(Q) How to personalize Sense - EVO 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hey fellow evo enthusiasts!
I've been searching and searching for an answer (I'm sure it's out there, I just haven't found it) to my Q, so hopefully you can help me.
I'm interested in personalizing Sense. I like using widgets, and I like the idea of not using Launcher Pro (I don't know why, I just want to use sense)....
I REALLY like the custom tool bars of Launcher Pro, and I want to incorporate those types of tool bars on Sense (not sure if I'm using the right word - I'm interested in using a custom bar on the bottom of the phone where you can link to your actual phone, text messaging, apps, web, etc).
Can anyone walk me through how to do this?
I'm also interested in creating custom screens with the other 7 options we all have w/ Sense.
All of this seems harder than it should be - I am rooted, currently running Warm 2.2 (release 2). Any help is appreciated - and if you say I gotta use launcher pro, I guess I do.
Thanks in advance!!

Gotta check out the theme forum. They have some tutorials over there that are stickied, I'm not sure if they will tell you how to do exactly what you want, but they sure as hell are good starting points.

......use LauncherPro. There's only so much you can do with sense......plus sense eats the battery and is slower.
It is possible do decompile sense and rewrite it......but it's just not worth it.
There is a thread in the themes section that will allow you flash to remap the the 3 buttons on the expresso.

Related

Removing parts of sense

I am getting a Desire soon and personally I would rather remove Sense UI, but this is not longer possible the easy way.
Can anyone explain if you can remove sense another way? I have heard people say to use Launcher2 or HelixLauncher to get the 3D app drawer and the nexus one launcher. Can anyone confirm this works?
Thanks!
Yep if your install either you can make them default and use them instead but it will still have the Sense theming of all the apps / status bar etc and obv the HTC widgets wont work
ok thanks or the quick reply
so if i use either of these launchers i will not be able to use HTC widgets?
and when/if the desire gets rooted i'll be able to stick a nexus one rom on?
has anyone had any experience with either of these launchers on the desire?
im new to android so i apologise for the noobish questions
Not a problem
Nope you won't be able to use the HTC Widgets... but you can launch the HTC Sense launcher at any time and get access to your widgets though it's a bit of hassle doing that everytime hence i'm gonna stick with htc sense launcher myself.
Both the nexus launcher and helix work great on my Desire, no problems as far as i've been using it.
Not sure about putting then nexus rom though, sorry
thanks for the info.
so installing launcher2 enables the 3D app drawer from the nexus one?
just to clarify lol
Yep the home screen looks like the nexus one and you get the 3D drawer with fades. It looks pretty good! I just wish the widgets still worked then it would be perfect.
thanks again for your quick reply
so where do i download this launcher 2? from the android market when i get the phone?
sorry so many questions!
Not a problem,
Helix you can get from the market but launcher2 you will need to get from somewhere else but if you search these forums you will find one you can install no problem
awesome, thanks again.
one last request: which version did you use? i've searched here and elsewhere and each version is different and im not sure which to use
I'm not sure to be honest, if you know how to check then I can tell you?

android noob looking to personalize & theme

Hello,
I am a noob to android coming from wm6.5 and blackberry. I have been browsing the homescreen thread and would like to learn how to get my phone to look as great as the ones i have seen. is there a tutorial available or is it more so trial and error? when i see some of the screen details in the thread, it's like a foreign language to me.
TIA
Steve
Welcome to Android. Its much easier than you think. Some will be trial and error to get something just how you like it. Some is as easy as changing the launcher you use and applying themes. There are also tons of apps like desktop Visualizer, folder organizer, circle launcher, and many more that you can use to customize the look and feel of your device. You can also install different clocks or lockscreens and if you have rooted your phone and flashed a de-odexed rom you can use some of the themes you see posted here. My best advice is for you to look through "post your homescreen" type threads. Most people will list what apps they use and may share icons or wallpapers too. Use Google and Android Market to learn what some of those apps do. Many are free or very inexpensive. You could also look at the sticky posts in this thread, forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=527 for some more about theming. There is really no right or wrong, just do what you like and make your phone your own. Good luck.
sent from my SGSIISE4GT
Do you have root? Do you have a rom also? Which rom are you running? If you do not have root I recommend using zedomax's v3 root kernal to root.
No, i'm running completely stock for now. I was able to customize my homescreen using go launcher, simple text and WP clock that wil hold me over for a little while. I tried posting an image, but my noon status won't let me.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App

Coming from an Iphone

Hey guys been reading for a bit...Actually about 2 days now lol
Anyone else have a hard transistion over?
A few things im excited about is the wifi calling and possibly tehtering.
Right now Im tring to accomplish getting a different theme and removing the bloatware and might just wait for ICS to come out before I start playing with roms I feel like I got the phone a bad time because soon we will be transitioning over.
So right now,
Get a theme where I can access and change my music with out opening the to the home screen...
Wifi calling
And possibly tether but I think I need to install a custom rom and freeze the tether option.
Other than that just figure things out.
Firstly, you cant remove bloatware, truely, without rooting your phone. However, you can hide certain apps with a themer/launcher.
Root free, the most iphone-like launcher is Espier launcher 5.x . Espier also has a safari like browser called Espier Browser. Both of these apps can be found in the market place and will fool you into thinking you have an iphone.
The best iphone like lock screen is the miui lockscreen on the market.
Yea I don't know if I want to go iphone style theme I was looking at some other threads even tried a few widgetlocker I couldnt figure this one out find some nice ones on this site just couldn't get them to look like that one mine.
The other was lockbot its was a bit cheesy.
I will have to look into launcher(s)
blazin6969 said:
Yea I don't know if I want to go iphone style theme I was looking at some other threads even tried a few widgetlocker I couldnt figure this one out find some nice ones on this site just couldn't get them to look like that one mine.
The other was lockbot its was a bit cheesy.
I will have to look into launcher(s)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The girlfriend and I both really like golauncher and golocker, but you'll have to play with them and figure out which works best for you.
Give it a bit of time and you'll really like the phone I think. It takes a bit to get used to finding things. The OS has a ton more depth to it so it can be a bit overwhelming at first, but once you get the lay off the land you'll be able to enjoy it a lot more.
Both my girlfriend and I had iPhones before Android and couldn't go back. Unless you're really itching for some new feature you can only use by rooting the phone I'd just take some time to familiarize yourself with the phone and it's menus. New roms add a lot of flexibility and new features, but the new options/moved menus may just add to the frustration for now.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
I would personally suggest WidgetLocker, as you can put a music player widget(I'd suggest pure music widget 4x2), and DX Home as the homescreen. It's just iphone-like enough to look really nice, but it has android where it counts.
Android Heaven
Welcome to Android Heaven.
Here you'll find many choices during your PERMANENT stay
1) Awesome Customization
2) CIQ free
3)Games with better graphics
4)No Bloatware
5) Customs rooms and kernals
6)Google and Social Integration
7)Bigger Screen
8-9999999999999999999999999999999999999) Tell you the those reason later. Going to destroy something with my build in android phone camera laser/rocket/hologram
peconaut said:
Welcome to Android Heaven.
Here you'll find many choices during your PERMANENT stay
1) Awesome Customization
2) CIQ free
3)Games with better graphics
4)No Bloatware
5) Customs rooms and kernals
6)Google and Social Integration
7)Bigger Screen
8-9999999999999999999999999999999999999) Tell you the those reason later. Going to destroy something with my build in android phone camera laser/rocket/hologram
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't forget the kernel update for the Valkyrie rocket.
Any who back on topic. If your completely new, you're gonna want to wait a bit to root and ROM, as it can get overwhelming. Get a good feel of how it works. Look at a lot of reviews for your phone on YouTube, then search around the forums for some good tips. Especially stickies.. and yea
That's about it.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA App
if you don't really want a launcher that bad you can play around with the Samsung Launcher thing, and add music instead of contacts etc... Home Button > Settings > edit > switch >take out whatever you want and add whatever you want, sure it goes out of order but you can always put it back in order by Home > Settings > View Type > Alpha, etc..
blazin6969 said:
Hey guys been reading for a bit...Actually about 2 days now lol
Anyone else have a hard transistion over?
A few things im excited about is the wifi calling and possibly tehtering.
Right now Im tring to accomplish getting a different theme and removing the bloatware and might just wait for ICS to come out before I start playing with roms I feel like I got the phone a bad time because soon we will be transitioning over.
So right now,
Get a theme where I can access and change my music with out opening the to the home screen...
Wifi calling
And possibly tether but I think I need to install a custom rom and freeze the tether option.
Other than that just figure things out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best launchers are Go Launcher EX, ADW Launcher, or Launcher Pro in my opinion. If you want an iphone-like experience, MIUI is a good way to go but i dont think its quite ready for prime time for our phone though theres a MIUI Launcher standalone available, which has many of the same features from a UI standpoint.
As for lock screen controls, apps like Poweramp have lock screen controls for music. There are also lock replacements like Go Locker and Widget Locker that have customizable lock screens.
peconaut said:
Welcome to Android Heaven.
Here you'll find many choices during your PERMANENT stay
1) Awesome Customization
2) CIQ free
3)Games with better graphics
4)No Bloatware
5) Customs rooms and kernals
6)Google and Social Integration
7)Bigger Screen
8-9999999999999999999999999999999999999) Tell you the those reason later. Going to destroy something with my build in android phone camera laser/rocket/hologram
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is is strapped to a shark?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Like jumping to any platform you get your pros and your cons, You have a more flexible OS but Battery might not be as good the list goes on. and not every OS is made for everyone just give it a shot you have 30 days to change your mind.
Thanks for the info guys! Yea been playing with it a bit more I think the screen is a million times better than my 3gs I might try go locker or the launcher today
Get qq launcher. I use it now and love it. it's free in the market and had s bunch of different internal themes.you can use.
I'm using the iPhone theme for obvious reasons
There's a thread called home screenshots in the theme and apps section where you can take a look at how some ppl have their home screens set up with different launchers, themes, widgets, and icons that way you can get some ideas of how you might wanna set things up as for roms it's really up to you and which you like better there's no harm in trying each one til you find your daily driver remember you can always mix different roms and kernels and find what combo works best for you (just remember to stick to roms and kernels that are for our specific model you don't wanna end up with your first android paper weight) .. Btw I was the same had been using iPhones since the first one to the iphone4 and this was my first Android and haven't looked back since love this phone it's a beast!
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk
If you want to change the lockscreen around, try milocker. Its free and there are alot of options, plus you can change your lockscreen wallpaper.

[Q] ROM advice please - switched from Evo 4G to Galaxy S2

I've been using the S2 for a couple weeks now and although I'm satisfied with it for the most part, I want the bloatware gone and I want it rooted. Easy enough, except for one thing; there are TONS of ROMs for it and I have no idea where to start as far as which ones are best, and don't want to have to flash dozens of them to find out.
A few things to note;
1 - I'm looking for ease of use, something that includes minimal apps or at least allows me to delete apps that are packaged with it if I don't want them, and something that gets good battery life. I read this thread here and may try Slim Beam Unofficial due to it's better battery life.
2 - Or is there a way to just rip the stock ROM off, remove what I don't want, re-package it and flash it back to the phone? That's what I did with my Evo but it's been over a year and I was VERY familiar with that phone and what tools to use for such tasks. A point in the right direction (ie: link to an informative thread on this subject) would suffice, but specific replies are very much appreciated.
3 - Useful apps would be nice. Perhaps not packaged WITH the ROM but just names of useful apps (I see Titanium Backup mentioned a lot on here) would be helpful. Something to easily copy contacts & texts/call records to my PC would also be nice - the Evo didn't have much as far as that went, at least not that I could find. Maybe some music mixing apps and memory editor suggestions too. This phone is new and exciting to me, capable of WAY more than my old Evo 4G. :victory:
4 - HTC and Samsung have much different interfaces. HTC's was more customizable...I'd like to get that back. Anyone know of any HTC interface ports? Specifically the way the icons on the screen are - I don't like being forced to keep the 4 it came with on the bottom, I'd like to change them to something more useful. Also some switches for a quick data network toggle (not by going into Data Usage to toggle) and stuff like that would be nice. I can do it the Samsung way if I have to, but HTC's interface was more user friendly for me.
Anyway, I'm glad to be back at xda. Thanks for any help/suggestions! :fingers-crossed:
Try AOKP 4.2.2 :thumbup:
AOKP B5 3/10nightly NOS V0.0.7
Suppose I'll try that or a stock Samsung ROM. Surprised at the lack of replies and suggestions...usually everyone has something to say on this forum.
Cl3kener AOKP 1.3 is very good. Has good audio apps, and several built in useful apps.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
Try aokp 4.1.2 everything works perfectly. 422 was great but bluetooth, specifically bluetooth tethering does not work. No issues with 412
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
I don't know anything about CM or AOKP roms cause I need Wi-Fi calling so I stick with TW. Ptmr3 has some good roms and puts out loaded and stripped roms. There is a lot of development here so your gonna have to do some research. Read the op's list of what's included and what doesn't work if any. Good luck
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
You need Jedi Jelly. Trust me. Best ROM in my opinion
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using xda premium
If you want to be able to customize most of the ROM you want PAC man. The best ROM for your needs.
----------------------------------------------
Phone: Galaxy s2 t989
Rom: PACman 21.0.1
Kernel: PAC
I'm full of great idea's, but don't have the time to create them or learn the coding to create them. If you want to make one of my ideas a reality just message me and I will give you my idea as specific as possible.
ideas:
-launcher/lock screen
-line rider type game where you control the character
-2d fighting game like art of fighting for the SNES
-multiplayer fps where you create your own map with a creative mode (minecraft style)
-roller coaster tycoon style game
-get phone out of sleep mode
-many more!
Just message me which idea you want info on and I'll tell you!
----------------------------------------------
In reading your post it seems as if to me 1 you need to simply root your phone. From that point forward you can do anything you want to it. Now coming from an Evo which I myself came from, at first things seem different but when its software related its relatively all the same. I know you said you were shocked at the lack of responses but I think thats because your questions/feelings are a simple fix and more personalized than just sending you somewhere.
You dont have to use the 4 at the bottom they can be switched and data toggles are all over the web. Not for nothing but you really need to do some homework on android and the amount of customization apps out there...You are missing out on quite a bit
Steps to personalizing your phone below:
Root your phone
Install Root Explorer
install Titanium Backup
Install Android Commander on your pc (if you like)
Just use Google or Google Play to look up apps
Hundreds of way to simplify your rom and I only named a few.
Use the SGS2 toolkit, install a custom recovery, and root your phone. From there you can delete all the Tmo bloatware and clean up the stock rom.
see how that is for a little while, and if you still aren't satisfied, you can try some of the other roms in the dev section.
As far as apps, I have all my contacts in gmail, which automatically syncs to my phone. Airdroid is a neat app that lets you manage stuff on your phone through a PC that is connected to the same network. Evernote, quickpic, photoeditor, titanium backup, and google drive are a few apps I always install.
refyused said:
I've been using the S2 for a couple weeks now and although I'm satisfied with it for the most part, I want the bloatware gone and I want it rooted. Easy enough, except for one thing; there are TONS of ROMs for it and I have no idea where to start as far as which ones are best, and don't want to have to flash dozens of them to find out.
A few things to note;
1 - I'm looking for ease of use, something that includes minimal apps or at least allows me to delete apps that are packaged with it if I don't want them, and something that gets good battery life. I read this thread here and may try Slim Beam Unofficial due to it's better battery life.
2 - Or is there a way to just rip the stock ROM off, remove what I don't want, re-package it and flash it back to the phone? That's what I did with my Evo but it's been over a year and I was VERY familiar with that phone and what tools to use for such tasks. A point in the right direction (ie: link to an informative thread on this subject) would suffice, but specific replies are very much appreciated.
3 - Useful apps would be nice. Perhaps not packaged WITH the ROM but just names of useful apps (I see Titanium Backup mentioned a lot on here) would be helpful. Something to easily copy contacts & texts/call records to my PC would also be nice - the Evo didn't have much as far as that went, at least not that I could find. Maybe some music mixing apps and memory editor suggestions too. This phone is new and exciting to me, capable of WAY more than my old Evo 4G. :victory:
4 - HTC and Samsung have much different interfaces. HTC's was more customizable...I'd like to get that back. Anyone know of any HTC interface ports? Specifically the way the icons on the screen are - I don't like being forced to keep the 4 it came with on the bottom, I'd like to change them to something more useful. Also some switches for a quick data network toggle (not by going into Data Usage to toggle) and stuff like that would be nice. I can do it the Samsung way if I have to, but HTC's interface was more user friendly for me.
Anyway, I'm glad to be back at xda. Thanks for any help/suggestions! :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All Star Devs or Jedi Knight Roms. I ran Slim Bean for a little bit, but the bugs, as insignificant as they may seemed, would occur too frequently. I'm currently testing out Jumping JellyBeans and lets just say I'll be flashing back to Jedi Knight this evening. Good luck on your ROM Quest.
Yeah I rooted it but it still doesn't function entirely the way I want it to.
In using this phone for a couple weeks now, one BIG complaint I have is the clock & weather widget on my Evo allowed me to check the weather OR change thje time/date/alarm simply by clicking it...unless I'm blind, the SG2 didn't even come with an alarm clock, let alone a way to click the clock widget and edit alarms.
Is there anything like that for the SG2? And yes, I do need to do more research and find out what's out there...which is kinda why I'm asking here instead of spending countless hours which I don't have, reading through tons of forums and trying tons of bunk apps. Anyway, thanks for the advice, it's been helpful so far!
Mr. bird said:
I don't know anything about CM or AOKP roms cause I need Wi-Fi calling so I stick with TW. Ptmr3 has some good roms and puts out loaded and stripped roms. There is a lot of development here so your gonna have to do some research. Read the op's list of what's included and what doesn't work if any. Good luck
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here - I need Wifi Calling.
What Rom are you running? I'm still on Darkside Evolution 3.8 (Andoid 4.0.3)
I've been looking for something a little more current, but haven't been able to find anything that has Wifi Calling.
mavblues said:
Same here - I need Wifi Calling.
What Rom are you running? I'm still on Darkside Evolution 3.8 (Andoid 4.0.3)
I've been looking for something a little more current, but haven't been able to find anything that has Wifi Calling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Evolution is still a good Rom. I have recently gone back to stock cause my phone has been acting up since it went for a swim but I was using jedi knight and jedi mind trick.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk HD
refyused said:
Yeah I rooted it but it still doesn't function entirely the way I want it to.
In using this phone for a couple weeks now, one BIG complaint I have is the clock & weather widget on my Evo allowed me to check the weather OR change thje time/date/alarm simply by clicking it...unless I'm blind, the SG2 didn't even come with an alarm clock, let alone a way to click the clock widget and edit alarms.
Is there anything like that for the SG2? And yes, I do need to do more research and find out what's out there...which is kinda why I'm asking here instead of spending countless hours which I don't have, reading through tons of forums and trying tons of bunk apps. Anyway, thanks for the advice, it's been helpful so far!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could always flash a better rom that is newer, like others have suggested. Any rom with ICS or above will have a clock that allows you to tap the widget and get the alarm, and can display the weather below it. If you're looking for a fully loaded rom, "PACman" (see the link in my signature at the bottom of this post) is the way to go. It it 3 roms built into one, "Paranoid Android, AOKP, Cyanogen Mod". I literally bought my SGSII just to be able to use the PACrom, (I came from a Tmobile MyTouch 4G (Doubleshot) which didn't have a working PACman rom link, so far as my patience to find one allowed).
Other options are to install a new launcher for your phone, like the "Go Launcher" from the play store, or an htc clock widget from the playstore or online. Either of the 2 will instantly provide you with your clock and weather settings.
I have world weather clock widget on my lockscreen. Has weather and time. I think there might be a way to configure it to set alarms, but I'm not sure. I don't really ever set alarms on my phone.
I am using JB 4.1.2 with build Jedi Mind Trick JB2 and the beta kernel as a DD and it is fast and smooth. Prior to I was using Jedi Mind Trick X4 by the same dev and I prefer JB 4.1.2 over the X4 but everyone is different.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1818305
---------- Post added at 03:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:18 AM ----------
refyused said:
unless I'm blind, the SG2 didn't even come with an alarm clock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
go to the clock and create an alarm

[Q] Quick Glance tweaks

Hi guys, I really respect and admire your work! I am becoming everyday more an android fan and xda has become my bible! Unfortunately, I don't know too much about development as I'm ending my degree in Zoology (Android is more like a hobby but I don't have much time now to sit and learn the basics about programming, scripts, development, etc since I have to end my studies first).
After flashing different ROMs as a sport, I came to an Idea of using the "Quick Glance" feature, and I realized it was a nice feature (not too important, since one can touch the power or home key and see the screen) but it has too few information for our power machines. I know it's just a "quick glance", but I wanted to know if it is possible to tweak the screen and add more info like icons of:
- Gmail/email app
- Whatsapp
- Facebook Messenger
- Hangouts
I think it would be even cooler to have the option of choosing which apps could appear there.
I've tried many different custom ROMs (based on TW) and I never found this option. Maybe it's too difficult and it's not worth the job, but I guess it can be made, maybe mixing something related with TeslaUnread and the QuickGlance screen. I read many think it's just a useless gimmick (I use almost always the home button too) so maybe there's a way to set this "quick glance" screen as lockscreen?
If any dev from a ROM team wants to use this for their next ROM I lend him all the credits for the idea, no problem with that!
Sorry if anybody posted this before (I searched before and couldn't find!) and if it's not in the right place! I read a lot but don't post too much
Thanks in advance!
Miklos

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