MIUI Super-Userguide: How To and 101s [2/24 -> Post #3] - Epic 4G General

After seeing the CM9 threads here, I decided to do one for MIUI. I wanted to make a guide for us Epic users who don't know about MIUI which is officially available for us. I will try to keep this post updated and clean as possible.. this is going to be community driven so help make this the most complete MIUI guide here on xdA!
Post 1: How MIUI User Interface looks (thnx Framework43 @rootzwiki)
Post 2: How to use MIUI
Post 3: Tips/tricks
Post 4: Themes
**************************************************************
MIUI HOME
Two-layer shortcuts and program icons are integrated into one-layer desktop.
Long press on an icon to enter edit mode, open Widgets and drag it to the target screen.
Drag the app you want to uninstall to the top of the trash box to delete it.
Eight kinds of flipping screens effects are available with gorgeous animations.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
T9 dialer
T9 dialer is applied for smart dialing. It supports searching by contact name and phone number, and the results are listed according to contact frequency.
The default setting is to forbid any third-party app to monitor users’ calls.
Currently, there are 230301 attribution logs. The attribution data will be updated continuously, codes of foreign countries are supported as well.
SMS
Compared with native Android system, 7 major optimizations on SMS are made:
Adding contacts in short messages;
Adding names in group sending messages and automatically adding the names to Contacts;
Easier taking of numbers, urls and email addresses from short messages;
Optimization on mobile newspaper reading;
Collection of important messages;
Recommended messages for holidays;
Quick reply and view window.
Contacts
Quick location of contacts;
Faster to add new contacts;
Contacts group management supported;
Contacts' large images supported.
Themes
The third edition UI loading engine makes it faster and easier to change themes;
Partial theme customs are more flexible and comprehensive. Rich online wallpapers, ringtones, fonts and so on are available.
Camera
Faster loading speed enables you to take photos immediately.
More professional modes such as continuous shooting, timing and special effects supported.
Gallery
Faster picture browsing speed than that of native Android system;
Brand new view mode supports to view the pictures by folder path.
Music
Simultaneous enjoying and downloading massive online music. Music chart live playing and bulk downloads supported;
Automatic connection of lyrics and album covers. ID3 information editing supported;
Changing songs by swinging the phone and sleep mode supported.
Notifications
After pulling Notifications and Toggles panel down, changing panels by sliding the screen supported.

How to use and functions:
The first step: selecting apps
Various apps will greatly enrich your cell phone, so firstly let’s select the apps to your taste. Use the Android Market and download what you would like. If you are using a backup app and restoring apps from a previous ROM, only restore the apps and not the data. Otherwise that will create a lot of force close issues.
How to copy files from the computer to the phone? First connect your phone to your computer via data cable, pull down the notification panel from the top of the phone, click “USB connected”, and then click "Turn on USB storage”.
After copying, do not forget to select the option of “Turn off USB storage”, otherwise "File Manager” in the phone will not be able to find the sd card, as it is being occupied by the computer.
Now I have a lot of apps, how to put them in order?
All apps successfully installed are listed on the desktop, however, they may not be in the order you want, how to put them in order?
Long press an app icon and then you may move it freely. When it is moved to the screen border, the screen will automatically switch to the next screen.
How to add a screen? Use two fingers to pinch on the desktop to enter screen thumbnail mode. Then you may add or delete screens.
How to delete an app? Long press the app icon you want to delete, drag it on top of the trash box and click OK to delete it.
The second step: let's make your phone different.
A phone without style is nothing remarkable, so let’s make your phone different!
Changing wallpaper: Click Menu button on the desktop, select “Change Wallpaper” to replace the wallpaper. In addition to the existing wallpaper in the phone, thousands of pieces of wallpaper are also available online.
Changing theme: Themes make great changes to your interface style. Click “Theme Manager” on the desktop to select the theme you like. Also, more online themes are available online.
Selecting ringtones and more: click “Settings” on the desktop to set call and notification ringtones. In “Personalization” under “Personal” tab, you may find more options.
The third step: it’s time for some advanced techniques!
Adding widgets on the desktop: press the Menu button on the desktop, select "Edit Mode", and then click the icon on the upper right corner to access the interface of “Add Widgets”. Choose your favorite widget on the top, and then drag it to the screen below.
Using folders to manage desktop apps: in the interface of “Add Widgets”, drag [Folder] to the desktop. You may drag multiple apps into folders to classify them. After opening the folder, you may click the edit icon in the upper left corner to rename the folder.
Using toggles panel to improve efficiency: drag the notification panel down from the top, click "Toggles" to go to the toggles panel (It goes to the toggles panel in default of notice.) On the panel are listed the most commonly used toggles, you may click to quickly enable or disable a toggle. Long press on the icon will launch the settings for that icon.
Guest mode: enable the “Guest Mode” toggle in the panel, and your calls and text messages logs will be hidden, and all installed applications cannot be removed. You may have a try when you need to show your phone to guests or children.
Importing contacts or binding accounts: you may use some apps to import a batch of contacts, or bind Google account directly in "Settings"> "Personal"> "Accounts & Sync Settings" to sync contacts at any time.
How to print screens? Press "Menu" key and "Volume Down" key at the same time to print a screen. The printed image is saved in the directory of MIUI in the SD card.
How to copy files from the computer without using the data cable? In case of a Wi-Fi connection, enter “File Manager” on the desktop, select the tab of "Remote Administration" to start the service, and then you will get an address. Enter the given address on the computer, then you may copy files without using a data cable!

Tips/Tricks [updated 2/24] - New tips are at the bottom of this post!
1. Long press on the icon in Toggles to launch the settings for that icon.
When you pull down the notification bar, you will see the Toggle settings for plenty of options (such as WIFI, volume, backlight etc). Long press on any icon in the Toggle mode will launch the setting for that icon.
2. Built-in Screen Capture function
One of the lacking feature in Android is the lack of a built-in screen capture feature (like in iPhone). Not anymore. With MIUI, you can press the “Menu” key and “Volume Down” key at the same time to capture a screenshot. The printed image is saved in the “MIUI: directory in the sd card.
3. Press Home key to preview screens
Pressing the Home button once will bring you back to the Home screen. Pressing the Home button button will show you all the screen thumbnails. You can also ad/remove screens from here.
4. Slide from left to right to quickly delete a message or a call log.
In the SMS or Dialer app, swipe left or right any entry will bring up the Delete mode.
5. Move home screen icon easily
Hold down an icon by one hand to enter Edit Mode, and then use the other hand to slide the screen to move the icon to the target screen.
6. Launch Music Player in lockscreen
In the lockscreen, double tap the time zone to launch the Music Player. (The Music Player is hidden by default, unless a song is playing)
7. Quickly access the Dialer or SMS from the lockscreen
In the lockscreen, hold down the icon of Call or SMS, and you can enter the responding program.
8. Activate the torch from the lockscreen
In the lockscreen, hold down the Home button to enable the torch.
9. Access shortcut menu from contact image
In the Calls, SMS or Contacts app, tap the contact image and a shortcut menus will appear.
10. Running Apps List: Long press on the Home button can go to “Program Manager”. Click the “Clear up” button at the bottom left to clear the extra processes in memory. And the system will inform you of the released memory and current available memory.
Note: System processes will not be cleared so as to ensure the normal running of the system.
11. Switch the Battery UI to show percentage
The default battery UI can be switched to display percentage of left battery capacity. To do so, go to “Settings -> System -> Battery Settings -> Battery Indicator Style -> Percentage“.
12. Long press on the Home button to show History
Like any other Android ROM, long press on the Home button will show the recently used apps. However, in MIUI, there is also an App Killer and App Manager button. Swiping the popup left will show the search form.
13. Setting up IP dialing
If you need to add an IP prefix for a particular number in a strange land, you can set it in Settings -> Common -> Calls Settings. Turn the “Auto IP dialing” ON and set the IP prefix and current area code.
14. Send SMS for rejected calls
When you are not available to answer the phone, you may slide up the panel to reject the call and to send a message to the caller at the same time.
15. Enable 720P to record a video
If your phone comes with a camera that support HD recording, you can enable 720P in the Video mode. Run the Camera app and switch to Video. Select “High” -> “720P” in the pop-up menu of video quality.
16. Quickly uninstall an app
To uninstall an app, simply press and hold the icon until the trash bin show up at the top of the screen. Move the icon to the trash bin to uninstall the app.
17. Quickly read SMS and mark it read
In the lockscreen, press down the SMS button (without dragging it down) to reveal the new incoming message on the lockscreen. Once you have finished reading it, double tap on the SMS button to mark it read.
18. Important SMS: As for those important messages you want to add to your favorites, you may long press the message in the pop-up menu and select "Favorites". You may switch to "Favorites" tab in the main SMS interface to view collected messages.
19. Quick Delete SMS: You may slide from left to right on the item and click on the red "Delete" button when it appears.
20. Backup settings, wifi, themes, apps, data etc.
MIUI comes bundled with some MIUI apps. One includes Backup. This tool allows you to backup app+data, theme, homescreen layout, etc.. This is a very handy tool!!
21. When you hold down home, and bring up your taskmanager, you can long press on the app and it'll bring up extra info!
22. BATTERY SAVING TIP: IF YOU DON'T CARE FOR LED NOTIF., do the following:
a. Press the search button on your phone.
b. Once the miui search box comes up, press menu button on your phone, and hit settings
c. In the searchable items list, turn on "settings" and go back.
d. Search LED. Scroll down till you find LED pulse notif... click that and turn off LED notif. You'll notice decent battery increase!!!

Themes, themes, and more themes!
IMPORTANT TIPS
-Some times when you download themes, the browser changes the .mtz extention to .zip or .txt.. you have to rename it back to .mtz before next step.
-PLACE THEME (.MTZ) FILES ON YOUR SDCARD: /SDCARD/MIUI/THEMES
-You can backup your theme setup, which saves it as a .mtz file in the above directory, and share! --> There is a thread in the Android Theme section for this.. see below.
What does your MIUI look like? Creativity by xda users:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=990233
Lockscreens:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1288096
MIUI themes here on xda:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=527 --> search MIUI
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1509860 --> newest link 2/22
MIUI Themes elsewhere:
http://www.miuithemes.com/
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=22674869&postcount=22
Create themes for MIUI for themers
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1342895

This is awesome thanks for taking the time to do this.
sent from the other woman

Wow! Looks great Omair! You went all out! Nice job!
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium

This is freakin' awesome, thanks for putting the time and effort in.

are you kidding me ???
This is friggn wicked awesome (if I may be so bostonian).
Thank you so much for putting this together, I've often wondered about MIUI. Seeing it all here like this (with outstanding presentation no less) is REALLY helpful.

Will we ever see 4G working on miui?
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk

DaKillaWilla said:
Will we ever see 4G working on miui?
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe in the future when miui goes open source.. but so far only LTE is available on miui not wimax. xbox knows more about the situation..

thanks for the positive feedback guys. just trying to give back a little to the community!

In Soviet Epic forum, clockworkmod root you!

Iiiiiiicccceeee cccrrrrreeeeaaaammmm! I want iiiicccceeee cccrrrreeeaaammm... Stupid school
In Soviet Epic forum, clockworkmod root you!

I got to say great job on this Looks better than the one I did. If you want to pull anything from it, be my guest. Looks like you've got everything covered though.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1341534
---Jay---

hey is there a way to join contacts?

One of the best threads in the General area! I LOVE me some MIUI!

What are the improvements of Ics Miui over Gb Miui?
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App

It includes some holo UI aspects, a better task manager that combines ics task manager and miuis, better browser, really, everything is better. And its getting better than it is now every week. new music app this week.

Idk if it can be implemented on ics at the current state even without source or not. I'll ask the nexus dev. He's been busy though. He's looking into it I think. On gb without source it is not possible though. Great guide by the way

xboxfanj said:
It includes some holo UI aspects, a better task manager that combines ics task manager and miuis, better browser, really, everything is better. And its getting better than it is now every week. new music app this week.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks
I really look forward to MiuiV4 and new music app
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App

Related

TouchWiz - re-order applications?

Within the applications panes of TouchWiz(3), is there a way to re-order application icons alphabetically if you have manually ordered them whilst in edit mode?
Display them as a list. The list is shown A-Z I believe. Or use ADW.Launcher instead as I do.
I take that's a no then...
inside the apps menu, press the menu button then select edit.
now u can sort them the way u want "hold on the icon u wanna move till it come up then move it"
to move the icon to a different page, while holding it, drag it to the edge of the page, and it will automatically jump to the next screen
This is what I do in the launcher port:
Settings > Application > Manage Applications > (Filter All) > choose Twlauncher > Clear Data
When you return to the launcher it will re-cache data and present the app drawer alphabetically. Downside is you lose all saved homescreen icons and widgets.
kenshinta, that did it, thanks for that.
To the others, yep, I know how to move the icons around, I was after a way to reset them to alphabetical. The clear data tip did it, reset the launcher to default.
good tip kenshinta thanks!
Et3rnal said:
inside the apps menu, press the menu button then select edit.
now u can sort them the way u want "hold on the icon u wanna move till it come up then move it"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
up until this post i have hated touchwiz, now i i can change the 4 at the bottom!!! this is amazing
Or alternatively you can use gtg465's modded launcher. The downside is you lose the number in the message, emails and the Samsung app market.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk

*** Tips and Tricks!!!! ***

I created this MASSIVE post for the Vibrant. It may help some of you new guys. Please note this is catered to my phone and there may be differences I am not aware of.
My intent is to help... hopefully someone will take what I started and make it better for you guys (hopefully giving me some credit for my time).
Let me know if it helps!
Change log will now start in post #3.
Want to help me for creating this post, please register (and install on your pc) for dropbox using my referral link so we both get an additional 250 MB!
If your question is relevant AND not answered in this guide, please let me know!!
You should read Post 1 in it's entirety before posting a new thread!!
ROOT TOPICS
IF I ROOT, WILL I GET OTA UPDATES?
Yes. Rooting will not prevent this, unless you flash a custom ROM that will block receiving the OTA update. If you do receive and download the OTA update, you will lose root. Typically within hours of the OTA becoming available, thanks to some fine XDA folks you can get the update WITH root. You would simply need to download and flash the update like a normal ROM.
HOW TO ROOT
justadude had a great post on how to root. Please read his post.
* Alternate Method *
XDA user TGA_Gunnman has made another great thread for a one click Root (and now an unroot too). Please see his thread here, and thank him for his work.
Got Root? YOU NEED A RECOVERY!
Big props to XDA user Koush for his amazing Rom Manager App. In short, this lets you create system backups for those "oops" moments. It also gives you a directory of ROMs for easy downloading and flashing. Yeah, it is that cool. Please see his post for instructions. After successfully installing, be sure a make a Nandroid Backup of your system before flashing any rom's (see below).
Free:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Premium ($3.99):
HOW TO MAKE A NANDROID BACKUP *ALWAYS BACKUP BEFORE YOU FLASH A NEW ROM
1 - Open Rom Manager
2 - Click on Flash Clockwork Recovery (you can skip this if you have already flashed the recovery before)
3 - Click on "Reboot Into Recovery"
4 - At the prompt, click "ok" to reboot into ClockworkMod Recovery
5 - If this is your first time, you may be at the stock recovery on the Vibrant. Thats normal. Click on "reinstall packages" (ALSO: Volume up and down navigate, and power is used to select an item).
6 - Now, you are at ClockworkMod's Recovery. Scroll down (volume down), to "Nandroid" and select it (power button).
7 - Click on Backup. It will run it's course.
8 - You now have something you can always fall back on in case you F up. Thank Koush and all the testers.
HOW TO RESTORE A BACKUP
Follow the steps from above, but select "Restore" instead. They will be sorted by date YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS.
DID YOU F'UP AND NEED TO GET BACK TO STOCK?
Well, thanks to XDA User justanothercrowd we have a Nandroid Backup to get you back to how the Vibrant shipped (and rooted of course). Hopefully you don't need it, but thank him after reading his post just in case you do!
HOW TO UN-ROOT *ie, sending your phone in for warranty work
The following code can be keyed in Terminal Emulator (could also be done in ADB or deleting the files using Root Explorer). If you do use Terminal, change the keyboard to the stock Android KB prior to opening Terminal. Apparently the backspace on swype does not work in Terminal. Each line should be entered separately. bahnburner gave the instructions in this thread, which you should review first.
su
rm -r /system/app/Superuser.apk
rm -r /system/xbin/busybox
rm -r /system/bin/su
reboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
* Alternate Method *
TGA_Gunnman in this thread created a one click root/unroot program. Thank him for his effort.
HOW TO UPDATE YOUR RADIO USING FASTBOOT
Flashing a radio is really about the most dangerous thing you can do. However, if done correctly with fastboot, it is incredibly easy. djmcnz has a good HOW TO on the Nexus forum. You can follow his instructions, but DO NOT download the file he has linked and be sure you type the name of the radio you downloaded for the Vibrant.
HOW TO CHECK AN MD5SUM
Download HashTab. Install. Download your file. Right click on it. Click on Properties and then go to your new "file hashes" tab. Verify this matches the MD5Sum of the file you downloaded before installing/flashing.
HOW TO GET INTO STOCK RECOVERY (NOT ROOTED YET)
I hold my phone horizontal when powered off.
Both thumbs on the volume rocker.
Press and hold power and volume buttons.
When the Vibrant logo comes up, release power, keep holding the volume rocker.
THINGS TO DO WITH ROOT
WANT THE STOCK ANDROID LAUNCHER FROM THE NEXUS ONE?
Grab the Launcher2.apk file attached below. Move it to system/app and press home. There, stock android. I have to say the 3d launcher is very nice. I still prefer LauncherPro (my fav).
View attachment 392685 MD5 8804735190DEC0F2F42DEDF0DAB8A261
TRY THE CAPTIVATE CAMERA, ON YOUR VIBRANT
Thanks to mikey98277 and his post here you can easily flash the Captivate Camera on your Vibrant. I have played with both and it's a matter of preference, but I think most agree the Captivate is a easier/cooler UI. ALSO, it sorts pictures in the correct order!!
REPLACE THE TW CALENDAR WITH STOCK ANDROID CALENDAR
I was not a fan of the TW calendar. I downloaded CM 5.0.8 and took the calendar from his rom and replaced it. Here is a great guide. Note, I use an app called quick boot for fast reboots! The Calendar and CalendarProvider .apk's are attached below.
View attachment 392679 MD5 4EA76AAFD2911388A9E8DB12490A055B
View attachment 392680 MD5 A750B4D4964581D830F45A08B1A4CE34
USE THE GALAXY I9000 BOOTUP / SHUTDOWN ANIMATIONS & SOUND
rko did an awesome job with these flashable bootup/shutdown animations (place them on the /sdcard (internal memory) NOT sdcard/sd (external). Be sure and thank him for his work!
CONTROL YOUR STARTUP (PLUS MORE)
There are many apps in the Market for this function, I only know and use Autostarts (found here). The developer has been very receptive to feedback and informative. This app does a lot, but this is what I suggest.
Download it. Install it. GO TO MENU > SETTINGS > APPLICATIONS > (can't recall the next menu name at the moment) AND ENABLE USB DEBUGGING (it will not work otherwise). Open Autostarts.
It will scan the system and put all the apps that are used for MANY different tasks the phone does. I then go to the options and hide all of the system apps (no point in messing with those). After that, simply control what market/3rd party apps should be running given the task identified by Startup. You will be surprised what apps appear, for no good reason. Of course Android will eventually kill these when needed, but why have them open in the first place (this is better than a task killer if you ask me). Obviously if you are sending a text message you do not want to disable an app like handcent, so use common sense here. Any questions or issues, I would suggest emailing the developer or posting a question in the App section (perhaps there is already a designated Startup thread to ask this question, hint hint).
Autostarts (Approx $1):
RESTORE SETTINGS AFTER WIPING YOUR PHONE *If changing from one ROM to another, be courteous, and wipe.
XDA user SykesAT reminded me that Titanium Backup is a great app for restoring after wiping your system. I do not use it, so I asked him to do a small write up. He obliged, and here it is:
Backup Your Apps and System setting with Titanium Backup
It can backup/restore:
* All the applications you have installed, including protected ones,
* All the data and settings of these applications,
* Most (or all) of your phone's settings and data. (incl. SMS, bookmarks, call log, calendar, launcher, WiFi, etc)
* Market links when restoring apps.
* NOTE: It will not backup the system applications from your ROM. Only their settings will be backed up.
Titanium Backup is available from the market (free version only) or you can DL from the dev's site. There is a premium (donate) version with more features. Please see the Dev's site for more details, instructions and FAQs. Here is a link to his site!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Titanium Backup:
DELETE THE BLOAT!
Download Root Explorer (i'm not associated with) and go to System/App to remove a lot of the bloatware that came on the phone. I strongly encourage researching what can & can NOT be removed. ALWAYS make a backup. Alternatively, you can use Titanium Backup (free) to uninstall the apps (I only know Root Explorer, it never fails me). Remember, I am not responsible. It will be some time before we have a custom ROM that removes this crap for us.
Here is a list of apps I recently used to remove a lot of bloat (I kept AllShare and ThinkOffice). After you backup, delete, go to settings > Applications > Menu > Filter > Show All and delete the leftovers from the apps, little traces left behind.
In that thread I also saw you can delete data_tmo/games (73MB) if you do not play/deleted The Sims.
TAKE SCREEN SHOTS!
If you have root, the easiest way is to download shootme or drocap2 from the market. You can also use the Android SDK, but I'm going to keep is basic here. Once you have your pic, upload it for all of the community to see!
Shootme:
DISABLE ADS WITHIN APPS!
Download AdFree from the market... check for updates and voila, most, if not all apps should be ad-free. Ads help the developers. If you care, rather than block them, try clicking them to support.
AdFree:
HOW TO TETHER
There are apps like Barnacle and Wireless Tether, but I would now recommend the Tether app that came with the Galaxy (that was removed by a lot of the carriers). Ibingham was kind enough to post the .apk IN THIS THREAD and I can tell you it works perfectly. Please note the app is not in the app drawer (his first post has everything you need to know).
STOP THE BOOTUP / SHUTDOWN AUDIO NOTIFICATIONS!
This thread has it covered: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=731059
I deleted these two files using Root Explorer (referenced below) and can attest it works perfectly.
Thanks to XDA Member PhilSlater I know that the File locations are:
Bootup: system/etc/PowerOn.wav
Shutdown: system/media/audio/ui/Shutdown_128.ogg
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So Zaduma does not feel insulted here is an alternate method. You can see his post here.
CAMERA / VIDEO SECTION
NO FLASH?
Yeap, and I do not think it's needed. You can put the Camera in Night Mode and it will take amazingly good photos in a dark situation. I tried this for the first time at a concert recently. I was amazed. Pull out the tab on the left of the camera screen, go to settings and change Scene Mode to Night. Do some test shots to compare for yourself!
LOCK THE SCREEN WHILE VIEWING VIDEOS OR USING THE CAMERA
XDA user timekillerj just made a thread pointing out how to do this. It was new to me, and a nice feature. Simple press the power button and your screen is locked - helpful so you do not skip a scene by accident. You can see his thread here.
HOW DO YOU ZOOM IN?
XDA user antonio91282 pointed out that you can zoom in by pressing the volume rocker while using the camera. It goes from 1-4x.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN RECODING VIDEO TO SD VS. INTERNAL MEMORY
XDA user wphend00 asked if there were differences between recording video to the SD vs. Internal memory. Here is my post with links to the videos so you can see for yourself. Here is a link to the entire thread so you can see discussion about it, if any.
APP TOPICS
USE GOOGLE GESTURE FOR QUICKNESS
XDA user os2baba pointed out using Google Gesture to search the phone (everything, apps, contacts, music, etc.). It's a great app where you make gestures with your finger and it isolates your search results based off the letter/number you enter.
Google Gesture:
WHERE ARE APPS LOCATED?
System Apps:
system/app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Market Apps:
data/app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Market Apps (Private):
data/app-private
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Downloaded Apps (using browser):
sdcard/download
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
* If you download an app using the browser, you can use Root Explorer to move the app to data/app so the apps are stored on the 1.9GB partition the system uses. Once moved you can click on it to install it.
TRY A HOME REPLACEMENT (ADW or LauncherPro)
Go to the market and download either - both are free. Gravis86 started a good thread debating which is better, located here.
ADW:
LP:
This my LP setup on my Vibrant. Notice the docks (these are also scrollable & there are 5 per each desktop screen you have). The Live Wallpaper is Aquarium.
XDA user afive720 had a nice post on how to revert back to TouchWiz (without uninstalling). You can read the thread here for more information.
WHAT WEATHER APP IS THAT?
It is Beautiful Widgets, found here.
BW is approximately $1.92:
WANT TO USE ALLSHARE: PC > PHONE AND VICE/VERSA?
I found this thread to be extremely helpful. I ended up using Windows Media Player and it was too easy. Great app.
XDA User BritCrit has also given some really good information in this thread you may also want to review.
USE AWESOME DROP TO MOVE FILES IF NO CABLES
If you are ever in a bind, or just being lazy you can use this app to move files from a PC to your phone. No hassle, no account setup and it is free. Just go to this site: http://labs.dashwire.com/drop and then enter the 4 digit code when you open the app on your phone. Drag whatever files to the browser on your PC, and voila, it will instantly start showing up on your phone.
REDUCE A PICTURES SIZE BEFORE SHARING IT?
PaulO'Brien tweeted about an app, Image Shrink Lite, that lets you adjust the size and then select the method you want to share (twitter, messenger, gmail, etc). I mention this only because a lot of people get frustrated when they take a pic and try and send it out, but gmail hangs on it (and it eventually ends up a draft email) because it is too large to send timely. Re-size the pics before you email them and you will not have this Fail.
Image Shrink Lite:
METAMORPH - Theme Your Phone!
junkdruggler has a great thread on everything metamorph. Please check it out here and thank him!
MetaMorph Donate ($1):
Free:
** Use Metamorph to theme Swype or your Notification Bar **
Themed Swype - Huge props to hoey2011
Themed Notification Bar (Evo) - Huge props to bahnburner
*ALTERNATIVELY* YOU COULD FLASH THIS .ZIP AND NOT USE METAMORPH (This is what I am currently running, it is spectacular!!).
VIBRANT TOPICS
BUTTONS - Tap vs. Long Press (LP) Taken from www.androidcentral.com:
Home: Returns to the main home screen. If at the home screen, another tap gives a preview of all home screens.
(LP) = See your most recently used apps (GREAT for multitasking).
Back: Takes you back a level in an app, or back a page in a browser, etc.
(LP) = In your browser, quickly access bookmarks, history and most-visited sites. Thanks, Snapdragon0503! (EDIT: odd, doesn't seem to work for me now)
Menu: Tap this for additional options in an application, or from the home screens.
(LP) = Make the keyboard appear.
Search: Brings up the search function. Could be search within an app, Google search, or universal search of contacts, bookmarks, apps, etc. that are in the phone.
(LP) = Launches voice search.
WANT A NEW LOOK? CHANGE YOUR FONT!
In settings, go to sound and display. Change the "Font Style" is like 8th from the bottom. There are a few freebies, and about 50 for a dollar in the market. If you want to see more available, click on "Get Fonts Online." This will direct you to the Market.
I changed my system to helvetica, and I was amazed at the level it changed the phone.
XDA user jzero88 has an amazing thread with MANY, MANY fonts. Download, Install, go to Display Settings and change the font, reboot, enjoy. Big kudos!!
CHANGE THE DOCK BUTTONS ON TOUCHWIZ!
Open the app drawer, menu, edit, change to customizable. With the app drawer open now, press menu and edit again. You can now replace the two app docks in the middle (dialer and app drawer can't be replaced).
DELETE APPS FROM THE LAUNCHER OF TOUCHWIZ
Open the launcher, menu > view type, change to customizable. Now press Menu again and select Edit. All of the non-system apps will have a red subtraction logo. Thanks to XDA user erikrios and his post for this gem!
QUICKLY ADJUST YOUR BRIGHTNESS
Move your finger left to right across the notification bar. You probably need to cut off auto-brightness though. thanks to soklean (neat!)
NEED TO COPY AND PASTE?
If at a site, and you need to copy some text... click Menu > Select Text > Drag your finger over the text you need to copy. When you release your finger, the selected text is copied to your clipboard. Long press and paste when ready. I agree this is not perfect, but some of us may not even know you could do it. Froyo is coming soon, and with it the ability to easily copy/paste within gmail.
HOW TO CONTROL + F USING THE ANDROID BROWSER
Android makes this very easy when using their browser as well. Simply press Menu when in the browser, go to More, then select "Find on Page." You can then enter the keyword you are looking for and use the directional arrows (to the left of the word) to move from one entry to the next.
CHANGE THE HAPTIC VIBRATION INTENSITY
Love this feature. I often find haptic feedback is too much. To adjust the intensity, from the home screen: Menu > Settings > Sound and Display > Vibration Intensity. As you slide the bar it gives you an idea of the intensity.
TAP CONTACT IMAGE FOR MORE OPTIONS
XDA user jkang29 reminded me of another thing I took for granted. When you are in Contacts, click on the image of the contact for MANY options on how to contact/share with that particular contact. Thanks jkang29!
WANT TO DISABLE SD CARD NOTIFICATIONS?
To cut off the sound, from the home screen: Menu > Settings > Sound and Display > SD Card Notifications. You can uncheck this and never hear that sound again.
CONTACTS / DIALER TOPICS
EDIT YOUR CONTACTS (BIG IMPROVEMENT IMHO)
Please read my guide located here. It was moved to save space. This really cleans up the phone, so I encourage giving it a try!
FIND YOUR CONTACTS FASTER!
When you load Contacts, you will notice the far right has the alphabet running top to bottom. Good news, by simply pressing on the letter you will automatically jump down, instantly.
SMART DIALER!
Pull up your dialer and just start typing the number (or letters will work too, thanks sl0play) out. It filters down your contacts as you type each new digit/letter. Likely, after the area code and first 1 or 2 digits after should be enough. There will be a drop down on the right and a number above it (the # of possible contacts based off what you input). Just press the contact, and the press CALL, genius.
SLIDE CONTACT PIC TO TEXT/CALL
denny_1986 mentioned in this post, that by sliding the contact picture to the left you are sent to the messenger app (with the "to" field completed). If you slide the contact pic to the right, you call the default phone number. Works in both Contacts and Messenger.
KEYBOARD TOPICS
TRY A NEW KEYBOARD!
To switch... simply long press anywhere that you would normally input text (a text message or the search widget). "input method" will pop up, click on this. Now choose the KB you want to try out. If one is not showing up, go to Menu > Settings > Locale and Text and make sure it’s there & checked.
NEED A TRACKBALL?
In swype, move from the "swype tips" button to the "sym" key. Voila, directional buttons appear + other goodies (see pic).
MISC. GUIDES
HOW TO MOUNT PHONE TO PC
XDA user DaMaDo reminded me Android does not auto-mount like some other phones on the market. When most of us connect the phone, the USB drivers are automatic (use the cable that came with your phone!). If not, there is a guide below to assist. For now, let's assume all is well on the first connection of the Vibrant to the PC. When you connect you will likely get a popup on the PC about installing drivers, great.
Okay, go to the phone's notification bar and pull it down. You will see USB Connected. Click on this, & then click on "Mount."
Shortly after, your computer should pop up automatically TWO devices, the "/SDCARD" (Internal Memory) and "SDCARD/SD" (SD Card). If not, go to My Computer and find the drives you just mounted to the PC.
NEPHRON'S GUIDE FOR ADB, etc (taken from the G1 forums)
This guide helped me a ton. I realize some things may be different, but I could not think of a better starting point. Please read this thread.
CONVERT VIDEO FILES ON YOUR PC FOR YOUR PHONE
XDA user TGA_Gunnman did an excellent job putting a thread together for how to convert videos using HandBrake (get it here) and then moving them to your phone. Be sure and thank him if his how to helped you!
HOW TO PROPERLY INSTALL A NEW SD CARD
XDA user techspy posted this question and I had recently done it so I responded. Like always, I'm certain there are people on here who know how to do this better/easier, but this works and is nothing difficult. Here is my post with instructions, and here is the thread for discussion.
HOW TO HIDE FOLDERS
achild made a great post with the instructions. Thank him for his effort on this post!
MISC. QUESTIONS
MY PHONE NUMBER DOES NOT SHOW UNDER SETTINGS?
It has happened to me on the G1, and I recently saw a Vibrant user post this. smerff has an excellent post with what you need to do!
WHAT ARE THOSE FUNKY BARCODES?
These are QR Codes. Download Barcode Scanner from the market. Scan any of these codes I linked. You will be sent to the app in the market. Download, enjoy.
NOTICE LAG?
I do not encourage this, but some will want to play with it. There is a great thread on tweaks that can be done to speed up the Galaxy. I personally will wait for either an update or a custom ROM. Others users have reported a Factory Reset has helped. Again, updates are coming soon as well as custom ROMs.
DOUBLE NOTIFICATIONS?
If you are using a 3rd party app, you may be getting double notifications. For example, I use Handcent for texting (you should try it). First thing you need to do is open the stock Messenger app, go menu > Settings and disable notifications. This is basic, but sometimes it's easy to overlook.
SHOULD I USE A TASK KILLER?
Absolutely not. You have the best OS and one of the best spec'd phones ever. You would be doing more harm than good. If you do have one, uninstall, reboot and let me know what you think! If you have a bad app that is causing you issues, uninstall it, rather than installing a TK.
In addition, even Google at Google I/O 2010 addressed app developers and asked them to no longer include "quit" or "close" as options within their apps. I think Andronica (another great android site) summed it up well with their article, found here.
XDA user iunlock created a thread with some good debate based off this sticky. You can read all the thoughts by clicking here. In short, the overwhelming majority agreed and some have commented on seeing an increase in performance after deleting their task killers.
HOW TO DO A FACTORY RESET!
Rarely should you need to do this (I've never done one), but if you want to, simply press menu and go to settings. Scroll down to Privacy. In there is the option to perform a Factory Reset.
NEED HELP INSTALLING THE DRIVERS ON YOUR PC?
TGAGunnMan started a great thread with links for the drivers. You can view it here.
courtmagician also has a good thread discussing issues with USB Debugging as well. I would suggest reading this thread also.
ROMs for Epic?
This is very helpful... but it seems to be copied/pasted from the vibrant... are there ROMs for the Epic?
^ you are kidding right? I started this off by saying I did this for the Vibrant and was sharing in an effort to get someone to cater it to the Epic... It's helped a lot of people for the Vibrant.
s15274n said:
^ you are kidding right? I started this off by saying I did this for the Vibrant and was sharing in an effort to get someone to cater it to the Epic... It's helped a lot of people for the Vibrant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock Google Calenders work on the epic. when taken from N1 5.0.8 CM Rom. Just as the Vibrant post specified.
Welcome to the forum
s15274n said:
^ you are kidding right? I started this off by saying I did this for the Vibrant and was sharing in an effort to get someone to cater it to the Epic... It's helped a lot of people for the Vibrant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lithid-cm said:
Stock Google Calenders work on the epic. when taken from N1 5.0.8 CM Rom. Just as the Vibrant post specified.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm having issues with the .apk, and.odex file reappearing on the device. Is this normal am i missing something.
I'm using Root Explorer, and Titanium Backup.
/\ Sounds like you need to get Super User permissions. Even if you have root access you still need to give whatever program you are using SU privilege. Just go to the market and search super user and download a free one.
Notification Vibrations
Is there a way to modify how long the notifications are vibrating [when the phone is set on Vibrate only]. When i'm in class the phone's vibration is annoyingly loud. I just want to be able to shorten the vibration or at least turn down the intensity.
I have the Samsung Epic 4G for Sprint.

Become a G2 / Android Ninja with these Tips/Tricks

I thought I'd share everything I've learned regarding Android & the T-Mobile G2 over the past 2+ weeks (thanks XDA!). I'm amazed at how many people don't read these forums - they simply blurt out their questions. Well follks, here's what I've picked up by reading reading reading & exploring exploring exploring. Hope this helps n00bs and leets alike.
Android
Press & Hold HOME to see multitasking applications sorted by most recent
Press & Hold SEARCH to activate Google Voice Actions (or VLingo if installed)
Long Press keyboard keys to see alternate characters
Tap Dots near the Dock Bar (bottom set of icons) to shift screens
Assign your Power Button to 'End Calls' via Menu >Settings >Accessibility > Check "Power button ends call"
Add 'Power Control' Widget to easily enable/disable your WiFi/BlueTooth/GPS/Screen/Auto-Sync
Using Volume Control buttons, you can put the phone into Silent or Vibrate modes
You can add Shortcuts to your most used contacts & it will give an icon that lets you access Call/SMS/Email/GTalk/Facebook
Keyboard Tips
Double Press ALT for Num/Symbol Lock
Double Press SHIFT for Capitalization Lock
Hold ALT & Long Press physical keys to see alternative characters
Map Application Shortcuts such as Search + G to launch Gmail. Located under Settings >Applications >Quick Launch
Menu +A(Select All), +C(Copy), +V(Paste), +X(Paste)
Menu +F(Find), +S(Share)
(G2 Only?) Reboot, Press and hold Power + Volume Down + trackpad
(G2 Only?) Use LauncherPro to Assign 'Activities' to the Quick Keys such as Compose SMS or Tweet
(G2 Only?) Press & Hold the Camera Button to activate the Camera
(G2 Only?) While in Camera Mode, gently press the camera button to auto-focus
Miscellaneous
Install a custom launcher like ADW or LauncherPro
- Tip 1: If you get LauncherPro, I encourage you to explore the 'Swipe' feature by Long Pressing any icon in the Dock. Allows for two actions!
- Tip 2: My personal favorite is when you hide the status bar and set the HOME button to display notifications when you press it (Only possible if you make LauncherPro default launcher)
- Tip 3: Long Press an Application & when the Trash Can Appears, Hold over the Trashcan to get an Uninstall Option
Use Tasker to automate things on your phone
TeslaHD will turn your phone's LED into a Flash Light or Strobe Light
AppBrain + Fast Install is excellent for exploring apps from the comfort of a browser (also lets you set backgrounds)
- This App also makes it easy to restore apps if you didn't remember to set your 'backup' as automatic when configuring your phone
VLingo is a great alternative to Voice Actions if you're not on 2.2 OR you want deeper integration with Twitter/Facebook/Foursquare
Google Gestures is a great app to assign to a secondary swipe (see LauncherPro) & is handy when voice doesn't work and you can't easily type
DolphinHD is a great alternative browser that has three great features: Tweet a Page (with Title & Link), Desktop Mode, and Google Mobilizer View
Dial 611 to get to T-Mobile Customer Support (not always clear to new subscribers)
Best Keyboard for two-finger text input is SwiftKey. Swype is good if you practice with one finger.
Other Great Apps to Consider
Evernote (for note storage)
Dropbox (for access to files from your desktop)
Fast Reboot (for a heavy handed, kill all apps when you notice slow performance)
Dato GTasks (simple, easy to use app that integrates with Google Tasks)
NewsRob (elegant RSS reader for Google Reader)
Smooth Calendar (nice calendar widget that shows more than the default Calendar widget)
Xtremelabs Speedtest (helps you test for HSPA+ speeds)
Twicca (better than the standard Twitter App & very beautiful. Easy to map Tweet-Activity to a G2 Quick Key)
Chrome to Phone (possibly my favorite app once I learned how to use it. Great for a variety of needs so I encourage experimentation)
Optimize Your G2
Go to SETTINGS > APPLICATIONS > DEVELOPMENT and enable USB DEBUGGING
Search the Market for "Visionary" and Install (advice: Reboot & then run it for the first time) By default, it will run automatically on boot each time.
- Note: If you want to remove ROOT, visit APPLICATIONS > MANAGE APPLICATIONS > VISIONARY and press "Clear Data". Then re-run & turn off Root-on-Boot or just Uninstall.
Search the Market for "ConnectBot" & Install. Run Connectbot & press the down-arrow next to "ssh" to choose "local" & press Enter (no Nickname needed)
- You will be presented with a command line prompt of "$" & yes, it will be VERY TINY on your screen. Simply type "su" (no quotes) to gain super user.
- Read the first post to determine which items you want to permanently disable (essentially remove) from your phone: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=809231
Visit the market to download "Startup Cleaner 2.0" by Bright Wallace. It will allow you to prevent items from starting up. The software is buggy, but works better than anything else I've encountered.
- Tip: Use the 'Batch Prevent' to prevent all apps from starting, then exit the app. Run the app again & then toggle the apps you want to start by tapping them. Otherwise, the app is very unresponsive when trying to manage apps on an individual basis. You may need to re-run Visionary after you've allowed it to run on boot via Startup Cleaner.
Setup Wifi Tethering
Once you have Root & SuperUser, use your browser to visit http://code.google.com/p/android-wifi-tether/downloads/list & download the most recent version of "Wireless Tether".
- Once downloaded, run it to install. If you have trouble with this, I recommend using Chrome-to-Phone & simply right-click the file link to choose "Chrome-to-Phone"
After successful installation, run the Wireless Tether app. Recommend changing the SSID Name (name that appears).
- Note: Multiple people report issues with WiFi Encryption, so I recommend SETTINGS > ENABLE ACCESS-CONTROL. Your phone will log when something tries to connect to it & then you can "allow" by choosing MENU > ACCESS CONTROL and clicking the checkbox next to the device you want to allow.
{Update} If you're feeling adventurous, check out this article on how to use Tasker
http://androinica.com/2010/08/19/9-ways-to-make-android-automatic-with-tasker/
{Update 2} Long-press App & dragging over trashcan for uninstall is a LauncherPro feature, not android. Thanks to tekkaman_01 for the note!
{Update 3} Removed "When screen is locked but keyboard is open, you only have to press a key to unlock" because it isn't a consistent experience. Not sure what makes it work sometimes.
{Update 4} Added two sections: Optimize Your G2 & Setup WiFi Tethering. Small formatting changes to previous entries.
Long Press an Application & when the Trash Can Appears, Hold over the Trashcan to get an Uninstall Option is a feature of LauncherPro not stock android...
Updated - much thanks!
No problem
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
Great job, OP.
Great job, OP. I'm sure many people will appreciate this.
Does this merit a sticky?
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
Ghostcreamy said:
I'm amazed at how many people don't read these forums - they simply blurt out their questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right....people who don't read the forums and just blurt stuff out are horrible. Oh wait....what's this?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=804439
Ghostcreamy said:
[*]When screen is locked but keyboard is open, you only have to press a key to unlock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've heard this before but this hasn't worked for me on two different G2s.
great, thanks
aedv said:
You're right....people who don't read the forums and just blurt stuff out are horrible. Oh wait....what's this?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=804439
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you
<10 chars>
The cheat sheet of all cheet sheets!
Another good one is to:
HOLD Dots near the Dock Bar to see all screens in a mini navigation look.
Thanks!
Snap!
aedv said:
You're right....people who don't read the forums and just blurt stuff out are horrible. Oh wait....what's this?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=804439
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SNAP!
I read that thread, but it was fragmented and I already had all of this in Evernote. Regardless, I appreciate the response & I'll continue to monitor that thread for any other tips that I can compile into this one.
Side note: You don't have to be mean to make a point Put a little love in your heart!
GC
Ghostcreamy said:
SNAP!
Side note: You don't have to be mean to make a point Put a little love in your heart!
GC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1!! Great post OP!
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
Updated original post (OP) with a section on optimizing your G2 & setting up Wifi Tethering. Hope it helps!
awesome tips. i was wondering if theres a good way to allow the home screen and apps screen to auto rotate with gravity(only rotates with keyboard out)? and then on the flip side, to lock the orientation?
Not sure about locking, but LauncherPro or ADW launcher will rotate to landscape.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
Here's a tip if you are using Launcher Pro: setup a 2x2 picture frame widget in the middle of a home panel. The frame should have a picture of an icon for things like settings, games, news, people, etc. Then add related app icons around the frame. This way, when you pinch a homescreen and pull up the 7 panel view, you can easily tell at a glance which panel has the apps you want
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using The Force
"+X(Paste)"
Shouldn't that be "+X(Cut)"?
In the gmail and xda apps (the only ones I've tested so far) when you push the space bar after a word/letter, it will add a '.[space]'.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
Great post Ghostcreamy. I figured out that you could swipe the home icon of launcher pro, but why it never occured to me that the other icons also have this feature?
Edit:There's your first "Thanks" on the meter...awww.

[Info]16 Usefull Things What You should Know About lollipop !

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16 Things You Can Do In Android Lollipop That You Couldn't Do In KitKat !
After what feels like a long time since we saw the L Preview first appear, Google is now rolling out the final version of Android 5.0 Lollipop to its existing Z series.
You get to know the best version of Android yet by working through this selection of tips and tricks,
covering all of the new features, major and minor, that are built into the operating system.
1. Tap and go
When you're setting up your new Lollipop device for the first time, you'll be presented with the option to "tap and go."
This NFC-and-Bluetooth-powered data transfer lets you move all
of your Google Account details, configuration settings, data and apps
over to a new device just by placing your old phone or tablet against it.
Widgets and wallpaper are swapped over as well.
2. Use the flashlight
Flashlight apps have always been popular on Android,
so Google has decided to roll one into Lollipop to save you the trouble of having download a third-party one.
Pull down the notification drawer then tap the top bar to
reveal the flashlight app alongside other options like airplane mode.
The app will only appear if your device has an LED flash alongside its camera.
3. Prioritize your apps
Android 5.0 Lollipop lets you set up a list of important apps that
are allowed to disturb you even when most aren't.
Head to Settings -> Sound & notification -> App notifications
and you can choose to block each app or mark it as a priority one. Tap the volume slider on your device to activate priority
mode indefinitely or for one hour (a circle with a stripe inside will appear in the status bar).
4. Deal with notifications from the lock screen
In Lollipop all of your app notifications appear on the lock screen ready
for viewing. Not only that, but you can interact with them as well.
Swipe to dismiss, tap to reply and so on,
depending on the app in question.
A double-tap gets you into the relevant app.
Head to Settings -> Sound & notification ->
When device is locked if you want to hide sensitive alerts.
5. Pin apps
If you want to hand over your device to one of your kids or a friend,
you can "pin" them inside one single app.
First, activate the feature via Settings -> Security -> Screen pinning.
Then, when you activate the multitasking screen via the
square Overview button, you'll see a pin icon
appear in the lower right-hand corner
of the bottom app (drag it up if you can't see it).
Holding down the Back and Overview buttons is enough to
exit the pinned mode and get back to other apps. When you activate the pin,
you'll be asked if you want to use a code or pattern to unlock it.
This is tied to the same protection applied to your device,
so if your lock screen isn't protected by a code or
pattern then the option won't appear when you're pinning apps.
6. Jump to app settings
The lock screen really has been given a major overhaul with
the Android 5.0 Lollipop update,
and the improvements include the ability to jump
straight to an app's settings or information panel right from
the lock screen. Long-press on
any notification and (depending on the app) you'll see a cog icon (the app settings shortcut)
and an info icon (the app notification settings shortcut).
7. Predict battery life
New to Android 5.0 Lollipop is the ability to see how much time is
left before the battery runs out of juice,
or how long you need to wait before your device is fully charged up.
Tap on the battery icon in the notification drawer to see either
reading (the time-until-charged information also appears on
the lock screen a few minutes after you've connected
your device to a power source).
8. Search settings and networks
Google's search bar is getting more ubiquitous with each
passing version of Android, and in Lollipop
it's made it into the Settings app.
Tap the magnifying glass icon to use it.
It can be a quick way of finding a particular option
you're looking for, especially if you don't already know what menu or
heading it's under. You can use the same feature
to bring up saved Wi-Fi networks too.
9. Enter Guest Mode
Sharing devices with other people
(friends, colleagues, family members, distracted children)
can be a real pain, but Lollipop's new Guest Mode eases it somewhat.
You can access Guest Mode by dragging down
the notification drawer, tapping on your user account avatar,
and then selecting Add guest from the menu
(or just Guest if you've been through the process before).
10. Improve text legibility
If you were wondering if the Accessibility
menu within Settings would get overlooked
in the Android 5.0 upgrade, there's a new experimental feature
here called High contrast text.
Essentially, it gives white or difficult-to-read
text a black outline when it's being viewed on a light background.
It's applied to the "OK Google"
text inside the home screen search bar, for example.
11. Chromecast more quickly
There's an official Chromecast app from Google that
lets you screencast from any device running
Android 4.4.2 or higher, but the functionality
is built right into Android 5.0, which is great
news for anyone with one of the compact streaming
dongles to hand. It's right in the notification
drawer—tap on the Cast screen icon to locate your Chromecast and begin screencasting.
12. Add trusted devices
A trusted device is a specified Bluetooth or
NFC-enabled gadget that will automatically
disable the security code or pattern on your your
Android phone or tablet when it's in range.
This means you don't have to fiddle around
unlocking the Lollipop device when you're at home
or in the car, for example.
Head to Settings -> Security -> Smart Lock to set up the feature.
13. Hang a 'do not disturb' sign
This works a little bit like the priority app notifications we
mentioned earlier, but it's based around times and
days more than apps.
Go to Settings -> Sound & notification -> Interruptions
to set it up—it's perhaps best used overnight when
you don't want to be disturbed, but there is the
option to let certain contacts through as well as messages and alarms, if necessary.
14. Get back to your apps after a reboot
If you reboot your device in any version of
Android before 5.0, all of your recently opened apps
will disappear. In Lollipop, they're still present
on the Overview screen,
so you can quickly get back to a previous conversation
or website if you need to (not all apps
will remember exactly where you were in the app).
To remove a card from the list, swipe it away to the left or right.
15. Play Google's Flappy Bird clone
Like earlier versions of Android, Lollipop has an
Easter egg to unlock. Go to Settings -> About phone
then tap quickly four times on the Android version entry.
Once the Lollipop graphic appears, tap quickly on it several
times then finish with a long press to launch a
clone of Flappy Bird with an Android robot in place
of the bird. It's just as frustrating to play as the original too.
16. Save the battery
Android 5.0 Lollipop includes a built-in battery saver mode
that you can get to kick in at 15 percent battery,
5 percent battery or never (you can also switch it on and off manually).
It cuts off some background syncing
and vibrations and makes various other tweaks as well.
If you select Battery from the Settings app you'll find
the battery saver on the menu behind the three vertical dots.
----------------
Credits: David Nield
For this info !​
Reserved
Sent From My Z2 On LP 5.0.2 Full Debloated !
Except I can't find smart lock in the settings on the Z2?
dilema said:
Except I can't find smart lock in the settings on the Z2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@dilema
Hmm oke, i searched that also and cant find it x_x
Sent From My Z2 On LP 5.0.2 Full Debloated !
Pandemic said:
@dilema
On which point/number you will find that in the OP ?
Sorry maybe i missed it.
Sent From My Z2 On LP 5.0.2 Full Debloated !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
#12. Add trusted device.
Turns out you need a pin or something. I only had slide lock
dilema said:
#12. Add trusted device.
Turns out you need a pin or something. I only had slide lock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I edited my reply @dilema
Yes i found it and i have only that to and not smart lock in that case
Sent From My Z2 On LP 5.0.2 Full Debloated !
Pandemic said:
I edited my reply @dilema
Yes i found it and i have only that to and not smart lock in that case
Sent From My Z2 On LP 5.0.2 Full Debloated !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh Pandemic bro, whats up? I see you got a Z2 now, i just got a Z3 1 Week ago. Nice information btw :good:
Wolfbreak said:
Oh Pandemic bro, whats up? I see you got a Z2 now, i just got a Z3 1 Week ago. Nice information btw :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All good brother @Wolfbreak
What up with you btw ?
Ooh nice to hear you have a Z3 now and yes i have Z2 and you're welcome
Sent From My Z2 On LP 5.0.2 Full Debloated !

Galaxy S6 Tips and Tricks

1. Double tap home button to launch the camera in under one second.
1B. Disable the double-tap quick launch in the camera options to get rid of the delay when pressing the home button. It's a neat feature, but makes the home button much more quicker. (Thanks to @B1aze)
2. Use themes to change the look of your phone (limited as of right now; will be more widely available in the coming weeks to developers/themers).
3. Go into your App drawer and long press an icon as if you want to move/delete it. The small circles with the red '-' sign will let you either delete an app (if third-party) or disable it (if built-in).
4. Hold the power key for more than 7 seconds and the device will reboot. Hold VolUp+Home+Power to boot into recovery. Hold VolDown+Home+Power to boot into Download Mode.
5. Whenever you want to take a "selfie", you can simply frame the image first, and then put your finger on the heart rate sensor under the LED light at the back in order to take one.
6. When downloading a large file (30+ MB) and you have LTE AND are near WiFi, activate Download Booster! Settings--->More Connection Settings--->Download Booster. It combines both your WiFi and LTE connections into one for amazing DL speeds.
7. Notification reminders! Settings--->Accessibility--->Notification reminders.
8. Don't forget to claim your free 100 GB cloud storage with OneDrive!
9. Private mode... You can hide content from prying eyes, including photos, videos, music, web history, and such. To activate it, go to Settings--->Privacy and safety--->Private mode.
10. Do Not Disturb mode. Dare I say... Better than Google's implementation of "priority notification only" mode. You can set a schedule for it, who IS/ISN'T allowed to contact you while it's on, etc.
11. Screen Pinning. Go to Lock Screen and Security--->Other Security Settings--->Pin Windows.
12. Customize your screen grid (4x4, 4x5 or 5x5) by pinching in when on the home screen.
13. Developer Options.. To enable this, go to Settings--->About Device--->Tap "Build Number" 10 times and you will unlock Developer Options!
14. Make your device a bit faster by going to Developer Options and setting window animation scale, transition animation scale & animator duration scale all to 0.5.
15. When you are in an app (Chrome, Gallery .... whatever) and you drag your finger from the upper right corner to somewhere in the middle of the screen the app shrinks which makes it more usable with one hand. (Thanks to @derWolf_)
16. You can have changing lockscreen wallpapers by changing it in the settings and selecting multiple wallpapers in the selection box. (Thanks to @altimax98)
17. For those having issues with Snapchat videos, go into Developer settings (see #13) and uncheck Nuplayer.
18. For better results with the fingerprint scanner, register your thumb multiple times for it to be more accurate.
19. Screenshot by holding power+home at the same time or using palm swipe to capture (turn on in settings).
20. Direction lock... Settings-->Accessibility. New way of unlocking your phone.
21. Under voice wake you can use Svoice to set a custom phrase to wake up the phone directly to listening for a command. (Thanks to @benjmiester)
22. If you rest any registered fingers over the scanner, it'll light up which registry it is. Helpful is you need to redo the fingerprint. (Thanks to @hayabusa1300cc)
23. Really debloat your GS6 (no root needed!)
24. Cell standby drain? Go into recovery mode and wipe your cache, power off phone completely then reboot.
25. Go to the dialer, and press the green dial button. It will load the last dialed number. (Thanks to @Jrhoop)
26. Disable the capacitive lights with no root required! (A LOT OF THANKS to @Averix)
26B. How to disable capacitive button lights. (ADB)
27. The volume down button can be used to take pictures when the camera app is running. (Thanks @segag)
28. Use volume keys in default messaging app to increase/decrease font size. (Thanks @jambo89liam)
29. If you want to enable grayscale without going into super power saving mode, go to settings -> personal -> accessibility -> direct access and turn both direct access on and grayscale. Once you do this, a triple tap of the home button will toggle grayscale on and off. (Thanks @shappy0869)
30. Pinch in/out in the Gallery increases/decreases the number of the thumbnails. Swipe right from the left edge of the screen shows a panel for the albums. (Thanks @akira888)
Will be adding as time goes on, feel free to add your own and I will add it to the OP!
Another tip, if you want to get rid of that small delay in the home button, disable the double-tap quick launch in the camera options. It's a neat feature, but I like my snappy home button more.
B1aze said:
Another tip, if you want to get rid of that small delay in the home button, disable the double-tap quick launch in the camera options. It's a neat feature, but I like my snappy home button more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Keep em coming!
Really great tips. I was unaware of the themes option. I hope someone makes a theme that is more in line with stock android. I kinda hate the colors Samsung choose for the dialer and the menus.
S5, too?
Lots of these seem to be applicable to the S5 also, although I guess due to the categories on the XDA forums, there'd be no way of sharing it between the two devices easily.
Great tips though!
One more: when you are in an app (Chrome, Gallery .... whatever) and you drag your finger from the upper right corner to somewhere in the middle of the screen the app shrinks which makes it more usable with one hand (I wouldn't call it one-handed mode, because.... well it isn't, but feel free to name it as you wish)
PhoneArena made a list with 36 tricks and tips!
http://www.phonearena.com/news/Samsung-Galaxy-S6-and-Galaxy-S6-edge-36-tips---tricks_id67772
derWolf_ said:
One more: when you are in an app (Chrome, Gallery .... whatever) and you drag your finger from the upper right corner to somewhere in the middle of the screen the app shrinks which makes it more usable with one hand (I wouldn't call it one-handed mode, because.... well it isn't, but feel free to name it as you wish)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure they call it windowed apps
Edit according to the last link it's called pop up view.
derWolf_ said:
One more: when you are in an app (Chrome, Gallery .... whatever) and you drag your finger from the upper right corner to somewhere in the middle of the screen the app shrinks which makes it more usable with one hand (I wouldn't call it one-handed mode, because.... well it isn't, but feel free to name it as you wish)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Added, thanks!
Another tip:
You can have changing lockscreen wallpapers by changing it in the settings and selecting multiple wallpapers in the selection box
altimax98 said:
Another tip:
You can have changing lockscreen wallpapers by changing it in the settings and selecting multiple wallpapers in the selection box
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No freakn way?? SO I don't have to use Muzei for that anymore, haha sweet!
Phone is officially out! Share your tips and tricks guys if ya have any :good:
Is there a way/trick to order the apps in the app tray (alphabetically).
crobo said:
Is there a way/trick to order the apps in the app tray (alphabetically).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tap the "A-Z" button at the top of the app drawer.
wildmaiden said:
Tap the "A-Z" button at the top of the app drawer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not all versions have that button. I imagine it will come in a future update.
Sevael said:
Not all versions have that button. I imagine it will come in a future update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah .. interesting. FWIW, T-Mobile's S6 does.
crobo said:
Is there a way/trick to order the apps in the app tray (alphabetically).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I reordered all mine manually. But only had about 50 apps so not too bad.
crobo said:
Is there a way/trick to order the apps in the app tray (alphabetically).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not a fan of touch wiz, so downloaded the Google Now launcher, and the app drawer automatically organizes apps in alphabetical order.
noeffintalent said:
I am not a fan of touch wiz, so downloaded the Google Now launcher, and the app drawer automatically organizes apps in alphabetical order.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I prefer Nova (prime), it does the same, plus much, much more!:good:
You use Svoice to set a custom phrase to wake up the phone directly to listening for a command. Under voice wake. I woke, wrote, and sent a text with (look ma) no hands!
Sent from my SM-G920T using XDA Free mobile app

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