My favorite apps for Google’s Nexus One
Handcent SMS
I started looking for improvements on Android’s native SMS/MMS app since the day I got my pre-ordered G1, and it didn’t take long for superior apps to turn up. When the iClone ChompSMS arrived, I jumped on board for the sleek graphics and – holy smokes – LANDSCAPE KEYBOARD!!! But, the novelty wore off and virtual keyboards proliferated. I wandered back to the stock messaging app, dreaming of something better.
I didn’t find Handcent too appealing the first time I tried it, but things have changed, baby. This thing is crazy customizable and absolutely everything I could currently want or imagine for my SMS app. The options from the pop-up notification alone beat the stock SMS app in my mind:
And once you get into the actual app, the options for app behavior and appearance are mind boggling:
And…in case I forgot to mention it before, this little bit of geek heaven is free. Nice.
![SGP Neo Hybrid for Galaxy Nexus [Video]](http://www.droiddog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/DD.png "SGP Neo Hybrid for Galaxy Nexus [Video]")
John, I have a question.
Does the home++ app allow you to use the live wall paper or does it just cover up the normal home screen like a normal app that just happens to be in focus?
If you're having problems tapping the small icons in the power bar thinggie, try scrolling back and forth with the track ball. Works like a charm on the ol' G1. Now I just wish my Hero was 1.6++
What a fantastic app! Even for beta. I am loving my Nexus 1 and this has enhanced the expereince even more. Brilliant!
Thanks John! Looking forward to trying these out.
i cant find this in the Market.. where is it?
If you like the default calendar widget, then you will LOVE calwidget. Options for a 1×1 all the way to a 4×4 widget, and allows for so much more information to be displayed than the default calendar widget. And for tasks, because I love my google integration, check out “gtasks.” It has a sticky note like widget that syncs with your google tasks.
I like the feel of smart keyboard, but I guess the only thing it's missing for me is the auto suggesting. Going into a sub menu just for an apostrophe is horrible. :) At the same time though, the auto suggestions screw me up whenever I type something shorthand like “app.” Guess I should just add those to the dictionary.
Another cool app I've found is called “bedside.” The problem I was having was how to quickly silence all notifications, vibrations, etc, EXCEPT for the phone ringer. I tried the audio manager you mentioned, and it silenced notifications pretty quick, but it didn't turn off vibrations. Bedside will turn them all off except for rings, simply by starting the app, or even by plugging in a power source. It will then function as an alarm clock type app.
I had to have this, because our cell phones are also our home phones. Having to go through a hundred button presses to turn off all notifications each night was a definite no go. Bedside is $1.50 in the market I think.
Great post John. Still got a ton to try out.
I love smart keyboard except it's not very smart. No automatic word correction. This is really a deal breaker for me because I want to type and not have to think about making corrections. The normal android keyboard does that pretty well after I added 20 or so words that I like to use to the custom dictionary. I do think that the layout is far superior to stock android, especially in landscape. True multi-touch on the keyboard is awesome as well.
Once they work in auto correction this will be the best keyboard on the Android platform. I've tried Better Keyboard but find it to be unstable on my droid. I have too many weird glitches with it.
Home++ does NOT allow you to use the live wallpapers. I tried it on 2.1 and the live wallpapers just wouldn't show up at all.
John,
You missed so many of the great things in Home++. You should show the screen switcher, the ability to change the number of screens, the static wallpaper option and the animated widgets.
I forgot a few too. I also like that the program will allow you to switch the homescreens into landscape without opening the keyboard (droid) and there is a screenshot function included as well.
Type in Intuitit, its the developer.
Does anyone know why when i try to install the htc keyboard my nexus seems to re size it be unusable? Do I have a bad apk file, I have tried a bunch of them on 4share.com. If you guys could provide a link that would be great!
It was made for a different screen resolution. We're hoping someone will grab the images from the HD2 and make a new apk available, but we may have to wait for software leaks from Bravo.
Thanks for the FB. I'll take a look at your suggestions for sure.
O.K., I'll try to get some of those in somewhere. Thanks
Totally agree with you about the lack of a dictionary. That's frustrating. I also had a strange bug that I didn't notice until after the vid where keys were trading places! A new update fixed it though.
I should have done that for the video also. I did want to show that touching them can be awkward. Looks like people want me to point out a few other features so I will use the trackball if I cover it in another vid. Thanks, Breon.
Home++ is excellent! I haven't tried many home replacement apps but this is definitely the best!
Works great on my G1, has crashed a few times but what do you expect! It running on a G1 not a Nexus one :D
great review on Home++ i love it. makes it so much easier to work my n1.
Wonderful article and vidoe. Can anyone recommend a really good, free to-do list app? Specifically one that shows the google Task list as a widget on my home screen?
- Greymarch
I write about technology, including the Nexus One on my website: http://www.greymarch.com
I think Home++ is great. I hope Google decides to implement some code from it into Android in the near future.
John, which version did you install and you are happy with? There are 2 and are both betas. One is home++ and the other Launcher+ which is for android 2.0 and above.
Thanks
I used Home++. Launcher++ is different.
gTasks beta is the only one I know of that works.
Google's Astrid is great, but doesn't yet sync with Google Tasks. It works with RTM though. (HUH!?) The app itself is overkill for my needs, but I hope to see tasks implementation before too long. It has a very nice looking widget.
It looks like you can sync a free RTM account with Astrid and display it via their cool widget. I just set mine up and it works. I do have a paid account though. See this: http://www.androidtapp.com/astrid-task-todo-list/
If you like that, check out “Quick Settings”
No widget yet, but it's a great app with customizable lists of toggles.
Look into SMS Unread Count
http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/7582/48975207.jpg
Dolphin browser bookmarks, possible.
Yeah, I think I added a note via YouTube. Should pop up at that point in the vid.
You should look at the apps by Francois DESLANDES.
Hey John….found an awesome app today I just had to tell you about.
I've had my nexus one for a month+ now, and I've NEVER been able to find an app to share directly to google reader. The mobile site (and I think newsrob) can share things that are already in your google reader, but I want to share random websites I read, like I do with the google reader bookmarklet on my desktop. I finally found an app that will do it!
It's called “paperdroid.” It's primary task is to sync for offline reading of your google reader, but it also adds the option to share to google reader when you pick “share” in the browser. This is great!
Hey jon just wanted to know what wallpaper and weather widget used on this vid
thanks
I'm hesitant to download home++ only because I feel it is going to use more battery, what have you notice due to battery while using home++?
Thanks
I am always fascinated with useful apps.
I am always fascinated with useful apps.
I am always fascinated with useful apps.
I like Nexus!!!!