Home Screen Shortcuts Load the Base App But Not the Page - Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Questions and Answers

I have an unlocked stock (not rooted but using Apex as default launcher) on Pie with Verizon as my provider.
Until the evening of January 25, 2022 everything worked fine. I noticed that any of my commonly used web shortcuts did not go to the page I was requesting. I got to playing with and noted that it was the same across all browsers.
<Update> I went through all of these steps with both the default and Apex launchers with the same results.
I spent hours researching and testing since then. Every way I have thought of to search for the answer brings up a plethora of answers to these three question:
1. How do I create a home screen shortcut to a web page?
2. Why do I not have the option to "Add to Home Screen" on my browser?
3. All of my home screen shortcuts disappeared.
I have sifted through literally hundreds of pages and the few that were loosely related had no answers. I have no issues going to the sites once I am in the browser but each browser acts just as if I had chosen the basic shortcut installed with it. If I clear all tabs it goes to the homepage when I pick one of my shortcuts.
These are the steps I have taken so far to no avail:
1. I tried it on existing shortcuts using Bromite (my default), Firefox, Samsung Internet, and Chrome.
2, I power cycled my device. I created new shortcuts with all 4 browsers giving the same results. I power cycled a second time and still no joy. (After each of the following I repeat this step so I will not type that at the end of each one.)
3, I disabled Chrome and Samsung internet and uninstalled the other 2. I then re-enabled the former and updated all 4 from the play store.
4. I disabled Chrome so WebView could handle the links and tested the remaining 3.
5. I have tried several launcher apps that support web pages and they have the same results.
6. I uninstalled everything that had updated since the problem and tried again.
7. I checked the permissions on all 4 browsers and opened them up to allow whatever they wanted.
8. I (foolishly) checked for system updates.
9. I reset all permissions and went through all off the steps again (except 8).
Apps that intrinsically talk to their own home page work fine.
The only thing I have not tried that I know of is wiping the phone and starting from scratch which I really do not want to do. If I do that I will likely install a custom ROM. Not sure which one would be best.
Since this is consistently affecting a behavior across all apps I believe it is OS level especially since some the apps and browsers have not updated recently.
Thanks in advance!
Charles Mason Landstreet, Jr.
What am I missing???? Any suggestions for something the change or install would be greatly appreciated.

AFAIK Shortcuts are only visible in the Launcher in which you created them + that launcher needs to be set as the Default Launcher. Otherwise the shortcuts will be grayed out.
I use Microsoft Edge (yes, on Android lol) and it has "Add to phone" which puts a shortcut onto my Homescreen. Chrome definitely has such a feature too. The other ones you mentioned I'm sure too!
Also are your browsers up-to-date? Checked for updates in Play Store?
Edit: Oh I get you now. Yes, browser can redirect to the installed app. In Microsoft Edge this behavior can be disabled, so that you stay in the page...

dreamytom said:
AFAIK Shortcuts are only visible in the Launcher in which you created them + that launcher needs to be set as the Default Launcher. Otherwise the shortcuts will be grayed out.
I use Microsoft Edge (yes, on Android lol) and it has "Add to phone" which puts a shortcut onto my Homescreen. Chrome definitely has such a feature too. The other ones you mentioned I'm sure too!
Also are your browsers up-to-date? Checked for updates in Play Store?
Edit: Oh I get you now. Yes, browser can redirect to the installed app. In Microsoft Edge this behavior can be disabled, so that you stay in the page...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply.
Everything on my mobile is up to date.
I went through all of the steps separately for each browser on each launcher.
They all create the shortcuts without issue. The shortcuts launch the browsers. The issue is that they do not open the page that the shortcut was saved for. The action is identical to using each browser's primary icon.
-Mason

Related

Offline RSS Reader for Nook Simple Touch

I've been searching for an RSS reader that allows to read the feeds offline, but I wasn't able to find anything.
There is no problem installing GrazeRSS and FeedMe, however I get errors when trying to log in with them.
FeedMe supports Feedly only and it shows the Moved temporarily link and then nothing (other apps using Feedly do the same).
GrazeRSS supports Feedly, The Old Reader and Newsblur. Can't log into any of them.
JustReader supports BuzQuz and Feedly. Can't log into Feedly.
GrazeRSS is an open source app, so can be potentially modified to work on Nook Simple Touch.
Luckily gReader works on the NST and allows to share articles to Pocket and Readability. Didn't manage to share via EvenClip since I can't install onto NST.
problems with gReader on NST
After testing gReader for a day I'm not so happy about it. The major problem is a lack of e-Ink theme. You may support this request at https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/g_reader/wcn6jLFQaY0
Another problem for me is with scrolling. When I scroll down in many cases it scrolls up. Tried to push harder and it helps sometimes, but still far away from usable.
And I can't find a way for NoRefresh to work with gReader. When I activate NoRefresh via the 3 downward taps, it seems that gReader thinks this is a gesture for it, so NoRefresh is not turned on.
I would also like to find a reader app that works with feedly on the NST. I would probably use my Nook to read my feeds more than actual books if I could get something working.
The best use for nook apart from reading is filtered news. I have installed a version of News and Weather which opens the links in my default browser (Opera Classic (Mobile)) and have setup my custom news keyword filters as on my other android devices.
RSS is much better. Best RSS app is gReader+ which does not have ads like greader. Reader+ is the second best reader IMO.
Since google shut down rss synching in July, you have a few options to have your rss feeds stored online for rss readers to setup with. Feedly is best and has its own web(works in opera classic) & app(not installable) reader too but it is too much like a magazine for me. Others are theoldreader (free) & bazqux (30 days free but good for import/export before 30 days). These are good as your rss account synch, their readers are not good for me.
I have tested many rss apps mentioned before in nooktouch threads. None of them are working properly. Only greader from market worked and imported my feeds. Problem is it has ads. I tried numerous apps mentioned here but most are dead, others fail import from feedly or theoldreader.
I tried about 20 versions of greader+. The old ones do not have import from feedly/theoldreader. The new ones fail on import mostly fail after pressing import from feedly/theoldreader, those few greader+ that do not and attempt stop saying untrusted network certificate error.
Very recent versions of greader+ actually do not run on NTS 2.1 android, screen just flashses and aborts. If anyone finds a working rss reader which imports subscriptions from feedly or theoldreader or bazqux, or import from files xml/opml let us know here what app and what version or even upload link or file. If I find a solution I will post.
Also import your subscriptions from feedly into theoldreader and bazqux and then export them (download) as both xml & opml files to backup on your PC, also zip & email to yourself and store in your keepers email folder..
In theoldreader site, in options setup a password and then to import elsewhere from theoldreader your id is the gmail email address and your password is the one you just setup, not your gmail password. Feedly uses gmail id & gmail password.
I actually use feedly for my rss management. Since feedly app does not work on nook I found a substitute. It's called "Feedme" and it works quite cool. Have bright theme so you could say it's somewhat optmised for einks. Only minus is no screen refresh. I just put my nook to sleep and wake it up if i want my screen refreshed.
flammenwurfer said:
I would also like to find a reader app that works with feedly on the NST. I would probably use my Nook to read my feeds more than actual books if I could get something working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then you may want to support the following ideas:
Offer Feedly's own login
http://feedly.uservoice.com/forums/192636-suggestions/suggestions/4080705-offer-feedly-s-own-login
(Android client) Support older version of Android
http://feedly.uservoice.com/forums/...droid-client-support-older-version-of-android
Problem logging in on Nook Simple Touch
http://feedly.uservoice.com/forums/...20259-problem-logging-in-on-nook-simple-touch
prosty said:
I actually use feedly for my rss management. Since feedly app does not work on nook I found a substitute. It's called "Feedme" and it works quite cool. Have bright theme so you could say it's somewhat optmised for einks. Only minus is no screen refresh. I just put my nook to sleep and wake it up if i want my screen refreshed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried FeedMe, but didn't manage to log into Feedly. Just get an empty page likewise with any other RSS reader supporting Feedly.
What version do you use?
outlogic said:
I tried FeedMe, but didn't manage to log into Feedly. Just get an empty page likewise with any other RSS reader supporting Feedly.
What version do you use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using v1.3.6, also I didn't have such problem. It worked out of the box.
prosty said:
I'm using v1.3.6, also I didn't have such problem. It worked out of the box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. How did you root your device? Do you use a custom kernel?
Personally I used ZeroChaos + NookManager + NTGAttack + NoRefresh + custom kernel #166 on my NST.
Feedly login used by most to authorize access feeds crashes with android 2.1 on NST. Feedme like many crashes on that for me.
Best way is to register with feedly, first, then via that with theoldreader, bazqux & ino reader And to import the xml & opml format file they generate to download.
greaqder was synched as I said before but it has ads in article list.
I got RssDemon from market to synch last night which is better as layout is similar and also gives dark theme. Better yet the ads appear not in article list but in article. It also opens links in my default browser, opera Classic aka mobile.
Better yet, I downloaded a copy of the paid version RssDemon elite last night with the license file to get rid of the ads.
JustReader also synched from market, similar enough layout to the two above, and typed in liNk (sdcard/feedly.opml) to synch feeds from file. Also a license file I downloaded worked. Exit generates crash log but does not matter as settings are remembered. Backup file generation does not work but with liceNse is ad free.
Best is ad free licensed rssdemon now, install Rssdemon elite old file, do not run, install license apk. then licensed justreader (market apk). Third best is greader from market with ads.
Best would be greader+ but newer ones crash, older ones feedly synch crashes, oldest oNes before July worked with Google rss only which is nowdead
wozhere said:
Third best is greader from market with ads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't seen any ads in free greader. But ZeroChaos filters ads somehow, so may this is the case.
And I don't mind paying for greader+ if the add an e-Ink theme https://groups.google.com/forum/#!msg/g_reader/wcn6jLFQaY0/V7XtZEutPIgJ and most importantly fix the problem with NoRefresh.
outlogic said:
I haven't seen any ads in free greader. But ZeroChaos filters ads somehow, so may this is the case.
And I don't mind paying for greader+ if the add an e-Ink theme https://groups.google.com/forum/#!msg/g_reader/wcn6jLFQaY0/V7XtZEutPIgJ and most importantly fix the problem with NoRefresh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Zerochaos (i disabled root in config.txt) got stuck in launcher choice popup at start and many apps kept crashing while frozen. Had to restore a nandroid backup from yesterday. There is a clash with latest uimage I have probably.
The difference between greader & plus is the ads. I tried Zerochaos (Zerolab) as wanted adfree & anysoftkeyboard & Zeam (latest ones don't work). Can you upload these (/data/app or maybe in /system/app/)? Or at least tell us what versions they are?
AppBak generates a text file of installed apps/version number:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.moparisthebest.appbak&hl=en
P.S. No response from our friend. NVM. I tried from latest Zeam versions, a few days ago, but they didn't work on NST. Zeam Launcher is a free app, xda thread too, now sadly discontinued in favor of SickSky. I have used it as backup launcher, debugging etc., on my phones for a couple of years as it's so light. Usually use Nova. Versions 3.x don't work on NST. Versions 2.0.x work as do 2.2.x all the way up to 2.8.7 and 2.8.8. Versions 2.9.x and up don't work. Use v2.8.8. Advantage over ADW supplied with Glownooter is the dock can have more icons, I put 10 apps on it.
Also just installed a recent version of adfree, v0.8.66, seems to work.
I've figure out a workaround to the Feedly login issue: You can install the desired app on another android device, sign in to Feedly in the app there, and then back up the data, transfer it to the Nook, and restore it there. This worked for me for both JustReader and FeedMe, and probably works for any other app that runs 2.1. According to Feedly's API, they use OAuth with tokens that expire, but the app can refresh them. So if the app is coded correctly, in theory it should request a new token from Feedly without user input and you shouldn't see an expiration. However, if it does expire or require you to log into Feedly again for whatever reason, you would just need to redo the steps of authenticating on another Android device and then copying the data over.
Hope this helps!
not working
Akkifokkusu said:
I've figured out a workaround to the Feedly login issue: You can install the desired app on another android device, sign in to Feedly in the app there, and then back up the data, transfer it to the Nook, and restore it there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been trying to do this but haven't succeeded yet. I installed FeedMe on my phone, logged in and transferreded both the folder at /mnt/sdcard/com.seazon.feedme/ and the file at /data/davlik-cache/[email protected]@[email protected] to the nook. I CHMODded both to match the native versions on the nook. So far it hasn't brought me success.
Is this the approach you are describing?
wozhere said:
The best use for nook apart from reading is filtered news. I have installed a version of News and Weather which opens the links in my default browser (Opera Classic (Mobile)) and have setup my custom news keyword filters as on my other android devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you share your copy of News &Weather that's compatible with opera mobile?
THANKS!
case-sensitive said:
Can you share your copy of News &Weather that's compatible with opera mobile?
THANKS!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure.
In settings, custom news topics, add your own keywords of special interest + delete topics not wanted.
I really like the older version of News and Weather that doesn't open an external browser but the scrolling difficulty caused me to abandon it. The BBC news app is marginally better and at least the text is resizable. I just find that the constant switching back and forth between a feed app and the browser in the more "recent" version of News and Weather is painful.
I'm trying NewsHog now and it behaves marginally better for scrolling, offers an optional condensation of the article and then an option to open the full article in an internal browser with the same sort of scrolling issues. SIGH. I wrote to the developers and suggested an option to port scrolling to volume buttons but afterwards realized this was not a good idea because the app comes with a TTS feature (of no use on the Nook ST, of course).
So...is there a way to switch back and forth between the feed app and the browser without closing the browser and then waiting for it to reopen when you select the next item? Seems so clunky--even for a rooted Nook ST
The whole point of this news widget (developer stopped, search xda, another guy copied the app & put ads on it) is setting it up with your personal keyword filters for news topics. If you don't haVe any special iNterest keywords to search for, you might as well use any other general news app.
To list recent apps & switch to: clicking and holding on the home icon in the app: Button Saviour
That's the right arrow on all pages in the pics here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2612340
I use the old pro version 1.5.2 (see list, it's in red) which works on NST, but the free version is in the NST sub-forums here too as part of an OS or something.
+
For:
Listing current & recent (greyed) apps + switching to + killing (long-press):
From homepage of android: TaskSwitcher by shisho (also in list)
Should Be on every anDroid homepage and/or dockbar
I think that I've found the problem with feedly auth, they use a certificate from RapidSSL that isn't included in android 2.1 if we include the certificate from GeoTrust Global CA (RapidSSL is an intermediate CA of GeoTrust) I think that should work

Chrome Home Page

The lack of a home button was one of the biggest obstacles to my using Chrome as my default browser. Some versions of Chrome (e.g. T-Mobile) and many 3rd party browsers come with speed dials or home pages as a default, and Firefox has an add-on. I just found this page on XDA that allows installation of a home page function, either via placement of an apk or as a flashable zip. I then set my home page to chrome-native://bookmarks/mobile-bookmarks, which brings up my mobile bookmarks as my home page. This is a great find as far as I'm concerned. I hope some others will benefit also.
I don't know if the Active is different from the regular S5, but my Active does have a home page functionality built in on Chrome. I actually have it disabled because I kept accidentally hitting the home button.
Chrome has had a home button option in settings for years

Can't save web page to homescreen

Has anyone else noticed that the 'Save to home screen' menu item is missing from Chrome on the Fire? I installed Chrome on mine and it works fine, but when I click on the menu in the upper right, there is no save to home screen there. It's there on my Samsung phone and tablet as well as other folk's tablets that I've tried. Searching the web, there do seem to be some phones that have this item missing as well.
Is this some configuration thing that Amazon foisted on us?
draythomp said:
Has anyone else noticed that the 'Save to home screen' menu item is missing from Chrome on the Fire? I installed Chrome on mine and it works fine, but when I click on the menu in the upper right, there is no save to home screen there. It's there on my Samsung phone and tablet as well as other folk's tablets that I've tried. Searching the web, there do seem to be some phones that have this item missing as well.
Is this some configuration thing that Amazon foisted on us?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Misplaced swipe at Amazon. Chrome has dependencies on Google Play Services; if the latter isn't available or back leveled some Chrome functionality will be disabled. Try Opera if you want an autonomous browser that uses the same underlying engine as Chrome (Chromium; nice rip on the name, Google). Save to home screen works fine. Other browsers may offer similar functionality.

Question Fully disable assistant?

I just got my Pixel 5a yesterday and immediately am annoyed by the Google stuff. I installed the Nova launcher but still get thrown back to the Pixel launcher or tossed into various assistant screens all over the place. Is there any way to truly turn this stuff off via normal settings? I don't really want to root or get custom firmware, but I despise these forced integrations between everything.
I don't want anything launching of its own volition or because I accidentally touch or look at the phone. I just want the apps to launch when I click them, the 3-button navigation to let me switch between tasks, and a simple homescreen to hold widgets and shortcuts I choose. The first reason I don't want the Pixel launcher is because it doesn't' let me remove the stupid search bar, but I also don't want any of the other hidden and implicit triggers that tie into the assistant.
I also find it annoying that the home button opens some search if I touch it while already on the home screen. Is this coming from the assistant too? I didn't yet find any settings in Nova to adjust the buttons.
I'm with you here. Installed Nova for the exact same reason as you. I do this next thing on all my Android phones: GO to settings > Apps & notifications > see all apps > Google = DISABLE... o some phones it can be uninstalled!
Personally I also disable "Google Play Services for AR" but that is personal choice. I also disable a number of other apps that I know I do not want/use.
I suppose I could use ADB to try and uninstall them, but once they're disabled that is usually good enough. The first one though, Google being disabled, "should" remedy all your issues. I too use the three button navigation and hate ALL assistants!
There's a program on here called 'adpappcontrol' that's great for removing anything you want via ADB.
It's basically just a gui for the command line program. It's worked great for me on at least three phones.
[TOOL] ADB AppControl 1.8.0 🚀 Ultimate App Manager & Debloat Tool + Tweaks
ADB AppControl 🚀 Root is not required. Works with any Android device. Can do almost everything you dreamed about with applications. ADB AppControl - the desktop program, that will allow you to easily manage applications on your android device...
forum.xda-developers.com
Highly recommend. Make sure you tip the dev, since he does it in his spare time.
jaseman said:
I'm with you here. Installed Nova for the exact same reason as you. I do this next thing on all my Android phones: GO to settings > Apps & notifications > see all apps > Google = DISABLE... o some phones it can be uninstalled!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could have sworn I already did that, but just checked and it is enabled. Has yours stayed off? Would the automatic Google Play app updates cause this to be reenabled?
I also now found the Nova setting Gestures -> Home Button that was causing this other search to appear if I press the home button when already on the home screen. Setting it to None with the checkbox still set for Only on main home page seems to give me what I want there...
lightuser said:
I could have sworn I already did that, but just checked and it is enabled. Has yours stayed off? Would the automatic Google Play app updates cause this to be reenabled?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine has stayed disabled. I can't speak to whether auto updates may have reenabled it. I always turn auto updates off. I like to see what is being updated on my phone.
jaseman said:
Mine has stayed disabled. I can't speak to whether auto updates may have reenabled it. I always turn auto updates off. I like to see what is being updated on my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they wont turn it back on but i have found in the past that sometimes with a os update they will re-enable.

Question How to set the default navigation app in Android 12 on a S21U

I updated my Samsung S21 Ultra (G998B) to Android 12 a couple of days ago. After that the default navigation app is set to Google Maps. I tried to figure out how to reset that to Waze but it can not be changed.
Before Android 12 is was just a matter of setting all apps to "not default" and a pop up appeared to ask you what you wanted to use.
But now it seems that you have to fnd the app in Apps and select the option "set as default". You can also choose the links that have to open the app. But when I want to set my default navigation app to Waze things go wrong. For some reason the links do not stay selected and are deselected as soon as I close the window. So there is no way to set the app as default. I already removed Maps but that doesnt help.
I already contacted Waze Support but the only replies I get from them is a simple answer on how to set default apps in Android 11. It seems they do not read questions.
Does anyone know how to resolve this issue?
I'm using this
Thanks for the reply. Nice app!
But it doesn't work when you want something through a browser. At that point is still goes back to Google Maps, either the app itself or Maps on the internet.

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