I've modded the Kindle app to make it more eInk friendly (especially for Nook Simple Touch (NST)). The changes include:
White mode background is really white, not light gray. White mode text is really black, not something close to black.
Black mode background/text same as above.
Sepia mode unchanged.
Reading progress bar changed from shaded spheres (barely visible on eInk) to empty and filled squares.
Library background now white with black text.
Other text(s) changed to black.
I've signed this app and the signature is different from the original app, so you will need to uninstall your existing Kindle app and install this one.
wskelly said:
I've signed this app and the signature is different from the original app, so you will need to uninstall your existing Kindle app and install this one. If someone can tell me how to sign so that the signatures match that would get around this issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure the point of signatures is to prove who made the update. That is, only the developers of the app have the original signing key. So I don't think there's a way of getting your signature to match theirs.
sayno2quat said:
I'm pretty sure the point of signatures is to prove who made the update. That is, only the developers of the app have the original signing key. So I don't think there's a way of getting your signature to match theirs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks sayno -- I've been thinking about this for a few days and your explanation makes perfect sense to me. Of course this measure will prevent someone from hijacking an app from a known source with another one. Thanks for the reply.
Thanks a lot for your modified Kindle App, I like it a lot!
Library background now white with black text is quite an improvement, thanks.
Regarding whiter background and darker text, I just notice it a bit. I've made the same tweaks on CoolReader and MoonREader and i don't know why but MoonReader displayed the best results.
I use lcd density (crank it up to 260) to make dicitonary window more readable.
This app is amazing. Can it have Partial Refresh feature ?
Hi, Any chance of this app with a different font? Or a way to change fonts?
I believe kindle uses Droid serif where as I prefer the Nook standard san-serif. I think the fonts are in rom so can't be changed? I couldn't seem to rename Droid font (or another) so I can just replace it with a san-serif renamed to Droid.
Does this version have the page animation? i.e. double refresh...
Thanks
My antivirus (F-Secure), marked the APK as containing Malware and removed it during download. Anyone else experiencing this? Or can clarify why it is getting marked as Malware?
PsymonDK said:
My antivirus (F-Secure), marked the APK as containing Malware and removed it during download. Anyone else experiencing this? Or can clarify why it is getting marked as Malware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are probably compared this app's signature against the play store's master list of signatures, didn't find this one's, and considered malware.
failed to figure out how to use it, meaning, how to open my books on mini SD-card, buying books is not an option for me, sorry. Had to remove it.
Does this support delivery via @kindle.com or @FREE.kindle.com? Thanks
Hi,
I had installed kindle from the store directly, and when i came across your modified app, i renamed the installed kindle app to .bak and copied your apk to /system/apps ... i rebooted but kindle app not showing in the app drawer.
All this on my Nook Simple Touch (with Glowlight) ...
did i do anything differently ?
Thanks & Cheers.
Just found this ... cool stuff!
Works great on my rooted Sony PRS-T1 and my ImcoSys V6L
Thanks for your effort!
You need to uninstall the existing Kindle app and install this one. And it doesn't need to be in the system folder. Just tap on the apk file to install from any file manager.
@salinok, awesome to know it worked on another platform!
wskelly said:
I've modded the Kindle app to make it more eInk friendly (especially for Nook Simple Touch (NST)). The changes include:
White mode background is really white, not light gray. White mode text is really black, not something close to black.
Black mode background/text same as above.
Sepia mode unchanged.
Reading progress bar changed from shaded spheres (barely visible on eInk) to empty and filled squares.
Library background now white with black text.
Other text(s) changed to black.
I've signed this app and the signature is different from the original app, so you will need to uninstall your existing Kindle app and install this one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi wskelly,
I tried it on the Onyx Boox M96, the 9.7" e-ink ereader. Another user on mobileread forums tried it on the Onyx Boox T68. We both find that when we open a book, the first page is displayed fine, although with some artifacts from the previous page (bookshelf). However, the next page & all subsequent pages after loading, turn totally black. If I click on the middle of the page, click on contrast button & click on 'white' (although already seleted), the page displays fine. but on turning the page the same black page is displayed. Can't just keep on doing this manually for all pages.
There still are a lot of page turn animations. Need a way to disable them, since they just leave artifacts.
There doesn't seem to be a way to open books from local storage.
Is it possible to port the modification to one of the current Kindle for Android builds, for example 4.6.0.114. :angel:
Thanks.
Well, the Nook is like Android Froyo or Gingerbread, at best. I looked for the Boox M96 and it looks like it is running Android 4 which is ICS. There *might* be some sort of incompatibility, kind of doubting it, but maybe. Removing page animations would be a good thing also, I agree with you, I will look into doing that.
And just to note for everyone -- this is just the Android Kindle app but modified so that the background color is white. The eInk display doesn't need to render some sort of gray-ish background when it already is sort of gray, I wanted a true white background. So that essentially is involved finding the suspect color and changing it to 0xFFFFFF. The other change was to make some little ball graphics into squares -- which are higher contrast on eInk.
If you can't open a book from local storage, then this is an issue with the original Amazon app.
For a newer Kindle for Android version, I might be able to make the changes but can't test them, since my Nook is probably not going to support the most recent Kindle app. I will check though...
Does the latest Kindle version work fine on your Boox, without the black screen issue?
wskelly said:
Well, the Nook is like Android Froyo or Gingerbread, at best. I looked for the Boox M96 and it looks like it is running Android 4 which is ICS. There *might* be some sort of incompatibility, kind of doubting it, but maybe. Removing page animations would be a good thing also, I agree with you, I will look into doing that.
And just to note for everyone -- this is just the Android Kindle app but modified so that the background color is white. The eInk display doesn't need to render some sort of gray-ish background when it already is sort of gray, I wanted a true white background. So that essentially is involved finding the suspect color and changing it to 0xFFFFFF. The other change was to make some little ball graphics into squares -- which are higher contrast on eInk.
If you can't open a book from local storage, then this is an issue with the original Amazon app.
For a newer Kindle for Android version, I might be able to make the changes but can't test them, since my Nook is probably not going to support the most recent Kindle app. I will check though...
Does the latest Kindle version work fine on your Boox, without the black screen issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
I hereby submit my M96 as a guinea pig for your modified app, when you want it. . :good:
The official Kindle app version 4.6.0.114 works fine, & displays the book pages ok, either downloaded from Amazon, or the ones on local storage.
The issue is that Onyx, due to their 'optimization', do not refresh the screen on my M96 all that often, so due to the page turn animations, it leaves behind those horrible artifacts. I would just like it to include your modifications, so that it displays proper black on white text & forgets to do these unwanted animations.
The main problem we M96 & T68 users are facing with your modded app is the page turning black (even though it has a workaround - settings -> contrast -> white - but needs to be done for each page). Otherwise its is working. Requesting you to modify a new version of the app is just a bonus.
wskelly said:
Well, the Nook is like Android Froyo or Gingerbread, at best. I looked for the Boox M96 and it looks like it is running Android 4 which is ICS. There *might* be some sort of incompatibility, kind of doubting it, but maybe. Removing page animations would be a good thing also, I agree with you, I will look into doing that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually android 2.1 is eclair!
OB
Sent from my SPH-D710VMUB using Tapatalk 2
Related
DISCLAMER and WARNING: I'm not responsible for bricked devices, dead SD cards, thermonuclear war, or the current economic crisis. Please do some research if you have any concerns about this app.
THIS IS PREVIEW!
Distribution policy:
This app provided exclusively on xda-developers, please post link to this thread instead of copying files to other resources, so users will be able to track changes and report bugs in one place.
However, I allow distribution in the rooting/sideloading packages such as MinimalTouch, Nooters, etc..., but only if credit/thanks and link to this thread are given and I'm notified.
Preview version attached.
It's still missing features, but fully functional as my (and few other testers) daily driver.
Known bug (not implemented/fixed yet): Not working in force landscape.
Also, this app is straight from my nook signed with debug keys, once beta will be launched you will have to uninstall and reinstall.
I travel at least every other week, so I have little time to dedicate to the project.
I'm considering to move source to github, so that other developers can contribute in order to speedup development.
Plz PST me if you are android dev and interested.
OLD TOPIC:
subj!
I found myself not liking android type home on my NST, but I do not have good design/look and feel ideas (Of course besides Partial Refresh and gamma friendly functions).
Please drop ideas and if we can come up with something interesting I can implement it.
Update:
Features to consider:
* http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/gadgetlab/2010/01/dsc00387.jpg
Recent added files widget
* High contrast icons and text, e.g. http://www.asus.com/websites/global/products/47XM7SydX7IhkXP3/theme.jpg
* Partial refresh
* Ability to open as dialog (as soft keys) with soft keys?
* app Drawer widget?, similar to https://market.android.com/details?id=com.th.android.widget.SiMiFolder
Yeah that kind of things sounds great.
Personally, I think that a mix between the (stock) nook launcher and a standard android launcher could be interesting.
For example, a screen with the last opened books (if it is possible) + links to favorite apps or something like that
BTW, there is already a Nook specific launcher (Relaunch). It has interesting features but I don't use it as I don't really like how it looks ...
mdall said:
Yeah that kind of things sounds great.
Personally, I think that a mix between the (stock) nook launcher and a standard android launcher could be interesting.
For example, a screen with the last opened books (if it is possible) + links to favorite apps or something like that
BTW, there is already a Nook specific launcher (Relaunch). It has interesting features but I don't use it as I don't really like how it looks ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Relaunch looks terrible.
I'm thinking of partial refresh/color theme friendly aosp launcher with widgets for recently added books and will have to check about last access info.
May be high contrast recent/running apps widget as well.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using xda premium
i have a idea, cause i think some limitation of the eink display
i don't think we need too many scrollable effect, this only have one page at the main screen
it would be simple & high contrast
attached is some demo
chriscsh said:
i have a idea, cause i think some limitation of the eink display
i don't think we need too many scrollable effect, this only have one page at the main screen
it would be simple & high contrast
attached is some demo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, I like it. Will start tinkering next week.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using xda premium
chriscsh said:
i have a idea, cause i think some limitation of the eink display
i don't think we need too many scrollable effect, this only have one page at the main screen
it would be simple & high contrast
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great demo, I like it too.
I´m using Zeam launcher 2.8.8.
yeah i like the demo of chriscsh too...
(maybe round the corners, the squares are too windows phone like )
and Id like to have a bar or something where you can place books with covers like on stock home or your demo...
the idea with a "native" nook touch launcher is very exciting
rev0l said:
yeah i like the demo of chriscsh too...
(maybe round the corners, the squares are too windows phone like )
and Id like to have a bar or something where you can place books with covers like on stock home or your demo...
the idea with a "native" nook touch launcher is very exciting
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't even remember how the stock home looks like lol!
XorZone said:
I don't even remember how the stock home looks like lol!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know what you mean
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/nook/index.asp?PID=35699#productimg
Guys mayby the best idea would be to edit stock home app, in order to look like that image from first post http://www.asus.com/websites/global/products/47XM7SydX7IhkXP3/theme.jpg
I think it is so cute.
I think the idea of a NST specific launcher would be great. I prefer Zeam, but am using Go launcher because of widget management. Go Launcher allows you to resize widget once created AND there is a simple click here to delete. I have always had a problem deleting widgets using Zeam because I can't always tell when the widget is in the trash bin, i.e. 2x4, or 4x3 widgets. If the nook launcher could have go launcher like widget management that would be great OR if you go with the trashcan idea once item is in can have an x or something like that appear on the widget.
Well, i think it would be easier to use a modified version of a popular launcher. The things that would need to be changed are transitions, animations, contrast and colours(nook touch themes i suppose).
To i use to minimize refreshing and ugliness i use Do it theme for go launcher ex, the change the app drawer background to a white one(just a white.png) and a wp wallpaper. The transitions for both the desktop and the app drawer is named shutter(go launcher ex, haven't tried others).It lets me go through the app drawers with out a full refresh. One last thing i did was changed the Icon set to the default.
It would be nice to have a small widget with next calendar envent (taken from google calendar acount) on the launcher
How is called the clock widget in second post before?
IF you are talking about my post, its Wp clock .Not really a widget as it replaces your wallpaper with the clock.
There are a couple of *minor* things wrong with the android standard launcher types;
1) Colors should be inverted. Most are black with colored icons over them. This makes sense on color LCDs, particularly AMOLED displays, because it saves power. Not on eink though.
Instead of colors on black, it should be colors on WHITE.
I am using golauncher, it is ACCEPTIBLE when the proper THEME is applied and background images are changed to plain white backgrounds.
2) Scrolling. Eink displays DO NOT SCROLL. The ideal launcher would get rid of all scrolling/moving/swiping/whatever cuteness effects and just flip from one state to the final without ANY intermediate states.
Features I'm thinking right now:
0. Based on aosp launcher or launcher-plus (at least partially)
1. Ability to set size of the app launch button to 2x1 or 3x1 as in http://www.asus.com/websites/global/products/47XM7SydX7IhkXP3/theme.jpg
2. Option to set higher contrast to the icons as I do in quicknav in my mod now.
3. I plan gestures in addition to arrow buttons, but w/o any animations.
4. Instead of darg'n'drop to uninstall and maybe for homepage cell action selection I plan to show action select popup.
5. Widgets with popups covering part of the screen for all apps, settings, recently added files (selected by the masks, e.g. *epub, *.fb2, *.txt, etc.) if possible with covers
6. Back/Menu/Home/Search buttons will not require root (will not show granted root Toast at top) if launcher running with my mod.
WOW!!! If someone did a launcher that looked like this
with partial refresh for the nook touch, I would pay for it with pleasure, its gorgeous!
Hope this idea dosnt die, and development starts on this.
Mantain us informed XorZone, and thanks!
eded333 said:
Mantain us informed XorZone, and thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In progress. Unfortunately I'm flying a lot this weeks so can not concentrate on this atm.
Looking forward to it, thanks for the update, and keep us informed when you have time to advance on this.
Thanks
Seems to be a ton of requests for this. I did transparent to start, but will take requests. Please include hex codes for specific colors. I can take the lines out too if wanted.Push like a normal system app. Enjoy!
-update 2/14/12: Search results are now themed as well.
100% Transparent background, ICS Blue Icons: (in screenshot below)
http://min.us/mbkLf6MKB0#1o
Alternates:
50% Transparent ICS Blue Background, White text/Icons:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10684559/Google%20Search%20Widget/ICS%20Blue%20semi%20transparent%20BG%20White%20text%20and%20icons/GoogleQuickSearchBox.apk
100% Transparent, Blue bottom bar, White Icons:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10684559/Google%20Search%20Widget/Transparent%20BG%2C%20White%20Icons%2C%20no%20texture/GoogleQuickSearchBox.apk
100% Transparent,textured background lines still in, White Icons:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10684559/Google%20Search%20Widget/Transparent%20BG%2C%20White%20Icons/GoogleQuickSearchBox.apk
#33B5E5
10char
Lol i knew that would be first. I'll get to work on them later tonight.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
I'm pretty sure that's the ICS blue color.
Can I request transparent with ICS blue box and white "Google" & mic.
And transparent with white box and ICS blue "Google" & mic.
I think these two would be very popular!
WiredPirate said:
I'm pretty sure that's the ICS blue color.
Can I request transparent with ICS blue box and white "Google" & mic.
And transparent with white box and ICS blue "Google" & mic.
I think these two would be very popular!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree. Will do after the kids are in bed.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Requests are mostly done. If i get a ton more, i'll switch to a gallery view of screenshots, so as to not make a mile-long post of screens.
Def want to try these! Just to verify.. These are the widget that stays at the top of all screens right? Or is it the old Search widget that is set on one screen?
Do I just use Root Explorer to back up my current Search.apk, replace & reboot?
Thanks!
WiredPirate said:
Def want to try these! Just to verify.. These are the widget that stays at the top of all screens right? Or is it the old Search widget that is set on one screen?
Do I just use Root Explorer to back up my current Search.apk, replace & reboot?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These are actually the widget, as that is what a lot of people were requesting. I guess in theory, you could put one at the top of each screen, lol. I'll definitely be doing the regular one too, though within the next few days. I always install through adb, but yes, your method works too- it's just like any other system app.
artvandelay440 said:
These are actually the widget, as that is what a lot of people were requesting. I guess in theory, you could put one at the top of each screen, lol. I'll definitely be doing the regular one too, though within the next few days. I always install through adb, but yes, your method works too- it's just like any other system app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have reached my "thanks limit" for the day lol, I will be thanking this post tomorrow. Okay I'm gonna wait for your one set widget that stays instead of putting one on each screen lol. Thanks for the fast reply! And it looks great too, nice work!
WiredPirate said:
I have reached my "thanks limit" for the day lol, I will be thanking this post tomorrow. Okay I'm gonna wait for your one set widget that stays instead of putting one on each screen lol. Thanks for the fast reply! And it looks great too, nice work!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Waiting for a similar one too.
Progress update, I've been at the hospital for the birth of my second child, so i haven't had a whole lot of time. I have managed to clean up the search results (what was Google thinking with that ugly gray?), but the persistent search bar is kind of hard to find the correct files to change. Might have to poke around in framework later. I'll post the search result changes later tonight.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
artvandelay440 said:
These are actually the widget, as that is what a lot of people were requesting. I guess in theory, you could put one at the top of each screen, lol. I'll definitely be doing the regular one too, though within the next few days. I always install through adb, but yes, your method works too- it's just like any other system app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the newbie question but this means since it's a system app, I would need to be on a deodexed rom as well? Thanks.
JayBeezy802 said:
Sorry for the newbie question but this means since it's a system app, I would need to be on a deodexed rom as well? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Technically speaking you don't have to be deodexed to run a themed app as long as it doesn't call on the services of other apps. If it does, you run a high risk of getting a lot of FC's so most developers just say de-odexed only. This may run on odexed roms, but don't count on it. Make a backup of your original first if you want to try it.
artvandelay440 said:
Progress update, I've been at the hospital for the birth of my second child, so i haven't had a whole lot of time. I have managed to clean up the search results (what was Google thinking with that ugly gray?), but the persistent search bar is kind of hard to find the correct files to change. Might have to poke around in framework later. I'll post the search result changes later tonight.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congrats!
artvandelay440 said:
Technically speaking you don't have to be deodexed to run a themed app as long as it doesn't call on the services of other apps. If it does, you run a high risk of getting a lot of FC's so most developers just say de-odexed only. This may run on odexed roms, but don't count on it. Make a backup of your original first if you want to try it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this explanation, I didn't realize that.
After some investigation, it seems that the persistent google top bar is actually located in my novalauncher.apk. There were quite a few issues with installation as a system/app (had to reflash the rom to get it to behave properly) and I'm not sure i want that headache, so i think i'll just do the widgets as they are completely self contained. If you'd like to do the persistent bar, I'll attach a NovaLancher.apk that has been themed ICS blue, but be warned- for some reason, it doesn't behave like a regular system app, so be careful.
Can I request that messaging icon in your dock?
taptaptouch said:
Can I request that messaging icon in your dock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be the work of zero_cool. He has an icon thread here. Great work! http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1486423
can somebody help a noob and tell me how to install this apk.
i m trying to install with astro and the installer is telling me cannot install..
i have already made a backup of the old one .
badtazm said:
can somebody help a noob and tell me how to install this apk.
i m trying to install with astro and the installer is telling me cannot install..
i have already made a backup of the old one .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a system app, so you don't "install" at all. Sounds like the easiest way for you is to use a root level explorer and copy the .apk file into the /system/app folder. It should then appear in your app drawer.
i did that and now i have lost the original and yours..
i can see the app in the system apps but i cant see it either on the app drawer or inside the apps.
What are you suggesting to do?
Thanks.
Hi peeps,
I expect to get flamed for posting a repeat thread, for not fully searching the forums before posting, etc etc,
So instead of asking anything specific I'm just gonna share my experience so far with my Sprint Galaxy Note 2 and if any of you have any helpful tips for the issues I'm encountering, fire away.
I have searched for a few weeks now, and what I'm about to describe is where I'm at AFTER lots of experimenting and searching both this and other forums as well as plain old google web searches.
I researched devices before buying for something with enough processing power and RAM to replace my ASUS netbook, which, though small, wouldn't fit on my bike handlebars and was all around too bulky for outdoor adventures. Offline GPS app use, bike computer apps, taking videos in its handlebar mount as I rolled down the highway, etc, etc. I also fancied the idea of connecting it to the (usually 1080 16:9) TVs found in the hotel rooms across the country, most of which these days have an HDMI port on them. Also in my plans is to hack together some kind of case with a mini bluetooth keyboard in it.
I use Photoshop all the time on my Windows machines so I wanted something that would run Photoshop Touch. I downloaded PS Touch from the Amazon app store (paid for it legally) since Google Play wouldn't let me download it. I knew it was't officially supported before purchasing.
Then I set about hacking into things to get more content, icons, menus visible on the screen and tried to get PS Touch to display properly.
First I rooted the phone, installed super user, etc. Left the stock ROM on there. Then I modified the Build.prop for 180 pixel density, and voila, Photoshop Touch worked great, the full menus were visible. But a host of other problems presented themselves.
Some of the UI elements scaled to the display fine. 3rd party apps ALL look fine. They all scale correctly. The most obvious issue was that the home pages were still showing the same amount of icons, the grid count was the same, but all the icons where in the middle of the screen with lots of space around them. I noticed that the clock on the lockscreen was now in the upper left corner, and that Chrome was now showing (desktop/tablet style) tabs at the top. So I realized that some aspects of the UI and certain apps were coded to display different depending on the pixel density.
I'm wondering where in the APK's manifest.xml (or elsewhere) this is specified.
To get things looking better on the home screens and to enable landscape homescreens, I installed Nova Launcher, and I prefer it over the stock launcher. It's a more desktop like environment. I figured I could set up a homescreen page with lots of big widgets on it for fumbling with it on the go (making things big and easy to touch like with a 320 pixel density setting), and then I could have a bunch of icons on another homescreen page for the "desktop" style view when close to my face or connected to an external display.
All of this was fine except several of the widgets not longer worked, or didn't even show up in the widget list anymore. My list of issues follows:
- The multi-window app-chooser bar scales correctly when it's at the top or bottom of the screen, but does not completely span the display when on either side of the screen (in portrait OR landscape mode).
- The multi-window separator bar (between the 2 displayed apps) does not span the entire display, though it works otherwise
- In the stock e-mail app, landscape view works fine, but portrait view of the messages list and of the emails themselves is cropped to only the left side of the display, with blank space on the right.
- The drop-down notification drawer is the same number of pixels as it used to be (I believe) and therefore no longer scales to the entire display. In landscape mode, it's not only too small, but off-center as well. This is something I haven't been able to hack, there doesn't seem to be any notification drawer replacement apps.
- The alarm clock app (which honestly I liked better than any thrid party ones) stopped working completely. When I tap the Clock icon in the apps drawer, it starts up but only displays a black screen and then I get the error message that Clock has stopped. Bummer.
- The numeric keypad for the stock dialer app is up in the middle of the screen (vertically) and at the left edge.
- The UI elements, buttons, etc on the camera app don't scale, leaving buttons floating off of the gray background strips and over the top of the image viewfinder area. I prefer the interface of Camera JB+ anyway, which works great. But you can't use Camera JB+ with the stock messaging app if you wanna snap a quick pic to attach to a message. Unless you take the pic with Camera JB+, then go to messaging, then attach it from the stock gallery app. This leads me to one of my biggest questions. I'm sure it's been covered, but I don't know the terminology and numerous searches have yielded no answers...if someone just tell me what it's called, I'll do my best to search for it myself...I wanna know how to tell one app to allow me to use another app to import content What I mean is when, for instance, I go to attach a pic to a message, a list of sources comes up, gallery, camera, etc. But certain apps are't on that list...only the stock camera shows up, only the stock gallery app...sometimes this isn't the case...when I am in the stock contacts app, and I go to add a photo to a contact...it lets me choose from the various camera and gallery apps I have installed...when I click on the little button to message the contact, it lets me choose Handcent, etc...but the messaging app and the lockscreen wallpaper chooser in the settings menu don't let me choose images from anything but the stock gallery app, wheras the homescreen wallpaper can be chosen from any of my gallery apps. I want to know where to hack in and change this to "link" or "associate" the apps. Or at least I wanna know what this type of link between apps is called so I can search for it myself.
- The stock weather widget is just plan missing now. Don't know where it went. I liked it better than any of the ones I've downloaded.
I'm also noticing decreased battery life...not sure why, as I have a bunch of bloat apps removed and I'm running the same ROM. Maybe that's in my head.
So I'm looking at installing a custom ROM...but not sure where to start...I have searched and read about a bunch of ROMs for the Note 2. But nowhere did I see anything about how well the ROM's UI elements and included apps would scale to a 180 pixel density display...
I'd like a ROM that works well with my display settings, includes options for the number of icons on the home screen, where all the included apps see each other, and where I can ad any program to the multi-window list without hacking into each and every APK to enable it (I know there's really no way to do that, but perhaps an included feature to help you through the process without using a PC would be cool). I want everything deodexed so backups and restores are easy (I backed up a bunch of system apps and uninstalled them, creating a backup from ES File Explorer, AND saving the APK and ODEX files...but was unable to re-install them...).
Anybody have a good suggestion for a ROM that works well with different pixel settings?
jd14771 said:
I think you would REALLY benefit from installing the XPOSED app mod. Essentially, it changes the DPI value, but instead of changing the DPI for EVERY app, it only changes the dpi for the app you select.
so assuming you start from the normal 320 dpi, you can then assign Photoshop touch to run at 180 dpi, therefore ONLY affecting that app and leaving everything else the same.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2067303
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AWESOME tool to know about, thanks. That sounds like it would do what I need...though I'd still like more/smaller icons on the home screen....Which I think you can do at stock pixel density with Nova Launcher paid version...
Researching XPOSED now...some people complain about longer phone startup...is it the kind of thing where you can use the app to modify the APK, then uninstall the app? I'm gonna find out...THANKS.
There is also a thread in the app/theme section regarding resized stock apps. The dialer, camera, keyboard etc were are scaled to a lower dpi. That might help some of your issues
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium
---------- Post added at 07:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:38 PM ----------
Here's a link to that thread I referenced.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2001143
[MOD] 240 DPI apps for samsung roms [updated 30/11/12]
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium
KB112 said:
There is also a thread in the app/theme section regarding resized stock apps. The dialer, camera, keyboard etc were are scaled to a lower dpi. That might help some of your issues
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium
---------- Post added at 07:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:38 PM ----------
Here's a link to that thread I referenced.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2001143
[MOD] 240 DPI apps for samsung roms [updated 30/11/12]
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate y'all takin the time to help me with this, Helps me out a lot......I have one question about android and scaling of graphics in general...The notification drop-down drawer...is that technically an "app"? Like is it one of the services, or hidden system apps or something...or is that "part of the frame work" and not skinable or changeable without changing ROMs? because I'm wondering how to scale that...but also just so I understand the OS better, what is that status drawer part of? Cause it's obviously not part of the launcher...
I'm about to try all these things out...thanks.
For email, pull the note 10.1 email apk and exchange apk from a 10.1 rom and put it in system/app reboot and enjoy!
That and as mentioned...xposed app is full of win. I personally use go launcher or apex launcher to fix the whole launcher issue.
The drop down is customizable. .you may really benefit from spending an hour or so reading through the themes and apps section
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app
spaceturd3000 said:
I appreciate y'all takin the time to help me with this, Helps me out a lot......I have one question about android and scaling of graphics in general...The notification drop-down drawer...is that technically an "app"? Like is it one of the services, or hidden system apps or something...or is that "part of the frame work" and not skinable or changeable without changing ROMs? because I'm wondering how to scale that...but also just so I understand the OS better, what is that status drawer part of? Cause it's obviously not part of the launcher...
I'm about to try all these things out...thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its part of systemui.apk which includes the status bar, notification pull down, etc
I like to break stuff!
Android ui is the lock screen and context menus btw.
System ui for task bar.
Xposed is awesome for low dpi settings
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium
Dudes....thanks a ton. I got all of that up and running. I'm able to set it up just as I want and with the tip about which app controls the context menus, that answered my next question. Totally tweakable. My only issue is that the stock dialer and stock contacts are really within the same app...I wanted to keep the dialer at default dpi and scale the contacts to be smaller....I'm guessing that's what a "shared package" is....which isn't supported yet....but I'll try that 240 dpi version mention above and see how that works.
I thought, would be nice to talk separetly about the KitKat International B510 firmware. Also we can write reviews.
My FIRST impression about this KitKat update is mixed. I missing a lot of features, like Permission manager for push services?!
Video playing is really bad! Standalone and online also. If i open videos online, and rotate the screen, i only hear the sound but the screen flashing all the time. Also video image slides alot!
Sometimes the launcher freez, when scrolling to another page. At multi-tasking when i close app with gesture, (not clicking on "X") it closes not smoothly.
Permission manager is gone? A lot of apps needed that, to work properly. For example: Facebook Messenger Cheat heads blocked, so i cant use it because of that.
Others? Whats your imressions overall?
benjaminbodoky said:
I thought, would be nice to talk separetly about the KitKat International B510 firmware. Also we can write reviews.
My FIRST impression about this KitKat update is mixed. I missing a lot of features, like Permission manager for push services?!
Video playing is really bad! Standalone and online also. If i open videos online, and rotate the screen, i only hear the sound but the screen flashing all the time. Also video image slides alot!
Sometimes the launcher freez, when scrolling to another page.
Permission manager is gone? A lot of apps needed that, to work properly. For example: Facebook Messenger Cheat heads blocked, so i cant use it because of that.
Others? Whats your imressions overall?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is BETA, so it's undestandable to have some issues and missing apps. All apps will be there in the official release.
Is it worth upgrading from B507 to B510 ?
warea said:
Is it worth upgrading from B507 to B510 ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Give it a shot, it is much faster and all the new functions are running very smooth. The performance is much better.
Update this beta version through OTA (I attended to do beta tester).
No problem with standalone and online video, about launcher seems slightly less fluid, I recommend using a theme created for 2.3 EMUI version.
About the permission manager, I suppose it's changed the method of management with the app "phone management"
I love the new keyboard and the new lock screen !
interdan said:
Update this beta version through OTA (I attended to do beta tester).
No problem with standalone and online video, about launcher seems slightly less fluid, I recommend using a theme created for 2.3 EMUI version.
About the permission manager, I suppose it's changed the method of management with the app "phone management"
I love the new keyboard and the new lock screen !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, im okey with changes, but if it's working well. In phone management you'll not finding any options to set up, permissions neither push options. So it's not a good "change".
benjaminbodoky said:
Yes, im okey with changes, but if it's working well. In phone management you'll not finding any options to set up, permissions neither push options. So it's not a good "change".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I find instead the new implementation significantly easier to use than before, for example, the widget is really functional and also the new management once you understand how it works, I do not mind at all.
It is true, I have not found the settings about notifications, but the rest is "smarter" :highfive:
for me no problem with video playback ( i sugest hwreset)
and Permission manager is now phone manager... so nothing is missing at all ;p
it runs good as for day of usage ;p
interdan said:
I find instead the new implementation significantly easier to use than before, for example, the widget is really functional and also the new management once you understand how it works, I do not mind at all.
It is true, I have not found the settings about notifications, but the rest is "smarter" :highfive:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im curious about future updates. They said, at the end of july they will release the final version. doubt that we will have a newer beta. I hope everybody will gave a feedback to them. The wierd thing, is we have official beta for 2.3 but china didnt.
meilbox said:
for me no problem with video playback ( i sugest hwreset)
and Permission manager is now phone manager... so nothing is missing at all ;p
it runs good as for day of usage ;p
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Half true. Phone manager, is a cleaner + harrasment filter. But without push services settings etc.
benjaminbodoky said:
Half true. Phone manager, is a cleaner + harrasment filter. But without push services settings etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And without Boot Manager & Background Manager.
Cannot be rooted. VRoot fails to root this firmware.
ShahKashif said:
Cannot be rooted. VRoot fails to root this firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is not the way to root the device. You must install KK TWRP and that will root your device.
@BeyondTheHorizon (assuming your working for Huawei)
My impressions, after updating from B506 to B510. Note that since i have already used Emui2.3 beta (B014) and Emui 2.0 (official) i will not get into mentioning its improvements over Emui1.6.
- Magazine lockscreen is awesome. But i don't understand why magazine option is enabled only for a selected theme, while a few other theme have weather option on lockscreen, and why not instead have them all for all themes. (Also haven't figured out what the "link" option is within the magazine lockscreen menu).
- Overall there is lags and inconsistency in transition and animation speeds everywhere.
Examples:
> Pulling down notification panel has slower animation then when pulling it back up. While on the other hand there is also a jamming lag when notification panel goes back up.
>Random lags when moving about homscreen pages.
> lag in settings sections when entering each settings item.
- I personally dont like the splitting of drop down panel into two "notification" and "switches". The combined was much better. Even in the split form, there is design inconsistency, for example in the switch panel there is lot of free empty space on the bottom half and there is no point in having a slide down arrow to reveal just one row of switches. Furthermore it would have made sense to have the switches fill the bottom half, as it makes it easier for one hand usage. But i still prefer the the combined form which just two rows of switches and brightness option, while the rest hidden under the slide down.
- Thankfully the weather 4x2 widget is proper size, compared to the huge size on B506 and B014. But the transparent clock widget (first introduced on Honor 3c & 3x) is not yet available on this rom.
- The video player app is missing (and like others mentioned, the permission and startup apps manager, one hand option and navigation bar hiding option is missing too)
- I was hoping for changes in the "customize" section of the theme changer app. The old problem of swiping right/left a lot to get to the end of the lockscreen styles, or icons types, etc remains a burden.
- As someone said, its time to change the grey color of navigation bar. Either allow users to customize it, or have a number of colors that changes according to apps.
- In contacts "favorite" section, there is Chinese fonts.
- I don't think there is a need to have all the google apps pre-installed. Just a couple of them would be enough, while the rest can be downloaded from playstore.
- The water mark option in camera is nice. Cant find the "Cheeze" to take pics option. The photo editor is great and fun too. Video recorded on camera comes out dark. In case of taking selfie pics, once you hit the shoot button, the screen weirdly gets all yellow before taking the pic. Photos looks grainy too. But im no expert on camera, so i could be wrong.
- The Chinese rom had an app center app, and at times the latest version of the Huawei apps would be available on that. Such app updates are not available on this rom.
- The types of transition effects for homescreen keeps decreasing with every new rom update, when instead we should be getting newer ones added.
- The homescreen icons on this rom appear slightly bigger compared to them on the Chinese rom. Can be noticed when applying emui2.0 theme icons on this emui2.3 launcher.
Good and bad in B510
Good
- Magazine lockscreen is really good. I like it, hope more themes are like that.
- I like the splitting of drop down panel into two "notification" and "switches". But I hope they could have a setting to enable/disable it.
- Floating apps are awesome.
- Torch in notifications is very useful.
- Ultra power saving mode changes UI to dark black --> seems convincing that it will save battery life. Overall this rom has decent battery life.
- External SD settings
Bad
- Just hope that when I use other music players it can get the controls on the lock screen. Also, if there was a music slider to skip a few seconds of music was available on lockscreen that would be good.
- Hope that the default launcher could have a drawer. Having all the apps on the screen is messy.
- The radio widget still isn't transparent while the other huawei widgets are. It stands out and looks ugly.
- No permissions manager. It blocks facebook chatheads by default because it draws over other apps. No way to unblock it because permission settings are missing.
- The grey color of navigation bar is horrendous. Hopefully they notice this and they make it black or able to customize.
- Camera pictures look grainy.
- GPS still sucks. Don't know if it is a hardware issue.
- No ART mode
Other
- I don't know what to think about the carrier name. I feel like it's ok, don't hate it or like it.
The carrier name HAS to go! Why do they need to put it there anyway?
I agree with @warea about the notification panel that is better in Emui 2.0. Having it separate could work if you can change the settings of how you want it to be opened.
I find that the rom is a bit laggy most of the time, but for a beta I can live with it.
miz_pimp said:
The carrier name HAS to go! Why do they need to put it there anyway?
I agree with @warea about the notification panel that is better in Emui 2.0. Having it separate could work if you can change the settings of how you want it to be opened.
I find that the rom is a bit laggy most of the time, but for a beta I can live with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At least the cursor is back.
I missed it.
Sent from my HUAWEI P6-U06 using Tapatalk
bokchoi2020 said:
At least the cursor is back.
I missed it.
Sent from my HUAWEI P6-U06 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know, right? It's awesome having it back! [emoji16]
I'm also glad that the day of the week is back in the notification panel.
miz_pimp said:
The carrier name HAS to go! Why do they need to put it there anyway?
I agree with @warea about the notification panel that is better in Emui 2.0. Having it separate could work if you can change the settings of how you want it to be opened.
I find that the rom is a bit laggy most of the time, but for a beta I can live with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The carrier name it's something new for this update. And everything else it's really just a matter of opinion. The most important thing is that this ROM must run smooth and fast without any lag when it will be released as official/final. Everything else is just customization that can be added or removed by rooting and installing third party apps.
Also noticed, my phone is really hot, even for simple use. And the battery is really bad on this rom.
BB
I have always been a big fan of Nova Launcher Prime but having just received the S9, I thought I would give the stock launcher a go. The only thing that annoyed me was how bright and white everything was.
To remedy that I used some tips from this page:
https://goo.gl/tPfLM6(it wouldn't let me use the original android.gadgethacks URL)
Theme:
I couldn't find the "Material Black" theme mentioned on that site so I went with "[MINU]Black Edition V2".
I installed the .apks (BlacknotificationsOnly & Blackframework) and rebooted.
Navbar:
It annoyed me how I couldn't just select a black or transparent navbar. Hiding it (immersive mode) seemed inconvenient, so I went with "Navbar Apps" (available free on play store) which allows you to pick a pre-set/custom colour or even an image to use for the navbar. Again, transparent only didn't seem to work, so I stuck with black which I am more than happy with.
Navbar Apps on playstore - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.damianpiwowarski.navbarapps
I am pretty happy with the result so far but I can feel myself being drawn back to Nova in the future, just for the clean look and more customisation options.
p.s. for anyone interested
Homescreen clock widget - Zooper Widget Pro with huk zooper (free on playstore) - "Zooper_ppick_29"
Wallpaper is from app Walpy, you can find it by searching "Coffs Harbour" - direct link to artist https://unsplash.com/photos/fkJl4HrTeM0
Hope this can be of use to someone! :good:
Screenshots
Day 4 still on stock launcher but I feel nova breathing down my neck. But sammy/Google have incorporated a lot of novas features now
hassan.ikh said:
Day 4 still on stock launcher but I feel nova breathing down my neck. But sammy/Google have incorporated a lot of novas features now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After 1 week i picked up my nova launcher setup and this phone seems to be fast as hell right now ?
young_fresh said:
After 1 week i picked up my nova launcher setup and this phone seems to be fast as hell right now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've moved my theme on to "Mattblack" now which I spotted on another post - http://www.samsung.com/global/themestore/index.html?appId=com.set.mattblack.common&SITE_CODE=uk
I originally restored the Nova setup which I was using on my S7 but it just didn't feel right and I couldn't be bothered sorting it out. Also I have noticed that the battery drains fairly quickly, it is the first week so I still have AOD and some nice shiny settings on to show off the phone. I think I am going to have to have a look through everything and see what I can turn off/down/live without, when I get time. How is yours looking after a week?
dnmrt said:
I've moved my theme on to "Material Dark" now which I spotted on another post - http://www.samsung.com/global/themestore/index.html?appId=com.cambunch.MaterialDark
I originally restored the Nova setup which I was using on my S7 but it just didn't feel right and I couldn't be bothered sorting it out. Also I have noticed that the battery drains fairly quickly, it is the first week so I still have AOD and some nice shiny settings on to show off the phone. I think I am going to have to have a look through everything and see what I can turn off/down/live without, when I get time. How is yours looking after a week?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Battery could be better, but it lasts the day from morning until next morning. SoT About 5h.
I guess some updates will make it better
young_fresh said:
Battery could be better, but it lasts the day from morning until next morning. SoT About 5h.
I guess some updates will make it better
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Spotted a few people saying EE and CFW staff have advised a UK update is going out Friday, lets see what that brings. I know it is early days and the device won't be optimised yet but I am slightly missing my S7 which I didn't expect to be saying.
Material Black is available for the S9/S9 now - guess they had to make an update for compatibility. It's not free, but I tried a trial and WOW is everything black. Maybe a bit took black (i.e., dark grey might be easier to handle), but still quite nice looking.
I'm trying the stock launcher, but while its nice, I do feel Nova knocking. Mainly because i'm so used to 6 icons in my bottom tray (dialer, chrome, maps, contacts, messages,camera along with the app button) that it seems odd without it. I like how I can swipe up, and my son was having a hard time trying to find my games (his sister who found it right away), but I'm going to give it a bit more time.
eleven os black theme takes care of that for you, including the nav bar. I like how it's blacked out, but has slight color touches throughout, preventing it from looking dull.
Without that massively annoying Bixby crap the launcher would be really nice, but that Bixby page just ruins everything. I'm back on Nova and it feels way better.
how did you guys get it to work? it wont work on mine. is it compatible with oreo?
Zwulf said:
Without that massively annoying Bixby crap the launcher would be really nice, but that Bixby page just ruins everything. I'm back on Nova and it feels way better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can remove that page and then disable the button.
dnmrt said:
:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did u made the search bar black in the settings? (3rd. attached picture) even the official theming tool from sammy doesn't allow to skin that part. please respond.
chieco said:
How did u made the search bar black in the settings? (3rd. attached picture) even the official theming tool from sammy doesn't allow to skin that part. please respond.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It must have been from one of the .apks I mentioned. I haven't done anything other than what I mentioned in my first post - https://goo.gl/tPfLM6 (I installed the .apks (BlacknotificationsOnly & Blackframework) and rebooted)
chieco said:
How did u made the search bar black in the settings? (3rd. attached picture) even the official theming tool from sammy doesn't allow to skin that part. please respond.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dnmrt said:
It must have been from one of the .apks I mentioned. I haven't done anything other than what I mentioned in my first post - https://goo.gl/tPfLM6 (I installed the .apks (BlacknotificationsOnly & Blackframework) and rebooted)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I've just noticed I no longer have the black search bar, so it must have been part of the theme "Black_Edition_V2". I'm now using the theme "Mattblack" and I don't have the black search bar.
chieco said:
How did u made the search bar black in the settings? (3rd. attached picture) even the official theming tool from sammy doesn't allow to skin that part. please respond.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
again.. you guys don't need to install separate things when one theme does it. look at my previous post.
For an overall black theme I'd recommend Substratum + Andromeda companion app (required for the S9,) though not free. And then I would get the Swift Dark theme, which also isn't free. So you're overall looking at around $5 (I can't check the price now.) It will take a minute to learn how to use it effectively since you need to select specific App Update Versions for what you have installed, reboot once or twice, but it's not that difficult at all.
Skin not compatible with Facebook. Will work for Messenger but only App Version 145 and 146 Stable. (See 2nd image.)
I use LockClean, Navbars, and Swift Dark when it comes to Substratum ... pretty much handles everything except for Facebook itself, which is a huge shame.
The icons pack I use is from Samsung Themes; Black_Edition_V2 by MINU
My launcher is just Nova Launcher Prime.
Here's some screenshots from my Sprint S9 non-root with everything applied:
-
Serfrost said:
For an overall black theme I'd recommend Substratum + Andromeda companion app (required for the S9,) though not free. And then I would get the Swift Dark theme, which also isn't free. So you're overall looking at around $5 (I can't check the price now.) It will take a minute to learn how to use it effectively since you need to select specific App Update Versions for what you have installed, reboot once or twice, but it's not that difficult at all.
Skin not compatible with Facebook. Will work for Messenger but only App Version 145 and 146 Stable. (See 2nd image.)
I use LockClean, Navbars, and Swift Dark when it comes to Substratum ... pretty much handles everything except for Facebook itself, which is a huge shame.
The icons pack I use is from Samsung Themes; Black_Edition_V2 by MINU
My launcher is just Nova Launcher Prime.
Here's some screenshots from my Sprint S9 non-root with everything applied:
-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks very nice.
Serfrost said:
For an overall black theme I'd recommend Substratum + Andromeda companion app (required for the S9,) though not free. And then I would get the Swift Dark theme, which also isn't free. So you're overall looking at around $5 (I can't check the price now.) It will take a minute to learn how to use it effectively since you need to select specific App Update Versions for what you have installed, reboot once or twice, but it's not that difficult at all.
Skin not compatible with Facebook. Will work for Messenger but only App Version 145 and 146 Stable. (See 2nd image.)
I use LockClean, Navbars, and Swift Dark when it comes to Substratum ... pretty much handles everything except for Facebook itself, which is a huge shame.
The icons pack I use is from Samsung Themes; Black_Edition_V2 by MINU
My launcher is just Nova Launcher Prime.
Here's some screenshots from my Sprint S9 non-root with everything applied:
-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about your notifications? I gave up on Andromeda/Substratum because no matter what, I just couldn't find notifications that looked "normal"
I'm currently using [Minu]Oreo Black from the Samsung Theme Store and it looks pretty good.