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Shortcut for voice commands?

Discussion in 'Android Devices' started by Dignan17, Apr 11, 2012.

  1. Dignan17

    Dignan17 Well-Known Member
    Thread Starter

    While I really like Ice Cream Sandwich, count me as one of the many people who's a little pissed at Google for the change in button layout and the permanent search box at the top of the default launcher's home screen.

    I rarely, if ever, use the application switcher, but with my Nexus One I used the "press and hold the search button" ALL THE TIME to complete voice searches.

    Frankly, I would be completely fine with all of the changes if it weren't for one thing: for whatever reason, I simply cannot hit that voice search button. You know the one in the right-hand side of the search box? For some reason it takes me like 5 presses to initiate it, and that's if I'm using the phone two-handed. If I'm using one hand I just give up.

    So what I'm looking for is a way to make a shortcut on my home screen that can initiate the voice commands prompt. It used to be a lot easier to get a selection of shortcuts, but I'm not really sure how/if I can add them in ICS. It looks like I only have the options to add settings and GMail label shortcuts...

    Please help! Thanks!
     


    #1 Dignan17, Apr 11, 2012
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  2. batwings1

    batwings1 Well-Known Member

    Try using Nova launcher. It has a voice search shortcut that you can add anywhere. It also allows you to remove the default Google search bar.
     
    #2 batwings1, Apr 11, 2012
  3. Dignan17

    Dignan17 Well-Known Member
    Thread Starter

    I'm sorry, I should have mentioned that I'm looking for a workaround that avoids alternate launchers. I've used several launchers in the past, and even the most lightweight ones (like Zeam) seem to create performance issues. Plus, I don't mind the default launcher aside from this one issue.

    I'm going to try Zeam again, though. I liked the minimalism of that one, and some of the features it has that I haven't seen in other launchers...
     
    #3 Dignan17, Apr 11, 2012
  4. TheyCallMeBT

    TheyCallMeBT Android Enthusiast

    I was also going to recommend Nova. I tried a launcher on my DX and hated it. I figured I would with the GNex, too. But once I set it up, I haven't gone back. I was kind of surprised when I saw the little voice search shortcut as an option. I haven't used it yet, but it's on my screen in case I need it. I don't know of any basic app that will give it to you, though.
     
    #4 TheyCallMeBT, Apr 11, 2012
  5. Tim K

    Tim K Android Expert

    Nova is a great alternative to stock. No lag no issues and plenty of useful features. The voice search shortcut is one that saved me lots of screen real estate.
     
    #5 Tim K, Apr 11, 2012
  6. batwings1

    batwings1 Well-Known Member

    Nova is definitely worth trying. It's just like stock but with more options. If you don't like it after trying, delete it.
     
    #6 batwings1, Apr 11, 2012
  7. jclake

    jclake Member

    Try Google Voice Search Button, an app by Giant Turtle. It is an Icon that launches voice search.
     
    #7 jclake, Apr 12, 2012
    TheyCallMeBT likes this.
  8. Tunga

    Tunga Well-Known Member

    The other option is to unlock it and install a ROM that lets you add a search button to the nav bar.
     
    #8 Tunga, Apr 13, 2012
  9. AndroJak

    AndroJak Newbie

    Have a look at Quick Shortcut Maker in the market - use the Voice Search entry that ends in RecognitionActivity
     
    #9 AndroJak, Apr 13, 2012
  10. Edmarines

    Edmarines Lurker

    #10 Edmarines, Aug 10, 2012
  11. idic

    idic Well-Known Member


    +1

    Just use Nova. It *is* the stock launcher, which you want to keep using, with a few extra features, like the one you want, unlike other launchers which change the look and feel. It's the perfect answer to your question.
     
    #11 idic, Aug 10, 2012
  12. Dignan17

    Dignan17 Well-Known Member
    Thread Starter

    Perhaps, but to replace your entire launcher and have something additional running just to add this shortcut seems excessive.

    Anyway, I've now moved on to a different launcher myself, so it turns out I didn't want to use the stock launcher anyway. I now nearly get what I want with Google Now. It's a little annoying that instead of one action (holding down the search button), it now takes two actions (swipe up on the home button then tap the tiny voice search target), but I can deal with it. Plus Google Now is awesome :)
     
    #12 Dignan17, Aug 10, 2012
  13. Neera

    Neera Well-Known Member

    I think this is what you are looking for since you are on the stock launcher:

    ICS Voice Search Shortcut

    But I agree with the previous posts: Nova Launcher is great!
    Have been using it for a long time. Just give it a try. No need to root or anything. :)
     
    #13 Neera, Aug 10, 2012
  14. ttttt

    ttttt Lurker

    If you want just a big Google Voice Search button that you can put anywhere, add the Search widget and resize it to where all you can see is the google voice search button. It will only work on the white "Search" widget, not the black "Google Search" widget.
     
    #14 ttttt, Oct 19, 2012

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