Related
Edit 4: New Thread
Since the main issue in this thread has been solved (Navigation works outside the USA), I'm going to stop updating it. For the latest updates on Brut.all's mod, please use http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=630887
Edit 3: Solution
Brut.all has done it again with 4.0.0. The modified version works anywhere Google has the "Directions" feature, but it has reduced functionality (including in the USA).
The reduced functionality is as follows:
*No street name at the top
*No arrow indicating next turn direction
*Voice guidance is delayed, if at all present
Please do not waste space posting these issues. They are known.
If you are only going to be using Navigation in the USA, then get the official version from the Market. If you need Navigation outside the USA, then install the modified version.
If you don't want to do the installation manually, then uninstall Google Maps, and download and install Nav Launcher 2.1.3 from the Market (see below for a QR code). It will install the modified version of 3.3.1 for you.
If you want to do it manually, then follow these instructions:
If you have root, uninstall the current Maps app.
adb:
Code:
adb remount
adb shell find /system /data -name \*google\*maps.apk\* -o -name Maps.apk -delete
adb uninstall com.google.android.apps.maps
shell:
Code:
mount -o remount,rw /system
find /system /data -name \*google\*maps.apk\* -o -name Maps.apk -delete
pm uninstall com.google.android.apps.maps
Next, regardless of whether you have root, install the SpeechSynthesis Data. You can do this either by going into the market and searching "SpeechSynthesis Data Installer", or on some ROM's, like CM 4.2.7.1, Menu -> Settings -> Speech synthesis -> Install voice data
If you have root, download http://ul.to/1ofshq/maps4.0.0-brut4.apk (4.0.0)
If you do not have root, download http://ul.to/6w7e8n/maps4.0.0-brut4-alt.apk (4.0.0)
These files were created by Brut.all, without whom we would not have Navigation outside the USA.
Install the new file that you downloaded:
adb install -r maps4.0.0-brut4.apk
or
adb install -r maps4.0.0-brut4-alt.apk
Edit 2: Broken again
Google has made some anticipated changes to block us from using Navigation outside the USA. It looks like Brut.all is going to be looking at the original proxy idea again. For now, you might as well upgrade to 3.3.0, as it does have some cool new features (and you can always revert if necessary). Stay tuned to the thread for more details.
Edit 1: Solution (NO LONGER WORKS)
Brut.all and TAPP got it working. Here are some more in-depth instructions for those of you having issues:
If you have root, uninstall the current Maps app.
adb:
Code:
adb remount
adb shell find /system /data -name \*google\*maps.apk\* -o -name Maps.apk -delete
adb uninstall com.google.android.apps.maps
shell:
Code:
mount -o remount,rw /system
find /system /data -name \*google\*maps.apk\* -o -name Maps.apk -delete
pm uninstall com.google.android.apps.maps
Next, regardless of whether you have root, install the SpeechSynthesis Data. You can do this either by going into the market and searching "SpeechSynthesis Data Installer", or on some ROM's, like CM 4.2.5, Menu -> Settings -> Speech synthesis -> Install voice data
If you have root, download http://ul.to/uwa3gp/Maps3.2.1-patched-root.apk or http://files.legendofbong.co.uk/download.php?file=534750032-Maps3.2.1-patched-root.apk
If you do not have root, download http://ul.to/18fckr/Maps3.2.1-patched-no-root.apk or http://files.legendofbong.co.uk/download.php?file=1240234753-Maps3.2.1-patched-no-root.apk
These files were created by Brut.all and TAPP, without whom we would not have Navigation outside the USA.
Install the new file:
adb install -r maps-root-aligned-apk
or
adb install -r maps-no-root-aligned-apk
Update: I made a simple launcher app called Nav Launcher that lets you easily navigate to a contact or any other destination by typing or speaking the name or address. Search the Market for "Nav Launcher", go to market://search?q=pname:com.madcowsolutions.NavLauncher on your device, or scan this QR code:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Discuss this app at http://navlauncher.madcowsolutions.com
rac2030 made a similar application called NavStarter that you can download from http://www.2030.tk/link/navstarter
Reply to this thread if you have any issues.
Original Post
Now that we have Google Maps Navigation working on other devices, I thought the next logical step was to get it working outside the USA.
I noticed something very interesting.
I turned off cell/gps location services, then opened Maps, and plotted a route from Detroit to San Francisco. I got the Navigate option.
When I selected it, it prompted me to download the voice stuff, so I did. Then it told me to go into settings to enable GPS. When I did that, and came back, it popped up a dialog "No route found - Navigation to your destination is not available.".
HOWEVER, under this dialog is a Navigation view of my area. Which means it was able to download the necessary map data, but something is preventing it from retrieving or using a route.
Here's an example of this from the emulator, with the GPS set to be right in front of parliament in Ottawa:
It's possible that the route could be transmitted in the same format as normal directions in Maps, but that either:
a) The server is rejecting the request because it's coming from Navigation and has a Canadian endpoint, or
b) The application is discarding it because it has a Canadian endpoint.
If it's a), then we might be able to setup a proxy server (even a locally running server on the phone) to mask the signature of the request.
If it's b), then we might have to modify some of the Maps code.
But the fact that it can render the Navigation view of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada means that it is downloading the appropriate map data, so that's a great start for getting Navigation to work outside the United States. We just need to find a way to tell it that it is allowed to work.
I made some Wireshark captures of a successful route being generated, as well as one that failed because it's in Canada, but the transmitted data isn't textual for the most part, and I don't know how it's encoded.
One interesting thing to note is that in my Wireshark captures, Navigation uses "DriveAbout" in all of its requests to the server, whereas regular driving directions uses "GMM" in the same spot.
I'm going to see if I can setup a simple proxy to forward requests, replacing "DriveAbout" with "GMM" to see if that gets us any further.
Hopefully some other people can help with this so that everyone, everywhere, can enjoy Google Maps Navigation.
Ill be watching this thread with interest
TrOjAn
I installed the Nav, then Google Voice stopped working, no matter how many times I uninstalled GV and re-installed it. Also, I rm -r /cache/*.apk. but GV keeps saying Downloading.... Then I flushed the old build.prop and build.trout.prop back, and reboot. and both Nav and GV are working.
Interesting
It's interesting. I couldn't start navigation at all - I think it because of my location (Ukraine) - but some Motorola Droid apps was installed without any problems.
AlexandrUa said:
It's interesting. I couldn't start navigation at all - I think it because of my location (Ukraine) - but some Motorola Droid apps was installed without any problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you've installed it properly, and you enter two US locations as the endpoints, you should get the Navigate option.
If you use "My Location" as the start point, you won't get the navigate option unless you're in the USA.
i think it depends on the map licence. e.g. in germany google maps use another provider for the map data. thats the reason why google just allow navigation in us. i think it must be possible to change that.
Couple of weeks ago google terminated their licence with european maps provider teleatlas because or related to that licence not allowing turn-by-turn. Is that relevant? Was on financial mkt news.
The licensing issues are why Google won't let us use Navigation, but this thread is about finding a technical way around the limitations.
Just an idea
what I would do, is get a map route in the US with WiFi, use wireshark to see where/who it's talking to to see if its getting the directions from an online server...
If not, it would be internal then
Like i said, just an idea.
theomajigga said:
what I would do, is get a map route in the US with WiFi, use wireshark to see where/who it's talking to to see if its getting the directions from an online server...
If not, it would be internal then
Like i said, just an idea.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've already used Wireshark, and it's talking to a Google server. However, the exchange looks a lot like normal driving directions, except with the identifier "DriveAbout" instead of "GMM".
I'm working on routing all connections to this server through a proxy so that I can replace "DriveAbout" with "GMM", to see if that will make it work.
canadiancow said:
I've already used Wireshark, and it's talking to a Google server. However, the exchange looks a lot like normal driving directions, except with the identifier "DriveAbout" instead of "GMM".
I'm working on routing all connections to this server through a proxy so that I can replace "DriveAbout" with "GMM", to see if that will make it work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice work Mr Cow.
I get the same behaviour here in Oz where it gives me a nav map of where I am before pasting over it with a "nuh-ah, can't do that" message.
Something else to get it to start navigating without having to pick two locations in the US is to create a desktop shortcut to "Directions", select a location/contact, and ensure that "turn-by-turn navigation" is selected. Then when the shortcut is launched, a navigation splash screen loads, it says "getting driving directions" while showing my local map in the background, and then says "Navigation to your destination is not available."
In flight mode it tries to get directions for about 10 seconds, then speaks to me for the first time ever, saying "data connection lost".
Has anyone used the "mock location" setting? It might help with testing, if we can quickly switch into and out of US locations. I've done no dev, so I don't know how it works, but I read that it's possible to use XML files to specify a virtual location path. Might be a waste of time.
CCow: just for my interest, what do you think you might find with your proxy protocol hacks?
jezzaaaa said:
Has anyone used the "mock location" setting? It might help with testing, if we can quickly switch into and out of US locations. I've done no dev, so I don't know how it works, but I read that it's possible to use XML files to specify a virtual location path. Might be a waste of time.
CCow: just for my interest, what do you think you might find with your proxy protocol hacks?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm doing most of my testing with an emulator, so I can send GPS "fixes" very easily.
When Google Maps Mobile contacts the Google server for directions, it reports itself as "GMM". The server returns a full set of directions, and it displays them.
When Google Maps Navigation contacts the Google server for directions, it reports itself as "DriveAbout". The server sends some data back, but not nearly as much when you're outside the USA.
I'm setting up a proxy so that whenever it contacts the server as "DriveAbout", the proxy will replace that with "GMM", so that the server will return the full set of directions.
If this works, it will still be a bit of a challenge to do this on the phone, but if I can get the emulator navigating in Canada, it's a great start.
Lots of others have complained that the new nav option goes away after up to 8 hours. Mine has stayed with me for just over 8 hours now. Any non-US users lost the nav option? Perhaps it's got something to do with using it.
jezzaaaa said:
Lots of others have complained that the new nav option goes away after up to 8 hours. Mine has stayed with me for just over 8 hours now. Any non-US users lost the nav option? Perhaps it's got something to do with using it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I read, that only happens to people who restore their original build.prop files.
Yeah, like me.
I'm having issues getting Maps to work at all through a proxy with the emulator. The browser is going through my proxy alright, but Maps sends one request, and then hangs.
canadiancow said:
I'm having issues getting Maps to work at all through a proxy with the emulator. The browser is going through my proxy alright, but Maps sends one request, and then hangs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it a transparent proxy, or are you somehow configuring Android to use a proxy?
As you can probably guess, I don't have a lot of dev experience with Android, but I do have lots of experience with proxies.
Well, I'm in Australia. I haven't been able to see the navigate option at all, although i did restore the original build.prop files and reboot. I have a dev phone; tried setting the locale to US with no joy. I'll be paying a close eye to this thread, and of course if anybody wants me to try anything i am more than willing.
Part of me suspects that Navigate might not even be technically possible outside of the US, until google changes something. There could be some navigate-specific data that is only currently available for US that is preventing it from even being able to work elsewhere.
.. I hope not though. I want navigate !
Edit: Some Research:\
http://googlemobile.blogspot.com/2009/10/announcing-google-maps-navigation-for.html
The first phone to have Google Maps Navigation and Android 2.0 is the Droid from Verizon. Google Maps Navigation is initially available in the United States. And like other Google Maps features, Navigation is free.
(This does offer me some relief, i've had a bad feeling that it might be droid-only. I want it for my Dev Phone!)
I hope that it is the same data and I think it possibly is...
Navigation works outside of US but with the Limitation that you have to click manually but in fact they are turn by turn instructions.
Because of that, it should somehow be possible to make it work and the point with modifying the packets seems interesting.
I don't know iptables that much but it has the option "-t mangle"... can this be used somehow?
After one day I am already sick of ads...
There are several in the market. Personally, I use AdFree.
AdAway or ROM Toolbox is your friend in the battle against annoying ads.
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium
AdFree, but you can manually do it, AdFree host file are composed of: http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.txt and http://pgl.yoyo.org/as/serverlist.php?showintro=0;hostformat=hosts
[email protected] said:
AdAway or ROM Toolbox is your friend in the battle against annoying ads.
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried rom toolbox cause I had it already installed, but it does not work as good as my previous rom using adfree hosts files.
the worst is on this forum, with a huge white space always at the top, I never saw it in previous rom
cowst said:
I tried rom toolbox cause I had it already installed, but it does not work as good as my previous rom using adfree hosts files.
the worst is on this forum, with a huge white space always at the top, I never saw it in previous rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using XDA Premium so I have no idea the huge white space at the top. Regardless, you can give AdAway a try. It has an option to enable a loopback local server that can response to ads requests.
As far as white blocks or empty frames in place of ads, it all depends on how the apps handle loopback requests. Some apps just won't show the ads if the ads request is nullified, and some just show a big frame or empty space. Ad blocking apps just update the hosts file routing the requests to ad serving hosts to the loopback localhost 127.0.0.1. They cannot control how the apps handle ads.
[email protected] said:
I'm using XDA Premium so I have no idea the huge white space at the top. Regardless, you can give AdAway a try. It has an option to enable a loopback local server that can response to ads requests.
As far as white blocks or empty frames in place of ads, it all depends on how the apps handle loopback requests. Some apps just won't show the ads if the ads request is nullified, and some just show a big frame or empty space. Ad blocking apps just update the hosts file routing the requests to ad serving hosts to the loopback localhost 127.0.0.1. They cannot control how the apps handle ads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
adaway did the trick, thanks!
Personally I do not support blocking ads. If an app do annoys me, I would not use it
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA
GeoWatsons said:
Personally I do not support blocking ads. If an app do annoys me, I would not use it
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but I generally purchase apps I like anyway. The hosts file does more than just block ads.
For those, who are searching for an Market Enabler/Unlocker...since Google deleted them!!!
There you go!!
corei7qm said:
For those, who are searching for an Market Enabler/Unlocker...since Google deleted them!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do i need to be rooted for this to work?
Sent from my GT-I9100G using XDA
Yes, just long press on the provider you would fake, choose your option,
Then, kill market (with taskkiller or long press back button or press 1 000 000 times the back button til the home screan appears) then open market again and now your specific privider is faked!
Sent from my GT-P7510 using XDA Premium HD app
corei7qm said:
No, just long press on the provider you would fake, choose your option,
Then, kill market (with taskkiller or long press back button or press 1 000 000 times the back button til the home screan appears) then open market again and now your specific privider is faked!
Sent from my GT-P7510 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Killed it by task killer, i still keep getting a "we got a problem housten" !!
Sent from my GT-I9100G using XDA
I'm sorry, but what is this application all about?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
dave2metz said:
I'm sorry, but what is this application all about?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sets a fake provider so you appear to google play as if u were in a different country so u can get apps that are designated for countries other than urs
Sent from my GT-I9100G using XDA
Just rooted my phone, app works now. It needs a Root for sure. Thanks!
Sent from my GT-I9100G using XDA
Works.. Haven't found a use for it yet being that I have no clue what apps are available outside the US that I'd want but I'm keeping it on my device until I find a reason to need it..
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
Many thanks for this. Moving back overseas, and this will allow me to keep my apps updated. Thanks again.
Thanks for this. Ive been wondering why all the market enablers disappeared.
cant get to work
ive tried it and all i get is t-mobile stuff still. I'm running arhd 2.2.1 which is based on the leaked ics build i believe. I've changed it through the app to different providers and it doesn't do much.
this app looks almost exactly like this one: Market Enabler. From what I saw, the only difference was the icon. It has the exact same markets to choose from.
This is their webpage: Market Enabler webpage. It's minimal, and pretty bare bones.
Other useful information:
Wiki Mobile Network Codes. This gives a list of codes for carriers world wide which can be used in the "set custom"
If this is the same app, then key information to know:
Market Enabler said:
Do I need to donate to get this working?
No, definitly not.
A donate is an appriciation to the developer/s but it's not the same as buying a software.
In case of MarketEnabler, a donate will get you a donate key that removes ads from the application and adds some beta functions that are still in testing.
I donated trough PayPal but haven't received the donate key
Please look into your SPAM folder as it is an automated script that sends you the key.
If you don't get an answer after 24 hours, please email me at [email protected].
I only get "we have a problem houston "
Are you sure that you have a working su binary and busybox (or at least the killall command) installed and granted root rights to MarketEnabler when it got requested?
Preconditions
#1 root
To be able to change the systems runtime configuration (what MarketEnabler does) you will need access as a root user to the system.
MarketEnabler expects that you will have a file called "su" on your system (and in the global path) that will open a root shell.
#2 busybox
The commands that are used, are not always part of the Android system.
Most rooted phones have busybox on board as it's common to install it during the rooting process or included in most custom roms.
If you don't have busybox, I recommend using the busybox installer from stericson on the market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so which of the links is useful?
So this app is awesome! Just tested it on vlc beta and it worked. What other apps or suggestions do people have for apps that are location specific?
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda app-developers app
What is the difference between market unlocker and market enabler?
I have a questions?
What is the difference between market unlocker and market enabler?
I am really confused.
And second question how to root Samsung Galaxy Y(GT-S353600)?
If i root my phone it will be/shall be deleting my data?
I need help could somone help me!!
Thank You i will be waiting for reply.
Note: I am only/May be available in this days(Friday,Saturday And Sunday)/ or Only/May be in Samsung Galaxy Y(GT-S353600).
Not working
Is not doing anything. I long press chose one of the US carriers and enter Market (which I had previously killed) and nothing, I still get the same apps of my country. (im already root)
What is happening?
sordatos said:
Is not doing anything. I long press chose one of the US carriers and enter Market (which I had previously killed) and nothing, I still get the same apps of my country. (im already root)
What is happening?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure you kill Google Play Store from "Manage Apps > All" first.
Alternatively, you can do it manually:
1. Kill Google Play Store from "Manage Apps > All".
2. Go to MarketEnabler, under "Set custom" tab, input that specific country market code you wanted to visit.
3. Select "Set to this values".
4. Go to Google Play Store.
5. Enjoy!
or try this another MarketEnabler (previously MarketEnabler Codes) app: https://plus.google.com/110853353138524936530/posts
market unlocker and adsl router!
whenever i try to use this application i lose my internet connect and my adsl router goes crazy! any solutions for that?:crying:
jackplatonic said:
whenever i try to use this application i lose my internet connect and my adsl router goes crazy! any solutions for that?:crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess you're on wifi? Are you sure this app causes the problem?
Try using your 3G connection.
tltan86 said:
Make sure you kill Google Play Store from "Manage Apps > All" first.
Alternatively, you can do it manually:
1. Kill Google Play Store from "Manage Apps > All".
2. Go to MarketEnabler, under "Set custom" tab, input that specific country market code you wanted to visit.
3. Select "Set to this values".
4. Go to Google Play Store.
5. Enjoy!
[/url]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot, works like a charm!
What is this system app for/what does it do? I'm running xtrestolite 3.0 final on my sg920F and I'm getting a message that says unable to use CMHProvider and it wants to change permissions. I don't recall this happening on the previous version of the rom. Debloat software looks to flag it and disable too so I'm wondering what it is.
Thanks
I have the same problem, i don't know what it is but i uninstalled the app to get rid of the annoying message
Sent from my SM-G920F using XDA-Developers mobile app
kd.fadi said:
I have the same problem, i don't know what it is but i uninstalled the app to get rid of the annoying message
Sent from my SM-G920F using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can seem to uninstall...?
Sent from my SM-G920F using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
..
space_eyes said:
I can seem to uninstall...?
Sent from my SM-G920F using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to Google, "CMHProvider is a core component for new Gallery and HighlightPlayer applications."
I was tired of this notification as well, so I removed its associated system app and my gallery stopped working, but my Music has no problems to work without it. I'm not sorry for the loss of Gallery, as I use Google Photos, so if you are comfortable with yours not working, keep reading.
Here's what I did - on XtreStoLite your phone should already be rooted.
Open terminal or connect your terminal app via USB debugging. Commands:
Code:
$ su
# mount -o remount,rw /system
# cd /system/priv-app/
# mkdir -p /data/media/0/DisabledPackages/priv-app/
# mv CMHProvider /data/media/0/DisabledPackages/priv-app/
# reboot
I froze this process with Titanium Back and have noticed lower CPU temps. Probably because this thing was always on the top of my list of monitored processes. I use QuickPic for my gallery so no issues there either. I've only had it frozen for about an hour and haven't noticed any adverse affects.
I had same issue. Gallery app doesn't work without CMH Provider on S7 Edge Nougat. Luckily it didn't take me long to find out it was CMH provider.
cmhprovider is an android app component on android smartphones and tablets accountable to run Highlighter apps like Gallery. It is not a virus nor malware but an important component app package to help Gallery app to preview image and create a thumbnail.
There are several other guides in this forum for debloating the “useless” apps off of the Fire. Unfortunately, none of them really met my goals, and left me wanting more. I had several goals that I wanted to accomplish with this project.
Goals:
1. Improve the responsiveness of the Fire by removing unwanted/needed services from RAM. I have four of these for my kids, and its painful to watch my kids wait 30, 45, 60 seconds for a game to load, as the Fire churns away trying to unload services from memory.
2. Maintain the battery life. Amazon did a great job with the battery management, and I did not want to see a regression in this area.
3. Keep/be able to use certain Amazon services. Everyone has different use scenarios for using the Fire, which is why some of the other guides did not work well for me. I needed to keep some of the Amazon services working, namely the following:
a. Prime Video
b. Kindle Books
c. Audible
4. Install Google Play Services for getting other apps. I did this 3 years ago right after I got the Fires, but did not need root at the time, so they still had all the Amazon bloat on them as well.
5. Get Google Family Link working in conjunction with the Amazon services. For Family Link to work, Google Play services must be installed as system apps, which presents another problem, as the smallest (relatively current) Open Google Apps is too large to flash in TWRP, so a manual approach was needed.
6. Install a different launcher, Fire Launcher is awful. I installed Nova Launcher as a system app to easily support widgets
7. Install a different keyboard. I installed GBoard as I use it on all my Android devices and am biased.
I was able to accomplish my goals without having to make any compromises, since we now have root for this Fire.
Thanks to all who spent so much time on that. I did try the two ROM ports that are available, but they were not stable enough for a device that my kids use.
I did needed to do this on four Fires, so I wrote a script, to make it faster after the first and to ensure that they are all exactly the same to start with.
Prerequisites:
1. Fire 8 HD (2017) – other models are going to be close, but packages and dependencies will almost certainly be a little different. YMMV
2. Firmware 5.3.7.0 – Same as above, earlier versions may be close, but dependencies may be different. If you are on an older version, upgrade to the latest. Download the firmware directly Amazon to have as a backup anyway. Version 5.3.7.0 is file update-kindle-50.6.5.0_user_650601220.bin. Rename the file from a “bin” to a “zip” to flash it from TWRP.
3. Rooted – I followed the instructions in this thread. Thanks to @k4y0z for the excellent work! See post #337 for exactly what steps I used to root 5.3.7.0
4. Magisk zip for installation from TWRP. I used version 20.4, which was the latest at the time. Please note the warnings in the rooting thread regarding updating Magisk from MagiskManager.
5. I’m going to assume some level of familiarity with use an android device, using ADB, booting to recovery, enabling ADB, etc. If you don’t, google is your friend. All of the assumed knowledge is easy to acquire with a little googling.
6. Windows computer with ADB drivers for the Fire. Sorry, I wrote the script as a BATCH file, and don’t want to take the time to re-write if for Linux/macOS
7. Download the files linked in this post. I’ve provided one download and also individual links if desired.
Steps:
1. Boot Fire to Recovery
2. Format Data from TWRP
3. Copy update-kindle-50.6.5.0_user_650601220.zip and Magisk-v20.4.zip to the Fire
4. Flash the 5.3.7.0, then Magisk. Select reboot after install if wanted
5. Allow Fire to boot. This will take about 10 minutes while the Fire is “Optimizing System Storage.”
6. Enable ADB without Registering with Amazon
a. Select Language and press "Continue"
b. Select any Wifi Access Point, then press "Cancel"
c. The press "Not Now"
d. The press "Skip"
e. Now you can go to Settings > Device Options > Click on the Serial Number 7 times to enable Developer Options > Go to Developer Options > Enable ADB
f. Select box to always allow USB Debugging from this computer and select allow7. Extract the download files, and run the “Debloat.bat” script. Script will check a couple things, print some warnings, and then do the following:
a. Remove Amazon Ecosystem with the exception to the following:
i. Prime Video
ii. Kindle Book Reader
iii. Audible Booksb. 136 packages are uninstalled or disabled and hidden.
c. Uninstalled packages will also be deleted from /system, with a few exceptions
d. Install Google Play services as system apps (four apks)
e. Install Nova Launcher as a system app
f. Install GBoard to replace the default keyboard
g. Cleanup misc Icons from bloat removal
h. Set Amazon Fire HD 8 (2017) host-name to a user supplied value
i. Additional user apps can be installed at this step if desired
i. See notes in batch file for instructions
ii. Look in section :install_Other8. After the script finishes, Go to Settings > My Account to register with Amazon
9. Open Google Play and sign in using Google Account. For Family Link, use the child’s account. The setup failed once out of four times. When it failed, I just re-opened Google Play and started again and it worked fine.
Additional Notes:
• With firmware 5.3.7.0, there was about 120M of free space in /system. Afterward, there is more than 600M of free space for installing other apps if desired.
• I spent a lot of time looking at the installed apks. I evaluated each and every apk to determine if it should be removed. I looked at as many other lists as possible to see what others had learned as well. I’ve attached the spreadsheet that I used. Hopefully it will be of some use to someone else. I used a couple spreadsheets I found in this forum as my starting point. Thanks to those authors for their work and for sharing!
• I left the package names long, so I could reference exactly which package had been installed at a later date if wanted.
• See this post on why I decided to disable and hide apks that have required libraries.
• A list of all the removed apks is created in a log file - debloat_log.txt
• Performing a factory reset will NOT restore all the Amazon apps/services as most were also deleted from system.
• Amazon Backup has been removed, but the Fire can be backup to a Google account.
• I intentionally wanted to remove as much of Alexa as possible. I have good notes in the spread sheet regarding what packages to keep to keep Alexa functional.
• I also did not want Google Assistant, so I did not pursue replacing/installing Assistant.
• Battery life remains great. With wifi on and connected, screen off, battery life dropped less than 1% every 24 hours.
Links:
• Google Account Manager
• Google Services Framework
• Google Play Services
• Google Play Store
• Nova Launcher
• GBoard
• Magisk
• Amazon Firmware - Version 5.3.7.0 - SHA-1 Hash - 1313424520A1346436147C1CE591E8E58FE59E18
• Spreadsheet List of Apps
• Debloat Script - Updated 7 May 2020, validates hostname entry
• Debloat Archive (Everything needed except Magisk and Amazon firmware) - Updated 7 May 2020 to include new batch script
Well done - should serve nicely as a general template for other device types. I especially appreciate the consideration you gave to each action vs taking a 'scorched earth' approach that often yields significant gaps in functionality/usability.
Is there a way to restore back to stock after this?
turbozapekanka said:
Is there a way to restore back to stock after this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, just flash the zip from step 4. Flashing Magisk would be optional. If you wanted to restore the stock recovery, see the root thread for instructions.
After running this script, did your DHCP still work? I've ran this script on 3 separate tablets and on all three, DHCP no longer works. I've temporarily set the Kindles up with static IP addresses, but I'm trying to figure out which package I need to exclude from the script to allow DHCP to continue working.
Rayvis said:
After running this script, did your DHCP still work? I've ran this script on 3 separate tablets and on all three, DHCP no longer works. I've temporarily set the Kindles up with static IP addresses, but I'm trying to figure out which package I need to exclude from the script to allow DHCP to continue working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, DHCP still works in the all four of the tablets that I ran this on.
What version of FireOS did you start with?
The script renames the hostname of the tablet. You can comment that part out and see if the same thing happens. REM out the following lines:
Code:
echo.
echo ****** Set a hostname for the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2017) ******
echo.
echo Please type a hostname
set /P hname=
echo.
echo The host name will be set to "%hname%"
echo.
set /P host_answer="Is "%hname%" correct? (Y/N) "
if "%host_answer%"=="y" goto after_host
if "%host_answer%"=="n" cls & goto set_host
cls
echo.
echo Please only enter "y" or "n")
echo.
goto :set_host
REM ** Change Fire hostname **
echo.
echo Setting the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2017) hostname to %hname% ...
echo.
.\adb\adb pull /system/build.prop
echo net.hostname=%hname% >> build.prop
echo. >> build.prop
.\adb\adb push build.prop /sdcard/
.\adb\adb shell su -c mv /sdcard/build.prop /system/
.\adb\adb shell su -c chown 0:0 /system/build.prop
.\adb\adb shell su -c chmod 644 /system/build.prop
del -f build.prop
Note that the command to remount system as read/write is in between the two code blocks, and needs to stay.
scoutdriver73 said:
Yes, DHCP still works in the all four of the tablets that I ran this on.
What version of FireOS did you start with?
The script renames the hostname of the tablet. You can comment that part out and see if the same thing happens. REM out the following lines:
Code:
echo.
echo ****** Set a hostname for the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2017) ******
echo.
echo Please type a hostname
set /P hname=
echo.
echo The host name will be set to "%hname%"
echo.
set /P host_answer="Is "%hname%" correct? (Y/N) "
if "%host_answer%"=="y" goto after_host
if "%host_answer%"=="n" cls & goto set_host
cls
echo.
echo Please only enter "y" or "n")
echo.
goto :set_host
REM ** Change Fire hostname **
echo.
echo Setting the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2017) hostname to %hname% ...
echo.
.\adb\adb pull /system/build.prop
echo net.hostname=%hname% >> build.prop
echo. >> build.prop
.\adb\adb push build.prop /sdcard/
.\adb\adb shell su -c mv /sdcard/build.prop /system/
.\adb\adb shell su -c chown 0:0 /system/build.prop
.\adb\adb shell su -c chmod 644 /system/build.prop
del -f build.prop
Note that the command to remount system as read/write is in between the two code blocks, and needs to stay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All three started with 5.3.7.0. Remarking out the hostname lines let DHCP work. Without remarking out those lines, all three tablets would sit on Obtaining an IP address until it gave up and gave the DHCP error. Anyway, all is good now. In my case, I didn't need Amazon Video, Audible, or Kindle, so I was able to remove those packages as well with no ill effects. Thanks for doing all the leg work to make this happen.
Rayvis said:
All three started with 5.3.7.0. Remarking out the hostname lines let DHCP work. Without remarking out those lines, all three tablets would sit on Obtaining an IP address until it gave up and gave the DHCP error. Anyway, all is good now. In my case, I didn't need Amazon Video, Audible, or Kindle, so I was able to remove those packages as well with no ill effects. Thanks for doing all the leg work to make this happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you got it working. Thanks for the feedback and letting me know.
Two more questions.
1. Can you let me know exactly what additional packages you removed for Video, Audible and Kindle?
2. Did you by chance try and use a non valid hostname in the script? I did not think about validating this entry in my script.
Valid characters for hostnames are ASCII(7) letters from a to z, the digits from 0 to 9, and the hyphen (-). A hostname may not start with a hyphen.Thanks
scoutdriver73 said:
Glad you got it working. Thanks for the feedback and letting me know.
Two more questions.
1. Can you let me know exactly what additional packages you removed for Video, Audible and Kindle?
2. Did you by chance try and use a non valid hostname in the script? I did not think about validating this entry in my script.
Valid characters for hostnames are ASCII(7) letters from a to z, the digits from 0 to 9, and the hyphen (-). A hostname may not start with a hyphen.Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. After some research and testing, I removed the following additional packages:
com.amazon.kindle
com.amazon.kindle.cms
com.amazon.settings.systemupdates
com.amazon.whisperlink.activityview.android
com.amazon.whisperlink.core.android
com.amazon.whisperplay.contracts
amazon.speech.sim
com.amazon.alta.h2clientservice
com.amazon.device.messaging
com.audible.application.kindle
com.amazon.avod
2. It's possible that I had an invalid character in testing with the hostname. I can't remember off the top of my head what I tried to set my kid's tablet's hostnames as initially. I will test the script again on my tablet and ensure that the hostname is valid and I will report back.
updated debloat script to check hostname
Rayvis said:
1. After some research and testing, I removed the following additional packages:
com.amazon.kindle
com.amazon.kindle.cms
com.amazon.settings.systemupdates
com.amazon.whisperlink.activityview.android
com.amazon.whisperlink.core.android
com.amazon.whisperplay.contracts
amazon.speech.sim
com.amazon.alta.h2clientservice
com.amazon.device.messaging
com.audible.application.kindle
com.amazon.avod
2. It's possible that I had an invalid character in testing with the hostname. I can't remember off the top of my head what I tried to set my kid's tablet's hostnames as initially. I will test the script again on my tablet and ensure that the hostname is valid and I will report back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I updated the script to check/force a valid hostname. Can you test it for me? I'll update the links in the first post once I hear back. Thanks
debloat-new.bat
scoutdriver73 said:
I updated the script to check/force a valid hostname. Can you test it for me? I'll update the links in the first post once I hear back. Thanks
debloat-new.bat
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm that I must have been entering an invalid hostname previously. I had ran the original script again last night ensuring that the hostname was valid and at the end, DHCP was working fine still.
I also tested the new batch script for you and it appears to be working fine as well, minus one thing it doesn't appear to be checking for in the hostname checker. It doesn't seem to kick back hostnames that contain spaces.
Rayvis said:
I can confirm that I must have been entering an invalid hostname previously. I had ran the original script again last night ensuring that the hostname was valid and at the end, DHCP was working fine still.
I also tested the new batch script for you and it appears to be working fine as well, minus one thing it doesn't appear to be checking for in the hostname checker. It doesn't seem to kick back hostnames that contain spaces.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for testing - I fixed the issue with the spaces. I'm updating the links in the first post. Thanks for testing for me.
How to install Disney+, Netflix...
Hi and thanks very much for your post. It's exactly what I was looking for the tablet of my children. The script is awesome, I installed it yesterday with no problems at all. Now I have a problem that maybe it's a silly question... Disney+, Netflix and other apps available at Amazon appstore are not available from Google PlayStore but as the Amazon appstore was removed... how could I install them?
Thanks in advance
marcoant said:
Hi and thanks very much for your post. It's exactly what I was looking for the tablet of my children. The script is awesome, I installed it yesterday with no problems at all. Now I have a problem that maybe it's a silly question... Disney+, Netflix and other apps available at Amazon appstore are not available from Google PlayStore but as the Amazon appstore was removed... how could I install them?
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you found the scrip useful.
You could try and edit the script to keep the Amazon appstore if you have a lot of apps that you need to get from Amazon. However, that kinda defeats the purpose of what I was trying to do with the script, so I don't have any desire to assist in troubleshooting if you have problems with this route.
If you only need a to install a couple apps, then those can easily be sideloaded. Lots of info out there about how to sideload an app.
For Disney+ and Netflix, an easy solution would be to install them via the Amazon Fire Tool Box. I installed both of the apps this way on one of my kids tablets and verified that both apps did start. See attached pictures.
I hope that helps.
scoutdriver73 said:
Glad you found the scrip useful.
You could try and edit the script to keep the Amazon appstore if you have a lot of apps that you need to get from Amazon. However, that kinda defeats the purpose of what I was trying to do with the script, so I don't have any desire to assist in troubleshooting if you have problems with this route.
If you only need a to install a couple apps, then those can easily be sideloaded. Lots of info out there about how to sideload an app.
For Disney+ and Netflix, an easy solution would be to install them via the Amazon Fire Tool Box. I installed both of the apps this way on one of my kids tablets and verified that both apps did start. See attached pictures.
I hope that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much. I'll try the Amazon Fire Tool Box. Thanks again!!!
Enviado desde mi ONEPLUS A5010 mediante Tapatalk
marcoant said:
Thank you very much. I'll try the Amazon Fire Tool Box. Thanks again!!!
Enviado desde mi ONEPLUS A5010 mediante Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure thing!
am considering getting a Fire tablet (seem well regarded)
Stumbled across this thread
1) OS Updates. if one uses your debloat, does that stop OTA updates?
i'm assuming Amazon updates its Fire OS to pick up google security fixes, etc?
2) Alexa monitoring. Maybe this is a misrepresentation but I thought Alexa monitors what you say, etc. I thought there have been some privacy concerns about it. You mentioned tweaking Alexa functionality with your debloat. What Alexa functions have you retained? Can I stop Alexa monitoring me altogether?
Thanks,
Gary
gazzawazza said:
am considering getting a Fire tablet (seem well regarded)
Stumbled across this thread
1) OS Updates. if one uses your debloat, does that stop OTA updates?
i'm assuming Amazon updates its Fire OS to pick up google security fixes, etc?
2) Alexa monitoring. Maybe this is a misrepresentation but I thought Alexa monitors what you say, etc. I thought there have been some privacy concerns about it. You mentioned tweaking Alexa functionality with your debloat. What Alexa functions have you retained? Can I stop Alexa monitoring me altogether?
Thanks,
Gary
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. The OTA update service has been disabled/deleted. This included security updates as well. Although, I'm not aware of Amazon pushing out any security updates for these tablets. The android base on this is 5.1, which was released in 2014, and I do not believe any security updates have been released for 5.1 since 2018.
2. If you run my script as posted, if will disable and remove all Alexa services. This includes the service which listens for the Alexa keyword. You will still find Alexa in the settings, but enabling it will not actually change anything. If you look at my spreadsheet, I did a fairly detailed analysis of all the apps, and I believe I have marked all the "apps" needed for Alexa to work if you wanted to retain that functionality.
Also, please note that this thread is specifically for the the HD8 2017 (coming up on 4 years old) and this script will certainly not work on a new Fire.
scoutdriver73 said:
1. The OTA update service has been disabled/deleted. This included security updates as well. Although, I'm not aware of Amazon pushing out any security updates for these tablets. The android base on this is 5.1, which was released in 2014, and I do not believe any security updates have been released for 5.1 since 2018.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks VERY much for taking the trouble to reply.
Crumbs. Oreo. That's pretty bad. I'd have thought the code will have been been updated and refined significantly by now, not to mention, i understand that Google's either finding or being alerted to vulnerabilities in ever increasing rates.
I have confirmed that later Fire hardware does have more up to date android versions (HD 10 is on fireOS 7x - i presume 7 may align to android 7). Even that though is some distance away from current security patches, if they don't patch for the monthly bulletins.
2. If you run my script as posted, if will disable and remove all Alexa services. This includes the service which listens for the Alexa keyword. You will still find Alexa in the settings, but enabling it will not actually change anything. If you look at my spreadsheet, I did a fairly detailed analysis of all the apps, and I believe I have marked all the "apps" needed for Alexa to work if you wanted to retain that functionality.
Also, please note that this thread is specifically for the the HD8 2017 (coming up on 4 years old) and this script will certainly not work on a new Fire.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry - tbh i didn't notice the spreadsheet or think to scrutinise by app.
Thanks also for the model support warning.
Cheers,
Gary
FireOS 7 is Android version 9 (Pie), so Google is still pushing out security updates. But Amazon would then have to take the security updates and push them out to FireOS, and I don't know if they are doing this (doubtful). Updates for Android, security or otherwise, have always been a problem as it requires support from both Google and the OEM.
If security updates are high on a list of priorities, don't buy a FireOS device.