One of the most curious aspects of LG G3 is the housing that accompanies the terminal, the so-called Quick Circle with which we can answer calls, reply to messages and much more by simply using the screen that is exposed when the lid is closed. From now on, LG allows developers create your own applications.
For those who do not know her, the LG G3 QuickCircle case It allows you to use several functions present in the South Korean company's terminal such as answer calls, reply to messages, control music, launch the camera or check our email account. However, we can still take advantage of its features and that's why LG has just published the SDK for the case so that any developer can create their own applicationOffering many more options to users who might be encouraged to purchase this terminal.
Although its arrival in Europe was staggered, the LG G3 is one of the most anticipated smartphones, as it offers great quality both inside and out. In addition to the SDK for the QuickCircle case, LG has also begun publishing the code for other equally interesting features included in the device. For example, with the SDK for QSlide, developers will be able to convert your apps to a miniature version in windowed mode. With the QRemote will allow increased compatibility of devices controlled through infrared while with the SDK of QPair Developers will have the ability to use the phone-to-tablet feature that allows, among other things, answer calls from a tablet linked to an LG phone. The case adds Qi wireless charging and is offered in several colors (Metallic Black, Silk White, Shine Gold, Aqua Mint and Indian Pink).
Circular interface and key functions
The window located at the top front is circular and has a specific touch interface. It displays icons arranged in a circle as shortcuts to essential functions: viewing the time and date, checking notifications, read or send quick messages, control the music player or open the camera for quick shots without opening the cover.
The experience is optimized for interaction of a look, with simple gestures, fluid animations and support for the double tap to activate the screen. This keeps your phone protected, saves time, and reduces power consumption by limiting the active screen area.
QCircle SDK for developers
LG's SDK for QuickCircle exposes APIs, templates and events for developers to integrate content into the window: access to notifications, compact media controls, clock widgets and shortcuts to key functions. It also monitors the lid status (open/closed) and design guidelines to take advantage of the circular format without penalizing legibility.
In addition, the SDK provides recommendations for performance and battery (use of lazy updates, optimized images, light animations) and supports behaviors like quick replies, contextual actions and theme selection. This way, an app can offer immediate value in the window without replicating its entire main interface.
LG G2 QuickWindow support (unofficial port)
Although the QuickWindow on the LG G2 and the QuickCircle on the G3 are different accessories And their apps aren't interchangeable, and the XDA community has even ported several QuickCircle Apps to the G2. Those that have been ported include:
- Digital clock
- Music
- Call log
- Phone Number
The described installation required an LG G2 rooted with the bootloader unlocked or with a custom recovery to flash a ZIP file, not being compatible with the G2's stock Android 4.4.2 ROM in its early versions. As always, caution is advised when dealing with a unofficial procedure.
Practical example: Puppy Pop game on the window
LG launched puppy pop, a game designed to be played with the case closed and the circular window: a line is drawn to join two or more puppies, with Limited time to earn points. It can be downloaded from Google Play for free and requires a LG G3 with QuickCircle for its execution.
All those interested in seeing the new LG SDKs for their LG G3 and the development of applications for QuickCircle, will be able to attend a developer conference which takes place periodically in San Francisco.
Via Android Authority.
With an ecosystem of Well-defined SDKs, a circular interface designed for the essentials and real-life examples like Puppy Pop, QuickCircle becomes an opportunity to create useful and quick experiences that differentiate the LG G3 from other smart window proposals.