[Android Apps and Games] erikalin:
The Box

[IMG="http://i.imgur.com/KIk9944.png"]http://i.imgur.com/KIk9944.png[/IMG]​

WHY WOULD I WANT THE BOX?

Want people to stop asking you for updates and mods you've already uploaded? Want a polite way to let users know how to donate to you?? Tired of thread clutter with people asking repeatedly for certain download links or theme threads? Want to have an app that showcases all of your work in one place? Have ROMs on more than one device and still want an app that can link people to what they need? Include this lightweight app that gives your ROM/theme users instant access to your updates, fixes, themes, ROMs, tutorials, etc., as soon as you upload. No additional service setup is required. Keep using whatever file hosting service you already use (i.e. AndroidFileHost, Dev-Host,your own, whatever).

WHAT IS THE BOX?

This is a simple app for ROM developers and themers and modders to collect their work into one app to share. You can include it in any of your custom ROM builds or projects, for example, or use it as a theme collection, or use it in some other way. Download and install the APK file attached to this OP and see for yourself. It has dummy images and filler text in the layouts. You can apktool/theme/modify this app pretty much however you want, with only a few exceptions as noted below.

CAN I SEE A VERSION OF THE BOX ALREADY IN USE?

Yeah. I have one on the Play Store for the Wicked X ROM series. Check it out here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.erikalin.box1. Don't theme that one, obviously, or your users with get Play Store updates for the wrong project, but it's a working example with over 3000 installs and many happy users.

[IMG="http://i.imgur.com/fv4dvoi.gif"]http://i.imgur.com/fv4dvoi.gif[/IMG]

WHAT DOES THE TEMPLATE LOOK LIKE?

The attached template APK file comes will "dummy" images and filler text, and contrasting colors so you can easily see what you are editing.

[IMG="http://i.imgur.com/DrKSxlX.gif"]http://i.imgur.com/DrKSxlX.gif[/IMG]

AREN'T THERE MORE COMPREHENSIVE APPS LIKE OTA UPDATERS?

Yes. The Box is intentionally simple. If you want something more complex just go use something more complex or make your own app. This is made simple so that you can easily theme and customize it for yourself.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE ME TO GET THIS UP AND RUNNING?

Given a learning curve for planning out what you want to put into The Box? It might take you an hour to "learn" and then whatever time you need to make up your images for your stuff, decide on what you want to include, etc.

WHAT YOU NEED TO PUT TOGETHER FOR YOURSELF:

- a total of seven links you want to put into The Box (XDA threads, folders on Android File Host or whatever, links to online tutorials or something, your own paypal donation link, etc.)

- the seven images (440w X 200h) you want to use for those seven links (image buttons)

- your own app icon (you can just use the demo icon but you should make your own)

- five navigation drawer icons (90 X 90)(the little icons inside the app's navigation drawer)

- the text you want to include to welcome users, give credits, explain steps, etc.

- a background image for inside the app

- Watch the detailed youtube demo video

[IMG="http://i.imgur.com/VGVFb8G.jpg"]http://i.imgur.com/VGVFb8G.jpg[/IMG]

​

WHAT YOU CAN EDIT AND THEME:

Anything except what is noted below. So edit the rest of the text strings, text colors, background image, button images, navigation drawer icons, app icon, and of course direct all the links to your stuff.

WHAT YOU CANNOT EDIT OR REMOVE:

The app name.

The "About The Box" fragment - title, ic_frag5.png, text strings for the About fragment. Just leave the "About The Box" stuff alone and don't rename my app.

WHAT YOU CANNOT DO:

Put this on the Play Store - one template, one package name, no play store.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE DONE:

Post a link on this thread to where you are using The Box. You don't need to ask for permission, but please post a link so I can keep track of where it is in use. Screenshots are welcome but not required.

WHERE IS THE BOX FROM 2014:

There is a way more simple version of The Box on my old thread. There is even a "two button" version, so like one button to your downloads or XDA thread and the other button to your paypal donation link, for example. Find the old, more simple versions of templates here: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2777472

If you have questions, post them in this thread for sure. ... okay? I think that's everything for now.​

Directions

:

Download the latest template attached to this OP (version 4.1 is the latest)

Decompile.

Theme and mod to be yours by replacing dummy images with your own, and putting in your URLs

Watch the youtube video. I made it pretty thorough and it should answer most questions. :good:

changelog

version 4.0 initial release with navigation drawer layouts. Older versions in the old thread.

version 4.1 added "Exit" button by request. Version 4.1 is otherwise the same as version 4.0.