yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Android Apps and Games] sdp0et:
I have a few pretty specific desires from a voice controller/virtual assistant and utter comes the closest. But there is one big thing that I can't get to work.

I use utter solely when on a motorcycle connected with a certain bluetooth headset. I use Llama. This is not a request to add Llama functionality to utter. What I want should not require utter to know anything about Llama.

Feature request - additional system application shortcuts

a) On connection of the BT headset, I want Llama to launch utter's background "self aware" state. Running the application opens the settings window. Llama can run application shortcuts, but utter doesn't do it the way I or Llama expect. When I tell Llama to link to utter's application shortcut, utter just creates a new shortcut icon on the home screen, but llama is left without a reference to anything. Llama needs to get the shortcut from the application, not the home screen (and I would rather not have a shortcut on my home screen). Can we get add "register launch default configuration shortcut" in addition to the "create new shortcut on home screen" one?

b) similarly, can we have one for exiting utter too? Llama should be able to kill utter when that bsuetooth headset disconnects, but it can't. I don't know yet if this is a problem with utter, llama, or android. Llama has su privileges, and nothing happens. su log states that Llama's request was approved. Currently, I have to unlock my phone, open the settings window then navigate three menus deep to close utter.

In short, I only want utter around when on that bluetooth device. Even when inactive, it consumes 30-50% of my CPU constantly, and (to my knowledge) I have no options enabled that should require it to think so hard. I might be able to do these things by launching Intents directly, but I'd need to experiment or know more about utter's code.

___

Other stuff:

Feature request - Astrid integration

It would be nice to have utter create tasks and reminders for me.

Feedback/questions:

* root access: Utter is constantly trying to get root access. I don't think I have anything enabled that should require that. Can I tell utter not to try? If not, can we add a checkbox somewhere?

*ads and menus: until you get a paid version out, could you move the ads to the bottom of the screen or reserve the banner space on render? The menus load, and just as I am about to tap an option, the ad appears and shifts everything down and I end up in the wrong place. Tap back, and end up doing the same thing again. The delay is different every time, so even waiting it will seem like it's not going to happen after a couple seconds and then it does when I let down my guard and tap.

Thanks for the hard-work and the app. Even with with what is written above, I like it. My intent is to ask, not complain.
[Android Apps and Games] GLDavis:
Couple things as I know I can't answer some of your questions. There is a new test build out that has reduced memory usage significantly and hopefully will help to resolve your CPU usage (I can't recall seeing any posts with CPU use ever being that high). It's been mostly memory, not CPU related, so I'm thinking something might be conflicting with Utter?

Secondly, I would think with something like Tasker, you could implement a profile that when "bluetooth connected", activate Utter (There has to be an activity to start and stop it somewhere), and then when bluetooth disconnects, then Utter could be set to shutdown.

I can run Utter all day, every day and have never seen the CPU usage you describe above.

Just trying to give you some ideas.

EDIT: Just want to make sure that Utter is NOT in permanent listening mode? That of course would account for some CPU usage.

ALSO...giving Utter root access won't harm anything and it will give it permission to accomplish tasks that might otherwise require user input.
[Android Apps and Games] bazinga:
Quick question.

First, I don't have data on my phone.

When I use utter, such as "Call so-and-so". It would say "Sorry I did not understand that command."

But when I turn on wifi, and say "Call so-and-so" it would understand.

So how would I use this "Offline"?
[Android Apps and Games] Drifternz:
To get Utter to work from a shortcut in another app, go to the market and download Utter Quick Launcher.. It doesn't install or anything, but you point the application you want to use the shortcut in to utter QL instead of utters own shortcut. It will then open utter for speech input. :fingers-crossed:
[Android Apps and Games] sdp0et:
Thanks for the reply. I'll check out the test build, but the CPU isn't the only issue that makes me want it not around when not in use. Maybe further experimentation will help, but I can't get utter to honor my sound settings. It blares randomly at work even when my phone is muted, but telling it to honor mute profile settings doesn't help. First, I am assuming that this means my phone's "profile" in that if volume was at 10, but then directly muted, utter can remain at 10 while everything else is muted, or honor the muting. The issue is that if my phone is muted, and utter is honoring that, when the bluetooth headset connects it gets its own volume control, and utter seems to still be honoring the main media volume and mute profile. I think there is already a plan to deal specifically with bluetooth connection, and maybe this will be sorted out then.

As for the Secondly, I agree with you. I might not have explained it well in my post, but that is exactly how I expected it to work and what I am trying to do. Llama is "something like Tasker", but it can only hook into the thing that launches the activity window, not the service and not any way to close it.
[Android Apps and Games] GLDavis:
Do you have the offline recognition files downloaded from Google? Without data connection you will be limited to such features that do not require data..such as "Open...name of application" for instance, or "browse directory...so and so".

Without wifi being on...try something like "display contact....so and so" and see what type of response you get from Utter.

** Try "turn on Aeroplane mode" and then issue one of the commands above too and see if that helps.

If your offline files haven't been downloaded, check back on the thread as there are many references...the latest by Ben I think just yesterday or the day before.

---------- Post added at 04:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:46 PM ----------

I'm familiar with Llama but never used it since Tasker provides the same functionality and more. Only problem with Tasker is that it has a steep learning curve and makes it hard for must users to comprehend its power.

Drifternz posted as well about the Quick Launch...you can find it in the market. Just go to Utter Beta and scroll down and you will find it. It has its usefulness in that it does one thing. You can certainly give that a download and point Llama at that to see if you get better results.

EDIT: Volume...have you gone into settings, then Volume Settings and set Utter to Adhere to Media Stream? That might possibly resolve the problem.

Once the BT code has been ironed out, you might have much better success in what you're trying to accomplish. That of course is high on the list for the next update.
[Android Apps and Games] GLDavis:
Latest Test Build-For any NEW Visitors.

I have been asked to post the link for the latest test build, so here it is for any new visitors!!!
[Android Apps and Games] Dtrieb:
Hi Ben,

is this important for the utter development?

Google Bans Non-Play Store Android App Updates

http://gizmodo.com/5995416/google-bans-non+play-store-android-app-updates
[Android Apps and Games] sdp0et:
Utter is adhering to the media stream. Part of my confusion was not knowing if it was "adhering" to the current media stream or the memorized setting. By that I mean if you mute when volume is at 10 then unmute, your device remembers the previous volume. It seews like utter may check that volume and the "honor mute" overrides it. But that's just an assumption.
[Android Apps and Games] GLDavis:
Well sir, this looks like it and your other questions are going to have to be answered by Ben.

Anyway, I hope you like Utter! as we've all had great success with it and here's to the continued development by a great developer!!

Make it a good day!
[Android Apps and Games] sdp0et:
I do enjoy it and than for the information. Most of my issues are based on wanting things that just aren't available yet.

When utter tells me "I didn't hear anything" is that just an alternate phrasing of the "I didn't understand" or did it literally not detect me speaking? I ask because it always says this right after I stop speaking (whether it was a 3 second command or gibberish for 10). Knowing this might help me figure out if my headset is telling utter when I stop speaking but not sending any sound or if Utter is having trouble understanding me.
[Android Apps and Games] GLDavis:
Here's the deal with the headset....Ben put code in a while back and most devices will recognize...HOWEVER...big however, is that Utter cannot yet communicate through the headset (it doesn't talk both ways yet as in A2DP). So what you are experiencing is the phone mic is the only thing that hears you!!! That's why your commands aren't being translated well.

Like I said earlier, its high on the list for the next update for BT! :good:
[Android Apps and Games] sdp0et:
The inconsistency made me think that. Sometimes I hear utter, sometimes I don't. Same the other way. Utter actually hears and understands me better when the headset is a couple feet away than when it's on. I'll wait on the the bluetooth stuff then.
[Android Apps and Games] Jamalsid:
Ben

Going through the linked apps in settings and noticed the waze icon appearing instead of foursquare. It also thinks I have foursquare installed and I don't.
[Android Apps and Games] IAmAN00bie:
No, it doesn't. You can still sideload APKs downloaded off the net. You just can't have apps that download the APK for you and ask you to install it there. So apps like Facebook can no longer update itself that way.
[Android Apps and Games] GLDavis:
That's good news
[Android Apps and Games] Uriz3en:
Sorry, I've been busy with other stuff, only now could I try that. And I'm still stuck (this is still the old build, btw).

On the phone (Note 2), all I can find is "Application Manager" that eventually shows me the data and lets me "Clear Data" - which I haven't done yet, because I don't know what it means. On the Play Store I could uninstall Google Search, but nothing for the voice. Stupid Question: Google Now doesn't have to be activated, right?

I'll just try and fiddle around a bit.

Thanks a lot.

On a by note, can someone maybe point me to a good "Android First Steps" tutorial? I've been through the tips for my phone on the forum here, but I am particularly interested in something that automatically stops unused apps from running in the background. At least I think that's what I'm looking for. Or maybe something that lets me choose which processes will be cached (stuff I use, not stuff I don't need).

To explain, say my phone has been on for two hours. I maybe searched something on the net, wi-fi, used utter to check the weather. But when I check the Task Manager to Clear my Cache/Memory (which closes unused applications), I get between 40 and 60 applications being closed. Without me even using an app at the moment. Ten seconds later I do it again, and it says 2 applications closed. Is that normal or are there ways to stop these things from automatically doing that?

---------- Post added at 10:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:04 PM ----------

So... uhm. It just started working. Offline. In English.

I don't know what happened. I didn't even do anything...

UPDATE:

First, I think what I did was... well, it's too embarrassing really. When I visited Google Play Store to check on Google Voice Search, I think I might possibly have somehow hit an update button. At least I had a notification that it was updated that I found just know. Which is weird, since I had that on auto-update since the first day... Or... hold on, is it possible that a FW update takes away app updates? Or updates settings?

Anyway, second thing, and it's just kinda funny, if UK English is the one you're using as voice recognition, unless you're really British I think it might be pretty frustrating to try and "open" something. Because apparently you want to "Walton" something. In order for the visual results to register "open" I had to put on my best Michael Cain voice and pronounce it "uhoohhpen".

Cheers, mates.
[Android Apps and Games] GLDavis:
Funny stuff, but if it's working now, switch to the English voice and all should be fine.

For your applications and such try "Greenify". You'll find it in the play store.

**The latest Test Release attached to this post for new arrivals**
[Android Apps and Games] Pretorian187:
Open setting in App

I recently installed utter and I find it amazing. I have one problem tho. I tried to open a setting within one application by using the Launch Activity command. My problem is that it just doesnt open that setting. It simply listens to my command but utter does nothing. I can open the application by choosing the "open application" function in utter, but then it just opens the App and im stuck there. Is there another way how to open a setting (function) within an application? I was also thinking if its possible to create a widget or shortcut of that setting and then let utter think its an app and it would open it. Any suggestions please? My device runs on gingerbread
[Android Apps and Games] bruce7373:
If you use Tasker, you can use the Autoshortcut plugin to create a task that will trigger a shortcut or activity. Then create an utter command calling up that task.
[Android Apps and Games] Pretorian187:
Open setting in App

Thanks for the lightspeed reply! So I downloaded tasker and the normal autoshortcut plugin ( not pro), went on Tasks and Add new Task. Then if I go to Plugin at "Select action category" and I choose the AutoShortcut plugin and click on edit it says pick your shortcut. But the App I need is not in that shortcut list. Any suggestions? You mentioned a triggered activity but where do I find that? I went to "Select Action Category" again but im not sure what to choose there.
[Android Apps and Games] bruce7373:
At the top of that list, do you see a selection called "Activities?" If you click that you should see a list of all your apps. You can then expand any app and select a specific activity for it.
[Android Apps and Games] Pretorian187:
Open setting in App

When I open "Select Action Category" I do not see Activities. There is only Alert, App and Audio Settings Action when it comes to the letter A.

EDIT: I downloaded the trial version. So I guess it does not include that Activity feature?
[Android Apps and Games] bruce7373:
Oh, sorry, no, with those selections, pick "Plugin." Select Autoshortcut. Now, in the Task Edit window, click the Edit button to configure Autoshortcut. At the top of that list you should see "Activities."

Edit: I just reread your original post. You already did this, it seems. Hmmm... maybe because you're on gingerbread the choices are different.

Actually, if you go to "Create a Command" in utter's settings and select "Launch an Activity," you should see pretty much the same list, in which case you don't even need to do it via Tasker/Autoshortcut, I guess. But I think Autoshortcut gives you more choices based on what launcher you use (I have Nova).
[Android Apps and Games] Pretorian187:
Open setting in App

Thats exactly what I tried in the beginning. Please see my original post. When I selected "Launch an Activity" utter understood the command but nothing happened. Thats why I tried to find a way around. I use the go launcher ex. And there is the shortcuts option but there are the exact same apps as in the autoshortcut list (and my specific app was not in that list). The shortcuts are just for the apps itself I think, not for the specific submenu of that app. The trial version of Tasker which I downloaded was v1.6. Maybe I try to get the v4 and see if I have that Activity option there? They say that you should go with the version assigned to your mobile (hence v1.6 for GB according to their site tasker.dinglisch.net/download.html) but maybe v4 works on my gb as well? Damn there has to be a way..
[Android Apps and Games] bruce7373:
Actually, if you open up the sub-menu for an app on the Activities list, you'll see all its various activities. I don't think the version of Tasker matters as that list is system wide (I would think, since utter displays pretty much the same thing).

What does Go launcher offer as shortcuts (it's been a while since I used it)? The only other thing I can suggest is to install Nova, long press on the desktop and see if the shortcut list has more options.

May I ask what you're trying to set up?
[Android Apps and Games] AgustinArwin:
You can also try Secure Settings beside Auto Shortcut like bruce737 said it is another Tasker Plugin, but I think you will need root on installing this, I haven't tried it though, just seen it.
[Android Apps and Games] Pretorian187:
Open setting in App
[Android Apps and Games] bruce7373:
The more I think about it the more I think it might not be a feature in gingerbread. Reason being, I installed Go just to see what I could add as a shortcut and, at the top of the list is that Activities submenu. But it has a Nova icon to it, so it might be something Nova adds which is accessible from any launcher. I'm going to flash a new ROM tomorrow when it's scheduled to be released, and I'll check the shortcut list before I install Nova and give you a more definitive answer. If you can figure out what the process is, then maybe make a task that would run a command line. I know there's another Tasker plugin that would aid in that, but I can't think of the name offhand.

Edit: I just took a look at Secure Settings options, as there are some you don't need root for. One of those is "Run a Command" so you might want to keep that in mind.
[Android Apps and Games] Pretorian187:
I now managed to nail that sub menu down :D. I managed it with the suggestion of user AgustinArwi which was the app "secure settings" So I now have the the command in my tasks list within the "Tasker" App. But how do I now assign a utter command to it? Please note that I do have a rooted device.
[Android Apps and Games] bruce7373:
Cool. :thumbup: OK, first, go into your System Settings and enable the Tasker service under the Accessibility tab. Next, make sure "Allow External Access" is enabled in Tasker under the Preferences > Misc tab. Then go to utter's settings and link it to Tasker in Linked Applications. Now when you go into Customization > Create a Command, you should see "Run a Tasker Task" as the last option. Select the Task you made and your command and there you go. ;)
[Android Apps and Games] Pretorian187:
I tried what you said but when I come to the point Link it to tasker in linked applications the voice tells me that "there was an error communicating with tasker" when I go to "Run a Taster Task" it tells me the same. The way I added a task in tasker was like that ( maybe I did something wrong?): 1. I click on the add task button and i assign a name. 2. I click on the plus to add an Action from where I choose "Secure Settings" in the select Plugin action menu. 3. I click on edit and choose the "Launch Activity". From there I choose the App and then the action I want to launch. Then I save that and it appears in the Tasks list of Tasker.

Then I added a profile in the Tasker Profiles menu, used application in "First Context" and chose the app with that sub menu ( which I added when it showed the option Task Edit). So now in Profiles the App and the launch activity appears.

I restarted the phone, deleted the task, then created it again but still the same error voice message "there was an error communicating with tasker". Internet cant be the prob as wifi is enabled
[Android Apps and Games] bruce7373:
I get that occasionally, too. Uninstall, then reinstall utter. That should fix it. I think for whatever reason Tasker needs to be installed first.

And you don't need to create a profile, just the task. That's all utter needs.
[Android Apps and Games] Pretorian187:
What you suggested worked. I was able to link utter and tasker now. But im just half way through. I can create tasks of every sub menu of the app and they work with my voice commands, but for some strange reasons one of them doesnt work ( and surprise surprise..it´s the one i want to work :)) . It does nothing and gets kinda stuck when I call it. I also tried to create an app out of it ( with App factory) but when i try to export it as an app in "task export options" it says Error: sorry, export failed. When I call it up it gives "secure settings has been granted su permission" in order to launch it, but then nothing happens and the homescreen freezes. Then when I click on the homescreen button the screen unfreezes. Did that ever happen to you? I find it very strange that all of the sub menus work beside one. I also tried to open the main app menu and then call that sub menu via utter but the same result (nothing). Maybe the su permission is not granted quickly enough and thats why it doesnt open?
[Android Apps and Games] GLDavis:
It probably has something to do with the SU permission. It could be a protected service and only work through the app itself. Then again you may find it needs a string or command line to execute.

** Latest test build attached for any newcomers **
[Android Apps and Games] Pretorian187:
Yeah, I was thinking that the launch of the sub menu is directly linked to the app itself. I might have a look at the command lines later. At least I managed to launch some sub functions for now. Thanks for all the help guys! I do have one more question tho. Is it possible to have Utter listening to your voice commands without always pressing the utter icon? Can I let it run in the background constantly listening for commands? At least for a certain period of time.
[Android Apps and Games] GLDavis:
If you have the latest test build you have 2 commands for permanent recognition.... Start listening and stop listening.

The wake up command is "wake up".

You'll see a different color icon in the notification bar when it's active.

It's battery intensive and it works fairly well for me.

** New Arrivals-Latest Test Build Attached **
[Android Apps and Games] bruce7373:
This sounds reasonable. I had a similar experience with OfficeSuite. I wanted utter to open it directly to a new, blank document instead of the start screen. Nothing worked. I came to the conclusion that it was possible probably only through OS itself because the document is created as a kind of overlay.

Wish I could be of more help, but at least you got the Tasker link going. And Secure Settings is a handy plugin to have.
[Android Apps and Games] AgustinArwin:
Great!
[Android Apps and Games] brandall:
Ouch. Bit of a headache going on here.... I'll be back at some point later to answer questions! If I answered them now, they probably wouldn't make sense....