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From the reviews on youtube, it seems evident that Multi-View no longer supports multiple floating windows as the Note 10.1 1st gen has.
What happened? Is this downgrade a sign of things to come?
klau1 said:
From the reviews on youtube, it seems evident that Multi-View no longer supports multiple floating windows as the Note 10.1 1st gen has.
What happened? Is this downgrade a sign of things to come?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's gone. Since Note 8 only 2 windows side by side are available. But now there is an option to open small floating window through Air Command, called Pen Window, only few apps are supported (calculator, web browser, youtube, few more). If smart people from this board can find a way to add other apps to Pen Window, then we're back to having floating windows.
Floating mode has been replaced by pen window. You can open up as many pen windows as you want in addition to the two side by side apps. It's actually better, we just need someone to produce a hack where we can add more apps to the pen window menu.
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Premium HD app
They've modded the note 8 rom to have floating windows. the note 2 also.
ddavtian said:
If smart people from this board can find a way to add other apps to Pen Window, then we're back to having floating windows.
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Click to collapse
jaaka78 said:
we just need someone to produce a hack where we can add more apps to the pen window menu.
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Click to collapse
I believe I read somewhere about the Note 3 that someone (from XDA) figured out how to get any app to show up in the selection for pen windows. It's apparently a fairly simple modification, but one that has to be made to each app that you want to use as a floating app. All in all, I think we'll have any app we want floating around quite soon.
The_Maverick said:
I believe I read somewhere about the Note 3 that someone (from XDA) figured out how to get any app to show up in the selection for pen windows. It's apparently a fairly simple modification, but one that has to be made to each app that you want to use as a floating app. All in all, I think we'll have any app we want floating around quite soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya I have the note 3 and its an apk which allows you to pick any app to show up in pen window. 100% something if not same app will show for note 2014
Necroing this thread. I have this very same issue on the Galaxy Note 10.1 (2012) that I upgraded to KitKat 4.4.2 , All was fine until I loaded my S-Note app to try do a floating window that I normally do and discovered there's no option any where to make the S-Note a window, just full screen. The floating S-Pen menu only gives the Action memo (not what I want) and the Pen window feature didn't even list S-Note among it, I looked further to see you can drag the icon into the Pen window but S-Note still will not launch in a window.
What is this apk file that allows multi-windows? What a downgrade to remove a very useful feature. I would float the S-Note in a window and pin it to take notes as I scroll through the Bible app during church. I can't believe Samsung didn't see the usefulness of that feature to not carry it over to the new OS.
1.Hello, so the old note 10.1 has a "resize/multi window" button on the top right corner, how do I resize the internet browser in the 2014 edition w/o going into multi-window mode? As in just dragging the window a bit smaller?
2. Also, for settings - is it possible for settings to be in multi-window mode? I'd rather have it on the side so I can browse the internet while playing with the settings?
3. Anyway to close the internet browser by just pressing "x" in the corner or somewhere?
4. Also, how to resize apps like gallery w/o doing multiwindow?
5. Anyone else experience lag a bit w/ BT keyboard? When I get the word "English (US)" on bottom I always experience a bit of lag? Fix? I disabled onscreen keyboard.
6. For registering the $600 dollar parks, it keeps saying incorrect serial number and MAC address? I cannot seem to register.
Thanks!
Hahahalalala said:
Hello, so the old note 10.1 has a "resize/multi window" button on the top right corner, how do I resize the internet browser in the 2014 edition w/o going into multi-window mode? As in just dragging the window a bit smaller?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't. If you want a resizable window open the browser in Pen Window using Air Command. Once you do, when you minimize it, you'll get a floating icon that lets you use your N10.1-14 normally but by clicking on the icon you can then open the browser at any time. A Multi View option like what you know as "Cascade" on the old Note is coming in the 4.4/M-UX update.
Also, for settings - is it possible for settings to be in multi-window mode? I'd rather have it on the side so I can browse the internet while playing with the settings?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. But using the above you can open a browser and have it running on top of anything else you want.
Anyway to close the internet browser by just pressing "x" in the corner or somewhere?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have a single browsing session up clicking "X" on its tab closes it and ends your Internet session (hitting "back" exists out of the browser). If you have multiple tabs open hit the menu button and select "close all."
Also, how to resize apps like gallery w/o doing multiwindow?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No resizing, other than Pen Window apps, until 4.4/M-UX.
Anyone else experience lag a bit w/ BT keyboard? When I get the word "English (US)" on bottom I always experience a bit of lag? Fix? I disabled onscreen keyboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get the pop-up but it doesn't cause any lag. I'm using a Samsung keyboard.
For registering the $600 dollar parks, it keeps saying incorrect serial number and MAC address? I cannot seem to register.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have a Groupon refurb? It may have been previously registered. If not, contact Samsung support they've been pretty helpful according to those that posted issues getting the perks credit.
BarryH_GEG said:
You don't. If you want a resizable window open the browser in Pen Window using Air Command. Once you do, when you minimize it, you'll get a floating icon that lets you use your N10.1-14 normally but by clicking on the icon you can then open the browser at any time. A Multi View option like what you know as "Cascade" on the old Note is coming in the 4.4/M-UX update.
No. But using the above you can open a browser and have it running on top of anything else you want.
If you have a single browsing session up clicking "X" on its tab closes it and ends your Internet session (hitting "back" exists out of the browser). If you have multiple tabs open hit the menu button and select "close all."
No resizing, other than Pen Window apps, until 4.4/M-UX.
I get the pop-up but it doesn't cause any lag. I'm using a Samsung keyboard.
Do you have a Groupon refurb? It may have been previously registered. If not, contact Samsung support they've been pretty helpful according to those that posted issues getting the perks credit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Woah, thanks. This was so helpful.
Another 3 questions:
1. Last one Moon reader+ supported multi-window and where I would just minimize moon reader and have the internet in the background? Is there any way to do this or do I wait until next update for casacae mode? Moon reader+ is a ebook reader btw. I was also able to move Moon Reader+ around wherever I wanted. I can't seem to do that here.
2. Bluetooth keyboard tends to lag in LectureNotes (badly) and has a slight, but annoying lag in QuickOffice. This doesn't seem to happen in Polaris Office, or when I do short typing. But once I type longer it starts lagging and sometimes English(US) pops up and cause more lag. Anyway to fix this? thanks.
I have Microsoft Wedge and this worked perfectly on my Note 10.1 2012.
Also, anyway to resize and move applications around that used to support multi-window? Like resizing any way you want to, not just to the right or left. How come some had multi-window in previous Note, but not anymore in this one? Like lectureNotes?
3. Another odd one is Polaris Office 5 says it cannot open a .docx file right after I downloaded it because it isn't supported. But it works fine when I look for it in file browsing in PO5.
Hahahalalala said:
1.Hello, so the old note 10.1 has a "resize/multi window" button on the top right corner, how do I resize the internet browser in the 2014 edition w/o going into multi-window mode? As in just dragging the window a bit smaller?
2. Also, for settings - is it possible for settings to be in multi-window mode? I'd rather have it on the side so I can browse the internet while playing with the settings?
3. Anyway to close the internet browser by just pressing "x" in the corner or somewhere?
4. Also, how to resize apps like gallery w/o doing multiwindow?
5. Anyone else experience lag a bit w/ BT keyboard? When I get the word "English (US)" on bottom I always experience a bit of lag? Fix? I disabled onscreen keyboard.
6. For registering the $600 dollar parks, it keeps saying incorrect serial number and MAC address? I cannot seem to register.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root and install multi window manager to set any app multi window including settings and install 4 way multi window to be able to Just tap the browser from the multi window tab to open up in a floating resizeable window like per window. Oh and use 4 apps simultaneously as well,
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Duly.noted said:
Root and install multi window manager to set any app multi window including settings and install 4 way multi window to be able to Just tap the browser from the multi window tab to open up in a floating resizeable window like per window. Oh and use 4 apps simultaneously as well,
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but I don't want to root :/.
So, no multi-window feature anymore?
Post 'em here!
Shadowrun looks crazy good.
Sent from my SM-P900 using Tapatalk
MyScript Stylus Beta keyboard (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.visionobjects.stylusmobile.v3_2_store) - I use this with Tasker, Note Buddy, and Secure Settings in order to automatically switch the keyboard to this when I take the pen out. And back to Samsung keyboard when I put the pen back. Hopefully S Pen Board Switcher will be updated for KitKat soon and then we will only need one app to do that)
MultiWindow Apps Manager (Root) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mobi.xperiacle.mwappsmanager) - add other apps to multi window
Pen Window Manager (Root) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mobi.xperiacle.penwindowmanager) - same thing as abovev for pen window.
Pen Window Launcher (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mobi.xperiacle.penwindowlauncher) - click a button to launch pen window instead of having to take out pen and draw a window.
Papyrus and Lecture Notes of course.
Photo Mate R2 (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tssystems.photomate2) Import and edit your raw photo files on your tablet. Played around with this last night. Works pretty well! Lightroom-ish editing abilities. Worked even better after I fixed the external SD card write ability, so I could work with the big raw files on my external card.Editing with the pen seems to work pretty well too.
Spyder Gallery (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.datacolor.caprica) Just recently discovered this. *IF* you have a Spyder 4 monitor calibrator, you can use it to configure this app on your Note Pro. It does not calibrate everything on your Note Pro. Only when viewing images via the Spyder Gallery app. Hey, better than nothing Set it up and was able to calibrate it. Pics look nice!
Feedly looks lovely on the big screen. As does watching movies and shows with Plex.
As for games.. I do more of the mahjong, sudoku kind of thing...
Handwrite Sudoku (with s-pen support) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.unlimitedpocketsoftware.handwritesudokupro) - it's a little finicky recognizing some numbers at times, but once you realize what it wants... not too bad.
I tried the new Tribez and Castlez game out last night (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gameinsight.thetribezcastlez), and it runs very well. The control buttons and messages are too small though. Definitely needs to be Greenified.
That's it for me for now
KestrelX said:
MyScript Stylus Beta keyboard (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.visionobjects.stylusmobile.v3_2_store) - I use this with Tasker, Note Buddy, and Secure Settings in order to automatically switch the keyboard to this when I take the pen out. And back to Samsung keyboard when I put the pen back. Hopefully S Pen Board Switcher will be updated for KitKat soon and then we will only need one app to do that)
MultiWindow Apps Manager (Root) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mobi.xperiacle.mwappsmanager) - add other apps to multi window
Pen Window Manager (Root) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mobi.xperiacle.penwindowmanager) - same thing as abovev for pen window.
Pen Window Launcher (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mobi.xperiacle.penwindowlauncher) - click a button to launch pen window instead of having to take out pen and draw a window.
Papyrus and Lecture Notes of course.
Photo Mate R2 (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tssystems.photomate2) Import and edit your raw photo files on your tablet. Played around with this last night. Works pretty well! Lightroom-ish editing abilities. Worked even better after I fixed the external SD card write ability, so I could work with the big raw files on my external card.Editing with the pen seems to work pretty well too.
Spyder Gallery (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.datacolor.caprica) Just recently discovered this. *IF* you have a Spyder 4 monitor calibrator, you can use it to configure this app on your Note Pro. It does not calibrate everything on your Note Pro. Only when viewing images via the Spyder Gallery app. Hey, better than nothing Set it up and was able to calibrate it. Pics look nice!
Feedly looks lovely on the big screen. As does watching movies and shows with Plex.
As for games.. I do more of the mahjong, sudoku kind of thing...
Handwrite Sudoku (with s-pen support) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.unlimitedpocketsoftware.handwritesudokupro) - it's a little finicky recognizing some numbers at times, but once you realize what it wants... not too bad.
I tried the new Tribez and Castlez game out last night (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gameinsight.thetribezcastlez), and it runs very well. The control buttons and messages are too small though. Definitely needs to be Greenified though.
That's it for me for now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please explain how to do the first one I tried searching around for some methods to use myscript stylus only when stylus is out no luck
I have to get my kid on the bus, but will do a write-up in like half an hour.
---------- Post added at 12:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:26 AM ----------
kodochax said:
Can you please explain how to do the first one I tried searching around for some methods to use myscript stylus only when stylus is out no luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See new thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=50652218
Riptide and dead trigger 2 are my fave. They are on maximum graphics and in love it
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Galaxy On Fire 2 looks great!
My list
Apps:
Markers - if you like draw something with marker/s
Root Browser - if you dont like sound water effect (I always replace it to the Nexus7 sounds), camera shutter and other sounds
Mirror - Dune Nukem voice: I'm looking good!
Nexus Camera apk for Panorama shots and 360 photos
Popup Widget - now, i dont need extra screens to keep few widget, now everything is on one screen as "app"
Flashlight/Torch/etc if you like use tablet at night
MultiWindow Apps Manager - allows you to add more apps to the Multiwindow traybar
PEN Window Manager - allows you to add more apps to the Pen Window drawer
Xposed:
- Gesture Navigation, now, you dont need anymore button on tablet or even Pie menu
- Complete Action Plus - if you had 100 apps, every time if you want share something, you must scroll it to find right app, with this module its much easier - if you share website from Chrome, now you see just Gmail, Hangout, Facebook Massanger and that all, no more Evernote, Push, etc,etc
Games:
Olo - simple game for 2pl
Jenga - big screen and more fun
PinWar - Pinball game with versus mode for 2 players
Ice Rage Free - another game for 2 player, 1vs1 hockey game
DraStic - very good NDS emulator, now you need games like WarioWare, Advance Wars or Age of Empire, and you can play with S pen
ePSXe - nice PS1 emulator with splitscreen, YES, splitscreen! https://lh5.ggpht.com/bSfdAMMLP6wG6kfbT5Nzy1RTLCsnwEsm1sZvBXr9Boeejqxl92tAOZbvo5xwTJ6hpg8=h900 https://lh3.ggpht.com/O06sCJ8pyNicLjvpoll9NY6zwmNAgMw_R483uziONgZ1hbpivrSe9IKh23zuvf83wQ=h900
Commander BF4 - if you BF4 player and you play with Friend, I quess, you will need this
Siege Towers For Two - Step into the medieval battle and build the higher Siege Tower to take over the enemy castle
kodochax said:
Can you please explain how to do the first one I tried searching around for some methods to use myscript stylus only when stylus is out no luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's pretty easy I think he is using the same method I came up with in another thread. Fiirst get Tasker, Note buddy , and secure settings. Then follow the pictures. The last one hold on the task you created to add an exit task. That can be set the same way with the exception of choosing Samsung keyboard so putting the pen back goes back to your regular Keyboard.
Edit:
Wow those uploaded out of order. Ok add a new context the selects state, plugin, Note buddy. set it to pen detached, Then back out add a new task and select plugin secure settings. then define it select system actions, input method, stylus beta then save. then back out. Long press on first task and add exit task. same tiny but with the san sung keyboard.
pen app
I like snap pad. Handy app to scribble and make quick notes.
Is there a Rom or Intl Rom(9005) which have Note 4 features for our beloved Note 3. Any idea OmniSwitch works as intended on TouchWiz? I am sticking with AOSP PAC and missing the S Pen, Camera and One Hand.
jhbalaji said:
Is there a Rom or Intl Rom(9005) which have Note 4 features for our beloved Note 3. Any idea OmniSwitch works as intended on TouchWiz? I am sticking with AOSP PAC and missing the S Pen, Camera and One Hand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, actually I am using OmniSnitch on my N3 and it works great. I actually found the app as an inclusion (system app) in the ROM that I flashed on the Note 10.1 2014 (p607t). The ROM is xKat, and was actually built for the p605 (international LTE variant), but awesomely, the hardware that T-Mobile sells is simply a re-branded p605 so any development work for the p605 works fine on the Tmo hardware :good:
Anyway, OmniSnitch is a great, super-useful app. I actually froze flashbarservice and replaced the multi window feature on the side of my screen with OmniSnitch, Flippr (another awesome app that allows you to access widgets or shortcuts from any page - even games. Crazy useful for "remote" widgets like Yatse, AnyMote, etc.) and PIE.
I'm not really sure about your first question, as I'm a Tweaked devotee, but can definitely confirm that OmniSnitch works fantastically, I don't see why it couldn't be installed on any phone / ROM. I don't think it even needs root.
@jazzmachine Thats great! Is there a HALO kind of thing available for TouchWIZ Note?
Why yes there is, and I happen to use it since it's much more versatile than split windows or pen windows. I was actually going to mention that in my last post, guess I should have :laugh:
Just installing the XHalo xposed module gets the job done. One example of a nice feature it adds is that if you open up an app via tapping on a notification, no matter if your at your launcher or have any app running, the app will open up in a window on top of whatever app you're using at the time. If you long tap a notification, in addition to being able to open App Info, you now also have the option to "open the app normally", which is self explanatory.You can also select a group of frequently used apps and tick the option to display them in the notification panel, then you can insta-launch them in a halo window from anywhere. After installing the XHalo module, don't reboot yet because there's one more module you need (for full functionality.... Halo works w/o it, but the windows won't be resizeable or movable, like they're supposed to be, if you don't also install the module "FixVisabilityOfMultipleFullScreenActivites". Basically what that one does is it fixes the visibility of multiple full screen activities.
JK, well, that is what it does, but the effect is that Halo works properly. Before installing that my halo windows were always statically positioned in the center of the screen and the didn't have the bar at the top that allows moving or resizing the window. It also allows you to open multiple Halo windows, IOW, it just fixes Halo to act like it's supposed to. If your setup is similar to mine, and you "repurpose" the edges of your screen, and you don't really use native mutliwindow (I have a ton of apps installed, and since certain ROMS (Tweaked) auto-add all apps to the sidebar and penwindow launcher, particularly the latter would take like, a while, to launch. There's no lag whatsoever with this modified (and more functional IMO) setup. Anyway, I was going to recommend freezing flashbarservice (multi window) in Titanium of something. For me, doing that released a good chunk of RAM, so if you don't use, or are trying to replace the multi-window functionality, definitely freeze if you're not using. Additionally, the frees the long press back for reassignment to another function, should you be inclined to do so. I reassign the hell out of my hard keys, even adding an activity to just pulling the S pen out and pushing it back in.
Modified S Pen functionality is the last thing I'll describe about my setup, so that this time I can answer before you ask I REALLY like GMD S Pen Control. I turned off air command, and have been working on and off on configuring that app with the goal of being able to launch anything (even obscure "secret code" menus) just by scribbling something on my screen. It's awesome, you just have to get into the habit of using the paths that you've configured regularly so that you don't forget them. So far I've just configured launching frequently used apps and settings toggles (the app also allows you to create, I think 5 launcher bars w/ 8 items (actions, tasks, shortcuts, toggles, a ton of stuff) each of which you can launch, of course, with a pen path).
So with my setup, I've pretty much taken the "Touch" out of the "Wiz".... wait, no, the "Wiz" ou... err, that's much worse. OK, first and last time using any variation of that description. what I'm saying here is that the TW "features" that I've replaced could be used on any device / ROM... so perhaps I've got my eye on an Nexus 6. Well, it was in my field of vision when I was playing with the N4 in the store yesterday (I can't resist activating dev mode on store demos... I mean I like to take a look at the settings there, but it's a thing.... if I pick up a demo model, I'm in About device tapping on the build #) on the N4 I was surprised to see that one of the first options was toggling the runtime between Dalvik and ART, but I didn't think the N4 was able to use ART yet, so I turned it on and the phone rebooted... I then saw the guy who's helped me out the most there was free so I went over to talk to him and ask a few questions and I forgot to check out the N4 set to ART before I took off. Really wish I did, but whatevers. I'll likely have my very own (hand picked perfection, totally perfect uniform display :victory:
So that was pretty OT, this a little less, but a complaint that I keep seeing about the N4 is lag with the recents panel launched. OmniSnitch seems like the perfect app to avoid that issue. For those unfamiliar, OmniSnitch is launched via a persistent (customizeable) half bubble / handle thing. A bar opens up (on any screen) and first you have a row of recently used apps. You can also assign persistent "favorites" that you can launch by tapping the arrow below the row of app icons, and you can immediately switch to a previous app or launch a favorite instanly - Lag + recent apps + OmniSnitch = complete non-issue. Attached a couple screen of how it looks (I don't think the app icons would be themed if you don't use Unicon, I'm not really sure about the general availability of this app. I actually pulled it off of the ROM that I installed on my Note 10.1 - so system app on tablet, but user app on phone. Works the same either way. I'd be happy to upload it, but don't feel like I should do so without permission from... I have no idea. Searching the Play store, the only result is called Fancy Switcher, which looks like a not so successful attempt to copy the app and (unnecessarily IMO) 'fancy it up'. Meh. So hopefully it's available on xda somewhere, but if anyone happens to know the dev if they could ask if they mind their app being shared in this thread, then write up a statement to that effect, both of you sign it (in blood), and send it to me via certified mail... I don't know. If people want it but can't find it, try to find out if it's FOSS, or GPLed or something, just post in here and if it's cool I'm happy to share
As a long time Android user, I (like most others) had a bit of a hard time getting used to using the Fire Phone's FireOS. Having used the OS for a couple of weeks now, it's not quite so bad once you get used to a few things and learn a few new tricks. Just wanted to start a thread for collecting these types of things that will help others making the transition to FireOS. I'm purposely omitting the fact that google play store can be side loaded whenever possible (sideloading the play store is something I highly recommend everyone with this phone do) so that I can focus on tips and tricks that actually relate to transitioning to FireOS.
Side panels Most everyone at this point is probably aware of the extra info panels that can be accessed by swiping in from the left or right edge of the screen. I have mixed feelings on this myself, as it's used well in some apps (like swiping from the right edge while typing a text message to add pictures), and not very well in other apps (and yet not at all in some apps). Additionally, it's not always obvious if an app does support this feature, or if a certain app will put these options in either the left panel, right panel, or both.
Back Button There is no back button on the Fire Phone. This was a cause of confusion at first. The back button has been replaced with a "swipe up" from the bottom of the screen to go back. This can be a bit finicky at times, but I've found that if I start a short swipe up from the top edge of the home button, it works nearly every time. Additionally, some apps seem to treat this a little differently, as from time to time I will see "back" and "menu" soft-buttons appear at the bottom of the screen when this gesture is used.
Screen Shots You can take a picture of whatever is on the screen by pressing the power and volume down buttons at the same time
App Switcher This is usually accessed on a NORMAL Android phone by long holding the home button. In FireOS, the same is accomplished by double-tapping the home button (the long hold in FireOS brings up voice search). This is the fastest way to switch between apps and gets you around having to navigate the carousel. Also, while in the app switcher, you can swipe individual apps up to kill the process AND remove them from the carousel. I like the Fire Phones implementation here much better than stock Androids. You can double-press the button very fast and this is much less disruptive to workflow while multitasking than pausing for a long press. I think Amazon implemented the switcher and action of the home button beautifully.
Home Button I initially found the behavior of the home button weird. On first press (from a running app), it will take you to the carousel. Additional presses from this point will cycle between the Carousel and the app tray.
App Tray Aside from subsequent presses of the home button, the app tray can be slid up by touching and dragging the bottom row of quick launch icons upward while in the carousel. Likewise, you can continually drag the app tray downward to eventually reach the carousel at the top. It will seem more logical if you picture in your mind that the Carousel sits at the top of the app tray.
Another App Tray annoyance is the lack of alphabetical sorting of apps. While I've found no way to do this automatically, apps can be dragged and dropped in the app tray in any order you like. Apps can either be dragged on top of eachother to create collections (folders), or dragged in between other apps for changing the sorting order. A bit of a pain initially, but pretty easy to keep up with once you get your current collection sorted initially.
Lastly, to get the most from your 4 quick launch icon slots - you can use collections (folders) there as well! This is a feature I'm really using a lot lately to make navigating and the lack of a normal launcher much easier! For example, currently I have the following 4 quick launch collections: "Communication","News","Organize" and "Media". Within the "Communication" collection, I have Phone, Contacts, Messaging, Email, Facebook, Messenger, and Snap Chat. Within the "News" collection, I have Yahoo, Silk Browser and Weather. Within "Oganize" I have Notes, Calendar, and Our Groceries. Within Media I havePhotos, Music, Prime Music, Instant Video, Plex and Netflix. Since using collections in the quick launch area, I find that I rarely ever use the app tray, as my most frequently used apps are right there, easily accessible from the Carousel.
Facebook Mesenger If you're used to using the floating chat heads, and missing them in FireOS, here is a tip. Go to messenger, and enter the settings. Navigate to "Chat heads", ensure the switch is set to "On" and that the "Hide when using apps that take up the full screen" checkbox is NOT checked. For some reason the FireOS launcher/carousel is treated like a full-screen app.
Music Fire phone comes with a "Music" app. But don't confuse this with Amazon's own "Prime Music" app - they are actually two different apps! For those that use the prime music service, do yourself a favor by installing "Prime Music" right from the Amazon App Store. Why this isn't on the phone by default is beyond me!
Cellular usage data As most of us have to keep tabs on our data usage, I find this to be a nice built-in feature (though not the easiest to find). You can set your monthly limit and view current usage under "Settings->Wi-Fi & Networks->See your cellular data usage"
Carousel I'm not a huge fan of the carousel, though I'm finally starting to adapt to it.
EDIT: I'm starting to become a huge fan of the carousel. It has forced me to become organized, and the ability to do simple actions (delete emails for example) without opening an app is just awesome once you get used to it.
There is one cool feature, and that's "pin to front". You can make any number of apps appear at the beginning of the carousel by long-pressing and selecting "pin to front". This has limited utility, as this is only efficient for pinning a few frequently used apps to the front of the list, but still useful once you start using it.
Also, the dragging and dropping apps from the app tray works to replace the default quick launch apps that appear at the bottom of the carousel.
For non-app items (books, music, etc) that appear in the carousel, long-pressing will reveal an addition option of "Pin to app grid", which will pin the book/music/whatever into the app grid for easy access just as if it were an app.
For Pinned items, you can reorder them kind of crudely with a long press and using the "Move to front" option
Status Bar By default, the status bar auto-hides. You set it to always be visible in Settings->Display
Lock Screen This actually has a very little-knows and very cool feature called a "Locket". This allows you to add a number of photos that can easily be accessed from the lock screen. The utility of this isn't immediately obvious, so consider this scenario:
You bump into an old friend in the mall and they ask how your family is doing. Instead of pulling out your phone, getting to the app tray, pulling up the "Photos" app and searching for pictures to show - you can use the locket feature to do this much more efficiently.
To setup and/or access the photo locket feature, from the lock screen, simply swipe from right to left (instead of swiping up to unlock). This enters the photo locket, where you can add more photos, or swipe left and right to view the collection of photos in your locket. It's actually a really neat feature and has some real utility (I can't count how many times I've had to fumble through navigating through my entire photo collection to show pictures of my kids to someone I haven't seen in a while. This really makes it easy)
Silk Browser Another thing I'm not very keen on - though if you plan on using stock FireOS, learning to properly use the app will help.
EDIT: Ok, the browser is growing on me now.
It can be a bit confusing since there is a menu button in the upper-right hand corner, a different menu in the left panel (accessed by swiping in from the left edge of the screen), and other options such as tab switching that are only visible at the bottom of the screen only at certain times. I'll try to detail some of the common functions here:
Bookmarking pages Bring up the page you want to bookmark, then use the menu button in the upper-right hand corner to add the bookmark
Desktop View Use the menu button in the upper right-hand corner and navigate to "Request another view", which will allow you to select the desktop view
Clearing browsing history Access the menu in the left panel, and go to settings, then "Your Data" -> "Clear Browser Data". From here you can clear just history, or anything else such as cookies, etc. You can also clear sites from the history list one at a time by using the left panel menu->History and long pressing the entries you wish to delete.
Tab Management This took me quite some time to figure out. Sometimes I would notice the tab switcher at the bottom of the browser, other times I wouldn't. To make these tab controls visible again, simply start scrolling the current web page back towards the top of the page and the tab controls will appear.
Private Browsing Mode This keeps websites from saving to your history, saving cookies, etc. Like other options, it's not easy to find in the Silk browser. To go into private browsing mode, use the Tab Management above to enter the list of tabs. On this screen you will find the option for private browsing.
Offline Reading One interesting feature that is useful (but poorly implemented) is "Reading Lists", which stories/web pages for offline reading. It's confusing, because you use one menu system to save to the reading list, and yet another menu to access the saved items. To save a page for later viewing, use the menu button in the upper right-hand corner and choose "Save to Reading List". To access the actual reading list to either read, or remove items, use the left panel menu->"Reading List"
Default Search Engine The search engine can be changed from the default (Bing) to either Google or Yahoo by going to the left panel->Settings->Search Engine
Cloud Photos Prime members get unlimited storage for backing up photos. Unfortunately, it's poorly implemented in FireOS and ONLY allows for automatic uploading of ALL new photos at this time. But what if you want to be able to specifically select only the photos you want stored on the cloud? Unfortunately in stock FireOS this isn't yet possible. However, if you have installed the Google Play Store or are familiar with side loading, look for the "Amazon Cloud Drive Photos" app - which oddly enough is published by Amazon for general Android devices, but not available to their own Fire Phone via their own App Store. At any rate, this is how to get around the limitation of the default implementation.
I'd love to hear tips from others and continue learning to use FireOS more efficiently. The tips I outlined above have made this a very usable OS for me, even though I flat out hated it at first. I'll try to keep up adding tips and tricks from others to this master list.
Edited the first post a bit. FireOS is really starting to grow on me and I'm actually more productive now on my Fire Phone than I was on my Galaxy Note II. Amazon still has some work to do on FireOS - but once you get the hang of it its a nice efficient OS
Found another tip. I'll add it here and to the original post:
For non-app items (books, music, etc) that appear in the carousel, long-pressing will reveal an addition option of "Pin to app grid", which will pin the book/music/whatever into the app grid for easy access just as if it were an app.
Thanks. Your tips made a real night and day difference between using Fire phone.
jondecker76 said:
Found another tip. I'll add it here and to the original post:
For non-app items (books, music, etc) that appear in the carousel, long-pressing will reveal an addition option of "Pin to app grid", which will pin the book/music/whatever into the app grid for easy access just as if it were an app.
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Thanks JonDecker. Your tips made a difference of actually liking and using Fire phone. Couldn't find such information anywhere else.
Not a problem
After being with the phone for quite some time now, I actually cringe when I have to use my wife's LG G2 for anything. Once you learn a how to use FireOS , it's really pretty good!
Good stuff!!! I personally think that the interface is not that bad... and it is very smooth and quick... i like the phone. No tricks from me at the moment but i will share if i found any ?
Sent from my SD4930UR using XDA Free mobile app
If you have NFC turned on and tap it against your PC (with NFC as well) you can share the whats currently on your phones screen. I found this by accident. The screen shot pop's up in your pc's browser.
Increasing Battery Life
I have found that disabling Dynamic Perspective increases the duration of my phone charge significantly. This can be done by going to Settings (swipe from top) > Display > Configure low motion settings > Dynamic Perspecitve.
I'm glad to see a thread dedicated to this. I'd like to share a review I wrote on this phone a while ago as I feel it adds to the already terrific thread topic.
Below, in no particular order, is a list of things I hated out of the box. Following will be my feelings, along with tips & tricks, on the same items.
1. The Home Screen - I didn't like how the apps were randomly scattered on the home screen. It was difficult for me find what I was looking for.
2. No Google Play Store - I understand the logic behind this from a business prospective. However, from a consumer prospective, there are apps I use on a daily basis that were not available in the Amazon App Store. As bad as this sounds, it means I'd have to change my life style to accommodate this device. One thing that kind of floored me on this is that Google doesn't block the Amazon App store on their OS.
3. The grid - It scrolls up and down, where I've been used to scrolling left to right. Also, there is no way to easily sort the applications by alphabetical order. It simply displays them as they are installed.
4. The lack of soft keys - I've been accustomed to soft keys to open the menu, go home, view recently used apps, and to go back.
5. Notifications - The notification bar doesn't keep a log of icons of notifications. For example, if I get a KIK message it drops down, previews it, and vanished. Unless I open up the notification panel there is nothing to remind you of this. This bothers me as I often don't review them straight away and forget it even happened.
6. Keyboard - There is absolutely no way to install another keyboard. I've been a long time user of Swift Key and I keep find myself hitting the period instead of the space bar.
Due to the above I decided to try to make the phone a bit more what I'm used to. This was easy as I simply had to side load a few apps. This mainly included the apps that were not in the Amazon App Store along with a launcher to replace the Amazon Home screen. After installing several launchers I found one that I was happy with as it permitted me to use custom Widgets. I used it this way for a week or so and was happy to have my old Style back.
Now that I didn't feel held back, or limited by the device, I wanted to give it a go on how it was intended to be used. I changed my default home launcher to the Fire OS launcher. After using it a bit, and exploring it, it's my default launcher with no plans of going back to the standard Android Launcher! Below are the same 6 items listed above, but including how I feel about them now. It will also include what I consider to be tips & tricks, things I wish I knew out of the box.
1. The Home Screen - The use of Dynamic Perspective to access menus is amazing! The apps that are created for this OS have beautiful home screen widgets that I'm not sure I could go with out now. I love the fact I can read SMS messages on the home screen, emails on the home screen, a flip of the wrist shows me the current weather, my upcoming appointment and reminders, and much more. Although there is no easy way to change the apps listed, you can pin apps to the front. So simply pin the app that you want listed last first, and the first app last. This will put them in the order that you'd like.
2. No Google Play Store - As others have mentioned, installing the Google Play Store is very simply on this device. There is no downgrading required. Simply side load a few APK files. I won't go into detail on this as it can be found in a lot of other places.
3. The grid - I don't mind scrolling up and down now. It's second nature now. However, you still can not sort the apps. You must go through the tedious process of moving them one at a time by clicking and dragging it. I did this so they are sorted alphabetically. If I install a new app I now simply drag it where I feel it should be.
4. The lack of soft keys - I'm so used to swiping up now it's odd to use a traditional Android phone's back button! The physical home button works fine, especiall8y now that I discovered the "Quick Switch" menu by double pressing the home key.
5. Notifications - I've toggled all the options regarding notifications in the settings. My original complaint still exists. This was a HUGE set back for me with this device. Luckily, with a lot of trial and error, I found an app that works well for me. It's call NotifierPro Free. I configured it so a bar drops down and stays under the status bar. I also configured it so these notifications remain until I swipe them away. This has been a HUGE help in allowing me to adapt to this device.
6. Keyboard - There is still no way to change the default keyboard, even after side loading one. Amazon told me they made an update to their Kindles which allows the use of changing keyboard applications, so there will be an update that allows the Fire Phone to do the same.
Tips & Tricks / Q & A
1. Switching between running apps quickly.
- To do this simply press the home button twice quickly. You will be presented with a menu called "Quick Switch" where your most recently used apps can be found.
2. How do I quit apps that I'm not using at the moment to extend battery life and free resources?
- If you double click the home button to access the "Quick Switch" menu you can swipe up which will close the app, remove it from the quick switch menu, along with removing it from the cluttered home carousel.
3. Can I group applications together?
- Yes you can! Inside the home menu click and drag an application over another. It will ask you to give the new collection a name and they are then in a group. This is a great way to keep things together and sorted. You can also drag these "collections" into the home screen dock.
4. Any tips for the Camera?
- Yes! I've read about this "best shot" feature, but it didn't seem to do anything for me once I enable it. However, which viewing the photos you already have taken you will have a "best shot" option you can click on. This will show you the 3 photos the camera took, allowing you to select the one that you like the best.
- Burst Feature - The Amazon pages states you can click and hold the camera button to take a burst of photos. This doesn't work for me as it opens up Fire Fly. However, if you press and hold the soft key this feature works.
5. Amazon App Store or Google Play Store?
- I suggest you use the App from the Amazon App Store if available. Some of these apps are created specifically for the Fire Phone and give home screen widgets that the standard app does not support. For example, if you install KIK from the Amazon App Store it allows you to read messages on your home screen, where if you install it from the Play Store it does not.
6. Is the battery really as bad as people say?
- Maybe originally prior to the newest update. The newest update bring out amazing battery life, compared to my old phone at least. I can easily get through an entire day on a single charge. This is under moderate use such as messaging, emailing, browsing eBay, the web, and normal app use. I do not use the device to watch movies or television shows.
As I continue finding things about this phone that I feel are worth mentioning, I'll be sure to update this review. Outside of that, if you have bought this device but initially installed the Google Home Launcher, I strongly suggest you open your mind and give the Amazon Home Launcher a shot. It's truly amazing.
Can you post a link to "notification pro free"? I can't find it in the amazon store and my google-fu is failing me.
ractar28 said:
Can you post a link to "notification pro free"? I can't find it in the amazon store and my google-fu is failing me.
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I'm not sure if it's against any site rules, so I'll PM you.
---------- Post added at 05:46 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:40 AM ----------
ractar28 said:
Can you post a link to "notification pro free"? I can't find it in the amazon store and my google-fu is failing me.
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My apologies, and thanks for pointing this out. I had the app name wrong. It's actually NotifierPro Free!
Look at alternative markets or use a website to remotely download apks from the google appstore.
I have 1mobile market installed on my phone and it has it and it works.
Btw. Go Launcher Ex + Go Notifier works for notification badges (unread count at the app icon) and all widgets (you have to pull them onto the screen after every restart though) but has not wallpapers.
I use it, since I disliked the huge bar that Notifier used.
Now it almost feels like normal Android, I just wish I could deactivate the standard lockscreen... I already tried a lot of stuff via ADB, but I guess it needs root for it.
Since I do not want to root my phone as long as there is not notification bar like in stock android, I am fine now.
ractar28 said:
Can you post a link to "notification pro free"? I can't find it in the amazon store and my google-fu is failing me.
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Click to collapse
I like having found this thread, I had my fire phone for about a month now and I still can't get used to not having the back and menu soft buttons. Otherwise I do like the phone quite a bit and that is having to use it along with my Galaxy Note 3 work phone.