[Release] HomeSpike v1.0 — a real home screen for Ubuntu Touch (multi-page, dock, drag-to-reorder, three placement modes, true multitasking)

[arubislander]

@Zer0 said:

True multitasking + reliable home: BFB or the spread home button always returns to HomeSpike; running apps stay alive in the background and resume instantly when re-tapped

So apps are no longer suspended when not in focus? How does this impact how long the battery lasts between charges?

[Zer0]

@arubislander HomeSpike doesn't actually change app lifecycle. It's loaded inside the Lomiri shell process as the wallpaper layer (z=-2 in Stage.qml), not a separate app. Lomiri still suspends/resumes background apps by its own existing rules. any apps that are not declared background services will still "sleep" in the background.

[Zer0]

[arubislander]

@Zer0 Then I don't understand what the section I quoted is actually saying.

[777X]

Just installed this, giving it a try, so far, so good!

[Linus67]

@Zer0 I follow the development and communication on GitLab. Collaboration and respect among open-source developers should be better. That would also lead to better solutions.

I’ve been trying to develop my own custom app drawer, which is also useful as a home screen. I’d like to share the result. Maybe it will inspire someone with more expertise in QML and software development.

I used the Show Desktop app by @mateo_salta as inspiration. Show Desktop OpenStore

I use the transparent area to display an app drawer as a home screen.

There is a fixed category at the bottom called “Quick Start” (similar to the Bottom Dock).
And the rest of the area is filled with the base category “Unsorted.” This contains all installed apps, just like in the app drawer.

It is now possible to create new categories and move and sort apps between categories.
It’s a wonderful way to design your own tidy app drawer that also works as a home screen.

See Screenrecording: screen recording

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to automatically import the installed apps into the “Uncategorized” category. I had to hardcode the launch commands into the code.

I also couldn't use app icons, which is why it's “Text Only.”

But I think with your skills (see Spike V1), you can create a perfectly organized app drawer as your home screen.

[Zer0]

@Linus67 I wont be maintaining this. Feel free to do with it as you wish. Someone else has already forked my work and is actively working on it as there own project which is pretty neat. The maintainers of Lorimi have made it clear they don't want anything to do with me. So I'm going to focus my efforts elsewhere. All the best! I'm glad you like my app

[Keneda]

@Zer0 said:

The maintainers of Lorimi have made it clear they don't want anything to do with me.

Wow ! Is this serious?!?

[Linus67]

@Zer0
We shouldn't mix topics and conversations from different areas. Your Spike project is a remarkable achievement, and I'd be happy if someone were to continue working on it. I just thought you might have something to contribute on the topic of app drawer optimization. But apparently, there are other issues at play here.

Some people might like Spike V1 as an app. However, as a way to optimize or replace the app drawer, it falls far short of the mark. Of course, the Lorimi team is responsible for any changes to the app drawer. You have to be willing to go along with that.

[Zer0]

@Linus67 It's not really a mixing of topics. Same topic two locations. I'm clearly not welcome here as far as the maintainers are concerned. I am capable and I have the time to devote. But all around I have never had this sort of pushback from an open source project especially since I am donating time and effort. Most projects I work with are a whole lot more welcoming and happy to see the work and have discussions about how I can help. This community is not the place for me. I wish you guys all the best.

[Linus67]

@Zer0
It’s a shame if you’re thinking of turning your back on this UT community. I only see the public conversations. I don’t know much about the rules in open-source projects. My field of expertise is mechanical engineering and control systems. But even in this industry, there are often differences that seem insurmountable. Most of the time, it has nothing to do with the actual issue.

Maybe the train has already left the station when it comes to the App Drawer gold plating. We’ll just have to see what happens next and what comes of it.
In the meantime, try creating a standalone app for Ubuntu Touch—it’ll make everyone’s jaws drop. (Long faces)
You have what it takes to write a really great app. Go for it!