How can I make the Nexus 7 super-easy to use?
I have an elderly relative who has never used any Android device, or much technology at all to be honest besides old feature phones and television boxes, and we shall soon be purchasing her a Google Nexus 7. We settled on this idea after noticing that the 8GB Nexus 7 model is only £159 GBP, which isn't much more than the Kindle Touch and also offers a slightly larger screen. I am looking to make the experience personal and also easy for her.
Since I am going to use a custom launcher to prevent access to the app menu and simplify the user experience by showing her only the apps she will need to use (preventing access to the settings will prevent her accidentally deleting things), I am looking for a widget which will allow me to add my own custom text set to a custom size to the home screen. With this, I'll separate up the few apps she plans on using. Any recommendations for such an application?
Since this person does not have full function of a second arm, are there any applications which make one-handed operation easier on the tablet's 7 inch display?
Is there a widget which will allow me to add "picture frames" to the home screen? I could put some pictures of the family in these, which will add a nice personal touch.
Are there any keyboards which are good for one-handed use? Please do not say Swype.
Any suggestions to any of my issues I face? Also, any general app recommendations are welcome, but keep in mind who this tablet is for when making suggestions. For example, no messenger apps.
No ideas to any of those applications/features I'm looking to implement?
Twenty minutes before the first bump and between the first and second - get a bit of patience! People aren't lurking on forums waiting to jump on your every post...
1. Yes - Minimalistic Text and others
3. Yes - search Play store for "picture widget"
4. Why not Swype? What makes it unsuitable (that'll make it easier for others to make suggestions.
Swype probably requires two-handing on a device this big.
Honestly, any keyboard that works well with one hand, will also reconfigure so much that you'll essentially have to relearn it.
Messagease and 8pen are good with one hand, but they obviously don't look anything like qwerty. And one-hand typing is really only feasible with phones anyway.
Best bet is just to use voice recognition and hope it really is as up to snuff.
You're probably not going to like my answer, but I tried this (also with a person who had use of only one arm) and it didn't work. I mounted it to a table on a movable arm to make it easy to use.
Beyond the shaking hands and weak eyes, the biggest problem is understanding the UI. To you and I it's not complicated, but we grew up with computers. That's not any sort of judgment; the guy was capable of using a windows XP computer (very very slowly), it's just that switching to a new IU is much more confusing to the older brain than for a younger brain. They just don't have the filters to pick out the important information from the screen quickly, and every step requires conscious thought. This can be very tiring for an older person, and--at least in my experience--older people don't have a lot of tolerance for frustration.
I don't want you to be discouraged by this; I spent weeks on this (and several hundred dollars) and ended up getting him a small laptop on which I installed a simplification program that allowed only basic email and internet. But your relative may be more savvy, have better coordination, or just more interest in making it work. Here's what I'd suggest:
1) "minimalist text" can be customized to put static text on the screen. You'll have to play with it a bit.
2) There's no applications I can think of that make it easier, but I'd suggest giving her some system to mount it where she can both see and reach it. Have her sit as she would when she wanted to use it (chair, table, bed) and figure out how she can use it with her arm resting on something.
3) I think the picture frames widget is included in stock android. I'd strongly suggest against using anything other than a solid-colored background though. Again, it's difficult for an older brain to parse large amounts of information, and older eyes to see past the contrasts. I'm sure there's some way to have a rotating photo widget on some part of the screen in the market though.
4) Swiftkey. It's a bit advanced, but has one major advantage: predictive text. She can enter a few letters and the software will come up with a few words. Often it will get the intended word within a few letters, which can save a lot of inputs. That said, I think the stock android keyboard in JB has this functionality too, so you might hold off and try that.
A few other suggestions:
1) Get a launcher that can be cut down to just one screen. ADW EX does this. And get rid of the elastic screens (allows it to stay static). You said you already have a custom launcher in mind; which one were you thinking of?
2) When AOKP gets their hands on this, they'll allow you to add and change buttons to the notification bar. Get rid of the long-presses, maybe even get rid of everything but the home and back button.
3) Forget the speech recognition stuff. Old voices are not easy to understand for anyone, much less a computer, and convincing an older person to speak slowly and annunciate is not easy. Also, the first time it doesn't work you'll have a very frustrated relative to deal with...
4) Keep it simple. The first time you show her how to use it pick one thing (probably email or video chat) and show her how to do just that. If you take just one suggestion from me it's this. Add something next time, once she gets how to do email or video chat (test her first). Seriously, everyone will end up happier as a result.
OK, good luck! Hope it works better for you than it did for me!
I would say, a very simple background. No live wallpapers. A Big clock widget,
Get her a Bluetooth Keyboard, there is no sense in trying to force an older person to use a touch screen, that requires near perfect fingers. A normal keyboard is something she most likely has seen and used before. So it will feel normal.
A Widget for changing volume. Something with like a large Plus and Minus sign, and a big percent so she can easily see how loud it is.
Brad387 said:
How can I make the Nexus 7 super-easy to use?
I have an elderly relative who has never used any Android device, or much technology at all to be honest besides old feature phones and television boxes, and we shall soon be purchasing her a Google Nexus 7. We settled on this idea after noticing that the 8GB Nexus 7 model is only £159 GBP, which isn't much more than the Kindle Touch and also offers a slightly larger screen. I am looking to make the experience personal and also easy for her.
Since I am going to use a custom launcher to prevent access to the app menu and simplify the user experience by showing her only the apps she will need to use (preventing access to the settings will prevent her accidentally deleting things), I am looking for a widget which will allow me to add my own custom text set to a custom size to the home screen. With this, I'll separate up the few apps she plans on using. Any recommendations for such an application?
Since this person does not have full function of a second arm, are there any applications which make one-handed operation easier on the tablet's 7 inch display?
Is there a widget which will allow me to add "picture frames" to the home screen? I could put some pictures of the family in these, which will add a nice personal touch.
Are there any keyboards which are good for one-handed use? Please do not say Swype.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Brad387 said:
Any suggestions to any of my issues I face? Also, any general app recommendations are welcome, but keep in mind who this tablet is for when making suggestions. For example, no messenger apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Brad387 said:
No ideas to any of those applications/features I'm looking to implement?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol man, RELAX. Bumping your thread like that is terrible forum etiquette.
I'd refer to your own thread that you opened not long before this one:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1757848
Aps at startup
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
This might dumb the phone by a lot but: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=name.kunes.android.launcher.activity&hl=en
Here's a photo widget app that people seem to like though : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.thinkjava.androidphotowidgetfree
If you can wait for further development.. flashing MIUI seems to attract a lot of newer android users due to the similarities with iOS. If not you can always get the MIUI style launcher.
Thanks. I will likely use Nova Launcher to keep the amount of screens to a minimum.
darkamikaze said:
This might dumb the phone by a lot but: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=name.kunes.android.launcher.activity&hl=en
Here's a photo widget app that people seem to like though : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.thinkjava.androidphotowidgetfree
If you can wait for further development.. flashing MIUI seems to attract a lot of newer android users due to the similarities with iOS. If not you can always get the MIUI style launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yuck. No thank you on miui. I hate the unorganized nature of having every icon on the home screen. App drawer please.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
blackhand1001 said:
Yuck. No thank you on miui. I hate the unorganized nature of having every icon on the home screen. App drawer please.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fascinating. But this isn't for you; it's for an older person.
OP, the folks pointing out that it's bad forum etiquette to create multiple threads and bump them are right. And considering the time folks put into answering your question, it wouldn't hurt to respond and click the "thanks" button.
thebobp said:
Swype probably requires two-handing on a device this big.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand how you would use Swype with two hands even if you wanted to. Swyping requires one continuous swipe with one finger across all of the letters that spell out your word, and besides the actual act of swyping, I don't understand how using it would be any different from using one finger to type on a non-Swype keyboard.
blackhand1001 said:
Yuck. No thank you on miui. I hate the unorganized nature of having every icon on the home screen. App drawer please.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry that you don't know much about MIUI. It's the easiest ROM that I have used and now have it on my Infuse and Nook Color.
I am 66yo and like very simple and clean screens that are easy to use. The attached s/s's are from a 7" Nook Color screen.
1. Home screen.
2. Favorites expanded
3. 2nd Page....only have 2 pages...show all my apps in folders...no app drawer.
4. Reading folder opened
EDIT: You can set up as many or as few folders as you need and name them anything you choose.
dparrothead1 said:
Sorry that you don't know much about MIUI. It's the easiest ROM that I have used and now have it on my Infuse and Nook Color.
I am 66yo and like very simple and clean screens that are easy to use. The attached s/s's are from a 7" Nook Color screen.
1. Home screen.
2. Favorites expanded
3. 2nd Page....only have 2 pages...show all my apps in folders...no app drawer.
4. Reading folder opened
EDIT: You can set up as many or as few folders as you need and name them anything you choose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used miui on several devices. I just find it clunky. I like having an alphabetically sorted app drawer.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
I'm working on the same issue for my mom, who just turned 86.
I downloaded Minimalistic Text for her, but I had assumed it would be simple to set up - it isn't.
Am I correct that it's very limited as to what it can display? It appears to be able to display the time, date, temp, and then a few other things not important to your typical 86 year old, such as battery level, cpu speed, etc.
I had hoped I would be able to have it launch apps, so I could for instance, have it show "Email", Facebook", etc.
Older people have difficulty remembering the names of apps sometimes. "K9" for instance, would not mean email to my mom.
Something that would allow you to make app icons larger might help. But I had high hopes for Minimalist Text!
Btw, we did a four way hangout with her yesterday. She has beginning Alzheimer's, but she loves technology!
Edit: I see in the OP's other thread someone mentioned Simple Text . Can that be used on a stock N7? Must I use a different launcher?
Related
So, I was thinking, since I got this phone I have been downloading apps willie nillie. Keeping it clean though, clearing out what Ii haven't been using. I was wondering if there is plans to add more screens.
I am not a coder, so I would not be sure how to do this. The extra 2 dots and screen preview I am sure would add extra difficulty for this. I would be willing to donate for this. I am a widget head and I Have a few apps I keep going to the menu for.
Thank you if you read this. Have a good day.
shoot, i can't even fill 5.
Have not heard of more than 5, but U can create folders on the home screen & fill them up with apps...
You see that figure on the bottom of the screen, with the little grid?
That's the equivalent of your 7 homescreens.
Download home++
Ok, so you guys seem to be confused, I wasn't actually asking your opinion or how you use your homescreen. I wan't asking if there was some crappy overlay app on the market for my launcher, I know how to use the phone, I know where the apps are.
This is actually a request for the devs. If one of them thinks this is feasible and decides to do it, it's on them.
So, unless you can code, i don't care. If you can code and even bother reading or considering this, I say thank you very much as I know that the devs time is valuable.
halfsight said:
Ok, so you guys seem to be confused, I wasn't actually asking your opinion or how you use your homescreen. I wan't asking if there was some crappy overlay app on the market for my launcher, I know how to use the phone, I know where the apps are.
This is actually a request for the devs. If one of them thinks this is feasible and decides to do it, it's on them.
So, unless you can code, i don't care. If you can code and even bother reading or considering this, I say thank you very much as I know that the devs time is valuable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seriously, check out Home++
I find it's actually smoother than the regula launcher.
Henchman said:
Seriously, check out Home++
I find it's actually smoother than the regula launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the tip dude. But I have tried that one, And I agree that home++ is really nice, Ii would like to see 7 screens natively in a custom rom or possibly an Add on.
I am curious how hard this would be to code to be honest... it seems that it was only a minor update/change seeing as 2.0 only had 3 screens...
i would also like to see 7 screens...most of my screen space is used up...
But surely downloading a small program like Home++ is better as you can choose the amount of screens.
I can switch from anywhere between 3 and 7 screens without worrying about blank screens.
Also Home++ is FAR smotther and faster than the stock home launcher which I find surprising.
halfsight said:
... i would like to see 7 screens natively in a custom rom or possibly an Add on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
possibly an Add on?
never heard of an Add on.
there's an app for that LMAO
Amdathlonuk said:
Also Home++ is FAR smotther and faster than the stock home launcher which I find surprising.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true
halfsight said:
Ok, so you guys seem to be confused, I wasn't actually asking your opinion or how you use your homescreen. I wan't asking if there was some crappy overlay app on the market for my launcher, I know how to use the phone, I know where the apps are.
This is actually a request for the devs. If one of them thinks this is feasible and decides to do it, it's on them.
So, unless you can code, i don't care. If you can code and even bother reading or considering this, I say thank you very much as I know that the devs time is valuable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, there's no need to be a jerk. This is an open forum, where people post opinions, thus you can't dictate who or what gets posted in the thread you started provided its within the rules set forth by the mods.
Why not ask, ney, demand for 9 home screens. 9 is way better than 7 and while you're at it, why not have them wrap around cylindrical style. Oh sorry, here I am throwing idea's out in your dev only thread.
Amdathlonuk said:
But surely downloading a small program like Home++ is better as you can choose the amount of screens.
I can switch from anywhere between 3 and 7 screens without worrying about blank screens.
Also Home++ is FAR smotther and faster than the stock home launcher which I find surprising.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some of the comments suggest that it isnt faster than stock, how many screens are you using? Would Launcher+ by the same dev be better if all I want is a different number of screens?
The Jones said:
Some of the comments suggest that it isnt faster than stock, how many screens are you using? Would Launcher+ by the same dev be better if all I want is a different number of screens?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, here's an idea.
Why don't you download them and try them out for yourself instead if relying in what other people say.
Geeze.
bofslime said:
Wow, there's no need to be a jerk. This is an open forum, where people post opinions, thus you can't dictate who or what gets posted in the thread you started provided its within the rules set forth by the mods.
Why not ask, ney, demand for 9 home screens. 9 is way better than 7 and while you're at it, why not have them wrap around cylindrical style. Oh sorry, here I am throwing idea's out in your dev only thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not demanding anything, I asked, I even offered a donation. I am trying to dictate nothing, So read, ney, understand my post before you lash out friend.
Like I said, any dev that takes the time to read this I thank you.
The Jones said:
Some of the comments suggest that it isnt faster than stock, how many screens are you using? Would Launcher+ by the same dev be better if all I want is a different number of screens?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using 6 screens, here's how they're set out
1. Weather/Clock with memory widgets and 4 icons
2. power widget, Music widget, 6
3. Photo Gallery widget (full screen)
4. Twitter, Facebook widgets and another Music widget
5. Pure Calender widget (Full screen)
6. clear screen.
Works flawlessly and far better than the stock launcher.
......and people are right, Moto Blur is a cluster****.
I am not too tech savvy, but not a dummy either.
Suggestions and tips on rooting would be great.
Meanwhile, I will keep digging around this site, I am sure the answers are somewhere here, but there is so much info......
Try "gladroot"
JRSOne said:
......and people are right, Moto Blur is a cluster****.
I am not too tech savvy, but not a dummy either.
Suggestions and tips on rooting would be great.
Meanwhile, I will keep digging around this site, I am sure the answers are somewhere here, but there is so much info......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just rooted my atrix last night with "gladroot". http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=12540398
Before you root, install Motorola driver first. Nobody didn't mention about it until later and it took me for a while to troubleshoot. As long as you read and follow the instructions, it's not difficult.
http://briefmobile.com/motorola-atrix-4g-root
JRSOne said:
I am not too tech savvy, but not a dummy either.
Suggestions and tips on rooting would be great.
Meanwhile, I will keep digging around this site, I am sure the answers are somewhere here, but there is so much info......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't have to dig far!
Rooting for dummies is on the 1st floor! LOL
Thanks a lot, very nice.
3GS -> Atrix
JRSOne said:
......and people are right, Moto Blur is a cluster****.
I am not too tech savvy, but not a dummy either.
Suggestions and tips on rooting would be great.
Meanwhile, I will keep digging around this site, I am sure the answers are somewhere here, but there is so much info......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just made the same switch last week (3GS -> Atrix). Agree that MotoBlur sux and it's also been painful syncing contacts and calendar from my work's Outlook (going through Google isn't an option)
One reason I made the switch was for the less restrictive Android OS. However if you're on version 1.57, it looks like you have to take a few steps backwards to get ahead (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=12540398). Looks like I'll have to set aside some time to play...
JRSOne said:
......and people are right, Moto Blur is a cluster****.
I am not too tech savvy, but not a dummy either.
Suggestions and tips on rooting would be great.
Meanwhile, I will keep digging around this site, I am sure the answers are somewhere here, but there is so much info......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get adw launcher and use titanium backup to freeze blur. Fixes that problem right up. On the other hand, try running gingerblur which has a clean UI and runs quite smooth. It also removes a ton of other bloatware on the phone. Everything except adw launcher requires root of course.
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
I don't understand why ppl say "blur sucks"....I like BLUR, it's very useful with all that widgets to have all your Social Networks quickly in one hand.
emandt said:
I don't understand why ppl say "blur sucks"....I like BLUR, it's very useful with all that widgets to have all your Social Networks quickly in one hand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Blur USED to suck, past tense. It doesn't suck too badly anymore. And I can't see why a new user would say it sucks when they have no experience. This is just a blind statement.
I'm very picky with my launchers and if I could tweak Blur to look better and purge a few things I don't use, it actually wouldn't be very bad at all. But I like that with the other launchers I can personally tweak them precisely to my preference.
bongd said:
Blur USED to suck, past tense. It doesn't suck too badly anymore. And I can't see why a new user would say it sucks when they have no experience. This is just a blind statement.
I'm very picky with my launchers and if I could tweak Blur to look better and purge a few things I don't use, it actually wouldn't be very bad at all. But I like that with the other launchers I can personally tweak them precisely to my preference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BLUR sucks.
Exchange 2003 notifications are broken.
Unified Inbox doesn't include GMail. (that's a hurr durr right there)
Duplicate functionality of what already exists (Social Networking, Accounts, Corporate Sync)
I don't mind the homescreen/launcher.
My biggest complaint with blur is simply the lag when switching home screens and bringing up the full list of apps. And that you can't change anything on the dock. And the widgets are ugly. Oh wait...that's pretty much everything that blur does I hate...
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
I am saying it sucks because I am comparing it to my iphone. I can't express how much cleaner, simplier and user friendly the 3GS is compared to blur.
I certainly hope that other Android phones are not this bad.
If I can't find a better OS that works for me, I will simply get an iphone 4. I guess I was spoiled.
JRSOne said:
I am saying it sucks because I am comparing it to my iphone. I can't express how much cleaner, simplier and user friendly the 3GS is compared to blur.
I certainly hope that other Android phones are not this bad.
If I can't find a better OS that works for me, I will simply get an iphone 4. I guess I was spoiled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean the interface that is the exact same for everyone? The iPhone was made to be simpler. It's so everyone can use it. If you like being coddled by Apple, return the Atrix and get your i4.
It's up to you. WebOS is rising, WP7, BBOS (not as popular). Your pick, dude. Like I said, the iOS devices are made so that even a monkey could pick one up and work it like a pro.
If you're not going to take the time to tweak your device to your liking, go with iOS.
JRSOne said:
I am saying it sucks because I am comparing it to my iphone. I can't express how much cleaner, simplier and user friendly the 3GS is compared to blur.
I certainly hope that other Android phones are not this bad.
If I can't find a better OS that works for me, I will simply get an iphone 4. I guess I was spoiled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. The other androids are not that bad. The original froyo has a cleaner and faster approach than motoblur. Motoblur by far is the worst UI-skin you can possibly have.
peacekeeper05 said:
Yep. The other androids are not that bad. The original froyo has a cleaner and faster approach than motoblur. Motoblur by far is the worst UI-skin you can possibly have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you ever tried TouchWiz? the iPhone wanna-be? Sense is decent, but Blur is one of the closest manufacture's skins to Vanilla Android.
Also, your opinion on Blur is your own. Many people love and use Blur, and many people do not. Just because you say it's the worst, does not make it so.
I advise you to try out all the other different interfaces, and tell me Blur is the complete and total worst you have ever tried.
What about the newer blur on the droid x?
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
PixoNova said:
Have you ever tried TouchWiz? the iPhone wanna-be? Sense is decent, but Blur is one of the closest manufacture's skins to Vanilla Android.
Also, your opinion on Blur is your own. Many people love and use Blur, and many people do not. Just because you say it's the worst, does not make it so.
I advise you to try out all the other different interfaces, and tell me Blur is the complete and total worst you have ever tried.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol. It was obviously an opinion. I did not in any way said im representing the whole android community duh.
I have tried touchwiz, sense and the LG UI already. And of course i've also tried the original android stock UI.
I kinda want to know what people doesn't like on motoblur. The panels? You can empty all of them and end up with 7 panels on witch you can put whatever icons, shorcuts, widgets (and so on) you like. I'm coming from sense but I can customize the motoblur to look just as good. Don't feel like using launcher pro and already uninstalled regina 3D and adw. I woulg probably give a spb a try if they would have a trial.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
JRSOne said:
I am saying it sucks because I am comparing it to my iphone. I can't express how much cleaner, simplier and user friendly the 3GS is compared to blur.
I certainly hope that other Android phones are not this bad.
If I can't find a better OS that works for me, I will simply get an iphone 4. I guess I was spoiled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm also coming from an iPhone, and here are some things I think are superior on the Atrix (and Android) to the iPhone (and iOS):
1. Non-intrusive notifications! I hated how on the iPhone, notifications pop up as dialogs that have to be closed. Sometimes you're doing something important, and you get a text message which pops up right in the middle of the screen. Irritating! I like how you can slide down the top bar when you want and it shows you your notifications.
2. Notification LED. It's great to be able to tell that you have messages or a missed call without having to turn on the screen.
3. Four hardware buttons instead of just one. After you've used the phone awhile, you'll realize how useful a back button and a menu button can be. You have to switch back to home less than you do with an iPhone. Also, hold down your home button and shortcuts to your last 8 used apps will appear.
4. Every application must advertise what features of your phone it has access to in the Manage Applications settings pages. So if an app can read and write to your contact data, it says so in the settings. On the iPhone, you have to rely on Apple to make sure all apps are doing what they're supposed to. Worse, if you get apps from Cydia, well then you're completely on your own.
5. You have 15 minutes to get a refund if you buy something from the Android Market. That's a pretty short time if you have to download a big application, but better that than no refunds at all.
6. Having the option to use an external micro-SD card is pretty nice.
7. Unlike the iPhone, the home screen and the app drawer are two separate things. It's nice to have widgets to customize your home screens.
8. For obvious reasons, Android versions of Google applications tend to have more features on Android than on the iPhone. For example, Maps has that cool 3D compass view, instead of the regular "up is North" top-down view. It also has a Street View add-on which is pretty neat and works quite well.
9. GPS seems faster and more precise on my Atrix than on my iPhone (and my friend's iPhone 4). I've heard others say the opposite with respect to the iPhone 4, so maybe it depends on where in the world you are.
10. For Bell users (ATT users have to pay I think?), Mobile wifi hotspot works great. I've tried tethering my Macbook Pro to the phone via wifi, and it works really well.
11. There's a basic data counter built in, which shows you how much data you're using, and by which apps.
12. There's a pretty decent Battery Manager built in, which shows very clearly what percentage of your used battery was used by each phone function, or application.
13. It comes with Swype as an alternate input system to the virtual keyboard, but you're free to install other 3rd party input methods if you like (there are quite a few).
Well, I don't know if I missed anything, but for the most part, these are the things that impressed me the most after using the Atrix for a couple weeks. I'm very happy I moved to the Atrix, but that's not to say that I hate the iPhone. I still like it, it has a very polished feel and the best screen in the business. And after all, it was the breakthrough smart phone when it first came out. There are just a few things that I think they really need to improve (notifications!).
slimslim said:
I kinda want to know what people doesn't like on motoblur.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I liked some of the features of Motoblur, like having the Manage Applications settings right in the menu of your homescreens. Very useful. Some of the widgets are nice too. My major complaint is that Motoblur is so choppy when scrolling around! That's unacceptable for a high-end phone, in my opinion.
PixoNova said:
the iOS devices are made so that even a monkey could pick one up and work it like a pro.
If you're not going to take the time to tweak your device to your liking, go with iOS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 this is the reason why people think that iphone its a ladies phone. its easy to use, no customizable and very locked device, like you say XD even a monkey can work on it like a pro
So I just came over to the galaxy android side of things from the ipad. The so far, (and with my verizon 4g mobile hotspot in hand), I'm mostly impressed. It's really a beautiful device and I really enjoy honeycomb.
However, my stock tab is incredibly laggy in normal use. This manifests most notably when moving App icons around. Another good enough example is angry birds which runs MUCH smoother I on the ipad. Honestly, my galaxy s2 feels much more responsive in normal usage also. What's going on here I thought tegra was supposed to be better than that? So far I'm a bit underwhelmed with the performance.
Also, what the heck is up with the lack of sd card slot? I'm absolutely baffled by this missing feature as I foolishly assumed it would obviously have one. 32GB is nowhere near enough storage for what I plan on using it for.
And what's up with the lack of netflix?
Sent from my GT-P7510 using XDA Premium App
Forgive the grammatical errors I'm still not used to this swift key keyboard.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using XDA Premium App
Hmm... First of all,ios does have a smoother build than android. Android has been released like tero years? But ios has been here for more than four years. Android needs time to catch up. well, then samsung's own tweek about android does slow down the system quite a bit. however about angery birds I myself feel it's about resolution.i feel the one on ipad has lower resolution than the one on android(this is my own observation,i have absolute no evidence to bakup my theory), anyone can confirm or correct me please.
Would any of the dev made launchers work properly with a Honeycomb talent and would it likely help with the lag? It is bothersome especially when my galaxy s2 feels much smoother. Thanks guys.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using XDA Premium App
Suggestions
1. If you want to stay stock honeycomb and it starts to lag between screens, click on + symbol on top right of homescreen, then click other or wallpaper or one of the other options, don't do anything else, then just click the home button to back out. Lag should be gone. Don't know why it works but read it on one of the other forums and it works.
2. Spend $3.50 and buy ADW EX in the market and make it your default launcher. Spend a day tweeking the settings to your liking and you will not see much lag. There is also Launcher Pro Plus but the new update makes ADW EX better IMO. Many forums here will help you set up or tweek ADW EX. Leave your lag behind!
3. What else are you doing while playing Angry Birds? I have never had an issue with a game except for the ones that aren't optimized for honeycomb and are made for a phone. (Which I don't know how anyone plays these games on a phones screen)
4. For typing I absolutely suggest Thumb Keyboard on the Market. I don't know how I went that first week with the stock keyboard. Worth the $2.
Happy Tabbing!
Thanks for the tips! Unfortunately I need another. I just performed that system update thinking it was a good idea but it put that god awful touch wiz ui on my tab!!! Is there any way to get stock honeycomb back??
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I much prefer stock honeycomb to this touch wiz bloat. The please tell me I can go back.
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I'm literally freaking out. What is wrong with these companies and their inability to stick to the stock android ui. I'm horrified by how bad this updated looks.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using XDA Premium App
you can go back
But you would have to do too many things above my pay grade to get it back. Not sure if a factory reset would do it, pretty sure you would have to root the device and flash a honeycomb 3.1 rom.
I like the touchwiz, I'm just hoping somebody comes up with a way to make the task bar black so it doesn't look so bad while watching Netflix. That is my only real dislike. And the innability to switch apps on the swipe up. A world clock, wtf am I going to need that for?
Everything you need to get your tab exactly how you want it is here. Including getting back to stock 3.1 as well as putting a black bar on touchwiz, or overclocking your processor, or yes even using custom launchers from the Market or from some of the great devs we have. The whole beauty of Android, IMO, is that we don't have to accept what the manufacturers give us. Everything you need, files, instructions, and further reading is in the "Look here first" sticky in the development section. The key is read read read, read some more, search, read read, and read. I love my tab because I can make it my own.
A factory reset will not remove the TouchMyWilly update. Honestly, it seems like you rushed into this purchase, especially given that you didn't know it doesn't have a MicroSD slot prior to buying it. 32 GB is actually quite alot if you use cloud storage. You can also get the USB adapter and transfer files that way.
But, it seems like you're not pleased with the Tab. There's no reason to force yourself to like a gadget. If you're still able to return it and give yourself some time to properly shop around for something that fits your needs then maybe you should consider that.
You can also check out the Android Dev forum a few links down from the General. That will show you how to root and flash a pre-TouchWang ROM. I didn't like the update at first, but it's grown on me.
SaosinEngaged said:
I much prefer stock honeycomb to this touch wiz bloat. The please tell me I can go back.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not as bad as it seems. But it would be great if Samsung published a sdk to make use of their customization of the Android shell. For one thing I love to see more of those apps that are able to stay on top of other apps and still let you use the other apps. Would also be great to get dirty with the launchbar
+1 for ADW it fixed all lag
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk
wish there was an easier way
FillTheVoid said:
Everything you need to get your tab exactly how you want it is here. Including getting back to stock 3.1 as well as putting a black bar on touchwiz, or overclocking your processor, or yes even using custom launchers from the Market or from some of the great devs we have. The whole beauty of Android, IMO, is that we don't have to accept what the manufacturers give us. Everything you need, files, instructions, and further reading is in the "Look here first" sticky in the development section. The key is read read read, read some more, search, read read, and read. I love my tab because I can make it my own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I have read a little of the forum for the black taskbar but I am not that well versed in android to go messing around with folders. If it was on a PC I would be good to go, just need a simpler solution, hopefully an update. At least the taskbar matches my keyboard, just looks awful when watching Netflix.
Thanks for all the responses.
The tab itself is definitely growing on me. I still find it perplexing Samsung left out the micro SD slot; it's one of Apple devices worst "features" and for Samsung to copy that seems bizarre.
To be honest, I have no idea how to go about setting up cloud storage. I'm just used to old fashion storage methods. I have Google Music but really don't know how to get it set up as a network sharing player. I know I'll have to read read read, but I simply don't have the time right now to get into such an endeavor.
Really, don't let some of my negativity fool you. This tablet is awesome. It's just a bit of shell shock coming from my comfortable experiences with the ipad and my knee jerk dislike of the Touchwiz UI I had no idea would pop up in that update.
I'm very much a fan of stock OS's. Especially Honeycomb, I feel like if it ain't broke, why fix it?
But I'm looking into ADW right now.
SaosinEngaged said:
Thanks for all the responses.
I'm very much a fan of stock OS's. Especially Honeycomb, I feel like if it ain't broke, why fix it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because Honeycomb IS broke. It's a beta, an interim build, came out of the oven months and months before it was ready. The TW update is a partial attempt to address some of these problems, and add some extra functionality.
As for looks, for a lot of people, Honeycomb is an eyesore in stock form, color-wise. The very cold color choices are not welcoming.
I daresay most non-geek people aren't fans of neon blue on black, or of faux-retro computer fonts, and above all else, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 was meant to compete in the mass market, so it needs mass market visual appeal.
Croak said:
Because Honeycomb IS broke. It's a beta, an interim build, came out of the oven months and months before it was ready. The TW update is a partial attempt to address some of these problems, and add some extra functionality.
As for looks, for a lot of people, Honeycomb is an eyesore in stock form, color-wise. The very cold color choices are not welcoming.
I daresay most non-geek people aren't fans of neon blue on black, or of faux-retro computer fonts, and above all else, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 was meant to compete in the mass market, so it needs mass market visual appeal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, I totally understand.
I actually really liked the neonish theme of stock honeycomb. It matches very well with the neon color of swiftkey keyboard and just gave a very futuristic vibe.
The added functionality is nice, but that can always be addressed through widgets and apps.
As an aside, what is the name of that app that organizes widgets by grouping similar ones in the widget menu?
Like all of beautiful widgets would lump together into one until you click it?
SaosinEngaged said:
As an aside, what is the name of that app that organizes widgets by grouping similar ones in the widget menu?
Like all of beautiful widgets would lump together into one until you click it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ooh, ooh. When you find that, please postback! My collection of widgets is getting unwieldy. Takes quite a while to scroll from left to right thru the whole collection. Its begging for some organization.
I had a Superclean ROM running on my Fascinate phone that collapsed widgets into folders (ex: all the Beautiful widgets into ONE).
I'd love that on my Tab.
SaosinEngaged said:
And what's up with the lack of netflix?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can grab the APK here - just sideload and you'll be streaming
http://www.multiupload.com/XTEWL8CLCZ
It's a matter of preference. I like the TouchWiz update as it eliminated the worst feature of HC 3.1... the typing lag in forums. I also like the Quick Access panel in the bottom-right corner. One or two clicks to get to what you need, unlike the 4-5 clicks it takes to get to the same things on HC 3.1/3.2.
I am also wondering if this was a rush purchase for you if you didn't realize the Tab 10.1 doesn't have an SD card slot. Not picking on you, please don't misunderstand, but if an SD card slot was important, you could have picked up a 32GB Asus Transformer ($460) instead of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 32GB ($600) and used the savings to buy SD cards. I don't have money to burn (says the guy with a Galaxy Tab 10.1 and an Asus Transformer, lol ), so I do a lot of research before I drop $600 on something.
You can't "uninstall" the TouchWiz update once you have it. Wiping the Tab with a factory reset does not remove TouchWiz. You'd have to load a custom ROM to get rid of it.
And as far as Netflix, just head to the Themes and Apps part of the Galaxy Tab forums and grab the Netflix .apk from there. Easy to install, even for an idiot such as myself. That's the only thing that's making me want to keep the Galaxy Tab over the Asus Transformer at the moment.
At first the idea of blink feed really irritated me but now that I've had the one for about a week I actually have been using it and it's really grown on me. It reminds me of flip board only there was something about flip board that I hated and Blink feed seems to be the same concept only more simple and user friendly IMO.
Do you guys like or dislike?
Sent from my HTC One (AT&T silver) using XDA developers app
I like it will be much better when we can add our own feeds
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
I like. Simple quick and useful.
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium
I too like it but find it a huge flaw that we don't have complete control over the sources.
MG
I agree with moregadget, it would be useful if you could choose what you wanted on there, or pull from RSS feeds, etc. As is, I don't use it.
I agree I wish there was the option to remove it in the event that it becomes obsolete to me
Also agree about adding our own sources there are some websites i'd like to add but as you said we can only choose from a pre prescribed list
Sent from my HTC One (AT&T silver) using XDA developers app
At first, I didn't like the idea. But it really grew on me. I rarely go into my flipboard these days. Flipboard, watch out.
floodingaugust said:
I agree I wish there was the option to remove it in the event that it becomes obsolete to me
Also agree about adding our own sources there are some websites i'd like to add but as you said we can only choose from a pre prescribed list
Sent from my HTC One (AT&T silver) using XDA developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the thing haha, if you could remove it from the get-go, you would never have a chance to appreciate it because for quite a lot of people it takes a bit of time for it to catch on. I think that not being able to remove it is ok, but being limited to so few sources is a HUGE fault.
Yes this is true lol as I said when I first got the phone I hated the idea of it but by it being forced on me by HTC I actually grew to love it :thumbup:
Sent from my HTC One (AT&T silver) using XDA developers app
Hate it, hate it hate it, dont like it, dont want it...........................
So to summarize, I want an option to disable it. It does not have the sources I want, nor does it have efficient interface to read all stories from one source quickly. And I dont want my social life plastered on my home screen. I dont use facebook and nothing is as good as Falcon Pro for twitter which I do use. So no, I dont want blinkfeed. I dont mind having it as a feature on phone as long as I can disable it. I dont like it forced down my throat.
I tried it for a day and it was meh!
Due to this approach I am simply not using Sense 5. There are tons of launcher options out there. Some better than any android skin. I am sticking with simple Nova for now.
You know you can always not set up blinkfeed and just set another screen as your home screen, right?
Just make blinkfeed the last screen on the left, since we can't move it to the right.
Just in case someone doesn't know...just pinch your screen and the option to edit will pop up.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2
Dislike
floodingaugust said:
At first the idea of blink feed really irritated me but now that I've had the one for about a week I actually have been using it and it's really grown on me. It reminds me of flip board only there was something about flip board that I hated and Blink feed seems to be the same concept only more simple and user friendly IMO.
Do you guys like or dislike?
Sent from my HTC One (AT&T silver) using XDA developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's hidden away to the left of my home screen until there's a way to remove it from the Sense launcher.
You know you can just remove facebook and Twitter from blink feed all together?
It's one of the options, that's what I did because I don't like my social stuff all over my home screen either and I just put blink feed all the way to the left as there is no infinite scrolling and I never end up there by accident
But it's your right not to like it, I was just curious.
I was gonna use a launcher but I really just like HTC sense
Sent from my HTC One (AT&T silver) using XDA developers app
floodingaugust said:
You know you can just remove facebook and Twitter from blink feed all together?
It's one of the options, that's what I did because I don't like my social stuff all over my home screen either and I just put blink feed all the way to the left as there is no infinite scrolling and I never end up there by accident
But it's your right not to like it, I was just curious.
I was gonna use a launcher but I really just like HTC sense
Sent from my HTC One (AT&T silver) using XDA developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, there is an option. The thing is, I dont want any source from blinkfeed's list. (Actually I do couple, but the way their stories are presented is actually less efficient than using something like Pulse with widget. And rest are absent. Not efficient to use 2 things to do 1 thing. I dont want my facebook plastered on blinkfeed, so that is also gone.. And it is not as good as Falcon. So basiclaly I dont need it. I want it disabled totally, not have 1 extra home screen wasted with blue blotches.
When it comes to phone interface, I am a bit OCD. I can change my home screen. But I would know there on the left side hides a monster that is always there just waiting to throw big blue squares and rectangles in my fact when i go there............
Blinkfeed is also not the only reason to ditch Sense 5 for me. I also dont like the app drawer and way it works, the way desktop action is limited to just adding widgets and I need 4 steps to change simple thing like wallpaper, not to mention wasted space on 1080P screen which can easily take 5x6 grid.
Options and choices is why I love android. I am not ready for any OEM to force a launcher I dont like down my throat.
Funkym0nkey said:
When it comes to phone interface, I am a bit OCD. I can change my home screen. But I would know there on the left side hides a monster that is always there just waiting to throw big blue squares and rectangles in my fact when i go there............
Options and choices is why I love android. I am not ready for any OEM to force a launcher I dont like down my throat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A bit? OCD.
If you're that OCD I'm sure you count the number of swipes needed to avoid disaster.
It's not forced down your throat, just install a different launch. The freedom is yours.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
I really like it. I wasn't expecting to like it.
drspikes said:
A bit? OCD.
If you're that OCD I'm sure you count the number of swipes needed to avoid disaster.
It's not forced down your throat, just install a different launch. The freedom is yours.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you did care to read the previous posts I have already changed the launcher to Nova Launcher prime for exact same reason. I was responding to the posts where some people said you can ignore that page and leave it there in Sense 5. And my other reasons for not liking Sense 5 and why I replaced it with Nova.
That is precisely what I meant. I am not going to use Sense as it is because OEM decides I need to use it certain way. I will change it to something else like I have done already.
I dont like things that just exists for the sake of it taking up usable space and hurting productivity. Now I have 3 screens with endless scroll to quickly go where I want to go and quickly do what I want to do.
Also I guess you missed little bit of sarcasm in my previous post
I really didn't like blinkfeed at first but then I got used to it, but the limited news sources did irritate me.
Moved to apex launcher after a few days and now on CM, definitely don't miss it
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
I don't mind blinkfeed but it's no Flipboard. It may eventually become better in future updates though and if that happens, I will be happy to use it full-time. My biggest gripe with it (and as a new Android/Sense 5 user, someone can tell me if this can be remedied) is that many of my photos and Zoes show up upside-down in Blinkfeed.
Like but needs more feeds.
Is there a way to get the tablet UI on the 2013 Nexus 7 yet????
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Gadzooks1123 said:
Is there a way to get the tablet UI on the 2013 Nexus 7 yet????
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install the Paranoid Android ROM.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
How about a way on stock ROM? Just a mod or tweak or something?
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Gadzooks1123 said:
How about a way on stock ROM? Just a mod or tweak or something?
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2418867
Gadzooks1123 said:
Is there a way to get the tablet UI on the 2013 Nexus 7 yet????
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Nexus 7 comes with a tablet UI, unless you are talking about the old UI from HoneyComb that was depreciated a while ago. I don't understand why people are still hung up on legacy layouts.
"It's very clear what Google is doing - keeping users' attention on two general parts of the homescreen UI. The search / voice / notification area, and the app drawer / nav button area. Just like a modern Android phone. It makes sense - the experience across all [stock-ish] devices is now extremely consistent."
http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/1...just-like-a-giant-phones-and-thats-fantastic/
rmkilc said:
The Nexus 7 comes with a tablet UI, unless you are talking about the old UI from HoneyComb that was depreciated a while ago. I don't understand why people are still hung up on legacy layouts.
"It's very clear what Google is doing - keeping users' attention on two general parts of the homescreen UI. The search / voice / notification area, and the app drawer / nav button area. Just like a modern Android phone. It makes sense - the experience across all [stock-ish] devices is now extremely consistent."
http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/1...just-like-a-giant-phones-and-thats-fantastic/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except that that is simply not the case.
On phones the navigation buttons never leave the short side of the screen leaving them easily accessible with your right thumb while in landscape. On tablets the nav bar is terrible with the buttons spread out across the bottom while holding your device in landscape. The centred buttons are barely reachable on a 7" tablet like this. On 10" devices unless you are some kind of mutant, bred to be a piano virtuoso, good luck getting your thumbs where they need to go while cradling the tablet in 2 hands. Similarly the top-of-screen based notification pull down is simply not an ergonomic solution to something that you will be doing thousands of times with your device. Again this is not so bad on a device of this size, but is seriously ridiculous on large tablets.
It is all well and good for Google to say that they want users to have the same user experience across all devices, but they do not deliver on that. Given no other option, I would far rather use this tablet in full phone mode, with navigation buttons that never leave the short edge of the screen, than use the new "Tablet UI". I have actually clicked the DPI up to 340 and find the phone UI much easier to use than the default one, with the obvious exception of the full screen notification shade (which just looks ugly on this device). At least though, this configuration would be more condusive to one handed landscape navigation.
So, for me, I am going to keep using the old tablet UI as long as Google leaves the code in there for me to use and hope that they come to their senses one day over at the AOSP and realize that they've actually taken a step backwards in terms of user friendliness.
No need for nay-sayers to jump in when someone asks for a customized user experience. That's the beauty of Android! It isn't a one size fits all, apple-corer OS. The only limit is your imagination, and how much time you want to spend learning and tweaking. I say tweak on, young man, tweak on!
rmkilc said:
The Nexus 7 comes with a tablet UI, unless you are talking about the old UI from HoneyComb that was depreciated a while ago. I don't understand why people are still hung up on legacy layouts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because it's functional. The notification area is always visible even when apps are running full screen.
I can see the clock. I can see if the downloading is finished. I can see if a new email has come in.
The new Mod for tablet UI is working nicely.
http://www.xda-developers.com/android/tablet-ui-mod-for-the-2013-nexus-7-on-stock-rooted-jss15q/
The ipad has a tablet ui too and its really useful. Less pressing on the back button when navigating thru the settings ap
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csrow said:
Because it's functional. The notification area is always visible even when apps are running full screen.
I can see the clock. I can see if the downloading is finished. I can see if a new email has come in.
The new Mod for tablet UI is working nicely.
http://www.xda-developers.com/android/tablet-ui-mod-for-the-2013-nexus-7-on-stock-rooted-jss15q/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The new UI is much better looking, to be fair. And the notification area on the old one felt a bit rushed - for example, if a notification came in, it hijacked the entire notification area so you couldn't get to other notifications until it was gone - or at least, that's what I thought until I figured out that (for whatever reason), notifications could be cancelled by pressing somewhere else on the navbar (in other words, that 'feature' was a nuisance and user unfriendly in many ways).
I had plenty of moments where I went to get an email by opening the notification drawer when something else suddenly notified me and I ended up somewhere I didn't want to be like Appy Geek instead.
Also, the fact that it was a tap to open instead of at least a swipe upwards made no sense at all.
I get that you power users are happy to have to practice using your technology like it's some sort of art form, but please save the rest of us the bother.
Kookas said:
The new UI is much better looking, to be fair. And the notification area on the old one felt a bit rushed - for example, if a notification came in, it hijacked the entire notification area so you couldn't get to other notifications until it was gone - or at least, that's what I thought until I figured out that (for whatever reason), notifications could be cancelled by pressing somewhere else on the navbar (in other words, that 'feature' was a nuisance and user unfriendly in many ways).
I had plenty of moments where I went to get an email by opening the notification drawer when something else suddenly notified me and I ended up somewhere I didn't want to be like Appy Geek instead.
Also, the fact that it was a tap to open instead of at least a swipe upwards made no sense at all.
I get that you power users are happy to have to practice using your technology like it's some sort of art form, but please save the rest of us the bother.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, it was a very inconsistent experience. Also, trying to get expandable notifications to work properly with gestures was a pain.
That's what's great about Android on a Nexus device. You get to choose what you like and everyone will be happy.
No one option is better than another. Just because you don't like it doesn't mean someone else should not be using it.
The OP simply wanted to know if it was possible to use Table UI on the N7 v2 and everyone is on a full blown discussion of who prefers what.
Here is the link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45084692
Sent from my Nexus 4
I recommend trying out LMT (better than the pie control in paranoid/CM). I find it much better than having this blasted button bar using space all the time)
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
Apex launcher has a tablet ui setting. For the most part is seems stock just bring the app icons to the bottom in landscape mode along with the app drawer in the upper right corner.