One of the common reasons that users choose to root is to remove bloatware and other unnecessary apps. Of course, there comes some risk in doing so: if you remove the wrong .apk you may cause yourself problems down the line (removing the HTC lockscreen, for example, causes a known bug where the HTC alarm cannot be silenced).
Bxsteez already has a very helpful thread: Safe Apps to Remove. Taking a slightly different angle, I thought it might be helpful to compare a few popular Sense-based ROMs to see what stock apps are commonly removed by the devs.
For the baseline control, I looked at the Stock Sense/Froyo release from rmk40. As he notes in that thread, he did not remove anything from the stock package. Then I simply looked at a number of popular ROMs to see what .apk files they were missing compared to stock.
My last two columns are visually separated from the rest of the table because they involve Senseless builds. That is, Sense(less) rEVOlution is a ROM that is meant to be used with an alternate launcher (like LauncherPro or ADW). It therefore removes far more .apk files because they are associated with a number of the Sense launcher's functions. Chingy's script is also for a "senseless" experience, but is not a complete ROM: it is just a script that you run after installing his Re-Engineered ROM (or theoretically any Sense-based ROM) which will delete the components I've noted. The items that are only removed in these builds may be needed if you are not running an alternate launcher. I have therefore highlighted these cells a different color to indicate that they may carry a higher risk of problems or functionality loss.
Standard Disclaimer: just because an item is present in this table does not mean that it is 100% risk-free to remove. If an .apk is removed in multiple ROMs, it is extremely likely that it carries little to no risk, but since I don't know how you use your phone, I can't offer any guarantees. Hopefully this information can help you make educated decisions.
All of these .apk files are located in /system/app. Information is current as of January 24, 2011. Please let me know if you think I've made any errors.
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Links to the mentioned ROMs:
Stock Sense/Froyo *Updated 10/13 Release* (Rooted, Deodexed & Zipaligned)
Nils' Business Sense V3.3 - UPDATED 12/24/10 - Official 2.2+ based ROM
Virtuous v3.2.0 (12/19/10): Stock Sense *3.26.605.1* w/Fixes & Enhancements
Uncommon Sense v1.1 (10/5/2010) Custom Rosie remaps are here!
Redemptive rEVOlution 2.2 *UPDATE* Jan 18 2011 Inc - EVO Hybrid
Sense(less) rEVOlution 2.0 Inc-EVO Hybrid Jan 19, 2011
Incredibly Re-Engineered v2.20 [01-17-11] Updated-Flashover w/ Bug Fixes - (Sense removal script is in second post)
Related
First and foremost...
Thanks to noobnl, Whosdaman, and Firon for getting this out and workable.
NOTICE!!!
These Froyo roms are BETA because the official release has not yet been made. You flash this at your own risk, and cannot hold me responsible for anything you do to your phone. You can try if you'd like, of course, but I will simply laugh at you.
I would like to give credit where due, so this rom is based off the 4.2 release found here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=836111). I've added quite a few changes myself, and will have changes in the changelog, along with screenshots to show you what you're working with.
But first...
A few pointers...
--MAKE A NANDROID BACKUP BEFORE INSTALLING THIS ROM!!!!!
--Save any apk's you'd like on your sd card before installing.
--Make sure your battery is at 100%. (Flashing kills battery fast)
--WIPE data at least 3 times to be safe.
--Choose "Install zip from sdcard", then "Choose zip from sdcard". Or something along those lines.
FEATURES!
--Based on 4.2 leak (2.2)
--Deodexed for your convenience
--Pre-rooted also for your convenience
--Zipaligned (Yeah, you guessed it)
--Added Root Explorer
--Added Mini Info (Has a VERY useful widget)
--Removed Sprint Bloatware (Minus the Hotspot and TV by request from a few)
--Fixed Browser.
--Added XDA App (to keep up to date of course lol)
If you would like any of the apk's without having to download another complete rom, let me know and i will put a zip up with all i've taken out.
At this point, the biggest issue I've had was that the browser was laggy, and checkerboarding. But I've resolved this issue. You can also download Opera Mobile which in my opinion, is more convenient. If you don't like this browser, I also recommend "DolphinHD".
With that said, I'm releasing 2 versions of this ROM. Version 1.0.1, and 1.0.1a. In version 1.0.1, the shutdown screen (and only shutdown, incase your around someone you don't want to see during boot) is adult material. As per regulations, there is NO nudity, and if it is found offensive, please, let me know and i will remove it.
Version two is just the stock shutdown screen.
Remember To Wipe 3 Times!!!
DL Link To VIPERrom v1.0.1 ~163MB~ ---> MOD EDIT: Link Removed due to warez.
DL Link To VIPERrom v1.0.1a ~154MB~ ---> Uploading...
Also, here's a few Icon Packs i've created to go with the launcher pro
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/13241460/Icon Packs.zip
Changelog
--Based on 4.2 leak.
--Added APK's for optimizing performance
--Removed APK's that were IMO useless.
--Fixed Browser.
--Added Root Explorer
--Added Mini Info
--Removed Sprint Bloatware
--Added XDA Apk
--Changed colors, layout to make it more crisp, nice looking.
--Added Spare Parts, SetCPU, Overclock Widget, and SGSToolbox (Open Root Explorer, navigate to "system", then "apps" then i created a folder in there named "uninstalled apps" with these included in.)
Here are some screenshots to show you what it is before you download...
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Very nice! thank you!
Wait for 1.0.1a?
edit- Reread the post, question answered. Flashing right away thanks!
Wow. Running flawless.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Nice!!! Will try this.
isn't setcpu and root explorer paid apps and by including them in a rom essentially warez?
Wow, I actually really like this. Thanks!!! Very sexy looking setup.
Thread closed and links removed due to inclusion of paid apps, ie. warez.
This post is being written to encourage major cell phone makers such as HTC, Samsung and Motorola to adopt Skin or Theme development within their devices. This post was specifically written to HTC and is a last resort for me to get their attention and if not, Samsung's or Motorola's. If you don't know HTC, I've emailed, called, "Twitted to you" and posted information to your Facebook account....all with no response.
Since the launch of my Skin applications on the Android Market for HTC Sense 3.0 devices, I've seen close to 10k downloads. I know it wasn't that long ago that we had our first base for creating Skins to be loaded by Non-rooted users about 3 months ago. My colleagues and I have a combined download count of over 50k in less than 3 months. That's some good numbers, considering most of the advertising has been from this forum and word of mouth.
My point is the Skin/Theme development that HTC implemented has lots of potential for a couple reasons.
1) No root requirement
2) People like changing the look and feel of their device..without a doubt. 50k Downloads in 3 months!
3) It doesn't deplete the battery like Launchers found on the Application market.
Here's how we can expand on this concept and make it great.
1) HTC's Sense 3.0 default Skin, consisted of roughly 6-8MB in size which included 50% of the graphics on HTC devices. Expand on how many PNG's we can modify.
2) As of lately we've been using Diamondback2010's M10 editor. Why should we have to use a program like this to decipher the Fusion.apk/M10 file? Shouldn't this be open source and easily changeable? A great example is Sense 3.5. As of now, we haven't a clue on how to decipher the folder. This is a major setback for both HTC and Themers.
3) Major areas we should be able to theme when it comes to Skins should be the Drop-down menu. Specifically, it should be broken up into to PNG's. One for the notification and one for the background. Seen below.
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4) The Dialer and Mms are a main parts of the phone so why not make it to be themed within the skin? A great example of this is below.
I know HTC has always responded to XDA which is great. I'm not sure why my suggestions & emails haven't been returned but maybe now they will. The Skin/Theme concept has proven to be a success. Now, it's up to HTC or possibly Samsung and Motorola to expand on it.
Hi guys, i have 2 questions for you
1- I want to flash a 2.3.7 ROM, but the only thing stopping me from that is the "HTC sense weather widget with the clock" (check the picture) and the fact that i'm going lose the home screen animation so is it possible to download it or install it and have full functionality with the screen animation and everything?
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2- I want a stable ROM and i dont know which to chose "Reaper V1.4 - CM7mod" or "CyanogenMod 7.1 Nightly Builds" which one is more stable and YOU prefer and why?
I dont want a boring ROM, i want something that i can change a lot of stuff when i get bored.
I know i can try both, but i dont like flashing my phone a lot!! i'm now using Endymion V2.2 and already there is Endymion V3.4 but i didn't updated it because i didn't had any problems and there is not any major changes in v3.4
Thanks a lot!
You guys are awesome!
1. A combination of BeWeather Pro (from Market - check out the video) and Beautiful widgets and Home Screen Weather animations should take you close to the Sense Weather experience, but it will NEVER be Sense.
2. Use Reaper. Reason? - Best in class Support. Regular and significant Updates. Lowveld's Tweaks (that's like a separate category of goodies in itself!!). And it's synced with the CM7 source anyway...
enigmaamit said:
1. A combination of BeWeather Pro (from Market - check out the video) and Beautiful widgets and Home Screen Weather animations should take you close to the Sense Weather experience, but it will NEVER be Sense.
2. Use Reaper. Reason? - Best in class Support. Regular and significant Updates. Lowveld's Tweaks (that's like a separate category of goodies in itself!!). And it's synced with the CM7 source anyway...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
I went AOSP for a month, I tried numerous replacements, but you can never get a replacement for the HTC weather...
It's the best out there by far.
Sent from my HTC Desire S using xda premium
Thanks a lot guys
Sent from my HTC Desire S using XDA App
Occasionally you find an application that surprises you, either because it is something really new or because they applied a different perspective to a subject that is not new.
Well, if you are someone who believes that the issue of launchers and everything is invented, perhaps you should try Launcher 360, a pitcher who combines versatility and simplicity in a robust, nevertheless, full of effects.
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The application has certain similarities with the launcher built by default in MIUI ROMs, probably because both come from the same country.
However, and here is where the amazing thing about this launcher, the developers have decided to include a drawer, which includes not only the list of all installed applications, but also the list of media (images, videos and music) stored on the device, which are so well organized and accessible, regardless of the application you use to play them.
The main features of the launcher, which just released version 1.5.1 are as follows:
Android runs on versions from 2.1,
Accept customization through themes,
Includes specific widgets (battery, weather forecast, clock),
Allows folders (which can include any number of applications)
Animations and transitions desktop applications list,
Organization of the applications on the drawer.
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=JS_Tffv8rDk
Like many of the applications that come from China, the biggest handicap of this launcher is the language, since the original version is only available in Chinese.
Nevertheless, thanks to the wonderful community of Android users, the application has been fully translated into English and Castilian, pending some minor detail, as the weather forecast only works in the Asian country.
From here we encourage you to try this launcher, we are sure will surprise you, and hope ye get us your comments and opinions.
Official Thread on XDA: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1345601 (Thanks to arjcba)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1345601
"official" thread
arjcba said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1345601
"official" thread
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, I put it in the POST. Thanks
Why a threat for a other threat?
Sent from my R800i using XDA App
PLs close this three its useless
NX9_Heroic_Hero_S
I am not responsible for any damage to your phone. Flash at your own risk.
Get this phone it's own forum on here.
Hi everyone, this is my first release for developing on any phone.
I know it's nothing special, as it's just a stock rom that I've debloated and tweaked just a bit, but like I said, it's my first attempt at ever doing anything like this.
I would also like to first off thank all the very helpful, and patient people on here, and at the sdx developers forums. All I've learned in this short time (which isn't much really) would have taken so much longer if I had to play around with no guidance.
Working:
Everything as far as I can tell. I've been using all the updates on this as daily drivers on my phone, and have not come into any sort of bugs with it. Again though, that is likely because I didn't really change anything system wise.
What's not working:
Nothing that I've noticed.
No Wimax if you load onto sprint evo design.
What's different:
ICS Roboto font used.
Removed the US Cellular default WP and replaced with the Sense 4.0 default WP.
Added in Green overscroll.
100% battery icons.
New screen transition animations.
Removed all the bloat apps.
Moved some of the apps that could be considered bloat that were kept off the system so they
can be uninstalled. (Amazon app store, etc..)
Added some other useful apps like google voice, etc..
(Added google voice because US cellular doesn't have a VVM app like sprint, but I found setting up VM to forward to google voice works even better for that.)
Updated some of the apps to the newest versions.
Newest version of Google play store.
Rooted, and busybox installed of course.
I'm sure there are a few other minor things I've one, but I can't remember off hand.
I was unable to completely figure out the widget placement and shortcut placement so I decided to go ahead and put this out without messing with it too much. I could move existing ones around just fine, but couldn't get new ones to show up.
Changelog:
V0.9.2
Removed a few widgets that the corresponding apps had already been removed.
Changed the battery icon.
Added in new custom skin.
Screenshot:
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Downloads:
Download from 4shared.com
Nice glad to see something at least
Sent from my HTC Hero S using Tapatalk 2
You might want to check out the forum at sdx developers. There is actually some decent things happening on this phone, they just won't give us a forum here for some reason.
I'm up on the ICS and just can't post to SDX from taptalk. There is something simple that we are missing maybe the ICS kernel Idk.
Sent from my HTC Hero S using Tapatalk 2