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.
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!
Window3DManager help you to
manage your phone with style.
-Task Switcher
-Recent Task Switcher
-Memory Optimizer
-Application Launcher
-Fully Customizable
-Tools Widget
-3D Interface
-Easy to use
-Practical
-Running Process Viewer
-Multitask
-Multiple Effects
Explanation
The idea of this application is to
provide you the opportunity to
manage the applications of your
phone. Window3DManager has the
following functions:
The Running Task Switcher, which
displays the currently open
applications and gives the user the
possibility to open it or put it on hold.
Sometimes when we are using an
application, we want to open another
without closing the current one, for
that Window3DManager has a
shortcut on the phone status bar,
which opens over the current
application, in order to open another
application without closing the
current one. There’s three ways to do
that:
-Through the Recent Task Switcher,
which as its name implies, shows the
recently opened applications.
-With the Running Task Switcher.
-And finally with the Creator of Tasks,
which displays all the applications
installed on your phone, and it has
the ability to open one or more of
these at once.
There’s a Tools function, which allows
us to enable or disable a system
configuration such as data traffic, wifi,
etc with a single click. This feature can
be opened from the application itself
or with a widget that can be added to
the "Home Screen". This tools helps
us to speed up the process of
opening an application.
The Window3DManager Memory
Optimizer, which allows us to choose
whether we want to close an
application that is running or put in a
wait state, the last one releases the
resources consume of the application
and these resources reintegrate to the
system when open it again, this help
the application to open faster.We can
also choose whether we want to put
an application on hold or closed.
Instructions for Use
A click on the Window3DManager
shortcut , show the Running Task
Switcher, which the applications can
be opened with a click or can be
pressed for about three seconds to
put it on hold. We can also slide the
screen up to open the manager
Window3DManager functions, down
to open a view of the Running Task
Switcher on a Grid form, and to the
right and left to see the running
applications.
The Recent Task Switcher and the
Tasks Creator are easily accessible
with the function manager of
Window3DManager or pressing the
menu button of the phone. In this
functions by simply pressing the
application icon, it will open the
application or selecting the "check
box" in the case of the Tasks Creator.
System tools can be enabled and
disabled with one touch in the icon. In
addition, to entering the second
screen tools you have to slide your
finger up.
DOWNLOAD LINK:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.window3dmanager
Hello,
I have developed an application called Bugnet (the net for bugs). This is a simple app, that helps manual testers to create visual bug reports. In fact, it helps you to create *.html page with images and text, that you can add in the editor. Also there is an additional option to take screenshots with transparent overlay button for root users.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mycompany.overtest
I hope that it is possible to create an app that will generate bug report automatically and I want to introduce my Alpha version of Bugnet application here. If you are a test engineer, it will be very helpful to receive some feedback from you. There is a copy of my in-app help page.
To create you first bug report:
- Take some screenshots with your device. For example, if your device manufacturer is Samsung, you should prees 'Power' and 'home' button in the same time, to take screenshots.
- open app and pres 'Edit bug report' button. You should see an empty page.
- press menu button.
- press add screenshots button. You will see a pop up, where you can select your gallery app.
- choose your screenshot with gallery. You can choose other images, but please keep in mind that this an alpha version.
- add all screenshots, that needed.
- press on the image to draw on them. You can save your drawings by pressing back button.
- press on the 'Step' text to change the description. You can choose one of presetted phrases or type it manually with 'add description button'
- press menu button. You can add bug report description and additional information with listed menu options.
- press menu button. Press 'generate report' button to create bug report.
- when bug report was created, you can use 'view report' button on the main page. You will be able to view html web page with html viwer or with your web browser.
- press 'get system info', if you want to add system information to your report. You will be redirected to the play market, where you can download an app, that will allow you to accaess to system information.
- press share button to send your report via email.
- press menu button on the main screen.
- press 'empty workflow' button to clear your workflow. It will delete files only in app dirrectory, all your images will stay where they are.
- (*For rooted phones) if your device have root access, you will be able to use additional feature. Press menu button. Press touch detection. You will see a small overlay screen in the left top side of your screen with htree buttons. 'SC' button will take a screenshot of your screen. 'SW' button will change overley position and 'HD' button will hide overlay screen. It will appear again if you will press again on the hidden overlay.
Happy testing!
XDA:DevDB Information
Bugnet, App for all devices (see above for details)
Contributors
Vindceo
Version Information
Status: Alpha
Created 2014-08-12
Last Updated 2014-08-12
NOTE: This is only original work in the sense that I put several different methods together to achieve what I personally wanted. I use a dark theme in my S8 so seeing the Bluetooth icon in the quick settings can be hard in the sunlight when I get in the car so I put this together to help me and I decided to share this with the community. Nearly all of the credit goes to others for making this possible.
PREREQUISITES
TASKER
APP FACTORY (TASKER PLUGIN) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.dinglisch.android.appfactory
YOUR PREFERRED BIXBY REMAPPING APP
First things first we need to set up a profile to intercept when the Bixby button is pressed. The following is what I use:
Profile: Bixtooth (32)
Event: Variable Set [ Variable:%WIN Value:Bixby* User Variables Onlyff ]
Enter: Bixtooth (31)
A1: Bluetooth [ Set:Toggle ]
I will link to the profile for you to download for simplicity at the end if the guide.
Now we have to give the task an icon. Open the tasks tab, then open the Bixtooth task. In the bottom right corner three is a grid icon. Tap that and select whatever icon/image you want to give it. I personally selected the bixby icon that I got from Google image search.
Next, we have to export the task as an app using the app factory plugin. This is very simple. Just go to the tasks tab, highlight the Bixtooth task and tap the 3 dot menu and select export, then export it as an app.
Give it a name so Android can recognize it such as "com.bluetooth.bixby" then tap Back then once it's compiled, (about 5 seconds) tap the little Android icon to install it as a dedicated app.
The final step is to use your preferred bixby remapping app that will remap it to an app, then simply select remap to the new Bixtooth app we just installed and you're done!
Now whenever you tap the bixby button, it will toggle Bluetooth instead.
This is just a simple way of making life a little safer while driving. Hope it helps!
Thanks to you guide I configured my bixby button to switch my Yeelight. Awesome! Thank you
You're welcome
Hello, there are some bixby button remapper (e.g. "bxActions" or "Custom Bixby Button") which allow to set a shortcut for using with bixby buttons.
Of course you can choose a Tasker Shortcut and select the task you want.
So there is no need to export a task as app.
I only found one that let's the user link to a tasker task but that's a paid feature. I just found a way to do it without having to pay for premium features.
I just checked out those 2 apps and although I had installed them to try them out I had never thought of looking to an "app shortcut". My narrow mind was looking directly for Tasker.
Well if this has taught me anything is that I now discovered a simple way to launch Tasker tasks that I didn't know about before.