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As an Android nut and graphic/industrial/UI designer I've been thinking a lot about this recently, and just had to get it off my chest. Here goes:
UI styling should be about the content, not the interface. Glossy elements just distract from their actual content. There should be a move away from what Apple does with iOS (emulating analogue elements digitally) towards what Microsoft did with WP7. WP7 showed that you can have an interface without any sort of shininess/gradient or analogue elements and still have it be completely usable and beautiful at the same time.
But what I'm really interested in is the future of Android. Gingerbread was a great step ahead in terms of UI styling. But I wonder what we will see when Sense UI, Motoblur, TouchWiz etc. are updated to 2.3? Sense is notorious for faux glossiness and TouchWiz is notorious for being plain ugly. Will WP7 and Gingerbread help these companies realize that the trend is moving away from iOS-eque styling and towards WP7-esque styling? Or will they continue to blindly copy iOS and ignore Google's attempts to beautify Android? My guess is that they will eventually catch on, but it might take a while. Perhaps if WP7 takes off and commands a decent market share these companies will take notice. We've already seen previews of Sony Ericsson's 2.3 TimeScape skin and LG's 2.3 whatever-it's-called skin and they both appear to have abandoned Gingerbread's gradient-less notifications bar and title bar and replaced them with gradients. Too bad.
Also, what will Honeycomb bring? We've now seen previews of the tablet version, and I can see many 2.3 styling cues in 3.0. One thing I noticed though is that it uses blue as the 'accent color'. Gingerbread strongly reinforced orange as Android's accent color so I wonder why they would change this. What I'm hoping is that the accent color can be changed- it's certainly plausible, as the accent color seems to play a huge part in the Honeycomb previews I've seen. Or perhaps phones will remain orange and tablets will be blue? It seems like a strange differentiation.
Hints at UI change in the phone-version of Honeycomb include new text-entry fields (looks like the Android keyboard spacebar symbol but stretched), a new look and swiping interaction for tabs within apps (seen in the leaked Music 3.0 app, the 2.1 News and Weather app and the new YouTube app), and like I mentioned, color accents everywhere. Videos of Honeycomb show pop-ups, scroll bars, loading rings/bars and menus featuring the glowing blue accent.
What I'm wondering about is this 'UI overhaul' that everyone is talking about. Is it going to be mostly visual like the stuff I mentioned above or is it going to completely change the UI paradigms of Android? I think a huge change in UI akin to the WM6.5 > WP7 transition would alienate a lot of users and break a lot of apps. Therefore I'm thinking 3.0 is going to be a few tweaks to the interaction part of the UI, but a huge change to the visuals. I predict they will update almost all of the core apps to match the graphics we are seeing in 2.3 and 3.0, to finally put to rest those complaints that Android looks 'hacked together'. The changes in 2.3 were probably a catalyst, to get developers thinking in this new design language. Google needs a name for it, just like WP7 'Metro'. After all it's up to the developers to make apps that match this style.
I'm a Nexus fan and would never buy a phone without stock Android so maybe this is just me dreaming of an end to carrier/manufacturer skins, but what do you think?
As long as it have the look and feel of ADW.Launcher. It can have what ever UI.
chrizzled said:
As an Android nut and graphic/industrial/UI designer I've been thinking a lot about this recently, and just had to get it off my chest. Here goes:
UI styling should be about the content, not the interface. Glossy elements just distract from their actual content. There should be a move away from what Apple does with iOS (emulating analogue elements digitally) towards what Microsoft did with WP7. WP7 showed that you can have an interface without any sort of shininess/gradient or analogue elements and still have it be completely usable and beautiful at the same time.
But what I'm really interested in is the future of Android. Gingerbread was a great step ahead in terms of UI styling. But I wonder what we will see when Sense UI, Motoblur, TouchWiz etc. are updated to 2.3? Sense is notorious for faux glossiness and TouchWiz is notorious for being plain ugly. Will WP7 and Gingerbread help these companies realize that the trend is moving away from iOS-eque styling and towards WP7-esque styling? Or will they continue to blindly copy iOS and ignore Google's attempts to beautify Android? My guess is that they will eventually catch on, but it might take a while. Perhaps if WP7 takes off and commands a decent market share these companies will take notice. We've already seen previews of Sony Ericsson's 2.3 TimeScape skin and LG's 2.3 whatever-it's-called skin and they both appear to have abandoned Gingerbread's gradient-less notifications bar and title bar and replaced them with gradients. Too bad.
Also, what will Honeycomb bring? We've now seen previews of the tablet version, and I can see many 2.3 styling cues in 3.0. One thing I noticed though is that it uses blue as the 'accent color'. Gingerbread strongly reinforced orange as Android's accent color so I wonder why they would change this. What I'm hoping is that the accent color can be changed- it's certainly plausible, as the accent color seems to play a huge part in the Honeycomb previews I've seen. Or perhaps phones will remain orange and tablets will be blue? It seems like a strange differentiation.
Hints at UI change in the phone-version of Honeycomb include new text-entry fields (looks like the Android keyboard spacebar symbol but stretched), a new look and swiping interaction for tabs within apps (seen in the leaked Music 3.0 app, the 2.1 News and Weather app and the new YouTube app), and like I mentioned, color accents everywhere. Videos of Honeycomb show pop-ups, scroll bars, loading rings/bars and menus featuring the glowing blue accent.
What I'm wondering about is this 'UI overhaul' that everyone is talking about. Is it going to be mostly visual like the stuff I mentioned above or is it going to completely change the UI paradigms of Android? I think a huge change in UI akin to the WM6.5 > WP7 transition would alienate a lot of users and break a lot of apps. Therefore I'm thinking 3.0 is going to be a few tweaks to the interaction part of the UI, but a huge change to the visuals. I predict they will update almost all of the core apps to match the graphics we are seeing in 2.3 and 3.0, to finally put to rest those complaints that Android looks 'hacked together'. The changes in 2.3 were probably a catalyst, to get developers thinking in this new design language. Google needs a name for it, just like WP7 'Metro'. After all it's up to the developers to make apps that match this style.
I'm a Nexus fan and would never buy a phone without stock Android so maybe this is just me dreaming of an end to carrier/manufacturer skins, but what do you think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just my two cents here but.... I don't get everyone saying android has no polish. I love my Nexus One, I love stock (vanilla) android. I think Touchwiz is an abomination and said as much when that thread came out to put touchwiz on the N1. Sense is pretty but too bloated in my opinion. Don't get me started on Motoblur... I agree earlier versions of android needed work. >2.2 {in my opinion} Personally I think android is fine. (iOS IS pretty, but so what it's also got an evil ecosystem...) The tweaks done to
2.3 are nice but unnecessary (IMHO). I love the way Android looks.... Oh, and I heartily agree with your statement that "UI styling should be about content...."
Sent from my Llama powered N1 courtesy of the xda app! Llama Power!!
If android could come up with a functional UI I might jump back aboard. Til they do WP7 is the only way to go.
Love the look of stock Android on my Nexus One. Love the new Gingerbread visual tweaks and look forward to the OTA.
HATE 3rd party U.I.
z33dev33l said:
If android could come up with a functional UI I might jump back aboard. Til they do WP7 is the only way to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android HAS a perfectly functional UI. Thank you.
Sent from my Llama powered N1 courtesy of the xda app! Llama Power!!
Babydoll25 said:
Android HAS a perfectly functional UI. Thank you.
Sent from my Llama powered N1 courtesy of the xda app! Llama Power!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used to think so too... now it just seems laggy regardless of launcher...
z33dev33l said:
I used to think so too... now it just seems laggy regardless of launcher...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What lag? {unless ur using a SGS} I have never experienced this lag u speak of sir. My N1 flies I tell you, flies!!! (I have seen in Samsung's phones however...)
(That is why I don't buy them...)
Sent from my Llama powered N1 courtesy of the xda app! Llama Power!!
Babydoll25 said:
What lag? {unless ur using a SGS} I have never experienced this lag u speak of sir. My N1 flies I tell you, flies!!! (I have seen in Samsung's phones however...)
(That is why I don't buy them...)
Sent from my Llama powered N1 courtesy of the xda app! Llama Power!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didnt notice it on my Nexus one til I got WP7, now I just gave the nexus to my brother... just seems slow and jumbled by comparison
im glad the orange accents are gone in honeycomb, the blue looks way better, also im glad the green icons didnt made the cut, i really hope this look becomes the standard for both the tablet and the smartphone versions of the os
Android is ok but can be boring....
Personally I love the idea to have more than 1 OS on your device, so you can easily change whenever you want
With Matias Duarte on board we should see some drastic changes in the UI in the upcoming versions.
Look at the Honeycomb on tablets, we're now not required to have physical buttons, virtual controls are there, the switch tasking panel now actually shows us the current snapshot of the appss in the background - awesome idea from WebOS if you ask me.
z33dev33l said:
Didnt notice it on my Nexus one til I got WP7, now I just gave the nexus to my brother... just seems slow and jumbled by comparison
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a phone addict and I try out almost every phone and OS that comes out. I still don't see what you are talking about, WP7 didn't feel any faster or more polished. It's got a new look and has some ooomph too it, but nothing that noticeable.
Sent from my Llama powered N1 courtesy of the xda app! Llama Power!!
Babydoll25 said:
I'm a phone addict and I try out almost every phone and OS that comes out. I still don't see what you are talking about, WP7 didn't feel any faster or more polished. It's got a new look and has some ooomph too it, but nothing that noticeable.
Sent from my Llama powered N1 courtesy of the xda app! Llama Power!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As am I and I will still admit that the nexus one was the smoothest experience I recieved from an android phone. In all honesty I never thought I'd jump ship and I thought live tiles looked completely retarded. I didnt really think a GPU accelerated UI would mean anything but it did... its just smoother... virtually lag free and though I'm not trying to insult I dont see how you cant see the difference....
z33dev33l said:
As am I and I will still admit that the nexus one was the smoothest experience I recieved from an android phone. In all honesty I never thought I'd jump ship and I thought live tiles looked completely retarded. I didnt really think a GPU accelerated UI would mean anything but it did... its just smoother... virtually lag free and though I'm not trying to insult I dont see how you cant see the difference....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean don't get me wrong, live tiles rock (and roll) but maybe it's just my N1 {and Sparky's but I set his up so...}, but I didn't see an overwhelming difference even with the hardware acceleration. I guess it all boils down to (after a certain point) how you have your individual phone configured... I have not yet seen anything worthy of N1 abandonment...t least not yet.
Sent from my Llama powered N1 courtesy of the xda app! Llama Power!!
I thought my N1 was smooth until I tried a Nexus S... now I can't go back.
The Gingerbread stock launcher is silky smooth. WP7 smooth. The scrolling and 3D app drawer is much smoother than LauncherPro or ADW Launcher. Live Wallpapers do not affect performance at all. The new UI elements make android look much more refined. The screen-off animation and the scrolling overshoot glow are amazing. And that's just the UI...
Long live stock Android and Nexus devices!
UI of Android
- The current browser UI is driving me crazy! Especially the back operation could jump to another app is un-acceptable.
- We need to have a mechanism for something like a pop up app. For example, when reading, a quick pop-up to look up a word or access wikipedia. It just need to : select, open with selection. Since Android let all apps open, the user just go back to the last app to continue
- I agree that data is important. The contact is the central of a phone. It can be mail, phone, sms, im, photo, calendar, ... The owner is of-cause need to be part of the contact. And there should be able to browse, jump, classify contacts quickly. I would like to suggest allow tags. An extendable contact db will be very nice.
- Moreover, for tabalet, there should be multi-users, switching profiles, encrypt data, etc. the lock screen should allow change of user
- Please consider the actual usage of a phone or tabalet together with other devices. Android should be part of a bigger system instead of a single computer. Cross interaction with desktop, other tabalets, is a must: ssh should be a standard on every device. There should be neighbour or friends nodes (not people, but devices) that can registers long term or short. There should be a easy way to find the new ip or connection method(bt) for the device. a bluetooth message send to allow register the device and provide a instant connection is good. Porting synergy allow share keyboard, (mouse) and clipboard is good, but need to address the situation where mouse is missing. Send screen shot is useful too. exchange pic, contacts, calendar events, ....
- Make index a ready service, update of index can be done when charging. It can be a mode call sleep, which will do house keeping like : update indexing, clean up space, calculate statistics, exchange data with cloud. The phone would work but will be slow. User can understand that the phone go sleep a while to keep healthy. The index is very valuable : provide fast browsing for things, faster search, and support a multi-dimension browsing experiende.
- clipboard : with multi-history
- Please check lePhone : use of gesture instead of soft key.
- Fast switch between opened apps
- notice : allow user to block call, sms, ... to interrupt. There can be a priority and the user can set the current lock level, priority lower the lock level would not sound, visual or virbaton
- I am not very sure about this : there should be scene : like meeting, driving, atHome, atOffice, etc. which can be auto-detect by various sensers. But too smart a phone can also be troublesome.
allow two phones to compare the app list, find common contacts, temporary play a game with connection (like NDS download play), peer chat (group of devices), share camera, audio, borrow book
current desktop background is not good. Make it easier for user to dress up their phone.
Hello, all.
I've got a confession to make: I like apps. A lot. To an unhealthy degree. I've got a huge stash of apps on my phone, and an even larger collection of .apk backups waiting to be reloaded whenever I feel like it. I love finding new apps to try out, and deciding which ones are worthy to be added to my collection. A lot of the apps that I find and want to try out are paid apps; without finding many thorough reviews on them, I don't know whether they are worth my money - but I can't stand the thought of missing out on the Next Big Thing. And so I buy them, download them, install them, and test them out anyway. If it's an awesome app and well-worth the money, I tell my friends. If it is money that could be better spent on another app that I've tried before, I tell my friends that, too.
Unfortunately, not all of my friends are interested in my opinion on apps. They only listen to me because of my rugged good looks (my theory). This makes me sad, because I spend a lot of time (and money, in some cases) trying apps out - someone else needs to benefit from that time (and money) as well. Until someone decides to pay/reimburse me for all the apps that I evaluate, the next-best thing I can do is offer up reviews to the community of any apps that I have found particularly useful. This is the driving force behind my desire to make this thread.
I will be running down my list of currently-installed useful applications and entertaining games. I will include screen shots, AppBrain links, and as much detail as I can muster up. My hope is that the rest of the community may find some benefit from these reviews - and who knows, maybe you'll find a kick-ass app you'd never heard of.
I'm open to questions, ideas, requests, suggestions, and pretty much any other type of communication or input that could be provided. I only ask that you be respectful - both of me, and of the app developers. And if this list helps you find a neat paid app to try out, please do support the developer(s). Piracy is bad, mmmmkay?
Enjoy!
-codesplice
Credit where credit is due: All screenshots are made using the free ShootMe app.
NOTE: Now that the Android Market has a shnazzy new web interface, I'm going to change the primary links for apps to reflect this. I will add the AppBrain links as a secondary, and hope to add direct market links at some point once I find a site to reliably provide this information. Stay tuned!
Reviews:
Minimalistic Text (Widget)
Clutch Pad(Multitasking App) UPDATED 2/24/11
CircleLauncher (Widget)
Swipe Pad (Multitasking App)
Keyboard Manager (App) UPDATED 2/23/11
Shift Puzzle Game (Game)
ElecroDroid (App)
Hella Umbrella (Game)
Digital Wall (LWP)
Shortyz Crosswords (App)
Elixir (System Info App)
Google Authenticator (App)
Zeam (Launcher)
Lookout / WaveSecure (Mobile Security App double-feature)
If you don't want to subscribe to this thread, you can follow me on that twitting thing, as I will post updates about new reviews there.
Minimalistic Text (widget)
App Name: Minimalistic Text (v.2.1.3, @AppBrain)
Developer: Devmil
Price: FREE
There is quite a handful of text-based widgets available on the Market, and a lot of them are very nice. There are widgets for displaying the time as text, the weather as text, the battery level as text.... but this is one widget that does it all. Just about every aspect of the widget is configurable, from the text alignment and rotation to the font size and colors to even the format for different types of data. You've got several options for the display type, whether you want to use digits or words or even a bar (for days of the week or percentage of battery charge). There is also an optional "blur" text effect which works wonderfully for making accented text appear to be illuminated. To top things off, this widget also functions as a plugin for Locale or Tasker and can be used to display variables from either of those applications. For instance, if you want a small text-widget to display what Locale/Tasker profiles are currently active, this is your answer for a very configurable solution.
For each widget you are also able to define an action to perform when tapped - whether it is launching another activity (my clock widget launches my alarm clock), opening the widget preferences page, or even reading out the text currently displayed on the widget. You are also able to save and restore your widget settings, so don't be afraid to experiment.
Given the sheer amount of customizations available to you with this widget app, the configuration menu may be a little bit overwhelming and complex when you first get into it. Play around for a few minutes, and you're bound to get the hang of it.
This is a fabulous widget, and one that I highly recommend to anyone who will take the time to tinker with it.
Verdict: A highly-configurable text-based widget to display pretty much anything you want, especially with Tasker integration.
Screenshots:
1) Widget(s) in action. I should note there are three separate widgets displayed: Time / weather up top, day / date on the bottom, and a battery level bar on the right-hand side.
2) Preferences Manager for all widgets
3) Text Style menu
4-5) Custom Layout configurator
(tested on NexusOne / Kang-o-rama 1.2 T1 (CM7.n13 / GRH78C / Android 2.3.2))
Clutch Pad[APP]
App Name: Clutch Pad (v.1.3v.1.4.2, @AppBrain)
Developer: stevealbright
Price: $0.99 $1.99
Clutch is an application that seeks to optimize and streamline the way you multitask on Android. It is currently in beta status, but is very functional in its current state. It is a powerful supplement to the built-in Recent Apps feature.
Clutch manifests itself as a small semi-transparent "trigger" area, which functions similar to "hot corners" on a Mac (I think. I'm a Linux/PC guy). This small region rides at the very top layer of the Android interface (in a user-configurable position) and is accessible no matter what application you may be working in. You can tap this region to instantly bring up a small grid displaying your recently-accessed applications. You can customize how many apps you want to be visible, configure the application to ignore your Home (Launcher) app in its list, and to visually distinguish currently-running applications from terminated apps. This makes it very easy to quickly determine if that app you just exited is still running or if it has been shut down as it should, as well as providing a quick (and lightweight) task switcher.
Nice, but nothing terribly fantastic. Yet. Clutch also has configurable swipe gestures - the most useful (to me) of which is a Last Task functionality. For instance, if I Swipe Up from the Clutch region, I instantly switch to whatever my previous app was. If I swipe again, I am moved back to the app I just switched from. This functions similarly to just pressing ALT+TAB quickly, and is very useful for quickly jumping between two apps.
This little utility is quick and lightweight, and I have found it to be extremely useful. It is still in development, and has many more features planned (and a price increase to accompany them - so get it quickly!) including support for additional gestures (open/close notifications, for example), on-click task control (press-and-hold to kill, for example), and configurable transition animations.
If you've got a dollar to spend, you would do well to add this application to your device in its current state, and I can only imagine the app's versatility and usefulness will increase with the further planned updates.
Update (2/24/11): Clutch Pad has recently been updated to version 1.4. With this update, the application has dropped the "Beta" tag, gained an additional "Pad" in its name, and has added additional features and configurable options. At the same time, the price has also been increased to $1.99. New features include additional swipe gestures, configurable transition animations (that are quite pretty), the option to toggle the trigger button via a press-and-hold on the Search hardware key, and a Favorites option to quickly launch your favorite apps. Options have also been added for additional visual tweaks and adjustments of both the trigger icon and the popup lists, and all known bugs have been fixed. With each incremental update, this app gets more and more useful and I find myself relying upon it more all the time. Even at the increased price, this is still one of my must-have applications.
Verdict: An innovative way to access recent apps, and the Last App gesture functionality is every bit as useful as Alt-Tabbing between apps on your desktop.
Screenshots:
1) Trigger icon
2) Recent apps list
3-5) Settings pages
(tested on NexusOne / Kang-o-rama 1.2 T1 (CM7.n13 / GRH78C / Android 2.3.2))
CircleLauncher (widget)
App Name: CircleLauncher (v.1.5.2, @AppBrain)
Developer: db-ware
Price: ~$1.37 (free, limited version here or @AppBrain)
As mentioned previously, I have a lot of apps. One of the problem with having a lot of apps is running out of room on your homescreens for app shortcuts. There are various widgets out there that propose a variety of solutions to this problem, but they often leave you with tiny, almost unusable icons. This would have been fine in the days where the trackball reigned supreme, but this is the oh-tens. It has to be finger-friendly.
One true solution that I stumbled across the other day is called CircleLauncher. What it does is really very simple, but it does it very well. It allows you to create a single widget to group similar applications together (I've used location-themed apps and clock-based apps in my example). Tape the 1x1 widget, and a lightweight menu appears to launch your apps. Pretty standard, but this menu is laid out (by default - you can change this in the settings) in a ring around the icon. As you slide your finger or thumb around the ring, the currently selected application icon grows to make selection a bit easier.
Note that CircleLauncher includes other layout types (configurable from the widget's config menu, which you access by selecting the widget and then press-and-holding the center) including horizontal and vertical lines. I was also very pleased with the way that the widget's application menu adapts to its position on the screen - stick it in a corner, and your full selection of apps will be displayed within a 90-degree pie slice.
Obviously, a menu such as this is a bit limited to a relatively low number of apps (more than 9 or 10 and the ring will be just too cluttered to be functional), but if you need to have quick access to just a few more apps from your homescreen, this should do the trick. Since there is a free version available, why not give it a shot and see if this widget can help you to organize your home screen a bit?
Verdict: An easy way to combine several app shortcuts into one.
Screenshots:
1) Plain widgets (labeled GPS and Time) - you can dress them up a bit more if you are artistically inclined.
2) One widget opened showing the full selection ring.
3) The corner widget open showing the adaptation to the position.
4) One icon expanded while my finger hovers over it.
5) Settings menu
(tested on NexusOne / Kang-o-rama 1.2 T1 (CM7.n13 / GRH78C / Android 2.3.2))
Keep going mate
gruzman said:
Keep going mate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I surely intend to! Just have to figure out which app to post next
Thanks for the encouragement though. It is appreciated to know at least someone is reading over all this mess!
SwipePad Beta [APP]
App Name: SwipePad Beta (v.0.7.5, @AppBrain)
Developer: Conduction.mobi
Price: FREE
Keeping on the theme of "apps to help you access your apps", we come to SwipePad Beta. Similar in some regard to Clutch, this app also gives you "hot corner" functionality. Use the settings menu to establish what corners (or regions) you want to be active, and then slide your finger from a specified region to the center of the screen. Hold it for just a moment, and a 3x4 grid of application shortcuts magically appears. You can, of course, fully customize what applications should appear on this grid by simply pressing your finger on an empty square or by holding your finger over an existing icon until it is highlighted. The hot corners/region and swipe gesture should work pretty much any time that the screen is unlocked, and is a great way of quickly launching a new app without returning to your home screen.
The application offers to integrate task managing application by the same developer (which is a paid app) that I haven't tried out yet. Personally, I've got plenty of other ways of killing apps at this point - particularly once the function gets built into Clutch.
SwipePad is very nicely polished and quite responsive. It does what it does quite well. My only issue with it is that I just don't use it very frequently. I almost forget that it is there; I must be thoroughly conditioned to launching apps from the home screen. It's free, though, so give it a whirl and see if it can further help to optimize the way you launch apps from within other apps
Verdict: Clever use of hot-corners to gain quick access to up to 12 user-defined apps; non-intrusive to the point that you might forget to use it.
Screenshots:
1) SwipePad in action. Note that putting a link to SwipePad on your SwipePad gives you a quick way to access the settings screens.
2) SwipePad settings, with the hot corners highlighted in red at the bottom.
(tested on NexusOne / Kang-o-rama 1.2 T1 (CM7.n13 / GRH78C / Android 2.3.2))
is there a video demonstrating the use of Clutch? I want to watch it before paying for it.
Deff fav'ing this. Am looking forward to all reviews
(*is thinking about getting clutch)
Epic is as Epic does
Nice! Thanks bro!
waichung said:
is there a video demonstrating the use of Clutch? I want to watch it before paying for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I imagine there should be a video somewhere on the youtubes. Let me know if you find one and I will add it to the post. I'm about to go into work so it will be another 12 hours before I have access to the full internet, but I will look then if you haven't found anything.
Very good! Thanks
Keyboard Manager [APP]
App Name: Keyboard Manager (v.1.1) Keyboard Manager (v.1.4)
Developer: ne0fhyk
Price: FREE $1.99
NOTE: This app requires root!!
It took me quite a while, but I finally weened myself away from requiring a physical keyboard on a mobile device when I got my NexusOne. With the multitude and variety of available software keyboards available for Android, I haven't really missed the physical keys. The only annoyance at this point is that I find keyboards that work great for one-handed operation in portrait orientation, like Swype or 8pen (if you're in the mood for adventure and don't really care how long it takes to get a message completed ), but are next-to-worthless for dual-thumb landscape input. With a physical keyboard, you'd just slide that bad boy out and away you go. For those of us with only a touchscreen and maybe a few additional buttons, it can be a bit of a chore to manually change the selected input method each time we rotate the device. If only there was a way for the device to read my mind and select the appropriate keyboard.....
As luck would have it, XDA member ne0fhyk has provided us with a solution to this difficulty, in the form of his Keyboard Manager application. Simply select what keyboard you want to use in each orientation (I use Swype for portrait and SwiftKey for landscape), and the app will handle the tedious business of choosing the appropriate input method. It's that easy, and it works.
Mostly. The app is a bit of a hacked solution, and requires root permissions to be able to get around the Android security feature which prevents applications from changing the input method. Installation is not always straight-forward (instructions are available in the first post of the application thread, and it may cause a few software keyboards to force-close if you change orientation while the keyboard is displayed. The current version (1.1) has come a long way from the previous releases in terms of usability, stability, and reliability, and I haven't had any major issues with it. I highly recommend that you give this application a shot and see if it will help you out with your input needs.
Update (2/23/11): Keyboard Manager is no longer available for free, but is now installable from the Android Market. The now-current 1.4 version has fixed most of the install issues and should be a very easy set-up for you. If you run into any issues with the purchased version, please contact the developer - he helped me solve issues specific to my device, and the application works like a charm now.
Verdict: A functional hack to auto-select the appropriate software keyboard based on device orientation.
Screenshots:
1) The optional persistent notification icon. Activating the notification will give you quick access to the Keyboard Manager settings page, and I recommend you leave it enabled until you get things set up the way you want. After that, disable the persistent notification at your own risk (the persistent notification keeps the process in the foreground and prevents Android from terminating it).
2) Settings screen
3) Selecting which keyboard to use
4) Demonstrating that the app has automatically selected Swype for portrait...
5) .... and SwiftKey for landscape.
(tested on NexusOne / Kang-o-rama 1.2 T1 (CM7.n13 / GRH78C / Android 2.3.2))
Shift Puzzle Game [GAME]
App Name: Shift Puzzle Game (v.1.2, @AppBrain)
Developer: Handmark
Price: $1.99 (Free ad-supported version here or @AppBrain let's you try out 15 levels; full version features 40 additional levels and no ads)
The Shift Puzzle Game is a tasty Android port of the ever-popular SHIFT game by Armor Games, which you can play free in your Flash-enabled browser at the Armor Games website. If you're not familiar with the original (as I wasn't until I found this app just an hour ago), then let me fill you in on the skinny.
Shift is a new take on the classic adventure-puzzle platformer game. Your mission is to get from point A to point B, dodging whatever nasty traps and obstacles may be in your path. The twist is the ability for you to literally shift the game universe upside down. White becomes black, up becomes down, and you find yourself walking on the flip side of the surface you were just standing on. You can (and will) use this clever maneuver repeatedly in order to successfully navigate each challenging level. Not quite tracking? It can be rather tough to explain... Hopefully the screenshots below will help clear it up (or go play the flash version for free here).
This implementation for a touchscreen device is phenomenal. The controls are large and appear on either side of the landscape display - and you don't even need multitouch. Just tap the left arrow to move left, the left-up diagonal to jump left, and the SHIFT button at the top to do that groovy shift thing. The gameplay is engaging, and the levels can be quite challenging (and quite addictive). The game is worth trying out (the free version) solely for experiencing the joy that is puzzle-solving by twisting the fabric of the universe, and you might just get hooked enough to purchase the full version. It would be two bucks well spent.
Verdict: Quickly becoming my latest Android gaming addiction.
Screenshots:
1) Main menu
2) First level
3) First level - SHIFTED!
4) It gets twisted!
(tested on NexusOne / Kang-o-rama 1.2 T1 (CM7.n13 / GRH78C / Android 2.3.2))
This is a little off topic but is anyone attempting a Tor app?
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA App
jinsfch said:
This is a little off topic but is anyone attempting a Tor app?
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just slightly off topic, but no worries.
A quick search on AppBrain found Orbot: Tor On Android. Impressive, since Android still doesn't have proper proxy support on its own...
Can't find clutch video on youtube...
Btw,i think swipepad is better than it as swyping from the bottom is easier than from the right
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
waichung said:
Can't find clutch video on youtube...
Btw,i think swipepad is better than it as swyping from the bottom is easier than from the right
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I looked for Clutch videos as well and was disappointed to see that there aren't any. I may try to shoot a video once I get home from the desert in a few weeks (hopefully).
You can change the position of the Clutch region to really any spot on the screen. And I don't really see the two as competing anyway as they have entirely different purposes: Clutch gives you quick access to your recently-executed apps, while SwipePad offers a fixed menu of apps for you to launch.
codesplice said:
I looked for Clutch videos as well and was disappointed to see that there aren't any. I may try to shoot a video once I get home from the desert in a few weeks (hopefully).
You can change the position of the Clutch region to really any spot on the screen. And I don't really see the two as competing anyway as they have entirely different purposes: Clutch gives you quick access to your recently-executed apps, while SwipePad offers a fixed menu of apps for you to launch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The likely alt-tab function of clutch is really fantastic but does it show the recently-executed apps or the running apps? I use swipepad together with the virtual task switcher which allows switching among the running tasks. These 2 apps are completely free and no need to paid $1 for the "swipepad: tasks". But I prefer quick accessing recent tasks to showing those apps running at the background.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
waichung said:
The likely alt-tab function of clutch is really fantastic but does it show the recently-executed apps or the running apps? I use swipepad together with the virtual task switcher which allows switching among the running tasks. These 2 apps are completely free and no need to paid $1 for the "swipepad: tasks". But I prefer quick accessing recent tasks to showing those apps running at the background.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The set {recently-executed} apps includes the subset {running apps}. The default behavior of Android is to show all recently-executed apps under the Recent Apps functionality, regardless of whether those apps are still running or have been terminated. I thought that Visual Task Switcher behaved the same way, but based on the application page it does appear to only display currently-running apps. Personally, I prefer to see recent apps (with a visual distinction between those that are still running and those that have been terminated), as I often end up re-launching the same app over and over; of course, you could also just pin a shortcut to those frequent apps to SwipePad. We all operate our devices in different ways, so either option is of course valid.
Visual Task Switcher (at least the last time that I used it) tended to make my phone lag significantly for whatever reason; I did use it for quite some time though, and was pleased with its functionality as a complete Recent Apps replacement (after configuring the long-press home trigger to launch it via CyanogenMod settings). Also note that the free version includes ads (which may contribute to the lag I was experiencing?) while the full version will set you back $1.99.
** Claystone Launcher- A quick update and we just launched our first theme pack **
- A lot has been happened over the last month with Claystone Launcher
- We have now had over 14,000 downloads combined from the following App Stores:
Android Market
Android Freeware Market
Handango / Appia
SlideMe
MobiHand
GetJar
Handster
Aproov
** Themes **
- We just launched our first theme called BlueBerry and added skinning to the features
- We designed and launched a solid business user theme with a clear, crisp interface and colour scheme
- Our goal is to release many themes over the next few months (catching up wit the other launchers)
- Search Android Market fore the keyword "claystone" to install and see all the latest.
** New Features ***
- Besides themes we added sharing functionality and more customization and preferences (a big request from our users)
- Performance and memory management was tweaked and enhanced over a challenging 5 week period of intensive testing, retesting, and responding to user feedback and suggestions
- Launching a new home screen replacement has really been challenging because there are so many solid options already available
- Claystone works on more devices and adjust performance settings to match the hardware capabilities
- Performance can also be adjusted through Preferences if you want to tinker with speed and performance
** We Debuted Claystone on XDA Forums and your feedback is welcomed **
- We welcome your comments, feedback, suggestions and requests for additional Claystone themes.
- Inside the App you can conveniently "Share Claystone" item on the options menu to share Claystone with your friends.
- You can also conveniently rate Claystone and send the Claystone Team a feedback email from Claystone preferences
*** Thanks ***
- I thought I would take some time to reconnect with the XDA forum community and say thank you for all your support and feedback over the last two months.
- I have uploaded some of the latest screen shots and the current APK if you would like to see all the latest changes.
### Minimum Requirements
- Android smart phone or tablet
- Android 2.1 and higher
- OpenGL 1.1 and higher
- Normal screen size or higher
- Medium screen density (160 mdpi) or higher
Claystone Is Now Available in the following App Stores:
- Android Market
- Amazon Android App Store (soon)
- Android Freeware Market
- SlideMe App Store
- Handango App Store (Appia)
- GetJAR App Store
- Search for the keyword "Claystone" to install Claystone from Android Market
- To get the latest version use Android Market updates
Sound amazing and would live to help you test it, but where's the link?
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Sounds sweet
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA Premium App
Initial impression is that its very confussing and difficult to use... it took me a while to work out what I was looking at. Don't get the widget folder as it negates what a widget is. I do like the potential concept, but this really needs a lot more thought into user experience.
To start with look at changing the folder controls to make them easier to select.
This is a very original approach and I'll going to watch this one with interest...
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA Premium App
Often only shows black screen on HTC legend.
The dock icons are too big and there is hardly any customization possible.
But it is a really interesting idea and different from other launcher. I'll stay tuned.
Sent from my HTC Legend
Widget Question
pantera70 said:
Initial impression is that its very confussing and difficult to use... it took me a while to work out what I was looking at. Don't get the widget folder as it negates what a widget is. I do like the potential concept, but this really needs a lot more thought into user experience.
To start with look at changing the folder controls to make them easier to select.
This is a very original approach and I'll going to watch this one with interest...
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We would really appreciate any more detail you can provide about Widgets. We are tweaking the UI throughout the beta program and any additional ideas or recommendations would be really helpful.
Kevin
Can someone post screen shots?
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
claystoneinc said:
We would really appreciate any more detail you can provide about Widgets. We are tweaking the UI throughout the beta program and any additional ideas or recommendations would be really helpful.
Kevin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless I'm missing something the only place to add widgets is in the folder at the top of the screen. This limited the use of widgets... for example if I add a 2x2 clock thats all I can see and use unless I expand the folder. This is compounded by the difficulty in using the folder controls. Widgets are supposed to provide quick and easy access and viewing of apps and info you use most, currently this is lost in Claystone... If you could make widget use a little more traditional it would go a long way...
Like I said previously though the whole user experience would be vastly improved if you added larger controls to the folders making it quick and easy to expand/close etc.
Like ms_green says the dock is a little large and it makes the screen feel a little cramped.
A very short review, sorry for being blunt:
* On my Droid Incredible: great, now applications are even smaller/hard to read. UI is not very responsive. Toolbar buttons are too small but making them any bigger would mean even less real estate.
* Tablet: Ooooh now you're talking! The layout makes much more sense, especially in landscape mode. This is actually getting closer to WebOs' take on multitasked UI.
I think this app has a great future on tablets.
Ima dl right now
Sent from my SPH-D700-EPIC-using Tapatalk
Can someone post screenshots? Thanks
This is great!!! VERY GOOD!!! the concept is amazing
things u might want to improve:
The loading speed of panels are slow. Even opening the appdrawer takes no less than 3 seconds, not to mention browser etc
When u scroll vertically but a bit sideways on a panel it just pops u into another panel, very excruciating
Panels. seriously, all u can have is a home panel and a widget panel? i want to make my own (not just folders) for example media, games etc
"items" u can add. to be honest all there is is file explorer, browser and youtube (not to mention the youtube one really sucks). U need more of these "items", but i understand this is a beta
lol no offense
I could see this possibly having potential on a bigger screen, like a tablet maybe. But as it stands things feel too cramped on my 3.7 inch screen. Also things are a bit slow atm.
It's an interesting concept, but implemented in a moderately confusing fashion. The widget box resizes widgets oddly, making things look bulky, etc.
Great idea, though.
Opening the inbuilt contacts force closes the app for me.
But apart from that, a brilliant concept! I can't wait for new additions! Great job
Misleadingg said:
This is great!!! VERY GOOD!!! the concept is amazing
things u might want to improve:
The loading speed of panels are slow. Even opening the appdrawer takes no less than 3 seconds, not to mention browser etc
When u scroll vertically but a bit sideways on a panel it just pops u into another panel, very excruciating
Panels. seriously, all u can have is a home panel and a widget panel? i want to make my own (not just folders) for example media, games etc
"items" u can add. to be honest all there is is file explorer, browser and youtube (not to mention the youtube one really sucks). U need more of these "items", but i understand this is a beta
lol no offense
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the great feedback!
You can create more panels ("folders") as well, you can copy and paste any item in any panel. In our next drop we are going to make it simple by adding applications to the "create" menu.
Meltus said:
Opening the inbuilt contacts force closes the app for me.
But apart from that, a brilliant concept! I can't wait for new additions! Great job
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mind telling us what phone/version you are using? We'll look into it. Thanks.
downloaded and will try it out on my Viewsonic G Tablet when I get home tonight
I'm a visual person. Anyone got screenshots?
Nothing to see here...
App: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.simproduction.twittermood
Figure out the world's mood by just looking at your home screen. Too lazy to read the news all the time? Just add the widget to your home screen and when that color changes, you know something's happening.
By using Twitter's API, the latest tweets are analyzed and an algorithm is used to find the most radical change in the mood of tweets. When this change occurs, the color and level of the mood will also change. Twitter account is NOT required!
Features:
-Widget (Twitter bird) that changes colors.
-Application with full screen color for night stand.
Please be aware that this application is in it's very early stage and bugs may appear. Just please make sure you e-mail me when this happens so that I can try and do my best to fix it. I am also open to suggestions, so if you've got one, suggest away! If you'd like please suggest a price for the full version that allows customization.
Tentative upcoming features:
-Allow for faster updating. (Right now Twitter only allows 150 requests per hour, there might be a way around this.)
-Only do tweets from your friends. (Once app is stable enough this might be implemented.
-Premium application that allows the customization of keywords. (It's already done, but it needs a bit of work.)
-More customization options.
I need to testers to review the app and give me suggestions. I am open for anything. I really would appreciate reviews and before rating bad an e-mail explaining what went wrong would be really helpful. Thank you!
Testing now...
Sent from my LG GT540 using xda premium
Thank you for helping out. The app's release has a poor date. For the past 3 days, it has shown me Joyful Mood. The reason for this is that there are an incredible amount of Happy tweets caused by New Years. If you wait until all of these calm down, they will start changing.
There's been an update to fix this. Please I need more feedback!
Dont have twiter but idea is cool version for facebook impossible?
Sent from my GT-S5660 using Tapatalk
There's no need for a twitter account. This app only uses tweets from twitter to calculate the mood. I only mention Twitter because I use their servers but otherwise you have no connection to twitter whatsoever.
Like the concept. Would like a cooler looking widget. Maybe a glossy orb or something. I would also like it if the widget would open the app when I click on it, or maybe just show a toast notification giving me the status as text
Yeah, the clicking of the widget is an intended feature. I'm not a great gfx developer, but for the time being I'm focusing on the performance of the app. I will add the widget clicking as soon as possible.
Fun idea, checking it out now
New update!
Clicking on the widget will now open the main app!
I have just discovered a beautiful note taking app that possibly can replace a number of the ones available on the market.
The app is called Handy note and gives you compete control over your notes amongst numerous other functions. The only downside is that it's not free to try so you'll have to take my word for it or use the 15 minute refund window (extremely cheap to buy though). With a bit more development, it probably can replace S-notes. I'll list the pros and cons to help highlight key features and will link to the app for those interested.
Pros - app currently can do
° Text entry via chosen keyboard
° Freehand text entry with smoothing applied (makes your handwriting look much nicer)
° Two writing panels, when you enter handwriting and reach the end of the first panel, you start writing in the second panel while the first one transfers writing to screen, this allows continuous writing without having to wait for words to transfer.
° Everything you do can be repositioned anywhere on the screen as easily as selecting the desired area and sliding it to where you want it positioned i.e. you want to move text, handwriting or drawings to a different section just select correct tool and area you want to reposition and drag your S-pen to the desired position.
° Number of text editing options such as bullets, numbering, font size choice etc.
° You can insert pictures and shapes, loads to choose from within the app such as arrows, circle, box, smilies etc
° You can insert date, time etc and change the way it looks too
There are tons more features, too much to list.
Cons - not available (yet, possibly the developer may include in future updates)
° Could not see an option to import pdf's
° Could not see an option to increase page size of needed
° Notes are saved automatically, does not have a save button
° Portrait mode only at present - Now landscape mode available!
° pdf export done as images so any typed text cannot be highlighted using a pdf editor using highlight function - you can always edit the text from within the app
I have only listed some features of the app above as I have only been using for about 30 minutes, there are still lots to discover and I think I will request from the developer some of the cons I have listed above to be addressed. Will truly make this app perfect if they can implement them.
As it stands though, the app is still fantastic and runs super smooth on or Notes and is really worth a try for those who take a lot of notes.
Below is a screen shot I have taken to show only a tiny bit of what the app is capable of doing. If you do try the app and find any useful features that I have not listed, reply to this thread and I'll add to the list of pros or cons for that matter.
Link to app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appbody.handyNote.google&hl=en
HasC said:
I have just discovered a beautiful note taking app that possibly can replace a number of the ones available on the market.
The app is called Handy note and gives you compete control over your notes amongst numerous other functions. The only downside is that it's not free to try so you'll have to take my word for it or use the 15 minute refund window (extremely cheap to buy though). With a bit more development, it probably can replace S-notes. I'll list the pros and cons to help highlight key features and will link to the app for those interested.
Pros - app currently can do
° Text entry via chosen keyboard
° Freehand text entry with smoothing applied (makes your handwriting look much nicer)
° Two writing panels, when you enter handwriting and reach the end of the first panel, you start writing in the second panel while the first one transfers writing to screen, this allows continuous writing without having to wait for words to transfer.
° Everything you do can be repositioned anywhere on the screen as easily as selecting the desired area and sliding it to where you want it positioned i.e. you want to move text, handwriting or drawings to a different section just select correct tool and area you want to reposition and drag your S-pen to the desired position.
° Number of text editing options such as bullets, numbering, font size choice etc.
° You can insert pictures and shapes, loads to choose from within the app such as arrows, circle, box, smilies etc
° You can insert date, time etc and change the way it looks too
There are tons more features, too much to list.
Cons - not available (yet, possibly the developer may include in future updates)
° Could not see an option to import pdf's
° Could not see an option to increase page size of needed
° Notes are saved automatically, does not have a safe button
° Portrait mode only at present
° pdf export done as images so any typed text cannot be highlighted using a pdf editor using highlight function - you can always edit the text from within the app
I have only listed some features of the app above as I have only been using for about 30 minutes, there are still lots to discover and I think I will request from the developer some of the cons I have listed above to be addressed. Will truly make this app perfect if they can implement them.
As it stands though, the app is still fantastic and runs super smooth on or Notes and is really worth a try for those who take a lot of notes.
Below is a screen shot I have taken to show only a tiny bit of what the app is capable of doing. If you do try the app and find any useful features that I have not listed, reply to this thread and I'll add to the list of pros or cons for that matter.
Link to app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appbody.handyNote.google&hl=en
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the recommendation.
Have you tried Freenote? It does everything you listed above as a "Pro," even the two-panel input. Like LectureNotes, it also gives options for customization to the point of becoming confusing, but is a very powerful note-taking app. That's my major gripe with it-- there is a steep learning curve. But once I figured it all out, it became my "go to" note-taking app.
JC
jchammerpants said:
Thanks for the recommendation.
Have you tried Freenote? It does everything you listed above as a "Pro," even the two-panel input. Like LectureNotes, it also gives options for customization to the point of becoming confusing, but is a very powerful note-taking app. That's my major gripe with it-- there is a steep learning curve. But once I figured it all out, it became my "go to" note-taking app.
JC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried freenote and my biggest gripe is that it is not very intuitive. I did manage to get used to its functions but this apps user interface is more intuitive and seems more polished. I will recommend this for those who do not want to fiddle about with too many options and want something that just works with minimal set up and a less busy screen.
Thanks for your feedback.
HasC said:
I have tried freenote and my biggest gripe is that it is not very intuitive. I did manage to get used to its functions but this apps user interface is more intuitive and seems more polished. I will recommend this for those who do not want to fiddle about with too many options and want something that just works with minimal set up and a less busy screen.
Thanks for your feedback.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I have the same gripe with Freenote, but have come to terms with it since it offers suck flexibility. But I still find myself trying to remember how to do something I've done before, because its not intuitive.
You inspired me to start a thread for users to contribute to a feature list of the "holy grail" of note-taking apps. I'm hoping to get the users and devs from all the good apps to comment collectively. We'll see...
jchammerpants said:
Yes, I have the same gripe with Freenote, but have come to terms with it since it offers suck flexibility. But I still find myself trying to remember how to do something I've done before, because its not intuitive.
You inspired me to start a thread for users to contribute to a feature list of the "holy grail" of note-taking apps. I'm hoping to get the users and devs from all the good apps to comment collectively. We'll see...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds good to me, it would be really brilliant if someone can come up with a notepad that has all the key features that people use and not have to go to different apps to carry out different functions. At present, the lecture notes developer seems to be the most keen developer who actively makes changes to use requests and requirements.
I hope the thread will be well received and we get the ultimate note taking app as a result.
HasC
Do you have any updates on this app now that you have had this for a few days. Has your opinion changed.
tonyz3 said:
HasC
Do you have any updates on this app now that you have had this for a few days. Has your opinion changed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest, what you are paying for this app and what you are getting far outweighs the fact that it does not have a trial version.
The app has not crashed and runs really smooth, works very well with the S-pen and most definitely has a premium feel to it. Usually an app with the features this one offers should be priced about 3-4 times higher. The best aspect of the app is the tools layout and how easily the document can be re arranged, very intuitive.
To get a feel, try the app for about ten minutes and refund if you don't like the feel of it, that's what I did and stuck with it.
After the above and to answer your question, I would conclude with, my opinion has not changed after using more extensively and I would recommend the app as an optional note taking app, it may not be a daily driver in all scenarios though. Would probably use it for designing simple presentations and information booklets / guides instead of having to use Polaris etc
HasC said:
To be honest, what you are paying for this app and what you are getting far outweighs the fact that it does not have a trial version.
...
To get a feel, try the app for about ten minutes and refund if you don't like the feel of it, that's what I did and stuck with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I took the $0.99 plunge for this app. I think it is worth that much at least for anyone wanting a fairly full-featured but easy-to-use note-taking app.
It might be the most intuitive note-taking app I've seen so far. It is pretty quick to switch between text, ink, graphics, and paint-- even within a single line on the page.
And it allows exporting to PDF or PNG, and to email or Dropbox, with a minimal of clicks, which I like.
The operation of the layers can be confusing, though. I almost returned it for refund because opened a blank page from one of the templates, and did a whole page of ink and graphics to test it. When I finished and hit the button to switch back to the page view, it appeared that all my ink and graphics were gone. It took me a few minutes to figure out that the layer in which I had done my work was only sized to about a third of the total page size, even though the editing view for that layer allowed me to write/paint the full length of the screen. Long story short, I "found" my work by resizing that layer to be the length of the screen, which revealed what I had written. But I initially thought that it had failed to save my work.
This may replace Freenote as my go to note-taking app.
EDIT: Second gripe: Only works in portrait orientation for now.
jchammerpants said:
I took the $0.99 plunge for this app. I think it is worth that much at least for anyone wanting a fairly full-featured but easy-to-use note-taking app.
It might be the most intuitive note-taking app I've seen so far. It is pretty quick to switch between text, ink, graphics, and paint-- even within a single line on the page.
And it allows exporting to PDF or PNG, and to email or Dropbox, with a minimal of clicks, which I like.
The operation of the layers can be confusing, though. I almost returned it for refund because opened a blank page from one of the templates, and did a whole page of ink and graphics to test it. When I finished and hit the button to switch back to the page view, it appeared that all my ink and graphics were gone. It took me a few minutes to figure out that the layer in which I had done my work was only sized to about a third of the total page size, even though the editing view for that layer allowed me to write/paint the full length of the screen. Long story short, I "found" my work by resizing that layer to be the length of the screen, which revealed what I had written. But I initially thought that it had failed to save my work.
This may replace Freenote as my go to note-taking app.
EDIT: Second gripe: Only works in portrait orientation for now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you like it and also the fact that you didn't lose your work. I think the way the layers are handled on this app are its biggest strength, it gives complete flexibility to where you can position or reposition every aspect of the output.
It is definitely a steal at the price it is going for.
Ps - the portrait mode was listed as a con, hopefully will be available for landscape in a future update.
HasC said:
I think the way the layers are handled on this app are its biggest strength, it gives complete flexibility to where you can position or reposition every aspect of the output.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree it is a strength... now that I figured it out! I read some of the reviews on the Play store, and I think a few others had the same problem, as i saw comments to the effect that edits were not saved once the editor was closed. I would guess they also had edits that weren't showing because the layer was sized too small outside the edit view.
If you aren't sure what I mean-- do a full page of scribbles in a layer that is only sized for a portion of the page. When you leave the editor, you will only see the part of your scribbles in the layer boundaries, even though your notes are still captured within the layer via edit mode.
JC
I emailed the developers to ask about landscape viewing. They responded below, and said some updates should be released this week.
App Body said:
We well know the landscape requirement. It's in our developing plan, but it really take time to implement.
By the way, the next release will be in this week. Some new features will be available.
1. Share page to Facebook, MMS and others.
2. A setting center for set default fonts and others.
3. Recover built-in resource in case of deleted by mistake.
We keep developing Handy Note to match user's requirement.
JC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pen recognition
I started using this tool as recommended and Liked it a lot.
There´s only one problem Im experiencing. Sometimes, when Im writing a text, there are some pen recognition issues.. that makes me having to write some letters again.
Don´t know if Im being clear...
Im using latest Jelly Bean Rom (LI1) posted on the development forum. Don´t know if it´s the Rom or the App.
I only have this issue with this app, though.
Anyone experienced that??
Thanks.
Luciano.
lucianolsp said:
I started using this tool as recommended and Liked it a lot.
There´s only one problem Im experiencing. Sometimes, when Im writing a text, there are some pen recognition issues.. that makes me having to write some letters again.
Don´t know if Im being clear...
Im using latest Jelly Bean Rom (LI1) posted on the development forum. Don´t know if it´s the Rom or the App.
I only have this issue with this app, though.
Anyone experienced that??
Thanks.
Luciano.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, there, Luciano. I have been using this app only two days. So far, I have not had that issue. It captures all my pen strokes just as smooth as butter.
I am completely 'stock.' Maybe that makes a difference?
JC
jchammerpants said:
Hey, there, Luciano. I have been using this app only two days. So far, I have not had that issue. It captures all my pen strokes just as smooth as butter.
I am completely 'stock.' Maybe that makes a difference?
JC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with the comments above as I am not having any issues with it either.
Thanks for the update regarding the improvements to come.
Thanks
HasC said:
I agree with the comments above as I am not having any issues with it either.
Thanks for the update regarding the improvements to come.
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Click to collapse
Yeah.. It´s probably some compatibility issue between the App and the JB ROM.
Thats unfortunate, because I really liked the smoothiness and speed of the JB over ICS.
Maybe I will revert to the stock rom.. although the problem is not too bad, maybe I can live with it.
Thanks guys!
The latest update to this app allows you to really easily rotate text and pictures. All it needs now is landscape mode and a choice of paper sizes.
output quality
Trying out several notetaking apps to see if I could find a Onenote-like app (typing, handwriting, easy editing, sync, searchable notes), so I tried this one out as well.
I agree that it's very nice, especially the flexibility with text and handwriting (you can even write text and handwriting in the same box, alternating words). I had some minor issues for improvement though:
1. I tried it on my phone, and chose the smallest font size (12) to be able to write at least a decent number of words on the page. But when I then exported to evernote, I could hardly read the text (handwriting was even worse) because of the low image quality. Not sure if this is an issue on a tablet but I really want my notes to be readable and searchable. So it would be nice if you could choose different export image qualities.
2. Did you find a way to resize the handwriting (in handwriting mode, not the freehand) after it was written? With text, you can simply resize the font of a selection, but I couldn't do this with handwritten text.
3. Highlighting is only possible in freehand mode, but then if you reposition the textbox the highlight doesn't move with the text as it's in another layer. I didn't try so I don't know if this could be solved by grouping objects, but it would be nice to have a highlighting option that changes the actual background of the text and automatically moves with the text.
4. the already mentioned missing page size setting.
Other than this, I found it to be a pretty nice note taking app, too. If only they added a desktop client that could edit the notes too...
hoipiepeloi said:
Trying out several notetaking apps to see if I could find a Onenote-like app (typing, handwriting, easy editing, sync, searchable notes), so I tried this one out as well.
I agree that it's very nice, especially the flexibility with text and handwriting (you can even write text and handwriting in the same box, alternating words). I had some minor issues for improvement though:
1. I tried it on my phone, and chose the smallest font size (12) to be able to write at least a decent number of words on the page. But when I then exported to evernote, I could hardly read the text (handwriting was even worse) because of the low image quality. Not sure if this is an issue on a tablet but I really want my notes to be readable and searchable. So it would be nice if you could choose different export image qualities.
2. Did you find a way to resize the handwriting (in handwriting mode, not the freehand) after it was written? With text, you can simply resize the font of a selection, but I couldn't do this with handwritten text.
3. Highlighting is only possible in freehand mode, but then if you reposition the textbox the highlight doesn't move with the text as it's in another layer. I didn't try so I don't know if this could be solved by grouping objects, but it would be nice to have a highlighting option that changes the actual background of the text and automatically moves with the text.
4. the already mentioned missing page size setting.
Other than this, I found it to be a pretty nice note taking app, too. If only they added a desktop client that could edit the notes too...
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1. I would also like different export qualities. What i just tried as an experiment was to export the notes into another app called lecture notes. This could be a potential workaround for resizing the document to a more readable size. If you have made all your edits on handy notes, export to the app and use the cut tool and resize.
2. Unfortunately, i could not find a way to resize handwritten notes after writing and again the solution/workaround would be to export to lecture notes and resize the selection or part that is too small.
3. Yep, tried it this morning and could not find a way to move the highlight. I did notice that there was a layer option but could not get it to do anything, ideally we should be able to flatten the highlight behind the text. I tried to group the objects but could not select the highlighted section.
For a possible workaround you could :
Create your notes and once you are happy with the format, do your highlighting and export or alternatively, send the notes to lecture notes, resize and highlight using the functions within lecture notes and export as a pdf.
I think at present the way things are, we need to use multiple apps to achieve the desired end results or one of the developers takes these issues into consideration and facilitates them within their app.
I think i will email the developer of Handy notes to this thread and hopefully he/she/they can improve the app with the suggestions.
I have requested the developer of lecture notes to see if text handling can be done in the manner of handy notes as he is working on text input improvement for his app which currently is the most feature rich note taking app on android (my opinion).
Edit: just realised for highlighted text, if you select the freehand tool used to do the highlight, there is a scissor icon towards the right that can be used to select the highlight and reposition to wherever you have moved the text. If you change the font size from what has been highlighted, it won't match up.
Ive been using this for a few days now and find it really good. Password protect notes and abilty to change covers.
Also you can download an extra resource pack thats full of templates, covers etc here
Because it is no longer compatible with my TF101 with Android 4.1.2? I can not use it! please update ....