Any Launcher, No Root (Launcher Hijack V4)

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BaronKiko

Senior Member
Feb 21, 2017
58
128
Launcher Hijack V4
Allows a custom launcher on Amazon Kindle Fire's and Fire TV's

An early, insert seasonally appropriate celebration here, present from me. Adds support for Fire TV devices and the new Fire Tablets. Enjoy.

Please find instructions for use here (https://github.com/BaronKiko/LauncherHijack/blob/master/HELP.md#fire-tablets). Adb required for first time setup on Fire TV's.
Find the latest release here (https://github.com/BaronKiko/LauncherHijack/releases). I'm working on Aptoide and F-Droid releases for those that prefer those methods. Hopefully in the next few days.
If you want to look at my rushed and sloppy code then feel free to look here (https://github.com/BaronKiko/LauncherHijack)
Please send any issues here (https://github.com/BaronKiko/LauncherHijack/issues)
Feeling kind and want to donate? Find instructions here (https://github.com/BaronKiko/LauncherHijack/blob/master/README.md#donations)

Huge thanks to ParrotGeek1, Speeddymon and Urbanman2004.
  • ParrotGeek1 made V1 and without him I would have never started this project.
  • Speeddymon donated a 2018 Fire TV allowing me to implement Fire TV support. If you have a Fire TV you should thank him
  • Urbanman2004 created the lovely logo/app icon. Be sure to thank him too.

Finally I don't really check these forums often anymore so please head over to the github page and post there if you are having any issues. Usually I am pretty quick to respond there.

Edit/Update history:
[Edit 24/02/17]
Fixed links, sorted grammar

[Update 21/03/17]
Version 2.1 released, improves speed and reliability of the application so should be a good update for all. Thanks to ParrotGeek once again for the tip on how to improve it.

[Edit 11/07/17]
Sick of people complaining about the same issues so I added some troubleshooting steps and specific instructions for google now.

[Update 27/07/17]
Version 3 released
Old blurb, removed:
I'm here to announce my latest project, Launcher Hijack V2.
This uses the same exploit as Launcher Hijack V1, by parrotgeek1, but allows you to select any launcher of your choice. If I find time I intend to implement further features but for now that's all you get :p


[Update 12/07/18]
Issue with the new update
Comment about using github to report issues.

[Update 10/12/18]
Version 4 released
Most post info moved to GitHub

[Updated 25/03/19]
Version 4.0.3 released
Comes with a new logo
 
Last edited:
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BeeWall

BeeWall

Senior Member
Jun 29, 2016
631
234
Nice! I know choosing the launcher was a feature a lot of people wanted, so they'll be happy to see this.

To make things a bit easier, I'll put your URLs here, since I'm past the restriction.

BaronKiko said:
Find the latest release here: https://github.com/BaronKiko/LauncherHijackV2/releases
If you want to look at my rushed and sloppy code then feel free to look here: https://github.com/BaronKiko/LauncherHijackV2
Finally please send any issues here: https://github.com/BaronKiko/LauncherHijackV2/issues
Click to expand...
Click to collapse


Sent from my Amazon Fire using XDA Labs
 
Last edited:
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B

BaronKiko

Senior Member
Feb 21, 2017
58
128
PorygonZRocks said:
Nice! I know choosing the launcher was a feature a lot of people wanted, so they'll be happy to see this.

To make things a bit easier, I'll put your URLs here, since I'm past the restriction.




Sent from my Amazon Fire using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Cheers, I'm hoping a nice mod will come along to sort the links out and move it to the right place but it's better for now.
 
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sd_shadow

sd_shadow

Recognized Contributor / XDA Welcome Team
Sep 21, 2011
18,989
2
10,019
South Dakota
goo.gl
Motorola Droid X
Amazon Fire
BaronKiko said:
Sorry for the plain text links but you can't post links until you have 10 posts, nor can you post in development or use DevDB so while this is the worst place to post it it is also the only place I am allowed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This exactly the correct place for this, with your current status.
When this thread sees some activity,
use the report post button, and ask if this thread can be moved to Development.
You need 50 posts before you can create threads in a Development section.

Sent from my XT1096 using XDA Labs
 
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LenAsh

LenAsh

Retired Forum Moderator
Mar 20, 2011
4,736
4,708
Midlands, UK
sd_shadow said:
This exactly the correct place for this, with your current status.
When this thread sees some activity,
use the report post button, and ask if this thread can be moved to Development.
You need 50 posts before you can create threads in a Development section.

Sent from my XT1096 using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Indeed - happy to move if and when appropriate.
 
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N

n3kf

Senior Member
Jul 13, 2015
246
103
This is very nice. Thanks. I notice that about half the time when I press the home button from an app, I am taken to the recent apps screen instead of the home screen. Sometimes it takes multiple presses to get to the home screen. Just a side effect or is it a bug? Thanks.
 
BeeWall

BeeWall

Senior Member
Jun 29, 2016
631
234
n3kf said:
This is very nice. Thanks. I notice that about half the time when I press the home button from an app, I am taken to the recent apps screen instead of the home screen. Sometimes it takes multiple presses to get to the home screen. Just a side effect or is it a bug? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

It's probably a side effect.

Sent from my Amazon Fire using XDA Labs
 
B

BaronKiko

Senior Member
Feb 21, 2017
58
128
n3kf said:
This is very nice. Thanks. I notice that about half the time when I press the home button from an app, I am taken to the recent apps screen instead of the home screen. Sometimes it takes multiple presses to get to the home screen. Just a side effect or is it a bug? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I would call it a bug, it was present in the first version and as somebody in that thread mentioned turning animations off seems to make it more reliable but still not 100% (it works 9 times out of 10 for me with no animations). I could potentially make it more reliable by waiting longer before calling the launcher of choice but it would slow down every button press so I would rather not do so.
 
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T

ttcontributor

Senior Member
Jun 24, 2015
83
11
It's awesome to see V2 coming up! Just hope the 'recent' bug can be ironed out soon. Or is it possible to avoid that bug if rooted?
 
T

ttcontributor

Senior Member
Jun 24, 2015
83
11
PorygonZRocks said:
I doubt it can be fixed. Since the app is rootless, it is rather limited. Disabling animations in Developer Options helps, but not completely.

Sent from my Amazon Fire using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Yes, you are right though I tried that Animations scale, it doesn't fix the 'recent' menu issue.
What I can do currently is to root the device and set up Xposed with GravityBox module; then enable another Custom navigation to launch another launcher.

Fire HD 8" (Asus Launcher)
Screenshot_2017-02-28-10-51-23.png

Screenshot_2017-02-28-11-01-31.png
 
Last edited:
H

Handsome Jack

Senior Member
Sep 26, 2013
136
10
Settings -> Accessibility -> To detect home button press

I don't find "detect button press " on Fire 7" (2015)?
 
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    B
    BaronKiko
    Launcher Hijack V4
    Allows a custom launcher on Amazon Kindle Fire's and Fire TV's

    An early, insert seasonally appropriate celebration here, present from me. Adds support for Fire TV devices and the new Fire Tablets. Enjoy.

    Please find instructions for use here (https://github.com/BaronKiko/LauncherHijack/blob/master/HELP.md#fire-tablets). Adb required for first time setup on Fire TV's.
    Find the latest release here (https://github.com/BaronKiko/LauncherHijack/releases). I'm working on Aptoide and F-Droid releases for those that prefer those methods. Hopefully in the next few days.
    If you want to look at my rushed and sloppy code then feel free to look here (https://github.com/BaronKiko/LauncherHijack)
    Please send any issues here (https://github.com/BaronKiko/LauncherHijack/issues)
    Feeling kind and want to donate? Find instructions here (https://github.com/BaronKiko/LauncherHijack/blob/master/README.md#donations)

    Huge thanks to ParrotGeek1, Speeddymon and Urbanman2004.
    • ParrotGeek1 made V1 and without him I would have never started this project.
    • Speeddymon donated a 2018 Fire TV allowing me to implement Fire TV support. If you have a Fire TV you should thank him
    • Urbanman2004 created the lovely logo/app icon. Be sure to thank him too.

    Finally I don't really check these forums often anymore so please head over to the github page and post there if you are having any issues. Usually I am pretty quick to respond there.

    Edit/Update history:
    [Edit 24/02/17]
    Fixed links, sorted grammar

    [Update 21/03/17]
    Version 2.1 released, improves speed and reliability of the application so should be a good update for all. Thanks to ParrotGeek once again for the tip on how to improve it.

    [Edit 11/07/17]
    Sick of people complaining about the same issues so I added some troubleshooting steps and specific instructions for google now.

    [Update 27/07/17]
    Version 3 released
    Old blurb, removed:
    I'm here to announce my latest project, Launcher Hijack V2.
    This uses the same exploit as Launcher Hijack V1, by parrotgeek1, but allows you to select any launcher of your choice. If I find time I intend to implement further features but for now that's all you get :p


    [Update 12/07/18]
    Issue with the new update
    Comment about using github to report issues.

    [Update 10/12/18]
    Version 4 released
    Most post info moved to GitHub

    [Updated 25/03/19]
    Version 4.0.3 released
    Comes with a new logo
    View
    33
    FreakyyLike
    FreakyyLike
    shadowvfx said:
    Care to share the modified apk? Like others, I lack the tools and knowledge to rename the app in Android Studio. A link to the fixed APK would be extremely helpful.

    Thanks.
    Click to expand...
    Click to collapse

    I modified the apk, works fine again on my Fire HD8(2017).
    Make sure you deinstall the old App. Go into Settings>Apps>All>Swipe to the right till all and search your old App. Then install the new Apk.

    Download: https://www.mediafire.com/file/kqa89yndk468itf/Launcher.Hijack.v.4.0.3.b.43.Clone.apk/file

    Update:Users reported that the Deinstallation is maybe optional. Try it first without! :)
    View
    5
    B
    BaronKiko
    V3 released, keep me posted on any issues you may have.
    View
    4
    B
    BaronKiko
    krsmit0 said:
    I happened three times in the hour installed. I didn't have previous version installed. Sounds like a clean install to me. So sure, he can wait for other reports.

    I don't like the flash of the stock launcher, coupled with getting thrown to the recents menu, I choose not to keep it installed. This also means I dont have another launcher installed. So I won't install it all again unless I have a reason to believe something will be different .

    Edit: reinstalled 2.1, verified 2.1 in settings. Installed nova. Took 5 minutes to reproduce. Landed in recents menu.

    Edit again: just happened again after that post exiting XDA app.
    Click to expand...
    Click to collapse

    So I worked out how to reproduce it on my device but it's still pretty difficult to trigger. As I can tell it does so after you open a new app that takes significant resources as your launcher gets killed in the background. Now I can somewhat reproduce it I will likely add a slow mode to make it more consistent but it requires more that plans. If I manage to come up with some sort of solution I will post the update here.
    View
    3
    D
    Desertway
    First of all, THANK YOU for this great tool.

    Someone mentioned earlier in the thread that Apex launcher works well, having little to no FireOs flicker, and I'm just confirming that. I had been using Nova launcher for a couple of weeks and was seeing a lot of flicker. I decided to try Apex and since theming it and setting it up, I've not seen hide nor hair of FireOs. Apex does have an advanced option to keep it in memory, maybe that's why. Or maybe it's just about launch times. In any case, I'm a very happy user.

    Thanks again.
    View

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