Hi, I’ve been enjoying MIUI for quite some time now, and would like to share my experience with others.
Often people ask “So, what’s different?” Hopefully this post will cover as many features, tips and differences from other android distributions to answer this question.
Note: In no way I’m associated with MIUI dev team, everything I wrote is my personal experience and my likings about the ROM. I’m just a happy user.
What differentiates MIUI from other distributions?
Lockscreen
Probably one of my favorite features is the customizable lockscreen. It can be totally customized, themed, and is very clever. For instance you can turn your flashlight on by pressing and holding the Home button of your device, without even unlocking your phone. As soon as you release the button the flashlight will switch off.
Double tap on the clock bar will enable lockscreen music controls. Double tap again to disable.
You can assign your favourite music player to control:
Settings -> Button settings -> Media button -> take precedence to respond...
You can also view, read and open the SMS app as well as your Phone app. All while your phone is locked.
This is just the default lockscreen I’m talking about. Hundreds of others will enable you for more options, like opening your preferred apps etc…
Lockscreen Examples:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1134657
Custom launcher
Launcher works a lot like iOS in the sense that it doesn’t have an app drawer per se. In my experience that is the single biggest thing turning people away from MIUI after first experiencing it. But that’s where the similarities end. Being an Android distro, you have choices
The workaround many people use is creating folders, which are also a bit different to your standard AOSP folders. Creating Folders for Games, Tools, Media, etc. is actually a lot more usable and logical, than having a huge list of apps sorted alphabetically in an app drawer. Putting a folder onto the dashboard simulates the app drawer nicely. If you think about it, any app drawer in any launcher is a glorified folder with all your apps put there by default. You can sort MIUI folder contents alphabetically, by date/time and frequency of use.
The MIUI launcher has options like shadows under icons, scroll effects, render quality and so on. The biggest difference is the ease of creating and deleting new screens and uninstalling unneeded apps. To uninstall an app just drop the app icon to the bin on the top of the screen and the app is gone..
The second option is of course using your preferred launcher.
There is a bug in the Launcher when you first flash MIUI. It causes lag in scrolling between screens. There is an easy fix.
Go to Launcher Settings (Menu > launcher Settings) Turn High Quality Graphics ON, go back to your home screen. Now go back to the Launcher settings and turn the High Quality toggle OFF and go back. Now try and scroll between screens - you will see the difference. Might sound silly, but it works - trust me.
Notifications / Quick settings
You like the new Sense quick settings tab in the notification bar? Guess where that came from? Still MIUIs' settings page is more usable. Not to mention you can fully customise it to your needs. You can adjust brightness level and all your usual stuff like WiFi, data, GPS, BT and so on, without going to the settings. Pressing and holding on a toggle icon will send you to the settings page of that toggle. For examle to get to the WiFi settings you need to open the notification/toggles bar, press and hold the WiFi icon.
If you've plugged in a cable a pop up will appear, asking wether you'd like to charge or use USB. While the cable is plugged in a toggle in the notification bar will appear (Mount USB ON/OFF).
MI Button
For the phones with a dedicated camera button, like the MI-ONE, Milestone and DesireZ/G2 there is an extra option found here:
Settings > System > Button Settings > MI Button
This feature allows you to program the button to do pretty much anything including setting toggles (WIFI, BT, Screen Rotation and all the rest). Launch any installed App, or set it to take screenshots, which is mighty convenient.
Settings
MIUI Settings also differ from your standard list of settings found in AOSP or Sense and other UI overlays.
There are 3 tabs to sort all the settings options, because there are just so many.
Built in applications, that are head and shoulders above any third party app on the market.
Screenshot
The built in screen capture feature is a lifesaver, if you need it. You don’t have to run a program prior to taking a screenshot, nor you have to shout into your microphone, nor you have to shake your phone in convulsion trying to capture the exact moment you need. Screen capture works as follows: press VolDn+Menu.
File manager
File manager in MIUI is the best out there. There are three tabs, depending on what you need. There is your standard full featured file browser, FTP server, for accessing your SD card from a remote computer and a “Browse” tab. The Browse feature is very handy, it sorts all your files into categories: Docs, APKs, Themes, Music, Videos, Pics, Zips, Favorites and Misc granting quick access to the files you need, no matter where the files are located on SD. There is also a very nice breakdown of your used space, to easily identify how much of your space is occupied by music, pics, etc..
Backup
MIUI features a full featured backup utility. You can backup all your System (Contacts, call logs, messages, wifi settings, layouts etc..) and Apps (+Data). Works very well.
Music Player
This, probably, is the feature that held me on MIUI the most when deciding weather to switch to another ROM. Other than it’s beautiful, fast, downloads album art and lyrics dynamically, it reads your music by Folder, which is how my music is sorted on SD. It baffles me how other players miss this simple feature. Another great feature is excluding files that are less than set size. It’s great for ignoring all kinds of ringtones and notifications from your library.
Gallery
Gallery in MIUI is allringht, I personally like it better than any third party/AOSP/3D Gallery, but less than the Sense gallery. Some nice features include Hide folders (album art for example), Favorite folders.
Contacts / Dialer
Contacts are pretty much standard to Android, with a few exceptions, like being able to quickly block a person from contacting you. The Dialer on the other hand is completely redesigned. It features T9 dialer (dial by name, like Sense dialer), a lot of built in features, like two way call recording, very detailed call log. For example it shows you how long the missed caller called you for. It identifies the country of the number by the country code in the number etc..
DND
In DND settings you can create Blacklists/Whitelists of users who can contact you. Other settings include Anti-Stranger mode (Muting first ring when an unknown number calls, Filter Spam Messages (filter SMS based on keywords)
Privacy Mode
Enabling Privacy Mode will hide all your SMS and call logs. The Launcher editing will also be disabled. It’s useful when lending your phone to someone for a short period of time.
Access control
Access control is something new to MIUI. It controls what apps a user can see/access, without a password
Long Press / App manager / Recent
Just like in any android distribution you press and hold your home key to bring up the recently run app list (grid). Just like anything in MIUI they went further and here’s what we get:
Pressing and holding the Home key brings up the grid with 12 recently launched apps. There is an indicator on each icon, which shows you weather the app is running or not.
There are two buttons on the button of the screen: App Killer, which if pressed will kill all apps, and show how much memory you’ve just freed up. And App Manager, which sends you to the App Manager menu. Pressing and holding an app icon will send you to the apps’ management screen, where you can force stop the app, move it to SD, clear data etc.
Also worth mentioning is the built in Back Button killer. While in any app press and hold the back button, it will force close the app and clear it from the memory.
Visual Style
MIUI is beautiful. Being a multimedia / interface designer I know what I’m talking about. It’s simple and functional. It gives you the eyecandy stuff without going over the top. Obviously some themes are not up to scratch, like with any modding community, but the professionals make it look beautiful, and it’s all free.
Theme Engine
If you get bored with how your Android looks, dont't worry. The theme engine in MIUI is amazing. Not only you get lots of themes to choose from, but you can mix and match, taking the lockscreen from one theme, icons from another and fonts from yet another theme. There is a theme gallery online, so you can browse and download what you like. All nicely built in into the ROM and applying takes seconds. Here are the things you can customize:
Boot Animation (the one you’ve been flashing through recovery)
Boot Audio (any sound you like. Default is silent)
Custom Lockscreen (the way your lockscreen looks and functions)
Lockscreen wallpaper (self explanatory)
Icon (Icon Pack)
Status Bar (the way your notification/toggle bar looks)
Launcher (the way your launcher looks, including the status bar and dock)
Wallpaper
Font (choose a font for your android)
Text Style (how the SMS/MMS app will look)
Dialer Style (how the dialer app will look)
Ringtone
Notification
Alarm
Theme examples:
http://miuithemes.com/http://miuithemes.com/
Frequent updates
MIUI is updated on a weekly basis (dev branch) and mountly (stable). It's worth saying that dev branch is stable and errrors are extremly rare. Definately a DD. Updates come every Friday at 10am GMT with a full changelog. So you know there is a professional cordinated team behind this.
This is by no means all the things you get with MIUI, If you know more hidden features, or think that there are more features worth mentioning, please post them and i will update the post.
With enough information and user support I’m willing to begin a MIUI WIKI. And with the M1 phone on the horizon, there might be a lot of interest.
More info and links:
Nice Overview:
MIUI 1.7.15 on HTC Desire HD
Quick List from Hoppermi
HOME SCREENS
(1) There is no App Drawer. Your apps are on your home screens(seemingly random) to the right of the clock screen. When you download a new app the shortcut will be found furthest to the right
(2) Launcher Dock can be populated up to six shortcuts by drag and drop. No custom shortcuts will drop here, but folders will! (hello app drawer)
(3) Edit Mode(long press on screen, or select from MENU). This will allow you to customize your home pages.
While in edit mode pressing the MENU button will bring up the add button for custom shortcuts, widgets, folders, and wallpapers.
Widget dropdown and wallpaper options are also accessible via buttons in the upper right and left hand corners of the screen.
(4) Folders are drag and drop(easiest in edit mode) Rename by selecting folder then press pen and paper button in top left. You can also sort your apps by dl order, alphabetically, or frequent use.
(5) Widgets- one of the coolest things about this launcher is the ability to add all of your widgets in one session. Simply drag widget from dropdown menu to desired thumbnail screen, you may have to adjust on screen placement later. Then grab the next one and repeat until you are done, AWESOME.
(6) Adding and removing home screens. You can view your homescreens in thumbnail fashion by tapping twice on the home button or pinching on the screen.
Once here you may add, move(drag and drop),remove(if it is empty)screens. I haven’t heard if there is a limit, but I think I read that someone had 20 or so.
The last screen you were at before entering this mode will be highlighted.
The defaut home screen will have just the home button highlighted. Just tap the little home button on the thumbnail to switch the default.
(7) Deleting Apps. Since there is no app drawer, when you drag a shortcut to the trash can it is going to ask if you would like to uninstall.
You may not uninstall system apps in this manner.
OTHER SETTINGS AND FEATURES
(8) Contacts – You may select custom ringtones for each contact if desired.
Swiping across a contact in the list will give an option to Delete.
In order to use the Favorite Contact widget that is included you need to add favorite contacts by pressing add to favorites button when you open the contact.
(9) Notification Bar - If you hadn’t noticed there is a scrollable toolbar at the bottom of the notification pulldown. It contains all of the power control widget functions plus a few more.
(10) Battery- Settings/Battery/ Battery indicator style gives 3 options for your battery status Graphically,Percentage, Top-Bar. Select your preference.
Power Saving Mode w/ many options for saving battery. When PSM is set to auto, and your battery gets below the selected threshhold, selected functions will not be available.
There is also an option to disable auto PSM.
Low battery alarm is percentage adjustable.
(11) Lock screen - You may change the wallpaper for the lockscreen in the same menu as normal wallpaper, select lockscreen wallpaper gallery to pick image from your SD card.
There are notification counters for Phone calls and Text messages. long pressing on the phone or texting icons will preview the missed calls or texts.
Unlocking with these icons will open directly to those apps.
For now the text notifications are tied to the MIUI MMS app. You must open the messages with that app to clear the notifications. The icon can be directed to handcent or other messaging app but notifications still come from MIUI MMS.(Edit:At least one user is reporting using ChompMMS and has lockscreen notifications working)
New locksreen music controls! Double tap lock icon, or play something and return to lock sreen.
(12) Task Killer - MIUI has a built in task killer. Long pressing on the home button brings up recent apps like normal, but has a button for task killing in the lower left, and a shortcut to App Manager on the lower right.
(13) Return to call button - You can leave the call screen to do other tasks, including browsing the web (WiFi only), during a call.
When you leave the call screen a button appears across the top of your screen that will return to the call screen so you can hang up.
(14) *228 Phone activation, reprogramming can be reached by dialing *228+.
(15) Settings Menu MIUI completely redid the settings menu, giving you four tabs at the bottom. Each tab has its own menu of settings, browse around to familiarize yourself with where your most used settings are located. You can now access settings for Gmail, MMS, GTalk, Calendar, and Browser, right from the main settings Menu. Just select Programs tab. (Why didn't I think of this.....oh yeah, I'm a building contractor)
(16) Themes MIUI changes the game once again with the addition of built-in themeing. In the settings menu press Personal tab/ Theme Manager or click on the Theme Manager Icon from the launcher. There are a couple preloaded. To add theme, dl, and move to MIUI/Themes on your SD card.
MIUI Theming allows for you to mix and match theme catagories. You select a System Style which will be the base for your personal theme. From there you can add features of other themes you have in your themes folder including, icons, fonts, text style, boot animation and boot audio.
(17) Screenshots Hold down on the menu button and press volume down to take a screenshot. Pics are in the MIUI folder on your SD card.
(18) MIUI Backup MIUI comes with its own backup utility. This allows you to backup and restore both apps and settings, including Launcher layout. Its a very simple backup utility. This only works for MIUI roms.
(19) Do Not Disturb mode MIUI now has support for blacklist/whitelist communication filtering. Settings/personal/DNDmode
(20) MMS Font color/ Background editor In MMS settings select themes and you will be presented with a menu that will allow you to change font color and backgrounds for your Conversation and In-Message screens. You may also select from several general MMS Themes.
(21) Personal Password Protection You can password protect Folders, dialer, SMS/MMS, and DNDMode.
Settings/Personal/ Security and Privacy Settings
(22) Visitor Mode Hides your call log and MMS msgs if you are letting someone use your phone or just showing it off. Long press power button, select Visitor Mode.
(23) MMS Favorites Tab Long pressing on a text message pops up a menu where you can forward, add to favorites, copy, get details, or delete. Selecting Favorites will add message to your Favorites Tab.
(24)MIUI Global Search App MIUI has added thier own search app. There is a widget. You can also access it by long pressing home to bring up recent apps and app killer then swipe right, notice the page dots at the top. Odd placement if you ask me, but there it is.
(25) Launcher Settings There are Launcher settings in the personal settings tab.
Keep in memory should always be on, and will prevent redraws.
Hi-res Graphics can be disabled and smooths out the launcher considerably, without any noticeable difference in appearance.
New Transitions settings in Launcher Settings=Sweet
(26) File Explorer has some nice features including a wireless sync for your PC. No need to plug in to access your SD. Just type the ftp address in the address bar of My Computer and you are in!
MMS/SMS Incorrect Timestamp Correction In MMS Settings/Advanced, Turn off Sort SMS by date (toggle left)
Complete Review:
http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/the-complete-review-of-miui-rom-for-android-walkthrough-guide/
Resources:
Project Vexillum
Updated every Friday supporting the MIUI release schedule. Beautiful icons, lots of them!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1146560
MIUI Themes
Beautiful Themes
http://miuithemes.com/
Pretty solid little guide, good looking out
Thanks for the great info!
One question. Is there any way to use the lockscreen music controls for spotify instead? It worked on CM7 and I miss that a lot right now.
EDIT: nevermind got it to work this way:
setting ---> button settings ---> media button "take precedence to respond... spotify"
dannejanne said:
Thanks for the great info!
One question. Is there any way to use the lockscreen music controls for spotify instead? It worked on CM7 and I miss that a lot right now.
EDIT: nevermind got it to work this way:
setting ---> button settings ---> media button "take precedence to respond... spotify"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
Updated the OP
one thing u should mention is how u can put a custom fullscreen caller id photo for contacts.
Thats a sweet guide buddy, but I dont quite agree with the fact of a AppDrawer as it kills the purpose of the MIUI interface (which is suppose to replicate the iOS experience).
If you know any of the MIUI chinese dev's please forward a crucial suggestion:
1). Include an option to Auto Arrange Launcher icons based on Alphabetical order, Most used & Automatically re-position the remaining icons starting from the top left of the screen when icons are moved or deleted from a particular page. (like iOS)
2). Clear individual notification - as seen on CM7 ROMs
3). Full Screen Caller ID option
4). Close folder after the app has been opened.
I personally think miui is more a mash up of aosp, sense and ios taking good parts of all
Jibreil said:
Thats a sweet guide buddy, but I dont quite agree with the fact of a AppDrawer as it kills the purpose of the MIUI interface (which is suppose to replicate the iOS experience).
If you know any of the MIUI chinese dev's please forward a crucial suggestion:
1). Include an option to Auto Arrange Launcher icons based on Alphabetical order, Most used & Automatically re-position the remaining icons starting from the top left of the screen when icons are moved or deleted from a particular page. (like iOS)
2). Clear individual notification - as seen on CM7 ROMs
3). Full Screen Caller ID option
4). Close folder after the app has been opened.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As stated above I don't know any developers, your best bet is to contact Mark from http://www.miuiandroid.com/ with your requests.
I don't agree that MIUI interface is supposed to replicate iOS, and putting a folder into your drawer is just a personal preference leave all your icons on the desktop if you wish
Thank you
thank you for explaining miui. made my life simple
This guide is great, thanks!
And MIU ist awesome!
donverse said:
This guide is great, thanks!
And MIU ist awesome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Sent from my Nexus One using Tapatalk
Question...
Is there any way to make the home screens loop... A 360 degree effect... I hope I'm clear enough...
Sent from my Inspire 4G running BinDroid v1.2
If I help you at all... Please click "Thank You"
You should update your post with the new MI-Button feature for supported devices which are the MI-ONE, Milestone and DesireZ/G2 phones.
It can be found by going to Settings > System > Button Settings > MI Button
This feature allows you to program the button to do pretty much anything you want it to. Here are some screen shots:
{
"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"
}
On the Desire Z/G2, the camera button on the side becomes your MI Button. Quick pressing the button opens the option that you have programmed it to do, while long pressing the button (Again, on the G2) opens the camera.
boredbutter said:
Question...
Is there any way to make the home screens loop... A 360 degree effect... I hope I'm clear enough...
Sent from my Inspire 4G running BinDroid v1.2
If I help you at all... Please click "Thank You"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no, not in the built in Launcher
LauncherPro has the option
Are.Two said:
You should update your post with the new MI-Button feature for supported devices which are the MI-ONE, Milestone and DesireZ/G2 phones.
It can be found by going to Settings > System > Button Settings > MI Button
This feature allows you to program the button to do pretty much anything you want it to. Here are some screen shots:
On the Desire Z/G2, the camera button on the side becomes your MI Button. Quick pressing the button opens the option that you have programmed it to do, while long pressing the button (Again, on the G2) opens the camera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Spot on!
I'm on G2 and love the Option (used to use it for Rotation toggle, and now set it it up to take screenshots)
Absolutely priceless.
Thanks, and First Post Updated!
slovoflud said:
no, not in the built in Launcher
LauncherPro has the option
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I were to use LauncherPro, is it possible to either keep the Miui style launcher or recreate it with LP..?
Note: I am trying to set up Miui for a friend... I only have a very basic version on a dual-boot to show people... Thanx for all your help.
Sent from my Inspire 4G running BinDroid v1.2
If I help you at all... Please click "Thank You"
been using miui rom ver. 1.6.17 for a month now. I might say this is a very good rom, but still have some bug. e.g. on the video recording there is a lag when you playback the recorded video and in some cases the phone reboot when you're playing games and someone call's you.. so far that's what I observe/experience in this rom..
but overall still loving this rom.
boredbutter said:
If I were to use LauncherPro, is it possible to either keep the Miui style launcher or recreate it with LP..?
Note: I am trying to set up Miui for a friend... I only have a very basic version on a dual-boot to show people... Thanx for all your help.
Sent from my Inspire 4G running BinDroid v1.2
If I help you at all... Please click "Thank You"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it is possible to have MIUI Icons in the LauncherPro, but not widgets etc...
is there a fix for mms? i am using jagulari's and i still haven't received a response after asking numerous times. pics i send and receive are tiny and blurry.
Hi, Have looked around the internet and have found plenty of reference to the S7 and how to fix this but those fixes dont seem to work for the S8+. Anyway the issue is that having installed Nova Launcher and tried to add the Google Calendar and MyFitnessPal Widgets I have noticed that they are quite large in comparison to that of the stock launcher, they seem out of place, even the google search bar looks odd. Does anyone know of a way to fix this?
Found this in web "Support response: *That's something that Samsung does to either try and prevent you from using 3rd party launchers like Nova, or to stop you from using their widgets within 3rd party launchers. *. I also want to use nova launcher but widgets' resolution is too high, any solutions ?
This particular issue is annoying to say the least. Widgets look like crap on Nova vs stock...BUT I did find a workaround with my S8 and just did it on my S10. I haven't seen this solution posted anywhere, but I'm sure many OCD people like myself will be happy:
Create a new Nova widget for "activities". Scroll down to "touchwiz" or "One UI" (for Samsung, may differ depending on what your stock launcher is called). Expand "One UI" and select the activity that ends with ".Launcher. "
That's it! now you can load your stock launcher with a tap of a button. I use this button to load all my widgets (with the mentioned resolution issue) since they are all organized on the stock launcher just they way I like. A press of the home button will take you back to Nova home screen.
Depending on your icon packs, you can make the icon disappear by selecting no icon so you have a "secret" location to launch your widgets or select any icon you wish.
Alternatively, If you don't want to use an icon, you can do the same with Gestures if you have Nova Prime. Just select the gesture to be an "activity" from the shortcuts tab and select that launcher activity as noted above.
Thank you!
You're brilliant. That's all I wanted t express and I made an account to say this. This had been bugging me for so long!
palakb said:
This particular issue is annoying to say the least. Widgets look like crap on Nova vs stock...BUT I did find a workaround with my S8 and just did it on my S10. I haven't seen this solution posted anywhere, but I'm sure many OCD people like myself will be happy:
Create a new Nova widget for "activities". Scroll down to "touchwiz" or "One UI" (for Samsung, may differ depending on what your stock launcher is called). Expand "One UI" and select the activity that ends with ".Launcher. "
That's it! now you can load your stock launcher with a tap of a button. I use this button to load all my widgets (with the mentioned resolution issue) since they are all organized on the stock launcher just they way I like. A press of the home button will take you back to Nova home screen.
Depending on your icon packs, you can make the icon disappear by selecting no icon so you have a "secret" location to launch your widgets or select any icon you wish.
Alternatively, If you don't want to use an icon, you can do the same with Gestures if you have Nova Prime. Just select the gesture to be an "activity" from the shortcuts tab and select that launcher activity as noted above.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Brilliant solution. I might say this workaround is even better than solving the actual problem. I love android.
I first introduced GCA Launcher 3 years ago as an inspirational project based on Chromium OS and over the years of development and continuous feedback from the userbase, GCA Launcher has evolved into a one of kind launcher experience that is now considered competitive against its own kind. GCA is not a traditional android grid homescreen launcher app but a single screen homescreen experience. We sacrifice the cluttered homescreen experience for a focused workspace where users can place apps that are apart of their daily routines while retaining the ability to access to important features like shortcuts, notifications, actions and personalization. The app drawer has been designed for a one handed experience while retaining the organization and filtering experience users need to search for apps that are important to them. Below, Il talk about sections of the launcher in more detail.
THE HOMESCREEN
The homescreen was designed for users who want the Pixel experience on their devices but also provide them with a simple tier experience that has no clutter, that is easy to understand, have full control and have access to some inhouse features that are unique to GCA. The Homescreen was designed for both the big screen and mobile scene. Users can pin as many apps to their Shelf as they want. You can do so by going into your app drawer, long pressing on an app to access its popup menu and select pin to shelf. This then creates a hotseat for that specific app sets a unique ID to that speicif hotseat so its protected against other possible replicas the user may create. This in turn opens a door in the future that will allow me to add Actions, Groups, and other possible actions I can allow users to add to the shelf. Users can choose between using GCA Launchers built in Quick Search Bar to bond to their shelf or choose a specific searchbar widget to bond to the shelf or hide it all together. To access the app drawer, users simply swipe up from the shelf to access the app list. Users are also able to use either GCA Launchers built in Widget that simply works as a search bar and displays the Google App and Chrome app shortcuts or use a specific widget of their choice. The homescreen also has a set of customizeable gestures the user can bond actions and shortcuts to.
LAUNCHER SHEETS
While developing GCA Launcher, I wanted something that spoke material design (Besides the Material You theming features baked in) that was unique to the launcher. The idea came about while browsing the Material Component website by google and Material Sheets caught my eye.
By default, GCA uses the Navigation Menu to display the launcher menu on the homescreen but I decided to take this a step further and tap into its full ability to display content. There are 2 types of sheets that function in GCA Launcher. App Sheets and Launcher Sheets. Launcher Sheets display content that can interact with the user while App Sheets display information regarding the target its referring to. For EX: After accessing the popup menu, selecting the hamburger menu in the quick action list in the popup will open te App Sheet of the selected application, this will display System Actions and Setting Information. Launchers Sheets display information like the Launcher Menu, Quick Search, Notifications and more to come. Launcher Sheets can be bonded to gestures to quickly access them and they dont interfere with your homescreen. Its very similar to the quick space in Action Launcher.
BADGES
GCA Launcher brings 4 different app badges to the table. Dots, Badge Counts, Underline and Dynamic.
Dots have been redesigned to behave abit differently than pixel launcher. As notification counts increase, the border of the Dot will get darker.
Underlines are just, well underlines...
Badge Counts will show the current count of active notifications for an app.
Dynamic Badges are something new. I wanted to create something similar to Nova Launcher but ofcourse from my own perspective. As notifications increase for an app, it monitors the notifications in the background and watches the notification icons used. The icon is than rendered as a badge and placed on the app.
ICON EDITING
I have not cut any corners when it comes to Icon Editing. From applying 2 different icon packs for your app drawer and your shelf, to editing labels and choosing specific icons from installed icons packs to crafting your own icon from an image in your gallery, their are all sorts of possibilities for Icon Management. GCA Launchers uses its own Adaptive Icon Rendering library to manipulate icons to any size, shape, dim and even creating material you themed icons on your Shelf.
LAUNCHER SETTTINGS
The launcher settings was the most interesting part about this project. I wanted a complete redesign. A complete do over. Something new and fresh. The Launcher settings was designed for both new users and existing users in mind. The Interface uses a Rail Navigation for the core categories most users are focused on while pressing on the navigation button will expand the Navigation Menu that allows the user to access even more settings for the launcher.
PRO FEATURES
GCA LAUNCHER IS NO LONGER AN ALL FREE LAUNCHER (As it used to be when it first launched). With the pandemic and everything else going on in my life, I had to make the choice to make GCA Launcher a profitable project. Unlike other premium launchers where the user buys a premium key and everything unlocks, GCA Launcher DOES NOT USE THIS APPROACH. Users can now buy individual pro features based on their needs and wants. I am working on ways to reward users with discounts and/or if you have purchased pledges in the past. Pledges are just donations and don't reward you with anything however I am working on getting pledged users discounts to reep benifits from. I am also working on discount days and special events to earn pro features. This is an entirely new direction for launchers, so yeah im a tad nervous about it but being the first launcher dev to approach this but im excited at the same time. Once you purchase a pro feature, it should unlock automatically from the launcher settings or just implement itself under the hood. If it doesnt seem to stick properly, reboot the launcher or make sure the pro feature has been purchased.
PRO FEATURES FOR NONE GOOGLE USERS
Some android devices around the world do not run off of google or just is not available and I understand this and am working very hard in the background to figure out a solution that will not be abused. I will have something for you in the future.
ANDROID GO VERSION
Coming soon!
Core Features
Launcher supports work profile apps and dual apps
Supports to indicate paused apps
Supports Action Dash system shortcut
Supoorts Sesame Searchbar in the Shelf
Launcher takes into consideration Full Screen Gestures and the Navigation Bar when needed to
Groups allow users to create organized folders of apps available in the Groups Sheet
Multi-tab search in the app drawer
While enabling Recent Apps and Groups in the app drawer, this will disable the section seeker view
Launcher Sheets are a new approach to menus and options for the launcher and apps.
The Shelf offers specific actions for apps that differ from the Drawer apps. One option in specific is the favorite action.
The Shelf and App Drawer apps will feature different system shortcuts and features in the app sheet. Long clicking on an app will make a popup menu appear, click the hamburger menu for a sheet menu
Apps can be edited in 2 options. The physical editing and the personal options. Personal options are in the launcher settings and allow options like icon sizes, label editing and shape shifting. Physical options can be found in the popup menu by clicking edit. This allows adaptive override, icon pack editing, scale and label editing.
The Shelf features a revised searchbar that can be toggled to the Top, Bottom or Removed completely. The searchbar features a shortcut to open the launcher menu, a global search feature, an assistant shortcut and has an option to store and track the usage of App Shortcuts to feature a recent actions holder.
Hide and Edit apps right from the popup menu
The App Drawer is built on a fastscroll functionality.
Recent Apps now uses Usage Stats Data. This gives Recent Apps a 100% reliable stat and not clutter up the app drawer when its not in use. The list will update on a regular basis.
The Shelf and App Drawer themes are based on a sheet style. They overlap each other creating some interesting twist to style.
App Shortcuts and Notifications for the current app appear in the popup menu
Active Notifications appear in app sheets showing users a preview of current notifications. Clicking on the notification will take you to that action. The notification sheet will display all your active notifications and snoozed notifications.
Users can manage a blacklist of notification badges
GCA Launcher does support Material Widgets in Android 12
Widgets can be resized by long clicking on them and a resize module will appear.
Material You theming powered by MonetCompat
Launcher settings features smart suggestions that appear on certain variables when available
Join the beta program to receive the newest build of GCA Launcher and to test new features before they officially release.
Links:
GCA Telegram Channel
GCA Telegram News Channel
Sign Up For Beta Program Web Android
GCA Launcher on Google Play
General Note:
This is a pre beta of which means parts of the launcher are not even functional yet. I did a pre beta to find errors i couldn't find myself and to get feedback on the progress we currently are at. If you see a page that is blank or something isn't functional, chances are it wasn't ready for the public yet. Please be patient with things.
Common Questions:
Why does GCA Launchers Adaptive icons behave so differently compared to the ones found in stock launchers?
-That is because the icons use a different mechanic and were made from scratch so everyone could enjoy adaptive icons and it not be exclusive to 7.1+ users. My icons can be modified from the icon to the shape override.
Can we get a launcher import option?
-No, not currently. Almost all launchers that exist use the base of Googles Launcher3 which adding an import option for them is easy. I would have to take the database, tear it apart, create a converter and place the data we need were it belongs. We are not there yet.
The System UI seems to behave differently from other apps.
-GCA Launcher has a theme engine similar to pixel launcher and trys to make the choice of a light or dark navbar or statusbar. Using Android10s dark mode may confuse things but eventually il have it all sorted out.
The launcher interface isn't what I expected. Shouldn't it behave like pixel launcher?
-No, it behaves like it should be. How it was designed.
Does it support quickswitch?
-It never will unless Google changes the api for the recents provider. I blame the lawnchair team of this common question as many users have assumed this is a premium feature now and should be supported by all launchers now which isn't the case.
Does this launcher support dark mode from android10?
-yes but we have some work todo yet
Why do things look weird in the launcher settings? Preference category is hard to read and matches the toolbar color.
-Try changing the color scheme in the style settings. This is the GCA theme engine at work.
Ratings:
If you post a rating for GCA Launcher coming from V1, more than likely i will dis regard it. V1 is being deprecated soon and all bugs and errors you will find in V1 on the playstore are being disregarded. V2 is a rewrite with new features and new bugs.
Bugs
Theming issues colliding with system
Some widgets dont' save initial setup data
Complex widgets are not currently supported
That's a ton of changes. Do you have any screenshots or screen recordings you can share?
MishaalRahman said:
That's a ton of changes. Do you have any screenshots or screen recordings you can share?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can most definitely do that
Screenshots of V2
I updated the build earlier to fix something for Android 8 users and ended up screwing something up for Android 9 users so il be keeping tabs on everything as much as possible but I will not be able to do anything if no one says anything. Please provide feedback as much as possible. Thank you in advanced.
Those of you keeping me informed of crashes, thank you, thank you, thank you
Newest build fixes problems with android 9 and 10 crashing in specific windows of the launcher
I just installed this and have only played with it for a few minutes. A couple things I have noticed.
The status bar icons and time take on the same color as the wallpaper. I installed and ran it with a white background. The status bar icons were white, when I changed to a black background they changed to black as well.
I can't get the size of the icons to save. When I go to settings>theme and style>launcher icon I change the size from small to normal but when you click ok and go back into the setting it says small again.
I also would get where the phone would default back to the stock launcher.
Maybe I didn't play around with it enough but how do you set apps on the dock?
I will mess with it some more tomorrow and let you know if I find anything else.
Also I am on a Pixel 4 XL on March update. Not rooted or unlocked
hatdrc said:
I just installed this and have only played with it for a few minutes. A couple things I have noticed.
The status bar icons and time take on the same color as the wallpaper. I installed and ran it with a white background. The status bar icons were white, when I changed to a black background they changed to black as well.
I can't get the size of the icons to save. When I go to settings>theme and style>launcher icon I change the size from small to normal but when you click ok and go back into the setting it says small again.
I also would get where the phone would default back to the stock launcher.
Maybe I didn't play around with it enough but how do you set apps on the dock?
I will mess with it some more tomorrow and let you know if I find anything else.
Also I am on a Pixel 4 XL on March update. Not rooted or unlocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shelf apps can be changed by long clicking on a Shelf favorite and their will be a Favorite option to select a different package. This option isn't available in the App Drawer apps so it might be easy to miss.
When changing the icon sizes, make sure your changing the icon size and bot just the text size. Both options are in one dialog.
Id your having a hard time switching out your default launcher, you can use my No'Me app i have listed above. It helps alot.
Nx Biotic said:
Newest build fixes problems with android 9 and 10 crashing in specific windows of the launcher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The app in your GDrive is (always) updated ?
Going to test your launcher by curiosity.
Thx !
BreckZeBoulay said:
The app in your GDrive is (always) updated ?
Going to test your launcher by curiosity.
Thx !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I keep both Gdrive and Telegram beta channel updated. I will be publishing the beta build on Playstore when i feel its stable enough. Right now, we constantly keep running into something that prevents me from doing so.
Hi, I was wondering if you could add an import feature?
I take a lot of time to setup my whole homescreen and it would be amazing to have an import feature. Thanks
I want to import my nova launcher setup to this launcher.
surya467 said:
Hi, I was wondering if you could add an import feature?
I take a lot of time to setup my whole homescreen and it would be amazing to have an import feature. Thanks
I want to import my nova launcher setup to this launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That won't happen because this launcher uses a different style and approach to the launcher scene. The most customization you will do in this launcher is color scheme and icon theming
Hi,
I was more curious and installed it in my android 8.0 with custom system UI colours (non rooted).
when I set as launcher, the system UI get restarted again and again. Finally, it ended up with Factory reset.
beautiful launcher ? works great on my old Nokia 8, on my Nova 5T not so much (cause Huawei) I'll watch the progress of this launcher from now on, thank you for this, Pledge doesn't work on the pre- beta
vpguru said:
Hi,
I was more curious and installed it in my android 8.0 with custom system UI colours (non rooted).
when I set as launcher, the system UI get restarted again and again. Finally, it ended up with Factory reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im currently investigating a launcher theme issue. Its crashing devices randomly. Your not alone
PaulDnoOb said:
beautiful launcher ? works great on my old Nokia 8, on my Nova 5T not so much (cause Huawei) I'll watch the progress of this launcher from now on, thank you for this, Pledge doesn't work on the pre- beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pledges should work. May depend on the google services version installed on your device. Thank you for your support.
Great launcher
Great launcher but it's a bit buggy for me on One UI. The header text is dark in the settings and also in app options when using dark mode and adaptive icons don't work properly for Samsung apps. The status bar also is dark on home screen and blends in with the wallpaper so it's hard to read. Also when you open the app drawer the shelf doesn't completely hide the app icons (the top portion is still visible). I don't know if that's by design but it looks weird. Search doesn't work (probably because I don't have the Google app installed but if that's the case I wish there was an option to disable it). Creating a widget causes the launcher to freeze, and it only recovers when I clear data and force stop. When you press and hold an icon, even if the side menu shows up partially, if you leave pressing the app, the app will launch. You have to wait for the side menu to completely open. That's not much of an issue once you get used it's behavior. It's an early build so the bugs are expected but I thought I will report them anyways.
ununununun said:
Great launcher but it's a bit buggy for me on One UI. The header text is dark in the settings and also in app options when using dark mode and adaptive icons don't work properly for Samsung apps. The status bar also is dark on home screen and blends in with the wallpaper so it's hard to read. Also when you open the app drawer the shelf doesn't completely hide the app icons (the top portion is still visible). I don't know if that's by design but it looks weird. Search doesn't work (probably because I don't have the Google app installed but if that's the case I wish there was an option to disable it). Creating a widget causes the launcher to freeze, and it only recovers when I clear data and force stop. When you press and hold an icon, even if the side menu shows up partially, if you leave pressing the app, the app will launch. You have to wait for the side menu to completely open. That's not much of an issue once you get used it's behavior. It's an early build so the bugs are expected but I thought I will report them anyways.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your feedback