It happens that the clock on an Android device disappears, for example, after a firmware update. Returning them to the desktop and usually is not difficult, since in most cases the widget only ceases to be displayed on the display, remaining in the device's memory. We will tell you further how to return the clock to the Android screen or, if necessary, install new ones from the Google app store.

How to return an installed widget

If you accidentally deleted the clock or it disappeared, try to display it on the screen in the simplest way:

If the application with the widget was deleted by you, see below how to install a similar one from Google Play.

Clock Widgets

Consider further best programs with graphic modules for the main screen of the gadget from those presented in the official application store. Basically, in addition to displaying the time, they also provide a lot of other information, for example, the weather directly at the user's location according to the data received by the utility via GPS.

Transparent clock and weather

This is one of the most popular free clock widgets with over 10 million installs. The small program has very flexible settings, as a result of which the owner of the gadget can set the display on the display as he needs it. Utility features:

• the presence of various beautiful and informative widgets of sizes 2x1, 4x1-3, 5x3;
• a wide range of themes, covers, fonts;
• display other than exact time important information- about the weather, wind direction, humidity and pressure, battery charge, calendar events, etc.

If the owner of the device does not need all these data provided by the default utility, he can delete them in the settings and leave just the clock. For this:

1. Press your finger on the time display on the screen, which will open the settings window.
2. Go to the "Appearance" section, then to "Advanced settings".
3. Uncheck the boxes next to the items for displaying information about the current location, system information, battery charge and check the checkbox next to the line "Hide weather".

After that, a minimalistic clock widget will be displayed on the screen, the appearance of which you can also change according to your own preferences.

Sense Flip Clock & Weather

This time and date clock widget is suitable for users who like Flip Clock style clock with flipping pages. Utility features:

• choice of widgets of different sizes - 4x1, 4x2 and 5x2;
• flipping animation implemented;
• selection of different skins and icon display;
• the location is determined automatically, which allows the user to be informed of the most accurate forecast.

The display of the weather here is also turned off if necessary, after which only beautiful retro clocks will be on the screen. You can also test other similar utilities:

Clock on lock screen

If there is a need to change the installed lock screen in such a way that it displays a large dial, then in this case we can recommend Luminous Chest Clock. The utility with such a strange name is free, requires no configuration and does not show any ads on the lock screen.

August 12, 2014 at 05:07 pm

Time and Time Zone Problems in Android and How to Solve Them

• System administration

• tutorial

Suppose you have been using Android for a long time, and therefore it may seem that it does a great job of synchronizing the time - alarms go off on time, there are no obvious time deviations, etc. However, are you completely sure where Android is coming from? actually receives data about the exact time and time zones? If you have any doubts about how it works - welcome under cat.

Android has two problems with time: its unpredictable synchronization and the need to update time zone data even in the latest version of the OS.

Background: Android is a mobile operating system based on the Linux kernel, it easily connects to the Internet and, of course, one can assume that time synchronization is carried out using NTP, however, this is not the case. Historically, Android has been designed to be used exclusively for mobile phones(remember version 1.6). At the same time, only by the 3rd major version did he acquire an interface for tablets and other advances began to unify the interface and the OS stuffing. However, even versions 4.4 and Android L receive exact time signals using the same methods that Nokia 3310 and other earlier GSM / 3GPP phones received, i.e. from towers cellular communication when registering on the network (when connected to the tower). At the same time, tablets or other devices without a communication module, in principle, do not have the ability to synchronize time automatically.

Unfortunately, in order to teach Android to synchronize time completely automatically using NTP, we need root access because the API for setting the exact time in Android is currently missing.

Let's get started. The first thing to do is turn off time synchronization with mobile network. At the same time, I recommend leaving the time zone setting in automatic mode, and it is worth turning it off only if there is a guarantee that the device will work in stationary mode.

Screenshot of the settings window “Settings -> Date and time” android versions 4.x:

Next, you need to install the ClockSync application, which will act as an alternative for us to the time synchronization daemon using NTP.

Screenshots of the ClockSync window before synchronization (left) and after (right):

The screenshots show that the difference exact time turned out to be quite small, however, there are different situations, for some, the time on the device can even float back and forth because the operator did not bother to clean up his BS.

After making sure that everything works, we will set up automatic synchronization in the ClockSync program. To improve accuracy, I recommend turning on the "High accuracy mode" and "Only via WI-FI" options. If everything is clear with the first option from the description in the program (see the screenshot below), then I recommend enabling the second option in the first place, not for reasons of economy mobile traffic, but due to the fact that Mobile Internet is not able to guarantee any stable delays.

A little more about accuracy:

The still widespread mobile Internet 2 (GPRS / EDGE) is, in principle, not able to provide stable transmission delays. Even the Internet of the 3rd (3G) and, to some extent, the 4th (LTE / LTE-advanced) generations, with a heavy load on the network or communication channels between BSs, which is a typical situation for large settlements, cannot guarantee stable delays. Therefore, even with an approximation, the final accuracy of the time setting can be worse than a fraction of a second and even easily reach several seconds.

Screenshot of automatic synchronization settings in ClockSync:

Due to the large-scale changes in time zones in the Russian Federation this fall, it is necessary now to think about updating information about them on all devices, and if there are no problems with supported desktop OS, then in Android even the latest version of the OS contains outdated data. In order to make sure of this, we install TimeZone Fixer and observe an unsightly picture.

Screenshot of TimeZone Fixer running on Android 4.4.4 ( cyanogen mod firmware dated August 4, 2014), which clearly shows that the data in the firmware is out of date:

A little bit of healthy concern and concern for users:

The author of the TimeZone Fixer program warns us that updating time zone data files can completely “break” the device and even gives recommendations on how to protect yourself from additional problems, although the cases of problems are isolated and very specific - this is really good care for ordinary users.

That's the only reason I included this piece in the article, although it is not directly related to the problem, it is a really good example of caring for users. At the same time, the warning about versions 4.3+ is caused only by a small number of reviews about the program for devices with new OS versions, so please, after using it, be sure to write a review about this application.

After updating the time zone data, the program will offer to reboot, however, I recommend rebooting the device yourself through the system menu, since the program performs a reboot that is actually equivalent to reset, which, albeit with a low probability, can lead to problems and data loss.

I will be happy to answer any questions or make additions that the community deems necessary, however, I want to avoid overloading the article. additional information in order to follow the format of a compact guide to solving a specific problem.

UPD: This instruction completely solves the problem of time zones only for versions prior to 4.4. Since version 4.4, additional patching is needed, while the question is at the stage of researching the possibilities for creating a user-friendly solution.

If you've ever been annoyed by the clutter of icons at the top of your Android home screen, good news for you: there's a way to fix it.

It turns out that there are 3 secret settings for Android users, and one of them will allow you to hide or show icons in the status bar (status bar). You can also reorder the contents of the panel quick settings from the drop down menu (status bar) is as easy as making a small but important setting android battery indicator.

You won't find these settings by poking around in the standard settings screen. Instead, you first need to unlock hidden settings User Interface (System UI Tuner) Here's how to do it.

How to open System UI Tuner

First, slide out the quick settings bar at the top of the screen, then press and hold the settings button (the one that looks like a gear) in the top right corner of the screen.

Press and hold the Settings button until you see a small wrench icon appear.

Hold the Settings button long enough and a small wrench icon will appear next to the Settings button. As soon as you see wrench, click the Settings button again, then scroll all the way down to the new settings section, System UI Tuner.
When you first launch System UI Tuner, you will see a warning that says (excerpt) "these features may change, break, or disappear in future updates" and "proceed with caution". Click Got it to continue and don't worry, you can always disable the System UI Tuner if you don't feel like messing around with those "experimental" Android settings anymore.

Once you have turned off the warning, you will have access to the System UI Tuner settings. Let's take a tour.

Reordering Quick Settings Bar Buttons

You probably already know how to open the quick settings panel with a two-finger gesture down from the top of the screen. What you may not know, though, is that you have the ability to add, remove, and rearrange the Quick Settings bar buttons, at least with the System UI Tuner.

You can rearrange or hide any of the quick settings buttons as you wish, all with a little help from the System UI Tuner.

Tap quick settings on System UI Tuner's main screen and you'll see the standard quick settings button bar.

To move a button, press and hold, then drag it over another button, it will move those two places. To hide a button from the quick settings bar, press and hold it, then drag it to the delete icon. To bring any removed buttons back, click Add Tile, then click the button name.

If you want to bring back the old quick settings buttons, click on the menu button with three dots on the right upper corner screen, then touch Reset.

Status bar control

If all the icons - Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, alarm and do not disturb - are too big in the Android status bar, System UI Tuner will help you to make them smaller.

Just click the toggle to hide a specific icon on your Android device's status bar.

Tap on status bar settings to see a list of ten status bar icons, ranging from Casts and Hotspot to mobile data and airplane mode, each with its own toggle. By default, every icon is enabled; to disable the icon, just turn off the toggle.

You can turn off almost any icon on the status bar, except for the battery indicator and the clock.

If you want to more accurately track the battery life of your Android device, you can use the System UI Tuner to add percentage indication to standard Android icon.

Easy setup System UI Tuner will add a percentage value on android icon batteries.

Return to main screen System UI Tuner, then click Show Battery Level. After you do this, you will see a small percentage on the battery icon at the top of the status bar.

Deactivating the System UI Tuner panel

Google makes no promises about the disappearance of features from its hidden System UI Tuner. As you remember, a pop-up message when Tuner starts up warns that any and all of its tuning options may change or disappear at any moment.

If you'd rather not worry about when your favorite new settings are gone, you can simply delete them ahead of time. On the main screen of System UI Tuner, click on the button with three dots in the upper right corner of the screen, and then click Remove from settings.

You can always change your mind, of course; just go back to quick settings by swiping down and press and hold the settings button.

Greetings, dear readers and admirers of Helpix. Today I present to your attention a tweak for pure Android - GravityBox version 3.5.7 for Android 4.2 (for 4.4 and 5 their versions) from the developer C3C076.

Applications for decorating the graphical interface of the operating system have always been, are and will be ... are. There are resources. Nevertheless, the demand for them, as well as the supply, does not dry out. At one time, Android was served under the sauce of fully customizable GUI to the tastes of the end user - you and me. At this point in time (2015 was in the yard in the morning) there are very, well, just a lot of applications for decorating and reincarnating Android. You can change everything, and not just change the picture on the desktop.

And there are also various applications-tweaks for optimization android work(in general, there are tweaks for any OS, but for now we are talking about Android). Stock Android does not shine with all the settings we need and want.

Many manufacturers of smartphones and tablets, and especially large ones (Samsung, Sony, LG, Lenovo, HTC, etc.) have long gone the way of developing their own supposedly unique user interfaces for Android. You get, for example, Samsung smartphone and get TouchWiz. And along with HTC, Sense comes into the load. Lenovo puts on its devices, you won’t believe it, Lenovo Launcher (I wonder if this is an ambitious name or just not enough imagination for another name?). The branded user interface, of course, gives the user much more customization options, as well as a more pleasant and beautiful (debatable moment) appearance. But do you like everything in the proprietary firmware? Or is there something you wouldn't mind changing? But as you know, you can't please everyone. And manufacturers tend to make their own firmware (launchers, user interfaces) are not only effective, but also spectacular, which is not always beneficial.

In addition to branded firmware, there are so-called custom or unofficial firmware. The meaning is the same, but the prerequisites are diametrically opposed. Branded firmware comes from the manufacturer and imposes something of their own on us. Custom firmwares are handicrafts from enthusiasts (single or small groups) designed to meet the needs of ordinary users. Enthusiasts themselves are the same users as we are, only they know and can do a little (or not a little) more than us. The advantages of unofficial firmware are a lot of additional functions (useful and cosmetic) and programs, often root-rights, as well as speed and so on. But glitches are not uncommon, what is there to hide.

With such intricacies of thoughts, I bring you to the topic of today's review. After all, it is not necessary to reflash, you can install GravityBox and change the stock (and not only stock) firmware beyond recognition. Complete unrecognizability both in appearance and partially in functionality. You can selectively customize the firmware of your device so that it suits your tastes, preferences and desires, and not the tastes of uncles from Samsung, Lenovo, LG, Google and others.

What can GravityBox do? Is dressing a sheepskin worth it? After all, the device will have to be rooted, without it in any way. The list of GravityBox features is quite wide and large, just look at the main form:

That is, you can:

set up as appearance, as well as the functionality of the lock screen, status bar and navigation bar (even if you didn’t have it - it will be!), including the transparency of the last two;

enable and configure the fan menu;

set nutrition settings (porridge in the morning, meat in the afternoon, curative fasting in the evening);

adjust the screen, telephony and multimedia in a wide range;

configure hardware navigation buttons for your actions;

configure the launch of applications when pressing physical buttons;

set up notifications and alerts (trial mode);

configure the device in the engineering menu (dangerous mode!).

As you can see, you can do such things that you will swing! Or you fall. You will fall down from surprise or lose heart from the sight of a brick, which will now have to be reflashed to revive. Therefore, I repeat the developer: do not install GravityBox until you do full backup systems. I made a backup - walk boldly.

So, we rush into the abyss of settings and modes. But let's start with the initial data, that is, with our experimental subject. This is Lenovo P780 with Android 4.2.1 on board and installed on top of Lenovo Launcher.

It should be noted that GravityBox is not guaranteed to work on samsung touchwiz, HTC Sense, MIUI and LeWa. Not guaranteed, but not prohibited either. I tried GravityBox on a Samsung 3 Lite tablet and many of the features didn't work, but many felt right at home (especially the status bar, fan menu, and navigation bar settings). On some devices, GravityBox may not even start. Lenovo Launcher could not oppose anything to GravityBox and surrendered to the mercy of the winner in almost all positions.

And further. You didn't forget? Remember that all this

I’ll immediately note that I won’t rewrite and screenshot every single setting, otherwise it won’t be a review, but a multi-volume instruction. I will mention simple and uninteresting settings in a word or two. Let's get started.

Lock screen settings

In the "Lock screen background" section, of course, we configure the background of the lock screen. Color fill, default (from desktop) and custom wallpapers, last screen as wallpaper, disable lock screen shadow - all of these are selectable here. Everything works, only I didn’t like the last screen as wallpaper on the lock screen, because I think too long (while taking a screen, while applying it, etc.).

The "Unlock Ring" section is more interesting. And the item "Labels of the unlock ring" is interesting.

The status bar and notification icons on Android are a nice and handy option. One glance at these notifications and icons is enough to know what's happening on your device. Here you will see everything you need - SMS alerts, battery status, signal strength and clock. Despite their usefulness, these tools can often be quite intrusive and kind of an eyesore.

Many owners strive to make their device unique. They tend to buy an original Meizu M3 case or a fashion accessory for their tablet. Others focus on software. For example, some Android users want to hide some of the info messages on the home screen and can't find a way to hide all those notifications and icons on the status bar. Eat simple ways to hide and disable app notifications in Android, but how to hide icons from the status bar?

Today, in this guide, we will show you how you can do it easily using the Statusbar Icon Hider add-on. The creation of this module is the merit of one of the members of the XDA community. With this module, you can selectively enable or disable items in the status bar - clock, battery indicator, cellular signal strength and app notification icons. Below is a guide that you can use on your Android to hide the icons in the status bar.

Install Xposed Framework on your Android first, then download Statusbar Icon Hider on mobile or tablet. Now run the Xposed installer on your Android and enable the app from the module section, then reboot your device to complete the installation.

Once the phone reboots, open the Xposed app, navigate to the app's modular layout page, and launch the Statusbar Icon Hider app. Now you can easily enable/disable the following icons separately:

• Battery
• Cellular network level
• App Notification Icons

To enable the changes, restart your device again, and now all the previously marked icons in the status bar of your phone and tablet are hidden. In the future, if you want to turn them back on, just open the app again and re-enable them. The application currently works on all standard ROM firmware, but some of the custom ROMs are not supported. We have tested this program on Nexus 5 and it works great without any problems.

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