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Hello all, I am really wanting to change the default launcher on the nook color but my wife is being a hard sell. She doesn't want to lose the scrolling book cover feature that runs along the bottom of the home screen. Are there any apps or widgets out there that will allow this feature on an alternate launcher? I would love to do more with my home screen but she uses it more than I do so I need to accommodate her as well.
EsotericPunk said:
Hello all, I am really wanting to change the default launcher on the nook color but my wife is being a hard sell. She doesn't want to lose the scrolling book cover feature that runs along the bottom of the home screen. Are there any apps or widgets out there that will allow this feature on an alternate launcher? I would love to do more with my home screen but she uses it more than I do so I need to accommodate her as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you could install zeam and just never check the checkbox for the what the default home screen should be. That way when you click N it'll give you a prompt to which homescreen you want to go to. I did that and I keep accidentally checking the box while navigating through. I wish there was a way to have a widget to link to the BnN homescreen so I could navigate there if and when I want to, which isn't too often. But it's kind of like a cyber book shelf and I don't care much for the library interface.
Just get the home switcher app from the market.
Sent from my LogicPD Zoom2 using XDA App
xwint3rxmut3x said:
you could install zeam and just never check the checkbox for the what the default home screen should be. That way when you click N it'll give you a prompt to which homescreen you want to go to. I did that and I keep accidentally checking the box while navigating through. I wish there was a way to have a widget to link to the BnN homescreen so I could navigate there if and when I want to, which isn't too often. But it's kind of like a cyber book shelf and I don't care much for the library interface.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could use home switcher or alternatively, go to uninstall the application and reset the default behavior.
Also, installing another Launcher will bring the choice back
Yea, I totally feel you guys. I was just trying to avoid having to switch home screens. Have my cake and eat it too sort of situation. Maybe I will play with some ideas tonight and repost if I discover any neat tricks... (of course that assumes I can pry it away from her...)
I would say install SoftKeys and set it as the home launcher. Then in the SoftKeys app set it so one hardware click B&N Launcher and two hardware clicks your custom luncher. So when she uses it the home button brings the nook home screen but if you want the custom launcher press it twice I do the opposite but I still access the old launcher every now and then
you need another nc.
likearaptor said:
I would say install SoftKeys and set it as the home launcher. Then in the SoftKeys app set it so one hardware click B&N Launcher and two hardware clicks your custom luncher. So when she uses it the home button brings the nook home screen but if you want the custom launcher press it twice I do the opposite but I still access the old launcher every now and then
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you set two launchers to the Home button with Softkeys? I only get launcher and softkeys as options.
B&N home popup
I installed Zeam, but still frequently get the B&N popup when I try to go back by left swiping the soft arrow at the bottom. How do I kill that?
Go to the settings for SoftKeys and you can set a short press of the button for one launcher and a long press for a different launcher.
My preferred lancher is ADW. I downloaded AnyCut from the market and used it to make a shortcut to "Home" on the desktop. That opens the Nook home screen if I want it. You can also download Home Switcher or Home Manager from the market to open a different launcher or change the default.
So I found out that using Desktop Visualizer on Launcher Pro Plus that I can create a widget to launch B&N Home. Problem solved. Now I have two new ones:
1) My keyboard keeps flipping out and doing repeated button presses
2) I can't add shortcuts to the Launcher Pro home screen (widgets = fine, shortcuts = no dice)
Anyone else having these issues? I know that, regarding the keyboard, I just installed a screen protector right before it started having problems, but I can't imagine how that could cause them. I may just wait it out and if it persists, try a factory reset...
Edit: I also forgot that problem #3 is that I can't remove or change shortcuts in the dock for Launcher Pro. Kind of lame to have my dock icons as phone, contacts, and messaging...
robeggen said:
Go to the settings for SoftKeys and you can set a short press of the button for one launcher and a long press for a different launcher.
My preferred lancher is ADW. I downloaded AnyCut from the market and used it to make a shortcut to "Home" on the desktop. That opens the Nook home screen if I want it. You can also download Home Switcher or Home Manager from the market to open a different launcher or change the default.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have yet to find anywhere to long press the physical home button, only the soft button. I'd like to be able to launch an alternative launcher (or the softkeys themselves) with a long press rather than double press.
howardmoon said:
I installed Zeam, but still frequently get the B&N popup when I try to go back by left swiping the soft arrow at the bottom. How do I kill that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried 4 different launchers and no matter how I set their respective Home Button options, I still get the B&N popup from the soft button. How can it override the launcher settings?
howardmoon said:
I've tried 4 different launchers and no matter how I set their respective Home Button options, I still get the B&N popup from the soft button. How can it override the launcher settings?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean the Carrot/Arrow button? You're always going to get that, it's part of the framework. Most likely that won't go away until a custom ROM is available.
Ah, thanks. Crap
One other option is to use the original B&N Home with Smart Taskbar and Button Savior. You won't have widgets on your screen at all times, ST makes a pretty decent launcher for other apps.
I am having a bit of a problem with Apex launcher after I finish talking on the phone an trying to return to home screen.
What happens is that when I call someone and then hangup and try to go to home screen, the apex launcher seems to be not running and then it will launch which takes a few seconds. This is kind of anoying, and I hope there's a fix to it.
To reproduce the problem you must call someone and have few second of talk time and then hang up, and press home button. Then Apex is closed, and it relaunches.
I have Apex v1.0.2 and Android 4 through CM9 on TMobile HD2. IceCreamTosti_v1.0.
How to fix/avoid this problem? Have anyone encountered it? I have tried googling it but I haven't got any reasonable results.
Ok, this doesn't happend only when calling. When I, for example, run the Google market app (not play store) then click hangup/red button then go back unlock the screen and try to go to home page it also seem that apex is closed and it relaunches.
OK I picked up my GG last week and slowly but surely I been tweaking it and decided to root and install null-14. So far I have root, on UK firmware and and free falling theme. For some reason when I move my GG to see time or perform a task the motion sends a command to NOVA Launcher and instead of a default home screen I get the screen that shows five home screens with center chosen as default (checked mark) I can seem to fix this issue. All I can do is touch the screen and then it goes to the default home screen with all my widgets and icons. Am I missing something? this only happens when I choose NOVA as my launcher no problem with Touchwiz launcher. below is the screen shot of what greets me every time I do a motion to look at the time.:
Blanco954 said:
OK I picked up my GG last week and slowly but surely I been tweaking it and decided to root and install null-14. So far I have root, on UK firmware and and free falling theme. For some reason when I move my GG to see time or perform a task the motion sends a command to NOVA Launcher and instead of a default home screen I get the screen that shows five home screens with center chosen as default (checked mark) I can seem to fix this issue. All I can do is touch the screen and then it goes to the default home screen with all my widgets and icons. Am I missing something? this only happens when I choose NOVA as my launcher no problem with Touchwiz launcher. below is the screen shot of what greets me every time I do a motion to look at the time.:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Change it in gesture settings of nova
The hardware return button on my oneplus 3t doesn't do what I want it to do. For instance, I check out an app in google play store, and I look at the pictures. Now I press the home button, then return to the pictures through recent apps. So far so good.
Now I press return again. I expect this to take me back to the app's main play store page, but instead I go back to the home screen. And if I then want to go back to the pictures with the recent button, I end up at the main page instead.
So pressing return does two things: it returns me from viewing pics to the previous page, and it dumps me back at my home screen. Surely, this is not intended behaviour?
Edit: clarification
That must be an OxygenOS thing, as in LineageOS the back key only works as a escape key and never returns you to an app or do anything when your back at the launcher screen.
Edit: Does this happen even if you use another launcher than the Oneplus, like Nova or Apex?
SiliconPaperweight said:
The hardware return button on my oneplus 3t doesn't do what I want it to do. For instance, I check out an app in google play store, and I look at the pictures. Now I press the home button, then return to the pictures. So far so good.
Now I press return again. I expect this to take me back to the app's main play store page, but instead I go back to the home screen. But if I then want to go back to the pictures, I end up at the main page instead.
So pressing return does two things: it returns me from viewing pics to the previous page, and it dumps me back at my home screen. Surely, this is not intended behaviour?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has to be a oxygen os problem because I have the same problem, cant seem to find a fix yet, started since ob9 and 4.1.6 for me
pitrus- said:
That must be an OxygenOS thing, as in LineageOS the back key only works as a escape key and never returns you to an app or do anything when your back at the launcher screen.
Edit: Does this happen even if you use another launcher than the Oneplus, like Nova or Apex?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just tested it. Nova launcher has the same problem.
Just for clarification: I have 3 buttons, I'll call them Recent, Home and Return (aka back) (I use the Dutch version). Recent lets me switch between the launcher screen and active apps, home puts me back at the launcher screen, and return puts you back to the previous section of the current app (or should, anyway) and does nothing on the launcher screen. I've edited my OP to clarify what buttons I used.
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?