[Q] - Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hey guys
I really dig the Smart Scroll feature. I know it's kind of gimmicky but it's nice to not have to get my fingerprints on the screen for every little thing I do. Do you guys know which apps support this feature?
The only app I've noticed it working with is the default browser, and the default E-Mail.
It would be nice if we could get Smart Scroll support with Chrome and GMail, but I don't find anything wrong with the S4's e-mail/browser though. Are you guys using the Samsung browser and Email system so you can use the smart scroll, or are you just ignoring that feature entirely because of battery life?
Do you guys think there will be more apps coming with this feature being used?

I don't personally use the feature because I feel it's much easier to just scroll by fingers, but some people will sure find it usefull. As for the supporting apps, I guess the limited support is due to the fact that the feature is still new and was just introduced with this phone. By time developers can start implementing it in their apps, but I don't see that happening soon. It will take some time.
Sent from my SGS IV using Tapatalk 2

7moooodi said:
I don't personally use the feature because I feel it's much easier to just scroll by fingers, but some people will sure find it usefull. As for the supporting apps, I guess the limited support is due to the fact that the feature is still new and was just introduced with this phone. By time developers can start implementing it in their apps, but I don't see that happening soon. It will take some time.
Sent from my SGS IV using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thanks. That's pretty much what I thought but I'm pretty new to Android so I wanted to see. I'm still curious if any other apps besides E-mail/Internet use them. I'm surprised Flipboard doesn't. It would be cool if Flipboard was laid out like Windows phone with long news/feed blocks that you could scroll through... Man windows 8 phone w/ eye scroll would be pretty awesome come to think of it.

If your looking to set defaults for applications this may work.
Default App Manager Lite
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appiator.defaultappmanager&hl=en

Related

Annoying Android Flaws!! Post your opinion.

Let me start by saying I really like android and think it is the best mobile OS around. That doesn't mean it cannot improve. Since getting my N1 I've found some features are unbelievably missing:
No folders for browser bookmarks. Seriously? I have almost 500 bookmarks, it's impossible to scroll though all that.
No bookmarks syncing.
No google docs app. And I though google really wanted us in the cloud.
Music player cannot sort by genre. How do they expect to rival ipods? Also, gestures control would be nice.
Calendar in Month view doesn't show all day events. If an event lasts all day it sure must be important, I want to see it! In fact, i think the calendar needs a major overhaul.
Awful task (to do list) management. Why can't I set repeating tasks? How embarrassing is it that windows mobile could do it over 5 years ago and android still cant?
Too few built-in widgets. Third party developers somewhat make up for it, but in the end I have a bunch of widget with very different aesthetics, makes android seem not very polished. No wow factor. That's why HTC, Samsung, etc, feel they have to create their own shells which slow down updates. No one wins.
Market needs some sort of moderation. We all hate Apple's closed model and it is definitely not what I want, but there are way too many spammers in the market, making it hard to find what you are actually looking for, that's why there are market alternatives cropping up. Either block spammers or let me forever hide some publishers. Also, the market application as a whole needs improvement, it is slow and the search is really bad (Yes, I said it! Google somehow screwed up on a search feature!)
Some of these problems are in one way or another solved by 3rd party app developers, but it is never as seamless as if it was part of the OS. Please post your opinion and you own personal gripes. This could help give good ideas to app developers, or even better, maybe Eric or Sergey stumble upon this thread and decide to solve all of our problems!
Numbers would help
The workarounds:
MusicMod takes care of music.
Astrid for tasks.
Dolphin HD for bookmarks etc.
Generally - I agree, these are indeed some good points. Most are visual, application-related points, and somehow I have a feeling Gingerbread is going to concentrate on that, which might address those points.
I agree with the calendar specifically, it's pretty poor.
As far as widgets go, I wish there were built-in options for changing the color schemes of some widgets.
-Stock music player and all music player sucks...
-Market sucks no way to find good apps
-Nexus one multitouch
-Some choppyness
I'm using the music mod but it doesn't do enough. I'm used to cowon's good music players so android in my eyes is really lacking.
It has bookmark syncing to a degree. Mine always reappear after a wipe.
In month view, the calendar does show all day events, just not very well. If you have a bold date with no coloured time block, its an all dayer.
I agree with most points here. I'm having issues with my phone freezing more often and having to do a battery pull for it to respond to me pressing the power button.
1. Copy and paste in email
2. Downloading ALL attachments/internet downloads
3. Sending ALL attachments
4. To-do list sync with exchange
5. Google Docs? (Hello? A smartphone that doesn't have any doc, excel, ppt view/editor?)
oh and:
0. Fix reception issues on the N1
Froyo brings copy and paste to email
Rellikzephyr
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
QUICK! Bury this thread so the ifans cant use these things against us!!!
Blueman101 said:
QUICK! Bury this thread so the ifans cant use these things against us!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
worse thread ever.
This probably represents the most reasonable set of criticisms I have seen to date.
- 500 bookmarks is excessive to me but I think even users with far fewer bookmarks could use organization so valid complaint
- I want to say bookmark syncing was announced at Google I/O 2010 but I am not certain.
- Repeating tasks is missing from google tasks. Until it gets added there it won't be available on android. (Pocket Informant is coming for Android though, I really liked his stuff on WM so maybe they will work some magic.)
- IRT too few built in widgets. HTC, Motorola, and others would do their own thing regardless of what Google provides. It is part of their branding and value add for the platform do distinguish themselves from the competition.
- Agreed on getting the market some moderation, the question is how and how much. My vote is for letting me blacklist developers from my account. I think that would be sufficient to clear out a lot of the chaff.
Blueman101 said:
QUICK! Bury this thread so the ifans cant use these things against us!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, it needs to at least be cloked!
Gdocs is free and it works very well for viewing and editing google documents. Or do you mean it should have a native app? I think all smart phones should have native office suites, its almost offensive that they don't. And there aren't many third party options although I do like docs 2 go fairly well and its supposed to have a major update coming...sorry I veered a bit there
stock music app SUCKS. seriously, i can't view all songs??
contact management is really difficult. can't edit/manage contact groups. can't even set a default group...
My bookmarks sync back when I wipe my phone. They always have I believe, or it could be a froyo addition.
I'd love for Google to fix up and optimize some code of the UI elements that are choppy. Most are smooth as butter, but a few certain things are choppy.
And don't we get word and excel viewer out of the box? Those files work on my phone, just not listed in the app drawer.
blablum said:
Let me start by saying I really like android and think it is the best mobile OS around. That doesn't mean it cannot improve. Since getting my N1 I've found some features are unbelievably missing:
No folders for browser bookmarks. Seriously? I have almost 500 bookmarks, it's impossible to scroll though all that.
No bookmarks syncing.
No google docs app. And I though google really wanted us in the cloud.
Music player cannot sort by genre. How do they expect to rival ipods? Also, gestures control would be nice.
Calendar in Month view doesn't show all day events. If an event lasts all day it sure must be important, I want to see it! In fact, i think the calendar needs a major overhaul.
Awful task (to do list) management. Why can't I set repeating tasks? How embarrassing is it that windows mobile could do it over 5 years ago and android still cant?
Too few built-in widgets. Third party developers somewhat make up for it, but in the end I have a bunch of widget with very different aesthetics, makes android seem not very polished. No wow factor. That's why HTC, Samsung, etc, feel they have to create their own shells which slow down updates. No one wins.
Market needs some sort of moderation. We all hate Apple's closed model and it is definitely not what I want, but there are way too many spammers in the market, making it hard to find what you are actually looking for, that's why there are market alternatives cropping up. Either block spammers or let me forever hide some publishers. Also, the market application as a whole needs improvement, it is slow and the search is really bad (Yes, I said it! Google somehow screwed up on a search feature!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everything you've listed there are app issues, and have nothing to do with Android OS itself.
Pro tip: Vanilla android is garbage.
It's a starting point for other companies to build on.
Pointing out the problems of android wont make it better anytime soon. How about we have a thread with all the good things about it. I am sure it would far out rival the problems
hansmrtn said:
Pointing out the problems of android wont make it better anytime soon. How about we have a thread with all the good things about it. I am sure it would far out rival the problems
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagree. A circle-jerk won't accomplish anything. If you need an example just look at Apple forums that are full of rabid iZombies praising everything Steve. Pointing out actual defects, flaws and shortcomings in form of constructive criticism on the other hand, will help the open source community plug the holes left open by Google.

[Q] How can I make the Nexus 7 super-easy to use?

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?

Blink feed: like or dislike?

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.

Hide On Screen Nav Buttons

One of the software features that isn't getting much press but one that I'm hugely looking forward to is the ability to hide the On Screen Nav Buttons on an app by app basis.
I've never been 100% behind Google's decision to advocate the On Screen Nav Buttons. A huge waste of screen real estate sitting there doing nothing while you read/play etc. The expectation was that developers would choose to hide them when they weren't needed but that never really happened. Some developers got behind the idea (thanks!) but even Google has inconsistent behavior when dealing with them.
Now we can choose to display them or not on an app by app basis. A swipe up from the bottom of the screen displays them again.
There are a number of delightful touches like this one on the G3.
Great work LG.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
I agree. Even though it's easy enough to root the phone and force immersive mode, I applaud LG for implementing something that should be on every applicable Android phone, yet isn't. I'm very much looking forward to the phone becoming available, whenever that may be.
Though a nice effort by LG, there are a lot of games that use up motions for movement. Anyone into game emulators will especially have issues. Not to mention not all apps work with it, including web browsers.
I prefer my S4 having buttons at the bottom. The irony is the G3 5.5" display is the same size as the 5" display S4 for some apps and navigation.
Still, LGs effort is MUCH better than nothing.
rushless said:
Though a nice effort by LG, there are a lot of games that use up motions for movement. Anyone into game emulators will especially have issues. Not to mention not all apps work with it, including web browsers.
I prefer my S4 having buttons at the bottom. The irony is the G3 5.5" display is the same size as the 5" display S4 for some apps and navigation.
Still, LGs effort is MUCH better than nothing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Browsers do work with it. I say 'browsers' but I can only confirm Chrome and the stock browser.
In the instances that it might cause a problem for things like emulators then just don't include them in the list. It's an opt-in feature on an app per app basis. Best of both worlds really.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app
this work on all apps? if so great, can't wait for mine... now if only they made Qslide works on all apps too!
rushless said:
Though a nice effort by LG, there are a lot of games that use up motions for movement. Anyone into game emulators will especially have issues. Not to mention not all apps work with it, including web browsers.
I prefer my S4 having buttons at the bottom. The irony is the G3 5.5" display is the same size as the 5" display S4 for some apps and navigation.
Still, LGs effort is MUCH better than nothing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
seems to work perfectly with chrome and stock browser and pretty much any app that i select on my phone. I have to say LG really listens to people and implement their suggestions on their devices. I hate wasting screen real estate especially when i'm playing games or watching a video in an app that can't force the nav bar to minimize. LG solved this problem.
not all apps, I guess
nap007 said:
this work on all apps? if so great, can't wait for mine... now if only they made Qslide works on all apps too!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not think this cool feature will work on all apps.
This sounds a very good feature and something that everyone should be doing, the thing is though I haven't seen this mentioned in any reviews I've seen or read and that's quite alot! As mentioned I'd prefer hard buttons ala Samsung phones but because they've dropped FM Radio I wont be buying one of those any time soon.
Does anyone know if there's the one handed mode from the G Pro 2 that shrinks the whole screen down to a size of your choice? Again was featured and mentioned in G Pro 2 reviews but is not something I've heard about on the G3
phillio said:
This sounds a very good feature and something that everyone should be doing, the thing is though I haven't seen this mentioned in any reviews I've seen or read and that's quite alot! As mentioned I'd prefer hard buttons ala Samsung phones but because they've dropped FM Radio I wont be buying one of those any time soon.
Does anyone know if there's the one handed mode from the G Pro 2 that shrinks the whole screen down to a size of your choice? Again was featured and mentioned in G Pro 2 reviews but is not something I've heard about on the G3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just YouTube DetroitBORG's Unboxing and Review for a demonstration of the Nav Button hiding and a demo of the One Handed Operation solution LG have implemented. It's a fantastic review showing loads of cool stuff!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app
It's a nice feature for sure, but gets old after awhile. I hate constantly having to swipe up to bring them up to hit the back button. It's cool on some apps, then others it's not. For whatever reason I can't get it to go away in YouTube. This is on 4.4.2 on a g flex though.
Sent from my LG-D959 using Tapatalk
JesseMT4G said:
It's a nice feature for sure, but gets old after awhile. I hate constantly having to swipe up to bring them up to hit the back button. It's cool on some apps, then others it's not. For whatever reason I can't get it to go away in YouTube. This is on 4.4.2 on a g flex though.
Sent from my LG-D959 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a shame there is no pie like control system in the stock rom but it's a lot better than other stock roms where you can do absolutely nothing with the on screen buttons.
It's nice to use for certain apps such as a news app or game where you don't need buttons. Other then that out doors get annoying to swipe up, but I'm glad LG included it.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Is it possible to change the nav button icons to look like HTC One M8 without root?
I saw somewhere you can change app icons without root too?
TheKrow said:
Is it possible to change the nav button icons to look like HTC One M8 without root?
I saw somewhere you can change app icons without root too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not on the G3 using the stock Optimus launcher.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

New S10+ owner looking for setup recommending (came from iPhone)

Greetings android users! I am reaching out to XDA community for some advice on my new S10+ setup, configurations, and some do's and don'ts.
I have been a long time Apple user (since the first original iPhone), but lately the lack of innovation from Tim Cook has been pushing me away. Anyways, when Samsung announced the S10+ with One UI, I was hooked! I picked up my first android device on Friday and have been greatly enjoying the it!
Now, at this time, I have not installed any apps from Google Play store as I have been reading many different things that others are doing to remove Google and Samsung from the phone. I looked around on reddit and various forums for setup guides, what apps to remove/block, and recommendations that iPhone users should do when moving to android. However, I have not come across a guide/list with the various things people have done.
Lastly, I read that many android users have done one of two things. One, some folks do not use the Google Play store to install any apps to bypass Google's analytics. by installing all apps manually. In addition to this, folks are blocking anything google and Samsung related. Secondly, I read that some users are flashing their device and installing custom roms to completely remove anything related to google and Samsung and will install the apps manually.
Based on this information and coming from iPhone, what are your recommendations? Should I not use the Google Play store and install the apps manually? If so, where and how would I go about it? Should I just block Google and Samsung in general to prevent any invasion of privacy and from gaining analytics? Or, should I flash and use a custom rom?
Any advice you can provide would be really helpful! Thanks in advance for reading my post.
I switch from back and forth from iOS and Android all the time. There are certain things you'll come to appreciate about each.
The good news for you is that the there isn't a huge difference in how android (ahem - specifically samung for the past couple years) performs in terms of fluidity and responsiveness. During the early days this was horrendous, and don't let any fanboys tell you different. With the S10, I find myself not having to play the disable/remove apps/features game like before (out of habit I did anyway lol). This means you can really just start enjoying things as is, without having to worry about the best performance. - so far at least.
WIth that said, if you're new to the platform, I'd start with the basics of getting familar with the OS and apps. If you ever run into a situation where you think "i don't like that way that works/feels/looks" figure out how to change it. That's the one of the best parts about android honestly. And since you found your way over to XDA, sometimes it can seem like a never ending game. It seems like the days of custom roms may be slowly coming to an end, but in a way it's a good thing because the phones are so good out of the box now.
Probably not what you wanted to hear, but it's the truth imo.
If you're looking on how to some ideas on where to start from there -
-Play with a different launcher (i love nova premium)
-Figure out which widgets do what you want - you can take this really far into customization if you look at different homescreen setups... the rabbit hole can go pretty deep
-Find the right app for certain things so you don't have to live with double or triple of the same thing (calendar/messaging/keyboard for example)
I wouldn't worry about much else for now. Keep reading the boards, and you'll figure out how things go. Back in the days we used to have to flash custom roms sometimes weekly to try and get good performing, stable devices with great battery life. Then it moved to disabling a bunch of **** we didn't use, and now it's fine so far as is.
Oh and while you can prevent some apps from collecting data about you, in the bigger picture, there's nothing you can do about it. Ask marketing people who are into big data, we are all already profiled. If you don't want data collected, you gotta disconnect, go move to the woods and live off the land.
Danslides1 said:
I switch from back and forth from iOS and Android all the time. There are certain things you'll come to appreciate about each.
The good news for you is that the there isn't a huge difference in how android (ahem - specifically samung for the past couple years) performs in terms of fluidity and responsiveness. During the early days this was horrendous, and don't let any fanboys tell you different. With the S10, I find myself not having to play the disable/remove apps/features game like before (out of habit I did anyway lol). This means you can really just start enjoying things as is, without having to worry about the best performance. - so far at least.
WIth that said, if you're new to the platform, I'd start with the basics of getting familar with the OS and apps. If you ever run into a situation where you think "i don't like that way that works/feels/looks" figure out how to change it. That's the one of the best parts about android honestly. And since you found your way over to XDA, sometimes it can seem like a never ending game. It seems like the days of custom roms may be slowly coming to an end, but in a way it's a good thing because the phones are so good out of the box now.
Probably not what you wanted to hear, but it's the truth imo.
If you're looking on how to some ideas on where to start from there -
-Play with a different launcher (i love nova premium)
-Figure out which widgets do what you want - you can take this really far into customization if you look at different homescreen setups... the rabbit hole can go pretty deep
-Find the right app for certain things so you don't have to live with double or triple of the same thing (calendar/messaging/keyboard for example)
I wouldn't worry about much else for now. Keep reading the boards, and you'll figure out how things go. Back in the days we used to have to flash custom roms sometimes weekly to try and get good performing, stable devices with great battery life. Then it moved to disabling a bunch of **** we didn't use, and now it's fine so far as is.
Oh and while you can prevent some apps from collecting data about you, in the bigger picture, there's nothing you can do about it. Ask marketing people who are into big data, we are all already profiled. If you don't want data collected, you gotta disconnect, go move to the woods and live off the land.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the information. I find the OneUI very fluid and responsiveness - I also find the colors more vivid than my iPhone XS MAX. I remember when some of my friends had the older galaxy and pixels phones they would complain about how it slows down over time, while my iPhone would be running strong. However, I have encountered several issues with black screen and freezing on my iPhone XS Max.
The customization is really nice on the S10+. Honestly, it feels great to be able to make theme changes and different customization to my phone in order to make it more personal to me! That is one thing I was also "jealous" about and wished the iPhones had - everyone's phone looks the same!
Makes sense about the custom roms. Not having any knowledge about them I wasn't sure if it was the way to go. Based on what you're saying they are slowly coming to an end, so I guess I won't need to worry about it.
You mentioned "Find the right app for certain things so you don't have to live with double or triple of the same thing (calendar/messaging/keyboard for example)". Do you have any app recommendations I could start with? Also, do you use the default google mail app, or is there a better one that I should use?
Best email app is AquaMail
Nothing much when you install it first. But once you experiment with its options you'll find an ocean of possibilities.
When finally set up it is a powerful monster.
I've gotta agree with Aquamail. I've tried a lot of email apps and stuck with this one. The developer regularly updates the app and responds to problems.
tiho5 said:
Best email app is AquaMail
Nothing much when you install it first. But once you experiment with its options you'll find an ocean of possibilities.
When finally set up it is a powerful monster.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tel864 said:
I've gotta agree with Aquamail. I've tried a lot of email apps and stuck with this one. The developer regularly updates the app and responds to problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you both for the recommendation.
@Tel864 and @tiho5 when setting up Aquamail for the first time, do you use the connect feature for "Connet a Gmail account from the phone's Settings" or setup manual?
Curlypx said:
Do you have any app recommendations I could start with? Also, do you use the default google mail app, or is there a better one that I should use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's stuff I'm playing with at the moment
Gcam (grab from the s10 themes and apps forum)
Gboard keyboard, I used to use swiftkey
I haven't decided on Textra or the Google messages app yet
Fluid navigation gestures
Goodlock (using the task switcher and multitasking app)
Other stuff I suggest to check out
Nova launcher prime
Zooper or KWGT widgets
I use chrome beta as my browser, but I love kiwi. Id switch to kiwi of it would sync with my chrome stuff
The rabbit hole is insanely deep. You can get lost in the apps available here on xda alone. Install a bunch and delete a bunch. The fun part is whenever you get board with your phone, enough time will have passed for new stuff to come out. Keeps it interesting.
1. Bluemail - Playstore
2. Nicelock- Playstore
3. ES File Explorer- Playstore
4. Screen Lock- Playstore
5. GBInsta- Alternate Instagram with customised options- Google it
6. Tubemate- Customised YouTube- Google it
7. Fildo- Music- Google it
8. Navbar Apps- Playstore
9. Phone Info- Playstore
10.SMS Backup and Restore- Playstore
11.Zedge Ringtones- Playstore
12 Waze - Navigation- Playstore
13. Team Blackout APK- Google it. It's trusted. Will give you black Telegram etc.
14. XDA Labs
Sent from my Samsung SM-G975F using XDA Labs
ashishpmb said:
13. Team Blackout APK- Google it. It's trusted. Will give you black Telegram etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Black telegram? Telegram has a dark mode?
Does it also manage to blacken WhatsApp?
Hey there, you might want to check my guide for power optimisation basics, I didn't go in depth with specific apps since it really depends on user requirements/tastes and on date.
If you have doubts about two similar apps but can't decide just google a "A Vs B Reddit", it's the fastest way to hear honest reviews that aren't bought.
For basic phone functions, prioritize Samsung apps over Google ones unless the function is strictly related to a specific Google service such as Drive, I find Samsung apps to be way more polished and seamless than Google ones.

Categories

Resources