There are a lot of threads here and in the VZW forum about how terrible this device is, etc, without root. I'm a former flash-a-holic and my last several devices have all been Samsung on stock, albeit rooted, firmware. those of us preferring touchwiz have our reasons, and those who prefer aosp have theirs, but this isn't a "why we can't have aosp" thread, this is about making lemonade with what we have.
so, my reasons for wanting root, and how I worked around them:
1. ad blocking. I LOVE adaway, its seriously the first app I'd install on a new device after rooting. without root, give adblock plus a try. you can turn off the status bar notifications in the app and by ticking the box in the app manager.
its simple enough to disable apps on WiFi, just input the proxy host name and port and you're done. I hadn't ever found a clear and concise instruction on how to do this with mobile data, so here it is- create a NEW APN and copy all of the info from the stock APN, and add the proxy host name and port. done, you now have ad blocking on WiFi and mobile data, without root, and without persistent notifications.
2. de-bloating. first, the s5 has less bloat than the s3 or s4, but its still there. it is INCREADIBLY easy to disable or uninstall on this device. go to the app drawer and press the settings icon (or long press the app switcher button) and select uninstall/disable apps. if its ATT or Samsung, and you don't want it, odds are you can either uninstall or disable it. just make sure that in Samsung Apps you disable automatic updates over WiFi. you can also hide them.
myth busting time: IF you were rooted, and IF you manually removed bloat apps, you do NOT gain ANY additional usable space in device storage.
3. tether bypass. there are multiple threads here on how to do this. I have a 10gb plan so its a non issue here.
4. Writing to extSDcard. most built in apps like the browser, email, and camera will save to the ext SD card. so will my files, which is actually a LOT better than on the s3 or s4.
5. removing bloat bookmarks from the stock browser. I prefer the stock browser over chrome, call me crazy. I also don't like the 4 pre-loaded bookmarks being in my list. I saw a tip here to just create a folder called My Bookmarks or whatever you like and put your bookmarks there. the bloat is still there but its not staring you in the face.
so what else have you guys been doing to get functionality that was easy and convenient with root, but still attainable without?
Russ77 said:
so what else have you guys been doing to get functionality that was easy and convenient with root, but still attainable without?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Speed- I find that a lot of people nag about speed, my phone is fluid in all ways. Three factors play into this, using the TW launcher, animation speed, one last tricky one-- S-Voice has a delay on the home button waiting for the possible hook in for user prompting it. My standpoint is you can get from a TW rom the kind of speed or more that you can with a rom somebody else pre-tweaked for you.
Remedies below.
1. Get Nova Launcher (you can look into others if you like, if you want an experienced users perspective on speed, use Nova it flies)
2. Enable Developer Options(click About Device, click build number until it says Dev mode is enabled), Turn OFF animations for Transition window animation scale, transition animation scale and animator duration scale.
3. Open up S Voice (through the double-tap shortcut or in the app drawer). Tap the menu button in the top right corner (three dots) and find the "Open via home key" option under "Wake-up." Disable for slightly faster home button response.
Some people may find this abrupt transition between applications off putting at first but once you give it an hour the phone is flying so fast I could never go back. Enjoy!
As mentioned above:
Nova Launcher
Transitions at .5 or OFF
De-bloating (see this thread)
And - tasker, tasker, tasker!
My tip.. simple but I'm a customize nerd.
iFont available for free from the Play store allows you to add hundreds of fonts to your phone right from the app, and is compatible with the font selection from settings - display.You can also load fonts from the internet or your computer and use that as your default font.
The one lag, I still can't stand... despite all the animations being off is the lag between camera and gallery... like I take a photo, click the little image to view it and it sits there for at least 15 seconds before the gallery opens up. Anyone else have this issue?? I'm so used to CM based roms and still try to swipe to view the gallery LOL
rachelm920 said:
My tip.. simple but I'm a customize nerd.
The one lag, I still can't stand... despite all the animations being off is the lag between camera and gallery... like I take a photo, click the little image to view it and it sits there for at least 15 seconds before the gallery opens up. Anyone else have this issue?? I'm so used to CM based roms and still try to swipe to view the gallery LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using XDA Free mobile app
This could be due to your SD card. If you are saving pics to external SD and your card is a lower class it will read and write data in a longer time frame. If you are using internal memory and not the SD card slot then I'm not sure. Backup everything and try a factory reset. I personally don't have an SD card, I don't see the need without root. Also it takes about 3 seconds for me to do what takes you 15. That's why I think an SD might be the Culprit here
There is 1 thing you can not do without root that is needed for me. I own a Pioneer Appradio and use ARUnchained which requires root. If you don't know what it is then look it up. It basically mirrors your phone and lets you use touch on Pioneers Appradio. I used this with my GS3 and if I would have known we wouldn't have root after this long I would have kept it and not bought the GS5. There is no getting around root for this. Pioneer's stock app has restrictions and doesn't let you mirror everything where as ARUnchained solves this problem.
I would like to find a way to save stuff from Dropbox to the external memory.
Sent from my GS5
natefish said:
I would like to find a way to save stuff from Dropbox to the external memory. Sent from my GS5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is all you need.https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ttxapps.dropsync
I use the Pro, worth every penny.
abovenbeyond said:
Here is all you need. I use the Pro, worth every penny.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but was there supposed to be a link?
Sent from my GS5
natefish said:
Thanks, but was there supposed to be a link?
Sent from my GS5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fixed
Russ77 said:
add the proxy host name and port.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bit of a newb here.. but what exactly do I put in these spots? Tried this and kept saying no internet and switching back over. Any help would be appreciated.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
fsupartyboy850 said:
Bit of a newb here.. but what exactly do I put in these spots? Tried this and kept saying no internet and switching back over. Any help would be appreciated.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
proxy host is "localhost" without quotes....and proxy port is 2020....that should do it :good:
Anyone got a working "volume rocker skip"? I've seen the double press ones that work as a service..seems wonky.
--
Stephen
abovenbeyond said:
Here is all you need.https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ttxapps.dropsync
I use the Pro, worth every penny.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the tip - I was using "Sweet Home!" app to sync my camera photos with my laptop but after multiple years without issue, all of the sudden I'm getting an invalid syntax error. Tried getting help from the developers but got no response. Dropbox it is!
fsupartyboy850 said:
Bit of a newb here.. but what exactly do I put in these spots? Tried this and kept saying no internet and switching back over. Any help would be appreciated.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
RoguePC said:
proxy host is "localhost" without quotes....and proxy port is 2020....that should do it :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
RoguePC's got it covered.
my only real gripe with adblock + is it only blocks internet traffic, not in-app ads. still better than nothing though.
Anyone know how to remap buttons ? I highly doubt there is a way without root but not having a menu button is killing me
Add45 said:
Anyone know how to remap buttons ? I highly doubt there is a way without root but not having a menu button is killing me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The menu button function is still there ... just long-press the recent apps button. If you've got a specific app that doesn't display the 3-dots menu somewhere on the screen, you might want to reach out to the developer. That's part of modern Android UX standards. I recently reached out to Untappd and they updated their app to include it pretty quickly.
Wallcrawler77 said:
The menu button function is still there ... just long-press the recent apps button. If you've got a specific app that doesn't display the 3-dots menu somewhere on the screen, you might want to reach out to the developer. That's part of modern Android UX standards. I recently reached out to Untappd and they updated their app to include it pretty quickly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but what I meant is that I do not like having to hold down the button to pull up tthe menu. I much rather prefer having the recent apps by holding down home.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Add45 said:
Thanks, but what I meant is that I do not like having to hold down the button to pull up tthe menu. I much rather prefer having the recent apps by holding down home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, gotcha. Unfortunately, short of root reassigning buttons, I don't think that's a desire that will see much traction in the future now that the UX standards require on-screen menus and more devices are coming out without any soft buttons at all. When you get down to it though, you're either tapping the bottom-left of your device or you're tapping the three dots on the screen.
Awesome app called quick click,let's you map your volume buttons for flashlight and a lot of others actions,just throwing it out there missed using xposed,mods with that.
SENT FROM DJMOUSE'S SM-G900A
Related
I'm looking to use the Nexus one hardware to create a single purpose device that will run an app at boot up and not allow the user to exit the app. This device will be given to users to take home for days so needs to be tamper-proof. i.e. cannot make calls, cannot SMS, cannot access rest of the OS, etc.
At the Android API level, I believe I can auto-start the app and "disable" the home button but cannot get around the long-press home button recent app list.
One possible solution would be to open it up and physically unplug the buttons' ribbon connector from the PCB.
What I would prefer is to somehow disable the home button using a cooked ROM that will ignore it in this particular app and the app can have some kind of secret way to exit. I do not know how difficult this would be using a rooted Nexus one.
Any input will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
You would need to build it from source. (non winzip deving)
If any knowledgeable person get's it it would be pretty easy to boot into recovery and edit system files or wipe it.
The nexus would not be suitable for this because of the nature of the bootloader.
To be honest, I personally think you would be better off building your own device for this. I'm sure that the buttons could be disabled easily enough, but the tamper proof part is a little different.
Main reason:
If you make the device so that you can't boot into recovery, fastboot, or tamper with it in anyway. How would you yourself make any additional modifications to the device?
You guy have some good points.
Maybe it's better off just using rooted stock ROM and set it as home screen then physically disable the hardware buttons. The battery cover will be glued shut to prevent access to SIM and battery anyway
As for making changes to the app, I believe ADK will allow me to update the app through USB. I wonder if its feasible to do auto-update it over network...?
wow your trying to lock the device down sounds like steve jobs lol
would not the best approach to this is to write your app as a home replacement and not show any apps? you could disable access to app drawer and settings, then you would only need to hook/disable home long press.
You wont be able stop a savvy user from flashing something on it easily.
What about setting up a pattern lock and using FLAG_SHOW_WHEN_LOCKED
to display on top of the lock? If the user tries to exit your program they'll be greeted with the pattern lock. Have some timer so your app automatically comes back to the top.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the last app list show NO apps if no apps were launched yet?
pikipirs said:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the last app list show NO apps if no apps were launched yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you're right. I've set my app as home screen replacement and after reboot there wasn't any 'recent app' list
Looks like I don't need a custom ROM after all.
Just out of curiosity, what exactly are you doing with the phone that requires it to be tamper proof?
-------------------------------------
Sent via the XDA Tapatalk App
The absolute minimum requirement is that we have a device we can give to a user of any technical proficiency and allow them to easily record videos and post them directly onto a website from anywhere.
[email protected] said:
What about setting up a pattern lock and using FLAG_SHOW_WHEN_LOCKED
to display on top of the lock? If the user tries to exit your program they'll be greeted with the pattern lock. Have some timer so your app automatically comes back to the top.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's an interesting approach, I will have to explore that more.
How can users actually exit the app when it's over the lock screen? Does that mean all buttons including home will not do anything since lock screen is keyguarded? Does touch still register? Is this the workaround that the custom lock screen app uses?
dzeikei said:
Yes you're right. I've set my app as home screen replacement and after reboot there wasn't any 'recent app' list
Looks like I don't need a custom ROM after all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you set an app to be the home screen replacement?
Hey total noob question I guess but I'm excited to root my new hd+ and install the gapps zip BUT I haven't seen any info about what effect if any this will have on any child profiles I have setup already on the device. Has anyone done the root thing that has child profiles? Thanks.
tpabrad said:
Hey total noob question I guess but I'm excited to root my new hd+ and install the gapps zip BUT I haven't seen any info about what effect if any this will have on any child profiles I have setup already on the device. Has anyone done the root thing that has child profiles? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just added a child profile to my already rooted HD. When I was in the child profile, I could go to the other launcher I had installed, open the app drawer, and see all my non B&N apps. The only ones not showing were the ones blocked on the BN side. So I could open my Dolphin browser and browse without restriction.
You could make the B&N Home your default launcher so it was difficult but not impossible to get to the non-BN stuff, but then it would be a pain for you to use too.
lkmiller said:
I just added a child profile to my already rooted HD. When I was in the child profile, I could go to the other launcher I had installed, open the app drawer, and see all my non B&N apps. The only ones not showing were the ones blocked on the BN side. So I could open my Dolphin browser and browse without restriction.
You could make the B&N Home your default launcher so it was difficult but not impossible to get to the non-BN stuff, but then it would be a pain for you to use too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm. I was afraid of that. Thanks for the help!
Ok I'm close. I've rooted from the handy zips and from what I can tell the child accounts can't access notifications. The message is there but it can't be selected from the child accounts. So if I can figure out a way to slap a launcher shortcut up there I can have the home button go to the Nook launcher and a top button that goes to the Android one.
tpabrad said:
Ok I'm close. I've rooted from the handy zips and from what I can tell the child accounts can't access notifications. The message is there but it can't be selected from the child accounts. So if I can figure out a way to slap a launcher shortcut up there I can have the home button go to the Nook launcher and a top button that goes to the Android one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, depending on the child though you can access applications by tapping the "Apps" on the application screen while holding the VOL- button too. Maybe we'll get 4.2 on CM10...?
tpabrad said:
Ok I'm close. I've rooted from the handy zips and from what I can tell the child accounts can't access notifications. The message is there but it can't be selected from the child accounts. So if I can figure out a way to slap a launcher shortcut up there I can have the home button go to the Nook launcher and a top button that goes to the Android one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bet there's an app for that. Can't recommend one myself, but I'm pretty sure I've seen something mentioned around here before.
If you find something, be sure and let us know. I'm sure there are others that could use this.
lkmiller said:
I bet there's an app for that. Can't recommend one myself, but I'm pretty sure I've seen something mentioned around here before.
If you find something, be sure and let us know. I'm sure there are others that could use this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did find something. It's called "Notification Toggle" in the Play Store. I can't post links yet.
Basically you can set the notification area as a app drawer. Right now I just have a link back to the Nova Launcher.
I was wrong before though...child profiles CAN access the notification bar. I swear I tried 14 times and couldn't but then I tried it again and it came down. Very weird.
I really wish there was a way to hack the nook app list to let me just add Play store installed stuff there. Even if I had to hand code it would be worth it. I also discovered that my 2 year old could still get to the Nook store even though I had it disabled in his profile. It seems to let apps link back to it regardless. It kind of has me rethinking the content restrictions which is the whole reason I bought the thing.
Weird. I tried to access notifications from a child account and couldn't either. Was it after you added the app that you could?
That's too bad that the profile restrictions don't even seem to be working. The child profile I made just to test this out was for a 10 year old. I left all the initial setup options default, and I noticed that they were suppose to be able to look at kids stuff in the store. Browse but not buy I guess. But I didn't really look too much into it since I don't actually need it. Just mildly curious.
lkmiller said:
Weird. I tried to access notifications from a child account and couldn't either. Was it after you added the app that you could?
That's too bad that the profile restrictions don't even seem to be working. The child profile I made just to test this out was for a 10 year old. I left all the initial setup options default, and I noticed that they were suppose to be able to look at kids stuff in the store. Browse but not buy I guess. But I didn't really look too much into it since I don't actually need it. Just mildly curious.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah after banging on the notification bar for a long time today I figured it out. The child profile doesn't give you the same size "hotspot" that the normal one does but if you hit a tiny area between the notification icon and the dots showing what home screen you are on you can get it open, and once I figured out the teensy area I was trying to hit I could pull it up consistently. It's like the programming in the profile put a dead zone over the button but didn't cover it all the way.
As for the store, I just put a password on purchases. Apps that direct link to another app (like the Dr. Suess books) will take you right in regardless of how you have the store settings checked in parental controls.
I created an automate task to kill S voice and to launch Google Now. This helps me use the active listening wake up command feature on my note 3 to use Google now like the Moto X does. https://db.tt/X7LZSrzR
Does anyone know of a way to make the Galaxy gear button launch S voice on the phone? I'm thinking that combination would allow for Google now use from the watch since the audio would be both sent and received from the watch itself via bluetooth.
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
by default the svoice is launched by double pressing the power button
but you can change it worth any other app from the gear manager
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
The problem is that will only launch S voice on the Galaxy Gear which has limited features. I'm looking to make it launch S voice on the phone.
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
I'm still racking my brain trying to find a way. The best I've come up with so far is kinda blah but it works. I installed the eBay for gear app and assigned it to the gear button after a double press. The eBay app opens and you click the view on phone button. I created a automateit app task to kill eBay when it opens and to launch Google now instead.It would work a little better if I could get it to launch voice search instead of google now and then saying google to start the search but that is not an option in automateit. I can't figure out how to use tasker to save my life lol. The audio for Google now is played through the galaxy gear via Bluetooth. It's 3 button presses and you lose the eBay app on your phone to do this though
that's great news
hope some of the devs will jump in and help you
keep up the good work
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Was there ever any progress on this?
I realize I'm bumping a two month old thread, but I was just thinking about this the other day...
Not really. I ended up going with the null rom to handle everything I wanted to do.
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
cgadgetz said:
Not really. I ended up going with the null rom to handle everything I wanted to do.
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too would LOVE to see Full S-Voice or Google Search/Google Now on the Galaxy Gear. That was the only reason that I spent 2 days trying to get the Null rom to work but couldn't. After rooting, I could never get the custom recovery to work. Everytime I tried to boot into recovery the watch would reset itself back to the default settings and I would have to reload everything all over again. After that happened over a dozen time I just gave up.
If anyone figures out a simpler way to get Google Voice Search working on the Gear please let me know...that's all I want, and the Null roms are a long tedious way of doing it for just that one function!
Batman8 said:
Null roms are a long tedious way of doing it for just that one function!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Installing null takes less than 5 minutes from start to finish so not sure how long it is taking you to make it long and tedious.
As far as the constant resetting issue you had, I can only imagine you never read the OP for installing TWRP because that issue is addressed in bold.
You might want to actually read the OP for 3 minutes before wasting hours of your time from not following directions and eventually end up breaking something.
StaticMatt said:
Installing null takes less than 5 minutes from start to finish so not sure how long it is taking you to make it long and tedious.
As far as the constant resetting issue you had, I can only imagine you never read the OP for installing TWRP because that issue is addressed in bold.
You might want to actually read the OP for 3 minutes before wasting hours of your time from not following directions and eventually end up breaking something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey StaticMatt,
Thanks for the reply. However, I don't know if you install roms for a living or what...but my understanding is that to install the Null roms you first off have to root the Gear, and unless you already have the drivers, the .tar file...etc. that can take time to dl, extract, install, etc.
Then, a custom recovery has to be flashed (along with SU, which never worked either due to errors in MobileGo which you'll also need unless using ADB, in which case you'll need that, in order to push the apps). THEN and only THEN are you ready to install Null!
Although I'm not even close to an expert, I'm also not a NOOB either. I have 2 guides that I followed EXACTLY and neither worked, so with that along with the constant resets, it took a lot longer than 5 minutes for all 3 procedures!
I'll check the info I have against the instructions/guide here in this forum and maybe try it again when I have more time, but if you were trying to say that the info here is better/more precise than maybe YouTube videos then why not just say it? But don't insult me as if I haven't done any homework first. I have 7 Android devices (6 of them I've rooted). I've been on Android since the start and I am very aware of the risks of bricking so I never take such procedures "lightly."
Hopefully, once trying it again, someone else will come to my aid with some actual "help" if I get stuck, instead of attitude and sarcasm. But thanks again at least for the reply.
Questions (regarding the Null roms on the Galaxy Gear):
* First off, I apologize if any of these questions have already been answered but...
1.) I noticed that everyone that is running Null on their Gear has a watch face that looks more like a phone home screen than an actual watch. So does the gear have to look like that when running this rom, or can one still run apps like Watch Styler and still have "full screen" watch faces without the 4 little apps buttons at the bottom of the face?
2.) Once running Null can you set the double-tap launch app to Google Search using the Gear Manager? This is really my main goal. I'd simply like to be able to double-tap my watch button and give Google Search my voice commands, so I don't want to find out after hacking that you can't set it up that way for some reason.
3.) When on Null, can you still have all the same Gear functions like the Media Controller, Notifications, Pedometer, Voice Memo, etc. or would I then have to run all full apps like Google Music, PowerAmp, etc.?
4.) Lastly, how easy is it to revert back to stock if not liking Null? Would I have to reflash the stock image, and if so, how in depth is that process? I'm guessing that I would just open Odin and reflash the one file, but I'd like someone to confirm that please if you don't mind.
Modding this watch seems a bit different than all the phones that I've modded with custom roms (i.e. even the way apps are loaded is quite different in that you can't just attach to a PC via USB and simply drag & drop anymore. It's now all Wondershare MobileGo or ADB and all).
Thanks.
Batman8 said:
Questions (regarding the Null roms on the Galaxy Gear):
* First off, I apologize if any of these questions have already been answered but...
1.) I noticed that everyone that is running Null on their Gear has a watch face that looks more like a phone home screen than an actual watch. So does the gear have to look like that when running this rom, or can one still run apps like Watch Styler and still have "full screen" watch faces without the 4 little apps buttons at the bottom of the face?
2.) Once running Null can you set the double-tap launch app to Google Search using the Gear Manager? This is really my main goal. I'd simply like to be able to double-tap my watch button and give Google Search my voice commands, so I don't want to find out after hacking that you can't set it up that way for some reason.
3.) When on Null, can you still have all the same Gear functions like the Media Controller, Notifications, Pedometer, Voice Memo, etc. or would I then have to run all full apps like Google Music, PowerAmp, etc.?
4.) Lastly, how easy is it to revert back to stock if not liking Null? Would I have to reflash the stock image, and if so, how in depth is that process? I'm guessing that I would just open Odin and reflash the one file, but I'd like someone to confirm that please if you don't mind.
Modding this watch seems a bit different than all the phones that I've modded with custom roms (i.e. even the way apps are loaded is quite different in that you can't just attach to a PC via USB and simply drag & drop anymore. It's now all Wondershare MobileGo or ADB and all).
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) these 4 little icons is the dock. most of us are using nova launcher, i personally disabled the dock because it's not necesarry to keep these items on top all the time.
2) i'm not sure if that is possible. perhaps if you don't use nova launcher but something else, you can keep the double tap shortcut. mine is set to power on/power off the screen.
3) you can use 'stock' apps with no issues. i'm using pedometer, notifications and media controller. for the rest i found a replacement apps.
4) i never done it, but it will be 'as easy' as putting custom rom on it. but frankly.. there is no reason not to have null. you can keep null rom and just use stock launcher if that's your liking..
hurdlejade said:
1) these 4 little icons is the dock. most of us are using nova launcher, i personally disabled the dock because it's not necesarry to keep these items on top all the time.
2) i'm not sure if that is possible. perhaps if you don't use nova launcher but something else, you can keep the double tap shortcut. mine is set to power on/power off the screen.
3) you can use 'stock' apps with no issues. i'm using pedometer, notifications and media controller. for the rest i found a replacement apps.
4) i never done it, but it will be 'as easy' as putting custom rom on it. but frankly.. there is no reason not to have null. you can keep null rom and just use stock launcher if that's your liking..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much Hurdlejade! I really appreciate your response. It's also good to know that what I'm ultimately trying to do with Null may not even be possible (setting double-tap to Google Search/Google Now). I wish the Galaxy Gear version of S-Voice was much better!!!
I really want to be able to invoke Google Now with a double-tap as well, but have had no luck so far.
An alternative that I'm using that is also very convenient is to assign Google Now to one of the long-press button on UDN.
It's more difficult to invoke if you aren't in a situation where you can easily perform the swiping (like driving), but it beats having to scroll through home screens or the app drawer to get to it.
dwallersv said:
I really want to be able to invoke Google Now with a double-tap as well, but have had no luck so far.
An alternative that I'm using that is also very convenient is to assign Google Now to one of the long-press button on UDN.
It's more difficult to invoke if you aren't in a situation where you can easily perform the swiping (like driving), but it beats having to scroll through home screens or the app drawer to get to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use gmd gesture control. You can set a gesture like a double tap for opening an app like Google now. I also use gestures to launch tasker tasks.
First time android user, ive had my note 3 for barely a day. Just switched from the iPhone 4s, so my switch to android has been surprising to say the least.
The spoiler below summarizes my first struggle/rant with how "amazing" android customization is.
They say android is very customizable, and it is, but what they don't tell you is that there are no good apps to do what you want to do. For example, I tried syncing my iTunes library to my android phone. Doubletwist wouldnt work because my library is in a different place than where iTunes installs normally, and it seems that iTunes only updates iTunes Library.xml instead of the iTunes Music Library.xml, so not all my music is transferred to my phone anyway. Good interface, bad performance. Right now im using the free trial of iSyncr, which works great, but has a ****ty icon/interface, with the free trial of playerpro for a music player with a good interface and the ability to change play counts and ratings so it reflects in my iTunes library. Once those free trials end, I'll have to dish out 10 bucks just to do what was native on iPhone. I understand you can drag and drop music, but im not gonna go through my entire music library every time i have to transfer over a new song (so I avoid duplicates of songs already on there), or wait 30 minutes each time to transfer my whole library over every time I want to sync (replacing my old library). Google Play is nice and all, but it doesnt keep track of play counts, and I just hate the fact that its streaming. What if I was stuck in a class that was in a brick classroom that just killed my network connectivity and provided no wifi? (I do encounter this at my university some times). Does that mean I cant listen to music?
1. What are the LED notifications? What does red mean? what is blue? what is green? My note 3 didnt come with a manual... I think my phone told me when i was setting it up, but it was a lot to take in, so i forgot some parts.
2. Are the apps with a blue circle with a white arrow on the lower bottom left corner of the apps free? or just shortcuts to buy the app in the app store? I hope they are free apps that come bundled with it, since I would love to use the sketchbook app, but I dont wanna pay for it when I can use the mobile free version.
3. I want to get rid of the bloatware on my phone, but I have no clue which apps are bloatware and which ones are actually useful (besides the obvious ones that are branded with AT&T and samsung(are the samsung apps useful?). What ROM should I flash to get to stock android (and rooted since it seems like some of these roms come with root). I dont want any fancy themes or whatever, since most of the time, they suck.
4. Can I set lockscreen notifications? Or do i have to unlock my device, pull down the notifications bar, and go from there?
5. Can I customize the icons on the status bar? Like their location on the status bar (id like to have my 4g and at&t signal on the left, instead of the 4g in the middle of nowhere) or what shows up on the status bar?
6. What is the best themeing app called?
7. uhh thats all the questions I can think of now, but its only been a day. Once i start using it more, i'll have more questions, but im sure I can figure those out myself unless its a stumper.
edit:
7. How do I set my mail to automatically load images?
Marth said:
First time android user, ive had my note 3 for barely a day. Just switched from the iPhone 4s, so my switch to android has been surprising to say the least.
The spoiler below summarizes my first struggle/rant with how "amazing" android customization is.
They say android is very customizable, and it is, but what they don't tell you is that there are no good apps to do what you want to do. For example, I tried syncing my iTunes library to my android phone. Doubletwist wouldnt work because my library is in a different place than where iTunes installs normally, and it seems that iTunes only updates iTunes Library.xml instead of the iTunes Music Library.xml, so not all my music is transferred to my phone anyway. Good interface, bad performance. Right now im using the free trial of iSyncr, which works great, but has a ****ty icon/interface, with the free trial of playerpro for a music player with a good interface and the ability to change play counts and ratings so it reflects in my iTunes library. Once those free trials end, I'll have to dish out 10 bucks just to do what was native on iPhone. I understand you can drag and drop music, but im not gonna go through my entire music library every time i have to transfer over a new song (so I avoid duplicates of songs already on there), or wait 30 minutes each time to transfer my whole library over every time I want to sync (replacing my old library). Google Play is nice and all, but it doesnt keep track of play counts, and I just hate the fact that its streaming. What if I was stuck in a class that was in a brick classroom that just killed my network connectivity and provided no wifi? (I do encounter this at my university some times). Does that mean I cant listen to music?
1. What are the LED notifications? What does red mean? what is blue? what is green? My note 3 didnt come with a manual... I think my phone told me when i was setting it up, but it was a lot to take in, so i forgot some parts.
2. Are the apps with a blue circle with a white arrow on the lower bottom left corner of the apps free? or just shortcuts to buy the app in the app store? I hope they are free apps that come bundled with it, since I would love to use the sketchbook app, but I dont wanna pay for it when I can use the mobile free version.
3. I want to get rid of the bloatware on my phone, but I have no clue which apps are bloatware and which ones are actually useful (besides the obvious ones that are branded with AT&T and samsung(are the samsung apps useful?). What ROM should I flash to get to stock android (and rooted since it seems like some of these roms come with root). I dont want any fancy themes or whatever, since most of the time, they suck.
4. Can I set lockscreen notifications? Or do i have to unlock my device, pull down the notifications bar, and go from there?
5. Can I customize the icons on the status bar? Like their location on the status bar (id like to have my 4g and at&t signal on the left, instead of the 4g in the middle of nowhere) or what shows up on the status bar?
6. What is the best themeing app called?
7. uhh thats all the questions I can think of now, but its only been a day. Once i start using it more, i'll have more questions, but im sure I can figure those out myself unless its a stumper.
edit:
7. How do I set my mail to automatically load images?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is the manual if you don't have one. Enjoy!
http://www.note3manual.net/Samsung-Galaxy-Note-3-Manual-PDF-N9005_JellyBean_English.pdf
ukic said:
Here is the manual if you don't have one. Enjoy!
http://www.note3manual.net/Samsung-Galaxy-Note-3-Manual-PDF-N9005_JellyBean_English.pdf
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HAHAHA! That cracked me up to no avail.
I feel for the original poster as I too came from IOS which I had been using for around 4 years prior. Fortunately I did get a little way time with a Galaxy S4 prior to getting the Note 3.
Limeybastard said:
HAHAHA! That cracked me up to no avail.
I feel for the original poster as I too came from IOS which I had been using for around 4 years prior. Fortunately I did get a little way time with a Galaxy S4 prior to getting the Note 3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unfortunately, neither of you were any help to me since none of my questions were answered.
what a great community.
Marth said:
unfortunately, neither of you were any help to me since none of my questions were answered.
what a great community.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He did help, he sent you a manual for the Note 3.
The following You Tube video helped me to "delete" bloatware. without rooting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N78srpO13zI
Limeybastard said:
He did help, he sent you a manual for the Note 3.
The following You Tube video helped me to "delete" bloatware. without rooting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N78srpO13zI
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no, its actually not helpful at all. i can google the manual for myself, thank you very much. If i needed someone to google it for me, I wouldnt have posted.
The manual does not answer any of my questions. If you disagree, show me what page actually answers any of my questions.
Instead of just sending me to google.com, is it really that hard to take 1 minute of your time, and post your own opinion? I would only be okay with this if there was a stick or something that actually answered my questions, but theres not, so stop trying to be a smartass.
you said you used your iphone before the s4. wow, thats so helpful to me. Why not take the time to answer my questions instead of bragging how you had a previous android phone that helped you transition.
Marth said:
unfortunately, neither of you were any help to me since none of my questions were answered.
what a great community.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a very helpful community BUT this question belongs to Official Stupid Questions Thread - No Question too Stupid thread. Took me 5 seconds to find the manual using google and you did say you didn't get one.
Marth said:
no, its actually not helpful at all. i can google the manual for myself, thank you very much. If i needed someone to google it for me, I wouldnt have posted.
The manual does not answer any of my questions. If you disagree, show me what page actually answers any of my questions.
Instead of just sending me to google.com, is it really that hard to take 1 minute of your time, and post your own opinion? I would only be okay with this if there was a stick or something that actually answered my questions, but theres not, so stop trying to be a smartass.
you said you used your iphone before the s4. wow, thats so helpful to me. Why not take the time to answer my questions instead of bragging how you had a previous android phone that helped you transition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you watch that You Tube video?
I am trying to help you transition.
ukic said:
This is a very helpful community BUT this question belongs to Official Stupid Questions Thread - No Question too Stupid thread. Took me 5 seconds to find the manual using google and you did say you didn't get one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just because i said I didnt get one doesnt mean that I cant google it for myself. I already googled it before I even posted in this thread, and looked through it. I decided it didnt help me, so I posted.
Why the hell do you even have this sub-thread if youre just gonna suggest that everyone post in the stupid questions thread? no one even replies there either, people just post new questions.
@Limeybastard
thanks for the video, thats pretty useful, but it only (barely) answers one of my numerous questions. what about my other questions?
im trying not to double post, but theres a 5 min timer between when I can edit posts...
Marth said:
Just because i said I didnt get one doesnt mean that I cant google it for myself. I already googled it before I even posted in this thread, and looked through it. I decided it didnt help me, so I posted.
Why the hell do you even have this sub-thread if youre just gonna suggest that everyone post in the stupid questions thread? no one even replies there either, people just post new questions.
@Limeybastard
thanks for the video, thats pretty useful, but it only (barely) answers one of my numerous questions. what about my other questions?
im trying not to double post, but theres a 5 min timer between when I can edit posts...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Review attached image. It is within the settings of the stock email application . Press the menu button then settings then more settings and drive to the below and check what you see below.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Marth said:
1. What are the LED notifications? What does red mean? what is blue? what is green? My note 3 didnt come with a manual... I think my phone told me when i was setting it up, but it was a lot to take in, so i forgot some parts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1A) Settings > Device > Led Indicator = Will tell you what those colors mean.
Marth said:
2. Are the apps with a blue circle with a white arrow on the lower bottom left corner of the apps free? or just shortcuts to buy the app in the app store? I hope they are free apps that come bundled with it, since I would love to use the sketchbook app, but I dont wanna pay for it when I can use the mobile free version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2A) Shortcuts which redirects you to playstore.
Marth said:
3. I want to get rid of the bloatware on my phone, but I have no clue which apps are bloatware and which ones are actually useful (besides the obvious ones that are branded with AT&T and samsung(are the samsung apps useful?). What ROM should I flash to get to stock android (and rooted since it seems like some of these roms come with root). I dont want any fancy themes or whatever, since most of the time, they suck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3A) Check the video above that was posted or root your phone and use Titanium Backup Pro and freeze/delete the apps you don't want.
Marth said:
4. Can I set lockscreen notifications? Or do i have to unlock my device, pull down the notifications bar, and go from there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4A) You can pull down your notification window even when you are on your lock screen and yes you can set some of it.
Marth said:
5. Can I customize the icons on the status bar? Like their location on the status bar (id like to have my 4g and at&t signal on the left, instead of the 4g in the middle of nowhere) or what shows up on the status bar?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EDIT: 5A) Check Wanam/Xposed. This needs root.
Marth said:
6. What is the best themeing app called?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
6A) Check Wanam/Xposed. This needs root.
Marth said:
7. uhh thats all the questions I can think of now, but its only been a day. Once i start using it more, i'll have more questions, but im sure I can figure those out myself unless its a stumper.
edit:
7. How do I set my mail to automatically load images?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
7A) I use g-mail app and under options you can uncheck the option to load images only when connected to wifi so it will load images even without wifi.
Limeybastard said:
Review attached image. It is within the settings of the stock email application . Press the menu button then settings then more settings and drive to the below and check what you see below.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats really weird, I dont have an option for more settings on my stock email app. I have account settings, then under display settings, it shows display, composing and sending, auto advance, confirm deletions, priority senders, spam addresses, rules for filtering and split view mode. No other option for more settings or how often I want my mail being checked.
@ukic
thank you for your help now lol. However, some of your answers dont make sense to me. To change the icon locations in the status bar, you said hold down the icons. However when I do it, notification center gets pulled down. Im guessing I need root for this?
and I tried using the gmail app, and I do like it, I would just prefer if I could change the default inbox to be set to all mail. Any way I can do this?
Marth said:
thats really weird, I dont have an option for more settings on my stock email app. I have account settings, then under display settings, it shows display, composing and sending, auto advance, confirm deletions, priority senders, spam addresses, rules for filtering and split view mode. No other option for more settings or how often I want my mail being checked.
@ukic
thank you for your help now lol. However, some of your answers dont make sense to me. To change the icon locations in the status bar, you said hold down the icons. However when I do it, notification center gets pulled down. Im guessing I need root for this?
and I tried using the gmail app, and I do like it, I would just prefer if I could change the default inbox to be set to all mail. Any way I can do this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Under account settings press your finger on your email address. The below should screen should appear.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Limeybastard said:
Under account settings press your finger on your email address. The below should screen should appear.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much!
Marth said:
Thank you very much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries, I am still learning. It is like being in a foreign country and not understanding the language when coming from IOS devices.
Marth said:
thats really weird, I dont have an option for more settings on my stock email app. I have account settings, then under display settings, it shows display, composing and sending, auto advance, confirm deletions, priority senders, spam addresses, rules for filtering and split view mode. No other option for more settings or how often I want my mail being checked.
@ukic
thank you for your help now lol. However, some of your answers dont make sense to me. To change the icon locations in the status bar, you said hold down the icons. However when I do it, notification center gets pulled down. Im guessing I need root for this?
and I tried using the gmail app, and I do like it, I would just prefer if I could change the default inbox to be set to all mail. Any way I can do this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry was thinking of too many things at the same time, updated answer > 5A) Check Wanam/Xposed. This needs root.
In regards to default inbox > all mail, I haven't tried to do that but let me see if I can figure it out. Will let you know.
Marth said:
They say android is very customizable, and it is, but what they don't tell you is that there are no good apps to do what you want to do. For example, I tried syncing my iTunes library to my android phone. Doubletwist wouldnt work because my library is in a different place than where iTunes installs normally, and it seems that iTunes only updates iTunes Library.xml instead of the iTunes Music Library.xml, so not all my music is transferred to my phone anyway. Good interface, bad performance. Right now im using the free trial of iSyncr, which works great, but has a ****ty icon/interface, with the free trial of playerpro for a music player with a good interface and the ability to change play counts and ratings so it reflects in my iTunes library. Once those free trials end, I'll have to dish out 10 bucks just to do what was native on iPhone. I understand you can drag and drop music, but im not gonna go through my entire music library every time i have to transfer over a new song (so I avoid duplicates of songs already on there), or wait 30 minutes each time to transfer my whole library over every time I want to sync (replacing my old library). Google Play is nice and all, but it doesnt keep track of play counts, and I just hate the fact that its streaming. What if I was stuck in a class that was in a brick classroom that just killed my network connectivity and provided no wifi? (I do encounter this at my university some times). Does that mean I cant listen to music?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't help that you're coming from a platform that doesn't want to make it easy for you to move...
I feel the same way about the streaming music services, and I tried to explain this to my roommate who works at google, and has drunk the koolaid. The impression I got from him was that we shouldn't be in places that don't have internet - and I'm all for avoiding those, but those times when I can't, I really want to be able to listen to music! At least the note 3 has a microSD card slot, so you can store lots of music on a 64GB micro SD card.
I just put all my music onto a MicroSD card and pointed Music Folder Player at it. I don't know if this will work on an iTunes library though.
Marth said:
What ROM should I flash to get to stock android (and rooted since it seems like some of these roms come with root). I dont want any fancy themes or whatever, since most of the time, they suck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think anyone said this already... You can't flash roms on an AT&T note3, the bootloader is locked. All we can do is root the stock rom (until someone comes up with a bootloader exploit). But you can do a lot with "just" root.
As for samsung apps being useful, probably all you want is the S-Pen related ones.
If you use the Email app (not just GMail), do not disable MyMagazine, however annoying it is; it breaks the basic email app if you do.
The apps with the circle and arrow are shortcuts to download the apps. I just checked on a few of mine, though, and they look to be free. It looks like Samsung had the courtesy not to install all of the bloatware they wanted to? Or maybe they have to pay royalties based on how many people actually install it...? (at least some of them are not samsung products)
DrAzzy said:
It doesn't help that you're coming from a platform that doesn't want to make it easy for you to move...
I feel the same way about the streaming music services, and I tried to explain this to my roommate who works at google, and has drunk the koolaid. The impression I got from him was that we shouldn't be in places that don't have internet - and I'm all for avoiding those, but those times when I can't, I really want to be able to listen to music! At least the note 3 has a microSD card slot, so you can store lots of music on a 64GB micro SD card.
I just put all my music onto a MicroSD card and pointed Music Folder Player at it. I don't know if this will work on an iTunes library though.
I don't think anyone said this already... You can't flash roms on an AT&T note3, the bootloader is locked. All we can do is root the stock rom (until someone comes up with a bootloader exploit). But you can do a lot with "just" root.
As for samsung apps being useful, probably all you want is the S-Pen related ones.
If you use the Email app (not just GMail), do not disable MyMagazine, however annoying it is; it breaks the basic email app if you do.
The apps with the circle and arrow are shortcuts to download the apps. I just checked on a few of mine, though, and they look to be free. It looks like Samsung had the courtesy not to install all of the bloatware they wanted to? Or maybe they have to pay royalties based on how many people actually install it...? (at least some of them are not samsung products)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats very true, but theres also no music manager for android either. Okay well, i'll give you winamp, but honestly, i hate the look of winamp, and most of the themes/skins for it are also terrible. I tried googling for themes for the android app, and I couldnt even find any (then again, i didnt look too hard. just a simple google search).
say what you want, iTunes is a pretty good music manager for those who like to manage their music, but arnt anal about tagging. Ive found that using iSyncr and PlayerPro together have been a great substitution for the same experience as on an iPhone. Except that you CANT SET PlayerPro as your default music app. Apparently people have had issues with the same thing, and theres just no solution on how to set PlayerPro as your default app. I might try finding another music app soon if I cant figure it out, since I play my music through bluetooth in my car, and if I cant choose the songs through my cars system, theres no point.
What do you mean change songs through your car's system? Is it really too much trouble to pick up your phone and press the skip button on whatever music player is running.
And what do you mean by "default music app"? If you want to run something different than what you have, just put that icon on your home screen and open it instead.
I don't know why former iOS sheep have to make things so complicated, like" how do I get this to look/act/do the same as my iPhone "? Something sent you this side of the Isle, just embrace android for a few day whilst you learn the basics of the platform and your device.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using xda app-developers app
Marth said:
Thats very true, but theres also no music manager for android either. Okay well, i'll give you winamp, but honestly, i hate the look of winamp, and most of the themes/skins for it are also terrible. I tried googling for themes for the android app, and I couldnt even find any (then again, i didnt look too hard. just a simple google search).
say what you want, iTunes is a pretty good music manager for those who like to manage their music, but arnt anal about tagging. Ive found that using iSyncr and PlayerPro together have been a great substitution for the same experience as on an iPhone. Except that you CANT SET PlayerPro as your default music app. Apparently people have had issues with the same thing, and theres just no solution on how to set PlayerPro as your default app. I might try finding another music app soon if I cant figure it out, since I play my music through bluetooth in my car, and if I cant choose the songs through my cars system, theres no point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Were you able to select the music before on your iPhone through Bluetooth? Because I would love to find what ever head unit/car you have, because my wife would love that. Only place I've ever seen seen that is if you plug in the iPhone, never though Bluetooth.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using xda app-developers app
I've used the S5 and figured out how to disable the magazine app, well, the S6 has a similar feature that uses Flipboard. I haven't been able to figure out how to disable.
Also, I have NO IDEA how to create a folder in the App Drawer.
dirtyballoonot said:
I've used the S5 and figured out how to disable the magazine app, well, the S6 has a similar feature that uses Flipboard. I haven't been able to figure out how to disable.
Also, I have NO IDEA how to create a folder in the App Drawer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dunno about about the folders but you can hide (but maybe not disable) the Flipboard screen by unchecking its box in the "rearrange home screens" mode.
sturmen said:
Dunno about about the folders but you can hide (but maybe not disable) the Flipboard screen by unchecking its box in the "rearrange home screens" mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I did that, and you can do that, but, there's no wrap-around feature; Basically you will have no screens if you swipe left once you hide it.
dirtyballoonot said:
Yeah, I did that, and you can do that, but, there's no wrap-around feature; Basically you will have no screens if you swipe left once you hide it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, no wrap around but just reposition your home screen
dirtyballoonot said:
Yeah, I did that, and you can do that, but, there's no wrap-around feature; Basically you will have no screens if you swipe left once you hide it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Someone needs an iPhone..
fsupartyboy850 said:
Someone needs an iPhone..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've owned every Galaxy except a 5. I've always rooted and always had that functionality. Thanks for the sarcasm, and wasting internet space though
dirtyballoonot said:
I've owned every Galaxy except a 5. I've always rooted and always had that functionality. Thanks for the sarcasm, and wasting internet space though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While the wrap around effect is long gone in TouchWiz, it is still implemented on most third party launchers. And call me crazy, but someone with so much experience should know how to simply add new pages and reassign the home page.
fsupartyboy850 said:
While the wrap around effect is long gone in TouchWiz, it is still implemented on most third party launchers. And call me crazy, but someone with so much experience should know how to simply add new pages and reassign the home page.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wasn't asking how to rearrange home screens. The feature is alive and well in the 4. Don't see any benefit to removing it, but you're not really here for help or a discussion. Just to be argumentative and condescending.
Just pointing out something...the iPhone home screen doesn't wrap either, so it would do no good for them to get one for that feature. ...
GooBlahIsh said:
Just pointing out something...the iPhone home screen doesn't wrap either, so it would do no good for them to get one for that feature. ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't want an iPhone, I want my homescreen and app drawer to wrap. Simple request. It used to behave this way