[Exploit] Location Stealing on Samsung smartphones - Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]

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

Related

[APP][1.6+] PDroid - the better privacy protection app - will you use it?

Hi,
I have recently developed a privacy protection application for Android.
You can use it to block access for any installed application to the following data separately:
Device ID (IMEI/MEID/ESN)
Subscriber ID (IMSI)
SIM serial (ICCID)
Phone and mailbox number
Incoming call number
Outgoing call number
GPS location
Network location
List of accounts (including your google e-mail address)
Account auth tokens
Contacts
Call logs
Calendar
SMS
MMS
Browser bookmarks and history
System logs
SIM info (operator, country)
Network info (operator, country)
For device ID, phone and mailbox number, SIM serial, subscriber ID and device location it also allows supplying custom or random values.
Unlike others (e.g., Permissions Denied or CM) this does not make applications crash when access to private data is blocked.
The following short video shows some of its functionality.
PDroid does not require ROOT or any Android permission to function, nor does it need any services running in the background. But it does require patching some ROM components, so that it needs to be ported to different devices. Currently it is available for Nexus One, Nexus S, Desire HD (Gingerbread) as well as Magic with CM 6.1 (Froyo).
So I am wondering if I should release it for public use and maybe port to other devices. I will only do so if you would like to use it, since it requires some fine-tuning to be more user-friendly. So please vote if you would like to use PDroid.
I would love to use this app on my galaxy s and tab.
Especially the point to give the apps random or custom information instead of just blocking the access is important.
If you need help testing the app on those mentioned devices just let me know
I hope you get enough positive feedback to port and continue developing this app.
I ll love to have such an app on my Xperia X10 mini pro (cyanogenmod 7)
so basicly it's a LBE replacement? The major disadvantage of that one is being closed-source. Do you plan to open-source yours?
I would like to give this app a shot too with my devices (Nexus S 4G, EVO 3D and Epic Touch 4G). Does not require root, but assume that root is ok? Also seen that you have for Nexus S, but was not sure if that implies to the NS4G as well. Looks promising.
XlAfbk said:
so basicly it's a LBE replacement?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kind of. The functionality is similar to that of LBE while I tried to account for its disadvantages, such as not being able to disallow access to some data (e.g., system logs, incoming and outgoing call numbers etc.), requiring root or being unreliable since LBE requires its protection service to be running so that malicious apps still can steal data if they are started before LBE after boot.
XlAfbk said:
The major disadvantage of that one is being closed-source. Do you plan to open-source yours?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most likely yes (depends on how much spare time I can allocale to this project).
Tahde said:
Does not require root, but assume that root is ok?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it won't interfere
Tahde said:
Also seen that you have for Nexus S, but was not sure if that implies to the NS4G as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, basically any device, for which Android can be directly built from AOSP (and this includes Nexus 4G) is supported right now.
Love to see it for the T-Mobile G2x especially if it is open.
svyat said:
You can use it to block access for any installed application to the following data separately...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a nice list. I'd really like a version for my Motorola Defy.
How hard would it be to reuse the code to make it run like LBE, i.e. make an apk that works on every phone without having to patch ROMs for every type of device?
I too would like to use this app, sounds awesome. If you need any beta testers, I volunteer
rogier666 said:
How hard would it be to reuse the code to make it run like LBE, i.e. make an apk that works on every phone without having to patch ROMs for every type of device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Impossible, since the actual application logic performing the data access control is based on the Android application framework and not the SDK. Plus, doing it the LBE way requires root and will never be 100% reliable. In other words, there is no way of creating a proper solution without patching the ROM.
I would like to have this for t-mobile US Vibrant since we're getting no Gingerbread love from t-mo or Sammy and I'm all flashed out with nothing else to do.
I would like to give your app a spin to see how it works
KB0SDQ said:
I would like to give your app a spin to see how it works
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am also interested in this app... Sounds very promising and I hope this will get ported for the G2/DesireZ, so I can get some freakin' privacy!
If I can help in any way, any way at all, I'd be very happy to do so.. I'm running CM7.1.0 on my DesireZ @ 1.2ghz...
Thanks a lot!
Looks great. I'd love to get that on my Thunderbolt (CM7) would there be anyway to block permissions like internet and SD card access, I know Cyanogenmod lets you disable them but you have to reset your phone after a change for them to take effect. Also I don't know if it falls into the scope of what this project is intended for but I've seen people ask about making certain apps work on 3G that only work on wifi or the other way around if you could make an app think it was using one or the other for a connection I think that would be very helpful to some folks.
I'd test this on the t-mo Galaxy S2 if you're willing to do it...
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
I guess this is TISSA (http://www.csc.ncsu.edu/faculty/jiang/pubs/TRUST11.pdf) ?
I would like to see for Desire , Great to have this kind of app! I'll help which ever way
IvanNCase said:
would there be anyway to block permissions like internet and SD card access
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not in near future. Doing that would require modifying the kernel and that, in turn, would make PDroid much less portable.
IvanNCase said:
Also I don't know if it falls into the scope of what this project is intended for but I've seen people ask about making certain apps work on 3G that only work on wifi or the other way around [...]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, it doesn't
ukanth said:
I guess this is TISSA (http://www.csc.ncsu.edu/faculty/jiang/pubs/TRUST11.pdf) ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, I've developed PDroid completely from scratch as a part of my Master's Thesis.
svyat said:
Not in near future. Doing that would require modifying the kernel and that, in turn, would make PDroid much less portable.
Nope, it doesn't
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fair enough.
By the way how do you install this does the ROM patching need to be done by the original creator or done with a zip file through recovery?
svyat said:
Nope, I've developed PDroid completely from scratch as a part of my Master's Thesis.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great to hear. Good job done ! I can't wait to see you release. I'll surely try to port it for Desire

[Research] Stock Samsung Apps Catalog & Documentation

Hey guys, as part of my current work on producing a nice modified version of the "stock" firmware for the T-Mobile variant of the GT PLus, the SGH-T869, I have taken the approach of producing what I hope is decent documentation of my entire build process. Part of that has been cataloging all apps included with the "stock" ROM. I've got a very good start in finding at least a cursory explanation of what each app does and what effect removing the app has on the device.
I've been able to remove an alarming number of apps with no apparent ill effects, so at this point I'm turning to you, the XDA community, for assistance in figuring out what the remaining items do.
I have a publicly-viewable Google Docs spreadsheet here.
This spreadsheet is basically a list of every APK present in /system/app on the SGH-T869_TMB_T869UVLG7_T869TMBLG7 firmware, which appears to be the most recent ICS firmware for the USA T-Mobile version. I have backed up all files to an account I set up on Android File Host, and begun the process of linking them into the spreadsheet for easier reference.
As of now the following items are basically a mystery:
-ClipboardSaveService.apk
-CSC.apk
-DSMForwarding.apk
-DSMLawmo.apk
-FTC.apk
-FTM.apk
-FTS.apk
-Keychain.apk
-MobileTrackerEngineTwo.apk
-OmaCP.apk
-OmaDrmPopup.apk
-PanningTryActually.apk
-PCWClientS.apk
-Personalization.apk
-Phone_Util.apk
-PopupuiReceiver.apk
-PRUI.apk
-SecOmaDownloadProvider.apk
-etc
The intent with this document is to serve as a reference for people working with the "stock" Samsung firmware.
If you have any info you'd like to contribute, post to this thread or PM me
Also, I'll need "alpha" testers of my ROM in probably a week.
My initial release is planned to be simply a fully "optimized" copy of the stock ROM, with about 400MB of stock bloat removed, all remaining system apps deodexed and zipaligned, su and SuperSu, and probably some minor aesthetic mods added (1% battery and a themed notification bar).
The primary goal is to produce a nice stock-based ROM for the T869 (which doesn't have a lot of ROM options at present) and also to give the community a nicely documented guide on what I did, which may prove helpful to other would-be ROM makers.
a lot of these are 0MB or 0kb in size, or very small... eg.100kb or so.
You could always decompile these apks, would help you figure it out.
CSC.apk is Customer Service Configuration, or Country Code eg. KOR, XME, EUR
MobileTrackerEngineTwo is reponsible for tracking the device.. Samsung Dive, etc.. I believe.
Panningtryactually.apk involves tilting the device to scroll, etc. this .apk is just for thatwith pop up messages, etc.
Personalization.apk is directly related to CSC. This is the apk that will let you change your CSC I believe.
clipboard save service is obvious, I would keep that.
The others Im sure we could figure out.
I disabled a lot of stock apks and removed readers hub, and my device is pretty fluid as it is.
Awesome, thank you for the information!
I was planning on adding a column for file size into the spreadsheet next, so that bit should become obvious.
I'm pretty sure the ClipboardSaverService is actually a supplemental thing that allows you to "save" clipboard items so you can have multiple items in a stack, because the stock Android clipboard functionality has been working perfectly fine on its own with ClipboardSaver removed.
The more I get to know how the Samsung stuff is built, the less impressed I am by it. Almost all of the "new" stuff they add to their ROMs seems like solutions to problems that don't actually exist. The tilt-to-scroll thing was cool for about an hour, until I tried to use the tab on a bus and kept accidentally triggering it.
So far, with all the stuff uninstalled, I am getting really good battery life from my tab.I'm at 77% after 13 hours of discharging. Now, that's light internet use for a few hours and then sleeping for like 5 hours, but still. It's basically just as good as anything I was seeing from CM10. Work was crazy yesterday cuz we had some people missing, but today should be much less busy so I'll have time to chug away on the spreadsheet some more.
Anyone have any solid idea what Keychain.apk actually does? The name would imply that its some sort of secure storage manager that holds user credentials, like Keychain in Ubuntu and Mac OS X. However, I'm not entirely sure what that would mean in the context of Android. Maybe to manage passwords saved in the browser? I'm gonna have to probe a bit more to find out what it does, probably.
Scratch that theory about the ClipboardSaverService. That special GUI is only present on the stock "Internet" browser, and is present & working even with ClipboardSaverService removed.
Got a few bits of helpful info over here http://www4.gsmspain.com/foros/attachment.php?postid=12686608
there was a few good lists here on xda... also if you have time, learn to decompile these have a peek at some images and .xmls, you should be able to figure them out.
cheers.
FWIW, whenever I see FTM, I think Factory Test Mode.
I ended up "re-stocking" my GT-P7510. which apparently shares roughly 95% of the same APKs.
I have also finally found some actual negative consequences from removing "all" the Samsung stuff, attempting a download in my stock browser currently causes the app to crash.
This should help determine what at least one of the "mystery" APKs actually does
I don t know what the above mentioned "mysterious" apks are, but what I know is that I removed all of them already a while ago, and my p6210 works like a charm. But it s a wifi only model, for 3g models apks that are phone related shouldn t be removed, for obvious reasons...

GB to ICS - What I lost in the Fire

I've had ICS installed on Desire S for the past week. I'm a bit disappointed at some features being missing. I was using standard GB with Sense 3.0 - nothing special.
Well here's my list of troubles - maybe someone can help me with them, or at least they'll be out there for the benefit of anyone taking the dive.
Browser no longer opens default app: Whenever I've installed a special purpose application (Wikipedia, IMDb, Google Play) and I search on the browser, I no longer get the option to open the page in its dedicated app - instead the page loads and I end up using the browser. Most of you might remember the browser on GB used to ask the standard which-app-would-you-like-to-use question, and whether you'd like it defaulted or just once, but it no longer does that.
The mail widget doesn't show the same as the app - I've got Mail configured to sync with Exchange on 6 folders. The widget has stopped showing the different folders - the app still shows them when I select "All Messages" and this was the default view on GB. I've looked for settings near and far, but can't find any to control this.
HTC Sense no longer has widgets to download: I miss the hourglass timer (countdown) and the battery widget.
Youtube widget now occupies 3x2 instead of the sleaker 4x1. Is it YouTube or Sense, I don't know - but I'm not completely satisfied by this change.
To be fair to ICS tho, I believe it's quicker and lighter on the battery - I haven't felt the common complaints of slower. Also, a browser issue that some people had complained about is non-existent in my case - Good for me!
dont know about the mail question ,, but for browser , clear data and clear defualts in setting>apps>browser,,,
htc-sense : yes it is a little wierd but unfortunately , u cant download more htc widgets on sense 3.6 ,
youtube : since i moved to ICS youtube widget is shown like this , on any ics rom,,, so its youtube, not sense
As far as I remember you can set default apps for actions somwhere in the settings. But the truth is that ICS from HTC is really annoying and battery life was worse for me than on GB.
islamomt said:
Browser no longer opens default app: Whenever I've installed a special purpose application (Wikipedia, IMDb, Google Play) and I search on the browser, I no longer get the option to open the page in its dedicated app - instead the page loads and I end up using the browser. Most of you might remember the browser on GB used to ask the standard which-app-would-you-like-to-use question, and whether you'd like it defaulted or just once, but it no longer does that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you rooted ? Try this.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1865756&highlight=build+prop
Before i had problems with crashing links and apps weren't opening correctly.
Now for example i click youtube video in facebook app, it opens browser loads that address and asks what app to use. Checked youtube and don't ask in future.
Now works correct ;]
glacier1122 said:
but for browser , clear data and clear defualts in setting>apps>browser,,,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately this doesn't work.. but thanks for the idea
VnnAmed said:
As far as I remember you can set default apps for actions somwhere in the settings. But the truth is that ICS from HTC is really annoying and battery life was worse for me than on GB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The one you're talking about is in Settings > Apps association.. but that doesn't include the apps I'm installing.
Apparently the response below from remusator is the right way to go... At least it sounds right to me. I'll try it and report back.
To Root? Or not to Root? That is the question.
remusator said:
Are you rooted ? Try this.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1865756&highlight=build+prop
Before i had problems with crashing links and apps weren't opening correctly.
Now for example i click youtube video in facebook app, it opens browser loads that address and asks what app to use. Checked youtube and don't ask in future.
Now works correct ;]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its sounds very likely that this is the right solution to follow... However, I'm not rooted. Would you recommend for or against (well, I think since you're rooted you probably will recommend it) but what are potential losses from rooting. I was against early in my warranty and OTA was still an option, but I'm not sure I have a case any more. Shall I just go ahead and root?
islamomt said:
Its sounds very likely that this is the right solution to follow... However, I'm not rooted. Would you recommend for or against (well, I think since you're rooted you probably will recommend it) but what are potential losses from rooting. I was against early in my warranty and OTA was still an option, but I'm not sure I have a case any more. Shall I just go ahead and root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
root it now !! no risk , it is very, very easy ,, u can get rid of the stock buggy ics , and can have latest android 4.1 jellybean ! ,Sense 4 ! ur phone will be very fast and lighting , can play any HD game bceause u can overclock your cpu ! ,,, but you may lost ur warranty :silly:
You will loose your warranty, however there are methods how to put the phone in original (afaik).
Anyway, most of Desire S phones are probably out of warranty already.
Rooting doesn't exactly mean installing custom roms, btw...
But it comes hand in hand, and it means freedom. You can make whatever you like with your phone.
Rooting on gingerbread was pretty easy and straightforward.
You root only once and install custom recovery. Then you can flash every rom you like (Desire S Development section), even prerooted, so no need to root again ;]
I've started my investigation on rooting, but I'm wondering about S-on/off are those needed also. Would those be enough to modify the build.prop file? What about upgrading bootloader.
Apparently I have too many questions so if you can redirect me to a guide about all those... The 101 of everything root/bootloader etc. Is appreciate it.
Sent from my HTC Desire S using xda app-developers app
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1146601
Everything u need
islamomt said:
I've started my investigation on rooting, but I'm wondering about S-on/off are those needed also. Would those be enough to modify the build.prop file? What about upgrading bootloader.
Apparently I have too many questions so if you can redirect me to a guide about all those... The 101 of everything root/bootloader etc. Is appreciate it.
Sent from my HTC Desire S using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can also find a complete guide thread here. Read as much as you can before you're confident about rooting. If you follow instructions carefully and read the tips to avoid bricking your device then there is very little risk to rooting.

Motorola Solutions TC55

Hello,
I have a TC55 from Motorola Solutions (i.e. the enterprise division that does not belong to Google). It is a rugged phone with a big battery (4400 mAh), but certainly not the sleekest design. Not sure if there is much interest in this kind of device, and I am certainly no developer - but in case anyone is investigating the TC55, here are two things I found so far:
It does not come with any Google apps: no Maps, no Gmail, no Play store and so on.
It is easily rooted with Framaroot using the Gandalf exploit.
(I cannot post this info into the Framaroot thread due to my low post count).
Anyway, maybe this helps someone. I will be happy to try to answer any questions about the TC55, but keep in mind I am no pro and I am not keen in messing around in its internals much more than I have done already.
Elanguescence said:
Hello,
I have a TC55 from Motorola Solutions (i.e. the enterprise division that does not belong to Google). It is a rugged phone with a big battery (4400 mAh), but certainly not the sleekest design. Not sure if there is much interest in this kind of device, and I am certainly no developer - but in case anyone is investigating the TC55, here are two things I found so far:
It does not come with any Google apps: no Maps, no Gmail, no Play store and so on.
It is easily rooted with Framaroot using the Gandalf exploit.
(I cannot post this info into the Framaroot thread due to my low post count).
Anyway, maybe this helps someone. I will be happy to try to answer any questions about the TC55, but keep in mind I am no pro and I am not keen in messing around in its internals much more than I have done already.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I heard my company is planning to go with these soon for entry level supervisors such as myself. I'm trying to figure out exactly what it is. All the specs and brochures from Motorola keep calling it a mobile computer in a smartphone "form factor" but never actually call it a phone. I didn't see anything in any of the specs to lead me to believe for sure that it was a phone or if it was just an Android computer in a smartphone form factor.
Anyway, I just wanted to confirm, that, you're certain this is a phone, correct?
Thanks.
- Byron
bfollowell said:
Anyway, I just wanted to confirm, that, you're certain this is a phone, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, definitely. You can call and get called, and you can send and receive SMS. It also supports wired headsets, and it is supposed to work with Bluetooth headsets, though I do not have any to test.
Elanguescence said:
Yes, definitely. You can call and get called, and you can send and receive SMS. It also supports wired headsets, and it is supposed to work with Bluetooth headsets, though I do not have any to test.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info but it looks like mine is going to be crippled.
Sort of a let-down really. Yes, it "can" be a phone. Or without a sim card it can be a really powerful Android based mobile computer. That's what it is going to be for most of us. Only a few supervisors with area management approval are going to get units with the phone features working. Still cool. Just not as cool as I'd thought it was going to be.
- Byron
bfollowell said:
Thanks for the info but it looks like mine is going to be crippled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see, sorry to hear that. It sounds weird to me to do that, but then again I have no clue about this type of work.
Maybe the crippling could be worked around or undone by people with good Android knowledge - but I suppose it might not be the best idea to go against company policy.
Elanguescence said:
I see, sorry to hear that. It sounds weird to me to do that, but then again I have no clue about this type of work.
Maybe the crippling could be worked around or undone by people with good Android knowledge - but I suppose it might not be the best idea to go against company policy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think they're doing anything all that special to cripple it. They just won't all have sim cards or a cell plan. Pretty much as simple as that.
I won't be doing anything to circumvent that though or rooting it or anything like that. It's not like it's a gift and it belongs to me or anything. After almost 22 years, I've kind of grown to like my job and getting a paycheck every two weeks.I'd kind of like to keep it for another 15 or 20 years. Who knows, maybe my manager will decide that I need cell service with mine.
I work for a large automaker in the U.S. We have over 2.8 million square feet under roof. Personally, I can be anywhere on in the plant, on the roof, in pits & sub-basements underneath or anywhere on or near the 50 acre plant site at any given time. A lot of what I need to do on a daily basis is through our intranet portal. They're putting in something like 500 new wi-fi repeaters/extenders all around the plant as well. They're purchasing these for over 300 first line supervisors at my site alone. I'm pretty sure they're doing this corporate-wide so I hate to think what they're spending on these things as a corporation. I'm sure it would bankrupt many small nations! In addition to giving us portal access away from the desk, these are meant to replace our aging industrial radio system. As expensive as these are, they're still much cheaper than $1.5 to $2k per person for a radio that has no other built-in functionality and these do seem pretty ruggedized.
Still a shame about the phone functionality though.
- Byron
Can you see what browser it comes with? Can you install (untrusted) APKs directly without rooting it?
FYI, in case anyone's wondering, there is a version with Google apps on the way (if it isn't already orderable).
Sent from my Moto X
tfnico said:
Can you see what browser it comes with? Can you install (untrusted) APKs directly without rooting it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Browser is a standard one, which comes with other devices. Name is Browser.apk and version is 1.0.9
It's possible to install unsigned APK's without rooting.
google account
Hi,
I got stucked with trying to get google calendars from my google account to TC55.
I found one solution to setup google account as a corporate one, but it's not available anymore due to change in google policy.
I can setup google mail via email account, but that doesn't bring me my calendars to the device.
I tried to install gapps but without success.
Is there any other way?
Thanks.
Motorola work on google apps for TC55.There is in beta.
Elanguescence said:
... here are two things I found so far:
It does not come with any Google apps: no Maps, no Gmail, no Play store and so on.
It is easily rooted with Framaroot using the Gandalf exploit.
(I cannot post this info into the Framaroot thread due to my low post count).
Anyway, maybe this helps someone. I will be happy to try to answer any questions about the TC55, but keep in mind I am no pro and I am not keen in messing around in its internals much more than I have done already.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Obviously u rooted, can u install gapps in it?
RjCode said:
Obviously u rooted, can u install gapps in it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No idea, I haven't tried. As far as I understand gapps are usually installed via flashing a zip from recovery, and the stock recovery of the TC55 does not have that option, it only allows reflashing a whole image, if I understand it correctly. Either way, I have come to appreciate the open source alternatives and do not want to get Google on my phone, so I will not try, sorry.
However, going by this thread over at the Motorola support forum, it seems it won't take long until there is official gapps support:
https://developer.motorolasolutions.com/thread/4989
Motorola has now released a TC55-firmware with Google apps. Here are the release notes:
https://atgsupportcentral.motorolasolutions.com/content/emb/docs/ReleaseNotes/Release%20Notes%20-%20%20TC55_RevAPlus_GMS_01%2074G_v10.htm
According to the support email they sent me, to get the actual release you need to perform the following arcane ritual:
Resolution Type is : Software Download
Resolution Id is  : 95562
Resolution Title is : TC55 Update Image v1.74 with GMS (Google Mobile Service) Release Note & Factory Reset & Enterprise Enabler package
restrictedSW :
T55N0JGMVRUEN17400.zip 321 MB TC55 OS Recovery Update package
T55N0JGMVAUEN17400.apf 321 MB TC55 OS update package file for deployment using MSP
If you require access to OS files for TC55 1.74 GMS then call the local Support Desk and provide following information:
a. Site ID
b. Serial #(s)
c. Phone #
d. Customer name (First and Last)
e. E-mail address
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't ask me what the local support desk number is, or the site ID, or why they have to make this so complicated.
Hi Elanguescence,
I think I screwed up my tc55 by enabling the multiuser function without first creating the white list. Now all the users (with admin rights) does not have access to all the programs, including Applock Administrator and Multiuser administrator.
To cut things short, do you know of a way to reset the device? I don't mind setting it to factory default and start over. I've googled it and some said to launch Rapid Deployment and scan a barcode from there... but my Rapid Deployment just says "Service Not Ready, Please Wait" and get stuck there.
Any help appreciated. Thank you.
Any TC55 users here? Should be getting my unit w/ GMS soon... How do you guys like it?
Is the bootloader locked?
Sent from my Moto X
Hey!
I want to Buy one TC55 for me. Normally i hate Android and the Google stuff on the Phone but some Motorola Salesman told me there is a version with out.
Now i use an Sybian Device. That mean i am "offline" the hole time and when i need Internet the Phone connect the the Internet.
So how about that phone can i work "offline" to?
I will also use an VPN Tunnel to block on my backend all Connnection i dont want. Does all Data trough this VPN Tunnel ?
How about the Barcode Scanning does it work good?
I know for 2D i need to use the Cam but how works it when i am in some other Application?
Nobody?
Ok. I just bought a TC55 from a Friend and I was wondering if someone would post the update to get GSM and the Factory Reset packages. I went to the page and it requires all the information posted above before. Mine is rooted, but i am trying to install GAPS but the recovery is the basic and cannot. I manually installed Google Play and the Google Play Services but Google Play services keep crashing and the Play Store will not connect, any ideas ?
the are 2 versions one with google s... service and the other without.
So i belive you have the first?
(Can i ask you some question about that phone?)

[MOD][GUIDE]How To Enable The Hidden Alternate SystemUI In Note5

Not sure how many of you are aware, but there is a completely different user interface built into the Note5 that's hidden. I thought maybe some of you might like to check it out just for fun. It allows you to place widgets and apps on the lockscreen and has a bunch of cool lockscreen effects. Also, the "notifications panel" and the "recents" page are totally different, as well as many other interesting features. I added some screenshots for you guys to check out in this post.
Here are the steps to activating it:
1) First, anytime you're playing around with the SystemUI, even if it's a built in feature, it's a good idea to do a full system backup in TWRP. Not necessary, but recommended.
2) Next, you will need to have the Galaxy Apps store installed on your device. If you happened to have deleted it like I did, then I've attached the APK to this post for anyone that needs to reinstall it.
3) Open the Galaxy Apps store and update it if/when it prompts you.
4) Once the store has loaded, search for the words "Good Lock". Click on the app and click "Update", then "Install" and reboot the device when it prompts you.
(This is the hidden SystemUI that you already have on your device, but it needs the current update to work.)
5) Once rebooted into the new SystemUI, it will begin walking you through all of your new customization options. You can change any of these anytime you want by opening the "Good Lock" app in your applications list.
NOTE: If you decide that you want to deactivate the alternate SystemUI at any point, then you can just open up the "Good Lock" app and click on "Uninstall" too. You can also uninstall the Galaxy Apps store at any time and features like the new "Recents" page, if you don't like it, can be toggled off in the app as well.
Anyhow, I hope you guys have some fun with this. I'm trying it out for awhile just for kicks. Be sure to let everyone know what you thought of the new SystemUI in the comments too!
Just installed this running N5 Express ROM with no issues yet. Really like being able to have Tasker widget shortcuts on the lockscreen.
catchjeff said:
Just installed this running N5 Express ROM with no issues yet. Really like being able to have Tasker widget shortcuts on the lockscreen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a really good idea. Been trying to think of a more useful widget to use on the lock screen. So far I've only added a fancy clock/weather widget. [emoji14] Maybe I'll give it a try.
Cool cant wait to try it out!
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk
For this you dont need a root or twrp its official from samsung
mirketos said:
For this you dont need a root or twrp its official from samsung
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TWRP is mentioned for backing up your current configuration of TouchWiz(and your device in general) if you can before using Good Lock in case anything goes wrong. Obviously backing up your device is never required, but definitely always recommended when altering the system in any way, regardless of where it comes from. It's important to understand that Good Lock isn't just some Samsung app in the app store or just another launcher that changes the home screen, apps page, etc. It tweaks the system ui itself, including the look and function of the notifications panel, lock screen capabilities and more. It's true that you can just revert back to TW whenever you want pretty easily from within Good Lock, but the process isn't perfect. In fact, I myself applied it and reverted back only 2 times and the second time something went terribly wrong during the reversion and the system halted and it would no longer boot after that, so I had to restore a previous backup which I was glad to have had. All the data that I hadn't recently backed up though was of course lost, so yes...a TWRP backup is recommended when using Good Lock.
Also worth mentioning is the fact that if you're not running a compatible version of the stock firmware or at least a compatible TouchWiz rom, it will try to prevent you from installing it by not showing it in an app store search or by blocking access to the app's page(if you're following a link) in the Galaxy Apps store. For instance, it was there when I was on stock Marshmallow, but does not allow me to access it on stock Nougat. Instead I get error messages saying the app is not supported on my device when trying to load the Good Lock page.
Here is the link btw in case anyone can't find Good Lock in a search and wants to check if it can be used on their device. If it shows it, then it's compatible, if it doesn't then it's likely not. Just open the link in a mobile browser and click "OK" if prompted.
https://apps.samsung.com/jupiter/appquery/appDetail.as?appId=com.android.systemui
bogarty said:
TWRP is mentioned for backing up your current configuration of TouchWiz(and your device in general) if you can before using Good Lock in case anything goes wrong. Obviously backing up your device is never required, but definitely always recommended when altering the system in any way, regardless of where it comes from. It's important to understand that Good Lock isn't just some Samsung app in the app store or just another launcher that changes the home screen, apps page, etc. It tweaks the system ui itself, including the look and function of the notifications panel, lock screen capabilities and more. It's true that you can just revert back to TW whenever you want pretty easily from within Good Lock, but the process isn't perfect. In fact, I myself applied it and reverted back only 2 times and the second time something went terribly wrong during the reversion and the system halted and it would no longer boot after that, so I had to restore a previous backup which I was glad to have had. All the data that I hadn't recently backed up though was of course lost, so yes...a TWRP backup is recommended when using Good Lock.
Also worth mentioning is the fact that if you're not running a compatible version of the stock firmware or at least a compatible TouchWiz rom, it will try to prevent you from installing it by not showing it in an app store search or by blocking access to the app's page(if you're following a link) in the Galaxy Apps store. For instance, it was there when I was on stock Marshmallow, but does not allow me to access it on stock Nougat. Instead I get error messages saying the app is not supported on my device when trying to load the Good Lock page.
Here is the link btw in case anyone can't find Good Lock in a search and wants to check if it can be used on their device. If it shows it, then it's compatible, if it doesn't then it's likely not. Just open the link in a mobile browser and click "OK" if prompted.
https://apps.samsung.com/jupiter/appquery/appDetail.as?appId=com.android.systemui
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok! Haha!! You dont need a make backup or something IT'S OFFICIAL YOU FOOL MAN
mirketos said:
Ok! Haha!! You dont need a make backup or something IT'S OFFICIAL YOU FOOL MAN
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WTF dude? Seriously. Stop being an ass and actually read what I wrote. It's the least you can do after I typed all that out. You're not helping anyone by TROLLING this thread and repeatedly mentioning something so extremely redundant. If you don't want to backup then don't backup. I clearly said that it was obviously not required to do a backup and that I was only recommending to do it because I lost data and couldn't boot after selecting the option to revert back one time. Stop wasting people's time with your pointless comments. NOWHERE does it say in my post that making a backup is Required, so get over yourself. Either stop being a destructive ass or go and troll someone else! Your negative comments are not welcome here.

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