One of the key features with the release of Android KitKat was the full-screen mode for apps. This full screen mode is dubbed “Immersive Mode”. It only worked with a handful of apps at the time, with Google Play Books being the standout. Google has promised that it will roll out the feature to more apps, and third-party apps are free to join as well. Months go by but only the Photos app gets the great treatment. Even Google’s own Play Newsstand was out of luck.
Fortunately, Immersive Mode is becoming more possible. If you have a small to mid-sized phone, Immersive Mode can make a big difference. For example, there’s less readable space on the Moto G’s 4.5-inch display with both the status bar and navigation bar visible than on the iPhone 5.
While that’s not a problem most of the time, when I’m following an RSS feed or reading in the Play Newsstand app, the extra space provided by Immersive Mode really helps. The larger window also helps me focus on the current issue.
If you’re using KitKat, there’s an easy way to enable Immersive Mode for every app on your phone. If you are not using KitKat but are rooted, I also have a solution for you.
1. Immerse GMD (No Root Required)
GMD Immersive (KitKat and Android L only) is a simple free app with paid in-app purchases to upgrade. It’s also the only app on this list that doesn’t require root access. Unfortunately, this means it won’t be as great as other dedicated solutions, but it will work.
Download the app to get started. This is a new app and the first warning you get is that the keyboard may not work when the software navigation keys are hidden (spoiler: it doesn’t work). Fight ALRIGHT to get away.
At the top, choose the immersive treatment you want. Three icons made it easy for you. The first is to display both the navigation bar and the status bar. The second is just the status bar and the third is full on Immersive Mode.
GMD is the only app on this list that shows a visual trigger for activating Immersive Mode. You can disable it or make it transparent but for that you will have to pay around 3$ to upgrade to professional. Do so if you really can’t stand looking at the red marker all the time.
2. Immerse Me Xposed Mod
If you are rooted, you may know about Xposed Framework that allows you to install mods like apk application. If you don’t know what they are or how to install the Framework, check out the tutorial I wrote about it before.
Here is a quick summary. As long as you’re rooted and running a compatible stock ROM/ROM, head over to the Xposed Installer’s website and download it. Run the app and then go to frame and download that as well. The phone will reboot and you will install the Xposed Framework.
Immerse Me is a free Xposed module that works similar to the GMD role-playing app, but lacks a trigger or any options. So once you enable it, it will run until you disable the mod.
To get started, visit Download in the Xposed Installer and search for Immerse me. Swipe to version and download the latest version. Clap Setting and it will show up in module list. You will have to test the app to enable it. But it’s not done yet. Xposed modules need a reboot to be fully installed.
So, after the reboot, you will find that Immerse Me is activated and any apps you use now take up the entire screen by hiding the status bar and navigation keys. Swiping from the top or bottom edge will bring them back in seconds.
3. Expansion screen in custom ROM
I used Immersive Mode on Android before it was called that. This feature was officially added in KitKat 4.4 but similar functionality already exists in custom ROMs. Only there it is called extended desktop. So if you are running ROM based on CyanogenMod/CyanogenMod or any other feature rich ROM like Paranoid Android, AOKP etc, you will find this mode in settings.
In CyanogenMod 11, it’s in Setting -> display. By default, the extended screen is disabled but you can choose to enable it by touching it and selecting Status bar display or Status bar is hidden. The navigation keys will be hidden by default.
To activate the extended screen, press and hold the power key until you see the power menu then tap Extended desktop.
So yes you have it. Which immersion route is right for you? Comment below!
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
