New to PA on Z2, where is the cool stuff? - Paranoid Android Q&A

I am new to PA (v6.03) running it on Sony Xperia Z2 (D6503) and chose it over the other roms because of the features it's celebrated for (Halo, Pie, super customization, etc). However, I cannot find any of this stuff in the settings, nor is there an app dedicated to these features that I can tell? All I see is a super stripped down version of Android. Which I definitely appreciate after using the bloated Sony version for nearly 2 years. But I want the cool stuff, where is it?? There are no questions on the net about this so clearly I'm an idiot, but help this idiot out, please! A guide, a pointer, something, Thanks!

Ok, for anyone else reading this thread and wondering the same as me, I found a guide on android authority as well as info on a bunch of other sites across the web, pm me for links.
But apparently Halo isn't what it was (declared dead by its own developers), it's basically now called "peeking" and doesn't have the floating notifications. You can still access the floating window features a few ways, so the meat of the feature survived to PA 6.03. Immersive mode, I found on my own, and was in the hidden elements in the quick settings. I had to tap on the add button to see options for immersive mode and floating peek. Once those were added to the shown quick options I could control immersive mode and peeking.
I tried the Floatifications app to get the halo style notifications back but it was clunky and annoying, so I uninstalled it. I'm just using the Halo app from the app store (which doesn't seem to do floating notifications at all, at least on Z2) and native controls to handle peeking, definitely not the glory days for that feature. As far as the customization-ability of PA I am extremely underwhelmed, after reading all the hype of previous versions. PA 6 is solid but it's an empty shell of it's former glory. I didn't even find the pie controls which are supposed to be part of immersive mode. I downloaded a third party pie controls app, it works but it's not pretty. I know a lot of people hate the pie controls but I'm finding it useful in clearing up real estate on my desktop, and not finding it at all in the way, as many complain about.
Anyway, I'm by no means an expert, only reporting what this PA newb is finding in my quest for knowledge. Definitely would like to hear what the experts here on xda think and know about PA 6, as I feel like I'm definitely missing something here, even after what I've found so far.

You're aware of what happened to the team right?
Several of the team went to work for OnePlus and some people quit working on the project altogether. It's mostly a new team with a few of the old members still hanging around working on what they can.
I still maintain the servers but the activity is all focused on creating a solid stable base to lay down features on top of.
As Android changes and matures, there are features that get left in the dust. Ideas progress and what was in a previous major version of PA, may not make it to the next version.
Pie hasn't been added back into the builds publicly and just because you have immersive mode doesn't mean pie is included.

Related

[Q] Quick Glance tweaks

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

[Q] Is the per-app fullscreen option already available in PA 4.3 Beta 1?

Hi guys,
I am running PA 4.3 now on my N4 and coming from 3.99 I am missing the option to run apps (especially games) in full screen mode with pie enabled.
For some games in PA 4.3 e.g. Hill Climb Racer it is automatically set to full screen/PIE mode.
So there must be an option or a list or something where you can add those apps to start in fullscreen mode, right?
If that option still exists I can't seem to find it Can anyone help me out please?
Thank you very much in advance
Hybrid engine is not yet implemented
Alright, thank you for your answer!
I thought hybrid engine basically was to run apps in tablet-like mode? Like the settings menu in PA 3.99 for instance, which was quite useful but has not been implemented yet, I know..
Running apps in full screen or immersive mode is something else I think..!?
However, if it has not been implemented yet, that's fine. But I find it rather confusing that some apps automatically start full screen and am I asking myself how that is possible!? Or how I can do for some other apps.
I probably will have to wait anyway until the PA-team announces it.. just really missing that feature
cheers
robontop said:
Alright, thank you for your answer!
I thought hybrid engine basically was to run apps in tablet-like mode? Like the settings menu in PA 3.99 for instance, which was quite useful but has not been implemented yet, I know..
Running apps in full screen or immersive mode is something else I think..!?
However, if it has not been implemented yet, that's fine. But I find it rather confusing that some apps automatically start full screen and am I asking myself how that is possible!? Or how I can do for some other apps.
I probably will have to wait anyway until the PA-team announces it.. just really missing that feature
cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hybrid was more than just tablet UI.
It has not been finished for 4.x yet.
As for the apps that automatically launch in FullScreen mode, it is the app itself calling it, not the ROM controlling it.

Coming from WP8... Any G3 tweaks for me?

I've been an avid Windows Phone user since it first came out as Windows Phone 7. Been with it through versions 7, 7.5, 7.8, 8 and finally some of 8.1. Unfortunately, 8.1 lost much of what made it unique, and has decided to become more like Android. To that I say this: If I'm using an OS "like Android" it makes PLENTY more sense to go with an actual Android phone.
So far, I really love my G3! The screen is brilliant (if slightly oversharpened, especially with text), the specs and physical dimensions are superb (coming from the chunk monster that was the Lumia 920) and the customizability is lots of fun.
That said, there are a few things I'd like to change. Assuming Android is as customizable as I think it is, most of them shouldn't be too inconceivable, though if they are, just tell me
1. A serious habit I've formed from using WP is holding the Back button to bring up the Open Apps view. Is there a way I can switch from the Android way (pressing the Overlapping Rectangles nav button) and make it so holding the Back nav buttion brings that view up?
2. Make it so backing out of an app also closes it. I am again very used to hitting the back button to close an app. This seems the least possible, since I'd guess it would involve affecting every app on a molecular level, requiring special coding.
3. Fix the oversharpened look of text. If text is zoomed in, it looks amazing. But even at a normal font size, text can look kind of gross from the over-sharpening. I think I saw somewhere that someone was saying they could lower the screen resolution to 1080p. Would that help? I wouldn't be opposed to trying it, since they said it also had a very positive effect on battery life, while not hurting the visuals too noticeably.
4. Set a separate notification sound for All E-mails and All Texts (again, much like WP does)
My phone is currently NOT rooted, but I would be willing to do so, if there are step-by-step tutorials available and ways to fix things should terrible accidents occur (I'm scared of bricking...)
Please help ease my transition into the wonderful world of Android
Well your probably not going to get such a warm welcome posting a question like this in the development section. Your gonna wanna move this post over to the q&a section
Ps
In before the lock!
Sent from my LG-D850 using Tapatalk
Shoot! Thanks for the heads up. So should I make a new Thread in the right section, or just wait for this one to be moved?
^ what he said... What you seek is entirely possible. But this ai t the place to seek it. Welcome to the android xda!
dbG33K said:
Shoot! Thanks for the heads up. So should I make a new Thread in the right section, or just wait for this one to be moved?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can ask a mod to move it.
as for what you want, if you root and install xposed there is the g3 tweaks module (in this subforum) that can alter the action of longpressing on the nav buttons, so you can do #1 for multitasking iirc (i haven't changed any of those actions as i like the way they work out of the box.
there's a bunch of other tweaks in that app that can easily customize the phone with little to no risk of messing anything up.

[Idea] Keep the screen "alive" with the fingerprint reader

Wouldn't it be nice to be able to keep your screen to stay on, while reading for example, without changing your display settings? Or while showing someone else something on your phone without having to tap your screen every 15 to 30 second (depending on your settings) just to "keep it alive".
This thread is nothing more than a discussion of an idea of mine. Feel free to add your honest opinion and maybe even ideas of realization as I'm not well educated in the art of app development and maybe someone who likes this idea could put it into practise .
Let's begin:
The fingerprint reader is one of the most innovative features in the history of mobile devices. On most devices it work with nearly no delay and with Google's newest feature one can even swap down the notifications and the quick tiles.
How hard is it to implement the scanner into an app and assign different actions like "register as tap" or if it registers a double tap "switch to last app" ? (Not criticizing, it's really a question )
Those features would make my life much easier and would open up new possibilities.
I would like to see if it's possible to scroll pages with it too. I believe there is lots of room to grow with this.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Or be able to go mimic the back button by swiped left to right or right to left.
I always thought it would be nice if you could use the fingerprint reader to answer a incoming phone call. Hopefully with this new actions we have in reader some of these things will be possible.
I think it would be nice to be able to scroll through your notifications and to be able to open the app that you select with the sensor. The stay on feature would be amazing as well.
If I could pull out the edge tray hamburger from a side swipe I'd be happy.
Sent from my Pixel XL using XDA-Developers mobile app
Most of the features don't sound too hard to realize, some of them may even appear in some future devices by Samsung or Huawei, but if Google could add native Android support, even lower priced models could feature some of those.... Hopefully this thread will be seen :angel:
I was also thinking it would be cool to have those features. I find myself tapping the fingerprint reader when reading and the page starts to go dark. Of course it doesn't do anything but wish it did. Don't know how the scrolling would work but that would be awesome too.
I'm surprised you can't even take a selfie with it. I thought this was an accepted use of the reader.
I would like to see the fingerprint lock the screen as well.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
http://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-fingerprint-scanner-gestures-725490/
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
I find it odd that although you can pull down the notification shade with the fingerprint scanner it will not brighten the screen like touching it will.
Give it a go, wait for the screen to dim just before it turns off and use the fingerprint reader to pull the shade down, it stays dim...
Rahhfue said:
Most of the features don't sound too hard to realize, some of them may even appear in some future devices by Samsung or Huawei, but if Google could add native Android support, even lower priced models could feature some of those.... Hopefully this thread will be seen :angel:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe Google will add more gestures along with many featurea in future updates. I bet they make them Pixel exclusive though. Since samsung is seriously considering Tizen as an Android replacement Google is also going to make features exclusive to their phones. No OEM has ever utilized all the built in features of Android so what's the point in writing features no OEM is going to use. I hope Google takes complete control of Android so people can see what Android was meant to be. Not just a base for OEM's to mess up and layer their own crappy alternative software over the top. Since samsung likes to replace everything with their bloat they would probably see performance increases going the same route and designing the hardware and software. Too bad Tizen is horrid looking though. I think the era of one version of Android fits all is coming to an end. The new Google formula will be what OEM's also adopt, or they will be forced to just become "for hire" manufacturers like HTC. Remember when foxconn made hardware before becoming an exclusive iPhone manufacturer. Googles vision was that every device ran the same version but no OEM wanted to cooperate with them. So they are taking control of Android. Because of this I think we will see much more features and development for Pixel phones. Resulting in a better Android experience for the Android user. Flame me if you want, but this change is inevitable. And I'm on board!
As probably many already saw:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/app-fingerprint-to-unlock-t3466549/page24
I hope this new app will allow all features I asked for and will make its way into stock Android!
Any further ideas or discussions can be mentioned in the apps thread, this thread can now be closed, thanks for taking part :fingers-crossed:

Well, now that CM is dead. Where do I go for updated ROMs with the features I liked?

I have been trying some of the other roms here for the Nexus 5x. resurrection, pixel rom, pure nexus. I have figured out that there are only four things I REALLY need in a ROM. all the rest is fluff. Im sure everyone has their own list.
1. Ability to run rooted firewall so my device isnt open to the world and whatever app devs think they want to know about me.
2. Dark theme for longer battery life and easy eye strain.
3. Some version of Privacy Guard so that some random calculator app isnt sending my list of contacts to some app developer in China.
4. A blocklist that is integrated into the dialer and messenger like CM so i can just touch a number or text and say block.
SO I am using the last CM13 nightly before they went to 14.1. I tried the last CM14.1 and trying to get dark mode to work even with Substratum and several different skins gave me really random results, like it looked good but couldnt see keyboard input in Messaging, or one of the roms didnt even have a messaging app so I tried an old AOSP one floating around on Play and it was terrible (and no block option). I would love to update my phone to Nougat but really feel like I'm stuck back here for a bit. If any of you know some Nougat roms i could try for my 5X that address the features above, please let me know.
Thanks!
I reccomend you AICP. It's preety similar to CyanogenMod but with more customizations.
How is OmniROM these days?
AICP
Akopps said:
How is OmniROM these days?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they are working on it but its based on AOSP and as such there doesnt seem to be privacy guard. plus the default dialer doesnt work so you have to uninstall it and use the Google dialer which i really dont want to do for privacy reasons.
@fedesandor
thanks for the AICP recommend. it looks like Nexus 5x development has stalled but ill keep an eye on that rom. their download site doesnt come up for me so ill keep checking. it looks like ill have to wait for a Lineage release or a CM derivative Nougat rom.
thanks for your suggestions.
dcarrco said:
2. Dark theme for longer battery life and easy eye strain.
3. Some version of Privacy Guard so that some random calculator app isnt sending my list of contacts to some app developer in China.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2. Nexus 5X has IPS LCD, so there shouldn't be any impact on battery life. Only OLED displays can absolutely shut down the pixels, which in fact reduces energy consumption.
3. Isn't that native in Marshmallow and up? I mean app permissions.
I use Resurrection Remix, has all the CM features plus some others really useful
About the privacy guard thing, since MM it is built in native on the system right?
dcarrco said:
they are working on it but its based on AOSP and as such there doesnt seem to be privacy guard. plus the default dialer doesnt work so you have to uninstall it and use the Google dialer which i really dont want to do for privacy reasons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the "OT" but what are the concerns about using google dialer? I use to install it always and remove aosp dialer because it is updated in google play with good features
Pure Nexus is the way to go with this device.
Didn't try CM14 or AICP /Resurrection, which base on it, but the old PrivacyGuard was definitely more comfortable&useful than Nougat-AppSettings. But be honest: all those switches gave you a feeling to manage anything and made no smarmy app safe.
DarkTheme doesn't give longer battery-life, as said before.
AOSP-dialer allows to define blocked numbers.
I recommend AOSP: PureNexus or Slim, without GApps and with clean 3rd party apps.
rp158 said:
...clean 3rd party apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
e.g. Amazon App Store?
@neth15, I use this one
@Javi22 i have tried resurrection remix and had some trouble with the dark theme, but maybe i have been deluded about saving battery with dark themes anyway. but i have gotten used to having a more subtle phone screen so that bright stuff hurts my eyes.
@neth15 regardless of the technology, more light = more power doesnt it? isnt that just math? ill do some searches on the different type of display tech. maybe i am thinking old math.
@rp158 the permissions that are cooked into nougat dont seem as comprehensive, plus those are the ones that google stuck in there. i think they call it the fox guarding the henhouse. i appreciated privacy guard because it was added by CM (maybe a derivative of earlier google stuff) and seemed to pop up more often then the inbuilt permissions. the reason i even want a non-stock rom is so i dont have every google app telling google what sms i get, what numbers i dial, and where i go. i know it may be a futile gesture at this point, but i still feel a little stubborn about it.
and the blocklist thing is ridiculous. i tried AICP and i could manually enter a number to block but couldnt figure out how to block from the call log or add the BLOCKED contact i have stuck some 75 numbers under. it could be user error, but the old CM integrated blocklist was sweet. i have had a serious stalker for six weeks now and i have to block three or four numbers a day.
i wanted to try the latest PureNexus last night but even after following directions to the letter multiple times (wipe,flash,reboot) i couldnt get past the "android is starting" screen so i guess i have something to try today.
dcarrco said:
@neth15 regardless of the technology, more light = more power doesnt it? isnt that just math? ill do some searches on the different type of display tech. maybe i am thinking old math.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK no. Displays combine red, green and blue subpixels to create other colors. So if the screen is supposed to be black, subpixels still shine, but at different rates and ratios. Maybe not that hard, but I guess the difference is minimal to none. Correct me if I'm wrong.
BTW I'm using PureNexus + Substratum + ModernUI, pretty sick
Right now I reinstalled to the latest version with no problems. Just flash newest factory image, newest TWRP, PureNexus, GApps and SuperSU in this order. Works just fine.
EDIT: And yes, I'm using OpenGapps.
I'm using DirtyUnicorns 7.1.1, great rom
@neth15 i just got purenexus to install by using the dynamic gapps instead of opengapps. which opengapps did you use? i tried to use open_gapps-arm64-7.1-pico-20161215.zip and that didnt seem to work. what are you using for a themeable SMS app? i tried to use AOSP messaging and it doesnt theme, and the xda themeable one from the Substraum Domination thread crashes repeatedly. https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/themes/theme-domination-theme-layers-t3265238. anyway ill keep working on it.
@dcarrco I use nano, on their site they say it contains basics to make GP work + some things, that are not available in GP (face recognition in Smart Lock I guess, but I'm not sure, thinking just by looking at install log).
I use SMS in Facebook Messenger, so sorry, idk What about Google's Messenger?
ZLevente said:
I'm using DirtyUnicorns 7.1.1, great rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah? i used dirty unicorns for a while back when i had a galaxy s3... a long time ago
ill check it out. getting stuck on themed messenger and good blacklist now...
i just tried CM14.1 and the blacklist there is almost useless. i guess ill have to wait until the features i liked are returned to a later version and stick with CM/lineage
or spend some time finding a good quality Call/SMS blocklist/blacklist manager that works well and integrates to my ROM well. i dont really understand why there isnt more energy going into these features. yeah sure, circle menus and cool animations are interesting, but having to deny 10 calls a day from marketers seems like a much larger waste of time. i hear daily from co-workers how may marketing calls the get, what a drag it is, how much time and energy slowly accrues dealing with that. iphone people cant even figure out a way to silence that stuff. at least in android we had something. now with nougat the pay apps like extreme call blocker dont integrate to SMS and the best fatures (like hanging up on the person instead of sending them to VM) dont even work. arggh. well. frustrating.
ok. i looked at Google Dialer and Google Messenger. they both allow the kind of thing i want, to select a message or call and add that number to BlockList. the only piece still missing, for some reason, is the ability to block UNKNOWN and PRIVATE callers. CM used to do that. any idea if its coming back?
CM aint dead, it is rebranded
[ROM][Official] CyanogenMod/LineageOS 14.1 for Nexus 5X (bullhead)
@Android-Desire I have been reading all that but so far not much happening. I'm keeping my eye on it and have posted over there that I'd like them to keep the blacklist stuff. we shall all see.

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