"Must Have" app for all Note owners...

[drexappeal]

So, I had discovered this app (I think by recommendation from another member on this forum) a while back, due to my wanting to add a lightsaber sound on my Note 3. I keep the app on my "wish list" just so that I can bring it back for any Note device that I purchase.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tushar.spen_helper

So, for those of you that want a different sound attached to taking the S-pen out and placing it back into the phone, this app allows you to do that without rooting. It also does a lot of other functions, which I've used in the past, but don't really suit my primary uses for the S-Pen.

 

[The_Chief]

Are we supposed to already have the sounds???

EDIT: You would THINK that, somewhere between my Note 3 and Note 4 backup files, I would have those sounds! But I don't. Fortunately, Google is helpful that way and I now have them! I tried using an app called S Pen Helper to change the sounds and as soon as I selected the audio file the app force closed.

The efforts continue...

 

[drexappeal]

Are we supposed to already have the sounds???

EDIT: You would THINK that, somewhere between my Note 3 and Note 4 backup files, I would have those sounds! But I don't. Fortunately, Google is helpful that way and I now have them! I tried using an app called S Pen Helper to change the sounds and as soon as I selected the audio file the app force closed.

The efforts continue...

The app I posted was formerly called S Pen Helper. I never had issues on force closing. You have to make sure that the stock sound is turned off, from what I remember. Before this app, only way to choose your own sound was to Root the phone, which I still haven't ventured into. I specifically got this app so that I could change the sound to a lightsaber sound when pulling the s pen out and placing it back into the phone.

 

[The_Chief]

Here is an article from our own Phandroid, and there are some KILLER apps in here! Really! Take a look: chances are, you'll find several to install!

http://phandroid.com/2016/08/30/best-android-apps-september-2016/

 

[drexappeal]

Are we supposed to already have the sounds???

EDIT: You would THINK that, somewhere between my Note 3 and Note 4 backup files, I would have those sounds! But I don't. Fortunately, Google is helpful that way and I now have them! I tried using an app called S Pen Helper to change the sounds and as soon as I selected the audio file the app force closed.

The efforts continue...

The app I posted was formerly called S Pen Helper. I never had issues on force closing. You have to make sure that the stock sound is turned off, from what I remember. Before this app, only way to choose your own sound was to Root the phone, which I still haven't ventured into. I specifically got this app so that I could change the sound to a lightsaber sound when pulling the s pen out and placing it back into the phone.

Chief - Just following up on this. I finally had a chance to set it up and everything is all good on the app working. I've got my lightsaber open and close sound connected, but everything else is still set for the stock actions. Only thing I may still add on again is it allows a notification to be added, for quick shortcuts on the notification bar. It might be overkill, with the new software Samsung added on.

 

[The_Chief]

I've got Note Buddy set up, and the proper sounds selected for Detach and Attach. And yet, when I pull the S-pen out, I get nothing. What am I doing or not doing here?

 

[drexappeal]

Here is an article from our own Phandroid, and there are some KILLER apps in here! Really! Take a look: chances are, you'll find several to install!

http://phandroid.com/2016/08/30/best-android-apps-september-2016/

Out of all of them, these are the ones I may give a spin.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jamworks.smartwake

For my Mate 8, since the Note7 obviously wouldn't need it.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.damianpiwowarski.navbarapps

Definitely some intriguing apps though, so I've added others to my wishlist.

 

[The_Chief]

I'm a Sam's Club member, so that Scan & Go app is priceless to me. I tried FeedNews and had to send an email to the developer because I can't customize the feed. OneView Calendar looks good, but reviews say it's not ready for prime time. It's in my Wishlist, as is Cardboard VR.

 

[n0ve]

Edit: exhausted didn't realize section.

 

[drexappeal]

I've got Note Buddy set up, and the proper sounds selected for Detach and Attach. And yet, when I pull the S-pen out, I get nothing. What am I doing or not doing here?

In the app, make sure that the sound is turned up to 100% first.

In the stock settings, make sure you have sounds turned off.

In stock sound volume settings, make sure that your Ring is turned up (for whatever reason, it's associated with the Ring volume, not media or notifications).

That's the only bit of troubleshooting I can think of.

 

[drexappeal]

Edit: exhausted didn't realize section.

That's definitely cool for those that Root their devices. This app is for non-rooted.

 

[n0ve]

That's definitely cool for those that Root their devices. This app is for non-rooted.

Hence why I said exactly word for word why I edited it out, no need brother.

 

[drexappeal]

Hence why I said exactly word for word why I edited it out, no need brother.

I responded before you edited. All good and wasn't tryin' to come at you. I have different options for my devices, so this is my "go to" app, when the device is being used specifically for work or there's no way to root a device I own. Just wanted to share it for those that don't typically root, but ultimately the best route is what you had mentioned previously.

 

[The_Chief]

In the app, make sure that the sound is turned up to 100% first. WHAT APP? Note Buddy? If so, I can't find Volume Settings in the free app.

In the stock settings, make sure you have sounds turned off. I assume you mean Settings --> S Pen. Done.

In stock sound volume settings, make sure that your Ring is turned up (for whatever reason, it's associated with the Ring volume, not media or notifications). Done.

And STILL nothing. Is it waiting for me to buy the Pro version or something?

 

[kokiangel]

I tried using an app called S Pen Helper to change the sounds and as soon as I selected the audio file the app force closed.

The efforts continue...

There's also Spen Toolbox. I had that on my note3 and now on my note7. I only use it for the sounds but it allows you to add a pop up of your choices of apps too. No longer necessary with the note7 IMHO

 

[drexappeal]

In the app, make sure that the sound is turned up to 100% first. WHAT APP? Note Buddy? If so, I can't find Volume Settings in the free app.

In the stock settings, make sure you have sounds turned off. I assume you mean Settings --> S Pen. Done.

In stock sound volume settings, make sure that your Ring is turned up (for whatever reason, it's associated with the Ring volume, not media or notifications). Done.

And STILL nothing. Is it waiting for me to buy the Pro version or something?

Yeah, Note Buddy. Ooh, I don't remember if it's exclusive to the donate version, but this is where that is:
Under S Pen tab
Make sure that the toggle is green under Enable
Click on Sound>Last selection should say Volume
Also, make sure that the Detach/Insert Sound is toggled green (which I'm assuming was already done, since you were able to select a new sound).

That's all that I can think of. Mine didn't initially work, so I played with the settings (between the app and the stock settings) until it finally worked as I remembered.

 

[The_Chief]

I have no idea why it's not working on mine, then. I did pay the 99 cents for Home, which adds a Home icon to the Air Command. Very simple, but I find it worth the money ( plus I have gobs of Play credit so what the heck )

I got rid of Good Lock. That was WAYYY more of a PITA than it was a benefit.

 

[drexappeal]

I have no idea why it's not working on mine, then. I did pay the 99 cents for Home, which adds a Home icon to the Air Command. Very simple, but I find it worth the money ( plus I have gobs of Play credit so what the heck )

I got rid of Good Lock. That was WAYYY more of a PITA than it was a benefit.

Damn...wish I could help further. Only one other thing I can think is, did you activate the accessibility? I don't know that this would make any difference though, but it's the last thing I can think of that maybe would change it.

Funny, cuz I just downloaded Good Lock and love it. I didn't realize that it can be used in conjunction with Nova Launcher. My main concern now is, if there is in fact a worldwide recall on the devices, that means I'll have to do a backup sooner than expected.

 

[The_Chief]

I just turned Accessibility on for Note Buddy (it was off) and double-checked that S-pen settings have sound OFF and Note Buddy settings has sound ON. Still nothing. I sent an email to the developer... if I don't hear from him soon, I'm going to give up and uninstall it.

Good Lock really jacked me up. I had to swipe left to dismiss notifications... if I swiped right it went to KEEP. I had to hit the Home button twice to actually go home. So I uninstalled it. Glad it works for you.

 

[drexappeal]

I just turned Accessibility on for Note Buddy (it was off) and double-checked that S-pen settings have sound OFF and Note Buddy settings has sound ON. Still nothing. I sent an email to the developer... if I don't hear from him soon, I'm going to give up and uninstall it.

Good Lock really jacked me up. I had to swipe left to dismiss notifications... if I swiped right it went to KEEP. I had to hit the Home button twice to actually go home. So I uninstalled it. Glad it works for you.

Chief, just discovered that you can turn off the "All"/"Keep" tabs on Good Lock. Not sure about the Home button thing.

 

[mikedt]

I have one must have...Stylophoney.

On a Note 7 with the S-Pen, it's just like playing the real thing!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stylophone

 

[The_Chief]

I know it's not an app... but it's a FEATURE that I think is a must-have. Action Memo. And it's noticeably absent from the Note 7! Well, I let Samsung know how I felt about that, and I got this response today:

Thank you for taking the time to contact us at Samsung Technical Support.

I understand your concern regarding the Action memo on Samsung Galaxy Note 7. I will provide you with the information.

We appreciate your taking the time to share your valuable feedback with us. We appreciate hearing from our customers, as your comments are vital for us to continue improving our products, as well as our business

Samsung keeps developing products using the currently available technologies in the market and will be releasing them on a timely basis. Hopefully you might be getting Action memo which you are expecting in the Note 7 device which will be released in the future.

Should you desire additional assistance, we invite you to access the web-link http://www.samsung.com/us/support/contact to speak to a Chat Specialist. Our technicians are more than happy to assist you further. Chat Support is available 24X7.

Action Memo had to be one of the most useful features of the S-pen on my Notes 3 & 4, and I was stunned that Samsung omitted it from the Note 7. Hopefully more people will contact Samsung to demand it, and they'll reinstate it.

Spoiler

That's a thinly-veiled hint for you to do just that

 

[rabotgangster]

I saw a video on youtube where the person also complained that the action memo was not on the note 7 but he found a way to download it and install it. If i found the link i will post it here

 

[The_Chief]

That would be awesome! I found the Home Button app that adds... well, a Home button to the Air Command menu so you don't have to hit the Home button to go home. Just tap the icon. Nice. And Note Buddy cooperated this time!

 

[drexappeal]

I was trying to edit the title of my thread, to make it more generalized (e.g. "must have apps"), so that we can open up this discussion beyond Note Buddy, but I wasn't able to edit the title. Hopefully and admin will see and change.

Anyhow, I briefly tried out an app that was mentioned on the Phandroid Podcast and once I have my replacement Note 7, I'm planning on giving it another spin and looking more into the details. Seems like a pretty awesome app, for customization/theming:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.james.status

It was mentioned for those that didn't want to have a green battery indicator, on their replacement Note 7's. I really don't mind, but for those that don't fly that much, and enjoy customizing the overall look of their UI (without rooting), it did appear to be an awesome way to do that.

One customization that I did switch around, in the brief time I tried it on my Mate 8, was being able to switch around the order that the icons showed up on the Notification/Status Bar. I re-located the battery percentage indicator to the center, rather than being on the right side. It made it much easier to ready the percentage, for me.