yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Android Apps and Games] liorry:
We've started a Google+ community for alpha/beta testers...

If anyone is interested to join, please PM me with the email address you used to purchase Overlays Pro and the email address you want the invite to be sent (Google+ account)

Please only contact me if you purchased Overlays Pro and actually use our application.

We'll be releasing a version today/tomorrow to everyone but we would love to get feedback from you guys at the community page during the week.

Starting next version, we'll first release it to our beta testers and after we get feedback and make the proper adjustments and fixes, we'll release to the public (as it should be :) ).
[Android Apps and Games] liorry:
Version 1.5 is up, updated OP.

Changelog:
[Android Apps and Games] Census Taker:
I've been using this from the start and this latest up-date has greatly improved an already great app! I particularly like the side bar as it makes switching between various overlays so easy.

I have two suggestions that would make this even better for me.

1) On the Overlay editing screen it would be great if there were some sort of grid in the back ground to help sizing and placing of widgets, etc.

2) I have no idea if this is remotely practical to build in, but I would find it useful if an Overlay could have a built in on / off timer. For example, I have a widget that acts as a switch for the built in led torch and I don't need it on the screen during the day, but having it automatically appear at say 9:00PM and disappear at 7:00AM would be really useful. This could be an option available in the Pro version perhaps.

Just a couple of ideas; the app is already brilliant!
[Android Apps and Games] s.c.s.i.:
Is it possible to have an overlay appear just on the lock screen?
[Android Apps and Games] liorry:
Thanks for your suggestions!

1 - will probably be added some day but really not in our top priority.

2 - We're working on a new tab - Events - that will enable you to schedule profiles by time and events (location, incoming call, etc)

Basically possible but due to system limitations they won't be clickable, therefore unusable so we prevent it for now.
[Android Apps and Games] Census Taker:
Wow, I can hardly wait! Many thanks. :good:
[Android Apps and Games] liorry:
Uploaded 1.5.1. Updated OP.

Mostly bug fixes.

Thanks!
[Android Apps and Games] PhilipTD:
I don't know if this can be avoided, but whenever I freeze and then defrost Google Play Music, the widget fails to load and I have to recreate it.
[Android Apps and Games] liorry:
Unfortunately no...

That's a system limitation... as we stated in the Export settings screen.

The system changes the widget IDs every time you reinstall an app, freeze-unfreeze, etc.
[Android Apps and Games] liorry:
We're still looking for more beta testers!

If you want to join, please PM me your Google+ email.

Thanks!
[Android Apps and Games] PhilipTD:
Demo

Demo of using Overlays in combination with UCCW hotspots and GMD gestures. Xda and navigation widgets were made with Elixir 2. Weather widget is from Weatherbug.
[Android Apps and Games] quitdrink:
can it work in other countries?
[Android Apps and Games] liorry:
What do you mean?
[Android Apps and Games] Cptnodegard:
Feature request, though likely a long shot that might not even be possible and/or worthwhile:

Per-profile DPI settings.

I currently used Xposed's per-app DPI framework to change Overlay's DPI, which also affects the overlays themselves, but it's a one-size-fits-all fix. Would be nice to be able to set it on a per-profile basis
[Android Apps and Games] liorry:
Sounds like a ROM feature :)

Can you link me to some information on how you currently do it?
[Android Apps and Games] Cptnodegard:
http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2072081&nocache=1

That's a tweak that changes DPI on a per-app basis. Android isn't aware of screen size, only resolution and DPI. If you lower DPI, Android thus thinks the screen is larger, and compensates by making everything smaller in pixels to make it a certain physical size on the screen- in other words lower virtual DPI = UI elements become smaller in an app, fitting more on the screen.

Applying a lower DPI to Overlays using that tweak is great since it allows you to force widgets to display more information.

Example with a widget in Overlays:

Stock:https://www.dropbox.com/s/g69hpefdgatn31w/Screenshot_2013-09-30-17-12-40.png

Modified to 200 DPI: https://www.dropbox.com/s/uyv6s5zvc6q573s/Screenshot_2013-09-30-17-13-03.png

In this case you can't control it on a per-widget basis, only one setting for Overlays itself, which also affects the widgets it displays. However, I was hoping that maybe there's a way for Overlays in itself to control this for each widget. Shot in the dark, but hard to deny the effect you see above...
[Android Apps and Games] PhilipTD:
Feature Request: Ability to sort profiles by long-press and move.
[Android Apps and Games] liorry:
Amazing explanation :)

I'm of course fully aware of what DP is but thanks for the detailed answer.

I was mostly looking to see if it's possible without ROM or even just root so the link you added is a good way to start. I'll need some time to read through it and see if it's possible and of course I will keep you posted!

Thanks!

In Sidebar you'll be able to sort starting our next release (1.6). Inside the app, I'll try to add it as soon as possible but because I'm looking into changing the profiles concept and look and feel, it will probably be added on version 2.0.

------------------

Again, a reminder, if you want to join our beta testers group, 1.6 will be released first to our testers by the end of this week.

Join here: https://plus.google.com/communities/101175157100545576075
[Android Apps and Games] PhilipTD:
Understood, thanks.
[Android Apps and Games] liorry:
Sorry for my lack of updates but 1.6 is up (right after 1.5.2). OP updated with changelog.

Overlays (free) is available for download with all Pro features unlocked for free until Monday, November 18th at 19:00 (GMT+1) thanks to App of the Day by AppTurbo.
[Android Apps and Games] themadproducer:
[MENTION=1934054]liorry[/MENTION]

I don't know if you remember....but when you first released this app, I bought it even though I had NO SPECIFIC use for it. I just immediately liked the concept, and wanted to support the development.

Here I am now,...and I don't think I can live without it! Funny eh? One example of my many uses, is to have a floating Tasker shortcut that triggers Greenify app to hibernate the current app that I am DONE using. So utterly convenient. Speeds up my productivity, puts me in control...and it's cool!

So any way, just saying THANKS for the app, and to the attention you give the users who provide you feedback. :good::laugh:
[Android Apps and Games] liorry:
Haha I remember well! I can't thank you enough for your support and feedback.

It's users like you who keeps me motivated to continue development even when the revenue is low.

Thank you!
[Android Apps and Games] themadproducer:
[MENTION=1934054]liorry[/MENTION]

Hey.

I would like to report a possible bug with v1.6.1. :crying:

"see the attached screenshot"

The problem goes away if I restore back to 1.5.2.

Example:

- add a NEW app shortcut to float over an existing app.

- disable the shortcut text (label)

- resize icon to 100 or more

It looks fine within the Overlays preview, but when said app is launched, the new floating shortcut icon is SQUARED OFF, as shown in screenshot below.

Previously existing icons made from 1.5.2 are not affected, just NEW ones made with 1.6.1.
[Android Apps and Games] liorry:
Known issue,fix by Sunday :)
[Android Apps and Games] themadproducer:
Tested new version. Square bug gone. Thanks Liorry. Your a man of your word.
[Android Apps and Games] Dovidhalevi:
Simple feature request: A built-in widget to do absolutely nothing. Use it to cover areas one does not want tapped.
[Android Apps and Games] themadproducer:
@Dovidhalevi

The other day, I used a PICTURE FRAME widget to as a BLACK back drop for one of my overlay profiles. I set it to NOT accept a click, and I just used a BLACK generic png image, and I even set transparency to 75% to create the glass see through effect. Worked well. Picture Frame is a widget supplied by the built in Gallery of my ICS rom. You could use this widget, or similar, to mask or cover an area. I added it first, maximized it's dimensions, so it is the bottom layer,....then I added some small widgets on top.

@liorry

One of the Google+ users mentioned a request to add an option for SHORTCUTS that are HALO compatible. I think this is an easy and useful idea. I use the xposed module "xHalo" to enable Halo floating apps on my ICS rom. (emulating Paranoid Android halo ability) As it stands, to create a shortcut that opens an app in Halo mode, I use the Devs free shortcut maker app named Halo Shortcuts from the bottom of this post. But it would be more convenient to see a Halo shortcut list right within Overlays. ;)

This is copied from the xHalo OP.

For Developers

Halo Apps can be launched can be launched using intent.setFlag(0x00002000) (in both official Paranoid Android & in this module). It is known as FLAG_FLOATING_WINDOW in Paranoid Android sources. It is also the same integer in OmniROM's MultiWindow.

Hey...BTW, I can't remember....was there ever any talk of you adding a Floating App...using Overlays...independent of Halo?
[Android Apps and Games] liorry:
Very cool idea you gave to Dovid!

About Halo - I'll have to take my time and look into it. We currently work on a specific new feature that MUST be ready before the 01/01/2014 as we have another free promotion soon, but it looks cool and it's a great idea.

I'm not familiar with a way to float applications without a custom ROM so I'm not sure how Overlays could implement this... Halo requires at least root and a custom ROM/module to flash through recovery, right?
[Android Apps and Games] themadproducer:
Thx for the "idea" compliment. Means a lot coming from you. :good:

Halo etc.

It's pretty new for me. From what I understand and have tested...the ability for a floating app is a stock feature of Paranoid Android roms. So here I am, with my Stock Rooted ICS S3 Sammy rom,...and using what you said...Root + Xposed Framework + Xhalo Module. (plus many other cool modules too) But to actually have an app open in a FLOATING HALO WINDOW, it must have the CODE intent. (the one I pasted into the previous post)

As it stands...when we edit a Overlay Applications Profile, we have the choice to add:

- Widget

- Shortcut

- Widget Shortcut

- Application Shortcut

- Unread msg's, missed calls, Battery, Clock, Weather

What would be great, is to add an additional category named "Halo App Shortcut" so that it would look like this:

- Widget

- Shortcut

- Widget Shortcut

- Application Shortcut

- Halo App Shortcut

- Unread msg's, missed calls, Battery, Clock, Weather

The only difference between the "Application Shortcut" list vs the "Halo App Shortcut" list, would be the extra code or intent that hopefully you can easily add to the "Halo App Shortcut" list so that these shortcuts, when pressed, will open the said app, in a Halo floating window....that is...IF the Halo compatible ROM or xHalo module exists.

So really, you don't have to worry much about the Rom, Framework, Root etc., because if that infrastructure isn't there, then the "Halo App Shortcuts" should still work like a normal shortcut opening the app in a non floating window. Well, that's what happens with my setup when I temporarily disable the xHalo modules. Make sense? Any questions?
[Android Apps and Games] Dovidhalevi:
Problem: Overlayed SLW storage widget, set to clickable, does not update is data.
[Android Apps and Games] liorry:
Widgets that aren't updating their data while shown by Overlays --> Issue with the widget itself. Even if everything is ok once on the home launcher.

Same goes for all Torque widgets (spoke with the developer).

If all the widgets you're floating aren't updating, that's something else.
[Android Apps and Games] Dovidhalevi:
Figured as much. This is actually the only one I am using this way, is quite old, and ... it used to work (within recent memory) which is why I posted here!
[Android Apps and Games] liorry:
I'll check it out then.
[Android Apps and Games] themadproducer:
I tested it. Works, though it the external storage is identical to internal. So obviously the app needs code adjustment, especially since I am on the older ics. Just find an alternative widget app.
[Android Apps and Games] PhilipTD:
Is there any way to cause an overlay to be dismissed when it's clicked? Thanks.

Sent from my Nexus 5
[Android Apps and Games] liorry:
Currently no... you mean like a one time use overlay? :)
[Android Apps and Games] PhilipTD:
Hi, What I had in mind is that upon clicking a shortcut on a widget overlay, the overlay would toggle off.

Sent from my Nexus 5
[Android Apps and Games] liorry:
Why not use Shortcut widget then? http://www.applay.co/2013/05/14/widget-shortcuts-overlays-pro-only/

Or Launcher shortcut? http://www.applay.co/2013/04/15/overlays-shortcuts/

Or sidebar? http://www.applay.co/2013/08/18/sidebar-control-your-profiles-everywhere/

None of the above solve this?
[Android Apps and Games] PhilipTD:
Absolutely. Each is a very good solution, and I am truly impressed with those features. (Please know that Overlays is one of my top five apps.)

As you may remember from some of my previous posts, I have used Overlays in combination with Elixir2, GMD Gesture Control, and Tasker to create gesture-initiated Elixir2 toggle widgets. Each widget contains several shortcuts. For example, I have one widget that has fourteen url shortcuts to various Xda pages. So, when I execute a certain gesture, Tasker executes a task which causes my Xda Elixir2 widget overlay to pop up, I then click a given shortcut on the widget, and my browser opens to the associated Xda page. Then, I have to execute the gesture again to toggle off the widget. No big deal at all, but, it would be cool if, when I clicked the shortcut, the widget would toggle off.

The reason that the above solutions are not entirely practicable for this use is that I would have to set up too many separate widget, launchpad, or sidebar shortcuts in order to have quick access to so many shortcuts. I have several widget overlays, each of which contains numerous shortcuts to various groups of websites and apps.

Thank you very much for your usual quick and effective support.

Sent from my Nexus 5
[Android Apps and Games] liorry:
So basically you're talking about a checkbox in any overlay settings that toggles "Hide on first click"? Sounds doable.
[Android Apps and Games] PhilipTD:
That would be awesome.

Sent from my Nexus 5
[Android Apps and Games] liorry:
Added to our TODO list!
[Android Apps and Games] themadproducer:
[MENTION=1934054]liorry[/MENTION]

Hey, I really don't want to bother you with another request for the "to do" list, but it's simple, hopefully, and I would be able to make the most use of this already super handy app.

Could you add an option to the side bar, so that instead of a pull out bar, it will instead launch either an app, or a shortcut, or a single overlay profile? So it will be a single slide action.

Cheers
[Android Apps and Games] liorry:
Not hard to implement but I can't see how this is a sidebar related feature... I'll add it to our consider to do list for now. Doesn't feel it's Overlays related but I'll sleep on it :)
[Android Apps and Games] themadproducer:
Ok Thx for considering [MENTION=1934054]liorry[/MENTION]

Here's a wee elaboration.

Scenario example

Sliding opens a global overlay profile of predetermined choice, let's call it a Bat Belt, or Swiss Army profile . This profile could contain an assortment of controls all in one handy dandy place. It would be accessible from any screen with a single pull/slide, and of course floating, and could/should contain a close/disable profile button, probably made by Tasker. EXAMPLE, It could have my:

- volume widget

- Brightness widget

- several music player widgets

- email

Etc. Just handy widget stuff. Whatever.

This scenario can/does already exist, but my idea would reduce the amount of clicks to get thete. One click at least. May not seem like much, but it would be slick.

Shortcut scenario.

I normally do not use the pull out bar feature. But if I could assign it an app, or a shortcut directly... Then it may come in handy... instead if not using it at all.

Overlays is different to me, from any other app. The possibilities creep up, and I don't see them coming. I love experimenting with it. It's hard to predict where it's gonna go. Fun.

Cheers
[Android Apps and Games] liorry:
As always, I love how your mind works and the usages you find for Overlays :)

As mentioned, we soon have a big free promotion and we're working on releasing some specific features before it starts, so we'll consider this suggestion after it's over.
[Android Apps and Games] themadproducer:
Looking forward to the new features Liorry. Thx
[Android Apps and Games] Looki75:
Dear Liorry,

I love Overlays and have been using it for a long time.

I have the pro version.

I noticed a strange behavior.

Actually, it might have been intended, but in my mind, it looks like (not really a bug but) something that have been overlooked...

When an overlay kicks-in (eg app-dependant), normal use of the phone, if you tap-and-hold on a widget which is part of the overlay, then it enters in Overlays' edit mode for this widget...

Well, in Overlays' interface, it's normal to enter edit mode when tap-and-hold.

But it should not be the case when the overlay appears during normal use. Or at least have an option to prevent this behavior.

But at the same time, keep the ability to click the widget (single click - which actions the widget).

For each widget there is the "Clickable" option which governs BOTH single click and tap-and-hold. You get both or none.

In other words, you would decouple both options and control independently "enable widget's functionality" and "enable long press to edit".

I hope this is clear.

Thanks
[Android Apps and Games] Dovidhalevi:
Yes, it is very easy when clicking a clickable overlay to get into the edit mode. Get the buzz, but the item can easily enough be moved, even deleted (yes, the confirmation must be tapped) if not paying close attention.

Not a bug. A feature, good one, but maybe the interface to it needs some more thought.
[Android Apps and Games] liorry:
Very clear :)

Do you think this feature should be a per overlay option or a general lock/unlock in our settings?

By the way, there's an option to control the long press delay through settings. Maybe this will make it easier? It doesn't affect the long press delay when inside Overrlays, only when outside.
[Android Apps and Games] Looki75:
Good point with the long press delay. Enough to "wait for the update", but I think it is more a temporary workaround.

For me, a general lock/unlock in settings would be enough (that's the first place I went to when I noticed the behavior and was looking for an option to prevent it).
[Android Apps and Games] liorry:
Basically, if you want to lock the option to edit, a long delay will serve the point. As mentioned, this doesn't affect the long press delay in the edit screen. It only affects the long press delay outside Overlays.

But... We'll add the lock/unlock option on our next update!
[Android Apps and Games] Looki75:
Fantastic! I will look forward for the next update!

And... if I may... could you make so that shortcuts are ALSO editable through long-press on the fly? (outside of the edit screen)

Here also, subject to the global lock/unlock option we talked about.

Please... :o:o:o

Thanks :D
[Android Apps and Games] themadproducer:
Yes, editable shortcuts on the fly would be awesome. +1 :good:
[Android Apps and Games] liorry:
What do you mean editable shortcuts? Show the overlay settings left-top button and allow access to its settings screen anywhere?
[Android Apps and Games] themadproducer:
Yes...what you said Liorry. :good:

But just to be sure, let me re-phrase.

- I open my Email app, and there is an Overlay shortcut.

- I long press it and get 3 options...SAVE, DELETE, SETTINGS

Settings would be the exact same ones available if I was editing this same short cut within the Overlays app itself.

Is it possible or realistic to be able to have this?
[Android Apps and Games] liorry:
Thanks.

Can't promise this will be available on our next version but we'll add it to our TODO list.
[Android Apps and Games] themadproducer:
More than cool Thx Liorry.

Well...I am actually very curious...excited, to see your next major release that you mentioned. Hope it's going well.
[Android Apps and Games] RnD Mobile:
Great App. Thx!
[Android Apps and Games] liorry:
I posted the estimated changelog on our Google+ group! :)
[Android Apps and Games] themadproducer:
[MENTION=1934054]liorry[/MENTION]

OK I am there...looked through the Overlay section that I am subscribed to...but cannot find the e.Changelog. Can you point me in the right direction please?
[Android Apps and Games] liorry:
Can't find it either :)

I'm uploading a fix version today for several crashes people are experiencing. Nothing new yet.
[Android Apps and Games] PhilipTD:
Is 1.6.2 the latest test version?
[Android Apps and Games] liorry:
There's no test version currently at all. 1.6.2 is the latest version for all users. I'm uploading 1.6.5 today for all users as mentioned.

I hope to release a test version for the Google+ group of version 2.0 in 2 weeks.
[Android Apps and Games] PhilipTD:
Ah, understood. Thanks

Sent from my Nexus One
[Android Apps and Games] liorry:
Uploaded to Play store... will be available in 2-3 hours.
[Android Apps and Games] Viper_21:
Not sure if this has been reported or if it is intentional, but whenever I exit the Overlays main app, all the floating widgets from all my profiles appear on the screen. I have to manually close them one by one.
[Android Apps and Games] liorry:
That's how it is supposed to be...

If you don't want Global profiles on, just toggle the ones you don't want to OFF or toggle all with the above switch.

You can control them via out sidebar, launcher shortcuts or Tasker (if you have Pro version installed).
[Android Apps and Games] PhilipTD:
Getting a persistent notification even though in settings I unchecked all notification options and chose notifications to be visible only when profile/sidebar is visible. Thanks

Sent from my Nexus 5
[Android Apps and Games] PhilipTD:
Really looking forward to this.

Happy New Year

All the best to you and yours in 2014

Sent from my Nexus 5
[Android Apps and Games] liorry:
Happy New Year :)

About the "hide on click" option.

I've been thinking about it and I can't see how it can be an overlay setting and not a whole profile setting.

If you set it to an overlay , how will the overlay return to visibility? you'll need to toggle the whole profile OFF and then ON again.

Was that what you had in mind?
[Android Apps and Games] PhilipTD:
Happy New Year

Thank you very much for considering my suggestion.

I figured that the overlay would return to visibility simply upon being invoked by the "on" gesture to which I assigned it. As we've discussed in the past, I have several global profiles that I keep off, and initiate through the Overlays shortcuts, but, rather than placing the shortcuts on the homescreen, I create gestures to call them. This screen recording demonstrates the set up. You'll notice that when a shortcut on the widget is tapped, it stays open (as expected) until I execute the toggle gesture. What I thought would be cool, is if when a shortcut on the widget is tapped, it would toggle off, ready to be opened again by its gesture.

I'm over-complicating things by including the gesture aspect. It's easier to think of it this way: There's a shortcut to an overlay widget on the homescreen. You tap it and the widget pops up. You tap one of the icons on the widget that opens an app, and the widget disappears (toggles off).

________________________

Sent from my Nexus 5