Related
Edit: Uploaded new APK which is compatible with devices from Android 2.0 and up.
First of all, let me say this: I love Samsung smartphones, I myself own one, the Samsung Galaxy S, and these are great devices. Me sharing this information is only in the will to do good, so that people know how to protect themselves from this exploit and to pressure Samsung in fixing it on future updates.
What my exploit does it to obtain the user location, without the app needing any android permission AT ALL. Usually you could obtain the user location by using permissions such as ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION, ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION or even via Internet. The thing is, by using one of those, the user is alerted that that particular app will have access to those permissions on the device, but with my exploit the app is able to get the same info without issuing any of those. Also, this does not rely on having Root permissions on the device, this exploit works on out-of-the box devices.
The reason why this happens is because a certain widget (accurweather widget that comes with the phone) on some modern Samsung phones places the info about the location readable by every app in System Properties, its hidden from the 'naked eye' if you're just looking at the API, but you just have to know its name to get it. So these next 2 lines of code will get you the information used for the exploit (go ahead and compile your own version if you're afraid of my APK):
String value1 = Settings.System.getString(getContentResolver(), "aw_daemon_service_key_city_name");
String value2 = Settings.System.getString(getContentResolver(), "aw_daemon_service_key_detail_info");
The problem is even more serious than I first though, because you only need to have the widget on the launcher once, and that info will remain in the system informations when you remote it from the launcher, even across reboots or even if you clear the widget's data and cache (pretty scary :S). Sometimes (I don't know why exactly yet) the info goes away for good, but only if you don't have this widget on your launcher!
So, what devices does this affect. From my tests, it affect the Galaxy Note and the Samsung Galaxy S II, but it should affect much more new Samsung devices probably, I just didn't test. I have a SGS but since I run cyanogenMod there was no point running it there either (cyanogenmod ftw! ).
Of course you might be wondering right now, that if you MANUALLY set the place to some strange place on the widget (let's say a remote village in China) what is reported by the exploit will be that place, but it seems to me that most people will be using this on "current location" setting.
So my truly advise is, root the phone and remove the widget for good (needs root because it is a system app). If you don't want to root the phone, then just manually change the place of the widget to something else.
In this thread I leave the simple app that shows you if your device its exploitable, and if so it shows you SOME of the information that could be exploited. As you'll notice during install, no permissions are required, nor the app will at any time ask for root permissions.
Market link to same app: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.pedronveloso.samsunglocationstealing
Indeed, very good sharing...
Keep the good work...
Cheers
Fortunately i don´t use TW....
"Issue parsing the package" error and does not let me download in the market as I'm on an LG Thrill. I would however like to see if the Thrill/O3D's Accuweather widget is also prone to this issue. Thank you.
So would it be enough for Accuweather to be updated (once its patched), or is the problem deeper then that?
Simple solution for me, just removed it.
Will search for an other weather app.
We have a class action lawsuit against HTC/Accuweather going on over on the HTC EVO side, although our accuweather issue is it's transmitting location unencrypted in plain text to advertisers.
Wonder if this could be modified to work with the Sprint/HTC accuweather
Snuble said:
So would it be enough for Accuweather to be updated (once its patched), or is the problem deeper then that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I understand, the data is pulled with no permission or anything only because it's a system app. Remove it and be safe.
I knew I froze the app for a reason! Thanks for sharing your discovery.
Snuble said:
So would it be enough for Accuweather to be updated (once its patched), or is the problem deeper then that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know for sure yet, but I'm guessing it probably could. The thing is, I think accurweather its a modified version for the Samsung phones, so only a ROM itself would carry such update, and we know how long those take :\.
bedwa said:
"Issue parsing the package" error and does not let me download in the market as I'm on an LG Thrill. I would however like to see if the Thrill/O3D's Accuweather widget is also prone to this issue. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was probably because I made the minimum SDK equals to Android 2.3.3 . I've fixed that now, on the attachment and on the Market, so go ahead and try again please
Could anybody do me a huge favour, all i need is a screenshot of the results this application gets (a real location)
Im doing a dissertation on android gps forensics and it would be useful and as i dont have a samsung myself i cant do it.
Phil750123 said:
Could anybody do me a huge favour, all i need is a screenshot of the results this application gets (a real location)
Im doing a dissertation on android gps forensics and it would be useful and as i dont have a samsung myself i cant do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This an earlier screenshot I have, almost the same but field names are in portuguese, however the info extracted is the same and reads in English so you can get the idea.
Thanks a lot just what i needed!
Hi, very good work.
it's possible to know which version of accuweather you refer?
Reports null on my samsung
Sent from my SGH-T679 using XDA App
I replaced my first Galaxy Note 10.1 with Amazon about a week ago after experiencing random crashes. These crashes cause the display to shut off for about 10 seconds and then the tablet returns to the lock screen. After the crash the app open before the crash is completely killed. Any information that was unsaved is unrecoverable. This happened during class using S-Note and I lost a fairly large document. I felt as if I would no longer be able to trust the tablet for important notes because I never knew when it would crash.
Up until today, I assumed the root injected system or root in general caused this issue but I did not have evidence otherwise. I had not seen a thread about this so I assumed I was the only one. Today I was able to re-produce the crash multiple times on my tablet, and two of my friends with the Note 10.1 as well.
If there is a developer who can possibly investigate this issue I think it could help the community.
The crash can be reproduced by:
Opening Polaris Office > New Document > Sheet 2007 (excel) > Put data in any cell > Cut the entire column > try to paste the data in any other column.
Keep in mind this error has occurred in many other apps such as S-Note, calendar, and using the launcher. This is the only specific function that I have been able to re-produce.
Please let me know if any one else in the community has experienced this issue and what app it has crashed in.
I try to reproduce it folowing ur step. But, nope..no crash here. Everything is smooth for me..
Sent from my GT-N8000 using xda app-developers app
I realized the 3 tablets we did it on were all updated to the OTA system update before it was pulled. If you are not on the update it may not be the same.
I tried it on my brother pre-ota and his did not crash. I'm really wanting to reach out to the community to see if anyone has experienced system crashes similar to this.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2
vanillanesquik said:
The crash can be reproduced by:
Opening Polaris Office > New Document > Sheet 2007 (excel) > Put data in any cell > Cut the entire column > try to paste the data in any other column.
Please let me know if any one else in the community has experienced this issue and what app it has crashed in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tested exactly as described with Sheet 2007 and no crash whatever - but I use the stock ROM aka not rooted...
Just tried on my non-updated note and no crash.
Thanks to everyone who has tried. I will continue to find out what is common between our tablets. My brothers note popped up with a paste window that I had never seen before on my tab.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk 2
mine too, no crush at all. hope u discover ur prob soon =)
vanillanesquik said:
Thanks to everyone who has tried. I will continue to find out what is common between our tablets. My brothers note popped up with a paste window that I had never seen before on my tab.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why don't you make a factory reset and see what will happen?
no crashes EVER! samsung banned it from my tablet. =]
vanillanesquik said:
I replaced my first Galaxy Note 10.1 with Amazon about a week ago after experiencing random crashes. These crashes cause the display to shut off for about 10 seconds and then the tablet returns to the lock screen. After the crash the app open before the crash is completely killed. Any information that was unsaved is unrecoverable. This happened during class using S-Note and I lost a fairly large document. I felt as if I would no longer be able to trust the tablet for important notes because I never knew when it would crash.
Up until today, I assumed the root injected system or root in general caused this issue but I did not have evidence otherwise. I had not seen a thread about this so I assumed I was the only one. Today I was able to re-produce the crash multiple times on my tablet, and two of my friends with the Note 10.1 as well.
If there is a developer who can possibly investigate this issue I think it could help the community.
The crash can be reproduced by:
Opening Polaris Office > New Document > Sheet 2007 (excel) > Put data in any cell > Cut the entire column > try to paste the data in any other column.
Keep in mind this error has occurred in many other apps such as S-Note, calendar, and using the launcher. This is the only specific function that I have been able to re-produce.
Please let me know if any one else in the community has experienced this issue and what app it has crashed in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you ever find any thing out? I just had this happen, While copying a url in chrome while using the s-pen... Stock rom and NOT rooted. Tablet is less then a day old. And the only mod is a screen protector that best buy installed...
Hi not sure if i crashed tab or if i accidently shut the device off. I'm running out of the box android 4.0. It happend whilst using the HBO Nordic app. Not sure exactly what caused it to crash.
and just for the record WOW What a pain in the as to use handwriting to Write this post.
a thought...
Endusr said:
Hi not sure if i crashed tab or if i accidently shut the device off. I'm running out of the box android 4.0. It happend whilst using the HBO Nordic app. Not sure exactly what caused it to crash.
and just for the record WOW What a pain in the as to use handwriting to Write this post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you guys install flashplayer manually? maybe this is the issue.
My Samsung note 10.1
[QUOTkeE=vanillanesquik;32068421]I replaced my first Galaxy Note 10.1 with Amazon about a week ago after experiencing random crashes. These crashes cause the display toit becauseshut off for about 10 seconds and then the tablet returns to the lock screen. After the crash the app open before the crash is completely killed. Any information that was unsaved is unrecoverable. This happened during class using S-Note and I lost a fairly large document. I felt as if I would no longer be able to trust the tablet for important notes because I never knew when it would crash.
Up until today, I assumed the root injected system or root in general caused this issue but I did not have evidence otherwise. I had not seen a thread about this so I assumed I was the only one. Today I was able to re-produce the crash multiple times on my tablet, and two of my friends with the Note 10.1 as well.
If there is a developer who can possibly investigate this issue I think it could help the community.
The crash can bmy rbe reproduced by:
Opening Polaris Office > New Document > Sheet 2007 (excel) > Put data in any cell > Cut the entire column > try to paste the data in any other column.
Keep in mind this error has occurred in many other apps such as S-Note, calendar, and usingve the launcher. This is the only specific function that I have been able to re-produce.
Please let me know if any one else in the community has experienced this issue and what app it has crashed in.[/QUOTE]
Hello, I got my Samsung Note 10.1 used, I loved it so much when I first got it that I dont remember if it was having issues, I think an app crashed and I disregarded it because I planned to factory reset assuming it would fix any problems. I didnt root it because honestly I've never been without su, sep of last year was when I got my first smart device, ever, a pantech burst and I had it rooted immmediatly and I wanted to experiance the differance. So my samsung isn't rooted, i checked with root checker, just to make sure, just now. I didn't try to replicate the crash using the following, (so, not sure, but ill try it and if it does I'll post results.) 'Cause random apps are crashing left and right, some crash right after instillation upon opening. Theres no noticable relitivity to the crashes, in the sence that the crashing apps are categorically random and I tried "uninstall, reinstall" ,and "repeated" also having same result . I'll admit I have a bit of an app addiction, so... using blk mart and mobo on wifi, I've sat in market with continous installations and some crashed before they were even opened, (I love utillities and tools which most all were found via researched and haveing good reveiws online before Instillation fyi). I feel almost all have crashed at least once, I've factory resetted my pantech numorous times, due to a hacker exboyfriend, that I've followed strict precautions , hoping to avoid my strainuous reset routine of app and pic transfer because I've had so many password changes and
Hijacked emails, I've done a total of three resets, and apps that worked fine before would crash upon reinstillation (after transfer to pantech and back). Also the keyboreds, I like full and hackers, (for key prefrence, ive only ever hacked my own stuff to get them back, I've never hacked another person, fyi) and even using google's and factory keyboard, they have random, yet sometimes specific gliches, example; trying to type my zip code into assurance wireless portal, it wouldn't type at all, or it would type all sevens, ect., Untill ultimately i just give up (which is greatly out of character for me, I'm very patient and persistant expecially when it involves online applications of importance, it just reminded me, also, my touhes have been quirky. I plan to reset once again in a moment, and I gotta have su, I dont like this unrooted crap, lol, so I'm gonna root it and ill post if it acts the same which I figure baed on past fix attempts, it probably will. Also this was my first stop on my research agenda, so I'll post my findings, btw this was a gift, cant afford a replacement, anyways I love my awesome forward facing speakers and my so freakin useful split screen. Im not giving up, so pls help, all advice, no matter the level of crudness, Im familiar with techman impatience, and Im not a panzy. Thx, later.
---------- Post added at 07:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:50 AM ----------
Endusr said:
Did you guys install flashplayer manually? maybe this is the issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I sure have, what makes u ask, if ya dont mind me askin, why is that a problem? It seems to work fine. Whats ur advice? Info, pls.
Mine, an N8013, has been experiencing similar problems, but with some differences. It randomly crashes as described in the original post but also quits apps, especially gmail, Dolphin browser and Titanium and returns to the Home screen. Attempting to re-open the ssme app or a different app or to wake up the device will cause it to flicker between the last crashed app and the Home screen a couple times before settling down. I don't know if the problems are reproducable. They occur without any pattern of precipitating actions. I, too, need to get this solved. Any help will be appreciated. Oh, yes, my N8013 is rooted.
Hi there,
I recently got a Z3C and rooted it, then upgraded back to 23.4.A.0.546. I removed some apps that I dislike with Root App Deleter and installed my other favorite apps, including AdAway.
Now, the issue I experienced since the first boot is that all apps are not receiving notifications in real time, I have to open the app to "stimulate" it to fetch stuff.
So for example if my phone is in stand-by and I don't turn it on, no WhatsApp messages are received. I actually think I receive nothing until I open the app itself, and also when I am writing, it seems like the app is having troubles at getting online and delivering as it shows a waiting mini-icon on messages instead of instantly delivering them.
I am pretty sure this is not due to the rooting, maybe AdAway could be involved, but it's probably something that changed from Android 4.4 to 5.1, as I had same set of apps on 4.4 without problems.
I checked that apps are allowed background traffic, and they are. I also get this problem on either HDSPA or wifi.
Any thoughts/ideas? Thanks in advance!
hyklamin77 said:
Hi there,
I recently got a Z3C and rooted it, then upgraded back to 23.4.A.0.546. I removed some apps that I dislike with Root App Deleter and installed my other favorite apps, including AdAway.
Now, the issue I experienced since the first boot is that all apps are not receiving notifications in real time, I have to open the app to "stimulate" it to fetch stuff.
So for example if my phone is in stand-by and I don't turn it on, no WhatsApp messages are received. I actually think I receive nothing until I open the app itself, and also when I am writing, it seems like the app is having troubles at getting online and delivering as it shows a waiting mini-icon on messages instead of instantly delivering them.
I am pretty sure this is not due to the rooting, maybe AdAway could be involved, but it's probably something that changed from Android 4.4 to 5.1, as I had same set of apps on 4.4 without problems.
I checked that apps are allowed background traffic, and they are. I also get this problem on either HDSPA or wifi.
Any thoughts/ideas? Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello and thank you for using XDA Assist.
Sorry to hear about your trouble but fortunately there is an XDA area dedicated to the Sony Xperia Z3 at http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3 . I suggest you post your question with all relevant details in the friendly Q&A forum there at http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3/help where the experts familiar with your device will be best able to guide you. Note that AdAway is extremely unlikely to have anything to do with your problem since it's only active while updating its source files as explained in the AdAway thread at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2190753.
Good Luck!
Thank you in advance. First of all I am still a beginner in knowledge here. My Alcatel fierce 4 TCL 5056N seems to have been hacked and is now being remotely accessed and controlled by an unauthorized 3rd party. I may be way off base but I think my phone may have been exposed to a R.A.T.. Temporarily rooted long enough for someone to modify the kernel and other system coding, which I cannot access myself with an unrooted phone, installing some sort of sub-OS with limited user setting options and a completely different named storage platform,( I.e. emulated, bdef55, self), and not even factory resetting my device helps because it reboots into the sub-OS they installed. They are screen overlaying buttons, and toggles are being reversed in real time before my eyes, settings and options are disappearing from one minute to the next and I've somehow found myself poking around in some windows software on a PC that is used to develop Android software, maybe sdk, not sure but was Linux coding and looked like it was meant for me. I was on the other end of this hack for a few minutes tho but my lack of knowledge made this useless to me. I have downloaded many an app trying to combat this issue but to no avail. Although unsuccessful I have seen a few thing I don't understand but could possibly be helpful for you to identify exactly what my issue is. One thing is an app I downloaded said that a trust cert has enabled a malicious trust agent and my system is being remotely accessed by a third party. The rest is beyond my understanding but I'm going to list a few tidbits you may recognize. LIB, Kinguser, kingroot, persist, unremovable/???/xxx, code Aurora, bootstrap something, libnfc, system/framework/Apache/xml, bin, user value=0 or 1/2, managed provisioning, also a .base ext. on a bunch of sytem apps below the same app without and a few of others. I don't know if that's helpful but it's all I can remember. Symptoms are apps closing on their own, microphone and camera being remotely enabled, unable to update Google play services or store and being forced to use an obviously older and modified version with possible replica apps with restrictions, unexpected reboots, in settings/apps/permissions apps like gallery, when you click battery and then the little i button for info, it says it's a system app and all of the sudden the disable and force close buttons become un-highlighted and unusable and so on and so forth. Lastly, my home wifi is infected I think as well because my roommate is having the same issues. I've tried(unsuccessfully) to root my phone so I could manually remove some of these apps and extra coding and such but it seems impossible because of a locked bootloader. Tried about 10 different ways without success so I've just about given up and smashed the damn thing but then you geniuses popped into my head so I beg of you, please help me or if nothing else, tell me to proceed with the smashing...lol! Thank you very much for your time. P. s. I'm new to XDA dev website so maybe drop me a line at [email protected] with directions back to this thread. Had a bit if trouble navigating here. Thanks again and have a great day! -Spencer
This launcher app appeared in my update list (Idol 6045i, 5.5). Since it is not currently on my phone it is not really an update. Notice -there is no uninstall option.
Read a bunch of reviews - most were bad, very bad - and once it's on your phone you can't get rid of it so be warned!
It is pushed out by Alcatel.
catapp said:
This launcher app appeared in my update list (Idol 6045i, 5.5). Since it is not currently on my phone it is not really an update. Notice -there is no uninstall option.
Read a bunch of reviews - most were bad, very bad - and once it's on your phone you can't get rid of it so be warned!
It is pushed out by Alcatel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My dad's pop4 plus got it too, and it's annoying as hell.
I hope somebody comes up with a way to remove it soon , or even better, a whole ROM fo the phone.
It brought lots of adware (bloatware) I tried to get rid of it but all settings of the desktop are now gone. I have to setup my settings again.
Form of malware
Same happened to my 3 family Alcatel phones this week. I didn't ask for this forced 'update', don't want it and it has totally destroyed my desktop, contacts and all shortcuts. I phoned Alcatel and complained that they don't offer an uninstall option and what they have done is, without permission, hijacked my phone.
They said they would look into it, but I am not convinced.
Will never get Alcatel again
I didn't install it on my phone and it disappeared from my update list quite awhile ago.
I don't allow automatic updates. That is crucial. I choose what updates to install.
Joy Launcher problem
I was able to swipe down from the top, I went into settings, to Apps, to Joy Launcher. I tried Force Stop & it didn't work. I then hit the 3 vertical buttons at upper right of screen. I then hit Uninstall Updates. This allowed me to get my screen back. It also returned my homescreen to factory settings. I had to add whatever icons I wanted to the homescreen. Note, I am not tech savvy but this gave me back my functional use of my cell phone.
Same here, I will never get Alcatel ever again because of this joy launcher crap
titaniummitch said:
I was able to swipe down from the top, I went into settings, to Apps, to Joy Launcher. I tried Force Stop & it didn't work. I then hit the 3 vertical buttons at upper right of screen. I then hit Uninstall Updates. This allowed me to get my screen back. It also returned my homescreen to factory settings. I had to add whatever icons I wanted to the homescreen. Note, I am not tech savvy but this gave me back my functional use of my cell phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Update: Joy Launcher returned. I repeated above actions & it again returned. On Joy Launcher I denied permissions and for a 3d time it took over my screen. I again repeated above actions and this time I was asked if I wanted to replace Joy Launcher with the factory settings. I clicked on yes and I again got my normal screen back. I don't know if Joy Launcher will return again, I'm waiting...
titaniummitch said:
Update: Joy Launcher returned. I repeated above actions & it again returned. On Joy Launcher I denied permissions and for a 3d time it took over my screen. I again repeated above actions and this time I was asked if I wanted to replace Joy Launcher with the factory settings. I clicked on yes and I again got my normal screen back. I don't know if Joy Launcher will return again, I'm waiting...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are we sure this is Alcatel pushing this launcher? Or perhaps this is bundled with some other type software that persistently re-activates it.
This used to be a common practice for dev's of one program, to get extra revenue by bundling it with their own.
I myself havent installed the most recent update as I feel no need to at this time. I'm currently trying to get rid of that silly "File Manager" that just all of a sudden decided it needed to run actively!
Moscow Desire said:
Are we sure this is Alcatel pushing this launcher? Or perhaps this is bundled with some other type software that persistently re-activates it.
This used to be a common practice for dev's of one program, to get extra revenue by bundling it with their own.
I myself havent installed the most recent update as I feel no need to at this time. I'm currently trying to get rid of that silly "File Manager" that just all of a sudden decided it needed to run actively!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for commenting. As I previously wrote, I'm not very tech savvy.
I don't factually know that it comes from .Alcatel but since 8/14 this keeps returning. I haven't downloaded any new apps. I cannot use the phone until I figure out how to delete the Joy Launcher message from my screen. I refuse to allow the program's permission requests. I wrote to Alcatel on 8/14 & they gave me a case #. They haven't yet addressed the complaint.
Today it returned again yet it wasn't listed as 1 of my apps. I went into apps - permissions & I denied all permissions. Joy Launcher had some permissions even though it didn't appear on my list of apps. After I denied permissions I restarted the phone & it was gone. The problem is that it keeps returning. I don't know how to stop this from being re-installed.
Sorry you are having trouble with the File Manager, I haven't yet experienced problems.
titaniummitch said:
Thank you for commenting. As I previously wrote, I'm not very tech savvy.
I don't factually know that it comes from .Alcatel but since 8/14 this keeps returning. I haven't downloaded any new apps. I cannot use the phone until I figure out how to delete the Joy Launcher message from my screen. I refuse to allow the program's permission requests. I wrote to Alcatel on 8/14 & they gave me a case #. They haven't yet addressed the complaint.
Today it returned again yet it wasn't listed as 1 of my apps. I went into apps - permissions & I denied all permissions. Joy Launcher had some permissions even though it didn't appear on my list of apps. After I denied permissions I restarted the phone & it was gone. The problem is that it keeps returning. I don't know how to stop this from being re-installed.
Sorry you are having trouble with the File Manager, I haven't yet experienced problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On another site 1 guy claims he installed another launcher then used all in one toolbox to disable at startup
http://download.cnet.com/Joy-Launcher/3000-20432_4-77527969.html
It does seem to be an alcatel app
titaniummitch said:
Thank you for commenting. As I previously wrote, I'm not very tech savvy.
I don't factually know that it comes from .Alcatel but since 8/14 this keeps returning. I haven't downloaded any new apps. I cannot use the phone until I figure out how to delete the Joy Launcher message from my screen. I refuse to allow the program's permission requests. I wrote to Alcatel on 8/14 & they gave me a case #. They haven't yet addressed the complaint.
Today it returned again yet it wasn't listed as 1 of my apps. I went into apps - permissions & I denied all permissions. Joy Launcher had some permissions even though it didn't appear on my list of apps. After I denied permissions I restarted the phone & it was gone. The problem is that it keeps returning. I don't know how to stop this from being re-installed.
Sorry you are having trouble with the File Manager, I haven't yet experienced problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem mate. Been dealing with OEM crap since the HTC Desire days.
They put this stuff on for several reasons.
1) To give the device a unique feel different from other manufacturers
2) They get money from the developers of said applications to help for a larger profit margin
3) (and the 1 I think is the winner) They let their spouses or partners chose an app "cuz it's cute"
In actuality it's #1 and 2.
If you are rooted, try this app out from the play store. It's what I use.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jumobile.manager.systemapp&hl=en
You can find all the apk's and "com.xxxxx.xxxxx" files. Ya should be able to locate that joy launcher easily. My guess it's re-installing from a couple locations.
As with that Alcatel File Manager, I use ES File Explorer or Root Explorer. I don't like the idea of a program running in memory like File Explorer does. U can tell cause it leaves icons on the notification bar. So I deleted it.
No Joy, (contiunued)
TheMadScientist said:
On another site 1 guy claims he installed another launcher then used all in one toolbox to disable at startup
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the suggestion, Mad Scientist, I'll look into the toolbox. It returned last night and I followed Moscow Desire's advice on preventing automatic updates. I had to search how to do prevent automatic updates, I didn't know I could disable them. I managed to accomplish disabling the auto updates. At some point the screen asked me "Do you want to replace with factory version" & I clicked on yes.
I hope I'm not violating protocol by going into lengthy detail. The inability to use my phone is frustrating. I'm writing about my attempts in case I succeed in regaining control of the phone & maybe my experience could be useful to somebody else. Thanks for the input & guidance.
---------- Post added at 03:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:54 PM ----------
I like your #3.
I appreciate your generous assistance. This app remover might be the answer. I'll wait and if my refusing auto updates (done last night) doesn't solve the problem then I'll download this app remover.
Moscow Desire said:
No problem mate. Been dealing with OEM crap since the HTC Desire days.
They put this stuff on for several reasons.
1) To give the device a unique feel different from other manufacturers
2) They get money from the developers of said applications to help for a larger profit margin
3) (and the 1 I think is the winner) They let their spouses or partners chose an app "cuz it's cute"
In actuality it's #1 and 2.
If you are rooted, try this app out from the play store. It's what I use.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jumobile.manager.systemapp&hl=en
You can find all the apk's and "com.xxxxx.xxxxx" files. Ya should be able to locate that joy launcher easily. My guess it's re-installing from a couple locations.
As with that Alcatel File Manager, I use ES File Explorer or Root Explorer. I don't like the idea of a program running in memory like File Explorer does. U can tell cause it leaves icons on the notification bar. So I deleted it.
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Click to collapse
titaniummitch said:
Thanks for the suggestion, Mad Scientist, I'll look into the toolbox. It returned last night and I followed Moscow Desire's advice on preventing automatic updates. I had to search how to do prevent automatic updates, I didn't know I could disable them. I managed to accomplish disabling the auto updates. At some point the screen asked me "Do you want to replace with factory version" & I clicked on yes.
I hope I'm not violating protocol by going into lengthy detail. The inability to use my phone is frustrating. I'm writing about my attempts in case I succeed in regaining control of the phone & maybe my experience could be useful to somebody else. Thanks for the input & guidance.
---------- Post added at 03:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:54 PM ----------
I like your #3.
I appreciate your generous assistance. This app remover might be the answer. I'll wait and if my refusing auto updates (done last night) doesn't solve the problem then I'll download this app remover.
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Click to collapse
Not at all thats what we are here for. I'm trying to make mine better too just like you.
Hello All, I too was the victim of the rotten Joy Launcher. I think I have now stopped it and now we have a happy Alcatel cell phone.
I did a lot of things, but basically - sorry do not have the cell to hand.
I uninstalled Joy Launcher (from version 7.0 to version 5??) and clicked on Force Stop. Then I uninstalled Updates (from version 7.0 to version 5??) and clicked on Force Stop.
Within Play Store, I selected 'do not install when connected to Wireless' and 'manual install'.
There is one last 'manual install' option which I think is within settings.
The octopus is gone and Joy Launcher doesn't bug me anymore. Yippee!
Update it from Apkmirror site , you will find latest update ver 7.0.1.0.823 . It seems that play store removed it .
Response from Alcatel
As I mentioned in my earlier post I emailed Alcatel support. They did not respond so I wrote again, this was my email:
Subject:
Your malware - Joy Launcher
Message:
I have 3 pop4 Alcatel phones. You have forced an installation and update of 'Joy launcher' via Google Playstore.
It has totally removed all of my existing desktop, with its contacts, accounts and shortcuts, etc, which took months of usage and setting up. All is now wasted and lost.
I did not ask for this rubbish program. I do not want it. You have forced it on to me. You have deleted and corrupted my data without my permission.
I have made formal complaints to my network provider as I am most disappointed and angry with Alcatel and will certainly make my thoughts known, because this application is a form of malware.
=====================
I received a response today from Alcatel which was:
Dear customer,
Thank you for contacting us.
Regarding your issue, to deactivate Joy Launcher you need to connect to the internet ( wi-fi network) and a rollback that will remove the Octopus/Spider or any other such annoying features will set in.
What you will also need to do is to go to the settings and then to apps. There you will need to search for the joy launcher and then to click on it and if you see 3 vertical dots, please click on it and then unisntall updates(if not just disable it and uninstall it from the play store).
After you do this, please go to the play store and click on the 3 orizontal lines and settings-> auto-update and click on do not do auto-updates.
We also recommend to get a new launcher from the play store and set it as default in order to fix this.
Please consider rebooting your device if the change doesn't come through.
===
I though I ought to pass this 'fix' on in case it assists anyone. In any event, I will certainly not get an Alcatel phone again because of what they have done. I hate this type of intrusion with software/bloatware which constantly eats your data with spurious and dangerous ads and peaking at your data.
Good luck
Steve
The amount of bloatware (some of which is borderline malware) that has been silently installed since 6.0 is appalling. It renders the phone super sluggish.
If your phone is rooted you can uninstall most of it (at least Joy Launcher, File Manager and Weather) using a root system app remover.
Anything in the com.tct package namespace is a candidate for being eradicated.
How to root Alcatel Pop4 - 5051x
Yes, bloatware is verging on being criminal as the device has the memory stolen from it.
Thanks for informing me that rooting would allow me to get rid of unwanted stuff. The only problem is that I don't know how to do this. I have read different forums and followed numerous links but I have not found a step by step (idiots guide) to root my Alcatel pop4 (5051x) Android 6.0.1
If there is one specifically for that phone I would gratefull for assistance as I do not want to brick my device.
Thanks in advance
ps: I spent ages trying to prove I am not a robot and was about to give it up as a bad job. Is this normal or just me? For example when it asks for street signs does that include picture of the poles only holding the street signs above...? It just goes on and on. I suppose I need a guide to that now !