Database Info

Media Button/Control Set-up

Hi all,
Have had my (Australian) Tab for almost 6 months and love it (even if I am an iPhone user atm). One annoyance was that Android doesn't seem to have an easy-to-use software control for music (like the multitasking bar in iOS). Sure, I could use lock-screen controls or home screen widgets, but then I have to leave my current app.
You can try using ButtonRemapper, but the Tab doesn't really have too many hardware buttons to go remapping. If you're looking for an easy way to control your media without headset controls and without leaving your current app, try this:
1. Download SwipePad Beta from the Market (its free!) and set it up with whatever hot zones you want.
2. Download Media Keys from the Market and install.
3. Now, hold on a shortcut in SwipePad (to edit it), select shortcuts and select Media Keys.
Now you can choose any of Android's media keys in whatever layout you want, all without leaving your current app.
I found it pretty handy as someone who doesn't own many headphones with headset controls.

What are your favorite app COMBINATIONS?

The theme/requirement for this thread is that you list AT LEAST 2 APPs, and explain how you have configured them to work together.
For example, this is my favorite combination:
FolderOrganizer (paid version) "FO" [This is the key app here.]
LauncherPro (I do have the Plus version, but I don't think matters. "LP"
CM7 nightly (currently from 7/14/11)
Awesomeness:
My LP (single) dock includes 3 FO menus. I rarely pull up the app drawer, and I have NO shortcuts on my desktop.
The "I always use these apps" menu. (Swipe action is the app drawer)
My web bookmarks, in a hierarchy. (Swipe action just launches the browser.)
Apps that use the camera (barcodes, camcorder, picture gallery, etc.) (Tap action is the Camera.)
Set CM7 long-press search action to a FO menu. In-app access to any app I want, without have to drop back to Home.
Set CM7 lockscreen "custom app" as another FO menu. A couple of direct call links, the camera app, voice memo, check my battery temp. Jump right into what I want to, without hitting Home or exiting the active app.
FO menus do not show in the Recent Apps. So when you exit the app you launched, you are right back in the app you had running.
I do use FO's widgets on 1 screen. One for games, and another for my "guitar" apps.
Now, it's your turn (and tell your friends about this thread too). I want to uncover those gems in the Market that I overlook, because they aren't awesome when they are alone.

Android tips and tricks (new)

Avoid task killers
It is best to avoid task killers such as Advanced Task Killer. Android is designed to automatically pre-load certain applications, even if you don't load them yourself. If it starts to run low on memory, it will smartly unload the oldest running apps automatically.
Manually killing tasks will only mean they get loaded in memory again. Task killers can make the phone slow, laggy, or drain battery life more quickly.
Bookmark a contact on your homescreen
To bookmark a contact on your homescreen, long press on the home screen background and select Shortcuts. Then select Direct dial.
If you call someone regularly this can be useful as you will have a shortcut to them handily placed on your homescreen
Bookmark a web page on your homescreen
To bookmark a website on your homescreen, go into your browser and find the bookmark of the page you want to create a shortcut for.
Then long press on the bookmark and select Add Shortcut to Home.
If you regularly visit certain websites, this can be handy as you will have a shortcut to the site on your homescreen.
Create folders to tidy your Apps
If you find yourself with too many Apps on the homescreen, then you can create folders to organise them.
To start, simply press and hold on an App and drag it over the top of another App. The App should change colour/shape. Then release your finger and the two Apps will be combined into a folder.
You can then drag more Apps into this folder using the same process.
To give your folder a label, simply long press on the folder and you will be able to enter a name.
Double tap for a full stop (period)
While typing emails or notes, you can simply tap the space key twice and the phone will insert a full stop / period
Install new keyboard to improve accuracy
The standard Android keyboard is good, but not great. There are many third party keyboards available which will improve your typing speed and accuracy.
Go to the Android Market and search for 'Keyboard' to see some great alternatives, many of which are more accurate and make typing much easier.
A good one is GoKeyboard.
If you see a warning saying the keyboard will collect all information (including credit cards) just ignore this. This is just a security feature that Android shows for every third-party keyboard that you install.
Accents and special characters
If you want to type non-English letters (eg those with an accent), long-press on the relevant letter. A list of options will appear for you to select.
Access the scientific calculator
To access the scientific calculator, rotate the phone to landscape mode.
The calculator will change to a scientific one
Add email or phone number from text
To add an email or phone number to your contacts from a text message, you can long-press on the email / phone number. Then select Add to contacts
Add widget to the homescreen
To add a widget, go to the homescreen and press the Apps icon (the circle with 6 dots). Then you will see a list of your Apps with the word Apps and Widgets at the top. Press Widgets, then you will be presented with a list of available widgets.
To add a widget, press and hold on it and then position it where you want
Android Easter egg
There is an Easter egg hidden in the Android operating system. To see it, go to your Homescreen, then press Menu - Settings - About phone.
Then tap on the Android version option 5 times and you will get a surprise.
Sometimes it doesn't work, so try a couple of times. By the way don't expect to see an actual Easter Egg. That is just the name given to things hidden inside software or operating systems.
Auto focus the camera
When taking photos or videos, tap the screen where you want to focus on. The phone will automatically adjust the settings to improve the image or video
Bring up more predicted words
If you have word prediction enabled while you are typing, you can long press the middle word that is suggested. This will bring up a menu allowing you to select various other suggested words.
Browse websites in full-screen mode
If you want to browse in full screen mode, without the URL bar at the top of the browser, then you can enable this..
Open the standard browser and press Menu - Settings - Labs. Then put a check mark under Full Screen .
To get access to the browser options (that are now invisible), there is now a neat hidden menu. Slide your finger in from the left or right of the screen. A circular menu will appear with various options.
Capture a still shot while recording video
To capture a still shot while recording a video, simply tap the screen while you are recording.
This will save a still image.
Change keyboards
To change keyboards (if you have additional keyboards installed), you can switch between them by pressing the small keyboard symbol in the top left of your screen. You will need to be in keyboard input mode (i.e. typing something) for this to work.
Note: you need to have more than one keyboard installed for this to work
Change quick response texts
The phone has the ability to send quick response text messages if your phone is ringing but you can't answer it.
To change these, go to your Dialer App - Settings - Quick responses. You can only have 4 of them and you may need to edit existing ones.
Change the backlight screen timeout
To change the backlight screen timeout, go to Settings - Display - Screen. Then choose the screen time out duration.
You can also tell the phone screen to always stay lit when it is plugged in via USB. Go to Settings - Developer Options. Then check Stay Awake.
Change the screen brightness
To change the screen brightness, start from the Homescreen and press Menu - Settings - Display - Brightness.
Then choose the desired brightness setting. You can also select Automatic brightness to let the phone decide for you.
If you have auto-brightness enabled, you can also press, hold and slide the top notification bar left and right. The brightness will increase and decrease accordingly.
Check phone status and battery usage
To find out information about Signal Strength, Network Information, Remaining Battery Time and Battery Usage (by Application), go to your Homescreen - Menu - Settings - About Phone.
Check the firmware version
To check your firmware version, start from the Homescreen and press Menu - Settings - About Phone- software version
This should list your Android version, Build number and Model Number.
Copy files between your phone and PC using WiFi
To copy files between your phone and PC, go to the Android Play Market and download an app called AirDroid.
This is an extremely useful App that connects your phone to your PC wirelessly, allowing you to move files and many, many other things.
Copying iTunes songs to Android
If you have decided to ditch your iPhone in favour of Android, then there is a simple way to take your iTunes music, playlists and album art with you.
Simply go the Android Marketplace and download a Free App called Easy Phone Tunes. You will also need the computer version of the software, so go to http://easyphonetunes.com and download it from there.
Then, when that is done, turn your phone into a USB storage device (this will vary from device to device, but instructions are on the website).
Once your phone is connected to your computer, open the computer version of the software and select your device from the Easy Phone Tunes list. Then follow the instructions to Sync your media
Create folders in your Quick Launch bar
If you have used up all of your Quick Launch spaces, then there is a trick.
Once it is full, press and drag an App from the homescreen and move it over the top of an App in the Quick Launch area. Then release your finger. This will create a folder containing the original App plus the new one. This is a great way to have access to regularly used App
Create shortcut to websites on your home screen
To create a shortcut to a website on your homescreen, go to your browser bookmarks.
Then long press on a site and select Add shortcut to Home
Customise your favourites tray
At the bottom of each homescreen is your favourites tray, which consists of 5 icons. You can customise it by adding icons to the tray. If it's full however, you will first need to remove some.
To remove an icon, simply press and hold an icon. Then drag it to your desktop.
Then to add a new one, simply drag an icon from your homescreen to the favourites tray.
Enable / disable vibrate / haptic feedback when you type
To disable / enable vibrate (also called haptic feedback) when you type or press the screen, go to Settings - Language & input - Settings.
Then uncheck Vibrate on keypress.
Enable sideload of Apps
If you want to install Apps outside of the Android Market (called sideloading), then go to Settings - Security - Unknown sources.
Note: use at your own risk.
Help, I have forgotten my unlock pattern
If you have forgotten your custom unlock pattern, then don't panic.
After 5 unsuccessful tries a button should appear saying 'Forgot pattern'. Press this and you will be asked to enter your Gmail username/password.
The phone will then ask for a new unlock pattern. If you don't have a Gmail account, then you might have to either call your carrier or factory reset your phone.
Hide folders or files
If you want to hide folders or files from being index or displayed, simple put a . (full stop / period) before the file or folder name.
Make volume / music louder
WARNING: Making your volume or music louder can damage your hearing.
Most phones have their volumes limited by local laws to protect our hearing. There is a way to boost your volume however. Go to the Android Market and download an App called Volume+ (Sound Boost). There is also a free version called Volume+ Free.
You will need to root your phone for this App to work.
Make your phone run faster
Here are the top 5 tips to make your phone run faster:
1) Use only essential widgets on your homescreen - each widget consumes memory and processing power which can slow your down your phone.
2) Uninstall apps that you don't use - after awhile your phone can get cluttered as some Apps are designed to always run in the background. If you rarely use an App, then uninstall it to free up memory and CPU resource.
3) Install Apps to your phone memory - if you have an SDCard, always install Apps to the phone memory, which can be accessed faster. If you have Apps on the SDCard, then move them back to the phone memory with an App called Move2SD available from the Play Market.
4) Use Static rather than Live wallpapers - Live wallpapers consume processing power and memory. Unless you really must have them, uninstall them.
5) Kill tasks occasionally - Some Apps will run in the background indefinitely unless you kill them. Most of them won't cause a problem, but it pays to check your running tasks from time to time. Hold down your Home key and check the Task Manager.
One last thing: Don't use Task Killers. Android manages tasks very well and Task Killers just make your phone unstable and can slow it down further
note this guide is mainy to help the people who didnt recieved a manual instructions booklet along with their phone like my country(INDIA)
SUPPORT THE SOFTWARE DEVELOPER'S IF YOU LIKE THE GAME / APP BUY IT

Wow thanks! Im gonna uninstall my task killer now.

Good job! Some of this are well known but many aren't so it should be sticky subject for all who are coming into Android from wherever hey are coming.
The taskkiller part should be put in red

Another one: manage your contacts in gmail. It is bscked up accesible from anywhere and so convenient. Much easier to edit from the computer after all.
Sent from my GT-I9100T using XDA

Awesome thread op. Thank you very much!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium

The calculator one only applies to the HTC calculator. In the AOSP on you swipe to the right to access advanced functions.
Sent from my HTC Wildfire using xda premium

nejc121 said:
The calculator one only applies to the HTC calculator. In the AOSP on you swipe to the right to access advanced functions.
Sent from my HTC Wildfire using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes i have htc one v soo made a compilation of what has been known to me and what is facts
if anyone with new tips pls post here soo tht i can add to the op to help others
and also a request pls statehow to take screen shots on your device's because it's different on each device
dont just say thanks hit thanks if i helped
a true lfc supporter
and a former symbian lover
sent from my awesome HTC One V running rc 2.0 by CKPV5 -using xda premium
SUPPORT THE SOFTWARE DEVELOPER'S IF YOU LIKE THE GAME / APP BUY IT

Thanks paarthdesai. Did not know about the 'double spacebar to get a period'.
Another software to connect to computer is 'Software Data Cable'.
---------- Post added at 12:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:11 PM ----------
Is there a way to save the dictionary on the sdcard and restore after full wipe/flashing custom rom?

the guide which I look for..sometimes I tend to forget small things and this guide could recall back

paarthdesai said:
yes i have htc one v soo made a compilation of what has been known to me and what is facts
if anyone with new tips pls post here soo tht i can add to the op to help others
and also a request pls statehow to take screen shots on your device's because it's different on each device
dont just say thanks hit thanks if i helped
a true lfc supporter
and a former symbian lover
sent from my awesome HTC One V running rc 2.0 by CKPV5 -using xda premium
SUPPORT THE SOFTWARE DEVELOPER'S IF YOU LIKE THE GAME / APP BUY IT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock ICS screenshot is Vol- and power.
I think some HTC phones have home and power
Sent from my Ainol Novo7 Elf using xda premium

k1p2n3g4 said:
Thanks paarthdesai. Did not know about the 'double spacebar to get a period'.
Another software to connect to computer is 'Software Data Cable'.
---------- Post added at 12:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:11 PM ----------
Is there a way to save the dictionary on the sdcard and restore after full wipe/flashing custom rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
backup the dictionary app via titanium backup app+ data
that should work
dont just say thanks hit thanks if i helped
a true lfc supporter
and a former symbian lover
sent from my awesome HTC One V running rc 2.0 by CKPV5 -using xda premium
SUPPORT THE SOFTWARE DEVELOPER'S IF YOU LIKE THE GAME / APP BUY IT

Very nice tips. Add one more, use Greenify App which silently hibernate your apps. It can save much battery and memory. A must have app.

Thanks

Handy tips
Thanks for the handy tips. Didn't know you could double tap for a full stop.
Should also include a homescreen icon for some websites. =]

Thanks! That task killer thing is really interesting!

[app 2.1+] Search based launcher - open source

Effective & simple & open source with minimalistic appearance.
Features:
- Run applications fast: when is search narrowed down to only one application, it can be automaticaly started (Autostart button).
- NEW - Recent apps always on top of the search and well visible.
- Eliminate need for various apps: add any activity of any app on your device to list of apps (e.g. Wifi settings, ...).
- Get rid of un-unistalable apps: hide any app from list of apps adding it to the hide list.
- Improve readability of your list of applications: rename any app however you like.
- Stay focused: icons of apps and wallpapers are not displayed. This also improves response.
- Search naturally: The space character " " is mapped to the "any set of characters". (i.e. in terms of REGEX " " is replaced with "*." ) This feature is demostrated on the screenshot.
- Advaced search using REGEX.
- Includes basic widgets (wifi, blue tooth, cam)
Note:
-NEW - To access menu without menu button search " Menu-Launcher" item.
-I have lost my keystore so I will have to create this update as new version on Google Play
Last update:
12.10.2012
NEW Google Play Link
If you like this app buy me a coffee - PayPal Donate going to following donate PayPal link

Thanks for this. Installed on my Verizon Galaxy Nexus running CM10. How do I get the activities to show up?

menu
use menu key and choose.
there is still some unusual memory take up. But I will make it soon under 1MB. sorry for that. will be fixed

mrWax said:
use menu key and choose.
there is still some unusual memory take up. But I will make it soon under 1MB. sorry for that. will be fixed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have a menu key. The menu soft key doesn't appear.
No worries about the memory.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

button savior
Well you could install button savior if u have root access. Or I could put "menu-open" into the list of applications. Do you have some proposal, how to solve this?

I'm not sure why it doesn't appear. I don't have this problem with other apps. Perhaps it's being rendered off the screen?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

future without menu button
i have gathered more info about this and it looks that I will provide you with alternate solution, because it is suggested that developer should not use menu button any more for 3+.
Options are:
.menu button between other widgets
.menu button in all lists as item - searchable

I'm happy to try test versions if it would help.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

One of a kind launcher!
Sent from my SGH-T959V using Tapatalk 2

on halt for another week
project is unfortunately still on halt since i have moved and started my PhD and do not have notebook yet.

Update to version 2
NEW Features:
-BIG jump in effectivity - Recent apps are listed first and have "R:" before their labels!
-devices without menu buttons can access menu via searching " Menu-Launcher" item in all the list!

white background?
mrWax said:
Effective & simple & open source with minimalistic appearance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just perfect for me.. thank you! i use this as my default launcher on my phone. i tend to use only minimalist apps. and white text on black background is optimum!
i now also have a nook simple touch ereader. and eink prefers black text on white background. could you add reverse colour, as an option perhaps?

[Android TV] Control Mapper & Keyboard (CMAK)

This experimental input method for Android TV devices includes both a control mapper and a variety of options for text entry.
Jump to the latest release.
Control Mapper:
Remap buttons
Use buttons as hotkeys to quickly launch favorite apps
Switch your Sony Touchpad Remote to/from mouse pointer mode (Sony Bravia only)
Create several control mapper profiles and assign each app to the appropriate profile
Keyboard:
On-screen keyboard
T9 style entry with a TV remote with number and color keys
Dictate the contents of any text field using your remote with onboard microphone
Note: This means voice search will not be summoned when a text field has focus.
Notes:
Motion controls (e.g. analog sticks) cannot yet be remapped. An extremely limited form of this functionality is expected to eventually be released for all users. Full support will require the app to be signed with the platform key.
It might be possible to remap your controls in such a way that you have difficulty using your TV. Don't do that.

v2016.09.17
* Can now intercept the GUIDE key on Sony Bravia TV's
* Vendor-neutral improvements in the dispatch of special keys. Because CMAK cannot intercept most of these keys, you will generally have to choose them from the list instead of recording them.
* When choosing a key to dispatch from the list, CMAK will now detect special keys that are relevant to your TV and list them above everything else. This should dramatically reduce the need to scroll the list and reduce the amount of guessing necessary when special keys have terrible names.
For the benefit of anyone else who has a Sony Bravia, these are the special keys on my TV:
3D_MODE
Does not correspond to any key on my remote, but displays the "3D Mode" configuration dialog.
BUTTON_1
The DISCOVER button on my remote.
BUTTON_2
The ACTION MENU button on my remote.
BUTTON_3
The SYNC MENU button on my remote.
BUTTON_4
The NETFLIX button on my remote. It is suggested that if you want to map a key to Netflix, that you use an app shortcut instead.
BUTTON_5
Has no apparent function on my TV.
BUTTON_6
Does not correspond to any key on my remote, but opens the "Playstation Now" app. It is suggested that you if you want to map a key to Playstation Now, that you use an app shortcut instead.
BUTTON_7
Has no apparent function on my TV.
BUTTON_8
Does not correspond to any key on my remote, but opens the "Google Play Movies" app. It is suggested that you if you want to map a key to Google Play Movies, that you use an app shortcut instead.
BUTTON_15
BUTTON_16
These have no apparent function on my TV.
GUIDE
The GUIDE button on my remote. CMAK can also intercept this button and remap it.
HELP
The HELP button on my remote.
TV
The TV button on my remote.
TV_CONTENTS_MENU
Does not correspond to any key on my remote, but opens a dialog that says the feature is not available.
TV_INPUT
The TV INPUT button on my remote.
TV_INPUT_COMPOSITE_1
Does not correspond to any key on my remote, but switches the input to VIDEO 1.
TV_INPUT_COMPOSITE_2
TV_INPUT_COMPONENT_1
TV_INPUT_COMPONENT_2
Does not correspond to any key on my remote, but switches the input to COMPONENT.
TV_INPUT_HDMI_1
TV_INPUT_HDMI_2
TV_INPUT_HDMI_3
TV_INPUT_HDMI_4
Does not correspond to any key on my remote, but switches the input to the corresponding HDMI input.
TV_INPUT_VGA_1
Has no apparent function on my TV.
TV_ZOOM_MODE
The WIDE button on my remote.

v2016.09.18:
This release resolves a major problem discovered in the build process and should improve stability.

CMAK is now available on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=by4a.keyboard.leanback

v2016.09.29
Optional non-staggered key layout
Added new "Peripheral Manager" but it's not good for much yet
Various internal fixes and improvements
If you're using CMAK, please post your feedback!

4a_j said:
v2016.09.29
Optional non-staggered key layout
Added new "Peripheral Manager" but it's not good for much yet
Various internal fixes and improvements
If you're using CMAK, please post your feedback!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it opensource by any chance???

Awesome Idea
I am too using Sony Bravia... with Dishtv (india) this is really a great app.... :good::good:
i really needed such an app... what i am trying to do is map some dummy buttons on my remote to special key for STB_POWER
unfortunatley this is not working.....
as of now everytime i need to goto Action Menu >> Right >> Right >> STB_POWER >> Confirm
i was very happy to find this key in the key to dispatch but to my bad luck this isn't working yet....
also cmake is not available in India Playstore i had downloaded manually any country restrcitions ???
if this starts working for me i need not break my head to send ircc commands via tasker http wifi etc..... trying hard to fix that aswell.... that too seems very complicated and unreliable as of now as it has too much dependency :fingers-crossed:

Hi
There is no t9 keyboard entry for my remote and even i can't find t9 keyboard option in cmak settings

4a_j said:
CMAK is now available on Google Play:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The app does not appear to be available in Canada. I'm getting a "Sorry! This content is not available in your country yet" message when clicking on the link. Any way you could make it available in Canada?
Thanks!

I would like to remapper this button (GLOBOPLAY - Orange Button) in TCL remote control, is it possible?
TCL 49C2US Android TV 6.0.

Don't work for me, any tutorial ?

I can't seem to get the Control Mapper to worn on my Shield. I set a button to launch the Control Mapper, but it never actually launches when I press it. I'm on Shield Experience 7.1.0 (Android TV 8.0). Any ideas?
EDIT: Turns out you have to hold the button for a few seconds. All good here now. Thanks!

Hi all.
Not sure how to use this. I have an Android TV Box with a remote that has numbers. I was hoping to be able to use the numbers as a T9 to enter text into the Box.
I installed CMAK but haven't found the way to use it yet. Can someone help me, please? Thanks in advance!

it`s no good without instruccions