I've searched for this, and it doesn't seem to exist; I'm surprised.
In case the premise is not clear: in much the way that (for example, SSlauncher) some launchers can have heavily customized setups / themes which can then be saved / backed up, why is there no launcher in which the theme / layout would be html-defined? The primary missing element would be a tag to launch an app, but I imagine such could be implemented, <a href=app://com.somedev.whateverapp>foobar</a> etc...
It would have the mild advantage that many users are already familiar with the markup, and it would allow for simplified sharing (and previews!) of themes... As well as device-resolution agnostic themes, etc.
I completely agree with you. Just finished googling it and came up with nothing. Right now i use a text only launcher, but would enjoy a HTML one much better
Another good thing would be that you could easily make themes for both phones AND tablets! I'd make a bunch of designs for sure!
Related
Hi guys,
I’ve been playing around with a number of ROMs on my SGS3 and I’ve noticed something that’s made me wonder…
…and this is just out of curiosity…
What is the score with animations – specifically transition animations – in Android?
What I mean is; there appears to be a disjointed approach to animations within the OS. I’m not just talking about between versions either but often within just one iteration of Android (be it stock or custom).
Often the animation when launching an app is different to the transition animation within the app. Also I’ve noticed some apps have their own – and markedly different – animations. So you can have two apps on the same handset/ROM that transition differently to various screens/activities within. I assume this is because the developers of these apps choose to utilise different animations?
I know transition animations can be changed relatively easily for most root users using something like Anim Mod but here I’m talking about general use – including stock, un-rooted, non-power users too.
The obvious comparator would be iOS where all(?) apps launch with that zoom effect and then transition between screens within the app with that sideways slide effect.
And please don’t get me wrong here – I’m not saying iOS is somehow ‘better’ than Android because of this. Animations alone do not make an OS and I’m certainly of the opinion that openness, customisability, diversity of choice and raw power are far more important – hence why I don’t and probably will never choose to own an iOS device.
However that said some people do like a bit of eye candy and as I’ve said above iOS is the obvious comparator to Android when it comes to mobile OSes.
So why does Android not appear to have a unified approach to animations? Or does it? Do you think this is something Google should look to do – overhaul the animation framework to make it smoother, faster, prettier and more unified; or do you think this would stifle choice and individuality when it comes to development? How important do you think animations are in terms of attracting potential new users and do you think the current approach to animations is enough? I’m aware more care has been taken over transitions generally in JB but is it enough and should it stop there?
Please: no flaming! As I said this is purely out of curiosity – to gauge opinion and information on the subject.
Actually, is very simple: Android is open source, so anyone can modify mostly aspects of the OS (users with their cROMs or manufacturers with stock ROMs).
SunjinSak said:
I assume this is because the developers of these apps choose to utilise different animations?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, and basically there are two ways to do it:
1 Activity and multiple layouts. In this case, the dev has total control over the transitions, because to move from a screen to another one, simply set other layout (any animation can be developed here). I think this way isn't possible on iOS.
Multiple activities, multiple layouts. In this case the system animations are used to move between screens (because to move from a screen to another one is necessary start another activity). Of course, a custom animation can be used here, and it will be displayed after system animation.
RoberGalarga said:
Actually, is very simple: Android is open source, so anyone can modify mostly aspects of the OS (users with their cROMs or manufacturers with stock ROMs).
Yup, and basically there are two ways to do it:
1 Activity and multiple layouts. In this case, the dev has total control over the transitions, because to move from a screen to another one, simply set other layout (any animation can be developed here). I think this way isn't possible on iOS.
Multiple activities, multiple layouts. In this case the system animations are used to move between screens (because to move from a screen to another one is necessary start another activity). Of course, a custom animation can be used here, and it will be displayed after system animation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, I see.
So presumably there are stock animations in the API that developers can use if they so wish? Otherwise mods like Anim Mod and similar wouldn't work... right?
Sent from my rooted GS3-I9300 running BlackstarV3 ROM using Tapatalk 2
Yes, but the stock animations are limited (change screens, emergent windows, back...) and are managed by Android automatically (I mean, you can't decide the animation to change between screens when you develop an app, unless you develop a custom transition as I said before).
Hi,
I have the TF700T (fw 9.4.5.22) and I was a bit disappointed when I saw that I could not organise the applications the way I'd like (I'm not talking about organizing them on desktop screens neither the parameters/applications list, but in the specific panel where all installed apps are showing). Especially since I saw that a friend with Galaxy could sort them and group them in folders.
So, am I missing something (he has a parameter menu in this panel allowing sorting/foldering while I can't see such menu) ? Or is it a specific samsung feature ?
Is there any app to add to my TF700T which would allow this feature ?
NB: another comparison I saw is that on the galaxy there is a king of OCR recognition when he's handwriting, but I couldn't find such for TF700T. Any idea ?
Ricorico94
Asus pretty much leaves everything as is in AOSP Android, and that is only good. Less tweaks more stability and overall greatness (my oppinion).
Quite opposite is HTC, who is tweaking a lot of things, from desktop to apps...
Anyway, if you would like to group apps try Apex launcher. Very good launcher and also has this kind of groupings.
OCR - probably there is an app for that in the play store. Search.
Nova launcher also works
Hello...
I am trying to customize my (new) sony xpereia z2, (got it for waterproof), to as close as possible to a Galaxy note or tab, as far as it can go feature wise.
I already have a few floating apps:
-floating stickies-becomes complicated with too many stickies, swiping them to the side, it becomes (almost) impossible to find the one you want, needs a single view interface, for organized viewing/editing , as well along with the float feature.
-floating browser, and cobra - crashes with only 2 tabs, doesn't remember my websites.
-G-player - my floating window will not resize, pretty sure have gone through all the options in settings, it is stuck,
I am aware of xhalofloatingwindow and xmultiwindow.
- is the only difference between the two that halo floats and multi divides the screen in fixed way? or are there other differences in the two that I am missing...
- (also when people refer to 'halo', this is the same thing as 'xhalofloatingwindow', right? or is it different...)
- are these considered 'custom roms', or not bc only partial change..
- also TouchWiz... I have read that TouchWiz mimicking apps exist, and to look here, but I haven't found any names, thus far.
the features I want are: quick screenshot, and editing, and note taking next to the screenshot, in a logged/organized manner. I would buy a stylus too, if found if could find apps or roms that mimick the galaxy note.
I do like xperia's interface, lockscreen, homescreen editor set up, and buttons. It is not so much the interface that I am trying to change, but to get a few more features. but I would change the interface if that's the only way to do it.
another subject - copying images from web browser, (not saving them), this is impossible on android but have read with a custom rom (not sure which ones, all or only some?) it is possible.
also closing tabs in chrome. you have to close each one manually, obviously annoying, plus the fact that they all reopen if you just wait the program. which Roms (all or only some) can help this...?
please advise if you can ...
Thank you for any advice ....
Hi
Anyone found a way to group apps in the appdrawer ? as in folder structure and so on?
Been trying my darnedest with no luck... On the other hand my LG G3 ( also with lollipop) allows me to do what I need with no issues
Suggestions ladies and gents?
You'll need to use a different launcher...
Sent from my SHIELD Tablet using XDA Free mobile app
Any suggestions regarding a clean and simple launcher?
Wouldn't mind a recommendation
I'd wait to hear if anyone else has any suggestions, but I hear many like Nova Launcher (I believe you'd need the "Prime" version for folders/groupings in the app drawer though).
Personally, I'm using ADW Launcher Ex and like it quite a bit, but can't recommend it as it hasn't been updated in a LONG time and many suggest it's been abandoned (although the dev recently tweeted something that indicates otherwise...)
Let us know what you try.
Sent from my SHIELD Tablet using XDA Free mobile app
After testing back and forth I ended up with Nova ( paid for the Prime edition, worth it)
tested ( not in any particular order):
Google Now = Too focused on Google now features ( that I don't use), didn't add much, and I still couldn't app folders to appdrawer
ADW = Felt a tad sluggish compared to Nova, tons of themes and such but hasn't been updated for a while ( like An Droid said) still a good launcher, seems to have more options then Nova, so better for tweaking and customisation
Apex = A toss up between this one and nova. This one might have more features, but I found the functions on nova more user-friendly. I'd say "too close to call "on this one
Yahoo Aviate Launcher = In short, too automated, it tries to learn from you, predict your actions and such. Like grouping the apps based on auto defined categories and trying to constantly come with suggestions on how to use , where to use and when to use it. Most things can be tweaked and customised, like groups and folders for apps, suggestions for apps and automation level. It just wasn't for me. Too busy and a bit of a resource hog . Though some cool features were tempting, like the location based home screen and app drawer organisation. One sett of settings and home layouts for when the tab senses it's at work, and another for home, then another for evening and another for... and so on.. tons of possibilities. I'm just not into the automation stuff
Buzz Launcher= Very interesting launcher , very customisable, tons and tons and tons ....and tons of themes. But a bit too much. Though you can always tweak everything , and if you don't like your, icon pack, home design, appdrawer etc... you just download someone else's. Tons of option...but felt a bit like everything and the kitchen sink. Don't get me wrong , found some fancy stuff in there, cool themes that go far far far beyond a desktop wallpaper tweak with funky icons. I't just more for the designer that doesn't mind fussing over 30++ pages of themes and icon + wallpaper combos, then spend a while adjusting them. But it ended up being a launcher where I spent more time testing other people "launcher" setups, then actualy using the function of the launcher it self ( if you catch my drift) if I spent long enough I'm sure I would have landed on a favourite theme ..... eventually
Action Launcher Pro = A bit like aviate, but not so automated. decent set of features, some automation and habit pattern recognition ( sees what you do and tries in certain cases to predict what you need)... but left me with a bit of a "meh" feeling. Not bad, just not great
I spent 2-3 days with each ( I know it's not nearly enough time, but gives you a sense whether you might like it or not)
WHY NOVA?
Well, it's
sleek
simple
fast
minimal resources
A decent selection of features , the the possibilities to add more
Gesture based actions and short-cut customisation
Intuitive menus and settings
In short simple enough download and leave as is, but still open to a decent amount of tweaks. very fast and responsive.
NOTE Non of the launchers were really something you would call sluggish. We are talking about a tiny margin, and a very subjective opinion! And the Shield is a beast after all
As a point of reference, I also own a note 10.1 2014 32 GB, and it's sluggish ( even after several factory resets and barely any apps / services running), not rooted though ( warranty issue ), Running stock touchWiz "enhanced" Kitkat.
Keep in mind I went on the hunt simply recourse I wanted to find a way to sort out the folders in appdrawer issue. With NovaI found that as well as a few features I didn't really look for , but welcomed non-the less.
Nova is very much Recommended!
hopes this helps
Cheers lads!
I am so pleased to share the launcher I have found that best complements the surface duo for those looking for an amazing launcher for this desktop tier device is Winx Launcher. I actually tried at least 30 launcher apps and of all of them (including the very similar computer launcher and other apps), I found the Winx Launcher to be the most powerful, elegant, compatible launcher for Surface Duo users.
What's more is that I am so proud to announce that literally two days after I shared my feedback of the app on Google play, the developer immediately responded with promises for even further Surface Duo specific features coming to add to the rare "foldable" device settings. Literally two days later he has ALREADY demonstrated a new update coming delivering further Surface Duo support! The developer does not even own a Duo but that was so beautiful to see our rare devices get individualized attention and so I encourage you to show support for this app if you are looking for a launcher that literally changes your device into a more professional one rather than a (sloppy highly restricted android experience designed for candy bars launcher like our stock version of the Microsoft Launcher)
Seperate your Duo from other devices and give this launcher a try so that hopefully we can all benefit from increased support because literally no other launcher I've seen seems to care about the rare foldable device users. This developer actually cares and is also extremely taleneted!
While the launcher is free and add free by default, it is literally 2 dollars to get access to the premium features however I believe he still offers a 1 week trial so you can access the foldable device settings which I believe is extremely worth the money considering it absolutely changes the whole way you may view & approach your Duo... And again, it's SUPERIOR to the other simular desktop like launchers, believe me I tried them!!!
I believe if people help showcase their appreciation then based on the urgent attention I received that it will expedite the developer to add the most desired feature I'd presume for us Duo users which is for the entire home screen to slidd to the inactive screen when an app is launch. I believe he can do this no problem, and that it's not a dream just something no other developers have cared to address (despite Microsoft giving them all the tools to develop on for the Surface, other developers haven't batted an eye our way even when trying to bring a Windows like experience to Android)
Also he did all this in two days, despite when looking for comments from other reviewers using my device mod, there was only one other person, as if he simply needs solid feedback to give him ideas of ways to further improve this already daily driver ready launcher!
Get his Winx Launcher from the play store
Win-X Launcher - Apps on Google Play
The Launcher inspired by famous OS to provide simplified interface.
play.google.com
And here is a video he just released today showcasing the new Surface Duo user optimizations and other updates already getting ready to be released!
Subscribe to him to see what he's up to like me!
If you love the fact someone is helping to fine tune such a core application for our devices you can even donate a coffee to him from within the app (might speed him up even further lol)
I'm attaching images of my customizations to hopefully encourage you that your Duo can also be as clean as mine with hard work and effort but if you'd like I could share my general settings which could size icons and stuff the way I have (even tho my display is set at slightly different dpi via developer settings)
BTW I'm using this awesome icon pack, but obviously I hand selected and replaced many of the typical ones with other ones, using the custom icons features.. Also I rename some apps. I haven't yet found great widgets but the app has support for widgets too in addition to the many MANY useful abilities you'll find..
Halo Icon Pack - Apps on Google Play
Shapeless icon designs with a mellow undertone.
play.google.com
HALO ICON PACK
I have decided it's easy enough to attach my settings if you want to quickly have a tested base layout like mine to start with, you might need to clean up the custom icons but maybe not but hey I have spent time adjusting this so just be happy I knocked out the fundamentals of beautifying it up for you. You should easily be able to use the offline back up restore setting to paste this folder in your documentz and then import in... The quick one drive backup feature btw makes it worth spending time customizing. I'm so pleased with this launchers impact on my Duo's experience, and have found its lighter on resources the the heavily crippled bland stock launcher
Also I attached my exact dpi settings... Note it looks even better if you haven't disabled windows level blur in the developer settings like me for benchmarking purposes... however I have it off and am too lazy to redo screenshots. And the system font I'm using (for those who know how to actually customize system fonts [root]) is CoconOrignial but I don't think that will make a huge difference between my screenshots and what you'll get with the base system fonts. I'm just trying to share some drip with you guys.
Again (for those expecting the bottom link here) this is the
Winx Launcher from the play store
Win-X Launcher - Apps on Google Play
The Launcher inspired by famous OS to provide simplified interface.
play.google.com