Help finding a task switcher app - General Questions and Answers

Hey,
I've been looking for ages for a task switching app and I was wondering if anyone had seen something good?
I've always thought that it would be really useful to have one that shows the list of apps in the notification bar and can select what apps are show.
Thanks for any help with this,
Drew

Have you tried holding down your home button?

Hey,
Yeah, tried that one, but its usually filled with settings and other things that I dont ever want to go to, so I only see like three or four apps I want to change to...It allso shows apps that are closed.
I'm being a bit fussy, the home button does do what I'm after most of the time, was just wondering if there was anything else.
Thanks,
Drew

drewhopcroft said:
Hey,
Yeah, tried that one, but its usually filled with settings and other things that I dont ever want to go to, so I only see like three or four apps I want to change to...It allso shows apps that are closed.
I'm being a bit fussy, the home button does do what I'm after most of the time, was just wondering if there was anything else.
Thanks,
Drew
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Advanced Task Killer is a free app that will switch between apps. It is essential on the androids. I keep it widget on my desktop. When launced, it will show all the programs currently running on your android. If you hold your finger on an app in ATK, a window will pop up and you can sellect switch too.

there are lots of them, check out multitasking pro, perfect task switcher, etc.
Just do a market search and you should find what you want.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

There are a couple of things I think you might like. Since you don't like having your list of apps cluttered with Settings and the like, you probably want something that you can tweak.
QuickDesk
For one, maybe try QuickDesk. It is basically a single homescreen you can access from any app by either double-tapping Home or holding Search. On top of having any widgets or shortcuts you want, there's also a sliding list of recent apps on the bottom.
SwipePad Beta
If you want something faster and simpler, try SwipePad. Basically, you can create a gesture that lets you access a screen full of shortcuts from anywhere. You choose a corner or side of the screen that you swipe away from to create an overlay that displays shortcuts to different applications.
Wave Launcher
Wave Launcher is similar to Swipepad, only it creates a smaller list of apps that follows your finger around once you do the gesture. I'd recommend following the link and watching the video since it does a better job explaining that I could do.

You should give PreHome a try. You can configure it to only display tasks that are running.

Thanks all,
I'm loving PreHome, for the whole 1 hour I've been using it for...
The double tap home function is better than my 'notification bar' idea...
The other apps look good as well but think I'll be sticking with PreHome.
Thanks again,
Drew

Related

Which home screen replacement are you using?

Probably not the first thread on the subject but nevertheless: Which home screen replacement are you using and what do you like about it?
I developed a home screen replacement called "Simple Home" and it is all about simplicity. Feel free to try it out (search for "Simple Home" on Android market). I'm interested to hear what features people really want to have in their launcher!?
I use launcher pro. my favorite feature is having the scrollable dockbar.
Sent from my Droid using XDA App
At least you were somewhat up front about spam, if misleading in the title.
I am genuinely interested due to fact that I've developed an app in a certain way, not out of any commercial reasons! If it was an unsolicited post then I would a) not answer you b) not ask questions or c) not promote a free app. My post is meant as a basis for a discussions. Yours on the other hand is not!
regarding the scrollable dockbar in launcher pro: hmm yes, it is very nice feature to have some kind of menu bar with pinned apps. Strange though that it disappears when you go to the app drawer. On the other hand there needs to be some kind of icon for the return button some how.
something to try could be developing a way to organize the app drawer using sections, folders, etc. if I knew anything about app creation that's what I would be working on haha.
Sent from my Droid
You can enable/disable the return home button in preferences. I particularly like the extended froyo theme dock for pinned apps. Keeps my desktop clean. I don't care for multiple dock rows as I just use 4 icons, but I like the options. I recently paid for the paid program of launcher pro.
The best part is you can make it simple or complex in options. Theme support is also nice... and its speed is wonderful.
I think launched pro has it figured out. If you are building a launcher perhaps try to think out side the box instead of trying to compete with such an already complete launcher.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
ADW all the way on my X10
infernox51 said:
something to try could be developing a way to organize the app drawer using sections, folders, etc. if I knew anything about app creation that's what I would be working on haha.
Sent from my Droid
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny thing you mentioned it, because this is exactly what I've done for my app and of course using frecency sorting (frequency + recency). This is exactly what I want to have for my app drawer plus filtering to narrow down the list (which is also in there).
player911 said:
You can enable/disable the return home button in preferences. I particularly like the extended froyo theme dock for pinned apps. Keeps my desktop clean. I don't care for multiple dock rows as I just use 4 icons, but I like the options. I recently paid for the paid program of launcher pro.
The best part is you can make it simple or complex in options. Theme support is also nice... and its speed is wonderful.
I think launched pro has it figured out. If you are building a launcher perhaps try to think out side the box instead of trying to compete with such an already complete launcher.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am, I think the ones that are out there really do the Android style launchers to perfection. My approach is simplicity and speed. I personally don't believe in arrangeable desktops. It works fine when you have a few apps but when you have a fair amount installed it becomes tedious to do rearrangements..
ADW. But I like eye candy. If your going for simple you could have a niche to yourself.
One feature I'd like, played with a few programs last night as was not happy with any, is a task SWITCHER.
Double tap home and bring up a nice screen, if it can use a wall then even better.
No killing just switching.
Yes, I agree! Ubuntu- or mac-style task switcher would be truly great. I don't think that exposé will work as good on a mobile phone as on a PC
My approach was to add an indicator on top of app icons in my app drawer for apps that are running (according to the ActivityManager) together with the ability to sort the list on running apps. I find that simple and very useful..
I tried ADW, Helix, LauncherPro, Simple Home, and PandaHome. I like Panda's side docks & app hiding, and ADW's hidden dockbar & screen swipes to launch apps (though it still FCs on my Droid 2.1R) . I'd prefer something simple. I don't need more than 3 screens and usually go to 2. I don't need a task switcher because long-pressing Home shows my last six apps. I don't need flash, I just want it to work. ADW works for me now because I have four quick action buttons (so it replaced Helix) and six more in the dockbar, though I can scroll for more. Just my .02
I have used Stock sense, ADW, and LuncherPro in the last 3 days and I like LuncherPro by far the best. I like having the 4 icons on the bottom to clear icon clutter on the screen and the menu system is nice.

[Request] New Launcher

Hello,
I have a idea for a launcher but don't have the programing experience to make it. Unless a launcher is much easier to do then I think. I have done some light app dev in eclipse for android and would be willing to try it my self if someone can point me in the right direction.
I'll put the idea out there and anyone who wishes to use it I only ask to be credited with the original concept.
I call it "No Home"
The idea is that I am constantly hitting back or home to return to the home screen before I press the power button and put the phone to sleep. But the home screen provides nothing I really need, at least not necessarily. So Instead pressing home button will open a app drawer, I like the one Zeam uses since on return you are back where you left it. Also Some of the others allow changing of the number of Icons wide and tall are displayed, This would be a nice addition since I have a EVO and four by four has a lot of wasted space. Also it needs to be able to do folders. This allows for apps to be organized.
On boot you are opened to the App Drawer/screen. Then from there you just leave the phone at what ever app it is in when letting it sleep, if you need to open a new app either long press home for a recent app or press it to get to the app drawer/screen.
There would be no widgets unless they could go in the app screen, The notifications will have to do. I'm sure a always running notification that provides some kind of folder or something for widgets could be developed.
I know this would not be the launcher for everyone, maybe not even you. I also realize it sounds like this or that launcher or that I could achieve the same thing by not pressing the home button, but I think as a App it would be faster and lighter then any home screen launcher could be.
Nice!
joeavery2 said:
Hello,
I have a idea for a launcher but don't have the programing experience to make it. Unless a launcher is much easier to do then I think. I have done some light app dev in eclipse for android and would be willing to try it my self if someone can point me in the right direction.
I'll put the idea out there and anyone who wishes to use it I only ask to be credited with the original concept.
I call it "No Home"
The idea is that I am constantly hitting back or home to return to the home screen before I press the power button and put the phone to sleep. But the home screen provides nothing I really need, at least not necessarily. So Instead pressing home button will open a app drawer, I like the one Zeam uses since on return you are back where you left it. Also Some of the others allow changing of the number of Icons wide and tall are displayed, This would be a nice addition since I have a EVO and four by four has a lot of wasted space. Also it needs to be able to do folders. This allows for apps to be organized.
On boot you are opened to the App Drawer/screen. Then from there you just leave the phone at what ever app it is in when letting it sleep, if you need to open a new app either long press home for a recent app or press it to get to the app drawer/screen.
There would be no widgets unless they could go in the app screen, The notifications will have to do. I'm sure a always running notification that provides some kind of folder or something for widgets could be developed.
I know this would not be the launcher for everyone, maybe not even you. I also realize it sounds like this or that launcher or that I could achieve the same thing by not pressing the home button, but I think as a App it would be faster and lighter then any home screen launcher could be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice idea. But I don't have the programming skills either. Good luck with it and I hope that someone can make this soon!
Tbo-art
I think you´re idea sounds a lot like iOS
I personally don´t like it, but I´m sure some will!
have you tried vlauncher
search for it in the market
matt.tugwell said:
have you tried vlauncher
search for it in the market
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good call. It is not far off, and I'd consider it, but I'm not going for a iOS Home screen, I like the vertical drawer very much over horizontal and, I'm not sure if it is just my phone but I saw serious lag on vlauncher.
I guess What I'm looking for is really just a launcher missing the home screen. A striped down launcher. I need a app drawer that will allow me to get to my apps fast, and I have about 200 apps on my phone. Having to go home then press the app drawer button is two steps vs my proposed one. Also 16 apps vs 25 (for higher res screens like the EVO) makes a big difference.
I think I saw a how-to in a starting with android lesson that had a home screen lesson. Maybe I'll give that a shot... Have to find it again.
Still welcome any other suggestions or help, thanks for the ones so far.
joeavery2 said:
Good call. It is not far off, and I'd consider it, but I'm not going for a iOS Home screen, I like the vertical drawer very much over horizontal and, I'm not sure if it is just my phone but I saw serious lag on vlauncher.
I guess What I'm looking for is really just a launcher missing the home screen. A striped down launcher. I need a app drawer that will allow me to get to my apps fast, and I have about 200 apps on my phone. Having to go home then press the app drawer button is two steps vs my proposed one. Also 16 apps vs 25 (for higher res screens like the EVO) makes a big difference.
I think I saw a how-to in a starting with android lesson that had a home screen lesson. Maybe I'll give that a shot... Have to find it again.
Still welcome any other suggestions or help, thanks for the ones so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AWD Launcher (and I think other launchers as well) has an option to launch the drawer when pressing the home button.
(You can still go to the desktop by tapping a on-screen icon: convenient for incedental consult of some widgets)
appelflap said:
AWD Launcher (and I think other launchers as well) has an option to launch the drawer when pressing the home button.
(You can still go to the desktop by tapping a on-screen icon: convenient for incedental consult of some widgets)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, I found the home button binding setting in AWD Launcher, I forgot how configurable AWD was, and how much I liked it. This is close, When you press home it brings you to the home screen and a second tap brings up the app launcher, which you can set the number wide and tall the icons are.
This will work, between this and just leaving the phone at it's present state vs. pressing home before putting it to sleep, it basically solves my issue.
It would be a neat add on of AWD to Reverse the order of the home screen operation, maybe I'll suggest a option for that.
Thank you everyone for your suggestions.

ADW and ADW EX,,,

So its a new year and I have a new toy,
I seem to have a set of apps that give me the functions and control I desire.
Its down to Launcher.
I did pay for the upgrade to the AWD EX and to my dismay it does not recognize old settings and desktop configurations. But hey.. Just more tinkering with my new SHINY...
My plan now that I have pretty much decided on the apps I want on the phone is to go to the Pick and Pack ROM with the Voodoo Kernel.
I do want to do some testing with the 3 different Launchers (AWD, Launcher Pro, and TW) and see which will suit my needs for Eye Candy and function..
OK.. to the question at hand. I will have all three on the phone installed. I do not like having to choose between the three every time I hit the HOME button. Is there a way to change the default once it is set ?
Hope to do a review for Noobs like me as I go.
Download the app home switcher and you can choose your default.
cloudstrife7 said:
Download the app home switcher and you can choose your default.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Home switcher is good stuff!
I prefer HomeSmack but either one works.
Sent from my Galaxy S.
If you do not want to use a home switcher you can use the built in one. When you hit home button, there should give you the option on which launcher you want to use. There is also a check box in this window that says use by default (or something like that I never read it) hit the check box then which program you want to go to. Now if you change your mind down the road all you have to do is go to menu-> settings->applications->manage applications Once in here you will find the program in question and click on it then clear defaults then it will start asking you again.
crackeyes said:
menu-> settings->applications->manage applications Once in here you will find the program in question and click on it then clear defaults then it will start asking you again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats what I was looking for.. Thanks..
HAHA As with all good gadgets, there is always a way to make em do what you want to do. Its usually just a simple matter of Banging ones head against the wall a few times and then asking those who know..
So far I like Launcher Pro the best, even though I don't use any of the widgets. Which one did you end up using as your default?
This is probably a stupid question, but I do like ADW but I really like the task manager widget from samsung.... anyway I can get that widget on ADW?
Unfortunately I have not found a way to use the stock Samsung widgets with ANY other Launcher other than Touch Wiz..
But by checking the various forums and doing some research on Market I can usually find something that will fill the need.
You can't have the widget on any other launcher, but if you hold down the home button to bring up the recent app switcher thing you can hit the Task Manager button on the bottom of the popup. It takes you to the same thing as tapping the samsung widget.
Good point... I forgot about that... if I need it bad enough I can put a shortcut for that app on the home screen too...
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

New here, am I an idiot or is anyone else like me?

So I just signed up here after getting a G2X. I have been into Android for about a year. I started out with the Cliq XT which I actually loved, then got the Defy which I hate to see go, and now am on the G2X [the first superphone to really impress me since it can actually do something my Defy couldn't]
I am very happy with my G2X. I don't get the fuss over screen bleeding as phone displays have come such a long way from my first cell phone, the Panasonic GD55. I also have not had ONE reboot. My battery life is between 4 to 6 hours and I'm pretty much browsing the web ALL day.
but lately, I've wondered, am I wrong? dumb? blind?
I only use three home screens. The main one has just 4 small icons: camera, messaging, browser, and navigation. Then to the right home screen just the weather widget, and to the left screen, the android power bar widget. and after that, nothing else, nothing.
Is there something I'm missing? or am I right in not loading up the screens and just hitting the menus if I need something? I realize, for example, the google search widget would work for me, but I don't see the point of having it on the screen when I can just press browser and it opens to a blank google window I don't facebook much, but I can just open the app drawer, click the facebook button, and it's all right there.
So am I just crazy? or is my approach more common and popular than I think?
On another note, I'm missing some things from my defy. I was able to install the connected music player apk to use instead of the horrible stock one, but I'm missing my airplane mode button and timer built into my clock/alarm app.
but still...I feel weird..they added homescreens to make it 7..so people obviously love them and need them..and yet if I really wanted to I could put EVERYTHING I use on one.
Its your phone best used how you see fit. I have on extra page filled with a few apps I use since I've gotten into rooting my phone and playing around with things the devs help and teach me on. But I do the same I go to the app menu if I wanna use something too.
Sent from my HTC G2 using XDA Premium App
You're not an idiot lol I myself have a pretty much bare set up haven't really customized anything due to the fact that I've been bouncing from rom to rom. Plus the wonderful thing about android is that you can pretty much do what you please. If you're only using 3 pages I'd suggest you use Launcherpro or ADW (or whichever launcher you prefer) and have only 3 pages up so you're not left with all these blank pages. I used to just use 1 page back on my MT4g Bottom line is you're not an idiot
I know exactly what you are saying. I've got launcher pro and have the dock all customized with 15 icons in 3 docks. Some camera apps and different markets and the usual messaging and stuff.
Now I'm like...why do I need anything in my home screens? I've got my vacation days left widget on the home screen and the launcher pro contacts widget on another. That's it.
But then I downloaded three icon packs and see myself customizing the screens more. There sure are a lot of cool choices. If I do that the dock choices become redundant.
I just don't use most of the apps in the drawer enough to put them on a home screen. Only a select few.
Having a blast playing around though.
Instead of having all my apps on one page, I'm thinking of giving the pages themes, like games, tools, camera, messaging etc.
I also like to keep one home screen blank so the wallpaper, living or not, is highlighted.
i also have 3 screens
I also have just 3 screens.
I use LauncherPro + QuickDesk + SwipePad
Screen #1 just has 9 icons for each of my fave Google apps: Browser, Calendar, Market, Latitude, Maps, Navigation, Talk, Voice and YouTube.
Screen #2 has minimum of 2 icons: Shortcut > Direct Message > My Wife
The second icon is either my ToDoList for the day or a ShoppingList.
I use ColorNote.
Screen #3 is for my widgets.
Battery Monitor Widget, Catch Notes Widget, Pure Calendar Widget.
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
I really love the scrolling dockbar in LauncherPro. I use just two dockbars for a combined quick access to a possible 10 apps + 10 gestures.
I also use SwipePad for quick access to 12 more apps, and also QuickDesk for additional quick access to s'more apps & shortcuts
Using the Hidden Apps feature of LauncherPro, I hide most of my apps in the app drawer.
I access everything else from the capacitive touch Search button.
I run simple as well. However adw ex utilizes both cores for instant function.
Buy adw ex. Open settings/Profiles and select FAST SETTING.
it will be like nothing you've had before.
I call it Instant.
I don't even use any animations at this point.
Its more impressive not to even need any then to watch one.
It will impress you.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App

TSF Shell 3D Instructions (Unofficial)

Greetings...
Until today, I’ve been just a reader of the forums and have gotten great information that way. I've finally found something that I really want to contribute on because I want to see it go to the moon and back. That said I apologize for the wall of text. If you're looking for a TL;DR, scroll to the bullets.
We all (or most of us anyway) know that TSF Shell 3D was released a couple days ago and the buzz is slowly growing. Anyone who has read the Market description of this launcher pretty much knows that it's straight from Google Translate. By no means am I bashing the developers for this. Hell, I purchased it the day after purchasing SPB Shell. So I more than support their work.
However, as I stated, the Market description is pretty terrible. As far as I can tell, the TSFUI website is down, and there really isn't a one-stop-shop to find out what features you just spent $16.80 on (more on price later).
So, hopefully the wonderful users of XDA can come up with an unofficial guide which can be added to as we stumble across features. Everything I've found has been in random article comments, very few forum posts, and personal experience. At any rate, I'll list what I've been able to confirm and hopefully we can go from there?
TSF Shell - Unofficial User Guide [WIP]
Disclaimer: This guide is based on personal experience. I have no connection to the developer of TSF Shell. All claims regarding working/broken, supported/unsupported features are strictly based upon my experience using a rooted, stock rom Motorola Milestone X. If you see something incorrect, please let me know and I will correct it immediately.
The Switch Button
The switch button is used to switch between your 4 personalized pages as well as the App Drawer or App Page.
You can tap the Switch Button to show a preview of your screens. Simply tap any screen to switch to it.
A slightly quicker way to use the switch button is to tap and hold it, and then drag your finger to the desired screen.
Tapping and holding an icon from any Personalized Page and dragging it to the Switch Button will also show the screen preview, allowing you to quickly move the icon to a different screen.
The App Drawer
The App Drawer or App Page can be accessed by tapping the Switch Button and then tapping the far left page.
The App Drawer uses a horizontal paginated scroll effect. As of yet, there is no way to switch to a vertical scroll.
There are 6 different scroll animations to choose from. You can switch the animation style on the fly by tapping the small tab in the upper left (just below the first row of apps).
Double tapping an app in the App Drawer will put a green check mark on it. This can be done to several apps at a time. Click and hold any of the apps you've pre-selected and the screen preview will appear, allowing you to move several apps to the same screen at once. When you drop them on the preferred screen, they will automatically arrange nicely into a grid. You can resize and move this grid to your liking. Tap anywhere off the grid or tap the circular arrow (refresh-looking symbol?) in the upper right.
When a new app is installed, it will have a fire animation on it until it is launched for the first time. On my phone (Milestone X), the fire is only animated while scrolling and is static while not scrolling. I'm unclear whether this is intended or a bug.
Personalized Pages
Personalized pages are fairly similar to the standard screens we are used to with Android. One major difference, however, is swiping them does not switch screens. It draws a lasso instead.
This lasso can be used to select multiple icons. When you complete a full circle with the lasso, a menu will pop up. This menu allows you to Arrange, Multi-Choice (like double-tapping in the App Drawer), Create a Folder, or Delete. There is a fifth option called "Gather", this feature is unavailable thus far. There is also a '?' in the center of the option menu which appears to do nothing. The lasso tool cannot select widgets.
All normal widgets can be placed on the Personalized pages as usual. Long press, or Menu > Add. Both of these methods allow you to change wallpaper as well. **Note** Live Wallpaper is apparently not supported currently.
Personalized pages do not have a defined grid, so the only way to align your asia neatly is to lasso them and use the arrangement option.
Personalized pages also allow you to place apps at any angle using multi-touch. Press and hold the app and turn it with the other finger.
The Side Bar
By default, the tab that activates the Side Bar is located on the middle left of the screen.
The Side Bar has 3 available tabs, they are as follows:
Smilie Face - I assume the Smilie Face implies favorites? Basically you can drag and drop apps in and out of this tab for fast access.
Settings Cog - This tab contains all TSF Shell specific widgets. You will NOT find these widgets (yet, anyway) through Menu > Add > Widgets or through Long Press > Widgets.
Thumb Tack - I'll call this the "Decorations Tab" because, as far as I can tell, there are three items listed here. A cloud, a ghost, and a pumpkin. Each of these can be places on any Personalized page. You can not tap through them, so placing them completely over an app or widget will require you to move them before being able to use the app or widget from that location. These "Decorations" don't appear to be animated and don't appear to serve any purpose other than "Hey guys, check this out!” I would imagine these will be elaborated on in the future?
Finally, if you tap and hold any of the above listed tabs, you can change their order around, as well as drag the whole side bar tab. You can move the side bar tab vertically anywhere between the bottom of the notification bar and the top of the Switch Button.
The Price:
One tiny rant on that... please stop complaining about the cost of this launcher, people. I don't see anyone crying over the $200 "Diamond Widget" app that does literally nothing but prove you have $200 to blow. Or, worse yet, that you have only $200 to your name and you've now blown it all accidentally The developers put a lot into this and it shows. Appreciate it or use the plethora of free launchers available.
Personalised pages also don't have a defined grid, so you might wanna add that.
Also, long press an icon, and use multitouch to rotate it freely for even more control on your pages.
some of the feature that were demo in their website wasnt implemented in this release,so what happen and is it worth??
from the ARC
lenny_kano said:
Personalised pages also don't have a defined grid, so you might wanna add that.
Also, long press an icon, and use multitouch to rotate it freely for even more control on your pages.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, thank you! I completely forgot to add that.
Rashid,
I'm confident the developer will release the missing features as they can. Admittedly, I have little to base my confidence on, but they have released several updates already. If that continues, I'm sure the features will too.
As far as whether or not it's worth it? I believe so. It's the only launcher that was brave enough to throw out the standard feel of android and completely change it.
Sent from my Milestone X using XDA
Watched the video on the market and seriously the most feature packed launcher I've seen and incredibly smooth. If I ever am ready to pay 15+ on a launcher it would definitely be this one. Im using the stock launcher on my bionic at the moment and im satisfied.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk
if they are going to have a page for apps instead of an app drawer then really should let you "hide" apps...i currently use go launcher and it is essential as i have a lot of system apps that i do not want something accidentally clicking or opening and changing something....also a lot of addons that ive downloaded show up in the app drawer or in this case app page and it leads to a lot of clutter
is it a nice launcher? yes, definitely...gorgeous animations and extremely fluid...but for $17 it better have everything the free ones have and some (which it does not) the features it does have are nice and pretty...but they are more luxury then necessities..go launcher, adw have a bunch of essentials that this launcher does not have...this launcher completely cripples artistic creativity (due to its lacking features)
Scott,
I totally get where people are coming from with the price... To am extent.
However, in the grand scheme of things, this is a launcher that took a lot of time and excellent coding. Lets not forget you can use it on all your future androids as well.
Jdiddy,
I also agree on the app page. App hiding isn't that important to me personally, but I get why it can be for some. Also, it's just a tad inconvenient. I can honestly say
I'm not sure why I perceive it as inconvenient... It's not like it takes long to access.
Aside from that, I do miss my dock. I can't seem to find a convenient place to put my dialer.
Sent from my Milestone X using XDA
doberman16 said:
Scott,
I totally get where people are coming from with the price... To am extent.
However, in the grand scheme of things, this is a launcher that took a lot of time and excellent coding. Lets not forget you can use it on all your future androids as well.
Jdiddy,
I also agree on the app page. App hiding isn't that important to me personally, but I get why it can be for some. Also, it's just a tad inconvenient. I can honestly say
I'm not sure why I perceive it as inconvenient... It's not like it takes long to access.
Aside from that, I do miss my dock. I can't seem to find a convenient place to put my dialer.
Sent from my Milestone X using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its convenient because we arent used to an app page...normally we press the button and have the ability to back out back to the homescreen..the app page forces to to switch between and choose which screen to go to after...its quite annoying...an app drawer is a lot easier
and the lack of a dockbar is a no no...i, as well as everyone else, have grown accustomed to a dockbar as even the stock launcher incorporates one...phone, contacts, texts need to be accessible from any page or else you have to have multiple clicks to perform simple tasks
IF and WHEN they incorporate the other basic stuff..dockbar, app drawer, grid size, # of pages...this launcher will be up there with the best
having an android is all about customization and using this launcher takes that away...its like having a glorified iphone...in terms of what your screen looks like
Nice collection of instructions; thanks for this. I hadn't realized that the tabs could be moved!
I've played a bit with creating a false "dock" at the bottom of each page to allow me to always have quick access to the Phone, Google Voice, Gmail, and Chrome apps. Seems to be a fair compromise so far.
codesplice said:
Nice collection of instructions; thanks for this. I hadn't realized that the tabs could be moved!
I've played a bit with creating a false "dock" at the bottom of each page to allow me to always have quick access to the Phone, Google Voice, Gmail, and Chrome apps. Seems to be a fair compromise so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that is the obvious work around...however, at this point -all launchers have it (especially for a $17 launcher) a dock seems like a pretty basic feature
Jdiddy,
The thing is... If this were iOS you'd be stuck. On Androids, we can provide feedback to the developer and, dare I say it, actually be listened to! The launcher is new, but from my perspective, the devs are listening.
Easier said than done, but if they incorporate a few more features, no other launcher competes. The fact that they have decided to say "To hell with the standard, lets be innovative." Is huge. I mean... Seriously, other launchers are nice, but come on. They're all same **** different day. They come up with slightly different ways to do it, but never far enough off the beaten path to really drop jaws.
Code, thank you! Glad I could help. Good idea with the pseudo dock. I might try that. I'm just the type of person that likes everything aligned and there really isn't a way to do that. At the same time, I enjoy the option to place things wherever you want. If a snap to grid feature were added... It'd be perfection.
Sent from my Milestone X using XDA
Jdiddy, I don't disagree at all. Lets again not forget the fact that this launcher is not written in stone. Smart devs, which I believe the TSF devs are, will listen. If they don't... I'm out $17... I've spent way more on way less useful things in my lifetime.
Sent from my Milestone X using XDA
I keep seeing folks lamenting "oh, it doesn't do this that Launcher X does". So what? It does plenty of things that other launchers can't touch! It wasn't meant to be just another clone of the stock Android launcher (like ADW, LauncherPro, Apex, Nova, Trebuchet...). TSF Shell is revolutionary, a way to interact with your Android device that is completely new and breaks from tradition. It's fantastic to have the option of a launcher that is truly different from all the others.
did i state my comments in a negative way? i was just stating what they needed to add..and giving reasons as to why its important...im commenting on the state of the launcher as it stands right now and nothing else...i said it crippled customization...which is the truth..i didnt blast their product or say their work was shoddy..its called constructive criticism
and yes, this launcher does things that others dont...but the KEY is that it limits customization...im not asking for bells and whistles to be taken from other launchers...its great that this launcher is unique...but im not about to trade convenience for a few cool animations..tell me that the app page is more convenient then a drawer and tell me that not having a dockbar is a good idea...didnt think so..thats all im saying..if they add all the customization options and had everything they have in their demo video then i can understand the hefty price tag
that was my entire point.
also..my perspective is of someone that creates a lot of artistic homescreens in the http://mycolorscreen.com mold
so to me grid size, icons, # of pages all that stuff is crucial...and after seeing the stuff this launcher has to offer...if they added those things, it would be incredible
Jdiddy,
Perfect response. I don't think anyone took your comment negatively... I didn't at least. Does it have took for improvement? Absolutely! Does it have the capability to meet our expectations? Yes! The only question is whether the devs respond to their paying customers in the way that they should.
I could email them myself, but lets be realistic. They're flooded as it is. My email would get lost in the mix and I completely understand that. The key here is to be the squeaky wheel... Because that's the one that gets oiled first.
Sent from my Milestone X using XDA
When install new app, icon of this app will be on fire, but not animated for now. Music widget allso will appear in nice music preview mode when swipe over it. And one bug - when using lasso function to select icons and release screen, then choose arrange icon function, the last selected app will run automatically.
Nice launcher, very fast with great potential, but it's only born before 3 days , will be improved.
Sent from my HTC HD2 using xda premium
Vallcho,
The fire animation shows up only while scrolling. I some this is a bug.
The lasso function you are talking about is the multi select. And, yes, it does open the last app you selected. I'd assume this will be fixed.
Edit: I noticed that double tapping in the screen preview makes the screens jump in an odd way. Could be a bug, could be a broken feature.
Also, I somehow was able to get the lasso to appear in the app page. Again, could be a bug or intended. Let me know if you see the same and how you got it to happen. Haven't been able to replicate it intentionally.
Sent from my Milestone X using XDA
I will say one thing, this launcher is the single most unique launcher available for android. I challenge anyone to give an example of something with as much creativity. There all either stock launcher clones, or clones of other OS's like windows phone.
That said, its far from perfect, but looking at a lot of apps on the market, the price vs effort/originality ratio is better with this then any other launcher available , so I very much look forward to what they can do in the future.
Very well said, Lenny. The thing we need to keep in mind is that it's a new launcher. It's innovative, and it's about time. If the devs need time to release everything... Give it to them. It will pan out.
Sent from my Milestone X using XDA
doberman16 said:
Very well said, Lenny. The thing we need to keep in mind is that it's a new launcher. It's innovative, and it's about time. If the devs need time to release everything... Give it to them. It will pan out.
Sent from my Milestone X using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as they don't abandon it. Its a great idea if they support it and keep it up.
Don't let it go the way of uber music. Great start, **** commitment and follow through. Innovative is a very good way of putting it. First original idea I've seen on the market for a long time.
And no offence to other launchers devs , there's amazing work going on in terms of feature adding and bug fixing, but the innovation is low to nonexistant.

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