yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] djmcnz:
A difficult decision arctu but one that must be made nevertheless. Here are some principles I might apply:

* Faced with code splinter cease all new functional development and concentrate on finishing what is there and eliminating bugs.

- This would mean no development for CM 5.0.6 until HelixLauncher, HelixLauncher2 and the system app were all stabilised on non-beta versions with complete functions. So, quick shortcuts, more screens and rotating launcher all working perfectly with all of the lingering bugs addressed.

* Get everything out of beta and then pause for a breath.

- Really you've already made a commitment (by accepting donations) to address the current before addressing the future. And until we have final products on current released roms then we should not be expecting/asking you for more features or support for unreleased roms.

* Once you've stabilised your code, then (if possible) re-baseline HelixLauncher2 with CM's code and release it as beta (no new functions necessary). By releasing it as beta for CM 5.0.6 and not for older versions you're setting a clear expectation that you're moving forward also and that your new versions are not backward compatible - if this is clear from the outset then you have done all that you can.

- I don't think you should do this with HelixLauncher. I can't help but think that continuing to support a "legacy" Android experience will slow you down when everybody will have to move forward at some stage.

If you did this you would end up with:

* A stable version of HelixLauncher that will work with stock and CM 5.0.3 and down but will be sunsetted - but not before Android 2.1 is also sunsetted (i.e. it will always work with 2.1) - so you serve the current need whislt making a clear statement that you can't always support the past.

* A stable and functionally equivalent version of HelixLauncher2 (market and system app) at version 1.0 or something. Again, for CM 5.0.3 or stock 2.1 and nothing more.

* Start working on HelixLauncher2 for CM 5.0.6 and beyond. Release that as beta for CM 5.0.6 and up only (this will obviously take some time).

This way:

* Everybody that wants HelixLauncher can use a stable version for as long as Android 2.1 is around (and when we move to FroYo then these people will need to loose the old app drawer anyway).

* Everybody on CM 5.0.4 and below can choose between stable versions of HelixLauncher, HelixLauncher2 and the system app.

* Everybody wanting CM 5.0.6 and above can wait a little for a new beta (and the wait is justified because 5.0.6 isn't really even released and everybody will understand you needing to complete the current versions).

* After cleaning up you end up with only one code base, aligned to CM, to work on... faster developments for all!

Not everybody gets everything but them's the breaks.

Most importantly, I think you really need to ignore all the new feature requests... expect mine of course... ;) or there'll just be more confusion.

Either way, I think you need to make a clear statement in the first posts of both threads to set and manage expectations...
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] cyanogen:
The Droid OTA that is going out has the same changes already, so your app is broken on the Droid too. It's not "CM's code", it's the next iteration of Eclair and the code is all available in AOSP. Google released all the changes along side the Droid OTA just to handle this situation. Sorry, I didn't do it. Don't put stuff on the Market that uses private APIs. Google already told us not to use Renderscript in apps, the API probably won't be public until Gingerbread.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] ruqqq:
@cyanogen: Well, I never said it's "CM's code"? Okay anyway, thats great news, somehow. I always thought Droid ESE8* is using older drop of 2.1 because the patch for renderscript appeared on the git just recently (at least on your git). Though, I'll gladly pull out HelixLauncher2 from the market because no one actually uses it and prefers the system app. I believe that solves quite a number of things. Launcher2 should always be a system app like it always was.

@djmcnz: Thanks for the long post! it helped me brainstorm, somehow! Some of your suggestions might work.

@Andrewtst: Quiet doesn't mean I'm not working on anything. :D
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] cyanogen:
Ideally you could use introspection to discover what API is available.. I wasn't intending to be confrontational, but I got blasted with complaints that that their phone was unusable after flashing 5.0.6-test1 because Helix FC'ed on boot :(

On the bright side, Helix is obviously well-liked by ALOT of people :)
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] Talderon:
I would really love to see continued support for Stock and Non-Rooted ROM's, however, that is, of course, your choice. :)
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] ruqqq:
I should remove the app from market immediately and will update the first post soon. Kinda tired right now to deal with anything.

In regards to using other APIs, there's isn't any which I can use unless I recreate my own version of renderscript. Alternatively, which has been in plan for quite some time is creating my custom app menu -- which i'll be working on as soon as i'm really free. That should solve lots of problems.

Meanwhile, cyanogen, why not you patch your default launcher to include the quickshortcuts? Code is in my git, standalone branch. I think thats the main usability feature which the people are after. They wont need helixlauncher if they had that probably. Just a suggestion. ;)
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] cyanogen:
I'll take a look.. I didn't want to kang anything from HelixLauncher because it's obviously doing well on the Market and I didn't want to take anything away from that :)
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] ruqqq:
i put it on github for the spirit of sharing. kang what you want. ;) appreciate if you could point back to this thread for "more advanced features" though.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] DocRambone:
How about the helixlauncher with old style drawer?, same api issues?
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] milenko11:
The shortcuts are why I donated to you. It would be amazing if you allow Cyanogen to implement this.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] djmcnz:
Please kang!

Quick shortcuts in CM would be a dream... assuming I can get 7 screens also somehow
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] 18.4009:
For me this is the number one reason I use Helix. I love the shortcuts!!
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] 18.4009:
Even without the 7 screens though if he could implement the shortcuts I think everyone who uses this rom would be extremely happy. It seems to me that the use of those shortcuts should be a standard feature on our androids. The use of that "dead space" at the bottom comes in so handy and frees up much needed space on my screen. Just my two cents anyways. ;)
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] RayKinStL:
There are two reasons I use this. The first is the 4 docked icons at the bottom. The second is the ability to hide all text labels on icons that are on the desktop. If upgrading my CyanMod means losing either of those two features, then I own't be upgrading my CyanMod until some revolutionary change comes out. That's my 2 cents.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] djmcnz:
Agreed, more screens is a bonus for me... quick shortcuts are fruits from the gods.

I can't upgrade the CM 5.0.6 now because I'm so dependant on the quick shortcuts.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] psylink:
just asked cyanogen the other day about adding the quick shortcuts (got same response as he said above, not wanting to kang it)

so my vote for the quick shortcuts is, yes please, if not the world wont end but i wont limit my phone by not upgrading CM :)

keep up the good work devs
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] drpfenderson:
Re: [APP] HelixLauncher2 - ON MARKET TOO! [15/03/10]

So glad that my 2 favorite current devs are working together on this.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] Andrewtst:
My updates pending as well at the moment.

I need 7 screens and I also waiting CM make optional for 5 columns menu.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] cyanogen:
Sent you a pull request on Github with a fix for the crash on the new RS API. It's just a 3 liner, so if you wrap it in a reflection call to see what constructor to use for ProgramFragment.Builder, it should work on both versions of the Renderscript API. I was able to build and install it with no problems with that change.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] daveid:
Is there anything you can't fix?
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] cyanogen:
It's still not a full fix, it needs wrapped in some annoying reflection code to make sure it works with the old API since the N1s haven't gotten an OTA yet. I'll code it up this morning if Faruq doesn't beat me to it.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] RayKinStL:
Cyan, if you are adding in his code to yours, can you also include his ability to turn on and off the text labels for both icons on the home screen and created shortcuts? This is something in his latest .7 beta build. Just curious if it is possible or if it is too specific to the way he was doing things before.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] nam37:
What's the relation here to ClockworkMod Launcher:
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] napes22:
That is the ClockworkMod Launcher
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] SiNJiN76:
Is it possible to add the option of 'Locking' icons in place? Just like the option to disable Long Press on homescreen to add a widget...disable Long Press on Icon to remove/move.

I seem to occasionally (more often than I would like) to not lock the phone after a call or use...and put it in my hand...which results in a vibration indicating that I've long pressed an icon with my palm/barely wrapped finger and move the icon to a different location/screen!

Maybe that's already on your to-do list. If not...could you consider it? Thanks.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] djmcnz:
:| - I suspect that's a very narrow use case...
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] SiNJiN76:
Yeah...probably. but with kids and people examining the phone...could help accidental - "whoa, your phone just buzzed!"

Eh, just a suggestion. Cool if it happens...cool if it doesn't. :D
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] cyanogen:
Sent you another patch.. This should let Helix2 work on both old and new RS API. It's super ugly but it works.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] JaydenR:
None

Nope. Its different.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] :
What's the reasoning behind reversting the bottom icons when going to landscape?
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] denteno:
why do the icons shrink a little bit if i placed it at the bottom bar ??
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] sir*mez:
ugly = sexy when it comes from you! ;)
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] dixxa:
Re: [APP] HelixLauncher2 - ON MARKET TOO! [15/03/10]

lol how is the baby? :)
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] ruqqq:
i'll get to work now ;)
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] Andrewtst:
Great to hear that, bravo! :)
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] Gr8gorilla:
Broken

IT seems that the launcher is broken in cm5.0.6test1. No matter what I do it endlessly force closes. Any reason why this may be?
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] fitsnugly:
Explained a few posts back. CM5.0.6 uses new standards which break Helix. They are working on a fix.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] dhendrix11:
In the latest beta, the app drawer launcher and home icon appear on the right side of the screen instead of in the middle. Is that expected?
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] jstevenson:
Messaging app

Hey guys, I have a motorola droid running bugless beast 0.9 (for reference) and helix launcher2. I have a problem with the messaging app being killed as soon as I exit the app, and every time i try to reopen the app it takes a few seconds to load because it needs to reload all of the names, pictures, messages, etc. I realize that this is no big deal but I do text a lot so it can be a little annoying. I assume that this is some sort of conflict with helix launcher2 because it works perfectly with helix launcher. I do have the messaging app docked on the helix launcher2. It also may be possible that this is just a problem with the port of launcher2 that is included with this ROM. Any thoughts?
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] daveid:
The new beta for the standalone version of HelixLauncher2 is very promising. Hate to be a pest, but I gotta have my Bettercut, any idea when this will make it to the system app version? Thanks for all the hard work, and thanks to Cyanogen for helping assure this is compatible with future ROM versions.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] mcg:
Great launcher.. love the 4 icon dock like the iPhone!
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] Part Four:
Edit: Never mind.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] stshannon:
So they don't move on you.

As it is now, the "left icon" when rotated, moves to the top (therefore reversing the order)....

with the new update (i hope) it'll keep the left icon, on the bottom slot (and the right on the top slot, etc), so the icons are therefore on the same spot on the screen, landscape or portrait.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] doalittledanse:
Re: [APP] HelixLauncher2 - ON MARKET TOO! [15/03/10]

the new beta seems to be working pretty well. i like the dock background but i think i like the app button in the middle better
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] Part Four:
+1 on the app drawer button. I don't like it on the far right. I think it should be in the middle.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] ggrant3876:
+1 on the drawer button, but awesome work arctu.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] nam37:
Does the "HelixLauncher2 0.7BETA2" update work on a stock 2.1 Droid?
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] Andrewtst:
May I know where is the 0.7 Beta 2?

Is ok, I found it :)
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] ggrant3876:
Just give it a try but do a nandroid first.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] nam37:
I actually just installed it (decided to roll the dice), and it ran fine. No FC's or loops, but it was a bit glichy (the draw button at the bottom was on the right ride while open and closed, but to close it you needed to click on the middle).

I'll stick with the non-2 version for now.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] fitsnugly:
I agree, I like it in the middle as well...
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] Andrewtst:
Try restart the Launcher 2. I never face the issue you mention, I still open and close on the right side.

After more look on it actually now I prefer it on right side as this make it perfect on Main screen rather than in middle. :) + Easier access the Main Menu.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] pershoot:
looks great (0.7b2) on 5.06-t1.

thx:)
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] :
The latter makes sense to me, it's just a rotation, I don't see the need for them to shuffle around.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] ggrant3876:
I talked to arctu on twitter this morning and he said,"

haha. yeah.. i cant make the decision.. of how to position those buttons. :/ ."

So it looks like we might have to get used to it, same with the home screen being far right too.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] djmcnz:
WTF, have I not been paying attention? Is the screen activated by the home button no longer in the centre? If so, from which version?

I want to avoid that at all costs.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] pershoot:
i feel the same. right is lookin nicer. i rarely hit that thing anyway....
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] ggrant3876:
It's .7beta2 in the repository, works with cyan 5.0.6test1.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] fitsnugly:
Feels weird now that I'm use to 5 columns too :) But guess it will get there soon enough...
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] djmcnz:
And it has that glass tray?

Tell me no, please. :(
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] Andrewtst:
Yes, v7.0 beta 2 came with the glass dock bar (glass tray)

Screen shot:
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] djmcnz:
Hmm, oh well, I just hope such things don't make it into the system app. I couldn't live with them.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] Andrewtst:
Actually for me added in to system app or not is does't matter now as since version 0.7 beta 1 it already running smoother and better than system app version 0.6.

Without replacing the system app default launcher is much more pros for me as you can just uninstall it if you dislike and back to original one.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] ruqqq:
don't fight! lol. i'm gonna add option to hide the glass tray. relaxxxxxxxxxxxxorzz.. (or i shall go get iphone 4.0 :P)
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] tienhn:
Where can we download this version v7.0 beta 2 to test on CM 5.0.6Test1?

Thanks,
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] Markdental:
Have the FC Reboot loops been fixed?
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] craigacgomez:
get it here... HelixLauncher2 0.7BETA2 --> http://helixproject.ruqqq.sg/
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] Daswolven:
Running on 5.0.6 T1, looks and runs good. Don't mind the glass tray, just need to populate the wallpapers and move it to system when I get home. :) Good stuff.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] Part Four:
Faruq, why don't you make the double tap action toggle fullscreen? How else are we supposed to access notifications?
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] JaydenR:
Great idea.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] Part Four:
Thank you. Thank you.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] djmcnz:
Snap, exactly what I've been doing... problem is the incompatibility with CM 5.0.6 which I'll want to go to, forcing me away from 0.7b1.

@arctu - I would be perhaps a little less comfortable if the system app gained too much 'bloat''. There's a case for actually keeping the system app as basic, compatible, lightweight and fast as possible... just a thought.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] Andrewtst:
Just use 0.7 b2 then, it is compatible with 5.0.6. For me the dock is pretty. He he
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] musashiken:
I understand that main focus is on custom rom compatibility but I'm still gonna sound out from the non-rooted camp :p

I still got FCs on my stock N1 with 7 screens. With 5 screens, much less but still there are occasional FCs trying to long press on widgets to move them.

I dunno but maybe the stock N1's crippled memory isn't large enough or something.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] jlevy73:
Where did you find version 0.7 b2 from?
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] ggrant3876:
In the donators repository.

http://helixproject.ruqqq.sg/
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] ruqqq:
I can't do anything about it. Helix with more features has become somewhat as someone referred to as, bloatware. Though, here's where the actual problem is: insufficient memory. 7 screens with millions of widgets runs with a lot of memory. Helix2 on my phone with my widget configuration uses 80MB of RAM.

There's too many factors making the FC happen. Try using minimal widgets. ;)
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] sinjiyo:
Hi,

I have a probleme with bettercut's resolutions when i put them in the quick shortcut.

What's the probleme ?

Thanks !! Great work, I love it !
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] musashiken:
Yeah thought as much. Well at least now I'm on 5 screens with a few widgets and so far FCs are pretty rare. I love the dock so I'm sticking with this for now.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] sir*mez:
Thanks for making the glass dock tray optional, I was nearly about to give this app up. Its toooooo iphoney. Can you also make optional where the app drawer icon is? I like it in the middle instead of all the way to the right. Keep it simple and close to stock.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] ruqqq:
For Old Repo Donators: http://helixproject.ruqqq.sg/
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] JaydenR:
Ruqqq, still haven't gotten mine. I did it at 1 am pacific time.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] ruqqq:
I tweet to you asking you to retry. You missed that I suppose.;)
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] notxel21:
Thank you sir. :cool:

You're work has been much appreciated.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] JaydenR:
I will try again.

:p
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] drpfenderson:
arctu - Awesome work! The "claim account" feature worked like a charm. You rock. :D

Running 0.7Beta2 on 5.0.6-test2 and it's working perfectly so far. No FCs. ;)
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] MontAlbert:
Jjust wondering if there will be a system app version of 0.7beta2? For many reasons i prefer a system app- 1 being the support for metamorph themes.

thanks
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] seanowns:
i just renamed it to launcher2.apk and moved it to over

I flashed launcher icon and worked fine
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] archboy69:
Which version doesn't have the glass tray anymore? I like it close to the stock launcher and and so iPhone like....!

Love the all the work and one of my favorite home screen change. :)
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] MontAlbert:
Yeah i did that last time but you have a few issues with where it stores its data when you do that.... i might do it anyway while we wait for the system app... sick of being stuck on 0.6.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] mrnexusone:
Launcher2 is a little buggy in me:o
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] sir*mez:
I guess I'll try to move it on my own. Thanks for the response.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] Paraglider1982:
Yeah the app drawer needs to be back in the middle again.

All other positions are disturbing.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] MontAlbert:
+1 on the app drawer position.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] djmcnz:
0.7b1 - I hate the tray as well.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] sir*mez:
If I can figure it out, ill remove that glass tray and set the app drawer icon back to the middle. If I get it ill share it with you guys.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] archboy69:
Yeah, I agree! I like the app drawer in the middle and no glass tray...its an android! I do like the full screen but there's no way to get notifications when it is set?!? It also seems to have gotten progressively larger a file...but love is app though!
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] ruqqq:
Reverting the position in next version + hiding of the dock bar.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] Macmee:
I wish it worked on my G1
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] hktony:
very nice , i look forward to hearing your next version :)
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] kwan:
I've had 0.7 beta 1 installed to system. Now I can't seem to install beta 2.

Is there something else I need to do?
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] Roll3r:
Arctu, I'm just curious what the benefit is for donating. I mean, I have *no* problem supporting developers (and have gone out of my way to do so in the past), but the "Donator's Repo" seems to have the same stuff as the regular repo, with the exception of some old betas. Am I missing something here? For instance, I'd love to be able to check out the version you mentioned w/ the app drawer button in the middle, no glass, Cyanogen 5.0.7 compatible, etc, buggy, alpha, or not!
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] ruqqq:
hi HiRoll3r,

actually, back then, the donators' repo didn't exist. but there was quite some donations I received and hence, I just have to do something to show my appreciation. that's how the repo started to exist. the repo is just a privileged to donators in which they'll get early access to stuffs. Just early and not always more advanced versions.

For example, I'll always release Beta versions to donators only and Final version (when I deemed it as perfect for a release) to the public. That's the only reason.

Having said that, I would rather wish people donating to support me and not for the sake of accessing the repo. Yes, I do have people doing this and I appreciate it very much. :D

@kwan: adb push the apk to your system to replace the old one.
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] daveid:
Can you clear something up for me? Does the system app version suffer the same render script issues with CM5.0.6 as the market version? If so, you think you'll have a new version out before 5.0.6 goes final (probably another week judging by past tests/releases)?
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] THATTON:
I installed a previous version of HelixLauncher2 from the Market and the adb push it to system/app so that I could MetaMorph the icon. Now, I am trying to update to the new beta and I can't seem to get it installed. Could someone please help me out on the steps I need to take? Thanks!
[Nexus One Themes and Apps] tsouza:
Is there any way to disable auto-rotation?