Hi, newbie here trying to find out if it’s possible to turn an android phone into a fast desktop type multitasker. Was told I need a combination of AOSP ROM + eXposed, +Tasker +plugins, and a launcher like Lightning Launcher Extreme. so trying to assemble a list of things I’ll need, and find out if it’s even possible or not to achieve these tasks. In priority sequence:
1) Add as many as 15 buttons to nav bar. would love to change the size and more impornt spacing maybe even location of each button.
2) Optional (ability to lock some of the buttons across the board so lets say, on left side I have a locked home and back button, btu the ones on the right I can swipe left or right and move the nav bar buttons just like on Xtended NavBar app , so it’s kind of like a split nav bar.
Is it possible to add specific functions to each nav bar button I create:
3) Three zoom buttons, one with preset zoom %, so I click it once it zooms in to my preset % I click it second time zoom out must be able to preset the % of zoom somewhere. The other two zoom buttons are regular zoom in and out by increments (if possible preset increments as well per each click)
4) Multitask, instead of resent app, where it shows my open apps as smaller windows, I’d rather switch between them in full screen view, so the navbar recent app button must be mapped to simply switch between all open apps in rotation with each click.
5) Copy/ paste/ cut / undo / 4 buttons, not sure if it needs mapping in each app I use or universal, if each app, can it be done in Firefox or any other web browser, and in Microsoft office or any other office program so when I highlight text I can use these buttons, just like they normally would work in desktop versions?
6) 4 arrow keys, this is for Microsoft excel to shift quickly between cells so in each direction. Or as scrolling in web browser in all 4 directions.
7) search button, same concept as copy paste only once I highlight a text this button will search the net for highlighted text not sure if it’s possible to do from office app as well.
8) Now this is a tricky one, is it possible to automate the nav bar buttons, so if I had 10 or more buttons in total, they can’t fit the screen obviously, os once I open a certain app, the nav bar would move left or right depending on my app, so lets say I open an office app, the cut/paste /undo are automatically in front of me, if I open a excel then the arrow keys are in front……and so on
9) Is it also possible to remap volume keys in certain apps, so lets say I open excel, I have space in my nav bar only for 4 arrow keys, so in this case the volume buttons would become copy/paste.
If some could list the ROM, which launcher, specific modules, specific takser plug ins that could accomplish this or some things, well in an optimized way so I’m not running 15 apps for each request, then I will research each one individually.
Sorry for the long post.
Cheers
I have honestly never heard of such things...
And I think (having owned a Note 3 and now a Nexus 5) that the closest you can ever get to such multitasking experience is to own a Galaxy Note 4, with all the S-Pen functionality that's been added so that it'll work like a mouse on a computer. I know this may not add a lot to your cause; it's just what my knowledge offers.
Well for a newbie the confusion comes to me from not understanding the fundamentals of the android, what things are in the core and what things are on top as a layer? So for example if there is a back button on most phones that’s a fundamental core feature, does that mean it will be easy to add a forward button, so this way I’m compromising on my number 4) request and trying to go more a long the lines of android fundamentals.
As for the note 4 if it does add some mouse like functionality it’s only 50% since some things are faster via keyboard shortcuts rather then a mouse.
The problem I see is too many menus, so you select a text even with an s pen you must open a menu then select a copy, then open another app where you want to paste it in a specific location first you must zoom in that means turn the pen away and zoom then turn the pen towards another menu to open so you can select paste… The pen only has one or two buttons so if it has the zoom buttons I can’t paste quickly with a pen, if it has the paste buttons then I need to use my fingers to zoom in again turning my hand back and forth
way too many menus and not very productive way of working in trying to accomplish a small task of coping a text in one app and pasting in another in specific location. As you can see I’m trying to combine both mouse and keyboard shortcuts into one nav bar button this is to overcome the shortcomings of a small size screen and lack of keyboard and mouse of course.
I realize maybe the whole goal of android was never geared towards my way of thinking, but if it’s open source platform and as I see it there are many things that can be changed compared to a more closed system, it’s how difficult to do it only a programmer will understand, a I’m not a programmer. So I’m here trying to get some answers.
Cheers
Table of Contents
Preface
Requirements
Difficulty
How it works!
Uses
Autorun
Demo, screenshots, TaskerNet & project backup
Tips
Why not those easy to use apps from PlayStore?
End note.
1. PrefaceBefore getting my hands on Pixel 6, I was using a Samsung Galaxy S8 running on an Android 10 custom ROM. Samsung provides an advanced, and very useful app called Good Lock, in which the "One Hand Operation +" feature helps us to set up upto freaking 36 number of swipe gesture shortcuts, from the left and right (top, center and bottom) sides of the screen, irrespective of which screen or app is currently active on the screen.
The only thing that I was sure about missing in Pixel 6 was this swipe gestures. That's why I did my research even before receiving my Pixel. Now I've successfully implemented a replica of the Samsung's swipe gesture into my Google Pixel.
These gestures makes it very easy to use this big and heavy smartphone.
This gesture setup made it easy for me to pull up my Control Panel created in Tasker, whenever I need, irrespective of which app or screen I'm in.
2. Requirements
Tasker
Tasker terms to understand (Only for those who are new to Tasker)
TASK : An action or set of actions which will be later run by Tasker by itself, when defined conditions are met. Can also be run manually via the Tasker app.
Examples: Launch an app, change ringer volume, toggle WiFI, disable auto rotation etc.
PROJECT : An individual Tasker set up, where we define the conditions to meet, and the tasks to be performed when the defined conditions are met.
Example 1: A profile which automatically enables the auto-rotation (task), when YouTube is opened (condition), and disables auto-rotation when you leave YouTube.
Example 2: A profile which automatically enables mobile data (task), when your device is connected to your car WiFi (condition) or Android Auto.
SCENE : A visible, or invisible shape which will be displayed on the screen, and can be configured to respond to a swipe, tap or long tap on it, and then accordingly perform a pre-defined task. A scene can only be enabled (show) and disabled (destroy) through a task or a project.
Example 1: A visible button that can be displayed on the screen, or an invisible location on the screen, which disables WiFi when we long tap on it.
Example 2: A visible button that can be displayed on the screen, or an invisible location on the screen, which opens recent apps list when we swipe on it.
"If" variables to be used in scenes for assigning shortcuts, to each combination of a swipe length and a swipe direction:
%stroke_len : Defines the length of the swipe in pixels.
%stroke_dir : Defines the direction of the swipe. (Read How It Works! section)
Actions that can be performed on a scene:
Tap: A single touch ON the scene.
Long tap: Single touch & holding, ON the scene.
Stroke: A regular swipe started FROM the scene, and ended anywhere on the screen.
Don't get confused, there are NO different swipe types like long swipe, or short swipe in Tasker by default. For this project, we can mention a swipe with %stroke_len more than a user specified number as a long swipe, and a swipe shorter than that as a short swipe.
3. DifficultyYou only need to know the basics of Tasker app and scenes. If you are okay with creating, editing, showing and destroying scenes, then it's just a cakewalk.
You just need to create scenes wherever you want, then inside the tap, or long tap, or stroke tabs of your scene, add the if statements with any one of %stroke_len > or %stroke_len <, AND, %stroke_dir ~ as two conditions, and then your desired set of actions inside each if statement, between If and EndIf. (Refer Demo, Screenshots & Project Backup section)
If you are not comfortable with creating, editing, showing and destroying scenes, it will take maximum 1-2 hours to understand the same.
It is time consuming, only during the initial setup from the scratch.
After that, it is editing or adding conditions and shortcuts, again, it's just a cakewalk.
4. How it works!Using the scenes inside Tasker, we are setting up three different areas on the screen, which are, top (horizontal), left and right (vertical). Inside each scene, we can make small multiple shapes, where we can add different tasks to each portion, when we do a swipe, tap or long tap on it.
When it comes to swipe, we can define the swipe length (using %stroke_len) and the swipe direction (using %stroke_dir), where we can assign different tasks to each conditions, which are made with a pair of a swipe length and a swipe direction.
What is more interesting is that the swipe directions can be any of vertical or horizontal directions like Up, Down, Left, or Right, and also diagonal directions like UpLeft, UpRight, DownLeft and DownRight. (But try not to use vertical and diagonal directions together at a single location, as it might bring conflicts and may end up giving you wrong response because of failing to read your swipe correctly).
These gestures are NOT restricted to homescreen, but works irrespective of which screen or app is currently active on the screen (Exception: To make scenes work in Settings app, you need to Allow Screen Overlays in Settings through developer options).
5. UsesFor instance, a task (set of actions) can be assigned into a swipe gesture like short swipe to UpLeft direction, and another task to another swipe long swipe to UpRight direction, etc.
Examples:
Short swipe from left center edge in UpRight direction, opens YouTube.
Short swipe from right center edge in DownLeft direction, jump to last app.
Long tap on the top middle (1st scene) of the screen, toggles WiFi.
Long tap on the top middle (2nd scene) of the screen, toggles mobile data.
Long swipe from right top edge in Up direction, takes a screenshot.
Long swipe from right bottom edge in Down direction, kill foreground app.
6. AutorunYou can assign the same task (which is set up to show the scene), to a new profile which gets triggered on the device boot. This will make these swipe gestures enable automatically few seconds (or so) after booting your smartphone.
However, you can always open the task inside Tasker app, and click on the play button (⏵) to run the task manually, which will show the scene (or enable the swipe gestures).
Since I'm using Nova Launcher, I also added the same task to a Nova's homescreen gesture, so that I can easily restart this swipe gesture from homescreen itself, whenever required, or just after editing the scene via Tasker. This is very helpful because whenever we edit a scene via Tasker, the scene will get automatically destroyed. So every time you modify a scene, we have to manually re-enable it.
7. Demo, screenshots, TaskerNet & project backup
Demo:
Google Pixel: In this screenshot, I have mentioned all of the possibilities we have for the Pixel 6, which doesn't get into conflict with the existing system gestures provided by Google.
Others: I suggest using these kind of directions in other android devices which doesn't have native gestures like left swipe from the right edge, and right swipe from the left side edge.
Screenshots: This is the screen where we edit or add set of tasks to be performed, using if statements with conditions %stroke_len > (or %stroke_len <), AND %stroke_dir ~.
TaskerNet: Projects for Pixel 6 and Galaxy S8.
Project Backup: To start with setting up this project, if you want, you can also refer to these regularly updated backup of my setup where I included all the scenes, required task to activate the scene, and the project to autorun this setup on device boot. The folder includes files for both Galaxy S8 and Google Pixel 6. (You can refer here for assistance on how to import task and scene into your Tasker)
8. Tips
If your device (like Google Pixel) already got a native swipe gesture like left swipe from the right screen edge, and right swipe from the left screen side edge, you should not create a similar gesture via Tasker, which will conflict with your existing system gestures.
Swipe direction Down from a top horizontal scene might also end up in issues since most of the Android devices natively use the same gesture to pull down notification panel.
Try not to use vertical directions and diagonal directions together. For example, in right side, don't use Up or Down series AND UpLeft, DownLeft series together. Both these series at a single location might bring conflicts and it may end up giving you wrong response because of failing to read your swipe correctly.
Try not to avoid using tap. Instead, use long tap, to avoid accidental touches.
Always keep the size of the scenes thin, because these scene are blocking scenes which makes area behind it untouchable. So anything below the scene is, impossible to touch. (Refer tip number 8 along with this)
Always re-activate (show) the scene after making any changes, because making changes disables (destroy) the scene.
Assign the (scene enabling) task to any swipe gestures of your launcher (if any) to make restarting the gesture easy. However, you can always open the task inside Tasker app, and click on the play button (⏵) to run the task manually.
This is a workaround to make these blocking scenes hide temporarily so that we can touch whatever was behind the scene. (Thanks to user ActivateGuacamole for this idea)
Few other valuable tips for choosing the right swipe length for tasks considering their frequency of usage. (Thanks to user ActivateGuacamole for this idea)
9. Why not those easy to use apps from PlayStore?
Because Tasker is powerful. Period.
I have tried few popular gesture setting apps but I always came back to Tasker itself because of the level of control, and customization we have here. Tasker can do impressive automations, which can also be implemented into this swipe gestures, something that can't be achieved with other easy to use and ready-made gesture apps.
With this method, I can add a set of actions (not just one single action), one by one, to be performed, into one single gesture. So if I wanted to do a swipe on the screen, and then another direction swipe, and then a click on a specific area, all these automatically, I can easily do with Tasker.
Examples:
Kill and remove foreground app from recent: You can watch this screen record video which shows my simple swipe gesture running the task where Tasker automates actions (a) open recent apps list, (b) a swipe action to swipe away the app, and (c) another swipe action to go to home screen. All this within a fraction of second. Impressive. isn't it?
Clear all recent apps: In Pixel 6, clear all button is placed at the end of the list. But watch this one, a simple gesture is enough. Tasker will take care of the rest. Again, Impressive. Isn't it?
For implementing such complicated automations, advanced settings and toggling, into a swipe gesture, Tasker is the best solution.
10. End note.It took days of questions, answers, trail and errors to first understand, and then to make this thing work flawless. Me and my couple of friends really find this useful in our smartphones, so I decided to share it with you also. If you find this useful for you, go ahead. And if you think this is not worth the time and effort required, you can kindly ignore.
I, a noob, wouldn't have made this possible without receiving a help from another person. So, a big thanks to u/adbenj for the initial guide and idea.
Always remember that there is nothing in the world like suitable for everyone, so stick to whatever is suitable for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
.
UPDATE 1: Added TaskerNet in section "7. Demo, screenshots, TaskerNet & project backup".
Awesome information and Guide!
Thank you for taking the time to put all of this together from the Taker files themselves and then a complete and detailed write up!
.
coffee-turtle said:
Awesome information and Guide!
Thank you for taking the time to put all of this together from the Taker files themselves and then a complete and detailed write up!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know this is not something that everyone considers worthy, because of the time and effort required for the initial setup. Most of the people might go with those free ready to use applications from Play Store. But I thought at least Tasker uses might consider this useful because they are already using the Tasker and automating lot of things like a power user, or a techie (like I pretend )
I did enjoy the whole process from research, trial & error, finishing and finally this write up.
Anyway, thanks for the nice words. It took half a day to finish this write up, after numerous editing formatting and reformatting.
Happy to know that the time that I spent for this write up didn't get wasted by mere replies like "not worthy".
Thanks
Actually, now I am replacing some apps! Tasker is great and nice to have everything under one roof with greater customizing! You should also post this on Joas main Tasker Reddit forum and consider adding the demos to TaskerNet. Not only will this get greater visibility, but a lot of action happens there especially when Joas comes up with new updates. One of his last videos really highlighted scenes because he made them even able to appear on the lock screen, navigation bar, and status bar. This will even add more power to what you present here.
Not everyone explains in such detail as you did here and you've inspired some ideas to make using my phone even easier.
Keep up your good work!
coffee-turtle said:
Not everyone explains in such detail as you did here and you've inspired some ideas to make using my phone even easier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the past 3 moths, I explained this briefly to many people in Reddit via comments. So I already know what all questions may pop up when explaining this, which helped me to make this final post very detailed.
consider adding the demos to TaskerNet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thing is, I don't think there is a way to share the scenes via TaskerNet URLs. Only project and task can be shared via that. That's why I exported the project, required tasks and scenes, and uploaded to a shared Google Drive folder.
Will do post in Tasker subreddit also.
Anyway, thank you for your kind words
coffee-turtle said:
...and consider adding the demos to TaskerNet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi.
To be honest, today only I learned how to move (rather than exporting, deleting & importing) a profile, task and relevant scenes into a new project.
So finally I updated the post with TaskerNet links in section "7. Demo, screenshots, TaskerNet & project backup"
Great work Thanks!
ShebeerPrince said:
Table of Contents
Preface
Requirements
Difficulty
How it works!
Uses
Autorun
Demo, screenshots, TaskerNet & project backup
Tips
Why not those easy to use apps from PlayStore?
End note.
1. PrefaceBefore getting my hands on Pixel 6, I was using a Samsung Galaxy S8 running on an Android 10 custom ROM. Samsung provides an advanced, and very useful app called Good Lock, in which the "One Hand Operation +" feature helps us to set up upto freaking 36 number of swipe gesture shortcuts, from the left and right (top, center and bottom) sides of the screen, irrespective of which screen or app is currently active on the screen.
The only thing that I was sure about missing in Pixel 6 was this swipe gestures. That's why I did my research even before receiving my Pixel. Now I've successfully implemented a replica of the Samsung's swipe gesture into my Google Pixel.
These gestures makes it very easy to use this big and heavy smartphone.
This gesture setup made it easy for me to pull up my Control Panel created in Tasker, whenever I need, irrespective of which app or screen I'm in.
2. Requirements
Tasker
Tasker terms to understand (Only for those who are new to Tasker)
TASK : An action or set of actions which will be later run by Tasker by itself, when defined conditions are met. Can also be run manually via the Tasker app.
Examples: Launch an app, change ringer volume, toggle WiFI, disable auto rotation etc.
PROJECT : An individual Tasker set up, where we define the conditions to meet, and the tasks to be performed when the defined conditions are met.
Example 1: A profile which automatically enables the auto-rotation (task), when YouTube is opened (condition), and disables auto-rotation when you leave YouTube.
Example 2: A profile which automatically enables mobile data (task), when your device is connected to your car WiFi (condition) or Android Auto.
SCENE : A visible, or invisible shape which will be displayed on the screen, and can be configured to respond to a swipe, tap or long tap on it, and then accordingly perform a pre-defined task. A scene can only be enabled (show) and disabled (destroy) through a task or a project.
Example 1: A visible button that can be displayed on the screen, or an invisible location on the screen, which disables WiFi when we long tap on it.
Example 2: A visible button that can be displayed on the screen, or an invisible location on the screen, which opens recent apps list when we swipe on it.
"If" variables to be used in scenes for assigning shortcuts, to each combination of a swipe length and a swipe direction:
%stroke_len : Defines the length of the swipe in pixels.
%stroke_dir : Defines the direction of the swipe. (Read How It Works! section)
Actions that can be performed on a scene:
Tap: A single touch ON the scene.
Long tap: Single touch & holding, ON the scene.
Stroke: A regular swipe started FROM the scene, and ended anywhere on the screen.
Don't get confused, there are NO different swipe types like long swipe, or short swipe in Tasker by default. For this project, we can mention a swipe with %stroke_len more than a user specified number as a long swipe, and a swipe shorter than that as a short swipe.
3. DifficultyYou only need to know the basics of Tasker app and scenes. If you are okay with creating, editing, showing and destroying scenes, then it's just a cakewalk.
You just need to create scenes wherever you want, then inside the tap, or long tap, or stroke tabs of your scene, add the if statements with any one of %stroke_len > or %stroke_len <, AND, %stroke_dir ~ as two conditions, and then your desired set of actions inside each if statement, between If and EndIf. (Refer Demo, Screenshots & Project Backup section)
If you are not comfortable with creating, editing, showing and destroying scenes, it will take maximum 1-2 hours to understand the same.
It is time consuming, only during the initial setup from the scratch.
After that, it is editing or adding conditions and shortcuts, again, it's just a cakewalk.
4. How it works!Using the scenes inside Tasker, we are setting up three different areas on the screen, which are, top (horizontal), left and right (vertical). Inside each scene, we can make small multiple shapes, where we can add different tasks to each portion, when we do a swipe, tap or long tap on it.
When it comes to swipe, we can define the swipe length (using %stroke_len) and the swipe direction (using %stroke_dir), where we can assign different tasks to each conditions, which are made with a pair of a swipe length and a swipe direction.
What is more interesting is that the swipe directions can be any of vertical or horizontal directions like Up, Down, Left, or Right, and also diagonal directions like UpLeft, UpRight, DownLeft and DownRight. (But try not to use vertical and diagonal directions together at a single location, as it might bring conflicts and may end up giving you wrong response because of failing to read your swipe correctly).
These gestures are NOT restricted to homescreen, but works irrespective of which screen or app is currently active on the screen (Exception: To make scenes work in Settings app, you need to Allow Screen Overlays in Settings through developer options).
5. UsesFor instance, a task (set of actions) can be assigned into a swipe gesture like short swipe to UpLeft direction, and another task to another swipe long swipe to UpRight direction, etc.
Examples:
Short swipe from left center edge in UpRight direction, opens YouTube.
Short swipe from right center edge in DownLeft direction, jump to last app.
Long tap on the top middle (1st scene) of the screen, toggles WiFi.
Long tap on the top middle (2nd scene) of the screen, toggles mobile data.
Long swipe from right top edge in Up direction, takes a screenshot.
Long swipe from right bottom edge in Down direction, kill foreground app.
6. AutorunYou can assign the same task (which is set up to show the scene), to a new profile which gets triggered on the device boot. This will make these swipe gestures enable automatically few seconds (or so) after booting your smartphone.
However, you can always open the task inside Tasker app, and click on the play button (⏵) to run the task manually, which will show the scene (or enable the swipe gestures).
Since I'm using Nova Launcher, I also added the same task to a Nova's homescreen gesture, so that I can easily restart this swipe gesture from homescreen itself, whenever required, or just after editing the scene via Tasker. This is very helpful because whenever we edit a scene via Tasker, the scene will get automatically destroyed. So every time you modify a scene, we have to manually re-enable it.
7. Demo, screenshots, TaskerNet & project backup
Demo:
Google Pixel: In this screenshot, I have mentioned all of the possibilities we have for the Pixel 6, which doesn't get into conflict with the existing system gestures provided by Google.
Others: I suggest using these kind of directions in other android devices which doesn't have native gestures like left swipe from the right edge, and right swipe from the left side edge.
Screenshots: This is the screen where we edit or add set of tasks to be performed, using if statements with conditions %stroke_len > (or %stroke_len <), AND %stroke_dir ~.
TaskerNet: Projects for Pixel 6 and Galaxy S8.
Project Backup: To start with setting up this project, if you want, you can also refer to these regularly updated backup of my setup where I included all the scenes, required task to activate the scene, and the project to autorun this setup on device boot. The folder includes files for both Galaxy S8 and Google Pixel 6. (You can refer here for assistance on how to import task and scene into your Tasker)
8. Tips
If your device (like Google Pixel) already got a native swipe gesture like left swipe from the right screen edge, and right swipe from the left screen side edge, you should not create a similar gesture via Tasker, which will conflict with your existing system gestures.
Swipe direction Down from a top horizontal scene might also end up in issues since most of the Android devices natively use the same gesture to pull down notification panel.
Try not to use vertical directions and diagonal directions together. For example, in right side, don't use Up or Down series AND UpLeft, DownLeft series together. Both these series at a single location might bring conflicts and it may end up giving you wrong response because of failing to read your swipe correctly.
Try not to avoid using tap. Instead, use long tap, to avoid accidental touches.
Always keep the size of the scenes thin, because these scene are blocking scenes which makes area behind it untouchable. So anything below the scene is, impossible to touch. (Refer tip number 8 along with this)
Always re-activate (show) the scene after making any changes, because making changes disables (destroy) the scene.
Assign the (scene enabling) task to any swipe gestures of your launcher (if any) to make restarting the gesture easy. However, you can always open the task inside Tasker app, and click on the play button (⏵) to run the task manually.
This is a workaround to make these blocking scenes hide temporarily so that we can touch whatever was behind the scene. (Thanks to user ActivateGuacamole for this idea)
Few other valuable tips for choosing the right swipe length for tasks considering their frequency of usage. (Thanks to user ActivateGuacamole for this idea)
9. Why not those easy to use apps from PlayStore?
Because Tasker is powerful. Period.
I have tried few popular gesture setting apps but I always came back to Tasker itself because of the level of control, and customization we have here. Tasker can do impressive automations, which can also be implemented into this swipe gestures, something that can't be achieved with other easy to use and ready-made gesture apps.
With this method, I can add a set of actions (not just one single action), one by one, to be performed, into one single gesture. So if I wanted to do a swipe on the screen, and then another direction swipe, and then a click on a specific area, all these automatically, I can easily do with Tasker.
Examples:
Kill and remove foreground app from recent: You can watch this screen record video which shows my simple swipe gesture running the task where Tasker automates actions (a) open recent apps list, (b) a swipe action to swipe away the app, and (c) another swipe action to go to home screen. All this within a fraction of second. Impressive. isn't it?
Clear all recent apps: In Pixel 6, clear all button is placed at the end of the list. But watch this one, a simple gesture is enough. Tasker will take care of the rest. Again, Impressive. Isn't it?
For implementing such complicated automations, advanced settings and toggling, into a swipe gesture, Tasker is the best solution.
10. End note.It took days of questions, answers, trail and errors to first understand, and then to make this thing work flawless. Me and my couple of friends really find this useful in our smartphones, so I decided to share it with you also. If you find this useful for you, go ahead. And if you think this is not worth the time and effort required, you can kindly ignore.
I, a noob, wouldn't have made this possible without receiving a help from another person. So, a big thanks to u/adbenj for the initial guide and idea.
.
UPDATE 1: Added TaskerNet in section "7. Demo, screenshots, TaskerNet & project backup".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey so i want to know how much extra battery this costs running.
And also i want to make some sort of simillar gesture swipe thing. i am wondering if via tasker i could do the following: keeping the regular side swipe horizontal to be back, and long swipe for previous app. but then also having the side gest. to be an app shortcut based on the current app running. so maybe like when youtube is running i can swipe up to open notes and write something down and then via previous app i am back to youtube. but when i am on the work app i can vertically swipe to bring the time tracker app. or a swipe down for the google maps route to home. etc. etc.
how would i manage to do this?
I am using a poco f2 pro if that matters and not rooted.
Hello, in this guide I am going to describe how to side load android apps on the lenovo smart clock 2.
Requirements.
A device to use the google home app.
A List of apps you want to install, make sure you have a keyboard and home screen launcher in mind.
Not a requirement but basic understanding of the talk back screen reader will be helpful.
Next some things to be aware of.
While ADB is in developer settings I haven’t found a way to connect the clock to a pc using the dock I tried a usb C to A cable but that did not work.
The draw over other apps permission is unavailable.
Here are the specks that we are working with.
Processor
MediaTek™ MT8167S Processor (1.50 GHz)
Operating System
Android 10
Display Type
4.0" LCD IPS Touchscreen
Memory
1 GB
Hard Drive
8 GB Flash We have about 3.3 GB free.
Finally, I am visually impaired so the way I describe things may not make sense for some. If you have trouble understanding please let me know.
Note You are doing all this at your own risk. However, everything is easy to undo with a factory reset.
Instructions for factory resetting.
Flip the mute switch to muted.
Press both volume buttons for ten seconds.
A window should now come up asking if you want to reset. If nothing is pressed the device will auto reset in a minute.
OK, let’s start.
Find a website where the apk is that you want to install.
Now find a way where that website will come up in a google search.
Note do to how google displays the search button may not be available, so we will have to rely on Google’s auto complete feature.
Examples:
If you were looking for nova launcher, you would be using nova launcher.ap we will want google to finish adding the K.
Add this word to your calendar. For example,nova launcher.ap
Make sure this is the same calendar that the clock is signed in to.
Next open the google home app. Find your device click on settings then accessibility.
Next click the switch next to screenreader.
Your clock should now start talking or making sounds.
If so, ask google “what’s on my calendar?” Swipe right until the event you added is spoken or highlighted.
Next swipe down and right in a single motion an L shape.
Swipe right until copy last utterance is selected double tap, if successful the menu should disappear.
It may take a few tries to get it.
Next open the same menu, (swipe down and right.)
Swipe until talkback settings is selected. Double tap again.
A new screen should appear.
Now swipe, swipe a lot until privacy policy is selected.
Double tap, a browser should now open.
Swipe and double tap to allow all the permissions.
Next swipe until google apps is selected. Double tap then find search and double tap to activate.
Find the search box, double tap to get into it.
Now swipe up and right in a single motion
If successful a new menu should come up. Find edit then activate paste.
If the text gets pasted in the search box, you can now turn off talkback.
Back on your phone flip the switch next to screenreader.
Now here is where things get difficult, the text should be in the box, But I was not able to see the search button with talkback. If you see the button, try turning off
talkback and pressing it
If the search button does not show up here is where you will have to rely on Google auto complete suggestions.
You should have a pretty good idea of what to do from here.
Note that when you download something a window will come up with all downloaded files. The first time you install an apk you will have to click allow from this source when that window comes up.
Notes.
I recommend you install something like nova launcher, for a replacement home screen.
When you install a replacement home screen you will have to click always on the new window that will pop up.
If you want to get back to the regular clock interface, launch the home app.
Any questions feal free to ask.
Remember doing a factory reset will clear all changes made.
What apps have you found that work well and are useful?
Most apps should work, since this is basically android 10, but here are some ideas.
1. Aurora Store
auroraoss.com
Allows you to download apps from google play without play services installed.
2. any voice recorder, you can record audio, but I recommend turning the microphone gain up since the microphone is a little quiet. Note, that when recording Google assistant will not be listening.
3
Ultimate alexa.
Allows amazon alexa to be used. with wake word and all.
4. Last launcher.
Last Launcher | F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository
Faster than Light
f-droid.org
A simple and small launcher that will show all apps on one page.
The built in browser seems to work well.
You could also install youtube vanst so that youtube could work on the clock.
Mainly want to get the Google home app on there.
Need some help. Got nova launcher running. Then when I applied my nova settings, it went back to the Lenovo home screen. How do I get it back to nova? Lol
Nevermind. I found it.
willbilec said:
Most apps should work, since this is basically android 10, but here are some ideas.
1. Aurora Store
auroraoss.com
Allows you to download apps from google play without play services installed.
2. any voice recorder, you can record audio, but I recommend turning the microphone gain up since the microphone is a little quiet. Note, that when recording Google assistant will not be listening.
3
Ultimate alexa.
Allows amazon alexa to be used. with wake word and all.
4. Last launcher.
Last Launcher | F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository
Faster than Light
f-droid.org
A simple and small launcher that will show all apps on one page.
The built in browser seems to work well.
willbilec said:
Most apps should work, since this is basically android 10, but here are some ideas.
1. Aurora Store
auroraoss.com
Allows you to download apps from google play without play services installed.
2. any voice recorder, you can record audio, but I recommend turning the microphone gain up since the microphone is a little quiet. Note, that when recording Google assistant will not be listening.
3
Ultimate alexa.
Allows amazon alexa to be used. with wake word and all.
4. Last launcher.
Last Launcher | F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository
Faster than Light
f-droid.org
A simple and small launcher that will show all apps on one page.
The built in browser seems to work well.
You could also install youtube vanst so that youtube could work on the clock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a quick way to get back to nova launcher when I decide to be on the clock for a while.
You could also install youtube vanst so that youtube could work on the clock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you open the home app, not assistant core. their is a app called home, this app should allow you to get back to the default launcher if you do the back gesture.
I am trying to get Ring in it!
Any chance you can do a YouTube guide on how to do this. I would love to be able to install Auora OSS to easily install other apps. Thanks.
I am going to make a YouTube tutorial and how to connect Bluetooth keyboard! NOT USB !!!!!!DONGLE!!!!!!
How can I enable notification toggle ?
willbilec said:
Hello, in this guide I am going to describe how to side load android apps on the lenovo smart clock 2.
Requirements.
A device to use the google home app.
A List of apps you want to install, make sure you have a keyboard and home screen launcher in mind.
Not a requirement but basic understanding of the talk back screen reader will be helpful.
Next some things to be aware of.
While ADB is in developer settings I haven’t found a way to connect the clock to a pc using the dock I tried a usb C to A cable but that did not work.
The draw over other apps permission is unavailable.
Here are the specks that we are working with.
Processor
MediaTek™ MT8167S Processor (1.50 GHz)
Operating System
Android 10
Display Type
4.0" LCD IPS Touchscreen
Memory
1 GB
Hard Drive
8 GB Flash We have about 3.3 GB free.
Finally, I am visually impaired so the way I describe things may not make sense for some. If you have trouble understanding please let me know.
Note You are doing all this at your own risk. However, everything is easy to undo with a factory reset.
Instructions for factory resetting.
Flip the mute switch to muted.
Press both volume buttons for ten seconds.
A window should now come up asking if you want to reset. If nothing is pressed the device will auto reset in a minute.
OK, let’s start.
Find a website where the apk is that you want to install.
Now find a way where that website will come up in a google search.
Note do to how google displays the search button may not be available, so we will have to rely on Google’s auto complete feature.
Examples:
If you were looking for nova launcher, you would be using nova launcher.ap we will want google to finish adding the K.
Add this word to your calendar. For example,nova launcher.ap
Make sure this is the same calendar that the clock is signed in to.
Next open the google home app. Find your device click on settings then accessibility.
Next click the switch next to screenreader.
Your clock should now start talking or making sounds.
If so, ask google “what’s on my calendar?” Swipe right until the event you added is spoken or highlighted.
Next swipe down and right in a single motion an L shape.
Swipe right until copy last utterance is selected double tap, if successful the menu should disappear.
It may take a few tries to get it.
Next open the same menu, (swipe down and right.)
Swipe until talkback settings is selected. Double tap again.
A new screen should appear.
Now swipe, swipe a lot until privacy policy is selected.
Double tap, a browser should now open.
Swipe and double tap to allow all the permissions.
Next swipe until google apps is selected. Double tap then find search and double tap to activate.
Find the search box, double tap to get into it.
Now swipe up and right in a single motion
If successful a new menu should come up. Find edit then activate paste.
If the text gets pasted in the search box, you can now turn off talkback.
Back on your phone flip the switch next to screenreader.
Now here is where things get difficult, the text should be in the box, But I was not able to see the search button with talkback. If you see the button, try turning off
talkback and pressing it
If the search button does not show up here is where you will have to rely on Google auto complete suggestions.
You should have a pretty good idea of what to do from here.
Note that when you download something a window will come up with all downloaded files. The first time you install an apk you will have to click allow from this source when that window comes up.
Notes.
I recommend you install something like nova launcher, for a replacement home screen.
When you install a replacement home screen you will have to click always on the new window that will pop up.
If you want to get back to the regular clock interface, launch the home app.
Any questions feal free to ask.
Remember doing a factory reset will clear all changes made.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So my issue here is how to enable the screen reader using the google home app on iOS. I think they removed it
So after installing Nova Launcher there will be a pop-up we always have to click? Is that the choose default launcher pop-up?
@willbilec Could you please list what software build version you have? Because I can get to auroraoss and nova launcher but when I click the download APK button the button flashes (so I know it was clicked), but nothing happens? No pop-up to click install. What am I missing?
I am facing the same problem, after clicking on the download link nothing happens. Has the download capability been disabled on the latest build? I know that as soon as I turned on the device and got it connected it performed an update
After I've added the link to my calendar and ask google to show my calendar she says she can't find anything in my calendar. Is this patched?
I followed this guide again and it worked totally fine. I went into settings and disabled auto update and turned on OEM unlock.
This is a really cool solution that almost worked with the mi smart clock.
Unfortunately the xiaomi(or google?) guys have scraped everything that resembles a browser or could possibly open a link.
Also, went trough all the settings (using the method described above, and searching for settings, apps, etc.) Everything that's USB or Bluetooth related is severely cut down to only work as needed for the intended functionality. Can't attach a keyboard. Can't transfer a file trough Bluetooth. So, although in theory you could install anything, u can't get any new files downloaded on the device.
When i get to the paste section, it seems somehow "Home" has been copied instead of my event name.
When i'm copying i've checked "repeat last utterance" before i "copy last utterance" and it's correct, but when i go to paste in the search box, i get "Home"
is this happening to anyone else?
Nice work!
ggreenwood334 said:
Need some help. Got nova launcher running. Then when I applied my nova settings, it went back to the Lenovo home screen. How do I get it back to nova? Lol
Nevermind. I found it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...So what did you do? I can't figure this part out either.
edit 1:
ok for anyone else, follow the instructions again right up to install, but instead of "install" select "open". Then when I rebooted the device i was able to tell it to use nova launcher "always", and then using the launcher home to get to the android settings, I was able to connect a bluetooth mouse and keyboard.
However, short of rebooting every time the clock home screen or browser comes up, I haven't figured out a quick way to exit that and return to the nova launcher home.
edit 2: Ok with the screen reader enabled, you can swipe up and left (L shape rotated 180 degrees) to return Home, then set Nova7 as Home. If you add a bluetooth keyboard, you can also alt+F4 to return home.
Has anyone been able (A) to get ride of the "muted microphone" screen overlay icon or (B) prevent the google home setup screen from taking over when trying to connect to a wifi ssid without internet access?