[Tutorial] Add additional apps to Multi Window without needing root [Verizon]

[hairdewx]

Even though we have a way to root, we lose MultiView. For those that want to keep that feature, it doesn't mean we can't still have some fun!

Credit goes to the folks over in the Galaxy Note 10.1 forums.

ianbbaa
JustFlesh
Leppin

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=33900420&postcount=18
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1985240
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=34268053#post34268053

While it was designed to work for the tablet, it also works very nicely with our Verizon Note 2.

Word of caution:
It is not known if this will work for every app. System apps will require root, so for now that's out. If an app is updated the conversion will most likely have to be manually done again. However, there are reports that modded apps are having trouble updating from the play store...

This is also not a long term solution. The best way would be to urge app devs to include the changes in their apps, so spread the word!

This requires de-compiling an apk and recompiling it as a signed apk, so the preferred tool to use is apk-multi-tool.
http://apkmultitool.com/



JustFlesh's instructions were done pretty well, so most of this come's directly from his post:

How to modify Apps by yourself:

1. Decompile the app with apk-multi-tools
2. Open Androidmanifest.xml with Editor, Notepad++ or something else
3. Search for this
   

   <intent-filter>
                   <action android:name="android.intent.action.MAIN" />
                   <category android:name="android.intent.category.LAUNCHER" />
   </intent-filter>

4. Add this line
   

   <intent-filter>
                   <action android:name="android.intent.action.MAIN" />
                   <category android:name="android.intent.category.LAUNCHER" />
   		<category android:name="android.intent.category.MULTIWINDOW_LAUNCHER" />
   </intent-filter>

5. Search for this line
   
   

   </application>

6. Add these lines so that it looks like this
   
   

   <uses-library required="false" name="com.sec.android.app.multiwindow" />
           <meta-data android:name="com.sec.android.support.multiwindow" android:value="true" />
           <meta-data android:name="com.sec.android.multiwindow.DEFAULT_SIZE_W" android:value="632.0dip" />
           <meta-data android:name="com.sec.android.multiwindow.DEFAULT_SIZE_H" android:value="598.0dip" />
           <meta-data android:name="com.sec.android.multiwindow.MINIMUM_SIZE_W" android:value="632.0dip" />
           <meta-data android:name="com.sec.android.multiwindow.MINIMUM_SIZE_H" android:value="598.0dip" />
   </application>

7. Recompile app.
   
8. uninstall then reinstall app
   
   
   For errors during re-compiling, put this 1.apk into your C:\Users\{username}\apktool\framework\ folder and replace the old 1.apk inside it.
   
   1.apk - http://goo.gl/QhWFq
   
   It's the framework for the Note 2 that the tool needs. I just pulled it from my own phone.
   

Sample Screenshots

Other Notes
- Some apk's require additional modifying to allow both portrait and landscape orientations, for example netflix and nba game time had to be modified to allow portrait movie playing.

- The video player for Netflix will pause if it loses focus.


Uploaded APK's - Free apps

- might as well upload free ones that are already converted to avoid people having to do duplicate work. Once I have a place to upload I'll add links.
- remember to uninstall and re-install for this to work

250+ Solitaire Collection 1.7.5 - http://goo.gl/5uq3d
AndChat IRC 1.4.1 - http://goo.gl/E9sGO
Chrome Build 18.0.1025469 - http://goo.gl/WZ2P2
NBA Game Time 3.1 - http://goo.gl/uHPQH
Netflix 2.1.0 build 725 - http://goo.gl/cx8IS
Skype 3.0.0.6181 - http://goo.gl/hMHJv
Terminal Emulator 1.0.49 - http://goo.gl/Dwyeb
Twitter 3.5.0 - http://goo.gl/BaIQn
WhatsApp 2.8.7326 - http://goo.gl/G5fXP
WoW Armory 5.1.0 - http://goo.gl/NY7S4
---

 

[IvanNCase]

Thank you so much. Netflix was one of the big ones I wanted working and I see it even has portrait mode working.

 

[hairdewx]

Thank you so much. Netflix was one of the big ones I wanted working and I see it even has portrait mode working.

Np, that was one of the apps that portrait mode has to be manually configured. Too bad the player they use pauses when it loses focus. I don't think there is anything I can do about that...

 

[yeyoman]

Thankyou so much! This is fantastic.

 

[IvanNCase]

That's why I noticed it. I was already planning on either finding our making an edited netflix once we (hopefully) get a multi window with unlimited app support but I had no idea that this was coming.

Edit: Do you know if they know about this in the forums for the other note 2's? Cause this would be great for them too. I know they can already root of course but this would be nice for those who are afraid to our just don't want to root.

 

[KgTheraad1]

That's why I noticed it. I was already planning on either finding our making an edited netflix once we (hopefully) get a multi window with unlimited app support but I had no idea that this was coming.

Edit: Do you know if they know about this in the forums for the other note 2's? Cause this would be great for them too. I know they can already root of course but this would be nice for those who are afraid to our just don't want to root.

Hey is it possible you can upload your modded NBA game time apk ? Thanks

 

[wyatt57350]

Has anyone done this with google maps yet?

Wyatt W.

 

[mlkaufman]

Has anyone done this with any games yet?

 

[nosit1]

I'm having trouble getting my packages running. I compile them, attempt to install, and I get an error of application not installed or problem parsing package.
How are the rest of you recompiling?

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2

 

[acuraintegraturbo]

Is this possibe to do with youtube since the app is pre installed on the phone. If so where would you get the apk from.

 

[hairdewx]

Is this possibe to do with youtube since the app is pre installed on the phone. If so where would you get the apk from.

We can't edit it since it's a system app, we'd need root...

 

[hairdewx]

I'm having trouble getting my packages running. I compile them, attempt to install, and I get an error of application not installed or problem parsing package.
How are the rest of you recompiling?

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2

1) For errors during re-compiling, put this 1.apk into your C:\Users\{username}\apktool\framework\ folder and replace the old 1.apk inside it.

1.apk - http://goo.gl/QhWFq

It's the framework for the Note 2 that the tool needs. I just pulled it from my own phone.


2) For installation errors, uninstall the app from your phone before installing your modified version

 

[nosit1]

1.apk - that's what I needed. Thanks for the tip!

 

[hairdewx]

Has anyone done this with any games yet?

I tried Dead Trigger and got it to do split screen, but unity player doesn't like being in portrait mode or not in full screen

 

[rjackson23]

Is there a YouTube video on this or will someone make one Thanks in advance

Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app

 

[IvanNCase]

Is there a YouTube video on this or will someone make one Thanks in advance

Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app

Here's the apps from the note 10 thread. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1985240 but you'll have to root and delete the youtube that came with the phone to be able to install the new one.

 

[nosit1]

Anyone have issues with the multiview toolbox recognizing multiviewable apps? I can multiview the apps with the ones I have, but it's limited to the few stock and modified I have.

 

[Hellzya]

fantastic thanks!!!

 

[kxkid]

Got it thanks

 

[kxkid]

can someone do this for 3 apps. I will send the apk. I have tried and keep getting a error when recompiling and have put that 1.apk in the folder like it says above and still have a problem. I have never done anything like this and am lost. Thanks for your time.