[Q] Using hardware features on Galaxy S4? - General Questions and Answers

Hi,
I have a galaxy S4 and obviously has features like air view and air gesture etc. Sadly though Samsung seem to be the apple kind of people in the android world limiting the features etc. These features only work with default Samsung apps so using air gestures in a 3rd party SMS app isn't possible.
I'm just wondering if it is possible to use these features else where like maybe through some sort of rooted app? I also think it would be good to be able to integrate air view etc with tasker or like when your screen is off you can hover your finger over the screen to turn it on to view notifications as I use an app to show notifications on the lock screen. Is it possible to do such thing or haven't Samsung released the SDK for it?

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New MultiWindow/MultiTask Concept

Hey guys,
First, I really have no clue in which section I should post this, so I just took the General Section. Please move it, if there is a better one =)
Now what I want to talk about:
Multitask is a huge topic on Android devices, and there are several approaches how to handle this best. MultiWindow, Halo and QSlide/SlideAside are the most popular ones in this list to mention.
However, I think this feature is not perfect yet, so I just made a MultiWindow/MultiTask concept for myself.
I don't really think that this is possible to make. But, if there would be a crazy dev who wants to develope this further and create such a feature, I would really kiss his feet
So let's begin:
First, I would consider the Galaxy S4 as the best device for such an App. You will see later why. (Btw, Someone here who knows the mail address of Samsung? Then I could suggest them my concept^^)
What we start with is a simple picture of a running app (don't kill me for the pics, I just made them in Paint.net. But nevertheless I tried to make it good enough to understand what I am talking about.)
Here we are inside the Facebook App with S-Multi (that's how I just called it) enabled. There would be some kind of button/hotspot on the right bottom corner of the screen. If you type it once, a list with S-Multi supported Apps will open
Now you have the option to just select one App (it would open in a normal fullscreen Popup that is like Halo), or you can drag and drop it in one of four slots, or you can multiselect two up to four apps (hold buttons). As you can imagine, this means you can run maximum four apps at the same time. and that would basically looks like that:
Now you have your mainapp on the top and three other running apps on the bottom. To have the mainapp alone on the screen, just swype over the three apps on the bottom from left to right to hide them (and the other way round to show them again.)
With the Minibar (the three bottom apps) open, you have several possibilities.
1. If you type one of the slots once, it will open as a floating window (resizable, free movable)
2. If you type one slot twice, this app will open in fullwindow (minibar hidden)
3. You can drag and drop the slots to whichever position you want it (mainapp or three bottomslots)
4. If you hover you finger over one slot, a preview will popup. That would need Airview Support (Galaxy S4) Alternatively for devices without Airview you could hold the slot for a preview
Now let's begin to make it real multitask. If you have one App in S-Multi in Fullscreen, just hover (hold) your finger over (on) the hotspot to show a preview of all your apps currently opened in S-Multi:
Hover with your finger to the app you want to select while in this view (I will not mention the hold option any longer, but this is still present because it probably won't be able to include airview in a non Samsung app that soon, you know why)
However, this is not the mainidea of the Multitask. here you can generally see which app is in which slot without opening the minibar.
But the main feature would make use of the gesture sensor. And as I know there are several apps that bring these gestures to many non Samsung devices, it would be possible to make use of it.
So if you have Facebook opened in the midslot (which is actually the bottomslot) and whatsapp in the right slot, just swype from right to left over the sensor and the apps will switch. If Facebook is in the upperslot and whatsapp in the bottomslot just swype from the the button to the top direction:
Keep in mind that the apps would hold there slot positions. That means, if Facebook is in the top slot, Whatsapp in the bottom one and another app in the left one, if you would swype down from the other app to whatsapp, you don't get back to the app by swyping up, because then you would get into Facebook. The next pic shows better what I mean:
That's basically the Multitask.
(As an additional Samsung Feature, there could be also the possibility to open two apps aside as in normal multiwindow)
But, it could be more than that: A notification tool.
So if you recieve a notification by any app, a chathead could open and the hotspot of S-Multi would blink:
Now there a several possibilities:
a. Swype from right to left over the hotspot and choose the blinking slot (that's where the app will be open) S-Multi would make a chronic to restore the app that was in that slot once you close the app that caused the notification
b. Touch the chathead directly to open the app in a popup
c. Hover over the hotspot and then choose the blinking slot to open it in fullscreen.
Soo, that would be my concept for a cool Multitask feature =) It would make use of airview and airgesture in a much more sensible way then it currently does on the s4. And at least the airgesture is possible on more than just samsung devices. And I don't think that four running apps is to much. Current devices have 2gb ram, and i never saw my s4 use more than 1,3 of it. And at the end of this year and next year there will be devices with 3gb ram or even 4gb, so I think a better multitasking is a must be now.
So it would be cool if you tell me what you think about my idea and maybe give suggestions to make it better. I personally like it, but maybe it is totally bull**** and I just don't see it at the moment. However, I am not a dev and I will never be able to create stuff like that, but maybe it can be a proposal for one of the talented devs around here =).
A nice day to all of you
xPr0.
Edit: Btw, sorry for writing swipe with an y all the time -.-* I just recognized that it must be an i. Very embarrassing :X
That's a good idea, but I think that actually exist some apps that do the same things you said.
I support your idea!
Sent from my GT-I8150 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
FelixMG said:
That's a good idea, but I think that actually exist some apps that do the same things you said.
I support your idea!
Sent from my GT-I8150 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, indeed, there are some apps that do parts of this. There are some apps with floating windows, but with very few (and not really usable apps), and there are some notification apps. And there is an app called "Portal", that comes really near to what Halo on Paranoid does, but here too, there are just few apps supported.
This is the general problem. All these apps that are non-native (not made from the phone company, no official feature) are inevitably restricted. At least, they need root to convey an intimation of what would be possible if the devs would know the source codes. That's why I don't think Airview or Multiwindow will that soon part of non-native apps, unless a very very brilliant dev can crack them. Or unless the companies will make their source codes open source, but why should they do so, as this would affect their profit in a bad way if everyone can use their features to build new apps.
I agree, that is a good idea.
But I've read in a german article, that CM had a ready multi tasking feature for their roms, which has been forbidden from Google. The reason was that Samsung wanted to be the only one with that feature.
In my opinion, the Samsung MultiWindow feature ist a good thing, but if Google combines it with the Apple like switching of Tasks, its really Good.
There is an App called GMD Gesturecontrol, which makes it possible to switch between Apps like you do it on iPads...
artoni said:
I agree, that is a good idea.
But I've read in a german article, that CM had a ready multi tasking feature for their roms, which has been forbidden from Google. The reason was that Samsung wanted to be the only one with that feature.
In my opinion, the Samsung MultiWindow feature ist a good thing, but if Google combines it with the Apple like switching of Tasks, its really Good.
There is an App called GMD Gesturecontrol, which makes it possible to switch between Apps like you do it on iPads...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, honestly, I don't think that Samsung's Multiwindow is that practical on Mobile Devices. It's just good on tablets. And there it is much more variable with the dual view and the cascade view.
Edit: I just tested the GMD Gesturecontrol app, but this app proves what made me think it's better to use the gestures sensor. It is much too complicated to use 4 fingers to swype. I just laughed when I heard SlideAside on G2 uses 3 fingers, now theres an app with 4 to 5 finger gestures. lol
xPr0metheus said:
Well, honestly, I don't think that Samsung's Multiwindow is that practical on Mobile Devices. It's just good on tablets. And there it is much more variable with the dual view and the cascade view.
Edit: I just tested the GMD Gesturecontrol app, but this app proves what made me think it's better to use the gestures sensor. It is much too complicated to use 4 fingers to swype. I just laughed when I heard SlideAside on G2 uses 3 fingers, now theres an app with 4 to 5 finger gestures. lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, 4 fingers is too complicated. Also, there is an app (I forgot the name, sorry) that use proximity sensor to do some actions, like, swipe your hands left, without touch the phone, and an app will be open.
It's for free and XDA made an article talking about this app.
Sent from my GT-I8150 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
FelixMG said:
Yes, 4 fingers is too complicated. Also, there is an app (I forgot the name, sorry) that use proximity sensor to do some actions, like, swipe your hands left, without touch the phone, and an app will be open.
It's for free and XDA made an article talking about this app.
Sent from my GT-I8150 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The ones I know are Hovering Controls and Air Gesture Control.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app
It's exactly those I've thought.. They're pretty cool. :thumbup:
Sent from my GT-I8150 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
xPr0metheus said:
Well, honestly, I don't think that Samsung's Multiwindow is that practical on Mobile Devices. It's just good on tablets. And there it is much more variable with the dual view and the cascade view.
Edit: I just tested the GMD Gesturecontrol app, but this app proves what made me think it's better to use the gestures sensor. It is much too complicated to use 4 fingers to swype. I just laughed when I heard SlideAside on G2 uses 3 fingers, now theres an app with 4 to 5 finger gestures. lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can change the gestures in GMD, that u can control it with one finger. Just need to get into settings....
There are many apps that can be usefull with Multiwindows. While you navigate in the car, you can simultaneously choose the music you want to play. Or browse in twitter while you have whatsapp open. In my opinion its practical, if you have a large screen, maybe 4,8"+
artoni said:
You can change the gestures in GMD, that u can control it with one finger. Just need to get into settings....
There are many apps that can be usefull with Multiwindows. While you navigate in the car, you can simultaneously choose the music you want to play. Or browse in twitter while you have whatsapp open. In my opinion its practical, if you have a large screen, maybe 4,8"+
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, sorry. My last post sounded a little too much like hating.
But in fact i love multi window (only cool additional feature would be to be able to open one app twice in mw) and i am so impressed by the gmd app. So please don't understand me wrong
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app

[Q] How to get/install the default clock app for the Samsung Galaxy S4

So, I have a Galaxy S4 (sprint if it matters), and it comes with a pretty simple app called "Clock". This app has multiple alarms, a stopwatch, timer, world clock, and (if you rotate it sideways) a desktop clock. I also have a Samsung Galaxy Note 2014 edition tablet. It does not come with this app, but comes with something called "Alarm", which I don't find nearly as useful. Thus, my question is, is there some way to grab the Clock app off my phone and install it on my tablet, preferably without rooting either device? Or, does anyone just have that clock as an apk sitting around somewhere that I can side load?
I've tried to find the app in the Google Play store, but with a name like "Clock" it isn't easy to find. Also, I am NOT looking for some other app that does the same thing or is "better"; I just want the one I have on my phone.
thanks

App as Lock Screen -OR- Allow app to run when device is locked

Hi gang,
I've got an old android device running CM11 that I'm using mainly as an alarm clock.
I'd like to be able to run only the clock app (Gentle Alarm) .... and then if I want to use any other apps like email or whatever, I'd have to unlock the device.
A lock screen widget doesn't quite cut it, as I'd like the full functionality of the alarm clock app (or actually, *any* app I select, for that matter) available, but as soon as I click the home or back button, I'd be taken to my lock screen.
I could see this feature being useful for lots of reasons... say if I had a tablet as a remote control for the TV/stereo that guests could use, yet i didn't want them running other games or apps.
Is this possible?
Am I off my rocker?
So much easier than I thought..... Using CM12+ (Lollipop) I can "pin" an app which will enable it to be the only app which can run - switching to another app or going home presents the user with the lock screen. Perfect.
I feel like a bit of an idiot not realizing this was a built-in feature of the OS. But hopefully this info will help someone else along the way.........

Additional Edge Panels?

I have a load of third party edge panels that I use on my Galaxy devices, but it seems that the only ones you can use with the Z Fold2 are the pre-installed ones. I really need a calendar one but there are none coming up in the Galaxy Store.
This is puzzling, why would Samsung not allow third party ones? Unless I am missing something?
~
Same problem here. Hope a firmware update will fix this.
/CK
I didn't realize it's not an option.. Ughhh
I thought I was going crazy. I looked everywhere for the download link...
Sent from my SM-F916U1 using Tapatalk
New firmware update didn't bring any link for Edge Panels in Galaxy Store ?
/CK
I have to say, the built in edge panel for Smart Select is welcome!
This was one S-Pen feature I missed on my Note 20
.
I use and app called Panels. It allows for 1 panel each for apps (which includes shortcuts, widgets, system apps, etc), contacts, & widgets all for free. For $1.99 you get a total of 10. This app has made my phone a DREAM I can separate work apps from home apps and/or vert from horz or whatever - 1 set up for front screen 1 for main screen
emgee4g said:
I use and app called Panels. It allows for 1 panel each for apps (which includes shortcuts, widgets, system apps, etc), contacts, & widgets all for free. For $1.99 you get a total of 10. This app has made my phone a DREAM I can separate work apps from home apps and/or vert from horz or whatever - 1 set up for front screen 1 for main screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe this replace the Samsung Edge panel?
Ludatyk said:
I believe this replace the Samsung Edge panel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's in addition to it. I use both. Samsung Edge for "paired apps" and then this app for customized edge panels

Themes / Apps / Mods [App] SubUI-browser: Browse the web on the cover screen

Patched in OneUI 4 beta 2, working on a fix...
A proof of concept for custom widgets and apps on the cover screen. A GeckoView-based browser for the cover screen.
What works
- Custom widget
- Browsing the web
What doesn't
- On-screen keyboard
- Session saving
Important notes:
- No root required, but Samsung Health must be uninstalled to use this
Download it here: https://github.com/CarudiBu/SubUI-browser/releases/
Let me know if you encounter any bugs or have any ideas for more cover screen widgets / apps.
Teying to download but its a zip file. Tried to change ext to apk but issue with parsing
blkghost22 said:
Teying to download but its a zip file. Tried to change ext to apk but issue with parsing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unzip it Assumed the browser was packing it.
I did and only the packages and the build prop etc is there
I did and only the packages and the build prop etc is there
Nvm i must be blind.. i see the apk
Care to share how you get widgets to run on the cover screen? I found nothing in the Samsung documentation. Thanks!
I am also digging through your git repo
Why did you have to remove Samsung Health to make this work?
bobbydharrell said:
Care to share how you get widgets to run on the cover screen? I found nothing in the Samsung documentation. Thanks!
I am also digging through your git repo
Why did you have to remove Samsung Health to make this work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SubUI-browser/app/src/main/java/com at master ยท CarudiBu/SubUI-browser
Proof of concept of custom widgets and apps running on the Z Flip3 cover screen. Adds a widget to Z Flip3 cover screen that lets you launch a web browser-like app on the cover. - SubUI-browser/app/...
github.com
The first thing you may have noticed in digging through git is that the app spoofs that package to get it to work as an official widget.
Yes, I did. I cannot use that. Maybe they will provide an official sdk soon. Thanks!
bobbydharrell said:
Care to share how you get widgets to run on the cover screen? I found nothing in the Samsung documentation. Thanks!
I am also digging through your git repo
Why did you have to remove Samsung Health to make this work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Widgets running on the cover screen is only possible if the app pretends to be Samsung Health. The criteria for the Samsung settings app to show an app in the widget list is for the app to have a widget with a category of '2048' and the app to be a system app or have the Samsung Health package name.
Full apps can run on the cover screen without anything like this though. The second screen is seen as a second display in Android. The reason this app requires a custom widget to launch the custom app is because the second display is only activated when the phone is closed, so something on the cover screen must launch the app for it to appear on the screen - I use the widget for that.
There is another method, however. It's not shown in this app because I only found it a few days ago, but it's the intended way to show things on the cover screen and is the same way the camera preview works. There's an example of it here: https://github.com/CarudiBu/SubUI-mirror. Using Android's presentation mode, the display is woken up even when the phone is open and an app running on the main screen can show something on the cover. If an app starts showing something on the cover screen with presentation mode and the phone is closed, what it was showing remains on the screen.
Thanks for that!
CarudiBu said:
Using Android's presentation mode, the display is woken up even when the phone is open and an app running on the main screen can show something on the cover. If an app starts showing something on the cover screen with presentation mode and the phone is closed, what it was showing remains on the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like it could be used similar to the ROG Phone 5 Ultimate rear display with some sort of management app.
I also started messing around with the outer screen and noticed you could launch other apps that would then display inside it from the spoofed Samsung Health widget.
I started putting together a launcher to access all my apps without opening the screen. The only caveat seems to be that the keyboard will not display.
Always impressed how quickly, "man I wish my phone did this" goes to "ayyyy" with people like you. For anyone interested, emulators with a bt controller makes for a great stealth gaming device. Is there anyway you can flip the outer screen so it's either upside down or portrait? Maybe even with accelerometer support? Also would it ever possibly work while keeping Samsung health installed? Thanks for the great app, gave this phone the best missing feature.
Please release the app on Samsung Galaxy Store
It would be much better.
Galaxy10101 said:
Please release the app on Samsung Galaxy Store
It would be much better.View attachment 5404501
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to replace Samsung Health to do what could loosely be considered an exploit. That wouldn't go over well.
Sorry and thank you in advance. I can't seem to change widget to my own personal widget via settings cover screen widget. I unistalled Samsung health and downloaded correct file.. c I uld u tell me what I'm missing?
I've successfully installed it and it works perfectly. But how can I change the WebPage? At the moment I just can read reddit.
As for widget ideas: did anyone make a voice recorder already? I'm a journalist, so recording interviews without needing to open the phone would be nice. Also, I think the cover display would be just great for the needed interface (start/pause/stop recording buttons, one to play the recording, save/delete recording buttons, and visual audio waves).

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