NSPanel Pro: F-Droid App Launch & Essential Screen Dimming API Request

Ideas & Suggestion Feature Request
1

Hello eWeLink Team and others,

With the addition of F-Droid support in NSPanel Pro (version 4.0.7), many users are installing open-source applications like the Home Assistant Companion App. However, we are facing two major issues related to usability:

Problem 1: Lack of Shortcuts for F-Droid Apps (Poor UX)

When an application is installed directly from F-Droid, there is no visible shortcut or icon on the main NSPanel Pro screens or in the eWeLink app selection list.

The current process to launch a third-party application is extremely cumbersome:

  1. Swipe down to open the quick access panel.
  2. Tap the F-Droid icon.
  3. Navigate through F-Droid to Settings $\rightarrow$ Managed Installed Apps.
  4. Finally, tap Launch.

This multi-step process makes the device impractical for quick daily use. We desperately need a way to add any installed application (including those from F-Droid) to the standard Web/App Shortcut panel or to one of the main dashboard screens.

Problem 2: Screen Management when using HA as Default Launcher

Using the Home Assistant Companion App as the default launcher provides the best possible, dedicated dashboard experience.

However, this excellent setup is immediately undermined by a lack of screen control:

  • The NSPanel Pro’s native screen dimming and sleep functions are ignored.
  • The screen either stays on constantly (risk of burn-in) or shuts off without a reliable way to wake it up (e.g., using the proximity sensor).

Request for Resolution:

To make NSPanel Pro the best smart home panel it can be, we need two key official solutions:

  1. Direct Shortcuts: Allow the eWeLink launcher to display and launch all installed applications, including those installed via F-Droid, using a single tap shortcut.
  2. Screen Control API: Provide a simple, official way (e.g., an Android Intent or API) that third-party applications like the HA Companion App can use to reliably dim the screen brightness and force the display to sleep/wake up.

Thank you for your attention. These changes would significantly improve the device’s functionality for the open-source community.

2

Exactly! We’ve already dissected this and a dozen other NSPanel Pro quirks in other threads, so no need to crack open a fresh one. That said, your ideas might just tickle the fancy of the eWeLink crew - I bet they’re watching.

As you probably know, the 4.x builds are very much still in the “duct tape and dreams” phase. By opting in, we’re all basically test pilots strapped to a software rocket that’s still being welded mid-flight. So keep that in mind, cross your fingers, and maybe light a candle, there’s a ton of work ahead, but the project’s bold and finally aligned with what users actually want.

Cheers!

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