Develop Bugs

[Q] Gaming on the Galaxy Nexus, does the soft button will disappear?

Hey, the title say it all. When gaming in galaxy nexus, does the soft button will disappear? Anyone of Galaxy nexus owner can answer me? It is kind of fun if disappear so that it can play with 1280x720 HD resolution and HDMI to TV with no letterbox.

As far as i know right now, no. But im thinking that can possibly be managed in the future.
I invented cyberspace. You're trespassing.

Unless some app developer figures out a way around it, no. The three possible states for the on-screen buttons are visible (which is typical), low-profile mode (reduced to three dots), and hidden (i.e. fullscreen). When the buttons are hidden, any user input (touching the screen, pushing the volume or power buttons, etc.) will make the buttons visible again. So at best, games on the GN will have the buttons be in low-profile mode, at least until there comes to be another solution to that

It isn't a built in feature in HC but there are apps in the market to hide them... I wonder if they work in ICS? If not, its only a matter of time.
G2x - 2.3.7 CM7
Transformer - 3.2 Revolver OC/UV

player911 said:
It isn't a built in feature in HC but there are apps in the market to hide them... I wonder if they work in ICS? If not, its only a matter of time.
G2x - 2.3.7 CM7
Transformer - 3.2 Revolver OC/UV
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure you'll be able to hide the bar completely. With root access of course

Doesn't the Videoplayer and the Easteregg of ICS did it? For me it looked like that in some Videos so I think there should be a way to use the full screen without the buttons in ICS.
edit: There at second 15 you can ses what I mean. It goes to fullscreen and uses the area where the buttons where before for fullscreen too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHPhrhIpkE4

MysteriousDiary said:
Doesn't the Videoplayer and the Easteregg of ICS did it? For me it looked like that in some Videos so I think there should be a way to use the full screen without the buttons in ICS.
edit: There at second 15 you can ses what I mean. It goes to fullscreen and uses the area where the buttons where before for fullscreen too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHPhrhIpkE4
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Click to collapse
Like hyperdude already said, the buttons will come back as soon as you touch the screen, so you can't hide it completely while playing games.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App

What about Youtube full screen, in call, photo library and Browser, do the Soft B dissapear?
Thank you,

robrob777 said:
What about Youtube full screen, in call, photo library and Browser, do the Soft B dissapear?
Thank you,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know that when you watch videos fullscreen (including Youtube) the soft buttons disappear. That's all I know at this point, considering I don't have a GN.

robrob777 said:
What about Youtube full screen, in call, photo library and Browser, do the Soft B dissapear?
Thank you,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YouTube full screen: hidden
Photo gallery and in-call: discrete mode
Browser: stays on
Edit: It goes into discrete mode in call.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App

_hyperdude said:
Unless some app developer figures out a way around it, no. The three possible states for the on-screen buttons are visible (which is typical), low-profile mode (reduced to three dots), and hidden (i.e. fullscreen). When the buttons are hidden, any user input (touching the screen, pushing the volume or power buttons, etc.) will make the buttons visible again. So at best, games on the GN will have the buttons be in low-profile mode, at least until there comes to be another solution to that
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Click to collapse
Well, I figured a idea which make possible useful for 720p display for gaming especially HDMI to TV. That is when playing games the soft button will completely disappear but when you pause the game, the soft button will immediately pop out. This make useful when multitasking/home screen or others.
Does anyone agree with me ?

w1nter456 said:
Well, I figured a idea which make possible useful for 720p display for gaming especially HDMI to TV. That is when playing games the soft button will completely disappear but when you pause the game, the soft button will immediately pop out. This make useful when multitasking/home screen or others.
Does anyone agree with me ?
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Click to collapse
Android will never let an app decide when to show the navigation bar after it's been hidden - that's not good security. There's a reason why it's designed so that an app can only hide the navigation bar until the user interacts with the device.
A good solution to this problem has been proposed by some others: have the power button double as a navigation bar activator. Double tap the power button to hide the bar, double tap it again to bring it back up. This lets you hide the bar without relying on apps to determine when to show and hide it. It would be better if there were a dedicated button on the Galaxy Nexus for this, but alas there isn't.

The buttons do not hide when playing Shadow Gun and I find I exit to home screen during the middle of some frantic shooting. Tres Frustrating!

chandlerweb said:
The buttons do not hide when playing Shadow Gun and I find I exit to home screen during the middle of some frantic shooting. Tres Frustrating!
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Argh, I was really hopeful that ICS would address this when I saw the virtual keys. This is one of the things that pissed me off the most about soft keys - they don't go well with games. Plus the extra screen space is awesome.
I hope cm9 will be able to address this.
---------- Post added at 08:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:44 AM ----------
Chirality said:
Android will never let an app decide when to show the navigation bar after it's been hidden - that's not good security. There's a reason why it's designed so that an app can only hide the navigation bar until the user interacts with the device.
A good solution to this problem has been proposed by some others: have the power button double as a navigation bar activator. Double tap the power button to hide the bar, double tap it again to bring it back up. This lets you hide the bar without relying on apps to determine when to show and hide it. It would be better if there were a dedicated button on the Galaxy Nexus for this, but alas there isn't.
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Click to collapse
I don't think spamming the power button is a good solution - it's a physical button so it'll wear out if it's pressed so many times. I'd prefer to see a simple gesture, perhaps two fingers from bottom to top.

Wait, won't this screw up the dimensions/ratio/whatever you call it?
With the buttons present, wouldn't this make the games/content scrunched up (vertically)? That SUCKS

I do not own a Nexus but it's one of the phones im thinking about buying. So most of the time (except in youtube and video player) you actually don't have all of the 4.65 inch screen available to you for viewing your content? In your opinion how big is the screen when navigation buttons are available? 4.3, 4.4 inch?
br Zola

About 4.3.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Tnx.
br Zola

[Concept] Screenshot function for tango

If you think about it, the app switcher screen take screenshot bitmaps for all the apps and even games (something the current screenshot homebrew cannot do). So it would be logical if there was a way to save those bitmaps.
Hopefully tango will bring native screenshot function. I came up with this concept below. You basically hold the back button for 3 seconds more after the app switcher screen appears.

That's pretty good. There are many ways one could go.
You could override the camera button so that in the task switch mode it takes screenshots, or you could press power + camera key together etc.

Wouldn't that take the screen shot of the multi tasking view. It would be better if its pressing windows key and search key at the same time.
Sent from my T8788 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App

Nice idea and I would agree using two switch instead of one. This will avoid confusion.

I'd go with long tap on search button... the only one that doesn't have anything... yet

It would be coooool XD

OndraSter said:
I'd go with long tap on search button... the only one that doesn't have anything... yet
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soft home button

does anyone know of apps to replace the use of hardware home button?eg:bk soft home .a stand alone app/shortcut would be nice.

Save button or something like this. You can find it on market.

button savior.I know of that one.it uses too much ram.but its not what I want.I just want a home button shortcut that I can place as a toggle on the status bar.there are many status bar apps.I use one with the power button and multitasking button along with buttons for all apps/shortcuts.they are just shortcuts/notifications and not processes see.

Navigation bar in aokp and cm9 roms have what you need
Sent from my SGH-I897 using xda premium

thanks.but it takes up part of the display all the time.no solution I guess.

understanding your problem but its not that big biiggg problem you guess

Button savior - the better menu/recent apps button

Don't really know why this app was never mentioned here.
I know it from my Archos 70 times.
To know what it does its best you look in the play store for it, but I want to tell you for what only reason I use it.
You can have shown all buttons you would have as hardware buttons, but that's not the point.
If you use the pro version you can edit and reorder those buttons, and that's what I did.
I choose only one button and that was the menu button, when only one button is mapped it directly uses that instead of expanding than I put the icon to the lowest right corner., and there you have the menu button, now you can use recent apps button like intended without having to map it to long press or something else.
Sure you can do the it with the recent apps button instead, whatever you prefer or use more frequently. Will try it the next days and see if it's practical in daily use.
You can see the button in the picture attached, you can set 3 sizes, for now I try biggest, that's what you see on the pic. I don't think it's interfering in use because it's totally in the corner which u don't use that much.
This way you get the speed of the recent apps button with the comfort of having a menu button
Let me know what you think of it
Sent from my HOX running ViperX

"Squeeze control" if u know wat I mean. But back to on-topic, u know that u can have recent apps and menu at the same time in one button? Look for it in tweaks.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app

Yes but only with long press that's to slow and uncomfortable sometimes.
Sent from my HOX running ViperX

Q: Avoiding Hardware Home Key?

The Note 8 looks great except for the hardware Home key. It's annoying to need physical force for a frequent task that should only take a slight touch.
Is there some way to work around the hardware Home key and avoid using it? Some of the reviews have mentioned on-screen keys, is it possible to keep those enable in all orientations & applications? Alternatively, is it possible to remap one of the capacitive keys to become a Home button?
Any methods or tips about how to avoid using the hardware Home key would be appreciated.

My Galaxy S4 has an Assistant Menu which provides things like an on screen Home and menu button. It's not in my Note 8.0 yet but may be added in a future release I guess.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk HD

Button Savior from the Play Store may do what you are after. It's funny. l personally like the hardware home key.
Sent from my GT-N5110 using xda premium

If you are rooted it would be simple to change your back or menu button to act as your home. You can go to /system/usr/keylayout/sec_touchscreen.kl and edit the BACK or MENU to read HOME.
Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk HD

I am using GMD gesture control on note 2&8 to simulate hardware buttons and keeping full screen for applications
Envoyé depuis mon GT-N7100 avec Tapatalk

Same issue as the OP, I'm using LMT with a pie control right on top of the hardware home button.

MikeChelen said:
The Note 8 looks great except for the hardware Home key. It's annoying to need physical force for a frequent task that should only take a slight touch.
Is there some way to work around the hardware Home key and avoid using it? Some of the reviews have mentioned on-screen keys, is it possible to keep those enable in all orientations & applications? Alternatively, is it possible to remap one of the capacitive keys to become a Home button?
Any methods or tips about how to avoid using the hardware Home key would be appreciated.
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Click to collapse
I use Taskbar task switcher by gdroid, it places a Return to desktop shortcut along with a configurable number of recent apps in the notifications pull down.

sisterchick said:
Button Savior from the Play Store may do what you are after. It's funny. l personally like the hardware home key.
Sent from my GT-N5110 using xda premium
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Button Savior looks helpful, I played with it a little using both auto-hide and permanent display modes. The only downside to hidden mode is it takes two motions, first to expand the menu, then to click the home button. That can be done pretty quickly though.
Why do you like having a hardware button? I don't see why they made 2 buttons compatible with S-pen, and didn't make the Home button usable with the stylus as well.
Sent from my SGH-T699 using xda app-developers app

ual4720 said:
If you are rooted it would be simple to change your back or menu button to act as your home. You can go to /system/usr/keylayout/sec_touchscreen.kl and edit the BACK or MENU to read HOME.
Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk HD
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Thanks, that would be useful. Is it also possible to assign those actions to a long-press? For example, Menu goes to Home with long press.
Sent from my SGH-T699 using xda app-developers app

Handy Hardware Button
MikeChelen said:
Button Savior looks helpful, I played with it a little using both auto-hide and permanent display modes. The only downside to hidden mode is it takes two motions, first to expand the menu, then to click the home button. That can be done pretty quickly though.
Why do you like having a hardware button? I don't see why they made 2 buttons compatible with S-pen, and didn't make the Home button usable with the stylus as well.
Sent from my SGH-T699 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
Habit would probably be the best answer. I came to the Note 8 from a hacked Nook Color running CM10. I got accustomed to waking the device with the "n" hardware button. Like my old Nook, I put a non-slip bumper case on my Note 8 which makes pushing the power button to wake a little tedious. I also like to read in the dark and like the hardware key as a landmark for orientation when I pick it up with the lights off. Finally, I use the tablet in the kitchen on a stand for displaying recipes. I use a cheapest of the cheap $5 stylus in the kitchen to wake it up by pushing the hardware key and for scrolling pages so I don't get the tablet or the S-pen all gunked up with cookie dough from my fingers.:silly:

MikeChelen said:
The Note 8 looks great except for the hardware Home key. It's annoying to need physical force for a frequent task that should only take a slight touch.
Is there some way to work around the hardware Home key and avoid using it? Some of the reviews have mentioned on-screen keys, is it possible to keep those enable in all orientations & applications? Alternatively, is it possible to remap one of the capacitive keys to become a Home button?
Any methods or tips about how to avoid using the hardware Home key would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Custom ROM

MikeChelen said:
The Note 8 looks great except for the hardware Home key. It's annoying to need physical force for a frequent task that should only take a slight touch.
Is there some way to work around the hardware Home key and avoid using it? Some of the reviews have mentioned on-screen keys, is it possible to keep those enable in all orientations & applications? Alternatively, is it possible to remap one of the capacitive keys to become a Home button?
Any methods or tips about how to avoid using the hardware Home key would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LMT Pie

MikeChelen said:
The Note 8 looks great except for the hardware Home key. It's annoying to need physical force for a frequent task that should only take a slight touch.
Is there some way to work around the hardware Home key and avoid using it? Some of the reviews have mentioned on-screen keys, is it possible to keep those enable in all orientations & applications? Alternatively, is it possible to remap one of the capacitive keys to become a Home button?
Any methods or tips about how to avoid using the hardware Home key would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you use your Note 8 in landscape mode, you'll soon wish all keys were physical, not capacitive.

tokugawa said:
If you use your Note 8 in landscape mode, you'll soon wish all keys were physical, not capacitive.
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Click to collapse
This is my concern, Im hoping that by using a case that goes over the bevel rather than sits flush with it, my palm will be less likely to brush against the back and menu capacitive buttons when playing games or drawing. My device should be arriving this evening so I will have to experiment to find my best solution. I dont want to mod the software to disble the buttons and get the traditional menu bar on the screen. I value the screen real estate. If they were physical buttons I wouldnt have this issue

hertsjoatmon said:
This is my concern, Im hoping that by using a case that goes over the bevel rather than sits flush with it, my palm will be less likely to brush against the back and menu capacitive buttons when playing games or drawing. My device should be arriving this evening so I will have to experiment to find my best solution. I dont want to mod the software to disble the buttons and get the traditional menu bar on the screen. I value the screen real estate. If they were physical buttons I wouldnt have this issue
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Click to collapse
It's still a bit annoying to me in landscape mode, but in Portrait mode it's been actually quite fine (even drawing). Perfect would be an app that could just temporarily disable/toggle it (maybe via a small 1x1 widget). Then if I want to use it in landscape mode (or whenever Im going to use it in a way that could be annoying with the capacitive keys), I could simply turn it on.
I do like the physical/capacitive keys in general too, since I also value the screen real estate so I guess for me a toggle solution would be best. Maybe I'll investigate into it and make it myself...

Or you can add Home button as Multiwindow "app" with this
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.t2.shome
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

Hi, there's a way for disabling the capacitive keys, just look under development here on this forum. The mod will disable the keys and require the S Pen to make them work (quite useful for landscape) to enable On-Screen Buttons you should try this (works on the Galaxy S3/Note/Note II) I haven't tested in the Note 8 but I will as soon as I get mine (by the end of this month).
Enable on-screen buttons:
You will need root access for this.
Install ES File Explorer File Manager on your Note from the Play Store. This is a file manager that will be used to edit those system files to enable/disable on-screen/soft buttons.
Open ES Explorer. Then, click the menu button on your device and click Settings. Here, tick the “Up to Root” option. Then go down and tick the “Root Explorer” option, then press Allow/Grant button when prompted to grant it root access. Then, tick the “Mount File System Option” as well. Once all three options are selected, press back to exit the settings.
Hit the Up on top in ES Explorer till you reach the outermost folder (till it says / at the top).
Go into the system folder, then scroll down to find the build.prop file (Copy this file to a Safe location!!).
Tap on this file to start editing it. If you get an “Open With” prompt, select “ES Note Editor”.
Now, at the end of the file (at the bottom after the last line), add the line “qemu.hw.mainkeys=0″ (without the ” quotes), then save the file (press the Menu button to see the Save option).
Then, reboot. After the boot up, you should have the virtual on-screen buttons on your screen.
Sent from my XT925 using xda app-developers app

EDIT

How-to: disable the home button
The thread that Samper was referring to is at: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2250941
I can't post there yet, so I would like to add here that after disabling the menu/back buttons as described there, I worked out how to disable the home button. Following the same instructions as in the above link, also edit the gpio-keys.kl, changing the last line by adding a # to the beginning, so it looks like this:
Code:
#key 172 HOME WAKE
Now that all three buttons are completely dead (though the pen will still activate the menu/back buttons), I use LMT Launcher to provide pie controls at the bottom of the screen. Get it here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1330150. PieControl from the Play Store is an easier-to-configure but less powerful alternative to LMT.