Related
UPDATE: Dec 17, 2008
older versions are no longer available here, the latest version is in the market under the developer name "snctln"
let me know if you have any problems with it
mpenguin14 said:
so I decided not to abandon development, competition is a good thing, right? and I am going to update the first post with a new build... in this new build there are a lot of improvements
- all 50 levels from the classic lights out, before it only had the first 5
- after level 50 new levels are randomly generated... I believe there are more than 8000 solvable
- added a hint engine... press the menu key and select the "Show Hints" and you will see a small red dot on the keys that you need to press in order to complete the puzzle, updates in real time, you can turn off this feature if you want by going back to the menu and selecting "Hide Hints"
- the state of the application is saved across instances... this way you can continue a game even if you restart your phone
any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
My main question is this: Does this app feel the like it is the sae quality as other apps on the Market? Or does it seem cheap and too simple?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(mods: if this is not the correct forum to post development of an android app please feel free to move the post or tell me where to move it to)
So I put up a thread a week or 2 ago requesting android app ideas and at first it seemed that games were in demand, so I started working on a simple game...
NoLitez is a simple game that take inspiration from the old simple handheld video game "Lights Out", (wikipedia link)
basically the idea of the game is that all spaces in the gird can either be turned on or off... the goal is to get all of the lights off. When you touch a light, you toggle the state of that light and the 4 lights immediately north, south, east and west of the light
I ran the apk using the latest android for titan build and it worked as I would expect.
So now I am curious if any G1 owners want to be a beta tester for me and tell me if this apk even works for them, and if so what they think of the game.
I only have very basic features implemented, and only the first 5 levels...
This would count as my first android application so please go easy on the criticism, but I am open to hearing all things good and bad
thanks for any feedback
i tried it out, good game. No crashes or hangs, works as described
neerhaj said:
i tried it out, good game. No crashes or hangs, works as described
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cool, thanks for the feedback
Nice. Clean interface and classic gameplay. I remember when they advertised these things on television in the '90s.
On a side note, how's Android running on TyTN? There's not a week goes by that there isn't a new device Android is running on, but it seems that most of the devices still need some spit polish.
jashsu said:
Nice. Clean interface and classic gameplay. I remember when they advertised these things on television in the '90s.
On a side note, how's Android running on TyTN? There's not a week goes by that there isn't a new device Android is running on, but it seems that most of the devices still need some spit polish.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well I have a Titan rather than a TyTN (PPC6800, CDMA device, aka Sprint Mogul vs P4500 GSM aka AT&T 8525 here in the states) [but they do seem to be named the same]... and I have to say that android doesn't run too well on it, I have been able to get android up and running on it since July thanks to dzo's vogue releases but even with the latest editions the touchscreen doesn't work quite right and the button mappings aren't very intuitive to me... maybe I just need to give it more than 5 minutes, but my plan is to buy a Android Dev 1 or some unannounced 2009 android phone so I shouldn't have to rely on testing on an unsupported QVGA device... but I just got laid off last Friday, so it could be a while until I have a proper android device to develop with
Works like a charm, no bugs at all and a pretty fun game! Do you mind if i throw it in my g1 files in my sig?
stats555 said:
Works like a charm, no bugs at all and a pretty fun game! Do you mind if i throw it in my g1 files in my sig?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am glad that you are enjoying it, it is not a problem to put the apk up in your directory, I have a few more things that I want to do before I make a proper release in the android market, but I have a few questions and I am not sure if this is the proper place to ask them
1.) Does this application behave as you would expect it to as far as saving and restoring its state? Like if you get a phone call or have to leave the app for some reason when you restore the app does it save the lights on/lights off state? Does it at least behave as you would expect it to when compared to other G1 apps?
2.) I am not fully sure if this application would be allowed in the market because Tiger electronics has the "Lights Out" game patented... does anyone know if any other game "clones" exist on the market like say a tetris clone?
thanks again for the feedback
There's an app on the Market called 'Lights Out" already...? Seems to be the same game? Not sure who developed it though.
(http://code.google.com/p/lights-out-android)
punkweakling said:
There's an app on the Market called 'Lights Out" already...? Seems to be the same game? Not sure who developed it though.
(http://code.google.com/p/lights-out-android)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow... you are correct, this exact same game already exists for android and I had no idea. Looks like I am going to abandon development unless someone thinks it is good to have diversity in the market, since I don't have a G1 there really is no way for me to test to see the differences that may exist...
I enjoyed putting this together, but I wish there was some way to browse the titles available on the market other than directly from a G1, that way I would have known to work on something different. (and after a quick search my second game that I was planning on making "4NARow" (a connect 4 clone) is already on the market too...
maybe if I pay the $25 and register as an android developer I can see the different apps available in the market?
so I decided not to abandon development, competition is a good thing, right? and I am going to update the first post with a new build... in this new build there are a lot of improvements
- all 50 levels from the classic lights out, before it only had the first 5
- after level 50 new levels are randomly generated... I believe there are more than 8000 solvable
- added a hint engine... press the menu key and select the "Show Hints" and you will see a small red dot on the keys that you need to press in order to complete the puzzle, updates in real time, you can turn off this feature if you want by going back to the menu and selecting "Hide Hints"
- the state of the application is saved across instances... this way you can continue a game even if you restart your phone
any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
My main question is this: Does this app feel the like it is the sae quality as other apps on the Market? Or does it seem cheap and too simple?
posted version 1.0.28 in the market, developer name "snctln", let me know if you have problems getting it or using it.
any other feedback is appreciated
Of course I have problems. One big fat problem - I cannot run it.
Well... I'm using Android on my Titan. So..... I cannot even download and install it...
Magister2k7 said:
Of course I have problems. One big fat problem - I cannot run it.
Well... I'm using Android on my Titan. So..... I cannot even download and install it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Magister, I am using your titan build of android, so I will go over to that thread and post the apk package for this (NoLitez) and my latest game (PingPong), if anyone else wants these apks go to the Titan Linux wip thread in the Titan Forum for the download
mpenguin14 said:
Magister, I am using your titan build of android, so I will go over to that thread and post the apk package for this (NoLitez) and my latest game (PingPong), if anyone else wants these apks go to the Titan Linux wip thread in the Titan Forum for the download
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, Thanks!
Name: AudiobookMark
I was frustrated by the lack of built-in support for mp3-based audiobooks so I wrote this app. It lets you load as many audiobooks as you have memory for. It remembers where you are in each file of each book (and of course, which file you are listening to for each book).
It has standard transport keys plus the ability to enter HH:MM:SS to skip directly to.
Download Link: social.zune.net/redirect?type=phoneApp&id=b1cab14b-e91d-e011-9264-00237de2db9e
Is this a free app?
Its a 0.99 app, with a free trial that basically let's you use it without limitation, but pops up a message box occasionally...
Can you add support for a sleep timer? So you need to shake the phone every 15 mins or it will pause the audio book.
That sounds like a useful addition. Let me think through how best to implement it, and I'll try to add it in with "run under locked screen" update I'm working on...
elmstrom said:
Can you add support for a sleep timer? So you need to shake the phone every 15 mins or it will pause the audio book.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would also really like this.
Hey dbroome, this sounds like it has the potential to be an awesome app. I'm so used to the Mortplayer audiobook app on Android and really enjoy using it (great alternative to music btw).
So by mention of "remembers where you are" you mean bookmarks are automatically placed for us? I ask because a cool feature of the mortplayer app was the bookmark feature where you can tag certain spots on demand and go back to wherever you tagged. I hope you go far with this app, it really does sound promising.
The UI looks good too!
I had not heard of Mortplayer, I'll have to check it out, though I don't have an Android device to be able to get a good look at it.
You are correct in that the app places the bookmark for you. It basically remembers where you were in each file.
How do you use the "tag different places in a file" type feature in your audiobook listening? I generally am just listening to novels, and don't have any real need to jump to various spots in the same file.
The reason I ask is that I'd like to implement features users would use, but don't want to overly complicate it with feature bloat.
As an update, I have implemented and am testing three new features. Once I make sure it is working as expected, I'll submit the update to the marketplace:
1) Configurable port on the loader (8001 might not be convenient for everyone. Should have thought of this before)
2) Run under locked screen. Now you can lock the screen to save battery power
3) Configureable sleep timer (with optional shake to reset).
I hope to submit it in the next day or so...
Thanks / Volume / File Corruption
First I love the app. I have been writing down my numbers until this app came along. Thank you dbroome.
Second, I noticed the volume is weaker than the default music player; has any one else notice this?
Third, I received a file corruption error message saying it couldn't determine the file lengths and displays all .MP3s as being 00:00:00 in running time. The files didn't play, but after a reboot they started too but still display the zero length; anyone have any thoughts?
Thanks!
Also needs skip forward/skip back button that just goes 30 sec back/fprward. The current skip to a location is not usable when driving.
Bonus points for a ui redesign with bigger buttons.
Additional bonus points for a fast play (i.e. play back at 150% speed with no pitch shift).
For me to purchase, I need:
Play under lock screen
Uploader program to work (changing ports might help)
In order to determine the length of the mp3, the player has to actually open the file and then close it. The Zune software interferes with the player opening the file after upload, and as such you have to unplug the phone from the computer after uploading before closing the "I'm done" pop up box. I'm guessing that the 0-length issue might have been due to that. Try deleting that book and re-loading it to the phone, making sure to unplug the phone before continuing (or, alternatively, using the SDK's WPConnect.exe which doesn't interfere with the media being opened).
It might be useful to add a "determine durations" type button on the load screen that would let you try to determine them again at a later time instead of re-loading them. What do you think?
30 second skip could definitely be useful. I'll see if I can find a good way to incorporate it in the next update.
I really want fast play as well. Unfortunately the MediaElement player I have to use to be able to set positions doesn't support it. I'll definitely be watching the updates as they come out for supporting that.
I'm dreadful at UI stuff, but I have a friend who I can probably rope into giving it some love.
Play under lock and the configureable port are in the next update, which I will finish testing and submit tonight...
Cool. Bought it as an encourgement.
For UI ideas look at audiobook player 2. It is much easier to use while driving.
Suggestions
Your [skip to a time] section shouldn't be on the main page, but off a toolbar option.
Your play/pause button should swap between play/pause depending on state rather than changing the background colour.
Use images rather than text in the buttons [|<] [<<] etc
v1.1 has been approved and should show up in the marketplace shortly. This adds a sleep timer (with optional shake to reset), play under lock, and configureable port on the loader and phone.
Next update will hopefully be a ui re-do, possibly adding the "skip xx seconds" idea.
Downloaded the update for the app, re-uploaded the audio book, followed instructions on the pop up (after upload completed) and the software recognized the full lengths. Very nice! Thanks dbroome!! The mp3s seem to have uploaded a little quicker too or is it this just me?
FYI, using a colon within the name of a book crashes the app (at least it does for me).
Good find. I'll correct that.
Waiting on a friend with some design skills. If he doesn't come back to me soon, I'll go looking for free images to include on the buttons and do a general usability re-skin of the ui...
Is this the correct website: http://davidbroome.com/AudiobookMark
I am just getting Bad Request (Invalid Hostname) when I try to goto it. Also the volume seems low on my Samsung Focus. Good work though, I am going to buy it.
Thanks!
The website had a temporary issue and should be resolved.
I'm looking into the lower volume and should have at least an answer soon if not a fix...
it's a very nice little app and I'm using it now for a few weeks.
But I've found when you have to many audiobooks or when the aaudio-files are very big (about 6 MB's) the program can't determine the length of the audio-files any longer...
Maybe we can get an update for that?
The only time I have been able to load an audio file the program could not determine the length of was when I forgot to unplug the phone from the Zune software when prompted. I have tested files up to 50 mb. Of course, it could be file dependent. Did the file play even after the length failed to update?
Fortunately I am almost done with the next update that includes code to re-check for the length of files if it fails the first time. I need to finish the "Load from DropBox" functionality that I am implementing and then I can submit it. Hopefully this week!
Yes - I can start the player and I can play the file even when it says the length is 00:00:00.
This morning I've transferred some 300 MB audiobook-files to my HD7. After that I disconnected the device and it started "determining length of..." and it immediately started playing the first file (10.7 MBs) but even after 20 minutes it just couldn't find the length of the first audio-file so I stopped the program.
***** Updated June 3, 2011 *****
Thanks again to everyone who helped with the beta testing. Just wanted you to know that I just posted version 1 to the Android Market. It's free and you can get it here:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.greggreno.whattowatch
-Gregg
***** Updated May 5, 2011 *****
Uploaded a new version to the same location. Here are the changes:
- Improved the scrolling position after adding more titles to the bottom, but still not perfect
- Fix bug leaving the Netflix registration window open
- Set maximum title list retrieval to 50 at a time
- Fixed bug with extra Edit Search Criteria icon showing in apps list
- Fixed size and look of loading images
- Added ability to turn off ads by buying an unlocker from the Android market
Netflix still hasn't fixed their problems with TV series and getting the data right in their API
***************************
Hi all. I've been working on a new Honeycomb only app called What To Watch, and I'm looking for some beta testers. Anyone interested in helping out?
I wanted a better way to browse for Netflix movies and also manage my queues. For example, I wanted to do something like "show me all Sci Fi movies available on Instant with a 3 star rating or higher, rated PG-13 or R, sorted by release date". I couldn't find any other web site or app to do this, so I figured I would build it myself.
There are 3 main sections:
1) My Searches - this is where you can create your own searches and save them for later. I create two to start with. Click on one and it will display the list in the panel on the right, 25 at a time. Once you click on one of the My Seaches items, you can edit it by long pressing it or clicking the Edit button at the top. Note that this uses a beta API from Netflix called OData. It's the only API that lets you do sophisticated searches like this, but unfortunately it is subject to change from Netflix and it may not always be current with the main Netflix library.
2) Netflix Queues - what you would expect. For example, what is in your DVD and Instant queues.
3) Top Lists - this comes from the Netflix web site rather than the API. It shows what the top titles are for each category. This method won't show the star ratings until you drill into a particular title.
You can download the apk here (note this is case sensitive):
http://jigawattlabs.com/temp/WhatToWatch.apk
Known issues:
This is the first release. Should probably call it an Alpha!
Authenticating with Netflix isn't quite right yet. You may wind up with the web browser still open after exiting the app, and you may get another instance of the app. But just exit everything and it should be ok
There is a bug with the Netflix API with TV series and specials. This is a problem on their end, so you might get some unexpected results when browsing TV shows
I would appreciate any and all comments in terms of general UI impressions, bugs, performance, usability.
You can reach me directly at [email protected].
Thanks!
-Gregg Reno
I just tried it out, seems to work great. I just wish there was a way to actually watch Netflix on my zoom
Thanks for trying it out. I'd love to be able to watch netflix movies as well, and I think we will see that at some point. Hopefully once Netflix makes that possible, I can integrate that into the app.
I'm also going to implement a friends feature, where you can mark your favorite movies and share it with friends, and see what their favorites are.
Comments from other folks are welcome!
My first impression of the app is that it has some shared elements with amazon's web page, which is great. But the reason I say first impression is that it isn't registering with netflix.
Sent from my Xoom the way it should be, rooted and with SD card.
chbennett - thanks for testing. Can you give me some more info on the problem you had registering? When clicking almost anything it should prompt you to register. If you say ok, it should take you to a Netflix web page. You may have to log in and then it should prompt you to give permission to the What To Watch application. If you approve,it should take you back to the app and you should be able to run any of the searches on the left.
Where did you run into problems?
I installed it on my XOOM. Log in into Netflix without any problems. Searching also good, but could be good to add additional information about movie like Availability (for some of it shows when it will be available in stream).
It's a pity that we still missing Hulu or Netflix apps on our XOOM. Get used to watch it on my iPad(
greno1 said:
chbennett - thanks for testing. Can you give me some more info on the problem you had registering? When clicking almost anything it should prompt you to register. If you say ok, it should take you to a Netflix web page. You may have to log in and then it should prompt you to give permission to the What To Watch application. If you approve,it should take you back to the app and you should be able to run any of the searches on the left.
Where did you run into problems?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Basically all it did for me (ill try it again) was stall out on the "registering with netflix" in app pop up, going no further.
Edit: still doesn't work
Sent from my Xoom the way it should be, rooted and with SD card.
Great app! Forcecloses when I click on New Instant Choices under Top Lists category
Also when going into the Instant Que list; I click one of the movies and it takes me to the description. I can also click on Similar, Drop from Instant or Add to Disc. If I choose Drop from Instant and click the back arrow it still shows in the Instant Que listing. Can we have the option of clicking the Instant Que button on the top left corner in the movie description to go back to the Instant Que listing and if we do happen to press the back arrow could the Instant Que listing automatically update with the removal of the movie?
Kozdoba - I will be adding additional information like directors and awards, but I'll also look at adding availability. Do you have an example title in mind I can test with?
bishop72 - thanks for finding the problem with the New Instant choices. I'll look at that one, but it may be because that's a really big list and I'm not handling it correctly. Also, good idea about removing titles from the instant titles if you click the remove from instant button. But the problem with that for me is if I remove it from the list, it should probably close that title window because it's no longer in the instant queue. Maybe someone hit the remove button by mistake and they want to re-add it?
Also I notice that there is some type of caching going on with the adding and removing from queues. When you add or remove, it does that action and then sends another request to netflix to get the current status. But it may not register that quickly. So you may hit remove from instant, and then I get back a status from Netflix saying it's still in the instant queue. If you click it again, it shows up ok.
I appreciate the feedback - good or bad!
greno1 said:
Kozdoba - I will be adding additional information like directors and awards, but I'll also look at adding availability. Do you have an example title in mind I can test with?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look this series soon will be available online.
http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/Death_Note/70081003?trkid=2361637
downloaded the apk to nook but just got a parse error failed to load. I really love my netflix and was looking forward to tablet style look on nc.
The app installed fine, the Netflix login auth worked fine as well. The fit & finish look good as well. Some of the images and searches render a bit slow, but that could be my wifi. I will play with it more through the day and report back.
I believe i heard that Netflix was going to do a live stream with Netflix only productions, so a Top List of Netflix Original or something would be good.
Everyone - thanks for testing and for the comments. I really appreciate it! It's interesting it worked for some but didn't work for dbolton. Not sure why that is.
dbolton - can you post a screen shot of your error, or email it to me at [email protected]? I also took a few screen shots so you can see what it should look like:
http://jigawattlabs.com/w2w/screen1.png
http://jigawattlabs.com/w2w/screen2.png
kiteOregon - once Netflix posts a list of their own content in some type of list, I'll definitely look at adding that. For the Top Lists section, I'm just using the Netflix RSS feeds linked from the bottom of the page. Modified it somewhat to return no more that 50 at a time though since it would load too slow.
Thanks again!
-Gregg
Thus far all is working well. I really like the interface too, great job!
I am going to keep tinkering with it and let you know if I run into any issues or have any suggestions.
Thanks for the great app!
chbennett said:
Basically all it did for me (ill try it again) was stall out on the "registering with netflix" in app pop up, going no further.
Edit: still doesn't work
Sent from my Xoom the way it should be, rooted and with SD card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I heard that Netflix was having problems with authorization from 3rd party apps. As a work around the suggest launching your browser and log into Netflix. Leave the browser running, and then launch the app and try to register again. Can you let me know if that works?
-Gregg
garyh2 said:
Thus far all is working well. I really like the interface too, great job!
I am going to keep tinkering with it and let you know if I run into any issues or have any suggestions.
Thanks for the great app!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Working to add more features.
somehow I now have a 'edit search criteria' icon (same as main apps icon) in my app drawer as if it were a separate app.
My initial reaction is very positive, but I have the same issue as garyh2. When I tell it to uninstall, I am informed that it is part of the main application so obviously I left it there. This is a weird bug though...
The only other thing I noticed is that the placeholder icons that appear before titles and images populate are slightly larger than the images and titles that replace them. This doesn't really cause problems but is slightly distracting.
I really like the power search function and the ability to save searches and haven't really seen this functionality elsewhere. Good job!
Thanks garyh2 and vidriera - ill take a look at that. The edit screen is a separate activity rather than a fragment, which is probably its somehow getting its own icon. Just one of the differences with honeycomb I need to figure out.
Also good point about the loading graphic. I'll fix that too.
Name: TrackUrSelf
Having been an avid user of windows phone and a GPS enthusiast, I have always wanted to create an application which use this technology. rather than develop an map application, I decided to use the background agent of windows phone 7 and create an application which tracks your movement. This is very useful for hiking/trekking adventures as well long drives.
This application only tracks the location and displays it on the viewer. The locations are never sent out (other than skydrive backup), so this is not a stalker app
I would welcome your views and feedback on this application.
Changelog:
+ Aerial mode added
+ KML Export/Backup to Skydrive added.
+ Added Live tile with back tile info
+ Background image for the app and skydrive page.. looks better now
+ Fixed a bug, which was not letting you a take a backup without quitting the app.
+ Filename has Date&Time appended, which would enable multiple backups being stored in your skydrive (should have been there in the first place)
+ Fixed crash bug while updating live tile through background services. Forgot about cross access thread exception.
+ Implemented crash log reporter
You would need a developer unlock phone to sideload the application, it does NOT need any interop unlock or full unlock to launch it.
Source: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1655712
Download Link: Attached XAP file
Hi darthveda,
Looks like a nice app, but I wonder how this app will influence your battery life? When hiking you generally do not have wall-plugs at your disposal to charge your battery when needed.
How often does the app store your position?
it's 30 minute interval, pre-defined by WP7. It's a periodic task. I am running it on my system for over 2 weeks now, haven't had major power usage due to this.
Posted new version
Updated with the newer version
The app looks interesting. Is there a way to export the data that is generated?
fabKalix said:
Hi darthveda,
Looks like a nice app, but I wonder how this app will influence your battery life? When hiking you generally do not have wall-plugs at your disposal to charge your battery when needed.
How often does the app store your position?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont be so sure of that , if your serious about hiking then dont leave home without this:
http://www.biolitestove.com/
I waited 7 months for this to be released and I can tell you it works , its actually amazing and could be a life saver , this app might just help people considerably with rescue as well!!
psyh0e said:
The app looks interesting. Is there a way to export the data that is generated?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At this point, NO. The reason is for privacy reasons but will look into implementing this feature in the next update.
As of 1.1, you can now track your position whenever you want apart from 30 minutes interval. And I have made sure not to store the location if it is same as before. Regarding battery usage, I don't have major impact on my battery usage.
Well can store the positions as a log file , and possibly upload the log files , i think it would be incredibly useful to be able to log the coordinates , whether its every 30 minutes or more (less) , just thinking how usefule this info could be!
Ok will implement it, I am not sure if wp7 allows me to write word files if it does then i will write a table in that itself
else a normal csv file would do i guess.
Also, adding the map modes as an option, right now it is street, will enable hybrid, satellite modes as well. This was a suggestion in marketplace reviews
Thanks for the suggestions guys, keep it coming
i used this app yesterday on a small scale , just a few miles and I have to say I like i will continue to test it as this is a unique kind of app!
Thanks Vintage144.. am waiting for MS to approve the app update, don't know why they take so long to do that. After that I will work on 1.2 with the new features requested.
Hi Guys, For Spain winning the euro 2012 , here is my treat.
I have updated the app to 1.2 with the following features:
1. You can now change the map view to Aerial mode and revert back
2. You can now update the tracked locations to a KML file and store it in your skydrive.
Please check and let me know if anything didn't work or you have any suggestions to be made
Size of 1.2 XAP is 0kb upon download mate, might need to re-upload for us? :good:
Size of 1.2 XAP is only 0kb
I downloaded the 1.2 version and it was 550kb, i have re-uploaded the version again with the suffix new in it. Let me know if you still have the problem, will upload on skydrive and share link.
very good....
darthveda said:
I downloaded the 1.2 version and it was 550kb, i have re-uploaded the version again with the suffix new in it. Let me know if you still have the problem, will upload on skydrive and share link.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works for me. Thankyou
Few days back, I started learning about shelltiles and have implemented a live tile update with a back tile info as well.. (yeah, that's how i learnt WP7 programming, through my apps )
Can you guys tell me if it sounds a good idea and looks good?
Fixed a critical crash bug while updating the tile through background service, forgot about invalid cross acces exception. Because of the crash WP7 was disabling the background agent. Nice feature by the phone took me a while to recognize why it was behaving the way...
Please install the fixed XAP version.
Alright everyone, I'm Trailblazer101, an Android Developer who likes to take advantage of, and make better, the unique features of the phones I purchase. I started off with the Samsung Continuum back in 2010, which had a ticker ahead of its time, and went from there. I work 2 jobs, so time is tight sometimes, but I still manage to work on these things, a fun passion/hobby.
Status Updates
Code:
5/12
--- I got my patch working, and tested it out with a simple demo that takes advantage of the new capabilities. I've posted a Guide below!
5/10
--- Now that Verizon users have root, I will begin testing this myself :) Thanks to those who helped me figure out what we'd have to do, so I can get started right off the bat! I'll keep you posted.
What is this?!!
Okay, so by default the Feeds that you can make are restricted to the capabilities of a RemoteView. This severely limits what you can do with the Feed. Take a look here to see what exactly is supported, by default: http://stackoverflow.com/a/16089389
However, any Samsung App (which includes a few signed by Samsung on the Galaxy Apps Exclusives page) has the ability to put whatever it wants on the screen, just like a regular App. I've now extended that invitation on over to you/us!
Guide
The steps to take advantage of this is a little convoluted, so let me break it down for you easy!
STEP 1:
You have to flash my patch to allow this development to actually work. You can download it here: View attachment Trailblazer101_S6Edge_Advanced_Feeds_Patch.zip. Then flash it using FlashFire, or extract the zip and put everything where it needs to go, making sure to set the permissions appropriately!
STEP 2:
Now you can start developing your new Custom Feed! I would suggest using my simple demo project as your base, and going from there! You can find that here: View attachment EdgeScreen-BACKUP.zip. Extract it and take a look at the source!
STEP 3:
From here on out is where things get tricky... Without changing a thing, if you build from source and try to debug, it won't work. Why? Because the API that Samsung gives developers, like us, is different than the one they use for themselves. So Here's what you gotta do-- without changing a thing, build the Project. The best way to do that without debugging within Android Studio is to go to Gradle Projects -> :app -> Tasks -> build -> assembleDebug. This'll make the built apk and put it within "..\.EdgeScreen-BACKUP\app\build\outputs\apk\app-debug.apk".
STEP 4:
I'm assuming you have the latest Java Development Kit, and Android SDK, installed and configured properly, with their paths in the PATH variable, accordingly. You should also know how to use apktool for decompilation, at least a little I've compiled a toolkit folder based off of the test Project I shared above, which includes apktool, the NEW Samsung API files, the original built apk, and the already modified decompiled source/apk. You can download that here: View attachment Decompilation_Data.zip. Then, open a Command Prompt window and "cd" to the extracted folder.
STEP 5:
Decompile the built apk, which should be the same as the one in the extracted folder, using apktool like this:
Code:
.\apktool\apktool d -f TestFeed_orig.apk
STEP 6:
Compare the decompiled folder "TestFeed_orig" with my already modified "TestFeed_modded" one. I suggest using WinMerge! You'll see that the 'TestFeed_orig\smali\com\samsung\android\sdk' folder is very different. That's what I was talking about before, how Samsung Feeds have more options in their API. So delete the 'TestFeed_orig\smali\com\samsung' folder, and replace with the one in the '---SAMSUNG API---' folder.
STEP 7:
Continue comparing the two folders. Basically the rest of the changes are just getting our application to call the new Samsung API properly, instead of the stubs I was using in the Project. There aren't many changes you have to make, but they're all important!
STEP 8:
Once the two folders are the same, recompile it using apktool, like so:
Code:
.\apktool\apktool b TestFeed_orig
STEP 9:
Sign the new compiled apk stored in 'TestFeed_orig\dist' using your signing key. You can make your own, then use it to sign the app, following the instructions here: Official Instructions for Manual Signing.
STEP 10:
Install the newly signed apk, and enable the Feed by going to: Settings-> Edge screen -> Information stream -> Manage Feeds -> *ENABLE* FeedsCocktailExample! You may have to restart, or just hit 'reorder' in the top left. That sometimes fast-triggers it. Now turn off the screen, do the Feed Gesture to get it to turn on, and you should see our Custom Feed! It doesn't look like much, but it's using a custom view, HorizontalTextView, that would not work otherwise.
From here the options are endless. You can follow these steps and my Sample Project to play a video for a feed, if you wanted! Whatever strikes your fancy!
If you followed these steps and appreciate the help, show this thread some love, and maybe. Well i'd say buy me a beer, but it'll probably go to textbooks instead
Developer/Advanced Information!
We can make our own Feeds no problem, without root, they are just forced to use a RemoteView directly, which for all intents and purposes, is a pain in the kiester. Instead, it would be a lot nicer/convenient, without even mentioning the more advanced functionality we could bring, to use our own Views. However the version of SlookCocktailManager.UpdateCocktail that allows this is only found within a more advanced API, one I/no typical user don't have access to directly. BUT, I can still access it by decompiling for example the Edge RSS app from the Samsung AppStore, and putting/replacing the "sdk" folder from that into my own decompiled app, and recompiling. Easy enough, with apktool! (Of course with the headache of adding in my own temporary shell classes, in the project, so that I can actually write the calls, and just change the reference within the smali code once that sdk is replaced) The problem is, even when you do this, and it builds fine, installs great, and even begins initializing properly, we get an error from within CocktailBarService, the file I'm having you replace. More specifically, I tracked down the actual problem, and it comes back to "CocktailWhiteList", a class within CocktailBarServices, then checks the signature of the calling application, our Custom Feed, and sees if it comes from Samsung. This none of my expertise can fix, without being rooted, but trust me I tried. Now that we are rooted I was able to patch said apk, and get my own apps to work! Hurray!
cocktailbar service crashes when going into 'edge screen' option in settings menu.
logcat attached
Edit: sorry didn't rename cocktail bar (cocktailbarservice_signed to cocktailbarservice)
now it doesn't visibly crash, it just wont let me go into 'edge screen' option in settings menu
new log cat uploaded
This man looks promising! You have my S6 edge as soon as I have an official TWRP with working backup and restore
ktetreault14 said:
This man looks promising! You have my S6 edge as soon as I have an official TWRP with working backup and restore
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will help as well, when these tools are out for us..
Thanks for bringing cool stuff like this to the phone at this early date!
ktetreault14 said:
This man looks promising! You have my S6 edge as soon as I have an official TWRP with working backup and restore
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How deep are you willing to go? Because it would be awesome if you could clear dalvik-cache, since I see this, right off the bat:
Code:
: Failed to find OatDexFile for DexFile /system/priv-app/CocktailBarService/CocktailBarService.apk ( canonical path /system/priv-app/CocktailBarService/CocktailBarService.apk) with checksum 0xfbfcb9f7 in OatFile /data/dalvik-cache/arm64/[email protected]@[email protected]@classes.dex
EDIT: could you also make sure that you set the right permissions for the apk? I'm getting the impression that they might be off with:
Code:
msg=audit(1429397519.049:355): auid=4294967295 uid=10001 gid=10001 ses=4294967295 subj=u:r:untrusted_app:s0 pid=12605 comm="ktailbarservice" reason="memory violation" sig=11
EDIT2: We might have to disable SELinux... That's rather unfortunate/puts a rather large damper on things, until custom kernels come out at least... After starting a root shell, can you try:
Code:
setenforce 0
I don't know if it'll work, but if that goes through successfully try and launch the Edge Settings Screen again!
EDIT3: Do'h. It may have been something really simple *crosses fingers* Could you please re-download the CocktailBarService, and try doing the same thing you did last time, with right permissions, and maybe a dalvik-cache wipe if it doesn't work!?
Tried the new apk you uploaded. Getting a force close still when trying to open. I changed SELINUX to permissive, wiped dalvik, even tried deleting arm64 folder as well. No luck.
04-19 00:25:09.907 E/AndroidRuntime(15867): java.lang.RuntimeException: Unable to start activity ComponentInfo{com.samsung.android.app.cocktailbarservice/com.samsung.android.app.cocktailbarservice.settings.EdgeScreenSettingsMain}: java.lang.SecurityException: Permission Denial: get/set setting for user asks to run as user -2 but is calling from user 0; this requires android.permission.INTERACT_ACROSS_USERS_FULL
Was searching through logcat and found this. May this have something to do with the issue?
wase4711 said:
I will help as well, when these tools are out for us..
Thanks for bringing cool stuff like this to the phone at this early date!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't mean to hijack thread, but "Tool" is already available here:
NB: Chrome and IE don't translate into "Save file" - Use Mozilla which does > copy to phone and flash.
https://blck.io/twrp-2.8.6.0-zeroltetmo.img
Perfectly working on T-Mobile S6 Edge
Will
RoM_Addict said:
Don't mean to hijack thread, but "Tool" is already available here:
NB: Chrome and IE don't translate into "Save file" - Use Mozilla which does > copy to phone and flash.
https://blck.io/twrp-2.8.6.0-zeroltetmo.img
Perfectly working on T-Mobile S6 Edge
Will
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that version doesn't work properly for me and many others; waiting for an "official" version from the TWRP folks..
trailblazer101 said:
How deep are you willing to go? Because it would be awesome if you could clear dalvik-cache, since I see this, right off the bat:
Code:
: Failed to find OatDexFile for DexFile /system/priv-app/CocktailBarService/CocktailBarService.apk ( canonical path /system/priv-app/CocktailBarService/CocktailBarService.apk) with checksum 0xfbfcb9f7 in OatFile /data/dalvik-cache/arm64/[email protected]@[email protected]@classes.dex
EDIT: could you also make sure that you set the right permissions for the apk? I'm getting the impression that they might be off with:
Code:
msg=audit(1429397519.049:355): auid=4294967295 uid=10001 gid=10001 ses=4294967295 subj=u:r:untrusted_app:s0 pid=12605 comm="ktailbarservice" reason="memory violation" sig=11
EDIT2: We might have to disable SELinux... That's rather unfortunate/puts a rather large damper on things, until custom kernels come out at least... After starting a root shell, can you try:
Code:
setenforce 0
I don't know if it'll work, but if that goes through successfully try and launch the Edge Settings Screen again!
EDIT3: Do'h. It may have been something really simple *crosses fingers* Could you please re-download the CocktailBarService, and try doing the same thing you did last time, with right permissions, and maybe a dalvik-cache wipe if it doesn't work!?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi trailblazer, I set the permissions the same as the original apk ,
right lets try again: I've downloaded the new version and set permissions, wiped dalvik-cache but when trying to disable SELinux i get
tmp-mksh: 0 : not found.
and when going into 'edge screen' settings i get unfortunsatly cocktailbar service has stopped.
Catlog attached:
I used this to modify SELINUX. For anyone else who is helping out, try this.
[4/19] QuickLaunch Demo And Advanced Feed Development Request For Rooted Users
b-reezy said:
I used this to modify SELINUX. For anyone else who is helping out, try this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I sent you a PM! I explicitly declared that permission for each activity, so let's see how it goes now! I put the same apk I sent you now on the OP, so the other testers can try it! In the mean-time, I do have something real for you guys to play with! It's the QuickLaunch window, customizable and all (from hitting the Feeds Settings Icon). I'll put that in the OP with the tag "WORKS(Kinda)"!
One thing, which is a big reason why I'm trying to do it this way-- clicking the icons launches the app, it just doesn't turn the screen back on! I've tracked it down, and it seems as if when the Feed Screen is on, it has the SCover flag set to on, manually, but when a user clicks a button from another Feed, it turns that flag back off, thus turning the screen back on. The easiest/cleanest way for us to do that too would be our Custom Feed Panel implementing the same OnClickHandler that the others do, just can't without doingwhat we're trying to do!
EDIT: Please still use the QuickLaunch apk with the tag "Signed" though for testing the replacement of CocktailBarService! My new one just does it the bad way, and had to get rid of the code for trying the good.
(There's other ways to turn the screen on, but the way I'm trying to do it does it easily, and allows for more advanced functionality!)
FOR DEVELOPERS:
If you are interested in taking what I have and running with it/collaborating, I am more than willing to send all sources of what I have so far, my resources that I've been using, along with all information gathered so far. Just ask!
Hopefully this will become available for non-rooted. I am DIEING to get more functionality out of the Edge API for this phone. The feed is an awesome option, but having to swiping finger is a pain in the @$$. A double tap on the edge or an automatic turn on would be AWESOME when Texts or missed calls are there.
b-reezy said:
I used this to modify SELINUX. For anyone else who is helping out, try this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BTW.. can be disabled in the kernel source also.. I did that in m8 times
trailblazer101 said:
I sent you a PM! I explicitly declared that permission for each activity, so let's see how it goes now! I put the same apk I sent you now on the OP, so the other testers can try it! In the mean-time, I do have something real for you guys to play with! It's the QuickLaunch window, customizable and all (from hitting the Feeds Settings Icon). I'll put that in the OP with the tag "WORKS(Kinda)"!
One thing, which is a big reason why I'm trying to do it this way-- clicking the icons launches the app, it just doesn't turn the screen back on! I've tracked it down, and it seems as if when the Feed Screen is on, it has the SCover flag set to on, manually, but when a user clicks a button from another Feed, it turns that flag back off, thus turning the screen back on. The easiest/cleanest way for us to do that too would be our Custom Feed Panel implementing the same OnClickHandler that the others do, just can't without doingwhat we're trying to do!
EDIT: Please still use the QuickLaunch apk with the tag "Signed" though for testing the replacement of CocktailBarService! My new one just does it the bad way, and had to get rid of the code for trying the good.
(There's other ways to turn the screen on, but the way I'm trying to do it does it easily, and allows for more advanced functionality!)
FOR DEVELOPERS:
If you are interested in taking what I have and running with it/collaborating, I am more than willing to send all sources of what I have so far, my resources that I've been using, along with all information gathered so far. Just ask!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Liking the Quicklaunch app , are you still needing testers? or have you got all the info you need?
Alex-V said:
BTW.. can be disabled in the kernel source also.. I did that in m8 times
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly and imo its better if its done this way..
for anyone interested
you need to edit the security/selinux/selinuxfs.c file from source
FIND:
Code:
selinux_status_update_setenforce(new_value);
#else
ADD RIGHT BELOW "#else":
Code:
new_value = 0;
So it becomes:
Code:
selinux_status_update_setenforce(new_value);
#else
new_value = 0;
or use this one (from the G925F source)
friedrich420 said:
Exactly and imo its better if its done this way..
for anyone interested
you need to edit the security/selinux/selinuxfs.c file from source
FIND:
Code:
selinux_status_update_setenforce(new_value);
#else
ADD RIGHT BELOW "#else":
Code:
new_value = 0;
So it becomes:
Code:
selinux_status_update_setenforce(new_value);
#else
new_value = 0;
or use this one (from the G925F source)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah.. that's the one I used.. I'm still for and back to root or not..means for me.. develop roms and kernels ..or use it as it is.. lol..
friedrich420 said:
Exactly and imo its better if its done this way..
for anyone interested
you need to edit the security/selinux/selinuxfs.c file from source
FIND:
Code:
selinux_status_update_setenforce(new_value);
#else
ADD RIGHT BELOW "#else":
Code:
new_value = 0;
So it becomes:
Code:
selinux_status_update_setenforce(new_value);
#else
new_value = 0;
or use this one (from the G925F source)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hii my friend, i also still , have a non rooted S6 Edge :thumbup:
Hey guys, I finished the QuickLaunch Feed and posted it in the Apps Folder here:
Click Me!
I did manage to get it to turn the screen on, then, with the clicking of the shortcuts, and it still launches it once unlocked (if you have a lockscreen). I am going to begin work on a music player Feed, now
I will continue development on more advanced Feeds, and also delve into enhancing the edge in other ways, once we Verizon users get root (or until I win the lottery and get a Sprint version ). I see all these great opportunities to make it better, I just can't do anything with it until I'm rooted, since this didn't go as well as I planned. Where we are stuck at now is this, and where it would be too much of a pain for me to do without a phone of my own to test one:
We need to re-sign the system with a signature key we have access to. This includes framework, apps, and the priv-apps signed with the samsung key. Then I can go about doing what I wanted to do, but otherwise, it's a no go.
A developer who does have a Sprint or T-Mobile version with root, I can tell you the information I gathered so far. I have seen where the 'turn screen on gesture' is stored, and all these other great things, I just can't right now
trailblazer101 said:
Hey guys, I finished the QuickLaunch Feed and posted it in the Apps Folder here:
Click Me!
I did manage to get it to turn the screen on, then, with the clicking of the shortcuts, and it still launches it once unlocked (if you have a lockscreen). I am going to begin work on a music player Feed, now
I will continue development on more advanced Feeds, and also delve into enhancing the edge in other ways, once we Verizon users get root (or until I win the lottery and get a Sprint version ). I see all these great opportunities to make it better, I just can't do anything with it until I'm rooted, since this didn't go as well as I planned. Where we are stuck at now is this, and where it would be too much of a pain for me to do without a phone of my own to test one:
We need to re-sign the system with a signature key we have access to. This includes framework, apps, and the priv-apps signed with the samsung key. Then I can go about doing what I wanted to do, but otherwise, it's a no go.
A developer who does have a Sprint or T-Mobile version with root, I can tell you the information I gathered so far. I have seen where the 'turn screen on gesture' is stored, and all these other great things, I just can't right now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
very nice.. thanks my friend ?
This is just sounding AWESOME! I am on AT&T so will have to wait as well for Root. I was wondering if there is a possability for the edge to just turn on, on its own without the need to swipe the screen? Like when a new notification comes in it will just scroll across the edge (or maybe the icon will blink on and off until you see it and swipe).
I still feel the swipe is to hard to do consistantly and would rather use a double tap or something if the auto on isn't possible.