded by grammar.
must be a tough thing to spell correctly nowadays.
AvatarOfFrost said:
unable to help. blinded by grammar.
must be a tough thing to spell correctly nowadays.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
speaking of, how do i thicken the htc buttons in htc_ime
hapticchaos said:
speaking of, how do i thicken the htc buttons in htc_ime
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keyboard settings - HTC IME - user interface - key width adjust.
You can choose how many pixels separate each key on the keyboard. For fatter keys you want less space between keys so choose 0.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
abanh said:
Keyboard settings - HTC IME - user interface - key width adjust.
You can choose how many pixels separate each key on the keyboard. For fatter keys you want less space between keys so choose 0.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool... can i make them go wider? Theres still plenty of room on this huge screen.
Any word of the app list mod? ?
im no developer....nor a 'real one' at that...
but uhhh???
menu>settings>cyanogenmod settings>input settings>long-press home settings>number of recent apps
however the choices are only from 8-15
hope this helps!!!
goodelyfe said:
im no developer....nor a 'real one' at that...
but uhhh???
menu>settings>cyanogenmod settings>input settings>long-press home settings>number of recent apps
however the choices are only from 8-15
hope this helps!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i figured that out a long time ago.
id like to mod it to show 24 apps, high res icons. with the option to end the process from the list. take the multitasking to a whole new level. eyecatching, simple, and fun like webos. who made this mod? cyanogenmod is open source, right? could someone who knows how to do this help out?
i do all this from my evo, coming from physical kb so still getting used to all touch. thanks SO much for the support, but i do speak american english
ohhhhhh, i think you are talking about visual tasker?
http://www.androidpolice.com/2010/0...al-task-switcher-now-available-on-the-market/

[Q] [App Idea] Soft keyboard that only shows numbers while using physical keyboard

I am certainly no developer, but I was wondering if there was a way to make a soft keyboard that would only show a row of numbers while the physical keyboard is in use, but would show a normal full keyboard when only using the soft keyboard. While I love the physical keyboard on the G2, I do miss my G1's 5th row. The way I was thinking this could be implemented is the same way swiftkey works. While using the physical keyboard it still shows predicted words that you can click. What I am describing (possibly not very well) is exactly what swiftkey does, but a row of numbers instead of predicted text.
Is this possible? If something like this already exists I do apologize, I searched around but could not find anything like this. Thanks!
Also this should probably be in themes/apps. I meant to put it there, just clicked on the wrong thing, feel free to move it!
gbpack2306 said:
I am certainly no developer, but I was wondering if there was a way to make a soft keyboard that would only show a row of numbers while the physical keyboard is in use, but would show a normal full keyboard when only using the soft keyboard. While I love the physical keyboard on the G2, I do miss my G1's 5th row. The way I was thinking this could be implemented is the same way swiftkey works. While using the physical keyboard it still shows predicted words that you can click. What I am describing (possibly not very well) is exactly what swiftkey does, but a row of numbers instead of predicted text.
Is this possible? If something like this already exists I do apologize, I searched around but could not find anything like this. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No idea if it's possible, but I want it!
Me 3...
DUDE!!! GENIUS! Thats is a Grade A, #1, winner idea.
if you dont know how to, contact some1 who does....
+1 That is a great idea.
Well, I really wouldn't want a row of numbers to take away from my screen real-estate while I'm browsing the web.
BUT! The G2 does have those new quick keys on it which may come in handy? All we need to is preset one of the quick keys to pop up the numbers row when pressed, and hide it when pressed again.
I think this is a great idea, and would love to see if this could be done. I don't see why someone cant make this into a VERY SIMPLE APP FOR THE G2?
havikx said:
DUDE!!! GENIUS! Thats is a Grade A, #1, winner idea.
if you dont know how to, contact some1 who does....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I'm glad people like the idea. If something doesn't come of this thread, I'll definitely look into finding someone to help.
WilliamStern said:
Well, I really wouldn't want a row of numbers to take away from my screen real-estate while I'm browsing the web.
BUT! The G2 does have those new quick keys on it which may come in handy? All we need to is preset one of the quick keys to pop up the numbers row when pressed, and hide it when pressed again.
I think this is a great idea, and would love to see if this could be done. I don't see why someone cant make this into a VERY SIMPLE APP FOR THE G2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While I certainly don't dislike this idea, and I would totally use it if someone developed it this way, I would prefer it be implemented more like I described above for a couple of reasons.
1. You say you don't want a row of number blocking part of your screen while browsing the web. The numbers, if implemented like SwiftKey does their suggestive text, would only come up when you are in a text field.
2. I don't know, but I feel like using the quick keys would require root, which we don't (permanently) have yet.
3. There are several other phones out there that could benefit from an app like this, such as the droid, droid 2, mytouch slide, etc because they also have a "full" four row keyboard. If we used the quick keys, they wouldn't be able to take advantage of this
+1 to the list of people who think this is a great idea. One of the G2's significant shortcomings is that the keyboard is only 4 rows, which makes typing numbers very cumbersome. This would be a great solution to that problem.
I agree this would be a great idea. Also adding in the spell check bar would make my day. Even with the physical keyboard I sometimes hit the wrong letter or just can't spell a word.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
Posting in a epic Thread.
Hope this become real.
"Softkeyboard that only shows numbers while using physical keyboard" FTW!
raitchison said:
One of the G2's significant shortcomings is that the keyboard is only 4 rows, which makes typing numbers very cumbersome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope you realize that hitting the alt key twice in a row will put it in a "Alt-lock" mode, so to speak. This will allow you to type numbers without having to hit alt after each number. Of course, you'll have to hit alt one more time to switch back to regular letters.
Stryder5 said:
I hope you realize that hitting the alt key twice in a row will put it in a "Alt-lock" mode, so to speak. This will allow you to type numbers without having to hit alt after each number. Of course, you'll have to hit alt one more time to switch back to regular letters.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its a good idea, but if you were to dedicate a key to it, it seems kinda pointless
I mean double-tap ALT will lock number keys. So it doesn't seem like that much of an issue.
great idea tho. How can we make it better?
Best idea since that app that fixed the white G1 backlit key issue lol. Finally have a pirpose for these dumb ass quick keys.
If someone did this right this could be the new swype... preloaded on all 4 row sliders.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using telepathy and unicorn dust!
i'm highly upset i never dove deeper into developing. this seems like something fairly simple to develop, for some1 who knows developing.
please do. this 4 row is killing me.
I would pay a couple bucks for this app, and it seems pretty simple. Someone please make it!
+1
love it. i think that could be a great app that i'd for sure use
I'd gladly pay for this. I really hope something comes of this thread.
I made these tonight.
G2NumberKeyboard shows a number row whenever the keyboard is open.
G2NumberToggleKeyboard shows/hides the number row whenever you press and hold the right shift key.
It works ok, but has a few bugs (for instance, sometimes the number row doesn't appear without sliding the screen closed/open, sometimes the number row stays on-screen after leaving the input box, etc).
Install the apk then enable in Settings -> Keyboard
Give it a try and let me know/give feedback.

Thumb Keyboard review

I am really liking this keyboard:
http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/02/26/thumb-keyboard-is-an-epic-win-for-tablet-typing-hands-on/
Been using it from day one. It is perfect for tablet typing
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
My only gripe is that it takes over the whole screen sometimes... not always but most of the time it does and that bugs me.
I've changed it to the 10" tablet setting as well.
I've been holding out for SwiftKey's thumb keyboard. They demo'd it at the same time as the Xoom but I can't even find a beta. Thumb keyboard is absolutly necessary.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
BBalz said:
My only gripe is that it takes over the whole screen sometimes... not always but most of the time it does and that bugs me.
I've changed it to the 10" tablet setting as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a option to actually not make it take over the entire screen.
Under options "Suppress Fullscreen Mode"
stigmax said:
There is a option to actually not make it take over the entire screen.
Under options "Suppress Fullscreen Mode"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After changing that setting this has become easily my favorite app on the Xoom so far.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
Just got thumb keyboard. Seems like it will take a little getting used to, but so far I like it. Some of the punctuation is difficult to find, but I'm sure that comes with time.
Also, I think there only needs to be a single g on the keyboard, I find myself wanting to hit h but hitting g instead.
I'm gonna play around with the settings a lil bit, see what I come up with.
Thanks for the suggestion on this keyboard
I totally enjoyed using this keyboard. I wish they could let us to rearrange some of the layout. But I found I use the thumb keyboard when I'm holding it with two hands. Otherwise when the tablet is flat on the tablet I prefer the default google keyboard.
Bought it today and I really like it. The numbers are a little hard to reach.
Just got this app a little while ago and it's very intuitive for an OG Droid user.
Things I like:
Hold a key for alt character instead of pressing the '[email protected]' key and switching back.
Numbers are easily accessible.
.com key!
Smileys. :-D
Directional keys.
Things I don't like:
The location of the backspace key. I'm so used to it being in the upper right that when I want to erase stuff I type pppp instead. It's also too close to the enter key.
It's a bit sensative.
some of the punctuation is oddly placed,
Otherwise, excellent app and worth the $.
XOOM'd from the XDA app.
Bought it. Cool, thanks.
Liking it a lot. Though I just got it, I'm still not completely used to the thumb keyboard but for sure, it's more comfortable and much quicker than the default.
I bought this Thumb keyboard; however I'm not sure I'll keep using it. I'm not really liking the layout with the duplicate keys on both sides. Also, it seems like a big calculator, so unpleasant looking. I think the SlideIT keyboard looks pretty good. Looking forward to it's release. I think there's huge room for improvement in on screen keyboards. Why don't they give some nice visual feedback when keys are pressed? They should make it glow around the key that's pressed. Honeycomb is 2D accelerated so it should be easy for companies to make a nice looking and responsive keyboard.
i really like this keyboard, my only complaint is the spacebar....
i;ve tried adjusting its size and find making it much larger is helpful, but i still find myself missing it.
i think a great place for an additional space bar would be the blank space between the numberpad/special keys (both sides) in landscape mode.
The Xoom is my first Android device and I saw that on the review page there is this 2D barcode. How do I use the Xoom to scan this? Maybe I am just stupid
funnycreature said:
The Xoom is my first Android device and I saw that on the review page there is this 2D barcode. How do I use the Xoom to scan this? Maybe I am just stupid
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe try Google Goggles?

[APP][LAUNCHER] TasKarou Launcher Overlay

Tired of moving your fingers up/down your tablet to switch applications? Try out TasKarou!
TasKarou is a multitasking launcher overlay.
Taking inspiration from the 'Quick Controls' feature in the android browser, TasKarou provides a multitasking layer on top of a launcher on tablets.
By swiping anywhere on the left or right edge of your tablet screen, you can activate TasKarou's UI.
It gives you access to a quick, smooth, and intuitive interface to facilitate app launch, transition, and management for the user
The user interface brings a more responsive, and enjoyable level of interaction to your tablet.
Notes:
To use TasKarou, set it as the default home launcher, and from TasKarou's settings, select the actual home launcher you want to overlay.
TasKarou user interface is then triggered by swiping from either the left of right edge of your tablet screen, while still allowing access to the overlaid home launcher through the home button.
The app is also available in the android market.
nice app, but how do i use the browser controls? when im in the browser and put my finger to the side the taskarou menu opens...
kendong2 said:
nice app, but how do i use the browser controls? when im in the browser and put my finger to the side the taskarou menu opens...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not possible to use both at the same time, since both controls rely on the user touching the edge of the screen.
If you have an idea on how I could get around that issue, I'm all ear.
ne0fhyk said:
It's not possible to use both at the same time, since both controls rely on the user touching the edge of the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that sucks, because it basically makes the browser unusable.
ne0fhyk said:
If you have an idea on how I could get around that issue, I'm all ear.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
some ideas from the top of my head:
- disable taskarou menu completely when in browser
- disable one side of the screen (permanently or when in browser)
- disable the upper/lower/middle half of the screen (permanently or when in browser)
on another note, the notification HAS to go. at least make it optional.
that being said, i really do like the concept of the app :good: i found myself regularly swiping in from the screen edges when not in browser, and then being disappointed that nothing happened.
kendong2 said:
that sucks, because it basically makes the browser unusable.
some ideas from the top of my head:
- disable taskarou menu completely when in browser
- disable one side of the screen (permanently or when in browser)
- disable the upper/lower/middle half of the screen (permanently or when in browser)
on another note, the notification HAS to go. at least make it optional.
that being said, i really do like the concept of the app :good: i found myself regularly swiping in from the screen edges when not in browser, and then being disappointed that nothing happened.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your suggestions. I have a few other ideas along with the ones you suggest that I will try to integrate, and test in the following days.
In the meantime, I updated TasKarou to also support android phones. I duplicated this thread in the 'Android Apps and Games' section to make it more visible: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1984010
I like this. Definitely a nice addition to my current launcher.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Definitely slick in some aspects. Can't say I really like it as it messes with my LMT set up and takes up more RAM on top of it.
There's a lot to be done like distinguishing different "hotspots" and designating right side only or left side only. Overall though I really enjoy the transitions and how the menu auto-switches based on which choices you're hovering over. Very intuitive choices too that I agree with about which things go where.
Looking forward to the potential this holds in the future. I may just abandon my LMT setup if done right.
Edit: And of course the ability for users to add/edit the options, potentially switch the color for mere superficial reasons. Something like my screenshot.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Xparent Cyan Tapatalk 2
ne0fhyk said:
It's not possible to use both at the same time, since both controls rely on the user touching the edge of the screen.
If you have an idea on how I could get around that issue, I'm all ear.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe ask SwipePad's developer.
(I'm not being sarcastic)
Really useful. Love the idea, but it does cause a few conflicts with apps that rely on swiping from the sides of the screen. Having said that, when I set the margin to 13 pixels I can use the Dolphin browser (for example) without too many issues by not swiping from the outer edge, but by placing the finger a little more away from the edge and then swiping inwards. Other apps are less forgiving.
What about a button in the notification area, which is visible at all times anyways?
EDIT:
If swiping has the preference, then it would be more logical to align the available programs/tasks to the side from which was swiped. Swiping and selecting can be done with one hand then, regardless of which hand was used to swipe with.
The recents button is useless, I never use it, ever.
I'd like the option to use this instead and just disable the side activation altogether.
Nice idea. However on TF101 after getting the quick control moving the finger to one of the options too fast causes the quick controls to disappear. I have to move the thumb really slow in order to select any option. Hopefully, this will be fixed soon:fingers-crossed:.
ppl get over it, the man is trying to make ur life simpler, so if u don't like some stuff about the app then tell him your opinions in a decent way so he can make a proper development for the app instead of trashing it, otherwise f*** off
I like this!
1. I only see it from the right edge in portrait.
2. Might have a user selected area(s) for its swipe. This would allow those with conflicts to fix them. There is a similar app on Play which just gives a row running/recent apps icons which is not a bad interface. I found its use of the bottom obtrusive.
3. The home key does not go home in the base browser (I am using Trebuchet on a CM10).
4. There is a difference between "running" and "recent" (exited, cached, and still available.) !!
Long press of home gives a vertically tiled thumbnail view of both.
Taskarou shows only icons of running apps, not recent.
Taskarou should show both, either in two panes or in one with some distinction?, i.e. frame around one or the other. I sort of like having the thumbnails and they could be tiled or cascaded. If cascaded, should be focus-able, if tiled, scroll larger view like the app list. Best eliminated the number of apps option or make that for the pane (but that would be scroll-able for more). Cascading the main webOS motif. Flick down to kill?
mosta_9741 said:
ppl get over it, the man is trying to make ur life simpler, so if u don't like some stuff about the app then tell him your opinions in a decent way so he can make a proper development for the app instead of trashing it, otherwise f*** off
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all, as far as I can see, no one is trashing his app. So maybe lower your tone a bit and at least pretend to be able to communicate in a proper way.instead of telling people to "F-off".
The developer probably appreciates the feedback as he responds to it. Feedback (be it positive or negative) is valuable for both him and the app he works on. The end product can benefit from any kind of feedback as it points out flaws and strong points, and it can give the developer some different perspectives and experiences from different users and from different devices.
The day a developer stops listening to his/her targeted market is the day the product will begin its downfall.
Hey man, I just noticed that you dont have a video demo on google play... would you like one? I can do some switches with a background music... may I do it and you decide after if use it or not?
360porcento said:
Hey man, I just noticed that you dont have a video demo on google play... would you like one? I can do some switches with a background music... may I do it and you decide after if use it or not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That'd be cool, thanks.
Was having issues on my Nexus 7 running SmoothRom 4.1.2. Updated to 4.2 and no more disappearing quick controls as soon as my finger leaves the border. To get them to stay I had to leave my finger there for at least 1.5 seconds. Now all is well. Really liking it. I look forward to extended and customizable menus
Update:
Scratch that. Conflict was gesture control. Had it set to consume events in starting zone. So a touch on the edge first went to gesture control. Just an iD10t error.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
ddlooping said:
That'd be cool, thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you the the same guy as the OP?
360porcento said:
Are you the the same guy as the OP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No but it'd cool regardless as I'd be interested in seeing it in action.
(the app that is)
360porcento said:
Hey man, I just noticed that you dont have a video demo on google play... would you like one? I can do some switches with a background music... may I do it and you decide after if use it or not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would loved one, that'd be greatly appreciated... thanks! (i am the op)

I don't like this trend...

... of apps ignoring the menu key.
I've always preferred the menu - home - back layout Samsung has stuck with. It just feels more natural to me... Now though I'm starting to think the new Android design guidelines are going to pose a big usability problem.
Especially on big phones like the GS3, having to reach to the top of the phone to get at common options is an annoyance at best. Mint is one of the latest apps to implement the new design guidelines that renders the menu button useless.
I hope the development community can come up with a workaround - if they haven't already. Anyone know of efforts to remap or otherwise keep the menu button useful?
Its not really the dev community that controls the design guidelines.. as you know google updates them with each iteration of Android. The problem here is, starting from the Galaxy Nexus, none of Google's phones have come with a menu button. Google believes this is better (for some reason) and so all the design guidelines are trending towards making the menu button obsolete.
Samsung on the other hand is slowly becoming the only manufacturer to persist with the menu button.
From a development perspective, its easy enough to support devices with/without a menu button, with the same piece of code. I feel the main reason big Android apps are moving to the Holo bar menu button is for uniformity like in iOS (which is what Google wants in the first place)
There are roms that let you easily re-assign the menu button. For example, I have menu bound to recent apps (android standard is back, home, recent apps) with long press recent apps as menu for those few cases where apps still use the menu button.
As much as you may like the menu button it is more than on its way out at this point. Despite what samsung has been building their phones with.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
50% of the reason I like a physical home button is because for me, it's easier to power up the phone...and more natural, less effort etc. I also go into standby by an upward gesture on my homescreen so on/off is very quick and handy.
The other half is that I have more screen real estate.
pngface said:
Its not really the dev community that controls the design guidelines.. as you know google updates them with each iteration of Android. The problem here is, starting from the Galaxy Nexus, none of Google's phones have come with a menu button. Google believes this is better (for some reason) and so all the design guidelines are trending towards making the menu button obsolete.
Samsung on the other hand is slowly becoming the only manufacturer to persist with the menu button.
From a development perspective, its easy enough to support devices with/without a menu button, with the same piece of code. I feel the main reason big Android apps are moving to the Holo bar menu button is for uniformity like in iOS (which is what Google wants in the first place)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uniformity is huge, have you seen that picture with the buttons of around 10 android popular phones in which none of them have the same buttons/order.
Also, as an ex-galaxy nexus user, I must say that on-screen buttons are FAR better than what we have. The only down side is lost screen space in most apps (some stuff does go full screen). But the customizability of the software buttons is SO NICE. you can change the size of the bar, the colour, what buttons are there, what the icons are. The slide for google now is much more intuitive that long pressing menu. XDA devs have even added the ability to add what ever you want to the google now slide up gesture. (including widgets).
The software bar is simply a modder's wet dream
Sure uniformity is cool, but what's more uniform than a menu key that's just there all the time? I don't even have to think about it; I want settings/options, I press the menu key. This has honestly been one of my favorite design elements of Android. I hate that this is being phased out.
Ah well, nothing I can do about it.
themadproducer said:
50% of the reason I like a physical home button is because for me, it's easier to power up the phone...and more natural, less effort etc. I also go into standby by an upward gesture on my homescreen so on/off is very quick and handy.
The other half is that I have more screen real estate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you have it set up to sleep with a screen gesture?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
yamahakid said:
How do you have it set up to sleep with a screen gesture?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's 2 parts...but super simple and turbo quick!
I use Go Launcher EX. Many of the custom launchers have Gesture ability. (unlike stock TouchWiz) There are 2 types of gestures in GLex. The one I use is an upward gesture anywhere on any home screen. (you could choose an icon in the dock as well) and it's not the Gesture Pad feature. For me, this works well as I never find myself swiping upwards on the home screen except to initiate SCREEN OFF....although I have requested them to add a 2 finger swipe for extra control.
The 2nd part is an app called "screen off and lock" which I have been using for years. I tell GLex to execute SOAL with an upward gesture on the home screen. Works flawlessly. (GLex has it's own plugin for screen off...but it is laggy)
SOAL also has CRT similar fx and other options. But I just use the clean screen off effect and it's INSTANT. I literally can turn on my S3 with my physical home button, swipe to unlock. then swipe up to lock/screen off in under a second...and keep repeating...no lag. (that's not what I use it for per-say...but just to show that it is fast...all with my thumb in a close proximity area.)
Just got it all set up and I'm loving it so far. Thanks a lot
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
yamahakid said:
Just got it all set up and I'm loving it so far. Thanks a lot
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right on, glad you tried it out.
To me, little things like this make the experience so much better.
Are you using GLex?
themadproducer said:
Right on, glad you tried it out.
To me, little things like this make the experience so much better.
Are you using GLex?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I have an s3, but I flashed a fix that changed my build.prop to gnex so I can run Google wallet.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
yamahakid said:
No I have an s3, but I flashed a fix that changed my build.prop to gnex so I can run Google wallet.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha Ha...no...actually I meant Go Launcher EX? (GLex)
What launcher do you use to perform the swipe?
themadproducer said:
Ha Ha...no...actually I meant Go Launcher EX? (GLex)
What launcher do you use to perform the swipe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha oh I thought you made a typo. I'm using apex launcher.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
radeon_x said:
... of apps ignoring the menu key.
I've always preferred the menu - home - back layout Samsung has stuck with. It just feels more natural to me... Now though I'm starting to think the new Android design guidelines are going to pose a big usability problem.
Especially on big phones like the GS3, having to reach to the top of the phone to get at common options is an annoyance at best. Mint is one of the latest apps to implement the new design guidelines that renders the menu button useless.
I hope the development community can come up with a workaround - if they haven't already. Anyone know of efforts to remap or otherwise keep the menu button useful?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Video about some of my likes and dislikes about the GS3 overall its the best smartphone I have ever owned .
That's one thing that annoys me about the Android OS not being unified... some apps will ignore the menu, some wont.

Categories

Resources