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Help App to hide numbers on screen

R

Robkblue

Lurker
I have a curious request. I would like to know if there is an app out there or if possible to program an app that hides any number text on your phone.

As an example, every text message I get automatically has a little time signature at the bottom of it. I'd like an app that could detect that and hash it out, and possibly show it once you tap the hash area. Something that you could enable and disable per app.

I'm willing to try to code it myself but wanted a general feel from the community if it would be possible and any major hurdles that might be encountered.

Thanks.
 
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You could try an alternative message app with more customisation options than your stock one and set the time text to be completely transparent (and hence invisible). That is definitely possible (I just played with Chomp, my current message app, and set the "date text" colour to match the background, making the time invisible). Doesn't let you see it briefly at a tap I'm afraid, though a long press on a message and selecting "view message details" would probably let you see the time if you wanted - a bit clumsy, but the best I can think of.

Unfortunately while that's easy for texts, since there are plenty of message apps with extensive theming options, it's going to be harder for things like email, internet messaging apps, etc, which typically have fixed themes or more limited customisation options.

I don't think it's even possible to do this as a generic, system-wide change. Certainly not a user app: you're really asking for an extra layer between all apps (including system apps) and the display driver, so a pretty deep OS modification. I'm happy to be corrected by someone who knows the system better, but I really cannot imagine any other way to do this (hacking into every app on the phone not being practical).
 
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