Jailbreak Hack Puts 'Chat Heads' on iPhone the Way Facebook Intended

[ScholarsInk]

It's quicker and easier to switch between a chathead and your current app than between your app and the FB/Messenger app.

Seems like a simple concept to grasp.

Tapping the Facebook Messenger pop-up is pretty instantaneous, and that's on a 4S.

 

[Drunken Master]

Tapping the Facebook Messenger pop-up is pretty instantaneous, and that's on a 4S.

You're not getting it, or you're just being obtuse out of some sort of allegiance.

These chat heads are still faster and more convenient on an OS-wide basis than switching between apps. Pull your head out of the sand.

 

[alfistas]

I don't want to get into a pointless Android vs. iOS argument

You sort of brought it on yourself by claiming Android is better than IOS in an Apple forum and without providing a hint of evidence...

The features you and others in this thread 'wish' for are already available on Android. The ability to enjoy services like Chat Heads with SMS messages, the ability to sync with Google, Apple or other services, the ability to completely customise the UI of the device around your needs, better multi-tasking for apps that support it, etc..

You've got me mixed up with someone else cause I really don't want any of the Android "features" on my iPhone.

Android offers more choice, and because of that, 'nice-to-have' features are readily available. It provides users the option to take their device to the next level, personal to them - since 'better' is always subjective.

I'd really like to know what you mean by "more choice", "nice to have features" and "next level". This is a very honest question.

In my opinion, and from a purely functional perspective, Android as a mobile OS holds the crown right now.

In my opinion Android is by far the least technologicaly advanced and functional mobile OS on the market right now...

I'm not arguing that Android is the right choice for everyone. I'm not that guy.

Milions of happy iPhone owners would probably agree with that statement.

What I find hard to understand is when people on MR post 'wishes' for iOS that already exist on Android - brand loyalty is having a negative affect on their personal satisfaction from, let's face it, not-so-minor investments. Their vision of Android is frozen in the year 2010 (Gingerbread).

So you come to an Apple forum and wonder why people here prefer Apple products and state their requests for future OS upgrades instead of just switching to Android? ...Seriously?

PS: 2.3 Gingerbread was indeed awefull. It still is! And guess what? It's still the most popular Android distro in terms of market share...

 

[andy9l]

You sort of brought it on yourself by claiming Android is better than IOS in an Apple forum and without providing a hint of evidence...

The evidence is there, you overlook it each time. This very topic is an example of extended functionality within Android, not possible within iOS. Like it or not, it's more functionality, more opportunity.

I use iOS daily, and have done since 2007 when I ditched my N95 for an iPhone 3G as soon as I possibly could. You could almost definitely classify me as a fan of Apple products; I just happen to have an open mind and limited brand loyalty.

You've got me mixed up with someone else cause I really don't want any of the Android "features" on my iPhone.

Perhaps I interpreted your wish for better app integration functionality, I apologise. I interpreted it as a generalised wish, rather than something specific to two very specific features of iOS.

I'd really like to know what you mean by "more choice", "nice to have features" and "next level". This is a very honest question.

As I said, it's subjective. I don't want all the customisable stuff on my iPad, which is why I have an iPad. But to answer your questions with equally honest and non-bias answers;

"more choice" - already answered previously: "...the ability to enjoy services like Chat Heads with SMS messages, the ability to sync with Google, Apple or other services, the ability to completely customise the UI of the device around your needs, better multi-tasking for apps that support it..."

"nice to have features" - again, this thread is a single example. Chat Heads are desirable to have as a consistent multi-tasking service - proven by the fact that some developer has made this so for the Jailbreak community. You only need to read through a few posts here to see comments along the lines of "I wish iMessage did this", or "urgh, Facebook messages? I use SMS". Android, without any kind of modification, allows for both of these features. It's just one relevant example right now, but a number of other examples could be plucked from the choices you have that I mentioned previously.

"next level" - I was referring to the customisable nature of Android. "Bettering" something is completely subjective when it comes down to OS, as proven by the OS X vs. Windows debates. However, Android allows for complete UI overhauls without any system modifications - just apps from the store. Users of Android can almost completely tailor their experience and handset towards their particular every day life. My iPad and iPhone 4 (and my girlfriends 5), however, offer almost no personal customisation options. You can't take your device further. Once you buy it, you're stuck with an OS that's been tailored towards Joe Bloggs - and as the saying goes, Joe Bloggs doesn't exist.

I might add, it's not just UI changes. Due to the option for you to choose default applications to handle certain functions. A better texting app, for example, perhaps one similar to that desired by many jailbreakers - biteSMS - can be downloaded and selected as the default messaging app. With a few taps, you've added functionality to your device. Not possible on iOS.

In my opinion Android is by far the least technologicaly advanced and functional mobile OS on the market right now...

Name 5 things iOS 6 can do that Android 4.2 can't. My turn to question you! I'll let you have iMessage and FaceTime, but they're very debatable since they rely on your friendship group owning Apple products.

Milions of happy iPhone owners would probably agree with that statement.

Indeed. I recently recommended the iPhone 5 to my girlfriend, father and mother. I recommend iOS to nearly every non-geek. However, we're on an Internet forum here, and like it or not, we're geeks.

So you come to an Apple forum and wonder why people here prefer Apple products and state their requests for future OS upgrades instead of just switching to Android? ...Seriously?

You can't seriously state a feature request on MR. I don't think Apple are keeping track. People are rather complaining that it doesn't work as they'd like it to. In some cases, Android would be a viable solution, yes.

Also, I haven't just come here on a whim - I've been around here a while, developing Lockscreens for the Jailbreak community. Again, I stress, I'm an avid user of iOS. I just opened my eyes to the fact that other competitors are, well, competing...very, very well. I'm sharing my opinion on that, and suggesting alternative options to people - that's what forums are for, right?

PS: 2.3 Gingerbread was indeed awefull. It still is! And guess what? It's still the most popular Android distro in terms of market share...

Indeed it was and is!

 

[Small White Car]

So, how do you get rid of them from inside the Facebook app? A friend pinged me with a quick note, and now his profile photo is sitting there all the time.

Drag it down, you'll see an 'X' to drop them on. It's like a trash can for Chatheads.

 

[alfistas]

The evidence is there, you overlook it each time. This very topic is an example of extended functionality within Android, not possible within iOS. Like it or not, it's more functionality, more opportunity.

Ehm, the topic of this thread is about bringing Facebook's new functionality on a jailbroken iPhone.

You seem to think that I and others here have never used Android... hmm...

Lets just say I disagree with your statement.

You could almost definitely classify me as a fan of Apple products; I just happen to have an open mind and limited brand loyalty.

I don't think you could easily classify me as an Apple fan at all actually as I currently only own PCs, Commodore Amigas, several Android Phones and tablets and just 1 iPhone...

I consider Android to be unintuitive, badly written and, unless they attempt a complete rewrite of core APIs soon, a technological dead end.

Perhaps I interpreted your wish for better app integration functionality, I apologise. I interpreted it as a generalised wish, rather than something specific to two very specific features of iOS.

Oh, I like app integration VERY MUCH just not the way Facebook and Google do it.

As I said, it's subjective. I don't want all the customisable stuff on my iPad, which is why I have an iPad. But to answer your questions with equally honest and non-bias answers;

UI customisation is a thing of the past. We have outgrown this trend since the early 2000s on Desktops computers.

"more choice" - already answered previously: "...the ability to enjoy services like Chat Heads with SMS messages, the ability to sync with Google, Apple or other services, the ability to completely customise the UI of the device around your needs, better multi-tasking for apps that support it..."

Agreed! Android has more choice on Gimmicks in order to cover up for its severe lack of performance features. An example of this is the complete absence of 3D intensive apps on any sub Ghz Android phone. This is paramount when you consider that MOST Android users own cheap sub Ghz single core phones. The 4yo iPhone 3GS doesn't seem to suffer from these limitations...

"nice to have features" - again, this thread is a single example. Chat Heads are desirable to have as a consistent multi-tasking service - proven by the fact that some developer has made this so for the Jailbreak community. You only need to read through a few posts here to see comments along the lines of "I wish iMessage did this", or "urgh, Facebook messages? I use SMS". Android, without any kind of modification, allows for both of these features. It's just one relevant example right now, but a number of other examples could be plucked from the choices you have that I mentioned previously.

This thread is an example of what can be done with a jailbroken iPhone...

The feature you describe has just been released on Android, accompanied by a huge MARKETING push. Perhaps Apple will offer something similar. You cannot draw conclusions so quickly. Unless of course you're simply trying to justify your own choices...

"next level" - I was referring to the customisable nature of Android. "Bettering" something is completely subjective when it comes down to OS, as proven by the OS X vs. Windows debates. However, Android allows for complete UI overhauls without any system modifications - just apps from the store. Users of Android can almost completely tailor their experience and handset towards their particular every day life.

That's complete BS. You can SKIN your UI on Android using 3rd party apps which will slow down your phone considerably. You'll need Super User privileges a custom KERNEL (like those I make for nAa) and a custom ROM like CMx for a complete UI overhaul.

My iPad and iPhone 4 (and my girlfriends 5), however, offer almost no personal customisation options. You can't take your device further. Once you buy it, you're stuck with an OS that's been tailored towards Joe Bloggs - and as the saying goes, Joe Bloggs doesn't exist.

Cydia allows all sorts of pointless gimmicks on your iOS devices...

I might add, it's not just UI changes. Due to the option for you to choose default applications to handle certain functions. A better texting app, for example, perhaps one similar to that desired by many jailbreakers - biteSMS - can be downloaded and selected as the default messaging app. With a few taps, you've added functionality to your device. Not possible on iOS.

Nothing wrong with Apple's SMS app...

You forgot to mention the HUGE WARNING BANNER by Google, warning users not to use 3rd party apps for these kind of functions due to the high risk of personal information theft. This is particularly common with custom keyboards...

Name 5 things iOS 6 can do that Android 4.2 can't. My turn to question you! I'll let you have iMessage and FaceTime, but they're very debatable since they rely on your friendship group owning Apple products.

These apps offer great integration and seamless interoperability between my iPhone and my wife's mac:

Mailbox, Fantastical, Tweetbot, iMovie, iPhoto, Garageband, Camera+, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, Podcasts, Find my iPhone, Remote, etc...

And lets not forget the amazing and iOS exclusive games like Infinity Blade, etc

Indeed. I recently recommended the iPhone 5 to my girlfriend, father and mother. I recommend iOS to nearly every non-geek. However, we're on an Internet forum here, and like it or not, we're geeks.

You think running Android makes you a geek?

Running AOS 4.1 on a 300Mhz CyberstormPPC and 68060R5 @100Mhz with a mediator pci and a voodoo5 5500 makes you a geek.

You can't seriously state a feature request on MR. I don't think Apple are keeping track.

It's been rumoured that they're keeping an eyes on things...

People are rather complaining that it doesn't work as they'd like it to. In some cases, Android would be a viable solution, yes.

People are always complaining about something. It's called Human Nature.

You should check Google's Android forums and witness the true meaning of desperation...

I just opened my eyes to the fact that other competitors are, well, competing...very, very well. I'm sharing my opinion on that, and suggesting alternative options to people - that's what forums are for, right?

So do you recommend iOS to people on Android forums when you feel they'd be better off using that?

Indeed it was and is!

Not long ago, there were people here who were fiercely defending Gingerbread... Better than iPhone they said...

 

[andy9l]

You seem to think that I and others here have never used Android... hmm...

Never said that!

I consider Android to be unintuitive, badly written and, unless they attempt a complete rewrite of core APIs soon, a technological dead end.

Do you have any technical reasoning, or is your opinion just from a consumer perspective (which is fine)?

UI customisation is a thing of the past. We have outgrown this trend since the early 2000s on Desktops computers.

Apple have removed it, I agree. As I said, I like the simpleton life on my iPad and Macs.

This is paramount when you consider that MOST Android users own cheap sub Ghz single core phones. The 4yo iPhone 3GS doesn't seem to suffer from these limitations...

That's not a fair comparison. You cannot compare a budget Android phone with an iPhone. You can only compare the flagship Android phones to the iPhone since they are the only true competitors. Budget handsets are for those who cannot justify the price of an iPhone, or equivalent Android/Windows handset.

That's complete BS. You can SKIN your UI on Android using 3rd party apps which will slow down your phone considerably. You'll need Super User privileges a custom KERNEL (like those I make for nAa) and a custom ROM like CMx for a complete UI overhaul.

Doesn't slow down flagship phones. I use Nova Launcher, and yes a custom ROM (WanamLite - still TouchWiz based) - absolutely no slow downs. It's not "BS", I'm literally sitting here with it - it couldn't be further from "BS".

You forgot to mention the HUGE WARNING BANNER by Google, warning users not to use 3rd party apps for these kind of functions due to the high risk of personal information theft. This is particularly common with custom keyboards...

Any real-world recent examples? Android malware, etc., is like the argument that Macs get viruses. Technically they can, but in real-life, it doesn't happen. At least in my 8 years of, not particularly careful, use of OS X it hasn't happened - including tens of friends/family members.

These apps offer great integration and seamless interoperability between my iPhone and my wife's mac:

Mailbox, Fantastical, Tweetbot, iMovie, iPhoto, Garageband, Camera+, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, Podcasts, Find my iPhone, Remote, etc...

Indeed. I've personally been using most of those services/apps with my iDevices and Macs since the iPhone 3G (or since appropriate release), as I've already mentioned.

You think running Android makes you a geek?

Not at all. I think being a web developer, and forum user makes me a geek

So do you recommend iOS to people on Android forums when you feel they'd be better off using that?

Good question, and the answer is absolutely. Here's some proof. I absolutely recommend iOS to people when it's suitable. (I had recently moved to my current S3 when I had posted that - moved in September).


I respect your opinions, although they do seem rather extreme! You claim that, without a complete rewrite, Android is going to die soon. You're also reluctant to accept any of my opinion, which is fine, but does set alarms off from my perspective that you're quite attached to the Apple logo. I was the same until I gave Android a proper go. Brand loyalty is a personal choice - I'm just not loyal!

We clearly want different things from our phones. I prefer customisation options, upgradeable software functionality, and more choice. On my tablet, however, I agree with you a little more. I prefer the simplicity and blandness of iOS - it's indisputably robust and familiar.

I think there's a number of things that iOS could introduce that would make me want to move back (hell, I love the iPhone as a physical handset), but until then, it just doesn't offer enough for me in comparison with my Android setup.

Happy to agree to disagree, naturally, but good debate

 

[cmChimera]

I hate these chat heads within the Facebook app itself. Why would I want them all over my OS? I thought the feature looked cool when demoed. How wrong I was.

 

[alfistas]

Never said that!

You recommended we use Android!

Do you have any technical reasoning, or is your opinion just from a consumer perspective (which is fine)?

I'm a software engineer. The main problem with Android is JAVA. More info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Java_performance#Program_speed

Another serious issue I have with Android is that almost all of its features have been crudely bolted on at various development stages. Android was not originally a mobile phone OS...

Apple have removed it, I agree. As I said, I like the simpleton life on my iPad and Macs.

People like iOS and OSX because they are well written, Elegant and JUST WORK. Mind you an OS is only a means to an end and not an end in itself. Also the reason why we don't all use Linux...

That's not a fair comparison. You cannot compare a budget Android phone with an iPhone. You can only compare the flagship Android phones to the iPhone since they are the only true competitors. Budget handsets are for those who cannot justify the price of an iPhone, or equivalent Android/Windows handset.

The VAST MAJORITY of people buy low to mid-range products. The cheapest iPhone right now is the 3GS while the cheapest Android is the Alcatel V860 (Vodafone Smart II)/Samsung Galaxy ACE. They have similar specs yet the 3GS runs NOVA 3 while the ACE plays a beautiful slideshow of Angry birds...

Doesn't slow down flagship phones. I use Nova Launcher, and yes a custom ROM (WanamLite - still TouchWiz based) - absolutely no slow downs.
It's not "BS", I'm literally sitting here with it - it couldn't be further from "BS".

As above. And besides, few people will be able to figure out how to install a custom Kernel on their phones, fewer still will agree to ditch their warranty for a better app launcher. I bet it'll take you more than an hour to figure out how to unlock my SE X10 and install nAa-xx with CWM on it.

Any real-world recent examples? Android malware, etc., is like the argument that Macs get viruses. Technically they can, but in real-life, it doesn't happen. At least in my 8 years of, not particularly careful, use of OS X it hasn't happened - including tens of friends/family members.

Google will warn you against using third party keyboards. It is known that some free keyboards on Play store are in fact key-loggers. Imagine logging in to your paypal account using one of those...

Indeed. I've personally been using most of those services/apps with my iDevices and Macs since the iPhone 3G (or since appropriate release), as I've already mentioned.

And you gave all that up for Android gimmicks? I realise peer pressure can force people to do silly things but if people judge you by the phone you cary then perhaps you shouldn't be hanging out with them in the first place?

Not at all. I think being a web developer, and forum user makes me a geek

Being a web developer makes you a professional. Using forums makes you a forum... user. Building your own computer from bare components or customizing one to the point where not even the original manufacturer would recognize it, makes you a geek. You need to aim higher. Personaly I judge a computer enthusiast by their soldering skills...

Good question, and the answer is absolutely. Here's some proof. I absolutely recommend iOS to people when it's suitable. (I had recently moved to my current S3 when I had posted that - moved in September).

Oh a post from the Phandroid forum? Seriously? Isn't this where you all meet and pat each other on the back for using Android? This is low...

Here's my take on this: There are many sportscar enthusiasts. Some like Ferraris, some like Porsches, Some like Datsun GTRs and some like Vauxhalls. The Droid is the Vauxhall...

I respect your opinions, although they do seem rather extreme! You claim that, without a complete rewrite, Android is going to die soon.

I never said a complete rewrite of the OS. I mentioned Core APIs. Android Apps rely on JAVA. That's a dead end for a multitude of reasons.

You're also reluctant to accept any of my opinion, which is fine, but does set alarms off from my perspective that you're quite attached to the Apple logo. I was the same until I gave Android a proper go. Brand loyalty is a personal choice - I'm just not loyal!

So in your eyes everyone who dislikes Android is an Apple fanatic? That's pure fandroism on your end.

I've met many Android Dev Gurus who would not fault iOS. There is a fine line between difference of opinion and pointless bigotry. Respect should go where it's due.

We clearly want different things from our phones. I prefer customization options, upgradeable software functionality, and more choice. On my tablet, however, I agree with you a little more. I prefer the simplicity and blandness of iOS - it's indisputably robust and familiar.

I want a Phone, an iPod, an Email terminal, an internet browser, a pocket camera, a gps and a portable gaming rig all rolled into one. It's called the iPhone.

I think there's a number of things that iOS could introduce that would make me want to move back (hell, I love the iPhone as a physical handset), but until then, it just doesn't offer enough for me in comparison with my Android setup.

If UI customization is your thing then Android, Ubuntu Touch and Firefox OS are your only choices. Good thing that you can dual boot on custom Kernels.

Happy to agree to disagree, naturally, but good debate

No arguments there! Thank you for being polite and not "intentionally" twisting my words.

 

[SuperMatt]

I've been watching people using the new Facebook app (not as a home screen) and they all seem to be annoyed by the chat heads. Sounds like they're the next iteration of the pop-up ad.

 

[roxxette]

Turn the feature off.

/facepalm

Some just want to watch the world burn

 

[Premium1]

Chat heads is one thing I think would be awesome to see apple put in the next version of IOS. I honestly like that more than anything out of the new facebook app.

 

[tbrinkma]

You're not getting it, or you're just being obtuse out of some sort of allegiance.

These chat heads are still faster and more convenient on an OS-wide basis than switching between apps. Pull your head out of the sand.

So, a single tap on a little circle that will only bring up one app is 'faster and more convenient on an OS-wide basis' than a single tap on the notification bar?

That doesn't even start to make sense.

 

[Drunken Master]

So, a single tap on a little circle that will only bring up one app is 'faster and more convenient on an OS-wide basis' than a single tap on the notification bar?

That doesn't even start to make sense.

They compliment each other, it's not a replacement. The chat head loads faster than switching to the FB app as well.