[sandbox] Shortcut to switch between running applications?

[Lacedaemon]

Hello everyone,

So I was thinking about how to make the N900 user experience even easier while multitasking. Would it be possible to create a keyboard shortcut that will allow the user to switch between running applications?

For example, you have these applications running in the dashboard:
1) Web browser
2) Conversations
3) File manager

When clicking CTRL+1 it would go to Web browser.
CTRL+2 Conversations etc
This shortcut is just an example.

Let me know what you think so I can create a brainstorm (http://maemo.org/community/brainstorm/view/shortcut_to_switch_between_running_applications/).

[cddiede]

Hello everyone,

So I was thinking about how to make the N900 user experience even easier while multitasking. Would it be possible to create a keyboard shortcut that will allow the user to switch between running applications?

Let me know what you think so we can create a brainstorm.

So you're looking to get task switching down to a single click action?

Is this really that much easier then the current methods such as camkeyd, CTRL-backspace, etc which allow a two click method.

An added bonus is that the two click method brings you first to the iconified running app display, allowing users to pick visually which app to switch to. This would seem more user friendly then remembering which key combination goes to which running app.

[Lacedaemon]

Well yeah. I am using camkeyd and it's really nice.
But, if you know in which dashboard window each application is, you can navigate to it by one click.

So if you have two web pages on, it's easier to just do one click like in desktop computers.
The thing is that I am not sure if it's possible for the device to do such process with a single click.

[Matan]

Please see here: http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php?t=38314

Currently in the situation you describe you need to press ctrl-backspace and then q to switch to the first application, w to the second and so on.

Single press to switch is not as easy, since there are no free keys (or even key combinations) there is no 1 key, and ctrl-q (for example) is already used by many applications.

[Lacedaemon]

What about CTRL + Volume rocker?
Would that be possible? :p

[niqbal]

i agree with cddeide.

n900 offers the best visual way of switching between apps. press ctrl+backspace that will switch to dashboard and u can select ur app.

ctrl+backspace is creating alt+tab like situation but instead of keep clicking on tab to move forward, touchscreen enables us to directly choose the app.

[pillar]

I think alt-tab behaviour would be really nice, to be able to switch between two last apps. If you have many windows open, it is not that quick even if you see them visually.

[Matan]

What about CTRL + Volume rocker?
Would that be possible? :p

What do you want this combination to do? It is possible to add it as a configurable short cut key combination.

[geneven]

Isn't it necessary for a moderator to jump in at this point and remind the OP that he can't make a suggestion without registering the suggestion elsewhere, and a couple of people will thank the moderator for correcting the dumb user who posted here without going thru the official procedure?

That's what happened when I posted my suggestion in Brainstorm about a week ago.

[Lacedaemon]

What do you want this combination to do? It is possible to add it as a configurable short cut key combination.

Switch back and forth running applications.

Isn't it necessary for a moderator to jump in at this point and remind the OP that he can't make a suggestion without registering the suggestion elsewhere, and a couple of people will thank the moderator for correcting the dumb user who posted here without going thru the official procedure?

That's what happened when I posted my suggestion in Brainstorm about a week ago.

If people are not interested in this feature then why create a brainstorm suggestion?
The purpose of this thread was to see if you are interested. If yes a brainstorm would be created and linked back here.
If this way is wrong, then I apologize.

[chemist]

Let me know what you think so we can create a brainstorm.

The progress is other... you have an idea/problem to solve and create a brainstorm and start a thread here. So people can vote for it and create solutions they would like to see.

Please create a brainstorm item and put a link in your starting post, read through the links in my sig for further information.

Thanks

[Matan]

See this thread for http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php?t=38314 .

Currently ctrl-space (or ctrl+volume key) only switches between last two active windows, but it is possible to implement alt-tab behaviour (except for the visual indication).

[Helmuth]

My Suggestion: STRG + Backspace to jump to the Taskmanager and STRG + Backspace at the Taskmanager to switch to the Application you have used before the last one.

So you should have the same like ALT+TAB. Only by clicking STRG+Backspace twice.

You can Vote here for Solution #4 (http://maemo.org/community/brainstorm/view/placement_of_the_task_switcher_at_the_bottom_of_th e_screen/) at Brainstorm or just create a new one. I will add my suggestion there.
I posted this very late after the beginning of the Brainstorm. But I hope there could be more votes in the near future for it. :)

[Lacedaemon]

http://maemo.org/community/brainstorm/view/shortcut_to_switch_between_running_applications/

[chemist]

Add solutions please, it will stay in Sandbox without solutions.

[Lacedaemon]

Solutions added.

[mece]

I added a solution that would work for me. CTRL-left and CTRL-right to scroll between tasks. Quick and easy single click switch. CTRL-arrows doesn't do anything afaik.

http://maemo.org/community/brainstorm/view/shortcut_to_switch_between_running_applications/?solution=ctrl-left_and_ctrl-right_to_switch_tasks

[Helmuth]

I added a solution that would work for me. CTRL-left and CTRL-right to scroll between tasks. Quick and easy single click switch. CTRL-arrows doesn't do anything afaik.

Sorry, this wouldn't work. :(

CRTL-arrows are used to jump to other text fields in the browser or to jump to the next beginning word in the Conversations (like on Desktop Computer).

To Original Poster: Please add a Link to this forum to your Brainstorm (http://maemo.org/community/brainstorm/view/shortcut_to_switch_between_running_applications/) post.

[Lacedaemon]

Forum link added on Brainstorm post.

[Matan]

My Suggestion: STRG + Backspace to jump to the Taskmanager and STRG + Backspace at the Taskmanager to switch to the Application you have used before the last one.

So you should have the same like ALT+TAB. Only by clicking STRG+Backspace twice.


This is now implemented: Install modified-hildon-desktop from here (http://my.arava.co.il/~matan/770/n900/m-h-d.install). Run in X-Term the command

gconftool-2 -s /apps/osso/hildon-desktop/key-actions/ctrl_backspace_in_tasknav -t int 3

See here (http://wiki.maemo.org/Modified_Hildon_Desktop) for more options of this program.

[jakiman]

Matan, if I install that modified-hildon-desktop, can i revert back to the original by just uninstalling it?

[Matan]

Yes. The original binary is still in the system. You can return to it by a simple

mv /usr/bin/hildon-desktop.launch.orig /usr/bin/hildon-desktop.launch

The removal script of modified-hildon-desktop does this, but I did not test this.

[Helmuth]

This is now implemented: Install modified-hildon-desktop from here (http://my.arava.co.il/~matan/770/n900/m-h-d.install).

Thats GREAT! :D

Jeah! Ouhm... Mmh... but at the moment it sounds only on the paper good for me. I'm really afraid to brick my beloved device.

Could something like this find the way to extra-devel and extra-testing?

I would like to install it from the normal maemo-extra repository. :)

[Matan]

It can't be in extras repositories since hildon-desktop in PR1.1 needs new libraries, but extras-devel is built with older library.

About bricking device - No chance of bricking it as in making it the equivalent of a brick.

If you mean brick as in requiring a reflash - there is a chance of that, but if you read this forum you'll note that a lot of packages might cause that, including Nokia's upgrades, so having a current backup is always a good idea. I do include special functionality to help in case of this package creating a reboot loop, see here:
http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php?t=41166

On a personal note - I think that asking for features and then refusing to test their implementation is not very nice.

[Helmuth]

It can't be in extras repositories since hildon-desktop in PR1.1 needs new libraries, but extras-devel is built with older library.


Hm... and upload a version that can only run with PR1.1 and brings up a error message with PR1.0 and 1.0.1 is not a good idea?



If you mean brick as in requiring a reflash - there is a chance of that, but if you read this forum you'll note that a lot of packages might cause that, including Nokia's upgrades, so having a current backup is always a good idea. I do include special functionality to help in case of this package creating a reboot loop, see here:
http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php?t=41166

On a personal note - I think that asking for features and then refusing to test their implementation is not very nice.

I hope you can understand my point of view when I confide you that I'm trying to get familar with Linux since only 5 Weeks! :D

With my suggestion I hoped it could get implemneted and updated with a normal rollout and firmware update to improve the N900 experience for everyone. :)

If I have enought time at the weekend I will give your solution a try (after a full backup). But I still hope there could be a better way in the future for this improvement. :rolleyes:

[Helmuth]

It can't be in extras repositories since hildon-desktop in PR1.1 needs new libraries, but extras-devel is built with older library.

I've managed to made a full backup of my Device. I tried to install your modified Hildon Desktop. But it's not longer in your repository. Is this correct?
Hmm... okay. I had anyway a bad feeling about this. :(


Have you thought about the possibility to release the patches / changes to the official Hildon GIT?
In my opinion it should be integrated in one of the next updates... :)

[Matan]

It is in the repository. Do you get some kind of error from H-A-M when trying to install?

I'll try to get the patches to official hildon-desktop, but I am not optimistic about this.

[Helmuth]

Okay. Step by step.
I clicked your link. I've added your repository. Then I accept to install. I pressed continue. - Aaaaah! Now it worked! :) I tested it again during answering.

The first try the Application Manager said it's not in your repository. (sorry, I have not the exact error message, I have to translate it from my german device)
After this error I downloaded your Packages.gz manually to my PC. I found the modified-hildon-desktop V 1.03 in there. But the Application Manager still failed. So I tought you removed a needed package from the server.

Okay. I had some glitchy bad screen effekts after the install. After 2 Task changes they're disappeared. It works so far.

Edit:
So, I changed the config (explained here (http://talk.maemo.org/showpost.php?p=482980&postcount=20)) and it works great! :)

Just like in my dreams! ;)

The only unpleasant thing I can find is, I have to wait until the dashboard animation finished. That's not really nice. I have to wait and can't just press in rapid sequence [CTRL] + [Backspace]. But, thats not a big problem for me. But it does not feel very well.

Can you confirm this?

[Helmuth]

Okay. I have a bug report for you:

At http://wiki.maemo.org/Modified_Hildon_Desktop
•Non-configurable changes:
•Left and right arrows change desktops in the home screen.
I've got a german N900 with a german keyboard layout. Only the right arrow works like described. The left arrow does nothing. The Desktop changes to the left with the [.] (dot) Button. It's on the german Device on the same place like the left arrow on the English Devices.



I'll try to get the patches to official hildon-desktop, but I am not optimistic about this.

Hmm... :(

Have you made some bad experiences?

Your work should be worth it! And it improves the device significant.

When it goes not in the official firmware. Please keep working to bring it thru the Extra-Devel and Testing to the official Maemo Extra repository.
More people should enyoj the improved dashboard.

---
So, please. Vote at the Brainstorm (http://maemo.org/community/brainstorm/view/shortcut_to_switch_between_running_applications/)! ;)

[Matan]

Indeed the animation is a problem, since it must be finished, otherwise task switching does not work correctly.

You can speed up the animations by editing /usr/share/hildon-desktop/transitions.ini .

I can also try to specifically accelerate animations caused by ctrl-backspace, but that is a lower priority right now.

[pillar]

This is pure awesomeness - Matan you are my hero :)

Works as advertised. I hope this is integrated - I see no reason why it shouldn't be.

EDIT: changing homescreens the same way Helmuth reported: From . and right key, using scandinavian keyboard where the arrow keys are cramped.

[Matan]

Version 1.04 (in my repository, see signature) now has functionality similar to Alt-Tab. First enable it with:

gconftool-2 -s /apps/osso/hildon-desktop/key-actions/ctrl_backspace_in_tasknav -t int 5

Then, when pressing ctrl+backspace, leave ctrl press. Every press of backspace rotates the displayed task windows. When you release ctrl, the upper leftmost windows is switched to.

[fpp]

I just read the Wiki page about your custom hildon-desktop, really impressive !

I have a suggestion about this bit, though:
/apps/osso/hildon-desktop/key-actions/dbus_shortcuts_use_fn
use ctrl+FN+key instead of ctrl+shift+key for D-Bus shortcuts. This is much easier to press, but conflicts with FN+ctrl for opening special keys window.

I remember reading in another thread, a while ago, that someone had also modified the default keyboard manager to swap the Fn and Ctrl keys. You get the same result for easier ctrl+shift+key shortcuts, but no FN+ctrl conflict. The only real problem is you can't also swap the key labels :-)

[Lacedaemon]

Matan a youtube video on how to use your custom hildon-desktop would be really helpful.
A show-off then a how-to would be great.

[Matan]

I don't do video. What is not clear in the wiki?

[Lacedaemon]

No, it's perfectly clear. I am just saying :)

[ivnvir]

What about a shortcut to switch between apps running without selecting it with the finger, cycle-like as ALT + TAB on desktops. Press the shortcut n times to go through all apps running without taking the hands off the keyboard.

Also, a shortcut to end current task, without the need of unmaximize it (on microb, for example) and pressing X close.

I love to use only the keyboard when it possible and faster/easier.

[Helmuth]

What about this Thread (http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php?t=39756), this Brainstorm (http://maemo.org/community/brainstorm/view/shortcut_to_switch_between_running_applications/) and this Solution (http://talk.maemo.org/showpost.php?p=494225&postcount=32)? :)

Please, read also the full Thread, be careful with such hacks on your beloved Device and vote for the Brainstorm. Personally I would prefer solution Number #1. ;)

[nymajoak]

A big "thank you" to Matan for putting together the modified Hildon-desktop! Just installed it and so far it seems to work just as advertised. The choices for performing extra actions with ctrl-backspace in the dashboard are brilliant and something I've always missed, so this is much appreciated.

With a simple GUI for changing the gconf keys this would imho be a superstar extras-application. Maybe it could suit being integrated in Tweakr for instance? Haven't tried that application though, so it is just a thought.

In the mean time a short sentence on the wiki page (http://wiki.maemo.org/Modified_Hildon_Desktop) about how to use the terminal to set the keys might be good? :) I would add it myself but I don't seem to be able to - is that wiki page private in some way?

[chemist]

merged 2 posts from dashboard improvements

[Tesno]

Nice. There still seems to be some weirdness involved. Task manager doesn't always choose the windows after releasing ctrl.

[Matan]

Can you describe exactly how to generate this problem (how many windows are open, etc.)? Are you using version 1.08?

[pelago]

In the mean time a short sentence on the wiki page (http://wiki.maemo.org/Modified_Hildon_Desktop) about how to use the terminal to set the keys might be good? :) I would add it myself but I don't seem to be able to - is that wiki page private in some way?

Have you got a logon for the wiki? (Same as garage.maemo.org logon).

[nymajoak]

Have you got a logon for the wiki? (Same as garage.maemo.org logon).

Yep.

EDIT: ..but the problem was another kind of stupidity on my part.. Added a short sentence on how to change value of gconf keys.

[Tesno]

Can you describe exactly how to generate this problem (how many windows are open, etc.)? Are you using version 1.08?

Didn't check the the release version, but it was the previous version before update just few minutes ago. The problem occurs still in latest version.

I've tested this app only with few windows. I seem to get the state on by using ctrl + backspace rapidly. After this the ctrl + backspace still scrolls between apps, but it doesn't select the leftmost task.

After scrolling tasks again rapidly it starts to choose the right task again.

[Tesno]

Shortcutd backspace seems to do the same as ctrl + backspace here. Any chances to prevent this?

[Helmuth]

Shortcutd backspace seems to do the same as ctrl + backspace here. Any chances to prevent this?

Mh, what are you talking about? I'm using booth together. And only this way you'll get the biggest benefit. It works really great! :)

What should we prevent? :D

[Tesno]

Well in my phone shortcutd backspace action moves task windows around, but doesn't choose any naturally without ctrl. This way moving tasks just mess your head around and you really have to check what task your looking at.

Briefly this app is fine the way it is, but it affects also shortcutd in bad way.

[Helmuth]

Then you're using the wrong settings. Please seee here: #20 (http://talk.maemo.org/showpost.php?p=482980&postcount=20)

[avinashsonee]

try this. open 4-5 programs and then click "ctrl + backspace".

now click either "shift + 1", "shift + 2" etc. or "blue arrow + 1", "blue arrow + 2" etc and see what happens.

[Helmuth]

try this. open 4-5 programs and then click "ctrl + backspace".

now click either "shift + 1", "shift + 2" etc. or "blue arrow + 1", "blue arrow + 2" etc and see what happens.

A warning would be nice next time. Now I've closed my Audiobook by accident and I don't know where it stopped. :mad:
Please apologize yourself and Vote for this Bug: 1129 (https://bugs.maemo.org/show_bug.cgi?id=1129) :p

Hmm... I hope Panucci get more stable in the future... :rolleyes:

[Matan]

Just to make it clear: it is not shift+1, shift+2, but shift+q, shift+w, etc. If you want to close the windows that are displayed in the second row, use shift+a, shift+s, etc.

You also don't have to press shift and q at the same time, you can press only shift (or fn), and then press q, and the window will be closed. A cog wheel appears on the upper right corner to tell you that pressing q will not switch to a window, but will close it instead.

[pillar]

It seems I have lost this alt-tab-like behaviour even though I used:

gconftool-2 -s /apps/osso/hildon-desktop/key-actions/ctrl_backspace_in_tasknav -t int 3

Could it be because of the firmware upgrade? Do I need to install the modified hildon-desktop again? When I click the install link, application manager says it is already installed.

[Matan]

The easiest way to test if modified-hildon-desktop is active is by checking if left/right arrows switch desktops in the home screen, as this feature is not configurable.

I don't think an update might have caused problems, since PR1.1.1 did not update the hildon-desktop package, and modified-hildon-desktop could not be installed prior to PR1.1.

Setting ctrl_backspace_in_tasknav to 3 does not give you alt-tab like behaviour. See description of the possible values here:
http://my.arava.co.il/~matan/repo/Modified_Hildon_Desktop.html

[pillar]

left/right arrows are working in the home screen. Setting ctrl_backspace_in_tasknav to 3, but the behavior is that I get the most recent window open, not the second most.

[Matan]

Modes 3 and 4 for ctrl_backspace_in_tasknav were broken when I introduced mode 5 (I changed the order of sort from older first to newer first, but forgot that it affects modes 3 and 4 as well). It should be fixed in version 1.12, which is now in my repository.

[pillar]

@Matan: fixed it perfectly, thanks.

[Tesno]

Can we add ctrl+w to browser? To close current window and choose for example previous one?

[Helmuth]

This is now implemented: Install modified-hildon-desktop from here (http://my.arava.co.il/~matan/770/n900/m-h-d.install). Run in X-Term the command

gconftool-2 -s /apps/osso/hildon-desktop/key-actions/ctrl_backspace_in_tasknav -t int 3

See here (http://wiki.maemo.org/Modified_Hildon_Desktop) for more options of this program.

So, PR1.2 is out and the modified hildon desktop gone. Matan, are you at that? :)

It would be nice to have option no 3 again. ;)

I don't know what they changed in the new version. So I'm aware of installing a hildon desktop with the old code as base.

[Matan]

modified-hildon-desktop_2.0 (in my repository) works for me in PR1.2. Discussion here: http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php?t=53651

Depending on your upgrade process, you might need to reinstall it.

[Tesno]

Bump for ctrl + w. Is it possible to add on modified hildon desktop?

[Matan]

modified-hildon-desktop does not use ctrl + single letter global shortcuts, since those are usually used by applications.

By default, keyboard-shortcuts package includes ctrl+shift+b shortcut for an empty browser window.

[Tesno]

Ctrl + w closes current tab in desktop. You mentioned in other topic that you have linked ctrl + enter to long esc press, could you pass the line to do that?