Database Develop

[Q] Launcher's cannot add shortcuts?

I've tried the following launchers; Launcher Pro, Launcher 2.3, and Zeam Launcher. All are fantastic but seem to have one fatal flaw.
When I attempt to hold screen -> Add item -> Shortcut, or any variation of this, the screen merely flashes and I cannot add an Application Short Cut.
Other additional items, such as Widgets or Actions work fine, but the Shortcut/Folder does not.
Is this a problem with my Nook, rooting, or just the incompatibility?

MXIIA said:
I've tried the following launchers; Launcher Pro, Launcher 2.3, and Zeam Launcher. All are fantastic but seem to have one fatal flaw.
When I attempt to hold screen -> Add item -> Shortcut, or any variation of this, the screen merely flashes and I cannot add an Application Short Cut.
Other additional items, such as Widgets or Actions work fine, but the Shortcut/Folder does not.
Is this a problem with my Nook, rooting, or just the incompatibility?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's just another thing B&N stripped out of the android operating system. The best way to make a shortcut is to hold it from the apps menu and then you can drag it to anywhere on your desktop. All launchers as far as I know do this. Get anycut if you need to make more shortcuts. That seems to work fine for me.

Yep, open apps drawer and press and hold you app. then move it where you want it. Different from android phones, but it works.

[Q] Open Book Icon [in Status Bar] stopped working

I've been a googlin, but found nothing on this yet!
Last night I finally got around to rooting. Everythings running smoothly except for one minor thing, which is that the open book icon on the status bar [that normally opens the book you're currently reading] is no longer working.
It was working after I'd initially rooted, i.e. before installing any apps or doing anything. But then after a bunch of otherwise successful tinkering (install/config of ADW, uninstalling soft keys, modding the volume buttons, etc) I noticed it's not working any more.
Has anyone else seen this happen?
I tried one thing to fix it thus far: I reverted to the .bak copies of the keylayout files and rebooted; this successfully returned the volume buttons to their original function [no longer menu and back], yet the open book icon still doesn't do anything. (The icon glows while pressed, but no action follows)

The book icon to return to your previously read book only works when you're using the nook home screen as your default home screen. You can use soft keys to configure one press for nook home and two presses for ADW, and then it should work.

peiziyu said:
The book icon to return to your previously read book only works when you're using the nook home screen as your default home screen. You can use soft keys to configure one press for nook home and two presses for ADW, and then it should work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure I saw it functioning properly when I first installed ADW. (I remember being quite surprised and pleased!)
Now that I think of it, another thing that happened around the time it stopped working is that I chose a default launcher (ADW). Until I was satisfied that ADW would play nicely (i.e. that the open-book icon and other nooky things still worked), I'd just had the 'n' button popup the dialog to select between 'home' and 'ADWLauncher'.
Is it possible that booting with non-nook launcher as default prevents that button from being init'd properly? I mean there's three cases right?
1) Nook as default
2) No default (pressing 'n' prompts for which home to use).
3) Non-nook as default (e.g. ADW, LauncherPro, etc) as default​
I wonder if the open book button is initialized properly (during boot) in only the first case, or if it might work in the second case as well?

Open Book icon stops working when you set another launcher as your default.
-CC

clockcycle said:
Open Book icon stops working when you set another launcher as your default.
-CC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ah!
ok... so then if I want one press of the 'n' button to bring me to ADW, e.g., with functioning open-book icon I should the solution is this:
1) Uninstall ADW Launcher (revert default to native nook launcher)
2) Reinstall ADW Launcher (or whatever home replacement is desired)
3) Configure Soft Keys such that a single press of the 'n' button opens ADW, and a double press of 'n' button opens Nook Home.
I'll try it out when I get home from work!

Just use Home Switcher:
http://www.appbrain.com/app/home-switcher/ymst.android.homeswitcher

ThrowingKs said:
Just use Home Switcher:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
... to set nook-home as default, and then softkeys to map 'n' to ADW?

Actually, I don't think you need to have the Nook launcher set as default; but you need to open the book from w/in the Nook launcher "shell" (use Home switcher to open the Nook launcher, but don't set it as the default). After that the book you opened in the nook launcher will open w/ the reading button.
Note: I am using Zeam as my launcher; YMMV w/ ADW ...

To be clear, since this is the wife's NC, my goal here is to avoid having to jump through any hoops to get it to work 'like it's supposed to'. The goal is that she turns it on, it goes to an alternate home [ADW, LP, etc], and all the native nook stuff still works.... This is her first Android experience, so it's gotta be boss for her to buy in (i.e. if she has to use Home Switcher or open the book the first time and then use homeswitcher again to switch to ADW 'every time'... well she's just not going to do that... she'll roll her eyes and give me the old 'It was fine before' )
jasoraso said:
...you need to open the book from w/in the Nook launcher "shell"...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right. So my thinking is that this initialization of the CurrentOpenBookState (or whatever it's really called), referenced by the open-book icon, must be happening during boot-up when a non-nook launcher isn't made default. i.e. If you boot an unrooted nook, you can just hit that button out of boot-up and it works.
So, I guess one viable work-around would be to allow it to boot into the nook launcher [thereby initializing the book-icon], and then reassign [via SoftKeys?] the 'n' button to open the real launcher [ADW, e.g.]. It's less than ideal, but it's not a bad compromise - you'd see the nook homescreen once, but from then on out, you'd always go to the ADW home.
Any thoughts on how to improve that work-around? I haven't used Autostart at all, but I was hoping there might be a clever way to script the boot/startup sequence such the nook-home would load/initialize, and then an alternate launcher would load and become the default handler.
I'd like it

I add the books to my Zeam homescreen:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9986743&postcount=35

HeroHTC said:
I add the books to my Zeam homescreen:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9986743&postcount=35
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ah... nifty! Think my wife will probably stick to the shelves in the BN Library app though.
Has anyone had any success with Autostart on NC?

It's working fine on my Nook with ADW EX set as the default home app.
Try this:
1) In NookColor Tools clear the defaults for ADW (or your home app)
2) Click your Nook home button and choose the NC home (Do Not set any as default yet)
3) Open any book or magazine so that the Open Book Icon appears in your tray
4) Click the Nook Home button, this time select ADW (or your home app) as the default
5) Click the Open Book Icon in the tray and it should open your last book
6) When you need to read a different book or mag, use the "Library" shortcut in your drawer to select the book. The Open book icon should recognize the change as long as you are opening the books from the library.
At least this is how it has been working for me.
Hope this helps.

j.a said:
It's working fine on my Nook with ADW EX set as the default home app.
Try this:
1) In NookColor Tools clear the defaults for ADW (or your home app)
2) Click your Nook home button and choose the NC home (Do Not set any as default yet)
3) Open any book or magazine so that the Open Book Icon appears in your tray
4) Click the Nook Home button, this time select ADW (or your home app) as the default
5) Click the Open Book Icon in the tray and it should open your last book
6) When you need to read a different book or mag, use the "Library" shortcut in your drawer to select the book. The Open book icon should recognize the change as long as you are opening the books from the library.
At least this is how it has been working for me.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sweet thanks! I'll try this!
So does the button work "permanently" after that sequence? Can you reboot, unlock, press the book icon and have it go to your current book?

j.a said:
It's working fine on my Nook with ADW EX set as the default home app.
Try this:
1) In NookColor Tools clear the defaults for ADW (or your home app)
2) Click your Nook home button and choose the NC home (Do Not set any as default yet)
3) Open any book or magazine so that the Open Book Icon appears in your tray
4) Click the Nook Home button, this time select ADW (or your home app) as the default
5) Click the Open Book Icon in the tray and it should open your last book
6) When you need to read a different book or mag, use the "Library" shortcut in your drawer to select the book. The Open book icon should recognize the change as long as you are opening the books from the library.
At least this is how it has been working for me.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried this and it worked great for me. Thanks!

WhiskeySlx said:
Sweet thanks! I'll try this!
So does the button work "permanently" after that sequence? Can you reboot, unlock, press the book icon and have it go to your current book?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok, so I tried this and it doesn't retain settings after a reboot... which means the original problem remains.
hmmmmm....
so is it possible to have it boot to nook-home but then have the 'n' button always invoke an alternate launcher? I just put soft-keys back on there, but I don't see how to set it up to do that. Hmmmm....

Same here, after reboot it loses it's setting.

Played around with it a bit further, same happens here. I haven't had any reason to reboot after nootering so never noticed

Is there a way to disable the icon to get more notification space?

j.a said:
Played around with it a bit further, same happens here. I haven't had any reason to reboot after nootering so never noticed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, same.
Question is what is the variable/state that's getting init'd by the nook home? And how can we get it to set otherwise....

rswain64 said:
Same here, after reboot it loses it's setting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It took me 2 weeks to find out how to avoid that. It's quite complicated though.

[Q] Unable to access menu in Google Play

Out of nowhere my three dots in Google Play have disappeared and I'm unable to pull up the menu/settings. All I have in the top corner is the search funtion. How do I retrieve this? I use LMT instead of the stock bars for navigation. I even tried freezing 'Soft Key Bar' in apps. Rebooted, and no change. Any help would be kindly appreciated.

Braves1995 said:
Out of nowhere my three dots in Google Play have disappeared and I'm unable to pull up the menu/settings. All I have in the top corner is the search funtion. How do I retrieve this? I use LMT instead of the stock bars for navigation. I even tried freezing 'Soft Key Bar' in apps. Rebooted, and no change. Any help would be kindly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends on how you set up LMT. Did you assign a menu option to your pie? The three dots on the pie was mine and I used that to access menu options inside of apps

Thanks for the quick response. I've setup my pie with the home, back, menu (which I thought would access all menus within all apps) and OpenNotificationBar. Is there another menu command within LMT that I'm missing?

Lower your dpi in the build.prop
Open build.prop file and edit this line only.
ro.sf.lcd_density=240 <--------Set this value to 180. Back out of build.prop, save when asked. Reboot. Check.

Krsmqn said:
Lower your dpi in the build.prop
Open build.prop file and edit this line only.
ro.sf.lcd_density=240 <--------Set this value to 180. Back out of build.prop, save when asked. Reboot. Check.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a little hesitant about editing the build.prop. Is there another way? What about re-installing the Play Store?

If you are hesitant about it that's ok. I don't know any other way. But the edit is harmless, I promise. You just have to be careful that you don't accidentally edit anything else.
You will notice that the lock screen is different.... but that's OK. You can download 2 apps to have a custom lock screen like widget locker or magic locker. I'll post links if you so desire.
If you want to skip my advice all together... well that's your prerogative. But you may be waiting a while for another fix.

Here's 2 pictures showing the difference. The top is with dpi of 240. The bottom is dpi 180. With mainkeys =1

****UPDATE****
This is with
A) softbar.apk removed from /system/app,
B) qemu.hw.mainkeys=0
C) dpi set at 180.
Perfect.
I should mention that I have go keyboard installed and xSettings installed with stock locker option disabled. With widget locker installed. And LMT soft keys installed.

Krsmqn said:
If you are hesitant about it that's ok. I don't know any other way. But the edit is harmless, I promise. You just have to be careful that you don't accidentally edit anything else.
You will notice that the lock screen is different.... but that's OK. You can download 2 apps to have a custom lock screen like widget locker or magic locker. I'll post links if you so desire.
If you want to skip my advice all together... well that's your prerogative. But you may be waiting a while for another fix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried both, widget locker and magic locker, neither seemed to work for me after changing my DPI. Any suggestions?
Sent from my KF-HD7

Oddly enough, I have an app called Fullscreen Toggle that I installed to take away the soft key bar, which has been working just fine. In this app, I decided to try re-enabling the stock soft keys to see if it would bring back the menu button in Google Play (not sure why I thought it would, just effing around with it). Well, when I re-enabled the soft key bar in Fullscreen Toggle it didn't bring the soft keys back up, but I DID get my menu button in Google Play back along with other menu buttons in other apps! Weirdness..

Braves1995 said:
Oddly enough, I have an app called Fullscreen Toggle that I installed to take away the soft key bar, which has been working just fine. In this app, I decided to try re-enabling the stock soft keys to see if it would bring back the menu button in Google Play (not sure why I thought it would, just effing around with it). Well, when I re-enabled the soft key bar in Fullscreen Toggle it didn't bring the soft keys back up, but I DID get my menu button in Google Play back along with other menu buttons in other apps! Weirdness..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you rebooted?

Krsmqn said:
Have you rebooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, several times. I'd forgotten that I also froze the system app 'Soft Key Bar'. I'm assuming that's why it didn't come back up. Not sure why enabling that in Fullscreen Toggle brought back the app menus though. Either way, it's doing what I want it to do now.
Thank god for this forum or I wouldn't be attempting any of this crap, lol.

Is your drop down status bar short?

Krsmqn said:
Is your drop down status bar short?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A tad, yes. Is there any way to fix that and still keep my Google Play menu? Here you go:

Check out the new Rom in the kfhd7" development thread.
Sent from my KFTT using xda premium

Had this problem but found a setting
I had this problem in a rom I was using and tried all kinds of dpi settings without any luck getting the menu drop-down for the playstore settings. Then while I was in the interface settings of the rom control, there was a setting called "Statusbar Behavior" and that was turned off, and when turned on, the three dots that allow menu settings was available. This is late for this case, but I wanted to share so if others down the road had a similar problem and came across this thread as I did trying to resolve this kind of issue it would give another option to check. Hope this helps.

[launcher] AppDrawer (MIUI App Drawer)

I recently rooted my NST with NookManager, and was looking to run a "stealth" root under stock. I used the Nook Touch Mod Manager to change the LONG PRESS on the 'n' button to launch THIS. After some fiddling with the options, it pops up a single 5 x 8 grid of apps on a white background with black text. You can long press on an app to hide it. Simple and fast.
I'll be happy to post a screenshot if I can figure out how to take one! :cyclops:

This is the best app for a rooted NSTG No need to fiddle with different launchers, it just works as an extension to the B&N homescreen. Thanks for the tip!
johnseeking said:
I recently rooted my NST with NookManager, and was looking to run a "stealth" root under stock. I used the Nook Touch Mod Manager to change the LONG PRESS on the 'n' button to launch THIS. After some fiddling with the options, it pops up a single 5 x 8 grid of apps on a white background with black text. You can long press on an app to hide it. Simple and fast.
I'll be happy to post a screenshot if I can figure out how to take one! :cyclops:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

johnseeking said:
I recently rooted my NST with NookManager, and was looking to run a "stealth" root under stock. I used the Nook Touch Mod Manager to change the LONG PRESS on the 'n' button to launch THIS. After some fiddling with the options, it pops up a single 5 x 8 grid of apps on a white background with black text. You can long press on an app to hide it. Simple and fast.
I'll be happy to post a screenshot if I can figure out how to take one! :cyclops:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pardon my ignorance, but how exactly do you 'fiddle with the options'? The app opens in fullscreen mode, and i can't find the way to get the status bar to show up, tried everything...
my nook simple touch rooted with nook manager, so relaunch is the shell(or whatever it's called) from which i run app drawer...
Thanks!

nnbveh said:
Pardon my ignorance, but how exactly do you 'fiddle with the options'? The app opens in fullscreen mode, and i can't find the way to get the status bar to show up, tried everything...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had this issue with another app and here is what I did:
Temporarily assign the "Menu" function to one of the hardware keys using NookTouchModManager (unless you have it set up that way already for other purposes--I keep a long-press on one button this way just in case).
When you launch your app you will now have a way to access menu functions even though it is running full-screen. In my case I was able to change the settings on my app so it would *not* run full-screen by default, but that is probably not what you want in this instance. After you have made your adjustments, you can change the hardware key back to its default, although I think keeping both a "Back" and "Menu" option around is not a bad idea.

VERY late reply...
I use an app called Button Savior which lets you add a set of software buttons which expand or collapse when you touch an assigned target point on your screen. (I have mine set to a long press in the lower left corner, and since I bought the pro version I can customize my target to be invisible.) That way I can always get to a menu button if I need one.
Don't have my NST with me, so I can't tall you what version I'm running, but I'm pretty sure it's the current version on Google Play.

I came across this old post and thought I'd look up the app to see what it was like. I've attached a copy below.
This is not actually a "launcher" despite what the thread title says. It is plain-and-simple an App Drawer. But as the OP said, it can provide almost a "stealth" modification of the NST. To me it seems ideal for the person who says "I only want to root so I can run app x--I don't want a lot of stuff on it."
There are a few hurdles to get to that point, so here is a brief outline of steps to get it working:
1. Root with NookManager (update it first if you're rooting FW 1.2.2)
2. Install the app along with a good file manager like ES File Explorer which will give you root access when you need it (ReLaunch can't).
3. Use Nook Touch Mod Manager to assign a button press (maybe a long-press?) to the MIUI app. You can use one of the hardware buttons or (less "stealth") one of the QuickNav buttons you don't use like Social, or Shop or Search.
4. Temporarily assign one of the hardware buttons to "Menu". This is needed because the MIUI app opens in full screen by default and you can't get at the settings without the Menu button.
5. Run the MIUI app and configure as you want (there is an option not to hide the status bar). Once you have the appearance you are after note that you can long-press on an app to (among other things) hide it from the drawer or even uninstall it. I suggest you uninstall ReLaunch.
6. Go back to Nook Touch Mod Manager and remove the temporary "Menu" button assignment.
And you're good! Your NST still looks and works like its old self but you're one button-press away from accessing any apps you may want to install. And you have a decent file manager

Guide installing android apps on the lenovo smart clock 2.

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?