Downloadable Widgets - G1 Android Development

Hi
I was just wondering if it is possible to download new widgets to work with the release of 1.5.
I found the http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=3681080 thread which is the competition but am unsure how to actually access any of the submissions?
I also found a weather app and can download the .apk file but am unsure where to save in the root?
http://jsharkey.org/blog/2009/04/24/forecast-widget-for-android-15-with-source/
Thanks

mr_sh33p said:
Hi
I was just wondering if it is possible to download new widgets to work with the release of 1.5.
I found the http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=3681080 thread which is the competition but am unsure how to actually access any of the submissions?
I also found a weather app and can download the .apk file but am unsure where to save in the root?
http://jsharkey.org/blog/2009/04/24/forecast-widget-for-android-15-with-source/
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im using the weather app, its nice. I just wish it updated more thruout the day and also it showed your current location, however its pretty sweet. all you have to do is download the apk installer from the market, copy the apk to your SD card and then look for it and launch it using the installer.

in the market there is a battery widget a sticky note widget and some others

The submissions for the contest are not public yet.

i am extremely excited about widgets...i have the battery one but cant seem to get the weather widget to work...
also anyone find any other widgets thus far...when does the widget contest end?

I'm not a huge fan of the battery widget. I prefer Battery Status in my notification bar for that.
But the weather widget is superb! And the sticky note widget is pretty nice too. I'll probably stick with AK Notepad and it's ability to add icons for certain notes to the desktop...
But I am impressed that so far they all are visually pleasing. Can't WAIT to see what the geniuses here at XDA (and elsewhere, for that matter) come up with soon!

Has anyone noticed a perceptible difference in resource usage or battery life while using widgets? The android OS is already incredibly slow compared to say an iphone, and while 1.5 and A2SD seems to help a lot i still have to try fairly hard to keep the background processes at bay. Having widgets would be great, but not at the expense of any more speed.

i havent noticed and slow downs and i have the batery widget the search widget and te clock widget...

Related

Going "Vanilla"/Non-Sense- PLEASE post your widgets!

So... I'm trying to slowly step away from Sense as Im beginning to really get frustrated with the lag and the memory hogging.
I'd like to use the Helix Launcher, or something simliar... but I can't really find any good widgets!
Like, I love the HTC clock/weather. I've tried "Beautiful Widgets" but its really not so beautiful for $2.
So, let this kind of be a "post some screenshots" of your favorite widgets.
I love to show off my phone, and making the phone's UI both efficient and sexy at the same time.
However the stock android widgets are just plain as hell, and the Market is as you all know impossible to browse through.
poor_red_neck said:
So... I'm trying to slowly step away from Sense as Im beginning to really get frustrated with the lag and the memory hogging.
I'd like to use the Helix Launcher, or something simliar... but I can't really find any good widgets!
Like, I love the HTC clock/weather. I've tried "Beautiful Widgets" but its really not so beautiful for $2.
So, let this kind of be a "post some screenshots" of your favorite widgets.
I love to show off my phone, and making the phone's UI both efficient and sexy at the same time.
However the stock android widgets are just plain as hell, and the Market is as you all know impossible to browse through.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
beautiful widgets are perfect.. I think some ppl here even use them over the htc clock even when using sense.. There are tonss of skins to choose from, you just have to download them (from the app, without having to install any extra app). And it also includes all the toggles like wifi and it even has a smaller version of the clock that takes less room
I'm gonna vote BW as well. After downloading a nice theme from inside the app, this thing beats the crap out of the HTC clock any day (for me anyways). Other than that, I don't really know. I would like to hear of some other nice widgets to use
mixzing music player has an awesome music widget and its free defintely recommend
Jus10o said:
beautiful widgets are perfect
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+10000 10char
Thousands?
When I was browsing through the clock widgets I only found like 30 or so... wouldn't load anything else after that.
Maybe I'll give it another shot I guess. Only $2 right?
i wouldnt mind going vanilla if there was anything similiar to the bookmark widget, my most used widget. also, i just LOVE the htc weather clock widget with the animations, BW doesnt offer that (i know about the animations upon entering the app, but its not the same as weather animation wallpapers)
poor_red_neck said:
Thousands?
When I was browsing through the clock widgets I only found like 30 or so... wouldn't load anything else after that.
Maybe I'll give it another shot I guess. Only $2 right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol he isnt saying thousands to choose from.. he was saying +10000 to liking BW
1. It's 2 bucks... 2 DOLLARS!
2. The phone is so much snappier running Helix, and ASOP, especially running the IC3 ROM.
I didn't think I would like things without the HTC sense stuff... but it runs so smooth, and the BW gets pretty close to looking just like sense.
I don't see BW as being that great. I feel it is kind of sluggish, which imo doesn't justify going away from Sence. And I have tried it. Don't much like the pure apps either. But it's all choices I guess.
Sense works perfect for me. No sluggishness at all!
Sense is very sluggish for me unless I constantly kill unused apps. I just downloaded Home and Helix, I am going to try both of them with BW, which I downloaded a few weeks ago to use with Launcher PRO.
Here's my home screen.
Running DarchDroid 2.7 with Launcher Pro.
Beautifull Smaller Home Widget, as well as SetCPU, Brightness, and GPS widgets
The simpler the better for me.
Just the People widget is out at this time, but it sounds like more widgets will be coming to LauncherPro Plus soon
http://www.launcherpro.com/
Thanks, jniggle for actually giving the OP what he wanted! Nice home screen, btw!
JTNiggle said:
Here's my home screen.
Running DarchDroid 2.7 with Launcher Pro.
Beautifull Smaller Home Widget, as well as SetCPU, Brightness, and GPS widgets
The simpler the better for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
don't know if you've seen OneClick widgets, but you might try it out. I think you would like the icons next to your other transparent stuff.
mbuchholz
i like mine simple

What's a good news widget

Hey do anyone know of a good news widget to use other than the HTC news widget and the genie widget?
Sent from my Sprint Evo
Try BuzzBox
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Looking for the same..I tried Buzzbox and it sucked..Couldn't find the feeds I searched for and wouldn't show news items but from one feed.
I use gReader. It takes all the feeds you have set up through Google Newsreader and syncs it on your device. The adding a new subscription directly from the application is a bit weird, but it works.
Pretty fast too although I don't think it caches graphics until you open the item.
Greader includes a widget?
effluent said:
Greader includes a widget?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just put the application link on th screen or in the dockbar (using LauncherPro Beta).
sanjsrik said:
I just put the application link on th screen or in the dockbar (using LauncherPro Beta).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I can just use the HTC News app for that, it works great. I got used to the widget though using Sense the first week or two after I got the phone. So looking for an alternative widget.
I personally think the HTC News widget is too bloated. I prefer the Genie Widget -- not only does it give accurate weather notices, it's also got a great news aggravator.
pseudoremora said:
I personally think the HTC News widget is too bloated. I prefer the Genie Widget -- not only does it give accurate weather notices, it's also got a great news aggravator.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where do I find it, I know I found it somewhere before but didn't see it in the market.
I'm also trying to find Genie in the market, but can't seem to locate it...has it been removed?
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=HFKIPATA
any other scrollable news widgets? or any way to trick the sense news widget to work with launcher?
No scrollable news reader widgets I know of and I can assure you I have looked everywhere and likely tried out nearly everything out there. I would like nothing more than to dump Sense but personally, I think they really hit the mark on some of their widgets and their seems to be no equivalent in the market. The guy behind LauncherPro has been doing a great job rolling out similarly functional widgets but no ETA yet on the NewsReader.
Lot's of folks seem to really like the Genie widget which comes on the Nexus One but with no way to choose the specific feeds you want, it doesn't work for me.
Buzzbox has potential and is the only non-Sense news reader with a full screen widget. That said, it still leaves a lot to be desired and was deleted without prejudice. It's buggy, articles were OLD (16+ hours), and it was missing a lot of feeds. I sent an email to the developer and in his response implied that the servers at Buzzbox pre-scan the sources to only send you the "best stuff." WTF? Isn't that the job of the editors at the respective sources...?
gReader syncs feeds from your GoogleReader account and is definitely one you should try if pulling from Google Reader is what you are looking for. However, if you are looking for a bit more customization I would recommend trying out Feedr, NewsRoom, and Greed2. They all have "widgets" but that is using the term loosely in comparison to the Sense one. Personally, when I am running a non-Sense ROM I use NewsRoom. Again, it has widgets but they are really just shortcuts. However, in my opinion (and of course, this entire post has been all my opinion) I think you'll find it has the nicest layout of what is available now plus customizable feeds.

[Q] Looking for a good launcher that isn't a launcher

Hi folks, I'm looking for what I'd call a "launcher". But I DON'T want a Sense-Replacement like ADW, SPB Shell or things like that. I'm looking for a WIDGET that allows me to place app shortcuts. Like Multicon. Unfortunately, Multicon has only 1x1 to 1x4 vertical widgets, but no horizontal ones. I need a horizontal one because I want to be able to put more apps on the screen - on a Sense-Screen, there's only 16 shortcuts possible, but you could easily fit 25 with even larger icons. Can you recommend any widget? Performance is quite important for me. Don't need background picture and scrollable content or stuff like that. Just a plain launcher that allows for more icons than Sense would. And the icons have to be large enough - 1/4th of the normal icon size is too small.
Have you looked at circle launcher
I might have the wrong idea, but maybe elixir (in market) may be useful. Has a range of sizes (1*4, 4*1 etc.) allowing for a large number of apps/switches to be placed on home screens.
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e
Wave launcher is awesome imo. I use it daily and I use it with all launchers (I swap launchers). It takes about a week to get used to. But after that, It's smooth sailing.
You say you don't want a Launcher
Even though you say you don't want a Launcher, you should look at LauncherPro... I use it with 9 down by 5 across easily (Could probably do 6 across) which gives my 45 icons on one screen. Isn't that what you are looking for? You just choose the number of rows and columns you want in the options.
I turn off labels since they aren't needed.
Wave launcher for me also
jersey_609 said:
Have you looked at circle launcher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, and I think its quite good, but it doesn't allow for very many icons. 8 will still look fine, but that's about the upper limit. Plus, its cumbersome that you have to tap twice - once to open the circle and once to select the app. It doesn't react instantly.
melloyello said:
I might have the wrong idea, but maybe elixir (in market) may be useful. Has a range of sizes (1*4, 4*1 etc.) allowing for a large number of apps/switches to be placed on home screens.
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but Elixir has like ten thousand other features that I don't need/want, so it's like Bloatware in my case. I had tried it weeks ago, but I don't think the icons were any good at all. Too small. Maybe I missed something?
Thanks also for the suggestions about WaveLauncher. I tried that, but it doesn't really work well for me. When I'm on the homescreening, I'm always turning around the Sense screens instead of opening the wave.
Any other suggestions?
try wave, circle launcher, quickdesk, widgetlocker (set it as longpress search key), swipepad, powerstrip, more icons... those come to mind.
Hope that helps.
Hi Firefall
I'm in the same situation as you! The one I'm using now (after some searching) is Launch-X. They have the free and paid version. If aesthetic is not key, and you don't need more than 5 shortcuts per roll (this is ideal I think, not too small, but better than 4 per roll which I think is too sparse), free version is good enough I think.
In fact, Launch-X can go to the next 5 shortcuts (it comes with left-right buttons). If used on launcher which allow scrolling, you only need to swipe.
I combine it with Folder Organiser (this type has aplenty to choose from) which can group various apps into a folder (e.g. System, Apps, Games, Multimedia, etc.). So, now I have 5 folder shortcuts (in Launch-X) on my Sensation desktop, and each shortcut opens up another 10-20 apps. I find this two steps acceptable for a clean desktop.
Alternatively, you can consider Swipepad, which I'm using for quick access (esp to switch off my Sensation) in whichever app I'm currently running. Another alternative you can consider is Smart Taskbar.
Didn't Folder Organizer do this? You can also do it with Extended Controls.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G
TheBiles said:
Didn't Folder Organizer do this? You can also do it with Extended Controls.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point.. I think for such nested folder feature, you need the paid version of Folder Organiser. I haven't tried it yet.
If you're looking for a very simple launcher, You can download this :
simplehome
it was on the market, I worked on it for translation.
Here is a screenshot
apk is just right here
mrassol said:
If you're looking for a very simple launcher, You can download this :
simplehome
it was on the market, I worked on it for translation.
Here is a screenshot
apk is just right here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for the APK, I couldn't find it on the market. I will try it soon. It takes up the whole screen though, right?
Folder organizer also looks somewhat useful, but I'm not sure if it is what I want. Will also try that. Extended controls doesn't really look like a launcher from the market screenshots, do you actually use it as a launcher?
@leyvatron: I've tried SwipePad, that's not what I want, it should be on the homescreen as a widget. PowerStrip seems to be similar to it. The QuickDesk concept however looks interesting. Thanks for that! Also, WidgetLocker MIGHT be a good alternative for the Sense lockscreen.
@Sian: Thanks for sharing your experience with Launch-X. I tried it and it seems quite good, the free is too limited in my opinion. But it comes closest to what I'm looking for so far when configured appropriately.
Personally I just create a folder on my homescreen using GoLauncher, works great for the task you are trying to accomplish!!
i, a newbie and cant find anything on how to install a launcher, no matter what i do it goes back to sense, im swithing between using home switch.....help please.
i just got my new sensation as a free upgrade cause they could not fix my desire hd........much better phone
Go clear the defaults associated with HTC Sense or try Home Switcher.
how do i clear the defaults on sense when i cant get an option??????
donaghb said:
how do i clear the defaults on sense when i cant get an option??????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
settings/ applications, sense launcher, Clear defaults
and thanks for replying
No problem bro

launcher360 latest version and sslauncher. Both really nice

here is the latest 360launcher and sslauncher apps. 360launcher is modded in english (not by me) and it has to be the fastest launcher (most beautifull too) i have ever used. It allows folders even inside app drawer, automatically puts your media in tabs inside app drawer etc. It haz a memory optimizer that really works and an auto power manager with 2 profiles (more options available if you upgrade the power saver for free from within the app). Overall it is bugless other than that the built in weather widget (which is really nice) recognises only chinese cities. sslauncher on the other hand makes your phone look like a magazine cover which is really cool. it has many pages on the main screen with the main page (or more if user specifies) being like a cover with highly customisable styles and the rest being pages with apps contacts(no screenshot for obvious reasons) internet favourites and so on. Both apps are free and some screenshots included. Enjoy.
edit:first 4 pics are launcher360. Rest are sslauncher some greek on it but i forgot o change language
edit2: launcher 360 includes a themechooser app with 30ish themes to download plus an unlocker app with really cool unlock styles (got to see tetris unlock screen)
The ssLauncher is very nice I tested it out for a day or so and its great, very promising but its still in beta
kbshowtyme said:
The ssLauncher is very nice I tested it out for a day or so and its great, very promising but its still in beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah but no issues (at least that i found of) and it does make the phone look pretty different than anything else. Only thing i havent figured is how to make the time appear as a text in the cover pages (like date does), although i havent looked for it much.
jimakos29 said:
Only thing i havent figured is how to make the time appear as a text in the cover pages (like date does), although i havent looked for it much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot do that. I use the Fuzzy Clock Widget for that, however.
I have 360 Launcher, its really very good and enjoyable.
I use HTC Sense theme

Buzz launcher

hey people. I just made this thread to let you all know about buzz launcher which I accidentally found on market and I think is brilliant. Basically it lets you upload your homescreen so that other people can directly download it and transform their phone like yours and of course you can also download other people's homescreens as well. Everything is included even the widgets they use and icon packs and all, as direct links to the market apps either from the download homescreen section or directly from the downloaded homescreen by pressing on the faint (non downloaded) widgets and being directed to the market for dl. Anyway give it a try and let me know. Will upload some homescreens when I am home. It is amazing what you can do with a couple of clicks...
i've seen this launcher and it's pretty interesting, some say it lags but im guessing it depends on the type of phone you have....
I may try it out myself later
nice find. more of a homescreen sharing app than a launcher, it really rocks. And the buzz widget is really flexible. You can almost make anything you want out of it be it clock,weather widget or many other thing and any combo...

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