Database Develop

Is it possible to replace the menu button with the ICS Task Manager/Multitasker?

Is it possible to replace the menu button with the ICS Task Manager/Multitasker? like in the galaxy Nexus? I think even the icon looks similar in a way to a list of apps. This would be useful especially since ICS deals with this perfectly by showing a menu button when it doesn't detect it as a hardware button.
What do you guys think about this idea?

Why not just hold the home button to bring up recent apps..
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

joshnichols189 said:
Why not just hold the home button to bring up recent apps..
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cuase holding the home button for 1 or 2 seconds its not better than just pressing the menu button.

pachi72 said:
Cuase holding the home button for 1 or 2 seconds its not better than just pressing the menu button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree. Home buttons degrade and break.

pachi72 said:
Cuase holding the home button for 1 or 2 seconds its not better than just pressing the menu button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VTEChump said:
Agree. Home buttons degrade and break.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, and because given the choice, I'm sure most will opt to use it this way. the menu button is getting deprecated as a hardware button and being implemented more and more inside applications.
Hopefully some more ICS ROM devs will see this and review this suggestion. I would love to know what they have to say about it.

I wouldnt mind a widget to do it either. That shouldnt be to hard to do.

moyajaya said:
Is it possible to replace the menu button with the ICS Task Manager/Multitasker? like in the galaxy Nexus? I think even the icon looks similar in a way to a list of apps. This would be useful especially since ICS deals with this perfectly by showing a menu button when it doesn't detect it as a hardware button.
What do you guys think about this idea?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1.
Regards.

This was the first thing I wanted to do after installing ICS. The capacative buttons are mapped in /system/usr/keylayout/melfas-touchkey.kl;
Code:
key 158 BACK WAKE
key 139 MENU WAKE
I'm just not sure what to replace 'MENU' with. 'TASK'?

Hate to double post but I thought I'd share what I've discovered.
I tried replacing 'MENU' with 'APP_SWITCH' in melfas-touchkey.kl and sec_touchkey.kl and got the menu button to act just like the recents button, however there was then no way to access the menu
I had a brief look at the android source code and it looks like the value that decides to show the action overflow button in the toolbar is set depending whether the on screen buttons are being used. Not at all sure about that though and I've seen the new HTC one phones have a hardware recents button replacing the menu so it can't be impossible.

bootlessjam said:
Hate to double post but I thought I'd share what I've discovered.
I tried replacing 'MENU' with 'APP_SWITCH' in melfas-touchkey.kl and sec_touchkey.kl and got the menu button to act just like the recents button, however there was then no way to access the menu
I had a brief look at the android source code and it looks like the value that decides to show the action overflow button in the toolbar is set depending whether the on screen buttons are being used. Not at all sure about that though and I've seen the new HTC one phones have a hardware recents button replacing the menu so it can't be impossible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for trying this and letting us know about the results. I was thinking if all fails maybe the search option that appears when you click and hold the menu button could be replaced with the menu?
Clicking the Old menu button = New app switcher
Holding the old menu button = Menu
how about that? I think most apps include a search icon if/when they include search functionality.

Had a brainwave today and got it 90% there. I decompiled framework-res.apk and enabled the navigation bar AND resized it to 0. This means the action overflow button shows up in apps without the galaxy nexus-like software keys getting in the way. I then remapped the menu key and it is working like a charm
Of course then there is the little issue of bringing up the menu when using a pre honeycomb app. The simplest solution for me was to use the pen's button+swipe up gesture. This isn't ideal and doesn't even work for people using CM9 or stock ICS.
Here is the modified framework-res for the Team Rocket ROM v1.5:
dl.dropbox dot com/u/2340506/navbarhidden.zip
These forums don't trust me with links
Install with CWM recovery. Don't use it on any other ROM! I can't even guarantee it'll work on every team rocket rom. I'm too lazy to load every ICS ROM but if you post your framework-res.apk I can edit it for you.
After you can remap the hardware keys in /system/usr/keylayout/melfas-touchkey.kl and /system/usr/keylayout/sec_touchkey.kl like I mentioned earlier with Root Explorer or ES File Explorer. I have it set up to mimic the HTC one phones and the galaxy nexus's layout, since I keep the key lights off.
Hopefully this is useful to people. A better way to access the menu on old apps should be easier to do once people start tinkering with the HTC one phones.

bootlessjam said:
Had a brainwave today and got it 90% there. I decompiled framework-res.apk and enabled the navigation bar AND resized it to 0. This means the action overflow button shows up in apps without the galaxy nexus-like software keys getting in the way. I then remapped the menu key and it is working like a charm
Of course then there is the little issue of bringing up the menu when using a pre honeycomb app. The simplest solution for me was to use the pen's button+swipe up gesture. This isn't ideal and doesn't even work for people using CM9 or stock ICS.
Here is the modified framework-res for the Team Rocket ROM v1.5:
dl.dropbox dot com/u/2340506/navbarhidden.zip
These forums don't trust me with links
Install with CWM recovery. Don't use it on any other ROM! I can't even guarantee it'll work on every team rocket rom. I'm too lazy to load every ICS ROM but if you post your framework-res.apk I can edit it for you.
After you can remap the hardware keys in /system/usr/keylayout/melfas-touchkey.kl and /system/usr/keylayout/sec_touchkey.kl like I mentioned earlier with Root Explorer or ES File Explorer. I have it set up to mimic the HTC one phones and the galaxy nexus's layout, since I keep the key lights off.
Hopefully this is useful to people. A better way to access the menu on old apps should be easier to do once people start tinkering with the HTC one phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great finds! Thumbs up!
Thank you for your efforts!
I would love to try those but I moved back to Gingerbread for the time being. ICS in the note is far from being a daily driver for me. A lots of bugs and battery drains compared to Gingerbread. Hopefully this will change quickly. I trust the dev community and i'm sure they'll beat samsung in having stable ICS releases...

Back to ICS. Using ICS Stunner 4.3 ROM with the new LP5 kernel and modem. This setup is simply stunning. Best ROM I've tried so far.
Back to subject, how can the process go for AOSP ROMs? Like this one I'm using...
Anyone found any other way around this? Thanks !
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2 Beta-5

moyajaya said:
Back to ICS. Using ICS Stunner 4.3 ROM with the new LP5 kernel and modem. This setup is simply stunning. Best ROM I've tried so far.
Back to subject, how can the process go for AOSP ROMs? Like this one I'm using...
Anyone found any other way around this? Thanks !
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2 Beta-5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1450138
I looked into doing the same thing as you did only because I love the tablet layout and holding the home button doesn't bring it up.
In order to get what you and a few others would want on select roms, the source for the framework would have to be adjusted as said in the thread, meaning each dev would have to implement this independently.
The second thing is alread mentioned in this thread, which is changing the key layout.
You can hope that the dev has no issues with inserting it into their build.
NOT changing the source but editing the key layout will only bring up the a Gingerbread styled task switcher. I've tried ;_;
I personally might I add, would just love the same hold the home button functionality while in tablet mode.
evilisto said:
1) change source code related to APP_SWITCH keycode.
platform/frameworks/base/policy/src/com/android/internal/policy/impl/PhoneWindowManager.java
from :
Code:
} else if (keyCode == KeyEvent.KEYCODE_APP_SWITCH) {
if (down && repeatCount == 0) {
showOrHideRecentAppsDialog(RECENT_APPS_BEHAVIOR_SHOW_OR_DISMISS);
}
return -1;
}
to :
Code:
} else if (keyCode == KeyEvent.KEYCODE_APP_SWITCH) {
if (down && repeatCount == 0 && !keyguardOn) {
try {
mStatusBarService.toggleRecentApps();
} catch (RemoteException e) {
Slog.e(TAG, "RemoteException when showing recent apps", e);
}
}
return -1;
}
2) edit your keylayout files..
/system/usr/keylayout/
for example, if you want to use search key to recent apps on nexus s...
cypress-touchkey.kl
Code:
key 139 MENU VIRTUAL
key 102 HOME VIRTUAL
key 158 BACK VIRTUAL
key 217 APP_SWITCH VIRTUAL
and mxt224_ts_input.kl (it would be better to edit both files..)
Code:
key 158 BACK WAKE
key 139 MENU WAKE
key 217 APP_SWITCH WAKE
key 102 HOME WAKE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

[MOD]Enabled soft keys/Disabled Cap buttons **7.29 update posted**

This mod enables onscreen soft keys (THANKS TO LEONARDOARAUJO for the modded framework-res) and disables all cap keys except for menu. cap keys still are illuminated, but home, back, and search are disabled as well as haptic feedback for the 3. as i cannot as of yet get a search key remap working i decided to try n make this.I kinda like it btr even tho i lose a lil real estate cuz soft keys are cool..tested and working fine.
25b/27
http://db.tt/xgjybJJi
7.29
http://db.tt/MTzyaNk7
7.29
disable ALL cap keys by quetzalcoat12345 (Does not include the framework files, just the keymap files, so it should be good for all future releases.)
DisableAllCapacitiveKeys.zip"]https://dl.dropbox.com/u/19567156/DisableAllCapacitiveKeys.zip"]DisableAllCapacitiveKeys.zip
here is a flashable zip to reverse the mod (25b/27 only) by leonardoaraujo:
http://www.mediafire.com/?ch4kxk9heylr0v5

Until the backlight params editing is backported to CM10, you might want to try Screen Filter. I used that app since CM9 to disable the backlights on the capacitive buttons. Cheers!
Edit: Scrap that. It seems that it doesn't work (yet) on CM10. I'll try searching for something else.
Edit 2: Success! Adjbrightness works flawlessly!

quetzalcoatl2435 said:
Until the backlight params editing is backported to CM10, you might want to try Screen Filter. I used that app since CM9 to disable the backlights on the capacitive buttons. Cheers!
Edit: Scrap that. It seems that it doesn't work (yet) on CM10. I'll try searching for something else.
Edit 2: Success! Adjbrightness works flawlessly!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
imma try it now, although i may leave them on only cuz my.menu key is active still..thx for the tip!
edit..works great.wish i could kill all but menu..but i suppose people in hell want icewater too
[m]atRix

Yeah, I noticed you left the menu button enabled. I've edited mine to disable the menu button as well, so it's all off for me.

quetzalcoatl2435 said:
Yeah, I noticed you left the menu button enabled. I've edited mine to disable the menu button as well, so it's all off for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i left mine on cuz there are times and places i need to enter menu but the 3 dots aren't there. maybe leo can add menu to the soft keys, ill ask.

In what app(s) does that occur? I haven't checked every app on my phone, but it's all good so far. The 3 dots show up either next to the soft buttons or on the actionbar.

quetzalcoatl2435 said:
In what app(s) does that occur? I haven't checked every app on my phone, but it's all good so far. The 3 dots show up either next to the soft buttons or on the actionbar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
actually now tht im paying attn, i think its mainly from home screen using apex. i can set a shortcut but i jus kinda like having menu access rt there. works for me
edit: ur right..menu 3 dots thing is there anytime there is a menu to access, EXCEPT apex home screen. but sometimes its up on top. i thought about disabling menu but decided to keep it as its nice to have rt there, i guess for the same reason i like the search key to recents remap..more easily accessible.

What if we want to revert back to using the softkeys after flashing this? is there a way to reverse it?

zefir738 said:
What if we want to revert back to using the softkeys after flashing this? is there a way to reverse it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just reflash CM10 without wiping data, should bring everything back to stock.

need not apply the full rom, to undo everything (including navigation buttons):
http://www.mediafire.com/?ch4kxk9heylr0v5
ps: op, add to the 1st post ..

is the softkeys able to change functions? such as adding screen lock button or other applications in the nav bar
and can we enable the 4 capactivie buttons in the modded framework?

bu14 said:
is the softkeys able to change functions? such as adding screen lock button or other applications in the nav bar
and can we enable the 4 capactivie buttons in the modded framework?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not as of now. well i cant anyway, maybe leo can..
as far as screen lock button, i use widgetsoid for tht

rickriego said:
not as of now. well i cant anyway, maybe leo can..
as far as screen lock button, i use widgetsoid for tht
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how can i contact him?

bu14 said:
how can i contact him?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
search the forums for leonardoaraujo his profile will pop up a few lines down. u can pm from there

I hope you update your zip to the new epinter
Sent from my MB860 on CM10

i will, already talked to leo abt the framework..
[m]atRix

mod works w/ epinters current release!
[m]atRix

rickriego said:
mod works w/ epinters current release!
[m]atRix
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Update the OP.
Sent from my Nexus 7

Soldier-2Point0 said:
Update the OP.
Sent from my Nexus 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
aye aye captain!
edit: done
[m]atRix

Soldier-2Point0 said:
Update the OP.
Sent from my Nexus 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Geez soldier lol
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk 2

Thought - adding on screen buttons?

I know a lot of people aren't happy with HTC getting rid of the multitasking button. Is it possible for devs to add on-screen buttons onto the One? You'll lose screen space and it'll probably look weird, but you'll get a proper multiasking button back and bring all the benefits of on-screen buttons as far as customization and stuff go. Any thoughts?

B757-200 said:
I know a lot of people aren't happy with HTC getting rid of the multitasking button. Is it possible for devs to add on-screen buttons onto the One? You'll lose screen space and it'll probably look weird, but you'll get a proper multiasking button back and bring all the benefits of on-screen buttons as far as customization and stuff go. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some think there may be hope in mapping the "HTC" logo to a button task......HERE

In Touchwiz adding on-screen buttons is as easy as adding a line to build.prop file (needs root). Does it work the same in Sense ROMs ?

craftycarper1 said:
Some think there may be hope in mapping the "HTC" logo to a button task......HERE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I def would prefer on screen then worrying about remapping a button that plainly wasn't suppose to be one. Disable cap and on screen only. Enable cm customization and profit (once available).

doakills said:
I def would prefer on screen then worrying about remapping a button that plainly wasn't suppose to be one. Disable cap and on screen only. Enable cm customization and profit (once available).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
both buttons are just areas on the touchscreen (digitizer) with backlights and a symbol, the htc logo is no different (well i don't know if it has a backlight) but it's just another area on the digitizer

yea on-screen button is so much more better..at the bottom center and transparent

CreepyDroid said:
In Touchwiz adding on-screen buttons is as easy as adding a line to build.prop file (needs root). Does it work the same in Sense ROMs ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just FYI it won't boot for me when I add the line.

Back button simulation, for righthanded

Our phone has back button on the bottom right side of the phone, thus making the phone use with right hand only very unpleasant, mostly in news reading apps where back button is used often when going back to the front page.
Is there any software button simulation app where I could position the back button somewhere in the bottom middle?

jazzh said:
Our phone has back button on…………
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
by adding some line (i forgot what it was ) to build.prop, u can enable on screen keys.
something like-
<something >. hardwarekeys=0
then, in settings (settings/system i think)
u can rearrange them...
Sent from my GT-I9070 using xda app-developers app

It sounds good, I'll take a look into it. But I don't want to disable hardwarekeys, I want all hw keys and just 1 sw key (back)...

To enable and use Onscreen buttons...
@jazzh,
Yep, you can you can use on-screen buttons BUT it will take/reserve some part of your screen's display.. that's why I don't use it BUT you can give it a try..
Just download the app build.prop editor and add this line at the end of your build.prop:
Code:
qemu.hw.mainkeys=0
(make sure to keep an empty line at the end of your build.prop, otherwise you will get a bootloop)
To disable it, simply remove the line above or set the value to "1"
3 MORE THINGS:
- This is what it will look like...
- You can resize the on-screen buttons BUT that will require you to modify your framework-res.apk
- I just found out about this app.. this will allow you to enable or disable on-screen buttons easily but its made for Xperia devices, so I am not sure whether it will work or not...

jazzh said:
It sounds good, I'll take a look into it. But I don't want to disable hardwarekeys, I want all hw keys and just 1 sw key (back)...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i don't think it disables the hw keys. it just enables the onscreen keys.
Even better: u can use pie controls if u add that line to build.prop
Sent from my GT-I9070 using xda app-developers app

Thank you all guys!
I added the line at the bottom and rebooted and... voila, soft keys are up and running.
Now, I didin't see anywhere not in the settings>system where these buttons can be adjusted. It would be nice if there is autohide option or something. Remember, I need only back soft key to be in the bottom middle or bottom left?
Then I installed pie control app, this works too but it doesn't have the option of autohiding softkeys at the bottom.
Is there something else I could try, I just need back software button elsewhere then bottom right corner and not all the time. Can it be achieved?
Thx again for helping...

jazzh said:
Thank you all guys!
I added the line at the bottom and rebooted and... voila, soft keys are up and running.
Now, I didin't see anywhere not in the settings>system where these buttons can be adjusted. It would be nice if there is autohide option or something. Remember, I need only back soft key to be in the bottom middle or bottom left?
Then I installed pie control app, this works too but it doesn't have the option of autohiding softkeys at the bottom.
Is there something else I could try, I just need back software button elsewhere then bottom right corner and not all the time. Can it be achieved?
Thx again for helping...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No mate you cannot directly edit the on-screen button's configurations and functions from Settings.. you need to decompile and modify certain files in your framework-res.apk.. I guess it will be too complicated for you to do all that - so it would be better for you to not try it now and end up getting a bootloop (no offence)
The only reason why I don't use on-screen buttons is because of this only.. It takes up screen's space and there is no auto-hide option...
And which Pie Control app did you install? Give this is a try if you still haven't tried it... As far as I know, Pie controls only appear when you tap and hold on a certain part of your screen...
If you don't want to use your on-screen buttons then just remove the line from your build.prop or set its value to 1... And if you don't want your phone's capacitive buttons to light up then you can turn that off from Settings > Display > Touch key light duration and set it to "always off".. It won't disable them BUT it will not light them up..

I tried exactly the same pie control app you've posted, found it by searching.
But I also uninstalled it afterwards, pie is working fine but I can't auto hide soft keys at the bottom, so when pie is active and visible, soft keys at the bottom are also visible. Which is not what I wanted at the 1st place.
So at the end I commented the line in build.prop and reverted to the way it was before, cause A) space is more important to me, and B) soft back key is again on bottom right.
In the meantime, if someone runs into solution for simulating only back key with adjustable position... kindly let me know...

[Q] Enable capacitive buttons on CM11 (or reduce NavBar)

Hi all! I would like to know how to enable the capacitive keys on the s3 mini with cyanogenmod 11 (KitKat). it's a bit annoying using the navigation bar (qemu.hw.mainkeys=0).
they worked with the samsung firmware e they blink for 5-6 secs after boot.
(otherwise I would like to reduce the navigation bar)
I've also notice that I don't have this file: sec_touchkey.kl under /system/usr/keylayout
Thanks for the help.

edoz90 said:
Hi all! I would like to know how to enable the capacitive keys on the s3 mini with cyanogenmod 11 (KitKat). it's a bit annoying using the navigation bar (qemu.hw.mainkeys=0).
they worked with the samsung firmware e they blink for 5-6 secs after boot.
(otherwise I would like to reduce the navigation bar)
I've also notice that I don't have this file: sec_touchkey.kl under /system/usr/keylayout
Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can also enable them with Gravity box xposed module & change the size too Or use carbon rom, it has a switch for navigation bar & size.

mauam said:
You can also enable them with Gravity box xposed module & change the size too Or use carbon rom, it has a switch for navigation bar & size.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the reply!! i'm pretty noob sorry....
does the Gravity Box make me enable the capacitive keys or make me resize the navbar?
Anyway I've to install the xposed framework.

edoz90 said:
thanks for the reply!! i'm pretty noob sorry....
does the Gravity Box make me enable the capacitive keys or make me resize the navbar?
Anyway I've to install the xposed framework.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah! you need xposed framework to use modules. With GB you can enable nav bar & his size, amoung other things

Thanks!!! to restore the capacitive buttons??
I mean the buttons on the sides of the home button (physical): the back and the menu button.

edoz90 said:
Thanks!!! to restore the capacitive buttons??
I mean the buttons on the sides of the home button (physical): the back and the menu button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't understand you very well (nav bar buttons or physical buttons!?), anyway to change their behaviour go to, system settings-buttons & choose what function you want for them.

mauam said:
Don't understand you very well (nav bar buttons or physical buttons!?), anyway to change their behaviour go to, system settings-buttons & choose what function you want for them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've send you a pm with the photo...I mean the two buttons lighted up at the bottom of the screen near the home button

edoz90 said:
I've send you a pm with the photo...I mean the two buttons lighted up at the bottom of the screen near the home button
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
System settings-buttons-backlight

mauam said:
System settings-buttons-backlight
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no....the don't work at all!!! i want their functions.
The only way to emulate them is the navigation bar but it was too big (with the GB I've resized it).
I wish someone tell me how to enable this buttons that worked with the original firmware.

I already told you in the previous posts how to change their functions & how to disable or change the backlight.

I am also having this problem and there is no option in settings to enable/disable this buttons. Like edoz90 said, the buttons worked perfectly on the stock rom.