Hey guys Ive never used this Nexus interface and the on-screen buttons for home, back and other apps seems to be wasting too much screen space for me.... Is there a way to customize these buttons??? that would be awesome.
I use pie controls from cm 10.2 on mine
Get a cusom ROM. Then modify it's framework-res.apk to match your requirements.
Custom ROMs have tons of flexibility over these. Change the size, icons, transparency, color, shape, location, hide, auto-hide, etc.
I'm using CM10.2 Kanged. It has the options you want.
For example you can hide the bar and setup swipe gustures. Like swipe left for Back, swipe up for recents, swipe down for home.
Or use PIE Controls.
Or some other app.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
How to enjoy Nexus 7 in Fullscreen
Karbooo said:
Hey guys Ive never used this Nexus interface and the on-screen buttons for home, back and other apps seems to be wasting too much screen space for me.... Is there a way to customize these buttons??? that would be awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This can be achieved in multiple ways, my recommendations as follows:
Using Stock ROM
First, you need to have root access. Search the forums on how to root your nexus 7. (Its quite easy)
Then, install the Gesture Control app from play store - it allows you to use configurable gestures to perform back/home/menu etc actions.
Finally, using ES File Explorer or some other root explorer, you can modify the build.prop file in the system partition to hide the bottom navigation bar:
Code:
qemu.hw.mainkeys=1
Then you'd be able to enjoy your nexus 7 in fullscreen.
Using Cynaogenmod
Alternatively, you can use Cyanogenmod 10.2 ROM, which allows you to switch to fullscreen mode by holding the power button and selecting "Expanded Desktop". Cyanogenmod also includes a Pie Control app, which allows you to swipe your finger from the edge to reveal a navigation control. All this can be configured under Settings > System.
This is how I am using my nexus at the moment. Highly recommend.
pie stable?
I liked using pie on my n4, but I found it to be temperamental. Has the stability been improved now? I'm not a massive fan of the on screen nav buttons.
duvall87 said:
I liked using pie on my n4, but I found it to be temperamental. Has the stability been improved now? I'm not a massive fan of the on screen nav buttons.
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Click to collapse
Not in my experience. I'm still waiting for someone to port tablet ui to cm 10.2
The real estate you are getting with the buttons still there is 1080p. Do you need more than that? Full sreening movies will distort the image to fit your space. Like everyone said, a custom rom will do you well. My only issue is that I like having the menu button down there.
Sent from my HTCONE
Thanks for the replies everyone I went with the clean rom and a beta kernel that allows for tap-to-wake which is great and I've been using GMD gestures to navigate throughout my tablet it's very very good our also works to hide the status bar with a single swipe.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
If you have root, my app can hide/show navigation bar without reboot - GMD Auto Hide Soft Keys
hey dude thanks for this tip it did exactly what i wanted!!!...I'm running CleanROM which i didnt want to change so i modified the build.prop file and it worked like a charm.
As for replacement for the soft keys I'm using the customizable pie keys from LMT launcher by a dude from tha XDA community: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1330150 SICK app.
and Stupididea nice to meet you dude I bought your gestures app and i use it for my Galaxy S4 and the Nexus 7 it's amazing! especially with the side launchers...Is there any way to back up the custom gestures? i gotta do em everytime i flash :\.
Related
Good day fellas,
Wanted to know if anyone knows of an app compatible with JB on Nexus 7 that will hide the Nav bar with the soft buttons off the screen.
I'm looking for something simple along the lines of 2 finger swipe from the bottom of the screen will show it, whereas 2 finger swipe off the screen on the bottom will hide it.
Thank you,
Khar00f
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Khar00f said:
Good day fellas,
Wanted to know if anyone knows of an app compatible with JB on Nexus 7 that will hide the Nav bar with the soft buttons off the screen.
I'm looking for something simple along the lines of 2 finger swipe from the bottom of the screen will show it, whereas 2 finger swipe off the screen on the bottom will hide it.
Thank you,
Khar00f
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd also love to find something similar. I was watching a show on MX video player last night and couldn't get the bar to go away.
dezixn said:
I'd also love to find something similar. I was watching a show on MX video player last night and couldn't get the bar to go away.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was just thinking the same thing. Anyone figured it out?
Gmd gesture in play store. Requires root though.
the apk in this thread works with the Nexus 7. just remember you have to reboot for it to take effect. this will permanently remove the nav buttons but you can just use the apk to get them back. make sure to have LMT or some other nav buttons app before using this apk. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1497558
here's the LMT thread, i find it useful even with the soft buttons.
I have to say it does drive me insane in some games. I have one game that I just keep pressing and dragging up (because that is how the game is played), and get that idiotic Now screen. It makes me spit! I know it should be disabled by the app, but it should be removable.
FullScreenToggleV2
just installed FullScreenToggleV2.apk and Button Savior from google play and it works like a dream no my nexus 7 stock room /rooted, really love it not to have the stupid thick navigation bar there, Button Savior is just tiny dot with pop up navigation menu that can be placed anywhere around.
SGT7 and Glazed Rom both have hide nav bar obtions through swipe or power options.
Just to let others know, Gesture Control on the play store works with the nexus 7!
This gives you iPad style multi touch gesture control of your nexus and let's you hide the home/back/status bar giving you real full screen apps!
for those of us that arent ipad users, how exactly does one perform such a feat?
nickL0V3 said:
for those of us that arent ipad users, how exactly does one perform such a feat?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can customise the gestures but for example the defaults are :
4 pinger pinch to close the app/go back to launcher. 4 finger spread out to load a quick launcher with app shortcuts.
3 fingers to the right to task switch to previously loaded app. 3 fingers swipe up to hide status bar/buttons
3 fingers swipe down to go 'back' e.g previous web page etc.
All can be customised or even make a gesture load a specific app
If you guys want true and easy edge Swype gestures try out Aaron’s linaro rom with edge swipe and tablet mode.
Just loving it
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
I had this app a while ago on my touchpad and now have it in the nexus 7. Great app. Have custom gestures srtu for toggling status bar, etc.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Am I looking at the right one in the play store? $5 and requires root?
I also recommend gmd Gesture control for those who don't have it, in particular the paid version which allows you to hide bar by the swipe of the screen.
Needs root.
Have any of you done this to actually hide the Back/Home/Recents bar?
I cannot find the option to hide it without hiding disabling status bar as well.
Thanks
Is there a way to make the navigation bar stay on the right side of the screen when in landscape mode like the Nexus phones (see attachments)? The screen is already quite narrow to begin with; it seems like such a waste of space for the software buttons to be on the bottom. I already searched around but the best I've found so far is GMD Auto Hide Soft Keys. It helps but I'd rather move the navigation bar to the side instead of hiding it. Stock ROM, rooted.
Yeah I want this as well.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Aokp had this feature although it got messed up in later nightlies.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Gonna have to wait for custom Roms but I don't think any of the developers have this thing yet? I'm probably wrong though
Sent from my Nexus 7 2013
Its not only a waste of valuable screen space in landscape, it puts the home key in the least convenient place possible: in the middle as far as possible from both thumbs. What a horrible design decision.
Only reason I'm getting custom rom is this.
Apex launcher will do this. Not sure why you would want to tho.
tweaked said:
Apex launcher will do this. Not sure why you would want to tho.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
where in APEX?
If you have root GMD Auto Hide Soft Keys allows to hide stock navigation bar and adds Quick Bar (autohide navigation bar) instead. Latest beta added option to move Quick Bar to side in landscape.
I had it on PA3.93, by default. But then I played around with UIs & updating PA... then I couldn't see it anymore.
I think it's pretty neat. I'm on a different ROM (Slim) now.
StupidIdea said:
If you have root GMD Auto Hide Soft Keys allows to hide stock navigation bar and adds Quick Bar (autohide navigation bar) instead. Latest beta added option to move Quick Bar to side in landscape.
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Click to collapse
Ohhhhh good to know about the option to move to the side. Thanks.
What I didn't love about autohide was that there was stuff under the bar when it wasn't hidden. That means you don't just hide it when you want more real estate, but also when its blocking things. Just leaving it on the side would have been better.
rumatt said:
Its not only a waste of valuable screen space in landscape, it puts the home key in the least convenient place possible: in the middle as far as possible from both thumbs. What a horrible design decision.
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Click to collapse
The whole in screen nav bar in general was a horrible design decision. Google should fire whoever came up with that idea. My biggest gripe with Android is that stupid nav bar. All Android devices should have 3 capacitive buttons.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using xda premium
_MetalHead_ said:
The whole in screen nav bar in general was a horrible design decision. Google should fire whoever came up with that idea. My biggest gripe with Android is that stupid nav bar. All Android devices should have 3 capacitive buttons.
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Click to collapse
I agree with you 100 percent. But surprisingly a lot of folks seem to love them. It baffles me to waste some of the most valuable screen real estate (near your thumbs) but to each his own.
My solution is to return the nexus 7 and buyb Samsung devices. I have an s3 phone, Note 8, and Tab 3 8. One of the two tablets will go but I cant ddecide which. Both are quite nice.
Dimethyl said:
Is there a way to make the navigation bar stay on the right side of the screen when in landscape mode like the Nexus phones (see attachments)? The screen is already quite narrow to begin with; it seems like such a waste of space for the software buttons to be on the bottom. I already searched around but the best I've found so far is GMD Auto Hide Soft Keys. It helps but I'd rather move the navigation bar to the side instead of hiding it. Stock ROM, rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not what you are looking for but checkout my thread on how to reduce the size of the navigation bar. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2412699
+1 would also like to see it on the side like on my galaxy nexus. if anyone could make a flashable zip would be great. don´t want to use a thirdapplication for something "simple" like that. but gonna give the app a try.
GMD Auto Hide Softkeys + GMD Gesture Control (to replace the Back, Home and Recent buttons with gestures - use 1-step gestures with 3 fingers to make it fastest and most convenient).
In GMD Auto Hide, set it so that the navigation bar comes up by swiping, not by tapping. And set "Trigger sensitivity" to 1 so that taps in the lowest area are not interpreted as trigger attempts (important when using keyboard).
Best Solution, hands down. Try it.
I actually wanted the opposite; nav-bar on bottom.
I finally got it on the bottom by messing around in the PA hybrid properties. Changed my interface to Phablet mode with a DPI of 320, nav-bar height set to 50% for more screen real-estate (plus, I like the smaller button icons). I know you probably want a solution other than "Flash x custom ROM and mess with these settings" but if nothing else, maybe the DPI and nav-bar settings will point you in the right direction. Plus, you might actually decide to flash PA and edit those settings.
Wished nav bar would relocate to the top when playing games since I always hit them by accident ruining the experience. Prefer hardware buttons because of this.
GMD Auto Hide Soft Keys can also completely disable navbar.
You also can use Xposed Framework with module "Gravity Box" and set to "Expanded Desktop".
I'm running PAC-Man ROM and am thankful for the settings that allow me to use gestures (when the S Pen's button is held) but it's a huge pain to have to hold the button for these gestures. The button on the pen is too low on the pen for my liking when I'm trying to use it as a pointing device/extension of my hand.
A couple of ideas I have had:
-the input settings that I described earlier
-the Sidebar application. I would love it if I could access shortcuts through Sidebar that emulate the back and menu keys but unfortunately the only button that can be emulated is the home key!
-CM S Pen Add-on used in conjunction with Note Buddy. I like the idea here, but I'd like to know if there's a way to automatically activate the AOSP on-screen buttons when I detach the S-Pen, but Note Buddy doesn't seem to support any extensions.
Are there any other solutions you guys have come up with that allow me to use my Note in a practical way with ONLY the S-Pen? That means I don't want to have to take any fingers off of the pen or have to lift my other hand to press the menu and back buttons.
I use GMD SPen control & cant say enugh good things about it! It can do everything you are looking for (I think) I have it open lecture notes when I detach the pen, & simulate the home button when I attach it! But you can set up any user gestures you want!
Just bought the pro version...
Very nice application...
And it's running well on carbon 1.8..
Thank you....g
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using XDA Premium HD app
I'm not really willing to shell out $6 just yet... I'll have to do some more research!
I also found another method: use the ribbons feature built into PAC-Man ROM (not sure if it's an AOKP feature) in order to swipe out a tray from the right side of the screen that has the nav buttons in it. Still wish I could get the real navbar to display by default though!
Edit: Just remembered there's also PA Pie.
To add a navbar to ANY rom that doesnt have one..
open your buildprop (in /system)
scroll down to the bottom, and after the last line, add this line
qemu.hw.mainkeys=0
save the changes, reboot the phone, and BOOM, you have a navbar..works on AOSP and TW roms..
wase4711 said:
To add a navbar to ANY rom that doesnt have one..
open your buildprop (in /system)
scroll down to the bottom, and after the last line, add this line
qemu.hw.mainkeys=0
save the changes, reboot the phone, and BOOM, you have a navbar..works on AOSP and TW roms..
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Click to collapse
Getting a navbar to display is not the issue. What's difficult is trying to get the navbar to display only when the pen is detached! :/
rrroach said:
Getting a navbar to display is not the issue. What's difficult is trying to get the navbar to display only when the pen is detached! :/
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Click to collapse
I have a tasker task to launch with the help of secure settings to hide the navigation bar when spen is attached and to show it when I de-attach the spen. Just take advantage of the expandable desktop function (and select it to only hide the nav bar when pen is inserted).
Works like a charm.
pemell said:
I have a tasker task to launch with the help of secure settings to hide the navigation bar when spen is attached and to show it when I de-attach the spen. Just take advantage of the expandable desktop function (and select it to only hide the nav bar when pen is inserted).
Works like a charm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you referring to the "Expand desktop" option under Custom ROM Actions? That option has a red circle next to it for me, meaning that it is not supported by my ROM. :'(
Which rom are you on? Is it featured in your rom?
If so, you need to turn on expanded desktop and reboot. You might also need to make secure settings a device administrator.
For me, on SlimBean, it's a red circle at first too, but it turns green when following my steps above.
Try it out and report your progress.
Skickat från min GT-N7105 med Tapatalk
pemell said:
Which rom are you on? Is it featured in your rom?
If so, you need to turn on expanded desktop and reboot. You might also need to make secure settings a device administrator.
For me, on SlimBean, it's a red circle at first too, but it turns green when following my steps above.
Try it out and report your progress.
Skickat från min GT-N7105 med Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reboot worked! Can't believe I hadn't thought of that. xP
I just bought the Nexus 7 2013, and coming from the original Galaxy Tab (2010) the absence of hardware buttons drives me crazy because of the Navigation Bar (I hope this is the right term for it) which I dont like.
Reasons:
- I press the buttons accidentally when using the keyboard
- It is a waste of vertical screen space when in landscape mode
So is there any way to put the navbar to the right in landscape mode (like on most phones)? Like some magic build.prop hack?
I am currently on cm11 official nightlies, but changing roms or patching the source myself if necessary is an option too.
Any hints?
areshinakya said:
I just bought the Nexus 7 2013, and coming from the original Galaxy Tab (2010) the absence of hardware buttons drives me crazy because of the Navigation Bar (I hope this is the right term for it) which I dont like.
Reasons:
- I press the buttons accidentally when using the keyboard
- It is a waste of vertical screen space when in landscape mode
So is there any way to put the navbar to the right in landscape mode (like on most phones)? Like some magic build.prop hack?
I am currently on cm11 official nightlies, but changing roms or patching the source myself if necessary is an option too.
Any hints?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not an ideal solution, bit you can use phab7 -
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/modules/mod-phab7-v0-99-reboot-ui-switcher-t2545080
Chose phone ui, and it will put them on the right in landscape. I say its not ideal because it spread's the buttons out and causes the Google now ring to be off center. Unfortunately it doesn't support tablet ui (apparently google took it out in 4.4+), but phone ui, and split menus work on KitKat.
I personality use pie controls from gravity box, and force immersive on any apps I want fullscreen with Xutilites -
http://repo.xposed.info/module/com.nagopy.android.xposed.utilities
So all my games/chrome/play magazines/etc. automatically go immersive, I hated having to switch it on and off all the time, so this worked for me. I also use gravity box to make the nav bar smaller, so when it is there it takes up less room. The nav bar will still pop up with the keyboard if you go this rout tho. You could disable it completely with gravity box, but you would have to really like pie controls for that lol. Gravity box -
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/modules/app-gravitybox-v2-9-1-tweak-box-android-t2554049
These are all Xposed framework mods BTW, I am assuming you'd be comfortable with this since your running a custom ROM. I hate the lost pixels as well. Best of luck reclaiming the rest your screen
Thanks for the detailed reply :good:
I am very satisfied with the results with phab7.
Adding a 4th icon to the navigation bar was necessary to have them look centered again.
I am completely gapps free - so the google now problem does not apply to me