Related
Since the vibrant doesn't have a secondary input like most android devices, it's even more vital that we have unfettered access to the keyboard and its soft arrow keys. Unfortunately long pressing the menu button in some applications (notably the browser) brings up SEARCH rather than the keyboard by itself. That means no arrow keys for text selection or link highlighting.
This has been discussed previously in general at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=776792
How difficult would it be to remap the long press of the menu key to bring up the keyboard by itself?
After researching it some on my own, it looks like I need to come up with a way to call showSoftInput() from one of the softkeys. It'd be ideal if I could get that to happen on menu long press, but if that's too far buried in proprietary configuration I'd settle for replacing the google voice search app mapped to the Search button long press.
Anyone have any tips on mapping system functions to a hardware key normally used for app launching? The lack of any keyboard in the browser is seriously inhibiting my ability to use this phone.
Dxtop pro does this, and long press back is tasks
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
fit333 said:
Dxtop pro does this, and long press back is tasks
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, buth then you have to use dxtop. *non fan of dxtop*
fit333 said:
Dxtop pro does this, and long press back is tasks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dxtop takes over the long press of buttons only in the home screen context, and it doesn't use any of them to launch the keyboard. Plus there's no way to configure any of it so it's not really the same at all.
What I'm looking for is to alter one of the long press actions in a system-wide way to launch the soft keyboard.
cbisquit said:
After researching it some on my own, it looks like I need to come up with a way to call showSoftInput() from one of the softkeys. It'd be ideal if I could get that to happen on menu long press, but if that's too far buried in proprietary configuration I'd settle for replacing the google voice search app mapped to the Search button long press.
Anyone have any tips on mapping system functions to a hardware key normally used for app launching? The lack of any keyboard in the browser is seriously inhibiting my ability to use this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried emailing Anderweb? ADW launcher intercepts the home button. You might be able to do something similar. It might only work on the home screen though, as his app is running there. For a system wide thing you might need to mod the underlying OS files, framework maybe? I'm not sure where that stuff launches. You could try asking one of the Cyanogen devs, they might have found it. They add stuff to the power button long press menu at least.
Certain apps (Visual Task Switcher and Itching Thumb) remap the search and home buttons to open themselves. I imagine this same idea could be used for the menu button, but I've never seen it.
I don't always complain, but when I do, I #BlameWes
some success...
Well I got a little app to work at opening the keyboard on long press of the SEARCH key. I don't want to override the home function, which is what ADW for instance does. The only other button that has an available intent as far as I can tell is search. This is my first java anything, so I wouldn't expect much out of it (it may not even work on anyone's phone but mine) but maybe someone with better android chops can use it as a proof-of-concept for what I was thinking. Install it and when you long press the search key you can choose "Search for Keyboard!"
One pretty major caveat... the swype soft cursor doesn't act anything like I'd wanted when I was envisioning this. There's no "execute" button that works like a click, so while you can use the soft arrows to select links it's not gonna do you much good. Also there's no way to effectively use "select text" in the browser. Concept 2, if I ever get around to it, would probably be more like a replacement touchpad area below the current application window.
i would like to see an app to remap long press menu on my i9000, anyone has success? thx
Another reason to ditch Samsung firmware and use AOSP-based ROMs, like CyanogenMod or MIUI.
FYI, nearly every "ROM" made for Galaxy S phones are Samsung firmware. They're not built from source like ROMs for other decent Android phones, they are just original Samsung builds being modified like nuts. And they use the same Samsung framework (though usually customized for themes and removing of annoyances like battery-full popup), and usually still include most of Samsung's stupid fixes that make their Galaxy S system software the most different in structure compared to any other Android system.
By using AOSP firmware like CyanogenMod and MIUI, these problems (like menu-button keyboard binding getting screwed up by Samsung) don't exist, because they were never present in official Android release. When problems do come up for AOSP, they get fixed quick because the source code is actually available.
Summarized process of development:
Samsung-based ROMs: What's broken or runs like ****? Try to fix it. Hack hack hack, hope it works, if it fails try again. Submit to XDA
CyanogenMod (in general): If there is a problem, try to fix it. Write code, build, test. Make sure it works before putting it in "stable" branch. After that think of brand new useful feature to implement, code it, bug test a lot, request it to be used in official releases or just make your own CyanogenMod-based ROM with your own enhancements, like BiffMod for the HTC Dream.
Btw, the reason why Samsung put this keybind is because the original international Galaxy S doesn't have a dedicated search key, so they set the search function up with the menu button. Our problem is that Samsung was a lazyass and forgot to change back that binding to the original for the Vibrant, which does have a dedicated search button and doesn't need the menu binding to search.
But aosp roms have other problems like poor 3d performance and no gps/compass. If the issues get worked out, I suspect many devs will be switching to aosp builds.
I'm currently running VEGAn 5.1.1 (love it) and for tablets, even more than phone there needs to be an easy way to switch applications. Holding down the home button will only give you a list of recently run apps, not apps that are currently running.
Currently I'm using / liking MultiTasking Pro:
http://www.appbrain.com/app/multitasking-pro/com.tkdtnek23.app.multitaskingpro
Here's the free/lite version:
http://www.appbrain.com/app/multitasking-lite/com.tkdtnek23.app.multitaskinglite
I have it bound to the single home tap action. And have it set to show/start on the Running tab. If I double tap Home (either on VEGAn toolbar or GTablet soft button) it goes to my designated launcher (launcher pro). Ideally I'd like a dedicated button for it on the title bar, ala HoneyComb's status bar, but this works good enough.
I've used other task switchers on my phone that have image previews, like:
http://www.appbrain.com/app/visual-task-switcher-free/com.esdmobile.taskswitcher (haven't tested this one on GTablet yet)
but they tended to be glitchy and sometimes laggy, so I'm ok living without image previews .
Anybody else want to share what task switchers they may be using and what you like/dislike about them?
Check out smart taskbar
My task switcher of choice is Dock4droid. It's a slick, fancy way to quickly get to your recent apps. But you can also specify apps to stay in the launcher dispite not being recently used.
I've got it set to pop out when I swipe with my thumb on the right edge of the screen, It's sooooo slick!
Sent from my VEGAn-TAB-v1.0.0b5.1.1 using Tapatalk
I am using Perfect Task Switcher , it allows me to switch and close tasks. Have it setup to popup on long press of search button
I just tried all of these, and ended up uninstalling all of them. I dislike how most remove the ability to click home button and see a preview of your different home screens (even if you don't set single click home button as the task switcher button).
Smart Task Bar seemed good, but long hold search button doesnt seem to work with button savior, and I have my soft keys turned off
tried all, like Smart task the best...
Hey all,
I'm coming from 2 previous Androids that had the 'Search' hardkey on the phone. I really liked it, esp when used in context in certain apps like Spotify (to filter in Spotify, seems like I have to scroll up 700 songs in my Playlist until the Filter area shows up instead of just pressing the Search key like how i did be4).
Is there any way that I can get rid of the 'Recent Apps' hardkey, and reroute it to 'Search'/Filter.
I see Turbo isn't rooted yet, so guessing I'd need a non-root app solution?
I think I tried one app 'All in One Gestures', and tried to re-route single or long tap on the 'Recent Apps' key to instead 'Search', but that didn't work way I expected it to (it only goes to the Google Now Search webpage, and not the context of pressing Search within an app [and not leaving the app]).
Any ideas?,
Arian
Thanks in advance
Almost positive this cant be done without root.
Darn, I'd also settle for an app that does gestures... so a gesture that triggers what the non-existent Search hardkey would have done. Not sure if thats possible without root.
I miss the search button too
I used to have the Evo 4G and loved the search button too. I was disappointed when (I believe) ICS phased it out and switched to the three button approach. While it won't search within apps, you can launch Google Now from anywhere by swiping up from the home button. In my experience, it's pretty finicky with the Turbo's capacitive buttons though.
Swipe Home Button
There's an app Called Swipe Home Button. It lets you do gestures to activate certain features. OP should look into it, it may be what you're looking for.
If you long press the home button, you'll get the Google search swiping up... Or what I use is nova launcher and a double tap gesture to search.
Hope this helps.
For the second time since starting all the work I've done on my phone, I flashed a ROM without launchers. The first time I have a video of, and learned a few things about dealing with this. So I choose not to fix the phone this time. I knew it was easy to fix, but I wanted something fun to do on vacation. So I ran with no launchers. Found ways to remap hard keys, and knew about a ton of apps to look into. I've been running launcherless for the whole time, have easy access to all of my apps, and can do mostADB/Bash work from inside the phone now. I've replaced all stock apps, including the camera with really nice apps of my choosing, but still no launcher.
Just thought that was interesting, it's been a lot of fun. I wish my phone was anything but what it is, SM-727P only offered by virgin, and boost. Would be interesting to share more than just the story with people. I could post the video of the first time, and pics of my current setup. No homework too show off, but prime space to appreciate a good wallpaper.
I occasionally have problems with all perms resetting, so it was important that the may all in charge of everything also be the default assistance app.I first went with the home key launcher, but it was very clunky. I settled on radsofts app drawer got assistance, wheel launcher for my main functionality, and apps, VM for most everything else. Also made use of Oreo nougat quicksetings.
Button mapper, and button remapper, mapper pro would do it all, but I wanted to make the idea available to anyone.
Volume+
Press: default
Double tap: flashlight
Long press: es file explorer
Volume-
Press: default
Double tap: screenshot
Long press: brave launcher
Recent apps
Press: default
Long press: L speed
Back
Press: default
Long press: bash shell
Home
Press: terminate foreground process
Long press: Launch app drawer/default assistant if one of the main goes down.
VM swipe pulls out from the side, offers a ton of app space.
Wheel launcher opens when shaking the phone, has built in shortcuts for basic phone functions, all apps, and customizable shortcuts.
So the home screen is completely empty, and you get tons of access.
took a few pictures
sounds interesting, but are you not concerned about the physical buttons ageing faster than usual this way?
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?