Would a new theme solve these issues?

[pinkybrain]

I have a Galaxy S2...I don't like the dialer because it defaults to the keypad vs. the call log and even when I click on the call log, I have to then select that and then again to dial so basically 4 clicks to make a call. (plus I HATE having duplicates in my call log so I'm still searching for a dialer).

However, if I actually found one, the factory one would still be on there. So, would a new theme allow me to pick which apps go there at the bottom?

I don't like that the power button is the one to wake it up to slide/unlock. seems the volume button for a right hander makes more sense. Would that change if I had a new theme?

When I miss a call or a text comes in, I can't even see the notification on my screen (I have a white background)...Could I get it to be something more than just on the unlock screen like an indicator on my message icon?

I would also like the flexibility to change the font/color of the time on my lockscreen as all it allows me to do is top/middle/bottom

Would a new theme solve any of these issues?

Thanks!

 

[megelizabeth]

So, I just sat here and typed you this big long reply relating to just about everything you wanted to change, and for some reason, I lost it. So I'm going to try this again... Instead of the novel I wrote you last time, I'm just going to lay out a list for you... Here goes nothing.

I would download GO Launcher EX, to begin.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gau.go.launcherex&hl=en

- It allows you to choose which apps are on the dock. (I have attached a picture of my home screen as an example. You will see that the icons on mine are very simple.. However, they may be deceiving, because I have GO Contacts and GO Dialer. When you set those on your dock, you can change the icon. Long press on the icon until a little menu pops up and choose the 'Replace' option, it will give you several other icons to choose from, I went with the simple ones. It also gives you the option to download other themes or use one of your own pictures to set as the icon. I also have GO SMS as my default messenger and Firefox as my default web browser, but you wouldn't know it by the icons, which I kind of like.)
- As far as the unlock button on your phone being on the right.. I dont think that is something that you are able to change. Although, I do agree that it is awkward for the right handed person.
- As far as your lock screen giving you a hard time.. Download GO Locker. I think that you will enjoy this based on what you say you are looking for. I have also attached a picture of mine to show you how both the notification bar is shown as well as a bubble next to the appropriate items with a number of messages or missed calls. The one I have is the default locker that is set when you download GO Locker. I like the simplicity of it and that it has the option to change the photo of the background within the app. The text style of the time, though, is not something that you can change. There are 100s of other lockers to choose from with creative styles and ways that the screen unlocks.

GO Contacts/Dialer
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...1bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5qYmFwcHMuY29udGFjdHBybyJd

GO Locker
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...sMSwxLDEsImNvbS5qaXViYW5nLmdvc2NyZWVubG9jayJd

GO SMS Pro
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...esult#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5qYi5nb3NtcyJd

All of the GO apps are pretty much a playground. You just have to take some time and play around with them until you get them the way that you like. I love personalizing my stuff, so I thoroughly enjoyed every second of messing with mine!
I'm not 100% that I covered everything that my previous reply had in it, so if there is anything that I missed or anything that you still have questions about, please let me know. I am happy to help.

 

[chanchan05]

1. You don't have to change a theme to edit the apps on your dock. Just enter edit mode (long press on screen I think, depending on Android version) and drag the dock apps out of the dock and drag new ones in.

2. Your phone uses an AMOLED screen, so a white background uses 30-40% more power than a black background. I suggest replacing your background to sonething darker.

3. Oddly, your message icon should have an indicator by default, unless you are using a different launcher from the one Samsung supplied.

4. Using volume to wake the screen up means you need a different lockscreen app, like Widgetlocker. Although honestly I don't see the difference. You can also use the hardware home key to wake the screen up if you are using the international version.

5. You can solve your issues as well by using a different more customizeable launcher like Go or Apex. Be warned however that this changes your entire interface.

 

[megelizabeth]

I just realized that when I press the volume key, it actually does turn on the screen... So that's good for you, if that's what you're looking for.

 

[pinkybrain]

Thanks for the replies! Very helpful. I'll give some of these a look