Database Info

Beginner

Hello guys, i just got my Xperia X10i yesterday and man i got so many questions cos i am abit confused. Well my first impression of the phone wasnt that good, the phone was abit boring with that one and only classic blue theme but today i found out the ADW launcher and got some new themes and i started to like the whole thing
Well to my questions now: Are there only those few(think they are like 10) ADW themes that are in the market that i can aply to the phone ?
On the market i can see different thems that requires the GDE thing, how can i get that ?
When i press the button in the middle of the phone, i can choose between the ADW.launcher, 91PandaHome, aHome Lite, Start and Timescape well for example the aHome Lite doesnt seem to work, neither the PandaHome, are they some sort of theme launchers too or what?
Well im currently using the ADW launcher and you know the bar with the wifi and bluetooth widgets just dissapeared how can i get that back ?
And last, i have been reading about rooting the phone, was does that mean? what does that do ? and can i do it by myself?
Thank you for any help and sorry for those noobish questions
I just want to know the phone abit better

GDE:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=697875
To get back the Wifi and Bluetooth , Press on the empty area, widgets - quick settings....
I can choose between the ADW.launcher, 91PandaHome, aHome Lite, Start and Timescape well for example the aHome Lite doesnt seem to work, neither the PandaHome, are they some sort of theme launchers too or what? Yes, they are......
I have been reading about rooting the phone, was does that mean? what does that do ? and can i do it by myself? Rootingis like Admin Access to the System and if you are used to Windows, then it is like changing Registry to edit the system..... For more Go to Android Development section and go through the Xploid One Click Root Topics, easy to root and also to Unroot. For your conv, I have added the .apk here....

There aren't many ADW Launcher themes at the moment.
They are launchers as well but you have to download them from The Market. There are more themes to choose from for PandaHome and aHome. I've tried them myself, and decided to stick with ADW. It all depends on your preference.
Add the power widget (Click the left button -> Add -> Widget -> Choose from the list)
Rooting is like attaining administrator rights on your computer.
If you are new, you should most probably use this tutorial on xperia10.net (Sorry, I am not allowed to post external links ) Of course you can use the link posted above. I just find the one on the external link more pedagogical.
However, you should investigate more about the pros and cons of rooting and having a rooted mobile before you decide to do it.

Thank you for the answers guys!
Well as for the aHome and PandaHome launchers where can i find those? I have been looking around on the market but couldnt find any launcher only the themes.
As for the rooting, what are the + things with it, is it worth trying?
I have been reading that things could get bad if you dont know what you are doing, like that you cant use the phone anymore if u do something wrong ?
As for the GDE thing i have read the thread and i understand that this not available until you pay it right ? cos you need to have a sort of password..
Anyway which do you think is the best launcher of all those ?
Thanks once again for your time!

Re: Beginer
Hey mate, I believe the best theme (launcher) for the xperia x10 is ADW by far. It lets you have more home screens and speeds up and saves the phones battery by alot. As for pandahome and GDE im sure they are on the market somewhere, but i can say (as i have used them) they are not as userfriendly as ADW is.
They just have alot of themes but ADW is more practical.
P.S alot of ADW's settings can be changed through their settings menu (home screen -> menu button -> ADW settings) play around with these and throw in a few backgrounds and cool widgets and trust me you can create much better themes than with other home alternatives (panda gde etc)
Enjoy

[Q] Hope this isn't a repeat Q, but is there an app to hide certain apps?

hey all~
so i rarely have posted here so first an intro. as my user name suggests, my name is jason and i run ubuntu on all my pc's and laptop!
i'm a new android fone owner! i have a nice samsung captivate galaxy s!
i'm really into security stuff, mainly internet security. i have some it security/testing apps on my phone but would really like to have them be 'hidden'. [i have an app locker ... which prevents others from launching them but i want more lol]
i've looked thru the forums and found similar questions [like in the g1 forum, but they were looking for something to just hide what shows up in the app drawer] but nothing that is quite what i'm looking for ....
i do NOT have a rooted fone [i want to make sure i could replace the fone if i briked it before i root it ] and i do not have programs to do stuff via a command line [so moving apps to a 'hidden' folder isn't really an option] ...
so how about it? are there applications out there that can hide applications on your fone?
thanks
~j
p.s.
i hope to post more and maybe one day write an app or two of my own !

Both ADW and LauncherPro home screens have the options to "hide" apps that are listed in the app drawer.
As for an app that will do what you want, I don't know of any :/

Golauncher will do the same and its a pretty damn good launcher and I believe lock my apps has a hide feature

hey guys~
first off, thanks for the quick answers! i appreciate it [and like i said look forward to being able to help others on this site!]
being a noobie with android, if i install any of the programs mentioned [adw, launcher pro or goLauncher] will it mean i loose my current home screen?
i know adw and launcher pro are homescreen alternitives correct? do i need to uninstall touch wise then? [the overlay samsung uses]
i'll look the mentioned programs up in the market to learn more about them ... thanks
~j

Installing other launchers
You need not uninstall any other launchers. After installation make sure you select Launcher Pro or ADW as default launcher. In any case if you need to go back to touch wiz you can still do.

I was looking for an app like this to avoid the prying eyes of authorities at the airport or other searching my device for no good reason. Is there an app that might be a little more secure in doing this?
The ideal app would make it seem like not much if any interest is installed on the device. I could lock the device but am worried i will be ordered to unlock it.
Sent from my LogicPD Zoom2 using XDA App

hey all~
thanks for the input ... i guess i'm going to install them all one at a time to test em an see which one i like the best!
i'll let ya know if they meet the needs [what im looking for ]
~j

hey all~
so my update ... i tried all three apps mentioned and fell in love with launcher pro [will be upgrading to plus very soon]!
i love everything about it! it hides the apps [which i also filtered in to a shortcut program that is secured by applock ... so i have easy access to them if need be ... or i can use my terminal emulator to navigate the long way to them!]
thanks
~j

[Q] How to create home screens, themes, etc?

Hello all,
New to the forums and I'm pretty much a complete newb to smart phones as well (I haven't had a cell phone in close to 5 years lol). Anyway, got a Galaxy S2 a couple weeks ago, started wondering about customization, etc and ran into this site.
Looking at some of the home screens you guys come up with, they are amazing.
But, I honestly have no idea where to start to make my own. Do I need to root my phone to do this stuff? Or, is it as simple as downloading some themes and icons and installing them?
I don't mind reading and/or teaching myself how to do it, but, if someone could just point me the right direction I would appreciate it.
Thanks in advance for any help. Cheers.

actually , you have no need to root your phone if you just want to change some icons or themes , but you may change your launcher so you can use those themes or dock icons that you have download in xda .

Try different launchers to replace your standard home, they're all good. Adw is what I normally use, launcher pro is good, go launcher also.
sinkster

I was actually curious about this too. I like PyroMod, but I think the Opacity of the windows should be closer to 80% and the notification fonts should be white instead of black. What specifically do I need to modify for this to work?

Thanks for the replies.
I downloaded and installed Launcher Pro, just to try...I have read about ADW and a couple others that I will try as well once I get the hang of this thing.
Are there any problems that may pop up with the phone using 2 launchers? I guess not or you guys wouldn't be using them.

im using launcher pro and zeam launcher and i had no problems so far

Without rooting, you can change icons on your homescreen (using a home replacement app and/or Desktop Visualizer), use modified widgets as long as they're not system apps, customize your lock screen with WidgetLocker, and of course change your wallpaper. You can also use something like Multipicture LWP to do a bit more creative stuff - like embedding icons on the wallpaper in PS and stuff.
With rooting you can do all of those things, plus modify your status bar & notification icons, change icons for apps officially (not just on the homescreen), modify system apps or remove them, etc etc. If you have no reason to root, don't. It's a common misconception that you have to root to make your phone look good. While it definitely helps, it's not necessary.
If you do plan on rooting and are interested in theming, see if MIUI is available for your device. You may like it, and the theming possibilities are endless. If you don't like it or it isn't available, other roms have theming built in as well - CM7 is one that comes to mind.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

plainjane said:
Without rooting, you can change icons on your homescreen (using a home replacement app and/or Desktop Visualizer), use modified widgets as long as they're not system apps, customize your lock screen with WidgetLocker, and of course change your wallpaper. You can also use something like Multipicture LWP to do a bit more creative stuff - like embedding icons on the wallpaper in PS and stuff.
With rooting you can do all of those things, plus modify your status bar & notification icons, change icons for apps officially (not just on the homescreen), modify system apps or remove them, etc etc. If you have no reason to root, don't. It's a common misconception that you have to root to make your phone look good. While it definitely helps, it's not necessary.
If you do plan on rooting and are interested in theming, see if MIUI is available for your device. You may like it, and the theming possibilities are endless. If you don't like it or it isn't available, other roms have theming built in as well - CM7 is one that comes to mind.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting might be something I would think about down the road, but, being so new to this I will probably hold off for now. I wouldn't mind unlocking it at some point though as I do travel to the States a couple times a year and would like the freedom that provides for my trips.
Thanks for the detailed reply, it is appreciated and I will look into some of those apps that you mentioned.

Glitchy apps and live wallpapers?

I don't know If I'm in the wrong place. But I would love an answer to some of my questions. If anyone could assist me I would be very appreciative.
I have restored my Nook Color to an earlier version 1.0.1, it came with firmware 1.2, I then used the latest Auto Nooter for firmware 1.0.1;
After doing so, I installed some basic apps, dolphin HD, file manager, live wallpapers, ect.
Some of these apps appear to be very glitchy. Force closing, and LauncherPro will not orientate screen position correctly when a Live Wallpaper is installed.
I am now wondering If I have gone about this root in the best way, and used the best mod.
What is the best root for the Nook Color at this point in time? there are so many confusing instruction guides, and several are different, so I do not know which one to do as they seem to change daily. I continue to get sent to different guides that make no sense to me.
I am sending this device to a friend for Christmas, they live in another state, she is not nearly as tech savy as me, haha, and she cannot mess with any of this once it gets to her. So I want to get all this done with before I send it. I want to use a very user friendly mod, and so far the one I have done seems to be really easy, but a bit glitchy.
I have a couple of questions if someone could clarify I'd be super grateful.
1.) What's the difference between the Auto-Nooter method? and the CM7 mod's?
2.) Can I install custom kernals or rom's from my AutoNooted, Nook?
3.) How come I do not have, and cannot access Rom Manager? ( I search it in the app market and only find the Premium version. It is not installed on my Nook already)
4.) Is there any way to find out why the Live Wallpaper is messing up? - Answered: LauncherPro seems to be the culprit.
5.) How can I access my launcher settings? I have downloaded 2, LauncherPro and ADW, yet I cannot seem to access settings for either of them.

[Q] What can I do with my Nexus 5 without rooting?

Hi all -
So I'm just about to get my brand new N5 32gb black from Google Play (can't wait!) but I'm not sure how to use it to its full potential. I already read the beginner's guide on here, but I was wondering what I can do without rooting? I've been using an iPhone 4S for the last 2 years and had an HTC Legend before then that I did nothing with so I have no idea. I'm a bit of a noob so please be patient! I know you can download themes from Google Play but what's the deal with that? What's the difference between those and what you get when rooting? I really like how Google Now is front and centre, but can I install a new theme and still keep it so easily accessible? Like, how much can I customise how everything fits together? And how does that change if I decide to root?
Thanks a lot!
EDIT: Sorry, just realised this should go in the Q&A forum but don't know how to move it?

streether said:
EDIT: Sorry, just realised this should go in the Q&A forum but don't know how to move it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi and welcome
At the top right of your post you have a report button (small triangle with exclamation mark), click and ask to move your thread.
Done for you
For the rest, at the beginning I would say to get used to your new nexus 5. Mostly if you want to "customize" your phone the root will be necessary at some point. With a custom launcher (Nova, Apex for example) you can change the look of the icones on homescreen/app drawer, change the number of homescreens, change the number of rows/columns but if you want more (full theme) you'll need root (Xposed Framework with Xposed modules for example that allows almost 100% customization for example, custom roms, etc...).
Root allows access at the files system (in short) so you can modify a bunch of things..., without root about theming you'll be limited.
To read:
[HOW-TO] The Nexus 5 All-In-One Beginner's Guide.
[GUIDE] Nexus 5 - How to Unlock Bootloader, Install Custom Recovery and Root.
It depends of what you want exactly...

viking37 said:
Hi and welcome
At the top right of your post you have a report button (small triangle with exclamation mark), click and ask to move your thread.
Done for you
For the rest, at the beginning I would say to get used to your new nexus 5. Mostly if you want to "customize" your phone the root will be necessary at some point. With a custom launcher (Nova, Apex for example) you can change the look of the icones on homescreen/app drawer, change the number of homescreens, change the number of rows/columns but if you want more (full theme) you'll need root (Xposed Framework with Xposed modules for example that allows almost 100% customization for example, custom roms, etc...).
Root allows access at the files system (in short) so you can modify a bunch of things..., without root about theming you'll be limited.
To read:
[HOW-TO] The Nexus 5 All-In-One Beginner's Guide.
[GUIDE] Nexus 5 - How to Unlock Bootloader, Install Custom Recovery and Root.
It depends of what you want exactly...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot, that's really useful. So basically all the themes/launchers on the Play Store are Google approved replacements that have various features (some of which being design features) to go on top of what I already have? So, will Google Now still be there when I swipe to the left or does it erase all that? Also, how do I change back to my original/a new launcher?
Then if I root, I can add unapproved launchers that have more customisability than what Google usually approves?

streether said:
Thanks a lot, that's really useful. So basically all the themes/launchers on the Play Store are Google approved replacements that have various features (some of which being design features) to go on top of what I already have? So, will Google Now still be there when I swipe to the left or does it erase all that? Also, how do I change back to my original/a new launcher?
Then if I root, I can add unapproved launchers that have more customisability than what Google usually approves?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to root to install any launcher.
Swipe to the left Google now will not work if you are not on the stock launcher. The swipe home button up does though.
Once you have a second (or more) launcher installed, an option shows up in your system settings, that let's you select which launcher you want to use by default. You don't lose the stock launcher by installing a different one.
Sent from my Nexus 5

welcome!
streether said:
Thanks a lot, that's really useful. So basically all the themes/launchers on the Play Store are Google approved replacements that have various features (some of which being design features) to go on top of what I already have? So, will Google Now still be there when I swipe to the left or does it erase all that? Also, how do I change back to my original/a new launcher?
Then if I root, I can add unapproved launchers that have more customisability than what Google usually approves?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome bud! The swipe-left-for-google-now feature is only on the stock nexus 5 launcher or google experience launcher(GEL), as it is sometimes referred to. It won't erase the launcher if you install a new one, it essentially just freezes the launcher you aren't using. In order to go from the stock launcher to others, just go to setting and there is a tab labeled "home." click on it and you will have the option of whichever launcher you want to run at the moment. I'm huge into tinkering with my device for customization and I've tried multiple ROMs and the rootbox option as well as simple play store options for customization...but honestly I'm now back on stock, unrooted. to me, this phone is absolutely perfect as is. There are a ton of options, even third party apps like lux auto brightness that allow you to personalize the aut brightness on your device. Pretty much anything you would "need" can be accomplished without root, though root allows for much better system customization. Again man, welcome. if there is anything I can help you with, just lemme know or PM me if you have any questions.
Brandon

You can start searching for your favorite keyboard like swype or swiftkey. you don't need root to change that.
There are some nice emulators in the play store I think apple store doesn't allow emulators so there something you can do play games lol.
Now I don't know if this needs root but you can try this for some themes.

Don't you mean what can you do with root?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

streether said:
Hi all -
So I'm just about to get my brand new N5 32gb black from Google Play (can't wait!) but I'm not sure how to use it to its full potential. I already read the beginner's guide on here, but I was wondering what I can do without rooting? I've been using an iPhone 4S for the last 2 years and had an HTC Legend before then that I did nothing with so I have no idea. I'm a bit of a noob so please be patient! I know you can download themes from Google Play but what's the deal with that? What's the difference between those and what you get when rooting? I really like how Google Now is front and centre, but can I install a new theme and still keep it so easily accessible? Like, how much can I customise how everything fits together? And how does that change if I decide to root?
Thanks a lot!
EDIT: Sorry, just realised this should go in the Q&A forum but don't know how to move it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can install something called a launcher from the Play store, such as Nova or Apex. These are home screen replacements. These will give you more customization, by allowing you to change your home screen grid, and/or apply icon packs. However, by installing another launcher, you will lose the "OK Google" and swipe to the right for Google now features. The choice is up to you.
For themes, you need to be rooted. These are themes that change your phones look, all around. I'll be honest, I wouldn't root for this. The android themes available aren't fantastic. If you want to theme, you can find tutorials on rooting, unlocking the bootloader, and flashing ROMs here at XDA or YouTube even. If you are new to this, I would recommend CyanogenMod11. It is pretty close to stock, stable, and gives you a few extra features as well as a theme chooser which lets you apply themes from the play store.
Without rooting, you can install widgets of your choice, install replacement apps such as browsers or keyboards, and install launchers.
If you decide to modify your device by rooting, flashing a ROM, or unlocking the bootloader, take caution and be sure to follow the guides exactly as written.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

I remember feeling like the op waiting for my device. All my days revolved around the Nexus 5 as if I actually owned one, up until the day I actually got it. #AniticipationKills
"Cataclysm + ElementalX + Dalvik/Bionic Patches + Exposed + Gravity Box & Candy shop Mods + Jishnu's Camera Mod/LG G2 Camera Port + Latest GPU Drivers + -75 UV Across The Board + 4 OC Cores @ 2.226 GHz + TWRP" My Nexus Is The ?,┌П┐[◣_◢]┌П┐!

Thanks so much for all the support, guys. Nice to be part of such a friendly forum. I see what you're saying about the stock Google launcher - is there any way to keep it and change the look of icons etc.? Or is it one or the other? Also, what's the difference between a launcher and a theme?
Someone mentioned Cyanogen Mod 11 if I decided to root - what exactly is that, and what is the difference between choosing that and another one?
Thank you all again, much appreciated!

Hello,
You can keep the stock launcher and change the look of the icons with "Unicon" (Play Store) but you need root and Xposed Framework.
Maybe Desktop Visualizer (Play Store) could do this also with the stock launcher (without root?).
A launcher can modify your homescreens/app drawer mainly, a theme can change the look of the whole system.
Cyanogen Mod is a custom rom: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2584004. For example you have Theme Chooser in this rom so you can apply some themes made especially for (take a look on Play Store for CM theme) .
After, why choose this rom or another... take a look in the devs forum, read the features list, changelog and feedback to see what rom will suits your needs.
For now keep your stock rom, root if you want, play a bit with the apps mentionned above to change the look of your stock launcher or try an alternate launcher. Then if it's not enough for your needs think about a custom rom.
But before, read closely the different guides and take your time

I would unlock the boot loader before you even boot it up. All your data will get wiped when you unlock it. And we all know you will
Sent from my Nexus 5

pepdavies said:
I would unlock the boot loader before you even boot it up. All your data will get wiped when you unlock it. And we all know you will
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's unlocking the boot loader? And buy unlocking, do you mean rooting?

streether said:
What's unlocking the boot loader? And buy unlocking, do you mean rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read the first reply to your thread. The answers are there.

streether said:
What's unlocking the boot loader? And buy unlocking, do you mean rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking boot loader is completely different to rooting thou usually done at the same time.
Root = administrative privileges to the whole operating system.
Unlocking boot loader = ability to flash other ROMs e.g cyanogenmod, omnirom and paranoid android.
There's plenty more than that they're just some popular ones.
Custom ROMs = complete replacement operating system usually based on android but not always look at Ubuntu or Firefox os
You know you could just look up one of the many noob guides. I don't think us telling you this is much good until you experience and learn.
Just reminds me how much Apple babysits everyone.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

Whatever you decide to do make sure you read everything. From many many days of experience, rushing any process dealing with root/flashing can screw your phone up pretty quickly. Usually there are resolutions to most screw up's but that besides the case. Not trying to scare you but just trying to encourage you to keep asking questions with the addition of reading before making any modifications to your device. Welcome to the root world!?
"Cataclysm + ElementalX [Tap2Wake Enabled] + Dalvik/Bionic Patches + Exposed + Gravity Box & Candy shop Mods + DPI 440 + Apex Launcher w/ Morena Icons + Jishnu's Camera Mod/LG G2 Camera Port + Latest GPU Drivers + -75 UV Across The Board + 4 OC Cores @ 2.226 GHz + TWRP" My Nexus Is The ?,┌П┐[◣_◢]┌П┐!

streether said:
Thanks a lot, that's really useful. So basically all the themes/launchers on the Play Store are Google approved replacements that have various features (some of which being design features) to go on top of what I already have? So, will Google Now still be there when I swipe to the left or does it erase all that? Also, how do I change back to my original/a new launcher?
Then if I root, I can add unapproved launchers that have more customisability than what Google usually approves?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FYI... Google doesn't really "approve" of things... You're free to do what you want.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

korockinout13 said:
FYI... Google doesn't really "approve" of things... You're free to do what you want.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct, but Google designed this device for deliberate tinkering...that is its purpose. There are better options for vanilla phones for the masses.

Thanks everyone!
Will definitely do some further reading but this has cleared up some big question marks. Off to pick up my N5 from the depot!