Every time we hear about a smartphone, we also hear mention of its user interface. Many devices have Android OS, but what do users mean when they say that HTC smartphone 10 is equipped with the Sense interface, and Galaxy Note 5 has TouchWiz? Below in our small comparative review we will tell and show you how a number of common user interfaces differ from each other.
Firstly, what do we mean by user interface? Despite the fact that all the devices that will be identified a little later have Android, this OS is characterized by different guises. The Nexus 5X, like other Nexus devices, includes a stock version of Android, while other smartphone makers use it to create their own versions. These branded interpretations of Android are sometimes called “forked” versions.
Why not use a common interface across all mobile devices?
Device manufacturers use their own kinds of interfaces for many reasons, although the main reason is the word “branding.” Android's ability to customize means that proprietary hardware manufacturers (also known as OEMs) have the ability to make their own tweaks to the software, in particular in the areas of design and functionality.
In reality, all these different user interfaces don't have much impact on your user experience, since they are all designed to perform universal tasks. The only difference is in the set of applications that come with these interfaces.
It's important to understand that third-party user interfaces often differ between devices from the same manufacturer. For example, TouchWiz in Samsung models The Galaxy S5 looks a little different than the Galaxy S7, even if both are paired with the latest version of Android.
Likewise (although it may seem obvious), different versions Stock Android interface may look different. For example, Android Lollipop is not exactly identical to Android Marshmallow.
Basic user interfaces for Android
Below we provide a list of some of the main user interfaces for Android and also review them appearance and functionality.
TouchWiz
TouchWiz is a custom shell for Android from Samsung. Loved by some, hated by others, this interface is so ubiquitous that it is the first thing that comes to mind for many people when they think of Android, despite the fact that it is very different from the standard version.
The current version of TouchWiz is based on an azure blue palette, with shades of white and gray. Whether you like it or not, this interface can be seen today in all devices from Samsung - be it tablets or smartphones of various price categories.
When you put your device on charge, the lock screen displays the clock, date, and charge level as a percentage. The home screen icons and keys have a typical Samsung look, with the familiar flower image on the Gallery app icon and a simple yellow Messages app icon. Note that the Applications icon is located at the bottom right of the screen, rather than in the more usual bottom-center location. Plus, the Google search bar is in the middle of the display, not at the top.
The symbols found on home screens these days are also Samsung's own: the main home screen, or home screen (the one with the weather or clock widget by default) is represented by a house icon. The news menu, presented by Flipboard on the leftmost screen, is depicted as two side bars, while the other home screens appear as small dots. Plus, the application bar has transparent background, unlike many other interfaces, and it can be scrolled horizontally.
The notification panel has a design that can be called the biggest visual difference when comparing the interface in question with others. Time and date icons appear in the upper left corner of the screen, and option icons are located lower throughout the display. Also in the notification panel there is a display brightness adjustment slider, which is present at the bottom of the screen.
TouchWiz is generally characterized by its grey, white and blue color tones, all of which are very noticeable in the Quick Settings menu, which includes various round icons.
Xperia UI
Xperia UI is a user interface from Sony. Similar to TouchWiz, it occupies a different aesthetic niche compared to stock Android, and has certain differences from them.
Since Sony smartphones got rid of the physical Home key, the Back, Home and Recents keys have become part of the software interface. Externally they are presented in the form of a triangle, pentagon and square.
Like most manufacturers, Sony uses its own custom icons for calls, messages and contacts. The application menu is located at the bottom center of the screen, with the various home screens depicted as dots above it. Unlike Samsung, HTC and LG, Sony's user interface does not have a news feed on the left side of the display.
The interface's wallpaper consists of bright colors, although its menu is presented in gray and black, and the application launcher has a transparent background (same as TouchWiz).
Xperia UI also includes some of Sony's own apps, such as Music, Album, Video, or brand store"What's New?"
The notification panel and quick settings menu of the Xperia UI are essentially the same as the stock one Android versions, but the settings menu differs noticeably. In this interface you will find the company's theme store, some advanced audio options (including an equalizer), and various modes energy saving.
And finally, let's say that Sony paid quite a lot of attention to the camera software, which includes manual and automatic modes, coupled with many special settings and plugins.
Sense
Sense is a user interface from Taiwanese manufacturer HTC. Latest version This interface consists of a set of icons and widgets, flavored with the aesthetics of the Material Design style, and on this moment it is in many ways similar to the stock version of Android. The recent applications menu, notification panel and quick settings menu are almost the same in appearance as stock Android, although the home screens and application launcher have certain differences.
HTC has a dedicated news feed on the far left screen, known as Blinkfeed, which can be customized to suit your personal preferences. Sense also features a vertically scrolling app launcher with a gray background that gives it a business-like appearance.
Similar to TouchWiz and Xperia UI, Sense has a theme store so you can customize your smartphone the way you want. This interface's settings menu is largely similar to stock Android, with the exception of some special additions, such as the BoomSound menu for customizing sound profiles.
Also note that Sense has its own power saving modes, swipe gestures and transfer options for receiving content from another device (for example, when updating). Such customizations include a number of additional features to the standard Android package.
LG UX
LG UX is a proprietary user interface created by LG, which is one of the first things that comes to mind when using an LG smartphone with a strange combination of default wallpapers. Things have improved a bit with the LG G5, but we still don't really like the green-purple color of the home screen.
The flagship LG G5 device has flat, square-shaped icons, and like the Emotion UI below, it lacks an app drawer. This means that all apps are placed on your home screens.
The notification panel is slightly different from stock Android. At the top left you can see time and date icons, as well as quick access to settings, accompanied by shortcut buttons on the slide panel. The display brightness level control is also located here.
We would also like to note the fact that in the interface in question, users do not have the ability to enable or disable mobile data transfer directly from the default quick access panel. However, such a function can be dragged into this panel if you wish.
Among other things, LG UX has a feed called Smart Bulletin, which by default includes updates for applications such as Calendar, Music, Evernote and LG Health.
Emotion UI
Huawei's proprietary user interface is called Emotion UI, which is also known as EMUI. Similar to LG's UX, EMUI lacks an app launcher, which is one of the reasons why it's often compared to iOS.
By the way, the similarity with iOS, periodic performance problems and the somewhat illogical menu of this interface are very often criticized. However, there are a number of features in EMUI that can be considered worthy improvements in terms of standard system Android.
Note that the shape and color of Huawei’s interface icons changes depending on specific model devices, however, the above manufacturer usually uses a square shape (with rounded corners) and white or beige colors. In our opinion, the lock screen in EMUI is one of the most unique among many mobile devices, and it can be used to gain access to additional functions, for example, a flashlight or a voice recorder.
As they say, there is no smoke without fire, and in some cases EMUI still lags behind its Android competitors. However, Huawei has made significant strides in recent years, and given the manufacturer's growing popularity, there is no doubt that it will continue these challenges in the future.
Stock Android
The stock version of Android is also the interface found in Google devices. For some people, this is the gold standard for Android - real Android, without any third-party modifications. Overall, the main advantage of Stock Android compared to other user interfaces is the speed with which devices with such an interface work and receive updates. We are not at all surprised by this - Google creates software that its mobile devices receive first.
Another key aspect of the attractiveness of the interface in question is that it has been optimized for the internal components of the device. Google (in partnership with another OEM) releases only a few models per year specifically designed for new version Android. Other companies are releasing a variety of models designed to update their own user interfaces for the current generation of hardware.
Let's also say that the stock Android interface uses flat, colorful icons, a vertically scrolling app launcher, and beautiful animations.
Which interface is the best?
This question is too subjective for a precise answer: each user has his own tastes and preferences. It may sound like a cop-out, but one of Android's greatest strengths is that it offers so many interfaces to choose from. We're sure most people prefer the stock Android experience, although we always like to see the little changes OEMs include in their software.
Which Android interface do you think is the best? Tell us about it in the comments.
Introduction
The Android operating system today is hardly inferior to Windows in terms of prevalence. It is used in more than 90% percent of smartphones and tablets. A distinctive feature of its user (graphical) interface is that it is designed for use without a keyboard and mouse - only with a screen that responds to finger touches (touchscreen).
In general, managing Android is not difficult.
This instruction in some details may not correspond to the Android interface on specific device. The fact is that some device manufacturers change standard interface Android. Samsung is making especially big changes.
However, the general principles of interface organization remain the same.
Unlocking the screen and the Android desktop
The first thing you will see when you turn on your device is the unlock screen:
You need to touch the image of the lock with your finger and, without releasing your finger, drag it to the right, to the border of the circle and release it there:
Note. On some devices, there may be another image instead of a lock. But the principle remains the same - you need to swipe your finger across the screen.
After unlocking the screen, the desktop will open on which all controls are concentrated:
At the very bottom of the screen there is a status bar and a system tray - they are black. The status line contains the main control buttons, from left to right:
- Back button. Return to the previous window of the active program. If the program has one window, this button closes the program.
- Home button. Return to desktop. Minimizes the active program and opens the desktop.
- "Swap" button. Opens a preview of all running programs. Thanks to this, you can conveniently switch between running programs.
- Window button. Active program menu. Opens a menu with commands for the program that is currently active.
- Adjusting the speaker volume.
- Take a screenshot of the screen.
Note. On some devices, the status bar may not have volume and screenshot buttons.
At the right end of the status line is the system tray. It displays program messages and program icons. If you touch the tray, a menu will open with quick settings:
Note. Not on all devices, when you touch the tray, the quick settings menu opens. Some manufacturers may not have such a menu. Or it may open in a different way, such as by swiping your finger from the top edge of the screen.
Just above the status bar there is a launcher with shortcuts to your favorite programs.
Touchscreen Android
All control of programs and Android itself is carried out by touching the screen. Android divides touches (also called gestures) according to their nature:
- Quick touch (touch and immediately remove your finger) - similar to a computer double-clicking a mouse or pressing enter. Performs a default operation, such as starting a program or opening a file.
- Long touch (touch and hold with your finger) - similar to a computer right-click - offers additional operations. Or selects text, file, element.
- “Zooming” is touching with two fingers at the same time and then moving them towards each other or vice versa. Increases or decreases the font in a document or the size of a picture.
- "Scrolling" is a sliding movement of a finger across or along the screen. Displays elements that are hidden beyond the borders of the screen. For example, a list of files, the next picture in the gallery, the next page of the document.
Working with files in Android
Opening, copying and deleting files in Android is done the same as in any other OS - through special program file manager. There are many such programs for Android. File manager, which comes with Android, is easy to use:
IN top panel buttons that show the folder you are currently in. And buttons for available operations. Tapping a folder quickly opens that folder. Tapping a file quickly opens that file.
If you need to select files (folders) for copying or deleting, you need to make a long touch on one file and when it is highlighted, select the rest:
Selected files can be deleted, copied, cut, or sent via Bluetooth or WiFi. If you need to copy or transfer files, then after selecting and copying (cutting) them, you need to go to another folder and click the "Paste" button there.
If you need to select all the files in a folder, this is done as follows:
First, select the first file (with a long tap), Then touch the “Selected” button. An additional “Select All” button will open.
Programs can be launched through shortcuts in the launcher or on the desktop, as well as through the main Android menu.
If you touch the program menu icon in the launcher, the program menu will open:
One screen may not fit all installed programs. To scroll through the menu, you need to make a sliding movement with your finger from right to left.
If you briefly touch the program's shortcut, it will be launched. If you touch and hold your finger, after a while the desktop will become visible and you can move the shortcut to the desktop with a swipe of your finger.
Switching between programs in Android
If you touch the button to switch between programs - .
A screen will open showing previews of all running programs:
On this screen you need to touch the desired program.
If you quickly move the program window down, the program will be closed.
How to close a program on Android
First way. Press the "Back" button in the Android taskbar. But if this is a program with several windows, such as a browser, using this button is inconvenient. In addition, the program does not actually close, it becomes invisible, but it continues to remain in RAM.
Second way. Click the "Window" button.
If the program has a main menu, it may have an exit or close command:
Or this program menu:
Third way. Click the "Swap" button in the Android taskbar. Then find the window preview and move it down:
Fourth way. Open system settings, go to the applications tab, then open the "Running" programs tab and tap the desired program:
and in the new screen click the "Stop" button
Note
Programs on Android do not actually close in the first three ways! That is, they continue to hang in the background and can work in the background. Eating up the battery and even Internet traffic.
Moreover, even after closing the program, in the fourth way, it can start again after some time. When a certain event occurs. For example, when connecting to the Internet.
Therefore, you need to periodically review the list of running programs and stop unnecessary ones.
Installing programs on Android
Internet connection on Android
On most Android devices, you can connect to the Internet via networks mobile operators or WiFi. Both of these methods are available through the device settings - Wireless networks section.
If you need to switch from WiFi to 3G or vice versa, you must first turn off the current Internet source and only then turn on another one.
The Android keyboard appears on the screen automatically when you touch the data entry field:
The keyboard that comes with Android is not very convenient. On it, the number keys and special character keys have been moved to another set that you need to switch to. In addition, there are no arrow keys for moving the cursor and no Alt, Ctrl keys. Second set of characters:
And the third set of characters:
As you can see, if you need braces, you will have to change two sets of keys in order to get to them.
However, in Android the keyboard is a program and this means that it can be replaced with another. For example on Hacker's Keyboard:
It's almost like a real keyboard. The most important thing is that it has arrow keys to move the cursor. This is very convenient because moving the cursor several characters using your finger or the graphic slider is hell. But since there are more keys on it, their size is smaller and you need to work with it more carefully.
To switch languages on Hacker's Keyboard, you need to slide your finger over the space bar.
Switching between keyboards is done in the Android settings:
Selecting and copying text in Android
When actively working with texts on a computer device, sooner or later there will be a need to copy the text and transfer it to another program (document). In ordinary operating systems this is done easily - the context menu or Ctrl + C. In Android it is more difficult. First, you need to quickly touch the screen twice on some word from the fragment that you want to copy. The word will be highlighted and two sliders will appear:
By holding the slider with your finger, you can move it and thus select as much text as you need. After this, you need to touch the selected text and do not release your finger until the menu appears:
In which you need to select "Copy". IN different programs this menu may look different. For example, instead of text there may be icons.
Then go to the program (document) where you need to insert the text and touch the screen in the right place and hold your finger until a similar menu appears, but in it select “Insert”.
Of course, copying text in Android is inconvenient. But in the absence of fish there is fish.
Summary
Of course, a device running Android cannot fully replace a full-fledged computer, however, at the very least, common types of work can be performed on it. Up to editing simple files MS Word, Excel.
If your Android device supports USB-Host (OTG) mode, then you can connect a USB mouse and keyboard to it and it will be much easier to work with text.
If you found this article useful or simply liked it, then do not hesitate to financially support the author. This is easy to do by throwing money at Yandex Wallet No. 410011416229354. Or on the phone +7 918-16-26-331 .
Even a small amount can help write new articles :)
Smartphones based on Android can safely be called reliable devices. However, their owners are not immune from annoying OS errors. One of them is related to the Android system UI. We will tell you what this is and how to fix this problem later in the article.
How does the error manifest itself?
This system bug is mostly noticed by owners of Samsung gadgets. A pop-up message appears on the device screen with the following content: “The com.android.systemui process has been suspended.” When might it occur?
You pressed the "Home" button, turned on the camera, launched the game, application, and went to the Play Market.
What is this Android system UI? The phrase com.android.systemui denotes a service that is responsible for the correct settings of the user graphical interface in Android. It is one of the main ones, which is why it is highly undesirable to disable it.
The appearance of such an error on phones is a massive phenomenon. It appears especially often after clicking on Home. Samsung owners associate this bug with the latest “crooked” update for the platform. This caused the problem of working both with this service and with a number of others.
If the “Android System UI has stopped” window appears, what should I do? We will present you three effective ways to fix the problem.
Solution one
We have figured out that this is the Android system UI. Now let's see how to restore the service to work properly:
- Go to the Play Store application. Type Google in the search bar.
- The application of the same name will appear first in the list. Remove it.
- Next you will see a similar window: “Do you want to remove all updates for this program?” Confirm this action.
- Press the "Home" key again, turn on the camera, go to the application, when entering which the error popped up. If now the annoying window does not appear, then the problem is solved.
When these actions do not lead to anything, you should deactivate auto-update in the settings. This action will help avoid the bug from appearing before the new update for the Android OS.
Solution two
Many people ask: "When an error occurs related to the Android system UI, how do I reboot the device?" We advise you to go a slightly different route:
- Go to the settings menu, find the "Applications" section.
- Now click on the "Menu" button.
- In the list that appears, select “Show system applications”.
- Among the presented ones, find “System Interface”.
- Go to its "Memory" section. Clear all data as well as cache.
After these manipulations it should disappear. If this does not happen, then you can think about taking such a radical measure as resetting to factory settings. But before that you definitely need to do backup copy all important data stored on your gadget.
Solution three
If, when figuring out that this is “Android system UI has stopped,” you remember that such an inscription appeared on the smartphone screen earlier, long before the release of the ill-fated update, then you need to go a different way:
- Go to the "Settings" menu, scroll to "Application Manager". We will need the "Everything" tab.
- In the specified section, find "System UI".
- First of all, click on the “Clear cache” button.
- After this action, tap on “Stop”.
- Now restart your smartphone.
- Then you will need to log into your Google account that is associated with this device and restart it. This is done simply: turn it off and synchronize it with your phone again.
- Next, you should receive a message informing you that new updates are available for your gadget. Try to apply them as soon as possible.
That's it, the problem is solved once and, hopefully, forever!
A bug related to the Android system UI may have several reasons. If this happened after a recent update of the device, then the solution occurs according to the first two presented schemes. If the reason is not obvious, then it is better to deal with the bug by last instruction indicated in this material.
If suddenly, after the next enable Android or if due to carelessness the launcher was deleted or unknown reasons worker disappeared Android desk, then this article will help you find a solution! There are several ways available to you to solve this problem! Therefore, do not despair and if one method does not help, try the next one, the most important thing is not to panic!
Theoretical information
The launcher is responsible for displaying the desktop or menu in Android. Launcher with in English- launcher. Launcher is software interface operating system, allowing the user to launch and interact with applications. If you receive the message " Unfortunately, the application GUI stopped.“There are solutions, it just takes a little time!
Solutions if the Android desktop (launcher) has disappeared
Method 1 - data reset
This method can help you if you are sure that you accidentally not deleted launcher on your Android device! If this is indeed the case, then resetting the data will solve this problem! As you probably already understood, by resetting the data, the entire phone book, applications, SMS will be deleted, except for pictures and melodies.
How do I reset my data?
Method 2 - installing a third-party launcher via WI-FI/Internet
If you are sure that, on your Android smartphone or your tablet has WI-FI turned on or the Internet is working, and you also have Account Google and Google app Play from which you install applications, then do this:
You'll need:
- Downloaded launcher apk file
- Enabled USB Debugging on Android
- Adb Run website proprietary program
Instructions
- After installed adb program Run start it
- Go to menu 3 - Install Android App to Device
- Select first menu 0, and the window that opens move the launcher apk file and close the window
- Choose menu 1 - Install Program
- Pick it up Android device and install the launcher
- Restart Android
Method 5 - Android firmware
Method 6 - Install Launcher with Recovery (hard method)
After installing custom Recovery, download and install branded application Update Zip Creator, and also download the launcher apk file. IN Update program Move the Zip Creator launcher to the /system/app/ or /system/app/launcher folder and create update.zip and install it from the Recovery menu.
Method 7 - Install Launcher with TWRP Recovery (hard method)
Move the downloaded launcher apk file to the card Android memory, you must have TWRP Recovery installed. Move apk file launcher in /system/app or /system/app/launcher_folder using the TWRP file manager. Reboot Android.
Method 8 - Install Launcher with Recovery + Aroma File Manager (hard method)
Requires custom Recovery and Aroma File Manager
Move the downloaded launcher apk file to your Android memory card as well as Aroma File Manager. Install Aroma File Manager from custom Recovery and then move the launcher apk file to /system/app. Reboot Android.
Do you still have additional questions? Ask them in the comments, tell us what worked for you or vice versa!
Today we will deal with the GUI error on Android. Everything is quite primitive and simple. First, let's understand what a graphical interface is. Essentially, this is a kind of shell of the Android operating system. For example, inside the body there are organs that are covered with a membrane (skin, etc.). It’s the same here, although it’s difficult to find the correct comparison, since the shell acts not only as a kind of external covering, but also as a bridge between the code and the user’s understanding. Thanks to the shell, you do not need to write the code each time; you simply click on the desired icon to perform the desired action.
What is the reason?
GUI Error, is often called software glitch. For example, you installed some application that interferes with the operation of the standard launcher or shell in general. It may also be that after flashing such a problem appears due to the fact that you did not do all the wipes (full cleaning) and there are tails left from the previous ROM.
As a result, we have the following situations:
- GUI error after flashing
- Error graph. interface due to the launcher or other third-party software
How to fix
The simplest and effective method The fix for the GUI problem is to perform a factory reset. According to the theory, this is the only method if the error appeared after flashing and the last resort if the error appeared after installing a launcher or other third-party software.
If these methods do not help, then you can try to reflash your smartphones, perhaps the issue is in the firmware. In extreme cases, the problem lies in the hardware, then you need to take the device to a service center.
