[Android 2.1+] FX File Explorer: a "desktop-class" file/media manager

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Hello all,

I’m the author of SystemPanel and would like to ask for help from testers to get feedback for a new application, “FX File Explorer”. FX intends to be an uncluttered, everyday-usable file manager for Android. The primary development goal has been to create the same level of usability, intuitiveness, and efficiency as that offered by the file manager on your desktop computer.

Here’s a quick Youtube video I’ve put together for the beta:



When you start FX, you’ll see the “home screen” that presents a list of “catalogs” containing files, media, and network locations:

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You can browse and manage files directly by opening the media card item:

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Local media files can be browsed/indexed by their media type, i.e., photos, music, and videos. When browsing media, the media is logically categorized by its purpose. For example, the audio catalog is browseable by artist, album, all tracks, or playlist. Shown here are the album view and playlist view/editor:

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The images catalog is browseable by “camera roll”, by individual folders which contain images, or by viewing all images at once. This is an image folder view (displayed as thumbnails and as a list):

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FX has the ability to transfer files to/from Windows network shares, FTP sites, SSH servers, via Bluetooth FTP, and to online cloud storage services (Dropbox, SugarSync, Box, Google Drive/Docs, and SkyDrive). Working with network files does not appear significantly different from working with files stored on your media card. Network bookmarks can be created for quick access to your computers/servers, with (optional) encrypted password storage such that a single “keyring” password is used to access them from your device:

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FX also supports sending files over Bluetooth via OBEX Push...with a twist. You can (*optionally*) have FX send files over WiFi rather than Bluetooth when both sending and receiving phones are using FX and both phones are on the same WiFi network. This can significantly improve the data transfer rate.

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FX also supports browsing with multiple windows. Just tap the Window menu to switch windows or create/destroy them. The "Operations" item shows you all currently running, completed, and failed operations.

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The root module (available as a separate (FREE) download) adds the ability to manipulate file systems as root, remount file systems as writable, and change permissions and ownership. The root module is purpose-built for Android's modified Linux (e.g., the set ownership dialog allows you to assign ownership to installed applications).

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Full documentation is available in the app (tap “Tools”, then “Help”) and also online here: Documentation | android.nextapp.com

Many more screenshots can be found here: Screenshot Tour | android.nextapp.com

FX is available on the Android market, just search for “FX File Explorer”, or click here. The main app includes all on-device file management features and is free. A free root add-on is available to enable root features. A paid "Plus" add-on adds network, cloud, and enhanced media browsing capabilities. The free version contains all the editors/viewers, i.e., text editor/viewer, image viewer, binary (hex) viewer and archive extractor. And if you're a starving developer but still really want the Plus add-on, please send me a personal message here on XDA (include your email address).

I would greatly appreciate bug reports, feature suggestions, and generally any recommendation about how to make it better. Minor issues/nitpicking/subtle tweak suggestions are equally appreciated: what annoys you may annoy others as well. The goal here is that this product be as convenient and straightforward to use as a desktop file manager.

Thanks for trying it and for any feedback!
--Tod

[Post edited to reflect updated release status]

Download via Android Market

*reserved*

Since this is currently in beta, I am moving this out of the Paid Apps forum.

Hi,

Great, great app. The curious thing with Android is that when you think "is there an app for that?", usually you stumble upon it the same day! Your app is great, fast and no-frills - I am amazed at the speed, even though both my internal and SD storage is full.

However, have you seen MIUI file manager? It also classifies apks, PDFs, and whatnot along with media. The only thing THAT is missing is SD card support for this classification, and the ability to show both storages as a whole.

I think this is where you can improve your app and make it (safely) the best file manager on Android - i.e. adding more file associations such as apks and pdfs etc. Keep improving it and someday we won't have to worry about where each file is lying.

Also the UI could use a little more polish.

Thanks for the app

Just installed, and actually very surprised! The app is fast! I mean, no lag at all, even with continuous reloading of picture previews ).

First thing I miss - editing files. Root Explorer provides simple text editor, which is quite handy. Next - changing permissions - I need it ). And executing .sh/.rc etc scripts.

And what about multiple selection, and actions on these, like move/copy/delete?

I liked your text viewer has font settings - it's amazing! Why not implement same feature for file lists? Coz I find titles bit bold, I want them lighter/smaller. Same sizing ability would be good for icons too. I don't like big icons.

Bookmarks. I need bookmarks for folders, so I can access them fast.

Otherwise it's good. I'll uninstall both RE and Estrongs once your app has features I listed ) Good job!

Very nice, fast, different look and feel app. Seems very promising.

I really like this.

Is there a way to select multiple files?

GReat App

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GReat App. Thanks

see the video

Thanks! I'll definitely be trying this out.