Starting launcher app (firestarter) on keyboard event - Fire TV Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I'm using a replacement launcher (Firestarter) and a 3rd party wireless keyboard /mouse (Mele F10 Deluxe) -- things are working well, but one issue is that the "home" button on the Mele acts like the "HOME" key on a QWERTY keyboard. Instead of returning to the home screen, it sends keyboard event "KEYCODE_HOME" (Constant Value: 3 - 0x00000003).
On a (rooted) AFTV2, is there a way to assign a keyboard event (in this case, "KEYCODE_HOME") to launch a particular app (in my case, firestarter) regardless of what else is open?
Alternatively, is it possible to have the keyboard event "KEYCODE_HOME" perform the system "home" event?"
Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=159538
Thats five minutes on google.
The way I have solved this was to remap the keyboard layout of my Macbook Air to adb commands - whenever I run a script that can only be exited by clicking a button on a prompt. I actually remapped the entire MBA's keyboard to send the corresponding keys to the Fire TV as adb keyevents.
Code:
adb shell monkey -p your.app.package.name -c android.intent.category.LAUNCHER 1
does what you want in that case (de.belu.firestarter is the package name btw).
I dont think every button press will show up in the Fire TVs logs the same way HOME does ("nice little keylogger you sell there, A."), so instead you might have to do the remapping at another point. Your keyboard itself is too dumb to even know what being scripted means - that leaves you either messing with the OS itself - or forfeiting the keyboard in favor of an Ultrabook. Which by the way - allows you to actually work, or browse the net - and still control the Fire TV in the background.
But people seem to be happy with their Bluetooth keyboards - because, single purpose = neato.

On my k900 plus keyboard it has a home button, why not Just map Firestarter to start up when you press home twice, then you just press the home button twice on your keyboard?
Hope this helped press thanks button

harlekinrains said:
http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=159538
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the links. For anyone else using a media airmouse such as the Mele F10 (with a "home" button that does not send the same code as the amazon remote), it's very straightforward to create a custom keyboard map that makes it function like the Amazon remote:
1) For each button that you would like to remap, use Ketest App to discover its ScanCode (for example "102" is the "Home" button on the Mele F10 Deluxe).
2) Determine the Product ID and Vendor ID for your input device with "cat /proc/bus/input/devices" and create a copy of /system/usr/keylayout/Generic.kl with the name Vendor_XXXX_Product_XXXX.kl. This custom key layout file contains your new mapping (for example, I changed the entry next to "Key 102" to "HOME" instead of "MOVE_HOME").
3) Set ownership (chown system.system) and permissions (chmod 644) for your custom key layout file.

deanr1977 said:
On my k900 plus keyboard it has a home button, why not Just map Firestarter to start up when you press home twice, then you just press the home button twice on your keyboard?
Hope this helped press thanks button
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for sharing your experience. The issue is that on the Mele F10 Deluxe (and other combo devices that aren't designed specifically for the Fire TV box), the home button does not send the same key code as the Amazon remote -- requiring that the user create a custom key map file.

harlekinrains said:
http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=159538
But people seem to be happy with their Bluetooth keyboards - because, single purpose = neato.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Given the cost difference (plus, portability, and the fact that it lasts longer on a charge), I can understand why people might choose a media remote instead of a script-friendly keyboard with a screen (like an Ultrabook). Fortunately, if your 3rd party remote doesn't work like the Amazon remote out-of-the-box, it is easy to create a custom keymap. Unfortunately, this still means that, by default, FireStarter has to use ADB to listen for the home key. I was hoping that if I use a different button instead of the home key on the amazon remote, I can have the OS "listen" in a simpler way (that doesn't tie up ADB), and simply have the OS launch firestarter when this button is pressed.

Bluetooth keyboards are less clunky - thats right. So portability and also price are valid arguments for them.
But - there is also a lot that you "lose" by not using an ultrabook (beside the remote which at some point becomes just an easy to use muscle memory extension).
The argument here goes as this way -
1. Screen Mirroring is a very, very, stupid idea. Let the battery powered device do all the processing, then let it encode a video feed on top of that, and then let it transfer...
2. Link sharing on the other hand is "where its at". So for the Fire TV this means, you use the Chrome Plugin "Play to Kodi", which covers youtube and a few other sources - and you also use Video Download Helper (Chrome Plugin available as well) to get any direct video link that isnt a rtmp stream and heavily segmented and a little script that launches http://www.multilinkr.com/ in your browser, then you paste the url in your clipbord into that, use the site to generate a clickable link and then use rightclick and Play to Kodi to cast the direct video link to the Kodi Box.
Which brings me to -
3. Discoverability is pretty lousy on remote based interfaces (Kodi has the best interface for it there is out there.). Its also pretty bad on phones (which is part of why more and more content becomes facebook native and why you are so dependent on content surfacing within an app "you like") or tablets. Its actually pretty excellent on laptops. So in some sense - I see the ultrabooks as the last bastion of non curated content and real discoverability out there.
Kodi with keyboard at that stage simply doesnt cut it. Also if you are more than a novice user you need a device you use to do maintenance on Kodi - so again - why not an Ultrabook...
-
Regarding your previous question - I know that the adb way of Firestarter noticing "that the Home button was pressed" depends heavily on certain lines within a log that only indicate that _that_ button is being pressed. I dont know how its dev handled the non adb implementation - you have to ask him. It is very unlikely - that you'd find the same or an equivalent "event indication" when you press a random key on a connected keyboard.
Remember that the watcher routine has to look for something occurring, and that in the case of Firestarter this preferably has to show up on non rooted devices also. In fact - that Firestarter (and its predecessor) exist is a little miracle in its own right - because Amazon could make a very small change and it would never be able to work again. In that sense its a hack - that relies on a very specific pattern showing up in something the OS is reporting and that is accessible by any app (userspace).
Its not based on a featureset, its based on a hack.

Related

D-Pad SIP coming! - No Cab Yet -- Need Suggestions

All... I will be staring development of a D-Pad SIP for free release on this board in the next week... I will release as soon as I have something that is functional. Here are the initial features... please use this space to suggest others...
Four (Top,bottom,right left) buttons plus optional center
Special zone button for switching to user defined standard keyboard
D-SIP Toggled via any assignable button sequence (will play well with apps like Mobile Magic)
user definable gestures support
I will add accepted features to this list above with a 'Phase' (e.g. planned for release 1,2 or eventually)
Blessings one and all -- My Christmas gift to you
abeery said:
All... I will be staring development of a D-Pad SIP for free release on this board in the next week... I will release as soon as I have something that is functional. Here are the initial features... please use this space to suggest others...
(...)
Blessings one and all -- My Christmas gift to you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That seems to be a very nice Christmas gift! You will make many users of Touch HD very happy. Thanks for your effort.
One suggestion:
If possible I would like to get continuous signal and user defined repeat rate as well as user defined delay until repetition begins (just like hardware dpad can be calibrated via settings).
Thanks in advance.
Hmm, it will be hard to enable it in applications wich doesnt support SIP's such as games
Maybe it is possible to run a application in a "640x480"px Frame and to use the 160pixel at the bottom for a D-Pad...
Would be nics to add in a rotation button, I don't like how gsen and gyrator mess up my screen when I don't want it to. Also Might come in handy a clear 4 way pad to be use ingame, left or right of the screen, maybe that is a little too much to ask for?
Koffein Schluck said:
Hmm, it will be hard to enable it in applications wich doesnt support SIP's such as games
Maybe it is possible to run a application in a "640x480"px Frame and to use the 160pixel at the bottom for a D-Pad...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My hope is to add a option to force a 640x480 resolution for "configured" applications and then use the freed 160px for the D-Pad... in non-configured apps it would function like any other SIP. Still researching my approach
consider adding the buttons for Cut Copy and Paste
sounds like a great idea! hope it works
The 2 hardware keys (left and right) for the selection of the soft menus are a must!
I am a bit confused maybe due to lack of my knowledge of exactly what configuration this new SIP will carry. My confusion is because if you happen to see the Cootek TouchPal it already has a tab which gives you navigation options such as top, bottom, left, Right, select, cut and copy.
How is your SIP going to be different from TouchPal.
Regards
srmz said:
I am a bit confused maybe due to lack of my knowledge of exactly what configuration this new SIP will carry. My confusion is because if you happen to see the Cootek TouchPal it already has a tab which gives you navigation options such as top, bottom, left, Right, select, cut and copy.
How is your SIP going to be different from TouchPal.
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess the goal of this SIP is to be available in all applications (e.g. games) that usually depend on some hardware buttons to be playable and not just the ones that activate a SIP for input by default like SMS, Email etc.
One suggestion would be to have 8 directions on the virtual pad. On a real dpad you can press 2 directions simultaneously (useful in games) however the resistive screen means that there would only be one key press at a time.
Sorry for my ignorance...i am very new to WinMo phone.
Can anyone tell me what is SIP and how it is going to work?
By the way there is a software called AEBplus which can configured the hardware Vol up/down for HD, is it going to be similiar?
razorblader said:
I guess the goal of this SIP is to be available in all applications (e.g. games)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As the most games I know use their own keyboard implementation, a SIP won't work for them. SIP will just for most applications, rather the ones, where you see the "keyboard icon" in the bottom, where you can change the keyboard and make some settings.
Looking forward to it
I think a good starting point could be to create a full screen application (a sort of container) with a sidebar implementing the Dpad that emulates an hardware pad + some buttons and a 'window' 640x480px where other applications can run.
In this mode it should be possible to generate the standard Windows messages when a soft-key is hit so that the windowed application could be fooled thinking that the user is acting on a true Dpad/key.
Bye
So it will work with for example pocket gba emulator ?
Wolfenzi said:
So it will work with for example pocket gba emulator ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Something like this allready exist, google MorphGear
it will work with PPC Games better than GBA
any news on this project?
Same question here. I am waiting for this as the most important thing for Touch HD on this forum. I want arrow keys in my age of empires to move map
By the way : If you can, you should do that virtual pad fully configurable, like morphgear has (text file with functions and color numbers and bmp picture with those colors on certain places + copy of that but in colors that will be displayed)
I'm still experimenting with various approaches... unfortunately it seems like the most viable approach will involve the four softkeys at the bottom of the device... everything else I try only works when I can force a SIP to be present and unfortunately it seems that the times I want a D-Pad SIP the most are the apps that make this difficult... BTW... if anyone has a code sample for reassigning the HomeKey send me a PM please. For now all I can say is please continue to have patience... I'm still working on making a solution available

[Q] Xoom and diNovo Mini - which .kl file?

I'm looking into making changes to the .kl file for the diNovo Mini so I can wake my device with a keypress (I'm lazy =P) but there are several .kl files listed (more so than on my TB) and while there are individual files for the Logitech Revue keyboard, Apple Wireless and Motorola Xoom keyboard, there is one that is simply labeled Generic.kl which is listed as "Generic key layout file for full alphabetic US English PC style external keyboards"
I am at work and don't have the diNovo here to test with, so I wondered if anyone else uses the Mini with their Xoom and if they could test to see if they can add the WAKE function to a key and see if it works for them?
I expected another file for the diNovo to have been created when it was connected but maybe it just uses the Generic file, or maybe the one for the Revue keyboard?
If you get this going would love to hear how you do it. Have a mini myself would love to use.
It uses the Generic.kl file. I used a combination of adb logcat and the KeyTest.apk programs to figure out the correct file and key codes to edit in the file to allow the Windows button to wake and unlock the xoom as well as serve as the menu button. Mapped the Home and Back functions as well.
Once I get home I can update with which keys are what and what changes specifically I made to get it to work. When I get home and grab the dinovo mini, it takes just a couple clicks on the pad to get the xoom to recognize it is connected and to start typing.
Switching applications and generally moving about on the home screen is clumsy and somewhat random, but eventually you get there. I can sometimes get the app drawer to open by using the arrow keys in conjunction with ok/enter but there is no highlighting on the icon to indicate it is selected so sometimes you'll open another app or widget instead. Meh, I can typically get into googe voice to text easily and that's all I'm concerned with =)
Any update on this? I've got a diNovo coming and with the mouse support in 3.1 this would be excellent!

[N2E] Nook Touch - App Support for Hardware Buttons

I don't know about everyone else but I would love to see apps that support our Nook's hardware buttons for scrolling and turning pages. I created an small app just to find out exactly what these buttons were. I have attached the test apk and the source for it.
The buttons generate a KeyEvent that can be captured in the normal manner for handling key presses.
Left top button - 92
Left bottom button - 93
Right top button - 94
Right bottom button - 95
All the developer has to do is test for those in addition to whatever they are already monitoring for. I am going to begin emailing developers with this information and see if I get any "takers". I have emailed the following and will post a status here if I hear back:
Kindle - 5/16: Received an email saying the suggestion would be forwarded on to the appropriate development group
NewsRob (via google group) - 5/16: The developer is going to add page up/down and article up/down support!
FeedR - 5/16: Email sent
Aldiko - 5/16: Email sent
FBReader - 5/16: Email sent
In addition I am going to add hardware button support to some open source apps. I have located a number of open source RSS apps:
http://code.google.com/p/feedgoal/
http://code.google.com/p/feeddroid/
http://code.google.com/p/reader/
As an example of what we can do I have attached an updated FeedGoal where I have added support for the hardware buttons to scroll up and down on a feed article.
Update 5/17/2011:
I have modified the Browser from the stock Eclair to support page buttons and compiled it. When I try to start it on the Nook it comes up and then shuts down. One of the times I saw a "signing in" box. My thoughts is that it is trying to do something that requires gapps on the phone? If anyone has any ideas I'd be glad to try them.
* Reserved
Keys are actually
key 407 RIGHT_NEXTPAGE
key 412 LEFT_NEXTPAGE
key 139 LEFT_PREVPAGE
key 158 RIGHT_PREVPAGE
xboxexpert said:
Keys are actually
key 407 RIGHT_NEXTPAGE
key 412 LEFT_NEXTPAGE
key 139 LEFT_PREVPAGE
key 158 RIGHT_PREVPAGE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those numbers are the scancodes from the keymap file TWL4030_Keypad.kl. If you are wanting to watch for key inputs in an Android application you override the "onKeyDown(int keyCode, KeyEvent event)" method and the "int keycode" that get's printed out is 92-95.
The format of the keymap file (TWL4030_Keypad.kl) is "key SCANCODE KEYCODE [FLAGS...]". In your example 407 is the SCANCODE and "RIGHT_NEXTPAGE" is the KEYCODE. The numerical value of "RIGHT_NEXTPAGE" is either 94 or 95 depending on how you set your Nook up.
If someone wants give the two attached apk's and test and verify (I've already ran them myself) that they do work as intended that would be great.
- The TouchTest should print out 92-95 (keycode) on the screen when you press them.
- The FeedGoal should page up and down when you press the right or left side keys. I may go back and change the left side to be page up/down and the right side to be article back/forward.
ReadItLater
I add a ticket to ReaditLater Support Forum.
http://support.readitlaterlist.com/...droid-support-for-nook-touch-hardware-buttons
update:
i contact the dev of electrodroid, too
are there new answers from the devs?
If you remaps two keys to VOLUME_UP and VOLUME_DOWN, almost all reading-centric programs work will hardware buttons. I have tested:
Read It Later
Kindle
Aldiko
FBreader
CoolReader
Moon+Reader
RSSdaemon
NewsRob
BuzzBox RSS reader
They all works with remapped buttons.
aruangra said:
If you remaps two keys to VOLUME_UP and VOLUME_DOWN, almost all reading-centric programs work will hardware buttons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, of course.
but this is just a workaround and i already recognized that there are situations where i have to take the nook in the other hand to turn a page...
for example: i use the left keys remapped to volume for readitlater, so i can only use the right keys on the default reader app (which i prefer).
i think for some apps you will always have to do this remapping, especially for the kindle app in my thougts.
and it seems to me that the devs will easily can integrate this buttons in their apps.
a lot of other apps are already working with the default mapping:
e-mail
twicca
titanium backup
root explorer
alogcat
autostarts
moon+
...
Is there no way to remap the hardware buttons using like a driver software (sorry, completely noob regarding android software). Remapped buttons would help on repligo and ezpdf, my preferred readers.
I liked seeing the NewsRob support in the change log. But it only scrolls half a page down so you have to hit it twice.
I found that my old technique of remapping the key to SPACE worked better; SPACE is a page-down shortcut for most WebView apps. Unfortunately my SHIFT SPACE mapping in the layout file seemed to ignore the shift part. :-(
Android 3.0 adds real page up/down keys finally, so more apps should support the keycodes then. This isn't just a Nook issue; I've been trying to fix this on my Galaxy Tab too.
I blame Apple for not including a page down function because it's so "cool" to flick the screen around. Hope you have good timing.
Good news, everyone!
This weekend I received reply from FBReader authors. Here is the translation:
Since version 1.1.3 FBReader is able to read external file with actions mapped to keys. One can put keymap.xml file into main directory, which is /sdcard/Books by default.
File format can be seen in example:
Code:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<keymap>
<binding key="4" action="cancelMenu"/>
<binding key="23" action="processHyperlink"/>
<binding key="24" action="volumeKeyScrollBackward"/>
<binding key="25" action="volumeKeyScrollForward"/>
<binding key="66" action="processHyperlink"/>
</keymap>
All possible actions are here:
Code:
String SHOW_LIBRARY = "library";
String SHOW_PREFERENCES = "preferences";
String SHOW_BOOK_INFO = "bookInfo";
String SHOW_TOC = "toc";
String SHOW_BOOKMARKS = "bookmarks";
String SHOW_NETWORK_LIBRARY = "networkLibrary";
String SWITCH_TO_NIGHT_PROFILE = "night";
String SWITCH_TO_DAY_PROFILE = "day";
String SEARCH = "search";
String FIND_PREVIOUS = "findPrevious";
String FIND_NEXT = "findNext";
String CLEAR_FIND_RESULTS = "clearFindResults";
String SET_TEXT_VIEW_MODE_VISIT_HYPERLINKS = "hyperlinksOnlyMode";
String SET_TEXT_VIEW_MODE_VISIT_ALL_WORDS = "dictionaryMode";
String TURN_PAGE_BACK = "previousPage";
String TURN_PAGE_FORWARD = "nextPage";
String VOLUME_KEY_SCROLL_FORWARD = "volumeKeyScrollForward";
String VOLUME_KEY_SCROLL_BACK = "volumeKeyScrollBackward";
String SHOW_MENU = "menu";
String SHOW_NAVIGATION = "navigate";
String GO_BACK = "goBack";
String EXIT = "exit";
String SHOW_CANCEL_MENU = "cancelMenu";
String ROTATE = "rotate";
String INCREASE_FONT = "increaseFont";
String DECREASE_FONT = "decreaseFont";
String PROCESS_HYPERLINK = "processHyperlink";
String SELECTION_SHOW_PANEL = "selectionShowPanel";
String SELECTION_HIDE_PANEL = "selectionHidePanel";
String SELECTION_CLEAR = "selectionClear";
String SELECTION_COPY_TO_CLIPBOARD = "selectionCopyToClipboard";
String SELECTION_SHARE = "selectionShare";
String SELECTION_TRANSLATE = "selectionTranslate";
String SELECTION_BOOKMARK = "selectionBookmark";
Program must be restarted in order to pick up changes in config file.
Can anyone test if this really works? I can't test it right now.
And, I suggest to make a donation to this wonderful program authors.
Cheers.
Great news!
If other developers would do the same, we'd be in heaven.
I'll only be able to try it tomorrow, but I'll inform as soon as I do it.
DenisTheMenace said:
Good news, everyone!
This weekend I received reply from FBReader authors. Here is the translation:
Since version 1.1.3 FBReader is able to read external file with actions mapped to keys. One can put keymap.xml file into main directory, which is /sdcard/Books by default.
Program must be restarted in order to pick up changes in config file.
Can anyone test if this really works? I can't test it right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! It works very nicely with FBReader. My keymap.xml file:
Code:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<keymap>
<binding key="92" action="nextPage"/>
<binding key="93" action="previousPage"/>
<binding key="94" action="nextPage"/>
<binding key="95" action="previousPage"/>
</keymap>
Does anyone know the key number of the Nook button? It's quite useless for FBReader and it would be nice to remap it to some other function. Thanks!
Anyone thought of trying to create a service that'd catch the button presses outside of the stock apps that'd then send the right command for whatever. For example if you press the page forward button or page backward button in stock apps it'd function as designed. If you push it somewhere else like within your custom launcher or another app it'd perform as menu/home/back whatever
GabrialDestruir said:
Anyone thought of trying to create a service that'd catch the button presses outside of the stock apps that'd then send the right command for whatever. For example if you press the page forward button or page backward button in stock apps it'd function as designed. If you push it somewhere else like within your custom launcher or another app it'd perform as menu/home/back whatever
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes for remapping the n-button. See this post. But still haven't had the time to do it. Too busy with work.
GabrialDestruir said:
Anyone thought of trying to create a service that'd catch the button presses outside of the stock apps that'd then send the right command for whatever. For example if you press the page forward button or page backward button in stock apps it'd function as designed. If you push it somewhere else like within your custom launcher or another app it'd perform as menu/home/back whatever
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've started working on exactly this during this weekend. I have so far succeeded in creating service that runs in the background and makes the upper left button a "HOME" button - meaning it shows the home activity of your choice rather than the built in menu like the n button. I'll be glad to give more technical details on what I have learned so far (when I have time, probably next weekend).
In the mean time, I would like input from other users as to some specifics on how it should work.
Here is my current vision:
- Have option to start the service manually or automatically start at boot (currently hard coded to start a boot)
- The keylayout files can remain untouched so that they still work properly for the stock applications
- the service will be aware of what Activity is in the foreground and remap purpose the buttons accordingly.
- there will be a settings Activity that lets you choose the functionality of each button on a per application basis
- the choices will to be to broadcast an Intent or to create a virtual key press (for example, my "HOME" button does not actually cause a HOME key press, but broadcasts a act...MAIN cat...HOME intent, my next experiment will be to send Vol Up/Down keys when Kindle app is running)
And this is slightly off topic, but I would like put this on sourceforge or google so that others can contribute and have easy access to it. I've never done that before, so advice on this would be appreciated.
mycr0ft said:
but I would like put this on sourceforge or google so that others can contribute and have easy access to it. I've never done that before, so advice on this would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
May I suggest github? git is much more sophisticated than CVS/SVN and their clones.
I basically agree with the app functionality. May be I will take part in implementation (I wish there will be ~36-48 hours in a day )
Thanks for the advice. github looks promising.
Anyone interested can have a look:
Code:
https://github.com/mycr0ft/nook-touch-button-service
I've run into a bit of a problem with simulating a key press. The android developers have not made it easy (which is good for device security).
- I have tried Instrumentation.sendKey..., but that only works withing the same application. Even with the INJECT_EVENT permission, you cannot inject events into other applications (unless they are signed by the same packager). Repackaging every single app that you load does not sound like a good option.
- I have tried using the 'sendevent' shell command. This appears to be limited to only duplicating scan codes keys that actually exist.
- I am currently trying to compile uinput driver (available in the source code download from bn) and load it using insmod. I am stuck here for the time being because I can't figure out how to get it to compile to the right kernel version (version magic mismatch in dmesg)
I think you will need root to inject a key event in an other app
You can look at the SoftKeys source code (here), it may help you.
In the past, SoftKeys used a script called "input" to inject events (according to http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=10497165&postcount=309) but now it seems that it uses something else ...
mdall, thanks very much. this is very useful information.
Droid Comic Viewer
I think also Droid Comic Viewer would benefit from hardware buttons support.
It's a nice little comic reader app supporting all relevant formats (CBR, CBZ, ACV & image formats). Animations can be disabled and there's no dependency with touchscreen interface (it can be entirely operated with button actions). This would make it perfect for an e-ink screen.
I sent an email to the devs today, let's hope they get back to us!

[APP][09/29/11] Book button menu. {NEW:LandscapeSwitch,Propagation}

Heya all.
Changelog:
1.1 - Added orientation switch and propagation (open "Reading Now") to Nook reader
1.0 - Initial release with home and CoolReader option.
Working on:
Investigating the way to distinguish if opening reading now book and not other epubs in order not to show menu on any library book click.
History/Idea:
Just got nook last Sunday as gift and immediately noticed after root that back/menu buttons in status bar is great, but would be even better to use book button as home OR as menu, was messing with framework, etc. to no avail, but finally got a better and simpler solution, but with cons.
After installing CoolReader I noticed that "reading now" button will trigger android select app menu with Nook Reader and CoolReader, so it is broadcast event, opening with CoolReader shows it is getting started epub.
So, here it is. Simple app, registers as one of the epub readers, by having last read in native nook reader any epub - and by pressing "reading now" button it will trigger app select dialog with my app in list (you can check to always open epubs with it).
It will show styled popup menu (see screenshot) containing only Home (will open default one or list of available homes if none selected as default), orientation switch, CoolReader shortcut (hardcoded now) and Nook Reader (this one will open remembered "Reading Now" book)
Cons:
1. Will be triggered on any broadcast event to open epub. (I don't care as I read in fb2)
2. If nothing in "reading now" it will not be triggered as well if "reading now" is not epub
3. hardcoded shortcuts for now
If it generates enough interest I can improve app (in current state functionality is enough for me). I could think of adding next features:
1. Add/Configure any shortcuts, e.g.:
* Back/Menu buttons in addition to home (this will required root to run)
* Add/Configure any shortcut
2. Add ability to propagate event data, e.g. if "reading now" sending "warandpeace.epub" to this app - send it to launching app if configured. This will allow to register this app to open epub and then open configured reader with epub data - done, besides configuration
3. Investigate launch origin (launching activity) and if it is not opening from status bar, but for example from astro/library - open configured reader propagating data.
4. Organize shortcuts as tree
5. Add recent apps submenu
Really interesting
It could even replace Button Savior in a subtler way
BTW, in the same spirit, do you know if it could be possible to change the app launched when you click on the home button in the menu that appear when you press the n button ?
hi,
i tried it and it works great, thanks!!
isn't it possible to launch the default app automatically, when pressing the button?
(on a side note: wouldn't it be possible to reconfiger the home button of the standard nook menu (the one that opens when you press the n-hardware-button) to launch the default android home?app?
edit: ok, somebody was quicker, i swear i didn't copy..
XorZone said:
If it generates enough interest I can improve app (in current state functionality is enough for me). I could think of adding next features:
1. Add/Configure any shortcuts, e.g.:
* Back/Menu buttons in addition to home (this will required root to run)
* Add/Configure any shortcut
2. Add ability to propagate event data, e.g. if "reading now" sending "warandpeace.epub" to this app - send it to launching app if configured. This will allow to register this app to open epub and then open configured reader with epub data
3. Investigate launch origin (launching activity) and if it is not opening from status bar, but for example from astro/library - open configured reader propagating data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Consider my interest highly generated. This is flat out great, especially if the option to go to Reader is built into Nook Book Button menu, and with the options of Back and Menu. I like Button Savior, but this has all of the same potential with a less obvious footprint and more seamless execution.
I'm running it now and this is really fun - if #2 can be done as well I see this as becoming an indispensible app for the nook touch root.
Sent from my NookColor using xda premium
Thanks. I'm trying to get a clue if it was launched from "Reading now" button or from other app. I can easily distinguish between "Reading now" and let's say Astro, but cannot distinguish from Nook Library.
And... great news - I'll post update soon with working landscape/portrait button.
Working on: opening only from "Reading now" or other nook app, but skips to configured reader otherwise. Also, instead of CoolReader I'll have configured reader in the menu.
For the back/menu buttons this will require root.
It is possible to change "n" button, I have it configured as Search button and assigned SoftKeys to search button long press. I'll post instructions soon as well as modified SoftKeys to handle Search long press without need of external app and also with a bit more friendly colors for eInk (background of recent apps white instead of blured)
unattached said:
isn't it possible to launch the default app automatically, when pressing the button?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mean just to launch let's say CoolReader instead of NookReader by the press of "Reading now" button?
I think you've done a great job. and I guess adding a list of (programmable) shortcuts on that button would be neat (like when copying several chunks of text from a pdf to a doc text or something of the sort).
Ok, story number 1:
I dissembled (smali) framework jars and now have good idea how that book button works, basically it send custom broadcast, problem is that broadcast not ordered, I can change service.jar to broadcast mine event and this will allow to configure how to act, e.g. you can configure as default (reading now so I'll just send original broadcast), popup this menu or launch any app including home or softkeys directly.
Will play a bit more if androidriority indeed works even for unordered sendBroadcast and if I can abortBroadcast to not allow original reader spawn - we can avoid modification of the service.jar.
story 2:
WindowManagerPolicy/WindowManagerService seams like directly invoking native (JNI) code on home button, I was playing with remapping keys and finally found one that works with single press (Call not bringing dialer at all, camera only sends broadcast at long press, etc.), but by default it will not awake device, will have to play if I can awake from broadcastReceiver, if yes - it means we can configure "n" (home) button to do whatever we want.
Well, I don't use coolreader, but the extra home button and portrait/landscape button works very well.
Great job!
For me, the only thing missing is adding 2-3 apps on the list, and I'll be quite happy.
I don't use the N button much, but it could become a neat menu or back button.
Great App
Thanks for spending time making this app for us Nook Touch users.
I think this app is definitely a candidate for partial refresh. Having the full screen refreshed to draw the small dialog seems to be overkill. Not sure if that's under your control or not...
I definitely have an interest in remapping the N button to home. Perhaps long press launches the original menu?
cheers! gr8 post,
XorZone said:
Do you mean just to launch let's say CoolReader instead of NookReader by the press of "Reading now" button?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats what i meant! launching just one app automatically, let's say cool reader.. (maybe launching the home app automatically would also be possible? then we would have all the standard buttons in the task bar!)
cheers
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Well, I've noticed that not all apps are turnable (haven't tried all yet, but I can spend like 30 minutes trying them all).
BUt great job nonesoever.
Having trouble
Would anyone know how I clear the default selection for the Reading Now icon in the status bar? The NookBB menu now will not come up anymore when I press the Reading Now icon.
It was working out great for me until this:
1) When I first installed NookBB (v1) and then pressed the Reading Now button, it would pull up a dialogue box asking which action I'd like to set as the default - either the Nook BB menu or the default Reading Now application (which would be the B&N reader app).
2) I selected as the default the Reading Now application (B&N reader). Then I decided I wanted to use the Nook BB as the default but couldn't figure out how to do it. The Manage applications for NookBB won't let me clear default there as it is greyed out.
3) I tried uninstalling, and installing v2. It loads the app icon to my app drawer, but the only way to invoke the Nook BB menu is to press this icon. Pressing the Reading Now button takes me to the B&N reader.
I have just found a very interesting app while searching something on github
(I posted it here mainly because I didn't want to start a new thread)
Relaunch (coded by yiselieren) is a filemanager / launcher / task manager for Nook Simple Touch. and it has very interesting features.
One of them is that when you click on the Home, library, shop or search button in the menu of the n button, you can choose to start ReLaunch instead of the default app.
I think it would be great if you could add something (more or less) similar to that in your app.
For clearing uninstall and reinstall should work. You can try installing any epub reader (such as coolreader) and it should bring selection popup back to choose default one.
Anyway I've done patching services.jar so it will load Nookbb by pressing that button with option to go directly to reading now not relying on epub files and *only* by pressing that button.
Also for the nook menu (n button) I done remapping (easy one) and almost done custom small app so n button will act as stock Android home one, e.g. it will go home with short press and bring recent apps (using softkeys now) on long press. Still have to tinker device wake if it's locked instead of going to home behind screensaver.
I plan to post it both tonight or tomorrow.
Then I can spend time adding customizations and partial refresh.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using xda premium
XorZone said:
For clearing uninstall and reinstall should work. You can try installing any epub reader (such as coolreader) and it should bring selection popup back to choose default one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, uninstall didn't fix it but installing cool reader did.
Can't wait for the new fixes, very impressive already.
Sent from my NookColor using xda premium
I'm loving this app and very excited to see a Touch specific app. If you further tweak the Book Button Menu I'd like the ability to subsituite the E-reader software of my choice instead of Coolreader. I'm currently using Mantano Reader and enjoying the software.
ryanpl said:
I'm loving this app and very excited to see a Touch specific app. If you further tweak the Book Button Menu I'd like the ability to subsituite the E-reader software of my choice instead of Coolreader. I'm currently using Mantano Reader and enjoying the software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm currently finishing n button mod to act as stock android home (short click - goto home, long click recent apps list with all buttons (back, home, menu, search, orientation). Almost done - testing and trying to apply partial refresh.
Next step - I'll publish patched services.jar so BookButton will be launched only by this book button not relying on epub files.
Next will be settings for the BookButton to configure all aspects of the menu, e.g. appearance of Home, Orientation as well as custom shortcuts.
thanks, I realy like your application. Very usefull but I don't use "Cool reader". I use "read it later" and "ezPdf" for reading.

Replace TCL C735 55" launcher

Hi
How can i replace TCL c735 default launcher ??
Thanks
falciatrice10 said:
Hi
How can i replace TCL c735 default launcher ??
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am using ATV LAUNCHER
I disabled google launcher
unloved said:
i am using ATV LAUNCHER
I disabled google launcher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hiw you did it ?
Disable the stock launcher.
Google TV:
uncobliss • 04/27/22, 12:21 pm •Who has Google TV and want to install a third-party launcher (only the basic settings button does not work):
pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.apps.tv.launcherx
pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.tungsten.setupwraith
cmd package set-home-activity "your launcher"
Android TV:
wowikv • 04/26/22, 04:13 •For those who want to disable the debility stock launcher AFTER installing another one (tested on ATV firmware, who has Google-look at the end of the topic), you can use the instruction,1) (Post by ramrasul05) I did it through the phone and the Remote ADB Shell program from the playmarket according to this instruction, if you need to turn it back on, look here:2) (Post by funny467) It contains commands and a listing of installed programs. (I know that there are other ways).
do not forget to turn OFF USB debugging before rebooting, otherwise the port will not work, just like a mouse in a single port, you will have to go into the settings from the remote control and do unnecessary manipulations: (DO NOT BE SCARED) press the gear on the remote control and go to the last line "additional settings "and from there get to turn off usb debugging and then reboot.
You do everything at your own RISK!!! So that later there are no complaints against me. I succeeded the first time. When writing commands, observe the necessary spaces, take screenshots so that you can understand if something goes wrong later.
I have a launcher installed: ATV, Tele TCL 65 C728 firmware 072, ATV firmware, not Google!
(On the TV SONY 43WF804 android 7, this method has also been tested).
For those who misunderstood something which command to enter or cannot turn off the launcher, PERSONAL: pm disable-user --user 0 [stock].
I have not experimented with other programs yet, because the goal was to disable the stock launcher.
The old launcher can always be turned back on, the turn-on command is in the second link. After turning off the stock launcher, the mouse became without brakes, like the general interface, personal opinion.
If you need programs to control the volume, brightness, navbar with the mouse, I'll post it here:
#
PS The KillApps prog can be closed with one poke all applications up to the system ones, just do not overdo it. Those system programs that periodically run in the background again, I put in favorites, because there is no point in stopping them.
KillApps_com.tafayor.killall.apk ( 2.35 MB )
Here in the topic they asked what kind of access point the TV creates. So, when the Miracast program is running on the TV, which serves to broadcast content from the phone screen to the TV screen, it starts. it can be turned off when not in use, after a reboot it usually starts up again.
Since the TV set does not have root, in order to install any widgets in the ATV launcher, you need to long-press the mouse or remote control on the upper free field of the ATV launcher, select any widget and when installing it, the system will display the command that you need to enter via ADB, choose the one that for the PRO version of the launcher. Also, with a long press on the free field of the "ok" button of the remote control or the left mouse button, the launcher settings menu will be displayed, where the android settings will be present. you can stop this application, clear its cache or see the version, etc.
Below is an excellent gallery in Russian, instead of the stock one, in which you can use any pictures instead of a splash screen.
For fans of retro like NES or Spectrum, I can lay out programs for the TV set and a way to connect to them via a phone as a joystick, most likely a separate topic, so a whole "footcloth" turned out. For questions "how to make the right mouse button work or is it better to take it with side keys ?" - I will answer in a personal (QMS).
Whoever has Google firmware needs such lines to turn off the stock
launcher, however, there is an opinion that the button on the remote control "gear" does not work and you have to go from the tile, or do this activity button, I'll attach a screenshot, I personally tested the activity: (Uncobliss post
)
#
Attached files
ATV -Launcher-Pro-0.1.9.apk ( 3.13 MB )
Gallery+Photo_com.furnaghan.android.photoscreensaver.apk ( 20.6 MB )
Thanks.
Is there any ADB command to grant access to folder like Android/Data ??
Or to force apps to launch on boot ?

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