So, I noticed that I can organize apps into folders (HTC Incredible). However these folders are fairly limited in their capabilities. I want to implement an activity that extends the "base" folder activity (at the very least I want to add the ability to rearrange items in folders), but I can't figure out the class name... So, what's the name of the class that is used when adding a "New Folder" to the Home screen?
PS
I did take a look at the Android developer website. But the discussion there revolves mostly around content providers. I assume that's not quite what I need since I'd have to create a separate content provider for each new folder, or am I misunderstanding something?
So, what's the name of the class that
is used when adding a "New Folder" to
the Home screen?
For the HTC Incredible, it impossible to say what the class name is, since the Incredible is an HTC Sense device, so it's home screen implementation is proprietary.
For the Nexus One, it's the Folder class as implemented in either the Launcher or Launcher2 application built into the Android firmware. It's a bit unclear which of those versions of the launcher is used by the Nexus One.
In other words, this is a feature of the home screen application, not a "live folder" per the documentation you cited.
You are certainly welcome to try your hand at writing your own home screen replacement that offers greater capability in this area.
I'm not sure this is something you can do. From what I know, the folder feature is built in the Home application and the only way to integrate with it is through LiveFolders which can't really be used for what you intend, because:
As you said, each LiveFolder defined is tied to a ContentProvider
There is no LiveFolder API for handling the user "dropping" things (such as apps) on your folder.
The way I see it, your only hope is to write your own Home app that supports the features you want :)
Related
I need a home screen clone app that uses apps, folders, swipable screens of more apps and so on.
So far, I have looked into custom launchers like this one here: https://www.androidauthority.com/make-a-custom-android-launcher-837342-837342/
But to achieve what I need will require a lot of extra additions (the icons are easy enough, but I'll need folders and swiping as well).
Another approach I wondered about is Kiosk mode/Lock-Task-Mode and multi-app kiosk mode. I've looked at the docs and wondered if this could be used to harness the actual homescreen, while still executing code in the background based on what apps the user selects (ultimately acheiving the same desired effect of my project).
I've spent a full day looking at this but I want to know if I'm on the right path. Obviously, I could create an app that contains all of this, but I do think I want it to be a launcher app that's locked in place so that users can't operate the actual home screen and its apps. No malicious intent here, it's just for a closed-off research project.
Any insight is greatly appreciated.
I am totally newbie and I am not an English native speaker, so please don't yell at me if I do something wrong.
I made an android app in eclipse (nothing special), but I have one problem. I want to add a shortcut in folder so the user can call it from folder. in that folder i will later add more shortcuts. i want to separate my apps from others. this folder and the shortcuts need to be in main manu.
I tried some codes what I found here in stackoverflow, but I stacked and I don't know how to proceed.
Thanks in forward for anwsers
Though I am not an Android developer, I don't think you have to update anything. Users should just be able to drag your application icon to the home screen. If you want action-specific shortcuts (I.E., go to Wi-Fi settings in the settings app), then please update your question.
you open start menu and you have your own folder with your shortcuts
In Android, the "start menu" equivalent is called the home screen. There are many, many implementations of a home screen -- dozens that come pre-installed on different devices, and hundreds more than can be downloaded from the Play Store and elsewhere.
Some home screens may have the concept of a "folder", but they may or may not expose an API to developers to control it. Other home screens will not have "folders" at all.
You are welcome to contact each home screen author to find out whether they support the notion of "folders" and whether there is a specific way for your app to create a "folder" and appear inside of it.
Or, you are welcome to build your own home screen, complete with as many folders as you like.
A major part of my app I am creating is to allow the user to create a folder on their homescreen that they can put apps into and customize. I have done some searching around and honestly have no idea if it is possible to do this. I don't see why it wouldn't be able to be done. I have noticed other apps that are avalible for purchase that allow users to do this (for example, edit the icon and name of the folder), what can I do to do that for example? Thanks!
I'm trying to figure out (if it's even possible) to override the behavior of the built in ICS launcher folders.
I have a specific and small change I'd like to add (simply add a button on the top to sort alphabetically to start with). From looking at the source for Launcher2 add the behavior should be easy enough, but I can't seem to figure out way to hook into the launcher and override specific bits.
I would hazard to guess that the correct approach is that you have to implement a full custom launcher (by altering the class I'm interested in changing and recompiling Launcher2) and that what I'm hoping to do isn't possible. Android/Java is not my day job so I'm hoping there might be a way that I'm not seeing that a more experienced developer is aware of.
In short is/how can I implement a custom subclass of com.android.Launcher2.Folder and have that used instead? Preferably with just a drop in app rather than having to completely override the normal ICS launcher app.
I'm trying to figure out (if it's even possible) to override the behavior of the built in ICS launcher folders.
No, sorry.
I would hazard to guess that the correct approach is that you have to implement a full custom launcher (by altering the class I'm interested in changing and recompiling Launcher2) and that what I'm hoping to do isn't possible.
Correct. Beyond that, you cannot simply reuse their code, as packages have to be unique in Android devices.
how can I implement a custom subclass of com.android.Launcher2.Folder and have that used instead?
Completely rebuild the firmware that contains the modified class, then use that modified firmware on your device. Or, refactor the entire home screen app into your own package, get it building as a standalone app (which may not be easy), and then add in your change.
Far simpler would be for you to make your own app widget that implements some sort of folder construct. That would not "override the behavior of the built in ICS launcher folders", but it could give you the functionality you seek.
the least thing i like on the nexus one is the useless app it runs when on the desktop dock.
I already wasted a good day searching for the 3 topics below and failed to find anything.
Is there any replacement for it already available?
Is there source code for the original one?
Is there documentation on how to replace them?
Very Likely. Look in Android Market; I'm sure there's a desktop clock replacement app there.
Yes. look at DeskClock.git.
Yes. look at Intent.CATEGORY_DESK_DOCK. If you create an activity with an intent-filter that contains this category it'll show up in the list of available apps (the 'chooser') when the phone is docked.