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Looking at the softkeys, where is the Menu key? I see Home, Back, and the new Multitasking key, but no Menu. How can this be? The iOS method of integrating all menu options into the application UI is terrible, and what about apps made before ICS? Lack of a Menu key would make them unusable. I must be missing something here, but I can't see what it might be.
A virtual menu button appears in the form of 3 dots. It can be seen in this photo.
Tung_meister said:
A virtual menu button appears in the form of 3 dots. It can be seen in this photo.
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Nice catch. Was wondering about that.
Menu items are represented by the 3 vertical dots at the top right corner of apps.
The indication is that new apps should no longer hide their menus, but rather make them intuitive to access in the app's UI.
For legacy apps, we'll probably see a menu button of some type appear along with the 3 softkeys at the bottom.
On my Honeycomb tablet either a button is in the top right corner or another is added to the bottom when menu is needed... I'm guessing HC is a good example of what we'll be getting, and if so I look forward to it
Thanks so much for a useful thread. I was actually wondering about that myself. Glad to know its non-obtrusive and clean
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
You have lost the search button though. Not all apps will handle this well... I had to tweak an app I was writing because of this (luckily found fairly early during testing on Honeycomb).
Of course for most apps search isn't useful - probably why they removed the dedicated key.
TonyHoyle said:
You have lost the search button though. Not all apps will handle this well... I had to tweak an app I was writing because of this (luckily found fairly early during testing on Honeycomb).
Of course for most apps search isn't useful - probably why they removed the dedicated key.
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The idea is if the app needs search in order to function properly, you just put the search button up in the menu bar, just like they're doing with settings buttons.
Otherwise, the google search button is at the top of every homescreen now.
martonikaj said:
The idea is if the app needs search in order to function properly, you just put the search button up in the menu bar, just like they're doing with settings buttons.
Otherwise, the google search button is at the top of every homescreen now.
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The menu button happens automatically (technically, since 2.3 android has called onCreateOptionsMenu at activity startup so it knows you need it already).
There simply is no search button in Honeycomb/ICS - you have to stick it on the options menu, the action bar*.. somewhere the user can reach it. That needs code (not much.. respond to 'search' in the options menu by calling onSearchRequested()).. existing apps will simply lose that function if they run on ICS assuming a button exists.
We're not talking about a lot of apps here.. Not much point in a search function in 'Angry Birds' for example. Just something to bear in mind when developing a new app or trying to work out if your favourite app will work without issue on ICS.
Home screen search is totally different.. that searches the global search (emails, contacts, etc.). Different class of app entirely.
* The honeycomb search widgets are really flexible, but of course not available unless you break compatibility with <3.0.
TonyHoyle said:
You have lost the search button though. Not all apps will handle this well... I had to tweak an app I was writing because of this (luckily found fairly early during testing on Honeycomb).
Of course for most apps search isn't useful - probably why they removed the dedicated key.
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There are already quite a few phones out there without a search button. My almost 2 years old X10 doesn't have a dedicated search button and i never missed it. The search function is bound to long-press menu at the x10. Given the fact that ICS has a dedicated task switcher button, they could bind the search to long-press home for example. Just an idea though
Sent from my X10i using XDA App
qwer23 said:
There are already quite a few phones out there without a search button. My almost 2 years old X10 doesn't have a dedicated search button and i never missed it. The search function is bound to long-press menu at the x10. Given the fact that ICS has a dedicated task switcher button, they could bind the search to long-press home for example.
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Hmm.. news to me - I've never seen an android phone without one. Lucky I was doing tablet compatibility testing then
There will probably also be custom roms that put it back (since a custom rom can do anything it likes with the buttons.. change their apparence, colour, hide them completely, make them dance up and down..).
TonyHoyle said:
Hmm.. news to me - I've never seen an android phone without one. Lucky I was doing tablet compatibility testing then
There will probably also be custom roms that put it back (since a custom rom can do anything it likes with the buttons.. change their apparence, colour, hide them completely, make them dance up and down..).
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The Galaxy series in general (SGS1, SGS2) do not have a dedicated search button. They have just the menu, home and back buttons. However search is bound as a long press to the menu button which I guess won't be possible anymore. Haven't really found search to be that vital (maybe because I don't want to long press the menu button just to bring it up when I can search in other ways)
Since it's purely software, I know for a fact someone will mod in a search key.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 using XDA Ultimate App
That would be pointless. When search is available, the search box will appear in the menu bar of the app.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
I'm looking for an app or a tweak so I can assign search to triangle or square, also so it can be more compatible with games that don't recognize square and triangle.
First off you have to be rooted, then go into /system/usr/keylayout. Edit "keypad-zeus.kl" with a plain-text editor.
Replace "key 308 BUTTON_Y WAKE_DROPPED" with "key 308 SEARCH ALT WAKE_DROPPED" to make the triangle into a secondary search button.
Replace "key 307 BUTTON_X WAKE_DROPPED" with "key 307 SEARCH ALT WAKE_DROPPED" to make the square into a secondary search button.
If you want menu instead of search, just replace SEARCH with MENU
EDIT: By the way, the number of spaces don't matter. Also, make ABSOLUTELY sure the file's permissions stay the same (owner=read/write, group=read, others=read) otherwise you will not be able to use the buttons until it's corrected!
How about using the triggers to switch pages on the launcher? I'm trying to make an Xperia Play optimized interface.
Selim873 said:
How about using the triggers to switch pages on the launcher? I'm trying to make an Xperia Play optimized interface.
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I'm not sure how possible that one is, unless your launcher specifically allows switching pages via hardware keys
I'll check some of the free launchers and see if they do.
EDIT: LauncherPro can use the trackball to scroll through screens, I'm not sure if movement to the left and right can be mapped with the triggers or emulated on the touch pads. I'll look around and see if I find anything, if you already know, let me know.
Is there a list of button functions somewhere that we can assign? Camera, menu, music player, etc.
Triangle works great as search btw! Thank you
OtherJonny said:
Is there a list of button functions somewhere that we can assign? Camera, menu, music player, etc.
Triangle works great as search btw! Thank you
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This wouldn't be much help since you need the search button, but I think there's a launcher out there that will replace the search button command to any app/activity installed. I also recommend the Camera Mod app from the market that was made for the Xperia Play, it will let you snap a picture using the right trigger.
Selim873 said:
This wouldn't be much help since you need the search button, but I think there's a launcher out there that will replace the search button command to any app/activity installed. I also recommend the Camera Mod app from the market that was made for the Xperia Play, it will let you snap a picture using the right trigger.
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I was just wondering if there were anymore default functions that could be assigned, not necessarily to a 3rd party function. The camera mod is great! Wish the camera could zoom though :/
I know there is a mod that adds a search button to the bottom dock of icons. Is there a mod or a way to REMOVE the app switcher icon, add the search icon and make either long-pressing the back or home button to bring up the most recent apps available?
This would leave us with the back, home and search buttons and I think it would be more effective. Is it possible? Has it been done?
its possible but you need to be well versed in coding
spitefulcheerio said:
its possible but you need to be well versed in coding
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NEvermind! I JUST found that in the latest [ROM][AOSP 4.0.3] Android Open Kang, this has been included!! LOVE IT!
I've resorted to this because...
1. Modifying "kl" files doesn't work for me.
2. I don't like using softkeys
*PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK. I AM NOT LIABLE IF YOU SOMEHOW DAMAGED YOUR PHONE.
*EVERYTHING IS REVERSIBLE by just removing the apps listed below.
Hi everyone,
If you are just like me, wanting to mitigate from accidentally clicking home button while supposedly trying to click space bar while typing, here is my suggestion.
1. You need root
2. Install xposed app
3. Install xposed gravityboxLp module (NO NEED FOR THIS - EVERYTHING CAN BE DONE ON Xposed Addition Module)
4. Install xposed additions module
Xposed additions: you need to remap each button to your preference.
My current setup:
BACK button:
click = go back
click+hold = forcekill foreground app
HOME button:
click = disabled
click+hold = go home (this may not work, so you might need to call your launcher activity instead)
RECENT button:
click = show recent apps
click+hold = screenshot
Don't forget to click thanks and, if not so burdensome, reply here if this has helped you. thanks
BTW, if you guys have simpler/better solution that this, please do share. thanks.
xgneilx said:
BTW, if you guys have simpler/better solution that this, please do share. thanks.
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Change keyboard to Google keyboard...
Oh, and stop eating all those sweets and lollies that are making your fingers pudgy...
ultramag69 said:
Change keyboard to Google keyboard...
Oh, and stop eating all those sweets and lollies that are making your fingers pudgy...
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thanks for this suggestion. however, it didn't get the job done
One way to temporary disable the home and task switch key is to use screen pinning:
http://www.howtogeek.com/202841/how-to-pin-screens-in-android-5.0-for-more-security-and-privacy/
Back key still work, and it last until you quit the app. I only use it for running Asphalt 8, since my left thumb tends to hit those keys when playing.
cf18 said:
One way to temporary disable the home and task switch key is to use screen pinning:
http://www.howtogeek.com/202841/how-to-pin-screens-in-android-5.0-for-more-security-and-privacy/
Back key still work, and it last until you quit the app. I only use it for running Asphalt 8, since my left thumb tends to hit those keys when playing.
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I tried this one too. But pinning foreground apps just just to mitigate from accidentally clicking the home won't work for me. thanks for this though.
xgneilx said:
In gravitybox, manage the behavior of your capacitive buttons by appropriating each purpose to meet your requirements
In xposed additions, you need to remap your home button and set a condition that will disable it's click functionality.
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It works. I only installed the xposed additions, and set the home button to respond to long click on screen-on.
"RECENT button:
click = show recent apps
click+hold = screenshot "
I am sure that there are some applications where the default "click+hold" function of recent apps button, i.e. calling up the app menu, may come handy as those apps don't have the three dots in upper right corner or that hype design....yes, "material" they call it
How would you proceed to call up the menu in such cases?
Just my observation/warning for users, otherwise your solution is a good one, I used to have similar settings through Gravity Box.
Heh, my thumb still keeps hitting a "." key on my favourite keyboard instead of spacebar due to ZF2 having a slightly larger screen than my previous device )
mp3comanche said:
"RECENT button:
click = show recent apps
click+hold = screenshot "
I am sure that there are some applications where the default "click+hold" function of recent apps button, i.e. calling up the app menu, may come handy as those apps don't have the three dots in upper right corner or that hype design....yes, "material" they call it
How would you proceed to call up the menu in such cases?
Just my observation/warning for users, otherwise your solution is a good one, I used to have similar settings through Gravity Box.
Heh, my thumb still keeps hitting a "." key on my favourite keyboard instead of spacebar due to ZF2 having a slightly larger screen than my previous device )
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Good that you've mentioned the possible issue with app menu. I honestly haven't experienced the issue with any app that i use to call upon app menu, but i think we can still add double tap in gravity box on recent key to do that.
So far, i am still mistyping due to big hands, but at least I no longer experience being brought back to home accidentally.
great one
does anybody here have better solution than this?
Basically my HU is one capactive buttons but only for home, volume up/down, and back. They don't work all that great so I'm looking for a launcher perhaps can incorporate some custom buttons at the bottom or side of all screens sort of like the top bar w/ the home and back buttons. I'd like to put a navi, volume+/-, and a pandora button where I can easily switch apps without having to go back then to the app. Currently I'm using next launcher.
Thanks for any help you can provide.
Dave
which head unit do you currently have?
This one
i was looking at one of those, what goes wrong with the buttons?
Nothing really it just seems the way I have my install it is hard to get an entire finger onto the button to activate it.
Dave
TT_Vert said:
Nothing really it just seems the way I have my install it is hard to get an entire finger onto the button to activate it.
Dave
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oh, I see how that could be a problem
Yeah it is behind a bezel so it looks flush but it eats up a bit of real estate since it the bezel on top of it is curved. I just hope I can find a launcher that has software buttons on the bottom.
Dave
TT_Vert said:
Yeah it is behind a bezel so it looks flush but it eats up a bit of real estate since it the bezel on top of it is curved. I just hope I can find a launcher that has software buttons on the bottom.
Dave
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How about a xposed module? I think Gravity box allows adding of pie controls.
Researching this now but can it be always there rather than triggered by touch?
I've played w/ pie and it isn't what I need. Really want perm. buttons down there that I can program. IE, volume up/down, navi, pandora, next, previous play. Even if it just shifted everything up a hair, i'll have to see if there is a launcher to do this.
Dave
TT_Vert said:
I've played w/ pie and it isn't what I need. Really want perm. buttons down there that I can program. IE, volume up/down, navi, pandora, next, previous play. Even if it just shifted everything up a hair, i'll have to see if there is a launcher to do this.
Dave
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There is this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2270198 Not sure if it would work on our devices. I returned my unit with the capacitive buttons on the side and went with one that has actual push buttons so you can get property feedback from them.
I'm looking or one that will not float atop other apps but rather occupy a predefined amount of space and push up the apps. I would lose maybe 3/8" of screenspace but then I can access apps directly from thoese buttons. I found an app called auto hide softkeys which allows me to sort of customize a bar but i need to swipe up to activate it. I can only add volume up/down and apps but i cannot find a way to add buttons to pause or skip songs. I'm looking into that apps XML file now but I don't thinK i can edit it.
Dave
You can always try adding the line
Code:
qemu.hw.mainkeys=0
to the build.prop file, might not work since I think it is heavily dependent on the framework, but its meant to force the soft navigation bar by tell the ROM that there are no hardware buttons. I'm not sure you will be able to customize it fully the way you want. Does your car not have steering wheel controls?
Right but I also need to customize the navigation bar. I will try to modify that line and see. That app you linked me to is just like what I've been playing with and neither has the option to allow forward/next of audio.. Changing that line to 0 just messed up resolution and didn't actually make that bar permanent. Even if I have to swipe up it isn't a huge deal but I do need to find a way to get a next button.
TT_Vert said:
Right but I also need to customize the navigation bar. I will try to modify that line and see. That app you linked me to is just like what I've been playing with and neither has the option to allow forward/next of audio.
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The xposed module xposed additions allows you to remap the buttons, but I don't think you can add additional ones.
I think you will find you have an either or choice, either you can have a permanent navbar that you can't customize or you can have a floating 'widget' that you can customize.
jakejm79 said:
The xposed module xposed additions allows you to remap the buttons, but I don't think you can add additional ones.
I think you will find you have an either or choice, either you can have a permanent navbar that you can't customize or you can have a floating 'widget' that you can customize.
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Perhaps I can find a launcher that has this capability built in. Even the customized navbar doesn't allow me to skip to next song in pandora. Not a deal breaker but it'd be nice if I could find something that would display the navbar permanently even at the expense of a bit of screen space.
Dave