[Q] Is it possible to install the stock Galaxy camera on another ROM? - Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello,
Is it possible to install the stock Galaxy S4 camera app (and Gallery) on another ROM that isn't TouchWiz based e.g. CyanogenMod? I know most apps don't work because of the TouchWiz framework, but I wouldn't have thought the camera app and Gallery would be dependant on the TouchWiz framework...
And if you cannot do this, is there another app that is like the Galaxy camera app? I'm asking this because I really like the features on the app and the Android 4.3 camera etc. don't cut the mustard for me. And although I don't always use things like slow motion, I'd quite like to when the time arises.
As always, all help is greatly appreciated!

If you mean the SAMSUNG camera .apk?
Technically yes. But it won't run. You need a kernel that supports it plus a bunch of .apks I think (as the camera uses other .apks for certain functions) due to post-processing and other stuff. This is usually why AOSP/AOKP roms don't come with the Camera. It's a really hard thing to move. Plus there's the issue with AOSP/AOKP and licensing issues like that Camera.apk is Samsung's property and can't just be ripped around and mass produced and fed into other roms without permission.
Though I guess most modding of any kind isn't exactly done with the developer's copyright in mind.. Either way the answer is Yes, but kinda no. Not that I've seen in any sort of AOSP/AOKP or GE project as of yet. I remember someone saying there were huge kernel issues amongst so many other things because technically it's part of Tw.

You can do it but your gonna need everything that goes along with that camera. Or if you got time download foxhound ROM, extract it and look for the stock Samsung camera amongst all the stuff. It should be in it's own little folder cause there are 2 camera options for that ROM.

Good suggestion...
thatsupnow said:
You can do it but your gonna need everything that goes along with that camera. Or if you got time download foxhound ROM, extract it and look for the stock Samsung camera amongst all the stuff. It should be in it's own little folder cause there are 2 camera options for that ROM.
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Okay, I didn't think of that... Should I place the files in the system folder and make sure I DON'T replace any existing AOSP files e.g. the Gallery?
If this works you will be the saviour of my life! No more Sh*tWiz and an epic camera in one package!

Related

ANY way to use camera from pin-lockscreen??

Came from Iphone where you can use camera even from a passcode-locked lockscreen. All the answers on the net require a NON-passcode locked lockscreen to get to the camera.
Are there any ways around this?
Thanks
Settings>My Device>Lock Screen
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337
starmanj said:
Came from Iphone where you can use camera even from a passcode-locked lockscreen. All the answers on the net require a NON-passcode locked lockscreen to get to the camera.
Are there any ways around this?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think this is a limitation from Touchwiz. I don't have CM on my phone atm to confirm, but I know that the lockscreen Pin lock behavior is different on the Nexus 7. Meaning the key difference is the fact that on my Nexus 7 I can still use other widgets (Google Now or HD Widgets) on the Pin lock, whereas SGS4 TW does not allow that...
Nope. Wrong. Try adding a passcode and then try adding a camera widget.
JChespirito24 said:
Settings>My Device>Lock Screen
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337
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nakedninja42 said:
I think this is a limitation from Touchwiz. I don't have CM on my phone atm to confirm, but I know that the lockscreen Pin lock behavior is different on the Nexus 7. Meaning the key difference is the fact that on my Nexus 7 I can still use other widgets (Google Now or HD Widgets) on the Pin lock, whereas SGS4 TW does not allow that...
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This is correct.... Just tested this on PAC ROM and I could access the camera and other lock screen widgets with both a pattern and pin lock
Right, but is there a ROM or tool to make this work on a Galaxy S4? captivatingtab did you try this on your tab or S4? Also I don't use Touchwiz, I use Nova, which still has this limitation-- so I think it's the ATT Samsung ROM.
It amazes me that ATT/Samsung/Google could put out a ROM that (at least for me) is so buggy and misses key features. Don't want to get into the host of bugs I've found, just trying to get to camera quickly...
starmanj said:
Right, but is there a ROM or tool to make this work on a Galaxy S4? captivatingtab did you try this on your tab or S4? Also I don't use Touchwiz, I use Nova, which still has this limitation-- so I think it's the ATT Samsung ROM.
It amazes me that ATT/Samsung/Google could put out a ROM that (at least for me) is so buggy and misses key features. Don't want to get into the host of bugs I've found, just trying to get to camera quickly...
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It is the problem with Touchwiz, no matter what custom launcher you run, Lockscreen is still controlled by Touchwiz. Nova(or any other launcher) only replaces the default Touch wiz launchers Touchwiz Home or Easy Launcher, so you are still using Touchwiz with Nova installed, just not the launcher it provides.
This is a Touchwiz problem, having used an HTC One you can access 4 different apps including the Camera from the lock screen as your dock is visible on the lock screen.
If you flash a AOSP rom this problem will most likely go away.
starmanj said:
Came from Iphone where you can use camera even from a passcode-locked lockscreen. All the answers on the net require a NON-passcode locked lockscreen to get to the camera.
Are there any ways around this?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is an alternative lock screen app called LockerPro in the Play store does what you ask, as well a providing lock screen notifications. I think you may still need to enter your PIN before accessing the camera if the timeout has expired, but its still a shortcut. There is a free version called LockerPro Lite that you can try out.
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Sorry you are right, this thread belongs in Q&A.
I tried lockerpro, it doesn't work unless you enter pin as well. Thanks for information, looks like Touchwiz is way behind times-- Iphone has had this for a while, and even before it was on IOS there were Cydia apps that could do this. I'm astonished Android can't do this.
So I guess I have to throw out the AT&T ROM to get rid of Touchwiz?
I have to agree with the OP. I came from an iPhone, and I actually like touchwiz. But not having the ability to use lockscreen widgets with security options is pretty ridiculous.
It should be the users choice to have certain functions available without a password/lock. I understand Samsung attempted to make the device more secure and prevent "uninformed" users from making mistakes; but It should be our choice what we put out there. IMHO.
I not a developer by far, and a long-time lurker of XDA, I wish I had the ability to change Touchwiz to include this.
starmanj said:
Thanks for information, looks like Touchwiz is way behind times-- Iphone has had this for a while, and even before it was on IOS there were Cydia apps that could do this. I'm astonished Android can't do this.
So I guess I have to throw out the AT&T ROM to get rid of Touchwiz?
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Lets clear some things up...
First and foremost, Touchwiz is the name of the User Interface that we see. Its not an application, it is not a launcher (Nova) or anything, just the User Interface. With that said, Touchwiz features are the extra gimmicks added to the phone like Air View and whatnot. This is the ROM given by Samsung as stock, it has nothing to do with Android itself. So comparing Apple to Oranges (Samsung) is different than comparing iOS to Android (which you are not doing).
So "being behind on times" has nothing to do with Android itself. If you were to load a AOSP (Android Open Source Project) ROM is it the same? Running AOSP on the phone is a different experience than running Touchwiz. It is closer to the Nexus stock experience than using Samsung stock ROM and is what Google wants as Android. So if you want to compare Android and state that your astonished it doesn't do something, then test it on AOSP based ROM and see if Android could do it.
As it has been confirmed anyways that what you want can be done running an AOSP ROM...
captivatingtab said:
This is correct.... Just tested this on PAC ROM and I could access the camera and other lock screen widgets with both a pattern and pin lock
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Click to collapse
nakedninja42 you are absolutely correct, thanks. I should say that I'm astonished that Samsung wouldn't offer this on their ROM.
Having said that, and maybe off-topic, my conclusion in moving from Apple to Android is Google allows far too much modification from the manufacturers and carriers to ensure a consistently good experience. Perhaps that's the nature of its open-source approach, but man has it been a massive pain trying to get a quality experience. Bluetooth problems, terrible lag, inconsistent application of UI rules, terrible battery drain-- in exchange for a more open environment (which, yes, is very important to me). Jury is out, I'm still trying to find a good working environment, not giving up yet.
starmanj said:
nakedninja42 you are absolutely correct, thanks. I should say that I'm astonished that Samsung wouldn't offer this on their ROM.
Having said that, and maybe off-topic, my conclusion in moving from Apple to Android is Google allows far too much modification from the manufacturers and carriers to ensure a consistently good experience. Perhaps that's the nature of its open-source approach, but man has it been a massive pain trying to get a quality experience. Bluetooth problems, terrible lag, inconsistent application of UI rules, terrible battery drain-- in exchange for a more open environment (which, yes, is very important to me). Jury is out, I'm still trying to find a good working environment, not giving up yet.
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But as the consumer you have the choice on what you buy. If you want something that has X set of features you can buy it (Nexus for example), if you want other features you buy a different phone. This is not unlike buying a car - most cars (these days) have Bluetooth, but the implementations vary greatly.
You bought a phone with Android, and most stores let you compare dozens of models side by side. If Camera on the lock screen is a requirement, it is easy to test drive to find one that supports this.
My phone is rooted and stock - it has no lag and works fantastically well with superior battery life to any smartphone i have owned. Touchwiz is not perfect, but neither is stock android IMO.
Yes, this is off topic, but the point is that if you want only one way to do something, and only one way, then Apple is for you. I recommend iphones to the technically challenged and older people - they can't get lost. The home button is always there and bails them out from any screen. And I can always help them get to settings and menus are 100% consistent. These people don't want widgets and don't want to do any customization, they want simple consistent experience. Android gives choices and that may mean that one phone has a feature that another phone does not. But then there are 3rd party apps that usually step in to fix things.
Widget locker may let you put the camera on the lockscreen - has anyone tried that?
starmanj said:
Came from Iphone where you can use camera even from a passcode-locked lockscreen. All the answers on the net require a NON-passcode locked lockscreen to get to the camera.
Are there any ways around this?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kjay's framework allows it. You'll need to be on a BMEA ROM to use iy though.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=42350844
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
starmanj said:
nakedninja42 you are absolutely correct, thanks. I should say that I'm astonished that Samsung wouldn't offer this on their ROM.
Having said that, and maybe off-topic, my conclusion in moving from Apple to Android is Google allows far too much modification from the manufacturers and carriers to ensure a consistently good experience. Perhaps that's the nature of its open-source approach, but man has it been a massive pain trying to get a quality experience. Bluetooth problems, terrible lag, inconsistent application of UI rules, terrible battery drain-- in exchange for a more open environment (which, yes, is very important to me). Jury is out, I'm still trying to find a good working environment, not giving up yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The nature of the game... Open-Source...
I haven't had any battery drains... in fact when I go to bed at night, I have ~50% left with the same usage I had on the S3 @ 10%. GoldenEye ROM solved all my other qualms with TouchWiz. I did find it annoying that I cannot use my widgets on the lockscreen that I removed my pattern/pin lock. I generally prefer running AOSP ROMs like CyanogenMOD, but I am waiting for the release of the Google SGS4 to see if the stability improves.
Yes I am waiting for the Google S4 ROM as well. I have CM on all my HP Touchpads so am a bit leary of quality of the device drivers for S4 at this point. The official Google version will fix that.
Theoretically, couldn't someone just find the files for the lockscreen and edit the code to allow it? I mean, it's like natively there already - right?
I haven't tried any custom ROMs, in fact i am pretty close to what the OP is describing, coming from an iPhone and having the learning experience. But I am really bummed I can't do it. lol
So bottom line is there any ROM that will allow the use of camera shortcuts or lockscreen widgets while having a secure lockscreen?
blackguy101 said:
So bottom line is there any ROM that will allow the use of camera shortcuts or lockscreen widgets while having a secure lockscreen?
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TW no, AOSP yes.
---------- Post added at 01:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:16 PM ----------
shadowfiber said:
Theoretically, couldn't someone just find the files for the lockscreen and edit the code to allow it? I mean, it's like natively there already - right?
I haven't tried any custom ROMs, in fact i am pretty close to what the OP is describing, coming from an iPhone and having the learning experience. But I am really bummed I can't do it. lol
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Theoretically, yes. I am interested in this myself. I started programming a year ago and haven't had time to learn the ends and outs for Android to try yet. I am hoping someone with greater talents might be able to do it...

Does anyone actually prefer Google Rom?

Hello, I've been using custom Touchwiz ROM (Goldeneye for Telus) and it occasionally stutters at various points such as opening app or folder, etc. It's very minor but considering that it's a new phone, I was a little disappointed. Then I tried the Google Edition and it is seriously lacking on features. It's snappier but there's no toggles for notification, can't quickly clear out opened apps, can't create folders in app drawer (I like to organize them), camera isn't as good as the Touchwiz due to features - I also like it that I can record a video by clicking the button on screen, and a few minor details that I can't remember now.
So is there any benefit of using Google Rom over custom Touchwiz rom other than it being snappier? Does anyone prefer Google Rom? MOD EDIT: NO BEST ROM QUESTIONS
Every user is different. So it's best to try different ones and see which you like best.
I prefer the Google ROMS (stock android) because it has no bloat, pretty fast and snappy, and looks premium, clean, and (IMO) amazing. I don't normally use TW ROMS mainly because of the looks and bloat. For example, I'm not a fan of the toggles in the notification bar, so I got stock android and had a clean and efficient notification bar. Many of the "S" features I never used , so I thought I might as well get rid of them.
Camera is something I would actually use TW for, but since I don't take many photos it didn't seem necessary (for me at least).
As for creating folders and stuff, use a custom launcher, they'll have more features than the stock launchers on both.
However this all does come down to preference, if you value the features, stick with TW, if you value a premium look and feel, use stock Android ROMS. Best part is that you can switch between both anytime you like, just make backups. (I switched every 15 days on my S3 so I got the best of both). Since Modaco Switch will be coming to the S4 (i337 also I hope), it will be even easier to switch between the two, and enjoy both types of ROMS.
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jd1639 said:
Every user is different. So it's best to try different ones and see which you like best.
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Ya, I just tried the Google Edition rom today and.. It feels that I have to try very hard to like the rom. Do people usually use a different launcher to make it somewhat more user friendly? I mean... I like stock feeling and all.. But it's seriously lacking on some features.
r8revealed said:
I prefer the Google ROMS (stock android) because it has no bloat, pretty fast and snappy, and looks premium, clean, and (IMO) amazing. I don't normally use TW ROMS mainly because of the looks and bloat. For example, I'm not a fan of the toggles in the notification bar, so I got stock android and had a clean and efficient notification bar. Many of the "S" features I never used , so I thought I might as well get rid of them.
Camera is something I would actually use TW for, but since I don't take many photos it didn't seem necessary (for me at least).
As for creating folders and stuff, use a custom launcher, they'll have more features than the stock launchers on both.
However this all does come down to preference, if you value the features, stick with TW, if you value a premium look and feel, use stock Android ROMS. Best part is that you can switch between both anytime you like, just make backups. (I switched every 15 days on my S3 so I got the best of both). Since Modaco Switch will be coming to the S4 (i337 also I hope), it will be even easier to switch between the two, and enjoy both types of ROMS.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4
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Mmm. I'm interested in using a launcher but I have no idea what they do lol. I'm very new, coming from an iPhone, so I still have to adapt to Android - It's a great switch! Loving the larger screen, removable battery and expendable memory! Do you have any suggestion about which launcher provides the most features? Are they generally super stable and do they consume more battery than the default settings? Thanks!
Try apex or nova launcher. Both let you do folders in the app drawer.
A aosp ROM like CyanogenMod gets rid of the bloat and make the phone faster but still retain notification toggles.
I put cm on my s4 the day I got it. Its very fast and smooth.
sbddude said:
Try apex or nova launcher. Both let you do folders in the app drawer.
A aosp ROM like CyanogenMod gets rid of the bloat and make the phone faster but still retain notification toggles.
I put cm on my s4 the day I got it. Its very fast and smooth.
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Yeah, I considered AOSP roms too. However, there isn't a stable 4.3 CM or AOKP yet and I would like to switch to the newest possible OS since I have to set up every again. I also read something regarding AOSP camera being sub par comparaing to touchwiz or GE firmware - Not sure if it's all just a myth..
I'll most definitely checkout these launchers. Seems interesting. Thanks.
Nova Launcher is what I use, tons of customizations, very stable, and not really any different battery consumption. You should try all the popular launchers and see what you like. For some cool 3D ones check out Next Launcher, and for other ones apex, Holo, and ADW are popular. Atom launcher is a cool one too. Try all of them and see which one you'll like, they all are unique ;D
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r8revealed said:
Nova Launcher is what I use, tons of customizations, very stable, and not really any different battery consumption. You should try all the popular launchers and see what you like. For some cool 3D ones check out Next Launcher, and for other ones apex, Holo, and ADW are popular. Atom launcher is a cool one too. Try all of them and see which one you'll like, they all are unique ;D
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4
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Yum. Launcher on Google Edition rom might work well. Time to try it out. Thanks!
Aukaminator said:
.... since I have to set up every again. ...
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Titanium Back up takes care of that. Going to the S3 to the S4 took only a little but of setup. It backups all of your apps and their data across OS upgrades.
sbddude said:
Titanium Back up takes care of that. Going to the S3 to the S4 took only a little but of setup. It backups all of your apps and their data across OS upgrades.
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I have problems getting notifications to work properly with some apps when I restore data also, so I usually just restore the apps (except for games and stuff where I don't want to lose progress and don't care about notifications anyway).
As for whether I like stock Android better or not the answer is a definitive yes. When I got my S4 I used it as is only until I could get back to my computer and flash a custom recovery and a new ROM (CM 10.2 at the moment). Yeah, there are some features that you lose, but for me they are gimmicky and unnecessary (I emphasize me because I recognize that some people really do like the TW stuff and like I always say: good for you, that's what Android is ultimately all about). Stock Android, on the other hand, looks good, is functional, is fast, and works the way I want/expect it to.
I also happen to think that TW is butt ugly, but that's purely subjective.
I haven't tried one of the GE ROMs yet but CyanogenMod gets close enough with extra features that I like (do not disturb, anyone?) so that's what I tend to gravitate towards. There is nothing wrong with going either way, of course, and ultimately it boils down to what you want from your phone. Again, that to me is a big part of what makes Android so damn appealing (and why locked bootloaders and anti-tweaking efforts piss me off).
It is stable, but if you like bland, and lack of features, then it would be the os to use...
TheAxman said:
It is stable, but if you like bland, and lack of features, then it would be the os to use...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hah, no bias here at all.
The Google "Experience"
Having tried both a custom TW rom and a GE rom, I have to give the TW roms the win.
This is why:
1) The dialer is pretty bad, I'm not a fan of deciphering hieroglyphics to determine how to navigate the dialer. Also the contacts app UI is awful.
2) The GE launcher lacks features offered in free editions of 3rd party launchers.
3) The stock email program and widgets are not as good or as functional as the Samsung email program and S Planner.
4) I actually like being able to turn on/off wi-fi and BT without having to navigate menus and/or install space and memory hogging widgets.
5) Multi-window is pretty awesome.
6) The GE/CM ROMS have some pretty showstopping bugs with BT, microphone issues during calls, random reboots, etc.
As someone already mentioned earlier about its personal preference. I myself tried to hard to like GE rom, but couldn't because of lots of things that I use on TW is missing. The only thing I ever missed was photosphere feature, and that issue got solved by installing GE camera app. Regarding smoothness, it's not bad at all, and this is coming from a guy who has seen worst from froyo times to super good with JB. Also, you can disable lots of bloat even if you are not rooted. But of course people who come here are not the one who likes to do things without rooting their device and once you root, you can disable all the bloat tou want. But until and unless you try for yourself, it's hard to know what you'll miss from either of the rom.
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mcapozzi said:
Having tried both a custom TW rom and a GE rom, I have to give the TW roms the win.
4) I actually like being able to turn on/off wi-fi and BT without having to navigate menus and/or install space and memory hogging widgets.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can drag down the notification bar with two fingers and long press on wifi and bluetooth to toggle them on/off.
I come from two years of using a nexus devices. I got this phone for free, otherwise I would still be using the galaxy nexus. I miss the easy flashing, fastboot etc. This phone will last me till next fall and at that time, I'll move to the nexus 6
Needless to say, I use a bone stock ge Rom with nova launcher.
Sent from my I337m using xda app-developers app
I would prefer to use the GE ROM over Touchwiz but for whatever reason I can't find a single browser that doesn't stutter horribly as compared to aosp ROMs. For that reason alone I am using CM 10.2.
calvin35 said:
I would prefer to use the GE ROM over Touchwiz but for whatever reason I can't find a single browser that doesn't stutter horribly as compared to aosp ROMs. For that reason alone I am using CM 10.2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You've probably tried these popular choices.. But I use Dolphin browser and its performance is pretty close to stock AOSP browser with some nice added features. I've also tried Firefox and it's pretty damn close! But either way, try the beta versions of the two and see if you like them. .
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Samsung Galaxy S4 4.4 Cyanogenmod "stock" camera

Hi all
Currently got a Samsung i9505 running 4.4 via cyanogenmod 11....all in all its working really well, does anyone know if it's possible to install the "stock" s4 camera and if so where to get it. If not, can you suggest a free alternative that has the same/as good functionality?
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cahoopuk said:
Hi all
Currently got a Samsung i9505 running 4.4 via cyanogenmod 11....all in all its working really well, does anyone know if it's possible to install the "stock" s4 camera and if so where to get it. If not, can you suggest a free alternative that has the same/as good functionality?
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Good question! I've been trying to find out the same thing... I've tried a bunch of camera apps from Google Play but nothing lives up to the Sammy camera. I wonder if we could install the official GPE camera apk? Or is that strictly not aosp?
I'm wondering the same thing for CM 10.2.
The issue with the camera in AOSP ROMS is that the stock TouchWiz camera has all kinds of proprietary software driving it. That software is built into different parts of the rom and absolutely requires the TouchWiz framework to run. (Which is also proprietary)
So there is no way to get the stock TW camera to run on any AOSP rom.
This means that any other app that is using the camera is using generic software to run the camera hardware. This leaves out the ability to do things that the TW software was specifically written to do like crisp auto focus and color depth and all those goodies that make the TW camera better. All that software was written specificly for the S4 hardware.
The Cyanogen camera or the Google stock camera is just an app using generic software not written specificly for this phone's camera hardware. That's no different than ANY other camera you can find on Google Play. They are ALL using generic software.
As a result, none of them are every going to be as crisp as the TouchWiz camera software. They almost all still take a really good picture with this phone, and many give various effects you might enjoy, but if you are looking for a downloadable camera app that takes a higher resolution, better focused picture than the CM camera, you're not going to find one that's substantially better.
It's the major drawback of AOSP roms on the S4. But unless you are a photog with a really decerning eye, you will eventually become used to the AOSP Camera quality. It's still better than most other phones on the market.
Thanks Skipjacks.
That post should be made a sticky as it applies to a whole load of ROMs and something that a lot of people want.
u got it
u just got lucky, there is Stock Camera for cm10.try this...it say's s3 but since cm uses the same app for recording media it won't make a differene , you will just have an additional camera icon that youi can choose to open your camera and switch whenever you like.
http://forum.cyanogenmod.org/topic/75589-galaxy-s3-stock-camera-for-aosp/
sorry for posting the link...if i'm not sup. to ... so grab the file whille you can, till this reply will be delleted
cheers
Cuda
Skipjacks said:
The issue with the camera in AOSP ROMS is that the stock TouchWiz camera has all kinds of proprietary software driving it. That software is built into different parts of the rom and absolutely requires the TouchWiz framework to run. (Which is also proprietary)
So there is no way to get the stock TW camera to run on any AOSP rom.
This means that any other app that is using the camera is using generic software to run the camera hardware. This leaves out the ability to do things that the TW software was specifically written to do like crisp auto focus and color depth and all those goodies that make the TW camera better. All that software was written specificly for the S4 hardware.
The Cyanogen camera or the Google stock camera is just an app using generic software not written specificly for this phone's camera hardware. That's no different than ANY other camera you can find on Google Play. They are ALL using generic software.
As a result, none of them are every going to be as crisp as the TouchWiz camera software. They almost all still take a really good picture with this phone, and many give various effects you might enjoy, but if you are looking for a downloadable camera app that takes a higher resolution, better focused picture than the CM camera, you're not going to find one that's substantially better.
It's the major drawback of AOSP roms on the S4. But unless you are a photog with a really decerning eye, you will eventually become used to the AOSP Camera quality. It's still better than most other phones on the market.
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That is an excellent response. Already gave a thanks but would like to say it directly. I wish all the knowledgeable folks would answer this way.

Slimkat ROM w/stock spen apps?

Hello everyone,
This is my first time posting and I am fairly new to android, ROMS, development, etc.
Please forgive me if I ask any dumb questions or ones that have already been asked before, but so far, I haven't been able to find too much info on this.
I recently flashed the Temasek CM11 WO3 tweaks ROM and it worked amazing, however,as I'm sure everyone knows, there is no support for things like Air Command, air view, air gestures, etc. First, I was wondering if there are any mods/add ons that would be able to make use of this functionality, and second, I was wondering if it would be possible to place stock Samsung apps (snote3, action memo, etc) on the SD card and subsequently install them while running an AOSP ROM like the temasek one mentioned above? Would that work or would it just be a pointless endeavor?
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sahkha_92 said:
Hello everyone,
This is my first time posting and I am fairly new to android, ROMS, development, etc.
Please forgive me if I ask any dumb questions or ones that have already been asked before, but so far, I haven't been able to find too much info on this.
I recently flashed the Temasek CM11 WO3 tweaks ROM and it worked amazing, however,as I'm sure everyone knows, there is no support for things like Air Command, air view, air gestures, etc. First, I was wondering if there are any mods/add ons that would be able to make use of this functionality, and second, I was wondering if it would be possible to place stock Samsung apps (snote3, action memo, etc) on the SD card and subsequently install them while running an AOSP ROM like the temasek one mentioned above? Would that work or would it just be a pointless endeavor?
Sent from my SM-N900T using xda app-developers app
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Hello
Stock Samsung apps require samsung frameworks in order to work on your phone. In other words, you can't have samsung and AOSP at the same time. This is why you don't see samsung and HTC apps available for other devices, as they will not work without being excessively hacked to work with other frameworks
In an analogy.. the bonnet on a ferrari will not fit on my mazda3 without being hacked to fit, to work on the different framework
poondog said:
Hello
Stock Samsung apps require samsung frameworks in order to work on your phone. In other words, you can't have samsung and AOSP at the same time. This is why you don't see samsung and HTC apps available for other devices, as they will not work without being excessively hacked to work with other frameworks
In an analogy.. the bonnet on a ferrari will not fit on my mazda3 without being hacked to fit, to work on the different framework
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Ahhh, that makes sense...
Thanks for the reply poondog and for explaining.
Have been looking for this question everywhere! Thanks
However, do you guys have any alternative apps that have similar functions to spen air command? Thank you all in advance
Sent from my hlte using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
@sahkha_92 and @lilgor
There are equal alternatives to S-Note and other Samsung s-pen apps.
Try:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tushar.cmspen
Together with:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tushar.spen_helper
Or maybe:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gmd.spencontrol
Been using Samsung along with AOSP based roms for years now and haven't missed Samsung S-Pen apps a sec.
Nice, and what apps do you suggest for jotting notes down using the Spen? I was under the impression that Evernote supported it but I was never able to find this option in the program.
I haven't used Evernote in a while, so things might have changed. And I'm on SlimKat ROM, so I guess I'll need additional software to make Spen work.
rodrigorajao said:
Nice, and what apps do you suggest for jotting notes down using the Spen?
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You could try Handrite, there's a free and pro version on the Play store.
You can have multiple notebooks in which to save your notes (on the free version you can only have 3 notebooks) and there are multiple options to customise your text (colours, underline, you can mix your writing with regular text input, etc)
evernote. handwriting
I use evernote pretty regularly. When you creat page you can go to the top There is a plus symbol at the top. Press this and gives you drop down menu. May eed to hit more handwriting is there.
They are correct spen features must use touchwiz. You can use a launcher that makes device feel different and aircommands etc will work. I am running a rom based off i317 and n7105 hybrid that have these options. Great thing is that you can sync snote with evernote so can open with aircommands and then will sink to evernote. This way you can view on another device like computer.
The advantage to slim rom is removal bloatware makes cor a smooth runnig device. Oems sometimes push their own without actually working to optimize like they should. Poor battery etc.
If you want something similar to aircommands you could try something like pie controls. Have it set to launch an app.
You might try something like papyrus. I believe it has setting to use finger or active pen in menus.
Enjoy!
rodrigorajao said:
Nice, and what apps do you suggest for jotting notes down using the Spen? I was under the impression that Evernote supported it but I was never able to find this option in the program.
I haven't used Evernote in a while, so things might have changed. And I'm on SlimKat ROM, so I guess I'll need additional software to make Spen work.
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What ROM based on these features?

EDIT: So, given that no Oreo/Pie ROM can match the TouchWiz features below, serious question: Why in the world does everyone prefer vanilla Android? I don't want to have to find 10 apps with extra steps just to replace system-level features of a skinned ROM. So vanilla Android honestly makes no sense to me.
---
I'm the rare N7 TW holdout. I LIKE TouchWiz, particularly Note 7 ports, where I guess they called it Samsung Experience.
But I can't stay on Marshmallow forever.
For Oreo/Pie/10 ROMs, what ROM has the below features? Or what's the easiest way to replace them?
Call recording built into the Dialer/In-Call UI
Scroll Capture (vertically scrolling screenshots)
SNote-type note app (seriously, the font choices, point size, text frames, etc. make it tough to beat)
RELIABLE SIM (since all newer N4 ROMs seem to have SIM death)
Robust photo editing built into the Gallery
ETA: The clipboard.
Probably more, but if someone knows how to replace those as close to system level as possible, I'd probably go that route. Thank you for any feedback!
The best replacement for snote seems to be squid, but some things there cost $.
FYI I am also on the same boat, but I'll be holding out on marshmallow for since time longer.
QuoPrimum said:
The best replacement for snote seems to be squid, but some things there cost $.
FYI I am also on the same boat, but I'll be holding out on marshmallow for since time longer.
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I like your style! I'll check out Squid!
O's said:
I'm the rare N7 TW holdout. I LIKE TouchWiz, particularly Note 7 ports, where I guess they called it Samsung Experience.
But I can't stay on Marshmallow forever.
For Oreo/Pie/10 ROMs, what ROM has the below features? Or what's the easiest way to replace them?
Call recording built into the Dialer/In-Call UI
Scroll Capture (vertically scrolling screenshots)
SNote-type note app (seriously, the font choices, point size, text frames, etc. make it tough to beat)
RELIABLE SIM (since all newer N4 ROMs seem to have SIM death)
Robust photo editing built into the Gallery
Probably more, but if someone knows how to replace those as close to system level as possible, I'd probably go that route. Thank you for any feedback!
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Click to collapse
I'm also partial to TW but have been using some open source pie roms lately and for the most part I don't miss much about TouchWiz. The spen is the biggest cost for me personally. I had never tried squid before but I just installed it and my initial impression is favorable to some others I've tried. Spen commander works well for some people and I like Evernote as well but so far nothing they all lack the integration and intuition of the stock spen features and due to the proprietary nature of it there's a chance that won't get much better.
Due to the extra steps required I haven't even been using the spen with those roms since the convenience of it just isn't the same. Also, scroll capture fits in the same boat. There are apps to replace that function but it's certainly not as convenient as just using the spen.
Everything else, from my point of view, works well. The camera does fail every once in awhile. It's not often but often enough to be aggravating depending on your usage.
Looking through most of those rom threads you'll see plenty of people claiming that those roms are as reliable as stock or that all/most stock functions can be replaced but that's just not been my experience. However, there are plenty of things that I do like about the newer OS's and the reliability gap isn't as big as I assumed it was going to be. They're certainly prettier than 6.0.1.
kevintm78 said:
I'm also partial to TW but have been using some open source pie roms lately and for the most part I don't miss much about TouchWiz.
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All great to know.
Funny to hear YOU say it, though. I'm feeling a bit starstruck to see your reply. You're one of the reasons I've stuck with TW! Flashpoint's nonnegotiable for every TW ROM. Thank you for your great work!

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