'One Handed Mode' Allows You To Use An Android Phone Single Handed Without Root Access

Have you ever found it hard to use your Android phone single handed? If yes, then there is a solution you might be interested in trying out. XDA Developers today announced the release of their application 'One Handed Mode'. As the name suggests, the application aims to aid you use your phone with one hand. The application achieves this by shrinking down the screen contents and making it easier for your fingertips to reach the previously hard-to-reach corners.

The biggest perk of this application is that it works without root access. However you will have to use a PC to grant it the permission of WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS. This is a special permission which will enable One Handed Mode to shrink down the screen content. If you have a rooted device, you need not use your computer to grant the permission as root access will allow One Handed Mode to obtain that permission itself. You can follow the video tutorial below to learn how to setup this application.

It is worth noting here that One Handed Mode may not work properly with all applications. XDA elaborated on this issue.

Unfortunately, not every application will handle being placed in one handed mode appropriately. We have a theory as to why and a potential workaround to force any app to work nicely, but implementing it will be complex. We wanted to gauge how much interest there would be in the app before we decide to commit to developing this workaround.

Nonetheless, here are a few screenshots showing how certain apps can behave in one handed mode. 

 

Clearly, there’s a gap between the top of the actual app and the status bar. It doesn’t make the app unusable, but it’s certainly something to be aware of. That’s why we provide users the ability to test One Handed Mode on their favorite apps before purchasing the full version. That’s also why we highly recommend that users don’t resize the window—the gap becomes even more pronounced and apps can look even funkier if you mess with the size too much. But we left the resizing feature in case some users wanted to have that ability.

XDA claims that this app will work on Android 4.3 or newer. The free version of the application will allow you to test single handed usage on any app of your choice. You will need to shell out a few bucks if you wish to customize any parameters of the app. All the customization options can be unlocked with an in-app purchase which is valued at $0.99 for this week and will then be raised to $1.99.


Download Links

Play Store
APKMirror

Source: XDA

[Image credits - XDA]

Krittin Kalra

Krittin Kalra is a 20 year old Android freak. Striving for passions, chasing down his dreams and living a life without regrets is his sole mantra. A bit moody, he also does custom ROM reviews for AndroGuider. Currently pursuing his B.Tech, he aspires to follow his heart.