Hey everybody!
To God be the glory, I've been making some custom roms on XDA for a while, but I have decided to try to learn some new things by taking an app developer course. I've made a few apps, and I thought I would share them here as well. This app is open source, you are welcome to go to the Github and post issues, review and or copy the code (it is Apache-2.0 licensed), or download the app and enjoy!
These are my first apps, and I know they need a little improvement. So please feel free to leave a comment! But please remember, the best criticism is constructive.
If you do check out my Github, note that just about every line of my code includes a comment as to what it does or why it exists, so if you are like me and new to Android programming, be sure to check it out to see how it works! Also, in my Github are many "small apps" in the "apps_small" repo, which are apps I either made for the class, or made on the side to test out some feature or function. Hopefully that would be useful to someone.
Without further ado:
A simple, open source app that allows you to search posts on Craigslist.
This app allows you to search Craigslist and save on bandwidth at the same time. The search is only text, which presents you with a list of your search criteria. Then, when you select a posting that you wish to see, it will be displayed as normal in a special web view window. With simple colors and controls, this helps you focus on what is really important: the posts!
Other than the Craigslist postings, there are NO ADVERTISEMENTS!
This app allows you to save on mobile data, as only a small picture of the item is loaded with a price, date, and description (if provided by the poster). You can also click the web browser to open and view the full post if you desire!
You are welcome to stop by the Github (link in app) or website (link in app) to see progress for new features, or if you are into open source coding, you are welcome to submit pull requests and get involved!
Downloads:
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.alaskalinuxuser.justcraigslist
F-Droid: https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/ (It has been submitted to F-Droid, but not added to the repository yet.)
Github download apk: https://github.com/alaskalinuxuser/app_justcraigslist/blob/master/app/justcraigslist_1_6.apk (Note, since this link is static, newer versions may exist in the future on Google Play, Github, or F-Droid.)
Github source: https://github.com/alaskalinuxuser/app_justcraigslist
One thing I would suggest immediately is to do away with that background and change the font color. A simple black background with white text would work better, but ideally a Material Design layout would be best!
MishaalRahman said:
One thing I would suggest immediately is to do away with that background and change the font color. A simple black background with white text would work better, but ideally a Material Design layout would be best!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MishaalRahman,
I have some thought to your proposal, and realized you are right, to a degree.
I happen to like the color scheme as is, but I realize that others may prefer something else. The sell cars in every color, so why not let just Craigslist come in more color options?
So, starting with version 1.6, you now have the choice of several colors for title bars, text, backgrounds, and buttons! There are also several pictures to choose from. So now you may have your preferred black background with white text, and I may have my cyan city! Everybody wins!
Thanks for the great suggestion! Please see OP for a few screenshots.
feedback
i test your app i think you should convert question mark ( ? ) button to search button ( ? ) and move help to top right.
aqamorisny said:
i test your app i think you should convert question mark ( ? ) button to search button ( ? ) and move help to top right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great suggestion. One problem though: if the user types anything, like a price or search criteria, then the keyboard covers that button. So if the search button was down there, the user would have to hit the back button to make the keyboard disappear, then hit the search button. Do you think that would confuse new users?
aqamorisny said:
i test your app i think you should convert question mark ( ? ) button to search button ( ? ) and move help to top right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After some testing and feedback, it looks like you are right. I have added the search button to the bottom right, and I also added the feature that when you press the enter button on the keyboard after typing, it will search.
Sent from my unknown using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Related
Light Painting App
Credits to xaffron
xaffron said:
Aurora Bulb v1.0
Quick and dirty. Just does the Droid Sans font, but user configurable shutter period, camera timer, text to show and color.
Just like Penki, works best when the shutter is open for 15-30 seconds, at f/8 and larger apertures.
The capability is there for rendering bitmaps, but it's locked right now because I haven't worked out the kinks yet.
Take a few photos and post back... let me know if it works well!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should be a lot of fun to make!
Aurora Bulb v1.0
See if this one works...
Aurora Bulb v1.0
Quick and dirty. Just does the Droid Sans font, but user configurable shutter period, camera timer, text to show and color.
Just like Penki, works best when the shutter is open for 15-30 seconds, at f/8 and larger apertures.
The capability is there for rendering bitmaps, but it's locked right now because I haven't worked out the kinks yet.
Take a few photos and post back... let me know if it works well!
Here's one I took...
Looks pretty OK to me.
done really well thanks!
there are only some very minor issues
1. Usability... when getting my phone and camera ready I accidentally touched the text button instead of the go button. I would suggest having a main page with a big go button and the settings available through the menu button.
2. A tutorial in the beginning would be nice. I was confused at first because I was unsure of how to hold my phone. Users might not know what you mean by pass distance.
3. Although the tip at the end is useful, perhaps you could have a checkbox so you could "never see this tip again "
4. Good luck. Marvellous effort I must say
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
EDIT : the L's seem to be a bit wide although it may be the way im holding it...
EDIT2 : colour picker!!!
Thanks!
Will definitely consider using the context menu rather than the pref screen. The pref screen was so much easier to code, however, so the menu/go button will take a bit.
As for the tutorial, I'm way ahead of you - an XDA friend is looking into the tutorial for me right now, and depending on what he finds, we might be able to squeeze a tutorial in (even though that would easily double the size of the apk!)
The checkbox/color picker suggestions are definitely noted... these should be low-hanging fruit. (I'm thinking of kanging CyanogenMod code for the latter)
I actually read about Dentsu London's project on Giz before I saw your post, so I jumped on the chance to bring Android to parity with iOS. Thanks for inspiring the app, Shokwaav!
xaffron said:
Will definitely consider using the context menu rather than the pref screen. The pref screen was so much easier to code, however, so the menu/go button will take a bit.
As for the tutorial, I'm way ahead of you - an XDA friend is looking into the tutorial for me right now, and depending on what he finds, we might be able to squeeze a tutorial in (even though that would easily double the size of the apk!)
The checkbox/color picker suggestions are definitely noted... these should be low-hanging fruit. (I'm thinking of kanging CyanogenMod code for the latter)
I actually read about Dentsu London's project on Giz before I saw your post, so I jumped on the chance to bring Android to parity with iOS. Thanks for inspiring the app, Shokwaav!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
haha yes I saw this on gizmodo too im surprised the tutorial would double the apk! when I manage to get some decent looking photos ill post them up here
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Version 1.0.3 out...
Version 1.0.3 is out on the market.
Pretty significant changes, I think if you like bulb photography, you'll like the app!
Thanks to Shokwaav for the initial nudge, and to Nemuro for artistic help.
META WIDGET
Meta is a unique app that can turn virtually any online content into dynamic, interactive widgets.
Simply browse to a website, pick a column of text, link or image and enjoy this information right on your home screen!
Why is this cool you ask? Because almost anything can be parsed out of a website - images, blogrolls, RSS feeds or entire windows.
Any widget created through Meta can be customized and automatically updated, or updated on user interaction.
Features
★ Create widgets from almost any website element
★ Parse graphs and images
★ Extract statistics and information from authorized sites
★ Configure widgets (background, alignment, etc.)
★ Automatic updates
★ User defined click actions
★ Lots of other cool stuff
Status
The app is currently quite stable, but we still prefer to call it a beta. So please, do write to us with suggestions or bug reports!
Play Store
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=fahrbot.apps.metawidget
The free app has everything but automatic updates. Please buy the Key - that would help us a lot
Screens
Guys has anyone had issues with the keyboard not popping up in the internal browser?
Any issues with this first build of the meta widget?
Its a cool idea, not exactly what i thought it was. You can have it make a widget of buttons on a web page. I run my little sisters Etsy store, and there is no good etsy app. I used the app to go to the shop page and basically what it does is make a widget with the top buttons that i can click and will open up my browser. I was hoping it would show if i had messages, activity, etc...
I really like the idea, yet i dont know what I will use it for.
jason.hamilton said:
Its a cool idea, not exactly what i thought it was. You can have it make a widget of buttons on a web page. I run my little sisters Etsy store, and there is no good etsy app. I used the app to go to the shop page and basically what it does is make a widget with the top buttons that i can click and will open up my browser. I was hoping it would show if i had messages, activity, etc...
I really like the idea, yet i dont know what I will use it for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You selected the wrong element. It shows you ANY element (static or dynamic) in a webpage. If you log into the store, go to the private messaging area and click the "unread messages" number, it will show you how many you have.
For example - i use it to extract the impressions graphs from my advertising analytics service.
Can you have it poll multiple things, such as activities and conversations? Or would that have to be 2 widgets?
jason.hamilton said:
Can you have it poll multiple things, such as activities and conversations? Or would that have to be 2 widgets?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can poll multiple things separately. We are working on a way to do this better in our upcoming widgets! project. Here though you can only select one element at a time.
Atm the best way to line things up is to use a launcher that can overlap widgets.
Btw the widgets! project should be in beta quite soon as well
Awesome. Keep up the good work.
1.0.2.1
Fixed keyboard issue present on some phones
Fixed image cache optimization (much faster now)
Fixed a rendering issue that occurs if data connection is lost
Fixed a few device-specific issues from user feedback
Id appreciate some feedback on this latest release!
1.0.2.2
Fixed alignment issue on text and lists
Fixed sort order issue in list view
Added divider visibility toggle
Optimized custom browser rendering
Minor UI changes to increase compatibility
Any issues to report?
Any issues to report? Suggestions perhaps? Screens of what you have done?
Anything to report?
I just saw the app....looks like not too many testers reporting! Ill download and let ya know what I think....I would also post this with all attached in the physical apps forum. Maybe more response!
Sent from my HTC One X using XDA
1.0.2.8
Fixed bug in list creation
Fixed issue with prompt action
Anything to report?
Interesting. Downloaded, will try it out.
iElvis said:
Interesting. Downloaded, will try it out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me know how it goes.
ftgg99 said:
Let me know how it goes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried to make one from my Klout page, but it didn't work. What am I doing wrong? I couldn't seem to select any of the elements.
META WIDGET
Meta is a unique app that can turn virtually any online content into dynamic, interactive widgets.
Simply browse to a website, pick a column of text, link or image and enjoy this information right on your home screen!
Why is this cool you ask? Because almost anything can be parsed out of a website - images, blogrolls, RSS feeds or entire windows.
Any widget created through Meta can be customized and automatically updated, or updated on user interaction.
Features
★ Create widgets from almost any website element
★ Parse graphs and images
★ Extract statistics and information from authorized sites
★ Configure widgets (background, alignment, etc.)
★ Automatic updates
★ User defined click actions
★ Lots of other cool stuff
Status
The app is currently quite stable, but we still prefer to call it a beta. So please, do write to us with suggestions or bug reports!
Play Store
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=fahrbot.apps.metawidget
The free app has everything but automatic updates.
Screens
I would appreciate some feedback please!
1.0.2.1
Fixed keyboard issue present on some phones
Fixed image cache optimization (much faster now)
Fixed a rendering issue that occurs if data connection is lost
Fixed a few device-specific issues from user feedback
Hi guys - please give me some feedback on the latest release!
Installing this now, will give feedback after 2-3 days
Thank you, i look forward to it. The more feedback, the better the app. Imagine - a developer that actually listens to consumers!
1.0.2.2
Fixed alignment issue on text and lists
Fixed sort order issue in list view
Added divider visibility toggle
Optimized custom browser rendering
Minor UI changes to increase compatibility
Good job !!
Hey,
I had this (huge, at least for me review written, then at the end hit backspace and freakin firefox took me a page back. WTF Firefox, I could kill you for that.
Anyway, so here is the short version:
Love your amazing design, with one exception of the settings menu (where you can choose the titel and all that)
I could not quite work out the difference between the up-down arrows and the left-right arrows
I did not understand the option to display as a list. I just didn't understand what it does
The text size didn't always work properly, sometimes when I would choose a bigger text size, it would actually be smaller
Everytime I had the widget done, I always had to manually resize it, but I guess that was because of sense
The widget itself was always just one big text and not nicely organized the news thread on the webpage, so the widget itself was kind of useless to me
One more tip; if you had chosen more than one element (e.g. an entire news thread), that it then should just open the single element, not the entire website with all the elements
Again great work guys!
The two websites I tried it with:
apktops
manga-access
Not sure what your problem with the menu is... its just like any other android menu.
Regarding the arrows - they will work better or borse, it all depends on the content.
"Use all as list" - this will use all the items listed below in list form, instead of just the element you clicked on.
Havent seen any problems with text size from anyone else, so most likely user error there, or some sort of parsing issue on the sites themselves.
We will make a bunch of sizes in the next release.
Lol.
Not going to happen.
Anything to report?
Hi!
I installed the app from Play Store but I don't find the Widget or the App.
What am I doing wrong?
Thanks for your help.
bigwichtel said:
Hi!
I installed the app from Play Store but I don't find the Widget or the App.
What am I doing wrong?
Thanks for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reboot your device. Sometimes widgets need a reboot because of launcher errors.
same here. i installed it but do not see it anywhere in apps drawer or widgets tab. i check in installed apps and its there but thats the only place i see it.
running caulkins v1.5 ICS rom.
bluejee said:
same here. I installed it but do not see it anywhere in apps drawer or widgets tab. I check in installed apps and its there but thats the only place i see it.
Running caulkins v1.5 ics rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its a widget - it shows in the widgets drawer and may need a reboot for gods sake:
ftgg99 said:
reboot your device. Sometimes widgets need a reboot because of launcher errors.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ftgg99 said:
its a widget - it shows in the widgets drawer and may need a reboot for gods sake:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't feed the idiots
Been using Meta Widget to display headlines from sites for a while. Not much to complain because it does what I want it to do. Only thing I would like toe see is the option to make the widget title bold or underlined.
Great app!
It shall be done. There will also be a minor release in preparation for the widget constructor we will release next week.
Guys, please rate the app on the market, that will help a lot!
Anything to report?
Any issues or suggestions?
ftgg99 said:
Any issues or suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will test! Give you Feedback later bro
{
"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"
}
The Steam mobile app is definitely due an update, the last update was released in March 2012, but I don't see that changing for a long time.
The current interface for the Steam app is terrible, low quality images all over the show, it's a direct port from the iOS app, and that most certainly
does not follow the Android design guidelines. If Valve won't fix and update the app, who will?
I will.
This App is a modification to the official app from Valve on the Play Store. This mod completely changes the user interface from the ugly interface
that is currently in use, to a more pleasing interface known as "Holo". The visuals of this app follow the Android design guidelines as closely as it
possibly can without having to recode the entire app.
As well as this app being a visual update, the app also comes with speed increases, stability and general smoothness all the way throughout the app.
The standard app uses images for the text input box, send button and many more features of the app; using images for assets such as this contribute
to slowing down the speed of the app due to there being more files to read from. I have removed the need for many images in this app by moving the assets
from using images to using official Android code (Assets such as chat text input and the send button).
Every single visual asset of this app has been changed and rebuilt using the Android guidelines. The action bar is no longer an ugly bar with diagonal pin stripes
with a gradient overlay, it's now a single colour Android action bar. The chat bubbles are no longer obnoxious low quality bubbles, they're now high quality boxes
similar to that of the boxes used for Hangouts. All these visual changes and more in the app.
On the official app, scrolling through web pages (such as people's profiles) was painful, scrolling would take forever with a huge noticeable lag on every scroll,
making tasks such as viewing your games list unbearable.
To install this app, you must first of all uninstall the official app from the Play Store if you currently have that on your device.
Once the app is uninstalled, you can then install this version.
Mentions:
http://www.vgu.tv/2014/01/16/modder-creates-holo-steam-app-android/
http://www.steamfirst.com/steam-android-holo-style-app-looks-beautiful-download-it-now/
This app is completely free, you are free to use it for as long as you like without payment towards me, however if you wish to donate to me to help me
further my work in learning how to develop applications from scratch, this is how.
Donations are through PayPal, send how much you want to, every bit helps, the email to send the donation to is [email protected]
You do not have to donate, it is simply an option if you want to support me, please do not feel pressured into giving your hard earned cash to me for a small app like this.
Current Donor list:
This is a shout out to those who have donated. It helps me a lot, it brings a smile to my face, to know that people appreciate the work which I do, that they enjoy or like using
the app. It makes me feel good. Thanks to those who have donated or will donate, thank you.
Donors:
Cole (Member iCole from Facepunch)
dsidewd (In the form of a £2.50 album on bandcamp)(Member dsidewd from Facepunch)
In the attachment is the download for this app.
31-12-13
First release, pretty much everything changed from the default application
01-01-14
Gradient added in navigation area (Similar to that in settings app)
Official Android design used for button used for "Send" and "Clear Chat History" (Includes disabled, enabled and pressed animation)
Official Android design used for text input used for "Tap to chat" (Includes disabled and enabled animations)
Holo icons added to navigation area (Bug: icons are huge)
02-01-14
Holo icons in navigation area have been redone, their size is also correct this time
03-01-14
Menu button on navigation bar removed
Back end changed to the latest Android API
Increased speed and stability (Refresh times have been decreased by a huge amount, navigation is faster, boot time is faster and the app doesn't have to reconnect as much)
Send button changed to official android button code
Text input in chat changed to official android text input code
All pop up windows changed to KitKat design
Application can have added backwards compatibility to OS versions before 2.2(Froyo) if requested
Unread messages text on friends list is now white
Navigation gradient is no longer a gradient. Now is #191919 to mimic the future slide out navigation which will be implemented
"Tap to chat" changed to "Send a message" (Like Hangouts)
04-01-14
Padding beneath text input on chat removed
Text next to friend names are now the same as the colour of the profile picture containers
Text in chat boxes is now centred
30-01-14
Speed increases and stability
Here's a video demo.
Amazing work! Scrolling is now also waaay smoother than on vanilla.
Really impressive
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Looks great! Really needed this, I couldn't take much more of the default app's appearance.
If only Valve would do something about it sooner
Would it be possible to drag the side panel menu in from the side, and hide it away with another swipe? Similar to the new Play Store style?
Other than that amazing job!
jaimbo said:
Would it be possible to drag the side panel menu in from the side, and hide it away with another swipe? Similar to the new Play Store style?
Other than that amazing job!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the current state the app is in, I cannot. However, I am working on a separate app which will replace this, that app will be full holo and be on the Play Store.
How exactly do you modify an app like this? Is there a general overview/tutorial somewhere?
God I would love this done to the Rdio app.
mitchsamuels said:
How exactly do you modify an app like this? Is there a general overview/tutorial somewhere?
God I would love this done to the Rdio app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are various programmes which will decompile an app, once you've decompiled the app, you will be left with the apps source code.
Once you've got the source code, you can start modifying images, XML files and Java files. Once you've done, you can recompile it, usually using the same programme as the one you used to decompile, although the signature will be different
conRAWR said:
In the current state the app is in, I cannot. However, I am working on a separate app which will replace this, that app will be full holo and be on the Play Store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please, please, pleeeease make it look like this!
And nice work!
great looking mod! conRAWR, can you share the wallpaper used in the last screenshot please? it looks awesome.
cannot install, it says package with same name, but signature in conflict is already installed.. :/
kentobi said:
cannot install, it says package with same name, but signature in conflict is already installed.. :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uninstall the old one first
1/4 Life said:
Uninstall the old one first
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks that did it, thought it was supposed to be an update
Kaemo said:
Please, please, pleeeease make it look like this!
And nice work!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That looks so awesome. Honestly if it looked like that I would pay for it.
Oh my god oh my god oh my god THANK YOU! I have been waiting for such an update for aaaages. I've posted the link for a few of my Steam friends and they're testing it out - here's what we discovered.
I found a first bug and a thing or two which can be reverted:
- If you have pending messages, touching the number near the name doesn't open the chat. I need to touch the name, then touch chat.
- The message boxes used to be gray and blue, now everything is white. If you can add alternating colors, it'd be great!
Suggestions for expanding features (which may be impossible since decompiling doesn't give the original source, but asking can't hurt!)
- Do you think you can fix the notification system? Steam somehow doesn't push them like WhatsApp does.
- Steam group chats is something the app has lacked for forever!
- Ability to clear history of certain chats while leaving others untouched?
RainbowSwag said:
Oh my god oh my god oh my god THANK YOU! I have been waiting for such an update for aaaages. I've posted the link for a few of my Steam friends and they're testing it out - here's what we discovered.
I found a first bug and a thing or two which can be reverted:
- If you have pending messages, touching the number near the name doesn't open the chat. I need to touch the name, then touch chat.
- The message boxes used to be gray and blue, now everything is white. If you can add alternating colors, it'd be great!
Suggestions for expanding features (which may be impossible since decompiling doesn't give the original source, but asking can't hurt!)
- Do you think you can fix the notification system? Steam somehow doesn't push them like WhatsApp does.
- Steam group chats is something the app has lacked for forever!
- Ability to clear history of certain chats while leaving others untouched?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bug with tapping the chat button not working is a long standing bug in the normal Steam app and is completely random whether it happens or not, I will continue to look into a fix for this.
Alternating colours were a thought while developing, however in the end it was decided to use completely white. The white is much more appealing than alternating colours, it also attempts to mimic the Hangouts chat boxes.
I assume you mean to have the notifications to include what the message is?
It would be incredibly hard to add this, but I may attempt this in the future.
This you already can, just enter a chat with a certain button, press on the overflow menu and press the button that drops down.
Is it possible for you to release the source code or is Steam's license prohibiting that? Just asking since my Steam account is too valuable to be put at risk. Now, I am not saying that OP is out here to steal peoples login info, but there's always a risk involved when you are logging in through a 3rd party app.
If only Valve would man up and update the damn app. It's been what, over 1½ years since they updated it, yes, it looks horrible, it's slow and barely usable.
conRAWR said:
The bug with tapping the chat button not working is a long standing bug in the normal Steam app and is completely random whether it happens or not, I will continue to look into a fix for this.
Alternating colours were a thought while developing, however in the end it was decided to use completely white. The white is much more appealing than alternating colours, it also attempts to mimic the Hangouts chat boxes.
I assume you mean to have the notifications to include what the message is?
It would be incredibly hard to add this, but I may attempt this in the future.
This you already can, just enter a chat with a certain button, press on the overflow menu and press the button that drops down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The chat button not working problem just appeared for me for two people I usually speak with, didn't happen before, but I think that's a coincidence then.
If you could include the option for alternating colors, it'd be great. Google design choices aren't always perfect either and I like to see who's who at a glance.
With the notification, I mean that the notifications often don't get pushed but feel like they get fetched, since they often don't notify while the screen is off and when the screen is on it suddenly notifies again, having like a 20 minute delay. Though I think it's just Steam not using the Google Push Notifications, and this might be impossible for you to fix.
Attempting sounds great! Sadly I think you'd need cooperation from Steam somehow, I don't suppose there's a clear API and messing around in decompiled code isn't exactly very structured .
The clear history option was requested by a friend, they wanted to batch-remove some histories, though I can't really see the point of it. Might be that they have a lot of messages from lots of people.
Im sorry, but as I'm not able to create external links on XDA yet, you have to enter the urls on your own. If I had been able to create a DevDB project, I would have done it.
HybridLauncher
HybridLauncher is a completely new type of Android-Launcher!
It's designed to be highly configurable and innovative.
Screenshots:
As I am currently not allowed to insert images, please have a look at hybridlauncher.bricklore.de
In the past, the underlying principles of Launchers have significantly differed from those of desktop computers. In particular, the homescreen was only able to show Widgets and Apps, usually arranged on a grid, and usually only able to display a finite (small) number of icons at once.
We adapt the concept of desktops to smartphones by providing a homescreen whose capacity is limited only by your phone's memory and without constraints on the type of items it can show.
We improve the concept of desktops by providing not only completely free positions, but also arbitrary tilts, sizes, and aspect ratios of the items' icons. The homescreen's size is dynamically adapted, such that an infinite number of icons can be displayed.
Technically, the homescreen is simply a folder. Actually, every folder can be used as homescreen (and there's an effectively unlimited number of those). Other folders can be directly accessed (the HybridLauncher also doubles as a file manager) and individually designed, just like the homescreen.
This is solved in way robust against changes of your ROM:
The layout of every folder is stored in small file (".layout") directly within the folder. Thus, if you change your ROM, by reinstalling the Hybrid Launcher, you instantly recover your homescreen (desktop).
HybridLauncher is available in two different versions: "Lite" and "Full". While you can enjoy full functionality with the Lite version, it shows a permanent notification in the statusbar.
Unique features of the HybridLauncher include:
Unlimited homescreens with individual backgrounds
Real files on the homescreen just as on the pc-desktop
Freely positionable items with optional grid or magnetic axes
Items individually adjustable
Item size and rotation continuously adjustable
Dynamic layout-size
Direct execution of shell-scripts
Links to other folders and files
"Open with" dialog as known from PC
Highly adjustable
Available for Android version 2.1 up to 5.0+
Data privacy is our highest priority
(HybridLauncher does not require internet access, no data will be submitted)
For maximum transparency, let us explain why HybridLauncher requires the following permissions:
VIBRATE: When you long-press Items, your phone will vibrate.
WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE: HybridLauncher is a filemanager. Thus, it should have permission to write on sd-cards. In particular, if you want to use a folder on the sd-card as homescreen, then a .layout file needs to be created on the sd-card.
WRITE_MEDIA_STORAGE: This is generally the same as WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE, but on newer devices (5.0+) the access to the external sdcard is blocked by default and needs this extra permission.
READ_CONTACTS: Contacts can be placed on your homescreen (e.g. to open the SMS app quickly), so HybridLauncher has to access your contacts data. HybridLauncher will not submit any data (have a look at the source code).
SET_WALLPAPER: An app needs this permission to change the background image.
SET_WALLPAPER_HINTS: For background parallaxing the system has to be told the size of the wallpaper.
Information:
HybridLauncher is available in the Google PlayStore, or on my website (hybridlauncher.bricklore.de).
HybridLauncher Lite:
Play Store: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.fluxnetz.hybridlauncher_lite
Mirror: bricklore.de/android/hybridlauncher/release/hybridlauncher_lite.apk
HybridLauncher is OPEN SOURCE and licensed under GPL v3, you can view the source here: git.bricklore.de/hybridlauncher
Changelog
* reservered post for changelog *
i like your launcher its very customizable and stuff but my wallpaper doesnt scale properly and is causing black borders around the picture which looks kind of ugly
If you could fix this id love to use the launcher
have a great day
tomdudler243 said:
i like your launcher its very customizable and stuff but my wallpaper doesnt scale properly and is causing black borders around the picture which looks kind of ugly
If you could fix this id love to use the launcher
have a great day
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your feedback!
I have just reimplemented the wallpaper scaling, which should fix the problem.
Please have a look at the update and tell me if it worked for you!
Best regards
Since your launcher is open source could you please add it to F-Droid? Would make it easier for people not using play store or gapps like myself to keep it updated than periodically checking your website
As a happy tester, here are the direct links to your really nice app until you can add your own:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.fluxnetz.hybridlauncher_lite
And/Und
http://hybridlauncher.bricklore.de
GerManiac said:
Here are the direct links:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.fluxnetz.hybridlauncher_lite
And/Und
http://hybridlauncher.bricklore.de
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Added a screenshot
Looking good
It's nice to see a launcher that offers something slightly different. So many of them just seem clones of each other. The ability to place icons anywhere and not be constrained to a grid is something I've not personally seen before.
Allanitomwesh said:
Since your launcher is open source could you please add it to F-Droid? Would make it easier for people not using play store or gapps like myself to keep it updated than periodically checking your website
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although it seems quite a bit of work to do, I will hook myself into it right now.
--UPDATE--
It's not that easy for HybridLauncher, as the git repo is hosted on my own server which makes things more difficult (no https, minor problems). Additionally fdroid is not able to build from these souces without "understanding" the exact instructions (One has to preprocess the .java and .xml files in a special manner)
Unfortunately I wasn't able to figure out how I can add a prebuild binary .apk to fdroids repository. If you could guide me, I would supply those binaries until I have fixed my server issues.
GerManiac said:
As a happy tester, here are the direct links to your really nice app until you can add your own:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I really appreciate all help I get!
savvigeek said:
It's nice to see a launcher that offers something slightly different. So many of them just seem clones of each other. The ability to place icons anywhere and not be constrained to a grid is something I've not personally seen before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I have noticed the same thing, and thats why I made HybridLauncher.
I wanted to try something completely different.
F-Droid
I'm not a developer so I'm afraid I can't be much use troubleshooting your issues adding your app to F-Droid. I'll ask my friends who are and see what they say. You could also ask on the F-Droid forums,they are always willing to help add a new app
Thank you, really good work.
I cant download from play store....maybe its banned in my country....please can you provide apk or link to apk dwonload?
Sent from my HM NOTE 1LTE
@bricklore crashes when i swipe right or tap next on the welcome screen. log attached. my device is samsung galaxy y duos, gt-s6102, running gingerbread 2.3.6 rom. it's an ldpi device with 289 mb ram only.