Help me customise my MotoG please.

[MattMan]

I know it sounds a bit lame but I am going nuts with Android. I moved from Windows Phone and before that from the iPhone and there are some things I got used to and would love to have on my Moto G but just don't know how to set them up. I already spent so much time trying to figure out basic stuff. System seems to be one big chaos for me lacking so many basic features - unbelievable. Anyway here's list of stuff I'm struggling with, I would appreciate your help:

1. Lock screen - I love it. Nice, simple, elegant. Looks classy even iPhone fanboys would like it But then when I'm listening to music instead of it there is a horrible big black square with ugly buttons. To see the clock I have to swipe. Is there a way to add nice looking mp3 player controls just under the clock/date on the lock screen? Something like on the iPhone? Ideally if these would disappear if I'm not listening to music.

2. Next thing is related to lock screen as well. On the iPhone when you get a txt message (or email from the VIP contact) screen turns on for a bit showing the message just underneath the clock/date. Would love to have that.

3. Gallery - something similar to the iOS way of showing pictures? Doesn't have to look like apple, just looking for a clean interface and ability to create folders.

4. MP3 player - I'm after something really simple, nice looking, easy to use. Don't need EQ or thousands of options just basic features and, like I said above with lock screen controls that are not ugly.

5. Message/email/txt count - Android really sucks big time when it comes to basic stuff, it's not like it's ready to use out of the box. Is there a way to set this up? Icons never show if I have a txt or email.

 

[Thom]

You can add Nova Laundher as an alternative to the default launcher. There is a free plug-in fir ut that displays the unread counts you are looking for. I use Nova Launcehr Prime ($4) and it is IMNHO a spectaular improvement.

I turn the lock screen off.

... Thom

 

[DrKARMA]

iOS just sucks now that Steve jobs died. Android is soooo much better now that I switched.

I can only hope you with your like of the windows phone feel (new to android myself and just exploring all the tweaks and customization).

Messaging 7 is an app in the store where it has the feel of messaging for Windows Phone (WP). It's not perfect but completely free and the best windows messaging system for android.

Ill look more into the music buttons for you. I do agree it's ugly but I know android will have tweaks for them.

 

[Oldgroaner]

You can add Nova Laundher as an alternative to the default launcher. There is a free plug-in fir ut that displays the unread counts you are looking for. I use Nova Launcehr Prime ($4) and it is IMNHO a spectaular improvement.

I turn the lock screen off.

... Thom

I took your advice and it's really good! as you say, a spectacular improvement over the supplied launcher!

 

[Thom]

The GREAT thing about Android is that unlike the others ... there is competition. People come along and make great improvements and those improvements are picked up and implemented by their competitors. That's why Android stock apps are constantly getting better.

I keep harping on it because I never praise software and Nova Launcher Prime simply knocked my socks off.

... Thom

 

[MattMan]

I have just uninstalled Nova Launcher, either I'm dumb or there isn't anything I'm looking for except for zillions of options to change look and feel.

So are you guys telling me that I can't have folders in gallery, message count on icons, lock screen notifications for sms etc? I mean seriously? The ability to customise pretty much anything on Android is cool but it's really beyond my understanding why on earth they have released a phone where I have to use so many 3rd party apps just to sort out basic stuff. Honestly I would even pay for someone to set this up for me or pay slightly more for the phone to have that. I need to write an email to Google and complain

 

[Thom]

I admit that response is a little tough.

If you want the things you asked for then Nova Launcher Prime comes close. You don't have to use anything it has to offer that you don't want.

If folders in gallery really means folders in App Drawer then NLP has it. It does not have folders in gallery.

Message counts ... after installing NLP you install the free plug-in and you have them.

The reason for the Android approach is so you are not forced to do things my way and I am not forced to do them yours.

... Thom

 

[Oldgroaner]

I have just uninstalled Nova Launcher, either I'm dumb or there isn't anything I'm looking for except for zillions of options to change look and feel.

So are you guys telling me that I can't have folders in gallery, message count on icons, lock screen notifications for sms etc? I mean seriously? The ability to customise pretty much anything on Android is cool but it's really beyond my understanding why on earth they have released a phone where I have to use so many 3rd party apps just to sort out basic stuff. Honestly I would even pay for someone to set this up for me or pay slightly more for the phone to have that. I need to write an email to Google and complain

Looking at my Gallery there are folders for camera, Instagram and PicSayPro, all produced automatically....

 

[Oldgroaner]

Found this handy Lock Screen app on Google Play...

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.roymam.android.notificationswidget

Hope it helps!

 

[Slug]

Instead of criticising the OP for wanting certain things, how about we try to help him find them?

1. Is there a way to add nice looking mp3 player controls just under the clock/date on the lock screen? Something like on the iPhone? Ideally if these would disappear if I'm not listening to music.

Most third-party music players also come with their own widgets. Try a few out and see if any float your boat.

2. Next thing is related to lock screen as well. On the iPhone when you get a txt message (or email from the VIP contact) screen turns on for a bit showing the message just underneath the clock/date.

The Notification pull-down serves that purpose on Android. a preview of the message is shown to let you decide whether or not it deserves immediate attention. Once again however, a browse through the Play Store may turn up something that imitates iOS behaviour more accurately.

3. Gallery - something similar to the iOS way of showing pictures? Doesn't have to look like apple, just looking for a clean interface and ability to create folders.

You'll definitely need a third-party app for this, as the Gallery app is nothing more than a aggregator i.e. it finds all images regardless of location and displays them. You can create folders manually using a file manager app and copy the images as required, or use a separate app that does the whole job for you.

4. MP3 player - I'm after something really simple, nice looking, easy to use. Don't need EQ or thousands of options just basic features and, like I said above with lock screen controls that are not ugly.

I can't help there I'm afraid; if listening to music I use the control buttons on my BT headset and never look at the phone. Once again, my advice is to look at what's available in the Play Store and try out those that appeal.

5. Message/email/txt count

That's down to the OEM; some implement 'badges' which show unread counts etc and others don't. The only way around the lack is to install a third-party launcher which supports them, such as Nova Launcher + the Tesla Unread app.

Having said that, it's not something I miss as I'm accustomed to looking in the Notification Bar for such things. That shows at a glance any incoming msgs, missed calls, etc.

 

[El Presidente]

For your gallery app, Quickpic is a pretty decent alternative to the stock offering. Fwiw, I've found the gallery apps on most of the android handsets I've owned pretty basic and lacking functionality.

For lockscreen music controls, take a look at Phantom Music Control. The widget style is configurable and it works with most 3rd Party music players. You may need the paid version though (it's only a quid or so).

 

[unnamedny]

You got to be more specific about "more like an iphone". Some of us never touched those things. For poping messages use GoSms. You gotta check for custom gallery and notification apps. Android is pretty simple, it designed to give you freedom over your phone thats why there are so many options there.

 

[TotesMyGoats]

Try Textra for an SMS replacement. It looks a bit like iPhone texting, but looks better IMO. It even has the iOS emoji, and you can set it to make your phone up when you get a text. MANY people switch from things like GoSms and never go back. Just give textra a try. You'll love it.