DISCLAIMER: I'M NOT RESPONSIBLE IF YOU DAMAGE YOUR DEVICE...BE SURE TO BACKUP AS ALWAYS!
Install Instructions (i advise reading this entire post but please at least read the UPDATE sections)
1. Flash stock rom (this mod SHOULD work with any firmware...newest MF1 link below) using odin
2. Install CWM or TWRP recovery
3. Flash Deodexed zip (will need to re-root afterwards)
4. Edit your build prop by adding the line qemu.hw.mainkeys=0 at the very bottom (u may also want to change your dpi...134 is my preferred number)
5. Install xposed framework along with the TAB UI module and enable (see post #4)
6. Flash the V5 file below (u will need to manually delete the flashbarservice.apk if coming from V3) followed by forcecloseapps.zip (if neccessary)
Known Issues
1. minimized apps will randomy disappear
2. help button will force close systemui
3. navigation buttons are shifted slightly to the right in phablet (right handed users can consider this a "feature" :silly
After months of messing around i have FINALLY managed to figure out how to enable multi window on our devices...its not perfect but it works. First, in order to use this mod(as of right now anyway) u will need to be on a DEODEXED rom & need to find & flash your respective version below via recovery. After the rom reboots, go to "settings - display" and u should see "Multi window" with a check already next to it. Simply uncheck it then immediately recheck it and VOILA! u should see the multi window flashbar on the left side of your screen. Open it by touching the tab & u will notice a very limited number of apps already included and an "edit" button to add more but the problem is the list will be empty. There are 2 ways to fix this..the easiest would be to download "SAMSUNG MULTI WINDOW MANAGER" from the market and the other would be to install the XPOSED framework(my preferred way due to all the other options it provides) as well XPOSED muliti window apps manager module. Refer to post #4 for instructions on how to install & setup XPOSED...also attached are a few of my other favorite modules. Any apps that are already on the list or added with one of the mentioned methods when opened the regular way will have a restore/maximize icon(familiar for those of u who work with windows) located usually in the top right corner or bottom right corner(will provide example screenshots below). Clicking this icon will alternate u between windowed mode & full screen...i'm not quite sure if there is a limit on how many floating windows u can have simultaneously. If u prefer to just have 2 apps side by side or on top of each other(depends on orientation) then simply open then multi window bar & drag your first app to which ever position u would like(u will see the spot highlighted blue). Simply repeat for the opposite position and there u have it...working multi window mod. Of course there are a few issues but the benefits outweigh the problems in my book. First, not all apps were made with windowed mode in mind so some may not look right or function properly...with that said u MAY need to mess around with the dpi(will include the XPOSED module to do so for indiviual apps) or find replacements altogether though personally i havent had much trouble out of the 100+ i have on my phone. The minimize & dual pane resize functions do not work as of yet and this mod also will kill your mini apps bar when in tabletui but since almost any app can now be used in minimode it really doesn't matter. Let me end by asking that ANY dev/user who is willing to improve this mod by combing through the code feel free to contact me anytime...i'm a complete newb(as u can probably tell since this is my first thread) so i could use all the help i can get
UPDATE V3: Ok, so...here's a new version of the mod and although it contains no new features i did manage to fix a few things such as the lockscreen, notification icons, and dialer app(see instructions below). Since this update seems to be superior to V2 in every way, i will be removing the links and altering instructions in order to cut down on confusion. This time the mod will be PHABLET mode only(unless @chrisrotolo would be willing to modify the files for us) which means u will also lose the 4way reboot function but if u would still like to use tablet mode of course u can install XPOSED with the tabletui module(u should perform this step first which SHOULD eliminate the need to edit your build prop). For those of u who are coming from a clean install or the previous tabui4way version u MUST EDIT YOUR BUILD PROP(easiest way would probably be "build prop editor" in the play store) by adding the line "qemu.hw.mainkeys=0" at the very bottom of the file BEFORE u flash the phablet file for your device...once u have edited & saved the file simply reboot into recovery & flash the V3 zip for your device then u should be good to go. For the others who are already using phabletui or XPOSED tablet module u SHOULD only need to flash the V3 version over your current mod...once again, i will need P6200 users to test & report their results. Please note that this mod MAY NOT be compatible with the touchwiz launcher which means u might need to install an alternative homescreen app from the market( i personally use "apex launcher" and completely uninstall touchwiz home)...i also would like to mention that some users have stated that a factory reset MAY be needed. As a small additional bonus...it seems that this update also enables/fixes the lockscreen ripple effect(thanks to @loolser for pointing that out)
DIALER FIX: If u would prefer the stock dialer to work or like me have just grown frustrated that clicking missed calls causes your tablet to freeze then this is the solution. First, u MUST install XPOSED framework along with the "app settings" module(see post 4 for details)...once u have installed & enabled the module then click on the "app settings" icon and click "contacts". At the top left u should see an on/off switch(green means on)...turn it on and set DPI to 176 and Screen (dp) to 800 x 1280 and then select save. You will be asked if u would like to kill the app simply select yes and then exit the app...click on dialer which should now be working although u may need to reboot and/or clear data in both "contacts" & "phone" in "settings - application manager"
A few more notes to add just in case u didn't know...the paid version of "samsung multi window manager" allows u to create shortcuts(both apps & bookmarks) directly on your home screen and open them automatically in windowed mode(u can also specify the default size for each windowed app as well). I just recently realized that if u simply click on the app in the multi window bar instead of dragging it out that will also open the apps directly in windowed mode and make them automatically cascade too. If u don't like the placement of the bar on the left side of the screen then simply click the tab to open the flashbar then touch and hold the tab again which allows u to drag it over to the right side. Oh yeah, just because u see the shiny new allshare cast button in your notification controls after u flash V3 does NOT mean u should push it...it will most likely freeze/reboot your tab(yeah, i had to find out the hard way...lol) but if only we could get that working, hmmmm
Black Bar: The white flashbar just didn't quite look right so i took a lil time to create a black translucent multi window bar with red arrows...hopefully u guys will like it as much as i do. All u have to do is overwrite the "flashbarservice.apk" located in "system - app" with the one attached below and be sure to set the proper permissions then reboot your tab...will add a few screenshots below so let me know if u like the new look!
4wayReboot: I missed the 4way Reboot option so i've created a zip that can be flashed over the top of our current V3 mod...I need a P6210 owner to test report as usual
UPDATE V5: I've actually had this new version finished for about 2 months but have been messing around trying to fix the minimize feature with no results...since this is an improvement over V4 due to a few bug fixes, the biggest of which being the force close in phablet mode, i will be removing the links to the previous version. There are really no new multiwindow related functions except multiinstance should now work (although not with all apps) and minimize is enabled by default (apps will still disappear randomly so its not much use)...i'm sure u guys will encounter some problems that i may not have discovered so please feel free to report your findings so we can iron out any issues. I will also link to a separate zip below which includes apps that are known to force close after the mod is flashed (almost all samsung stock apps) so most of u will need to flash it as well....please note that i MAY need to create a separate version for the P6210 so please test and let me know. There are actually a few new non multiwindow related extras if u flash the new version...ink effect is now enabled, the video player will now have live video previews for the thumbnails (if u flash the forcecloseapps.zip) and the best to me i the ability to swap out & rearrange the order of the quick panel toggles in the "settings/display" menu (u will notice other extra options since the file is from the note 8 but some obviously wont work such as the spen related functions)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7yxeu9x48ILVEs0X3FVbnBwNjQ/edit?usp=sharing
^MULTIWINDOW MOD V5 (the download is labeled P6200 but should work on the wifi only model as well...as i stated above i MAY need to create a separate version for the P621x so please test & report)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7yxeu9x48ILTkRob1VzQ3pna1k/edit?usp=sharing
^FORCE CLOSE APPS (please be aware...u will need to manually delete copies of apps with similar yet different names than those included in the zip so u wont have duplicates)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B7yxeu9x48ILeTVHQXYxTUhZUms/edit?usp=sharing
^P6200 PHABLET V3
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B7yxeu9x48ILZVgtZXJNR2FYRTQ/edit?usp=sharing
^P6210 PHABLET V3
View attachment P6200-4WayReboot.zip
^P6200 4WayReboot
View attachment P6210-4WayReboot.zip
^P6210 4WayReboot
View attachment FlashBarService.apk
^Black Translucent Bar(with red arrows)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2349776
^MF1 STOCK DEODEXED
credit/thanks to: @chrisrotolo for tabUI and power menu mod, @rovo89 for developing the xposed framework, @xperiacle for the systemui used in V4
New version v4 5 layout multiwindow screenshots
Check out the new V4 5 layout multiwindow mod...notice the icons where the mini mode app tray is located (stupid screenshot app killed my colors on the first 2 pics)
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Here go a few photos of the new black translucent multi window bar with red arrows...and matching edit screen of course
New V2 screenshots...notice then pin icon in the top left corner(green means "always in front") and the allshare button in the notification panel(look but don't touch...lol)
Here go a few screenshots for u guys...if u look at the settings screen u will see the multi window checkbox and notice a maximize/restore button in the top right hand corner
dude this is epic. nice job. how long did this take you?
And to comply with rules, you should at least give some info how you did this. I would also suggest setting up a donate button, just in case.
I would encourage you to share with Tab 2 guys who are documenting changes @ github, also the 7.7 guys will be interested as well, maybe they will even tweak/fine tune your code.
Looks really nice. Thanks dude.
XPOSED framework
as i promised...here goes the xposed installer along with a few modules that will help u out. The multi window apps manager(the developer doesnt want the apk reposted so i instead provided a link to the original thread) will allow u to enable any app to work in floating/dual screen mode, the "app settings" module will let u set individual dpi settings for apps, & "tweakbox" has various options such as volume button music controls & call recording! I also have a play store fix module(useful if u change your dpi) if u may be having issues & a module to enable tablet mode without flashing...if anyone is interested i will upload upon request.
DISCLAIMER: THIS IS NOT MY OWN WORK SO ALL CREDIT/THANKS GO TO THE RESPECTIVE DEVELOPER(S)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1574401
^this is the link for information on the XPOSED framework & modules
View attachment XposedInstaller_2.1.4.apk
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2304498
^This is the link to the multiwindow apps manager module to use with xposed
View attachment AppSettings_0.4.apk
View attachment XposedTweakbox_1.4.0.apk
View attachment 2081280
View attachment XposedAllAppsInPlayStore.apk
Thanks a lot mate, you saved me a lot of work.
Actually I had managed by myself to get the multi windows working, with the icon in the notification bar and the option to activate it in settings.
The only problem is that it didn't display well and I needed to mod some files to get it working, and I didn't have the time to do this.
And now you come with the full mod, yesssssss!
Thanks again, I download everything and I report layer.
By the way, I see that in your list of apps there is the latest xposer installer and the latest appsettings, where did you get them?
The villainrom website wasn't working these last weeks, does it mean that they are back?
Well i downloaded 2 version of p6210, @ mw mod +tab ui ive got freezes after 2 times i just backed to standard ui n installed mw mod there. Generally its working well, but 1st problem is i cant open 2 times same application (for example browser), next problem is buttons near miniaps wont work, are like dead.
link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/7b1ignl9ia2xajc/Screenshot_2013-06-06-12-52-59.png
thanks for this THEDEVIOUS1:good:
unclefab said:
Thanks a lot mate, you saved me a lot of work.
Actually I had managed by myself to get the multi windows working, with the icon in the notification bar and the option to activate it in settings.
The only problem is that it didn't display well and I needed to mod some files to get it working, and I didn't have the time to do this.
And now you come with the full mod, yesssssss!
Thanks again, I download everything and I report layer.
By the way, I see that in your list of apps there is the latest xposer installer and the latest appsettings, where did you get them?
The villainrom website wasn't working these last weeks, does it mean that they are back?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
loolser said:
Well i downloaded 2 version of p6210, @ mw mod +tab ui ive got freezes after 2 times i just backed to standard ui n installed mw mod there. Generally its working well, but 1st problem is i cant open 2 times same application (for example browser), next problem is buttons near miniaps wont work, are like dead.
link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/7b1ignl9ia2xajc/Screenshot_2013-06-06-12-52-59.png
thanks for this THEDEVIOUS1:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@unclefab if u go to the xposed thread using the link i provided in the first post u should see the latest xposed & then there is a link to a temp page(i think villain is indeed still down) with a bunch of modules including app settings 0.4(although all of them aren't up to date)
@loolser I actually just edited one of my posts above to provide a link to the multiwindow apps manager module thread where the developer states that "not all apps can be run in multiple instances" & specifically lists browsers as NOT working but there is always a way so i'm sure someone will figure it out as far as the bottom buttons, as of right now those do not work so dont worry about them...actually part of the reason it took so long to get this mod working was because i was too focused on trying bring those dead buttons back to life.
You may have already done so, but if not you might try contacting the OPs on some of the multi-window ROMs on the Galaxy S3 development forum to get some pointers on how they implemented these features in their TW ROMs.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1672
amazing mod, congratulations. here in p6210 worked perfectly. Xposed installed module to put other applications on multiwindows
Regarding phone app, try logcat.
Yeah that would be a definte deal breaker
I did some testing and it works fine.
Regarding the problem with the mini apps I can't tell, I had removed that stuff from the first day.
All my apps open, including the browsers, but some behave a bit strangely. It has nothing to do with this mod, they have the same funny behavior on my galaxy grand that has multi windows out of the box.
The only thing is that the minimize button doesn't work, hopefully it will get fixed over time.
By the way, this mod works without the flash bar app so one can remove it if one wants (I did it and my tab didn't explode )
If someone has apps that don't open one can try to add them manually following this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2068796"
Yep, the villain web site is still down but I downloaded everything from your links, thanks for that.
Thank you again for this mod, that was the last thing I needed. I always thought that no multi windows ability was a big drawback, and I craved for it since the days of honeycomb
This plus Chris' tablet ui mod, it's like a dream...
unclefab said:
I did some testing and it works fine.
Regarding the problem with the mini apps I can't tell, I had removed that stuff from the first day.
All my apps open, including the browsers, but some behave a bit strangely. It has nothing to do with this mod, they have the same funny behavior on my galaxy grand that has multi windows out of the box.
The only thing is that the minimize button doesn't work, hopefully it will get fixed over time.
By the way, this mod works without the flash bar app so one can remove it if one wants (I did it and my tab didn't explode )
If someone has apps that don't open one can try to add them manually following this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2068796"
Yep, the villain web site is still down but I downloaded everything from your links, thanks for that.
Thank you again for this mod, that was the last thing I needed. I always thought that no multi windows ability was a big drawback, and I craved for it since the days of honeycomb
This plus Chris' tablet ui mod, it's like a dream...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah u should be able to remove both the "flashbarservice apk", "com.sec.feature.flashbar.xml", as well as "com.sec.feature.multiwindow.tablet.xml"(which simply supplies the selection in settings menu which u wont need without the flashbar) files without MUCH consequence...all of these can be found in 'SYSTEM - ETC - PERMISSIONS" The reason i chose to still include it is because the window resize function is broken and dragging from the bar allows the apps to be automatically sized to exactly half the screen(shown in the screenshot with the chess & maps app) which is what the dead buttons on the status bar SHOULD be doing *shrugs*
as another option, u can replace the "com.sec.feature.multiwindow.tablet.xml" with "com.sec.feature.multiwindow.phone.xml"(dont forget to change permissions) & it will add a multi window toggle to the notification panel BUT u will ONLY be able to use dual panel mode(with a small plus of having a button to make the apps switch sides) or in other words the flashbar will be the only way to get 2 apps on the screen because it will disable floating windows! i'm not sure why someone would ONLY want this functionality instead of the floating windows as well but i will attach the aformentioned file below anyway in case anyone is interested
View attachment com.sec.feature.multiwindow.phone.rar
OFF-TOPIC: But i DEFINTELY agree...my device is now almost perfect. The only thing really left to do now is mod my hdmi dock by adding a usb port to it so i can connect to the tv, watch movies from my external hd, AND charge the tab at the same time which is what samsung should have done from the start but thats another thread...anybody else thats interested in doing this can check out the topic in the accessories section linked below(thats actually one of the few things i would be willing to pay someone else to do for me though)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1677845
as the past owner of 6200... deng i'm jealous... hahahaha... going to look if its will work out with 7.7
ok... can i know what did you add to the android.policy.jar
or from which device did you take the code so i may experiment on 7.7
edan1979 said:
as the past owner of 6200... deng i'm jealous... hahahaha... going to look if its will work out with 7.7
ok... can i know what did you add to the android.policy.jar
or from which device did you take it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i actually JUST finished making a thread in the 7.7 general section looking for someone to provide me their android.policy.jar so i could make a zip for u guys. If u could upload yours that would be awesome...of course it must be 4.1.2 DEODEXED & preferably stock. The files came from the note 8 & all i did was add the multi window folder which is basically missing in every device without working multi window...the real magic(for us anyway) is HOW i figured that out which was to focus on the combination of the files from different versions rather than the code itself
So i was just informed that the official 4.1.2 update is not out yet but i did see the "erobot" rom which i'm assuming is a port but i guess that still could work
yup... just read the post you left... this is the android.policy.jar from e-robot... its actually base on Official stock JB for 6800... the 3g/wifi version... they still waiting thr wifi (6810) version JB release... but for 6800 was already being like a month...
erobot basically using the tw from 6200 for the phonetab ui. and some files from note 8 as well
THEDEVIOUS1, do you mind uploading your MC3 Deodexed ROM? A lot of people would probably use it. I can't seem to deodex mine. Thanks!
edan1979 said:
yup... just read the post you left... this is the android.policy.jar from e-robot... its actually base on Official stock JB for 6800... the 3g/wifi version... they still waiting thr wifi (6810) version JB release... but for 6800 was already being like a month...
erobot basically using the tw from 6200 for the phonetab ui. and some files from note 8 as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks...please test out the zip below and report back. Oh, just to triple check your partition table is the same as ours right?
cache-7, system-9, data-10?
View attachment P6800ERobotMultiWindow.zip
yup... our partition table are the same. testing the zip now.
the files is working and i got the multi window icon... but... it still refuse to work on cascade or dual view.
Graffiti Exploit said:
THEDEVIOUS1, do you mind uploading your MC3 Deodexed ROM? A lot of people would probably use it. I can't seem to deodex mine. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
here's the link for the deodexed apks/jars zip but this is not my work...all thanks go to chrisrotolo for taking the time to deodex the roms for us. U must flash the stock MC3 firmware through odin first then flash the following file through cwm/twrp/mobile odin and u should be good to go
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2245009
edan1979 said:
yup... our partition table are the same. testing the zip now.
the files is working and i got the multi window icon... but... it still refuse to work on cascade or dual view.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are u saying the buttons located at the bottom on the status bar are not working because if so thats a known issue. Did u go into settings & uncheck then immediately recheck the multi window selcetion under display(neccessary to get the dock to show up the first time)? What happens when u hit the maximize/restore icon in the top/lower right corner? Does the app float or does the icon even appear at all?
sorry...didnt see the picture u provided
i guess we should keep the 7.7 discussion in the proper forum before we get in trouble...lol
see u over there edan1979
Hi Launcher is an iPhone Style and Android Capability Launcher. You can get the iPhone user experience in Android Phone!
What's new in Version 1.9:
1. Fix some crash issue in some devices
2. Fix the hide apk disappear issue
3. Fix Calendar don't display date issue in HTC devices
4. Fix directly enter Game Center issue
5. Support Xperia Z device
6. Other bugfix
7. Support Hi Dev Studio Bundles Key
Download in Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.easyandroid.free.ilauncher
Introduction:
What’s special:
1. Support Same look and touch feeling with iPhone
2. Support customize application icon & name;
3. Support hide application icon;
4. Support iOS 7 theme
Features list:
- Support Same look and touch feeling with iPhone
- Support Search desktop: a convenient search applications, contacts, SMS, e-mail.
- Support for Themes to choose a different style desktop.
- Support iPhone Wallpaper Setting
- Support iPhone Icon Folder
- Support High Quality Icons
- Support restore default feature
- Support customize application icon & name;
- Support hide application icon;
- No difference between the icon rendering and arrangement and iPhone
- Support iOS7 iPhone Lock Screen with configuration funcation
- Support android 2.2 devices
- Support recommend apps download
- Support iOS 7 theme
- Support online theme download
- Support Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC one
- Support 1080P resolution
- Support Hi Dev Studio Bundles License Key（50% OFF）
User instruction:
- Long press icon to enter into the icon editing mode
- Under Edit mode you can drag the icon position
- Under Edit mode you can click on the icon in the upper-left corner of the "X" icon to quickly delete the shortcut or uninstall applications
- Under Edit mode you can click on the icon in the upper-right corner icon to hide and rename applications.
- Under Edit mode you can drag and overlap icon to create a folder
Download in Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.easyandroid.free.ilauncher
Contact US:
If you meet any issue, we hope your email the issue to us, we will definitely feedback and resolve your issue asap.
We are welcome volunteer to help us for different language translation, if you have time pls contact with us.
Our Email:[email protected]
Change list
v1.9:
1. Fix some crash issue in some devices
2. Fix the hide apk disappear issue
3. Fix Calendar don't display date issue in HTC devices
4. Fix directly enter Game Center issue
5. Support Xperia Z device
6. Other bugfix
7. Support Hi Dev Studio Bundles Key
Does anyone encounter some issue?
Hi all, does anyone encounter some issues? you can feedback here and i will try to support you
Upload some screen snap
Hi guys, i have upload some screen snap, does anyone like it?
Every work day, i will review this thread, any issues/suggestion, you can feedback here freely:laugh:
HiStudio said:
Every work day, i will review this thread, any issues/suggestion, you can feedback here freely:laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont have any problem yet... but you need to enable the video review to mobile device.
Sent from my GT-N5100 using Tapatalk 4
edan1979 said:
Dont have any problem yet... but you need to enable the video review to mobile device.
Sent from my GT-N5100 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, Suggestions and comments are always appreciated. :laugh:
Sorry for any mispelling that may occur, I typed this on my phone. will fix any errors later on my computer.
Hi everyone, as the title says, I'm here to share my thoughts about the current multi-tasking capabilities.
In the last Google i/o (2014) , Google unveiled the new recents screen and said something like: ohhh we improved the multi tasking by adding chrome tabs! (I know they didn't say it like that but you get the point)
Since then I've been thinking... you fools are so damn off... both google, samsung and the "big" roms are terribly off on multi tasking in my opinion.
Yes, Samsung and Omni Rom have multi window but in my opinion, that's not pratical at all in phones, only good for tablets and tablet wise I have no complaints about that kind of multi tasking except that you have a limit of "duo tasking".
That aside, there's other options like Paranoid Android. old Halo and the new Hover. (personal favourite Rom btw)
Halo was great! probably the best multi tasking experience I've had on a phone, because it gave the ability to switch a task extremely fast with just one swipe and the swipe lenghth would determine what app will open. But you were limited to only notifications and the apps pinned with Halo))) app.
Hover on the other hand, is worse for multi tasking in general, but if the multi tasking is between a random app and the notifications you receive, then it has no match.
Excluding those options and others of the same kind, you have the good old recents button. Which sucks for multi tasking because you need 3 actions everytime. Click, swipe through the list and click again. and that is boring as hell when you need to switch between apps often (which is my case).
So... now, I'll tell you where I think this multi-taskings fail and what I think it should be like.
PA Hover should stay as it is. as PA states, it is only meant for notofications and is the best at what it does. So good that Google even implemented something similar on Android L.
Now then, let's compare Android to a Pc OS. is it the multi window that improves the multi tasking? I personally have most windows maxized all the time, except for file explorers to copy files easly. so how come I barely use the multi window features and multi task just fine on a computer?
Dear Google, Samsung, etc. it's because of something called taskbar (or dock for mac).
This taskbar is the equivalent to your recent buttons, but is always displayed.
And that's where all the android multi task fails.
Tell me in the comments if you agree/disagree...
I have thought of ways for this to work... the most beautiful looking would be to switch the navigation bar current buttons with the icons of the open apps (so, pretty much a taskbar xD) but then we would have no buttons to navigate...
having a taskbat on top of the navigation bar would look ugly and take alot of space.
A Halo option but with the open apps instead of the notifications would be great, but Halo is not the most new-users friendly feature.
And my last ideand which I think it really is possible and would work well, is:
recents button removed (obviously), back and home button would get closer to each other on the left of the navigation bar (like the old ics and jb tablet UI) and fro. the middle to the end of the right side a horizontal scrollable list of open apps. swiping a app up would close it.
So... what do you guys think?
as far as multitasking goes (at least for my part), side app bars (aokp) + floating windows (pa) are enough. your idea might be ideal for others, but having another clutter in the screen estate (depending on screen size that is) is too much for most users. that's why pie and immersive/expanded desktop mode was was created. to maximize screen estate. but that's just me.
p.s. your idea above might be close enough on aokp (ribbons on navbar) but that only works on pinned apps there
Stock android should be much better at multi tasking than it is right now i don't understand why they can't implement Samsung's or LG's multitasking features!
I know its not a system bound item, but I've been using "Multitasking Pro". It has stay on top windows that can be minimized and then reopened. Its basically a number of apps packaged to a sidebar. Some might find it useless, will others find it indespensible. Worth a mention.
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