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Hi everyone. Im one of the developers of SwitchMe, and app that allows multiple secure logins into separate installations of android on a single device. The pr is after the break.
I really need a few people to check into some issues people on the original Tab have been experiencing. There are some warnings involved:
- testers must perform a full nandroid backup before using the app, it is not our responsibility if you start getting boot loops
- if you report results or bugs, please use the "Write to us" function in the app whenever possible, and always describe the issue in the header of the logs you send
- if you post here, be sure to include your device type and rom
- if you have apps installed on sd, be sure to mention that as well
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SwitchMe is a unique application for root users that allows you to log in and out of multiple installations of Android just as you would on a desktop computer.
The technology behind SwitchMe saves all of your applications and data, protects it and stores it as a file in memory. You can then log out of an
account and log into a fresh installation of Android or another account with its own unique content.
You may create as many profiles as the memory is capable of holding. Some of these may require very little free memory because they contain few apps,
others will be larger as they contain many applications and lots of cache and data.
Why is this functionality useful?
Privacy - the most obvious benefit is that you can securely share one device among multiple users, which gives you privacy and peace of mind.
Testing - if you are a developer, you can use profiles as clean sandboxes to test your applications and their interaction with the system.
Gaming – with multiple installations of Android on a single device, you can now play online MMOs as different characters.
Speed - the games your kids play slow down your tablet, but with SwitchMe you can easily create profiles without games or instant messengers.
Battery life - when the battery is low but there are important emails or documents to edit later, switch to a profile which only contains these essentials.
These of course are only suggestions - there are plenty of other uses for the functionality SwitchMe offers.
Market link:
https://market.android.com/details?id=fahrbot.apps.switchme
The Lite version allows the creation of two profiles, enough to test on.
Screens:
SwitchMe 1.2 has been rolled out and now includes a lockscreen replacement:
1.2
Added lock screen for logging in and out
More stable Fast switch implementation
Reworked UI colors
Now, its very important that we get some feedback on how this big new feature works, so please read up on it in the help and post your thoughts!
1.2.2 - HOTFIX 2
Reworked widget on qHD+ displays
Fixed widget text on HC and ICS
Fast switch improved on older devices
So guys any comments?
There is no way this app affects recovery whatever youre doing wrong its a user error.
Arobase40 said:
Sorry Man, but I haven't installed Superuser, as the ROM was prebuilt with Superuser and CWM, and was working fine since SwitchMe... ^^
No access to the Market as, AGAIN, no Google apps at all, and so no Market !
I just created the profiles as instructed BUT this apps did NOT copied the Samsung ROM correctly... Don't know what happens with Recovery ???
I've spent the whole night to find out a way to flash back my backup.
This is my report and I can't change it and since this is your first report with this device, I guess ???.
Then telling this is a user error, please explain what was my error except being your first beta tester with your app on this device ???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cant explain anything to you because your description of the issue makes no sense - all i can say is that its not possible for this app to modify the recovery partition. Its physically impossible.
The lack of gapps is probably because they were bot installed in /system. Same with superuser. Check your rom for more info.
Any issues to report?
Not working on Galaxy tab GT-P1000
Hi,
Exact same problem as Arobase40.
I Installed Switchme, added 2 accounts (one for actual user and a new user). Then rebooted. No more market (and google apps) nor SuperUser. SwitchMe and Cwm complain I didn't give root permission.
Is there a solution or do I have to flash rom with Odin ?
Chag
chagam said:
Hi,
Exact same problem as Arobase40.
I Installed Switchme, added 2 accounts (one for actual user and a new user). Then rebooted. No more market (and google apps) nor SuperUser. SwitchMe and Cwm complain I didn't give root permission.
Is there a solution or do I have to flash rom with Odin ?
Chag
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That means there are symlinks to the /system or /data folders where the gapps and superuser are stored. That is the problem - the app does not and will never support these links.
Any issues with the new build?
No... I'm not willing to take into account individuals. I work with the lowest common denominator. Dont like it? Don't use it. Frankly, arguing with a dv really isn't going tointuce him to help you...
Sent from my GT-P6800 using xda premium
1.5.3.5
Profile creation and cloning now restricted to admins
Fixed many device-specific issues from logs
Fixed rare crash on profile switch
Fixed Superuser footprint issue on some ICS tablets
Lots of small issues on the new x86 and MIPS architectures fixed as well
Yes, obviously. But the actual word is trolls - opinionated and easily offended, these creatures can often be found lurking in forums doing nothing much at all other than flaming others and bottom feeding.
A lot of them are in my GIANT ignore list. So long.
1.5.3.8
Fixed issue switching profiles (One X and others)
Fixed rare crash on adding/ removing profiles
Fixed many device specific issues from user logs
ftgg99 said:
That means there are symlinks to the /system or /data folders where the gapps and superuser are stored. That is the problem - the app does not and will never support these links.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does that mean all SGT P-1000 will have the same problem? I have no problem losing gapps, I can always download it from goo manager. I'm afraid I would lose superuser/root access like they did.
Will it work on ICS CM-9mod (MTD)?
It would be a killer app if this can work.
No of course not. It applies only to roms with symlinks.
Well I just moved from CM9 to AOKP and because I am not a dev, I wouldn't know if they use any symlinks or not when they make their custom ROM.
But I decided to go ahead install ur app and see if it will work. We'll find out soon.
Here goes nothing. I hope it will work.
Test Result
yappoe said:
Well I just moved from CM9 to AOKP and because I am not a dev, I wouldn't know if they use any symlinks or not when they make their custom ROM.
But I decided to go ahead install ur app and see if it will work. We'll find out soon.
Here goes nothing. I hope it will work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey! So far it works! That means:
1. This apps works for SGT-P1000 with CM9 Rom, as well as AOKP rom
2. both AOKP and CM9 builds do not have symlink.
Here are the test cases I did
(You asked us to test just the compatibilityto P1000 not the functionality)
preps:
1. downloaded SwithMe from Google play. App automatically installed
2. Backed up everything in titanium backup
3. Reboot to Recovery and did nandroid backup
TC1. Startup SwitchMe app Result: App startup, displaying 2 warnings.
Warning 1. Preparation warning. 2. Apps on Sdcard warning
TC2. - Move allapps on SDcard back to internal sdcard, restart SwitchMe app
result: 1warning displayed.
- Confirm warning
result: Superuser asks for confirmation for access
- Confirm superuser access Result: App goes to empty page with "Add profile" button.
TC3 Create 2 profilea
Result: Both created.
TC4. Activate Profile, reboot.
Result: Tablet rebooted and started normally
TC5. Activate profile 2, Reboot
Result1: Tablet rebooted and started as a new untouched rom,
prompting user to initial wizard.
Result2: SwitchMe app available, while other user apps are not available.
Result3: gapps are still available.
I hope this helps.
Thank you. A pleasure to see someone actually help us out!
My pleasure.
Pointers for users:
1. Using different google accounts for different profiles will prevent you from downloading app from playstore (error message).
2. Do not select google backup when setting up second profile. If you select google backup, it will automatically install missing apps from google market, therefore you will have an exact clone with your main profile at the end.
Once you get used to it, it is a nice app to have.
!!! AppSync requires a rooted device !!!
About
AppSync syncs your apps data over your local network from one Android device to another. Devices will find each other using multicast (just like UPnP/DLNA).
Features
- Syncing apps data over local network
- Auto-detection of devices in network
- Comparing hashes and timestamps of app data
- All communication is encrypted
- (Pro) No ads
Future Features
- Transfer APK [v1.1]
- Background Discoverability [v1.1]
- Sync over Bluetooth [v1.2]
- Shortcuts [v1.2]
- (Pro) Sync over NFC [v1.3]
- (Pro) PC App (Win/Linux/Mac) for backups over local network [tbd]
- (Pro) Cloud Sync (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) [tbd]
Pro version
As mentioned above, the Pro version removes ads and will give you more features in future. Purchasing it will support me and help me investing more time into projects like this.
Known Bugs
- v1.0: WhatsApp does not work, this will be fixed in v1.1
- v1.0: Connectivity issues, this will be fixed in v1.1
Change Log
v1.0.3) hotfix: fix ads
v1.0.2) hotfix: fix force closes
v1.0.1) hotfix: fix "tools not found" and force closes on start
v1.0) initial release
Download
Videos
Review by wwjoshdew
Very interesting application!
good work!
This app looks great. Thanks a lot.
awesome!!!
just what i needed to sync apps and angry birds levels between me and my brother
chrulri said:
Future Features
- (Pro) Sync over Bluetooth
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NFC would be great too
FunkyELF said:
NFC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NFC sounds interesting since it's quick and easy to use. I'll keep that in mind and start looking around for another NFC device for testing since my only NFC device at this time is my Galaxy Nexus.
Can this app be use to backup app data? Like ID and Password.
doesnt work with whatsapp... its wipe the app data...
working with anothers apps
its a good application and good luck
@nelsdzyre You can use this app to save your app data on another device and see this as a backup. If you want to do a backup using a single device you would need something like a backup tool like TitaniumBackup. If a backup succeeds depends on the app you want to backup because some apps encrypt their data with a device specific key so this will not work but maybe a local backup using TitaniumBackup will.
@yogevx this may be a limitation by WhatsApp, does syncing WhatsApps data work if you try to push the app data manually using TitaniumBackup or any similiar backup tools?
chrulri said:
@yogevx this may be a limitation by WhatsApp, does syncing WhatsApps data work if you try to push the app data manually using TitaniumBackup or any similiar backup tools?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, work with titanium backup, but push app+data.. i didnt try to push only the data
edit: try now and its working with TB (only push data)
yogevx said:
edit: try now and its working with TB (only push data)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for testing, I took this on my todo list and will look into it soon. I'll report back in this thread when I got news.
chrulri said:
Thank you for testing, I took this on my todo list and will look into it soon. I'll report back in this thread when I got news.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you... good luck!
Now this is what I call an app. My drag racing will never be lost again. You got my support on this one!
Great app! 10/10
Was wondering if on future updates you could add some functionality to not only share App data, but apps themselves? I find myself having to manually pull the apk for Whatsapp from my phone using TiBu every time I want to update Whatsapp on my WiFi Tablet and thought this would help alleviate those issues. :laugh:
littleemp said:
Was wondering if on future updates you could add some functionality to not only share App data, but apps themselves?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was discussing this with a friend last week. I just added it to my list :good:
chrulri said:
I was discussing this with a friend last week. I just added it to my list :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the only risk to consider is "piracy" .. you may want to consider some sort of google acct authentication or something similar so ppl cant just share any app with anyone.. you'll run into some major legal issues
idea
talk with google about mix it with google drive
@mcmb03 piracy was one of our discussion points but since apps aren't saved in a "special" location anymore and even paid apps can be moved to sdcard without rooting but are protected using some kind of license verification like Google's LVL (License Verification Library), this is not a problem and especially no legal issue.
You can share any app with anyone as soon as you root your device. But your friend will not be able to run it, because paid apps have built in license verification libraries.
tl;dr: No piracy possible without modifying (e.g. hacking) paid apps.
TF201 (Stock) ICS
HD2 (Typhoon CM7 3.8.8) Gingerbread
Both using the same sync key.
The HD2 finds the TF201.
The TF201 struggles to find the HD2 sometimes. A closing and re-opening of the app is needed.
Sync from the HD2 to TF201:
Click on TF201. The TF201 displays the big AppSync logo.
The list of apps on the TF201 appear. Nice.
Tried "Cut the Rope" and "Wold of Goo" push from HD2 to TF201.
Failed.
Drops back to the device selection screen on both devices.
Sync from the TF201 to HD2:
If the HD2 appears (it usually doesn't)
Click on HD2. The HD2 displays the big AppSync logo.
The list of apps on the HD2 appear.
Tried several games push from HD2 to TF201.
Sync Done appears, but nothing actually works.
Tried push from TF201 to HD2 (Hungry Shark).
Failed.
Drops back to the device selection screen on both devices.
Bug 1: The screen turned off as I clicked HD2. When I turned the screen back on, the listening for device screen appeared on the HD2. On the TF201, the apps list still stayed. When clicking on an app, "an unknown error occurred" followed by a "connection timed out" error. The app doesn't like the screen turning off. It seems to drop the connection when this occurs.
Bug 2: On the HD2, the TF201 appears multiple times. Each time it goes back to the device selection screen after a sync failed, it adds another device. Same name, same IP address. Clicking each one had the same functionality. An annoying bug, The same issue happened on the TF201 when the sync failed. Getting devices to connect to each other (I think after clicking on the other device) removes some, if not all the multiple entries.
Overall, the app did not work for me, but a good idea. This app has great potential.
Automatic sync of selected apps would be awesome, and more intuitive icons than >> and << . I need to click them to see what they do, and I think on ICS, they may be swapped around.
@xebozone thank you very much for your detailed report, I will have a look into this asap and include the fix in next version. :good:
Dear users,
Considering all 3C apps are now based on the same source code, they all behave the same way, and will exhibit the same issues. Any queries will also likely applies to all apps.
To make my life easier while continuing to provide support here (and start with a clean slate), I decided to close all my app threads and open a fresh new thread here.
With your continuous help and support, the past 4 years have been a great adventure and experience. Let's take a fresh start and continue this amazing adventure.
Thank you all!
*** See at the end of this post on how to get support for any issues ***
The most comprehensive toolbox to save battery, tweak, tune, backup, secure and monitor any Android devices running any ROMs, any kernels.
What is 3C Toolbox
Replaces 20+ apps easily worth 30€ for the price of a couple of beers!
NB: Starting with version 1.0.3, Android 2.2.x and 2.1.x are no longer supported. App supports Android 2.3 and above, including Android L preview.
Safest root app on Play Store: I run the app and all its features on at least 4 devices every day, and change 3 of them frequently for testing purposes. With about 250.000+ actual users, it's pretty safe to assume the app is very safe. App can create a reset package to disable all system tweak features from CWM/TWRP at any time. App has automatic fallback in case of boot loops while re-configuring the CPU.
See signature for download links.
☺ App Features
☺ 3C Apps Feature Comparison
☺ More app screenshots
☺ Low CPU consumption, please check benchmarks
☺ Get started guide
☺ Online help
♦♦ Unique features not available elsewhere ♦♦
◊ Track your ROM, kernel and battery performance (%/h or mA, screen on or standby)
◊ Battery milli-amp (mA), mW and %/h consumption reporting
◊ Automatic backup of installed and updated applications
◊ Highly configurable graphical monitoring widgets
◊ Advanced script editor
♦♦ Unique features not available elsewhere (root required) ♦♦
◊ Clean and safe reboots, without data loss
◊ Turn on/off APN, BT discovery, tethering, GPS & WiFi Localization
◊ Logcat reader for Android JellyBean 4.1.x
◊ Easiest Link2SD / App2SD capabilities ever
◊ More about permissions requested
◊ Issues with CPU temperature or battery current mA or capacity mAh?
Please explain this in a support request from app settings, help and support so we can provide the appropriate option to use in 'mA retrieval method' of battery / monitoring settings and add out-of-the-box support for your device. All necessary information is provided in the request's attachments.
◊ How to get support for any other issues
Please send a support request from app settings, help and support. You need to clearly explain your issue, attach any relevant screenshots showing where and how the issue occurs. I will not provide any support here.
All I ask is to provide reasonable details for me to be able to help, empty requests are mostly trashed, I keep one requests per device for the sake of a possible source of information for how the app supports things, to possibly fix things too or compare between variants of the same device.
For example a support request contain the following (you can check the content before sending it!),
all discovered SD cards, very useful for any related issues, including the mentioned read cache stuff.
app installation path and configuration, for xposed, battery, cpu, tweaks, apps or task managers problems.
battery history and configuration for any battery problems.
CPU configuration for CPU problems, including thermal, mp, voltage, etc
The idea is that you explain the observed issue, possibly add a screenshot so that I know exactly where to look for (app has 100+ screens and sometimes words don't mean the same for you and me), and there I can really do a good job at helping you.
PS: And so you know, I hate liars, insults, disrespect and myself. So please try to avoid those when requesting support.
Actually if you want support, posting the whole support request content, the screenshot and details here should be ok. Doing otherwise, I'll either ignore you completely or send you elsewhere very quickly, you want to leave me a one star rating, so be it: developing is my passion and I love it, you want my help, do it the right way or don't at all. I don't develop for stars, I develop for fun.
Attention !!!! Installs an apk to /system/ dosnt know what it does !!! Apk is there when uninstalled too !!!!
Will the users of BMW pro and system tuner pro get a discount or count this as an upgrade?
Amazing! Downloading now.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Hi 3c,
Not a bad idea to make an "all in one", just need to see about memory, battery and CPU usage... but I am pretty confident about that
No more update for System Tuner pro?
In all cases I buy it! (although slightly damage the impressive increase in the price ).
Thanks and congratulations for your new app
DJxSpeedy said:
Attention !!!! Installs an apk to /system/ dosnt know what it does !!! Apk is there when uninstalled too !!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've updated the first post with more information about that. Will publish an updated APK to ask user permission before installing it within the next hour.
EDIT: Didn't expected you guys to be so quick while I finalize the publishing of all required information.
By the way, the uninstall process can't uninstall other stuff, but as a rooted device, you should have no problem getting rid of this APK.
Please try the new APK published a minute ago (available in a couple of hours) that will allow you to refuse the APK installation.
dirtyreturn said:
Will the users of BMW pro and system tuner pro get a discount or count this as an upgrade?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, just contact me with the order lists (bmw, system tuner and the new android tuner) and I'll refund old apps. This is the migration plan I'm working on.
EDIT: As of December 20th, 2013, direct refunds on Play Store are no longer possible. This was the only available way to offer discounts in a decent way. PayPal was an alternative available until February 2014, but it was abandonned because of the complexity, 30+% extra fees and the lack of global support (some countries could not receive refunds).
viking37 said:
Hi 3c,
Not a bad idea to make an "all in one", just need to see about memory, battery and CPU usage... but I am pretty confident about that
No more update for System Tuner pro?
In all cases I buy it! (although slightly damage the impressive increase in the price ).
Thanks and congratulations for your new app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, high price for now to avoid users who just try any apps and put comments after a few minutes of testing. And also to be able to offer discounts by refunding old apps paid version.
Nevertheless there will be updates on existing apps (not everyone wants an all in one app) with existing improvements, except features that require additional permissions.
Do you think youll ever add ability to spoof app permissions? And let user input the value... This would be an ultimate feature!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
NicholasQ said:
Do you think youll ever add ability to spoof app permissions? And let user input the value... This would be an ultimate feature!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm looking into this actually, along with a smart "renicer", but both requires hacking Android or every APK to monitor and it turns out to be very complex.
There's 3 existing solutions on Market today:
- Hacking of Android class loader, as done by LBE Security app.
- Hacking of APK installed, as done by SRT Guard
- Patching the ROM like PDroid does.
They all have their advantages and problems, but the APK hacking seems the best option to go for as it results in a more stable experience, not as dependent on Android version as the 2 others and probably less disruptive as LBE can be when it messes up one's device. But then I'm not sure an APK can actually be installed properly
That said, I'm still looking into the first solution hacking app loading directly.
3c said:
I've updated the first post with more information about that. Will publish an updated APK to ask user permission before installing it within the next hour.
EDIT: Didn't expected you guys to be so quick while I finalize the publishing of all required information.
By the way, the uninstall process can't uninstall other stuff, but as a rooted device, you should have no problem getting rid of this APK.
Please try the new APK published a minute ago (available in a couple of hours) that will allow you to refuse the APK installation.
Yes, just contact me with the order lists (bmw, system tuner and the new android tuner) and I'll refund old apps. This is the migration plan I'm working on.
Yes, high price for now to avoid users who just try any apps and put comments after a few minutes of testing. And also to be able to offer discounts by refunding old apps paid version.
Nevertheless there will be updates on existing apps (not everyone wants an all in one app) with existing improvements, except features that require additional permissions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We are Quick we are fast...we are xda !
DJxSpeedy said:
We are Quick we are fast...we are xda !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not at removing bad comment on Market though
So i take it you find this app extremely bad to rate it one star, right?
yes iam that i dosnt have it installed atm.. but one is good that you are here.. i have another bug for you
why does it make an backup of build.prop when i change nothing at it ?
DJxSpeedy said:
yes iam that i dosnt have it installed atm.. but one is good that you are here.. i have another bug for you
why does it make an backup of build.prop when i change nothing at it ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So far you didn't find any bugs.
changed my play store entry about it
Is this [really] compatible with gingerbread? It lags, 'freezes' on screen and I have to long click the home button. I am using a sensation 4g 2.3.4. I'll get a logcat if you will find that that will help.
DJxSpeedy said:
changed my play store entry about it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, appreciated. I'm sure your new entry will be more useful to new users.
So I still hope you can enjoy my new app and report any of your findings, directly here or best is using the 'support request' from the app settings, it provides a lot of useful information for debugging
dirtyreturn said:
Is this [really] compatible with gingerbread? It lags, 'freezes' on screen and I have to long click the home button. I am using a sensation 4g 2.3.4. I'll get a logcat if you will find that that will help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it is compatible. When did it lag? After requesting to install the system app or at some other times?
When lagging, the OS usually creates a file in /data/anr/traces.txt. If you experience a new lag, you can send it to me, possibly using the support request feature in the app settings. You can then attach a file to the newly created email.
When it comes to lags (or ANRs for that matter), logcat is useless. It only mentions a reference to the traces.txt file
3c said:
Yes it is compatible. When did it lag? After requesting to install the system app or at some other times?
When lagging, the OS usually creates a file in /data/anr/traces.txt. If you experience a new lag, you can send it to me, possibly using the support request feature in the app settings. You can then attach a file to the newly created email.
When it comes to lags (or ANRs for that matter), logcat is useless. It only mentions a reference to the traces.txt file
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To me (if I'm wrong it's all user error) the system apk it was requesting to install (it appeared to me) was for ics/jb, so I refused the install. Your app kept requesting to install the extras. After a little thought - is the extra apk mandatory? No intention to cause any concern if what I'm experiencing is nonsense. I have not rated your app on the play store.
It lagged randomly.
dirtyreturn said:
To me (if I'm wrong it's all user error) the system apk it was requesting to install (it appeared to me) was for ics/jb, so I refused the install. Your app kept requesting to install the extras. After a little thought - is the extra apk mandatory? No intention to cause any concern if what I'm experiencing is nonsense. I have not rated your app on the play store.
It lagged randomly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The extra APK is now only for specific toggles as I manage to find a different work around for the JB logcat issue. Those toggles include the APN (mobile data), background data (this one's obsolete), debug mode, unknown sources, gps and wifi localization. The 1 useful toggles is for GPS though.
Until you press 'do not ask again', the app would continue to request the APK installation ;(
As for the lags you're experiencing that seems like a bug. Have you found any trace.txt in /data/anr directory by any chance?
It's just fair to be concerned with things like that, I can understand. But installing an app requesting 35 permissions, then granting root access to that app and then being scared about a 40Kb APK being installed on /system folder is quite funny actually.
If I may make this comparison, it's like letting a heavily armed man (the 35 permissions+root) in your home and then being worried being he is hiding a wallet (the 40Kb apk) in your home!
Anyway, bad comments always call for improvements
3c said:
The extra APK is now only for specific toggles as I manage to find a different work around for the JB logcat issue. Those toggles include the APN (mobile data), background data (this one's obsolete), debug mode, unknown sources, gps and wifi localization. The 1 useful toggles is for GPS though.
Until you press 'do not ask again', the app would continue to request the APK installation ;(
As for the lags you're experiencing that seems like a bug. Have you found any trace.txt in /data/anr directory by any chance?
It's just fair to be concerned with things like that, I can understand. But installing an app requesting 35 permissions, then granting root access to that app and then being scared about a 40Kb APK being installed on /system folder is quite funny actually.
If I may make this comparison, it's like letting a heavily armed man (the 35 permissions+root) in your home and then being worried being he is hiding a wallet (the 40Kb apk) in your home!
Anyway, bad comments always call for improvements
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems permissions are about the same as some system apps. the taces.txt is up for you. Hope it does something helpful. Thanks for the app. I had sent a PM with the information about the purchases. I do not use google wallet.
Awesome news that you are working on user defined app permissions. I really hope you can find a good work around. And I do currently use SRT appguard in conjuction with Android Tuner and I did notice it seems to handle disabling app permissions pretty good. The only downside is that you won't get app updates from market but that's not a big deal to me. I think if you can get the spoofing action to work, a lot of people are going to want your app. There are plenty of times I haven't downloaded an app because I didn't like it's permissions. So being able to control them without breaking the app will be a dream come true.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Hi everybody,
I now use a custom ROM based on CM 12.1 (Lollipop, Android 5.1.1) on my SGS4 i9505.
All in all it's fine - but I miss some of the features which Samsung adds to their app versions.
So I wonder if it is possible to add the original Samsung apps to my custom ROM, namely the contact and the SMS app.
Is it possible (without touchwiz etc.)? And if yes, how can I extract the apps from stock ROM?
Or even better, where can I download them?
Alternatively who can tell me other 3rd party contact apps which are able to link together contacts of several accounts and have good overview, search and editable features.
The original Android app is very confusing for me and also lacks above features.
I also tried contacts+ which is (in my sight) not much better...
Bodenseematze
Bodenseematze said:
Hi everybody,
I now use a custom ROM based on CM 12.1 (Lollipop, Android 5.1.1) on my SGS4 i9505.
All in all it's fine - but I miss some of the features which Samsung adds to their app versions.
So I wonder if it is possible to add the original Samsung apps to my custom ROM, namely the contact and the SMS app.
Is it possible (without touchwiz etc.)? And if yes, how can I extract the apps from stock ROM?
Or even better, where can I download them?
Alternatively who can tell me other 3rd party contact apps which are able to link together contacts of several accounts and have good overview, search and editable features.
The original Android app is very confusing for me and also lacks above features.
I also tried contacts+ which is (in my sight) not much better...
Bodenseematze
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is very hard almost impossible to port any thing from samsung to aosp due to touchwiz framework
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk
AbdoAdel said:
It is very hard almost impossible to port any thing from samsung to aosp due to touchwiz framework
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bad news
So the touchwiz framework is put deep into Samsung's Android Versions?
Not only a "framework" library? :crying:
The only reason I want the Samsung apps because the plain Android ones lacks some featrues.
So I'm sure there must be some 3rd party out there wich also have these - but currently I didn't find it
Very important for me ist the possibility to link together contacts with information in several account sources (phone, several carddav sources, google, whatsapp,...).
So that all available information of a contact can be seen in one place - without loosing the possibility to keep (and edit/move/copy) the different information at different source places...
Does anybody know such a contact / dialer app which does not need the touchwiz framework?
I think there is a possibility...
Bodenseematze said:
Bad news
So the touchwiz framework is put deep into Samsung's Android Versions?
Not only a "framework" library? :crying:
The only reason I want the Samsung apps because the plain Android ones lacks some featrues.
So I'm sure there must be some 3rd party out there wich also have these - but currently I didn't find it
Very important for me ist the possibility to link together contacts with information in several account sources (phone, several carddav sources, google, whatsapp,...).
So that all available information of a contact can be seen in one place - without loosing the possibility to keep (and edit/move/copy) the different information at different source places...
Does anybody know such a contact / dialer app which does not need the touchwiz framework?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a possibility!
First download all apps from the internet
Then move them to the framework folder
Restart your phone
Done
Exdialer and chomp sms are my favourite alternatives. Maybe you should give them a try.
I use true dealer and yaata sms. Both have development forums on "apps and games" of xda, so you can writte to developers to ask something.
Of course both app are full of customization and very useful
...why do I post this? Actually, I hoped to achieve less battery drainage without Google's well known tendency to permanently collect and transmit data. However, my initial observations don't prove extended battery life but I'm going to continue tracking the battery drainage and will eventually edit the respective post in this thread. At least, I'm already definitely able to state that I've less wakelocks, alarms, and running services than before. Furthermore, some of these crazy, weird indicated *alarms* and *launch* are gone.
Additionally, I'm monitoring the below mentioned microG-treads and recognise that quite a lot of people obviously have problems to get microG to run (honestly, as me too about six months ago, when I first attempted). Thus, I take the oportunity to provide my procedure how I've got microG to perform its desired duties.
If you're really interested into microG I suggest to read @Shadow53's post here.
By going "GApps free" I was able to achieve one of my decisive points to protect my own centre of gravity. However, monitoring the related microG threads I realised quite a few people have other motives for GApps free devices and seem not to have impediments for sharing and exchanging information with Google, obviously neither my personal way nor my consensus. For completeness, I like to share some of the other opinions to enable everyone to make up an own mind. Please find some posts here, here, or here. Additionally, @ale5000 provided a comparision between GApps and microG here.
It doesn't require bravery but only the strong will to get rid of all the useless Google services and activities despite the fact that I already succeeded in not selling my private data to Google at all by the use of some tools, policies, and procedures. Just to make it more clearly, I don't and don't want to use any of the applications provided by Google (except the Google Play Store (PS) for a very specific reason described below). I'm convinced there're alternatives to each of the Google applications around, which are respecting my privacy concerns and aren't necessarily so enormously blown up. Some aren't for free but I'm happy to support a developer and the development in regard to an excellent application; some of the applications you need to pay for on Google PS you get for free in same quality and "update level" e.g. at F-Droid.
Please allow me to mention a few of the applications I use but forgive me for not providing links to them; a simple web search will show you the way.
Email: "K-9 Mail R2Mail2" in conjunction with "OpenKeychain"; Browser: "Slimperiance", "Orfox" together with "Orbot"; Maps & Navigation: "OsmAnd~"; SMS/MMS: "chompSMS" and "Silence" (but no WiFi or mobile data access); Weather: "Avia Weather", "Das Wetter in Deutschland", "WarnWetter", "WetterOnline"; Messenger: "Conversations" in conjunction with a XMPP-Jabber-account; Camera: the ROM inherent one; Contacts: ROM inherent but synchronised via home-WiFi with PC via "MyPhoneExplorer"; Calendar: as for contacts before; Music: "VLC" (but no WiFi or mobile data access); Launcher: "Nova"; PDF-reader: "Xodo Docs PDF Viewer" (Remark: I personally don't require the capability to open any Microsoft Office or Open Office file types on my phone).
If you think I forgot something just ask!
You might now ask yourself why I didn't just live without Google but moved to the microG project instead? I require following capabilities:
Fixing of the current location of my device both using GPS and/or WiFi or Mobile Data.
GCM Push Notifications.
Access to the Google PS, especially to have access to my paid applications, donations, and to beta programs of some applications I like.
Some of my preferred applications must have an indication that (a kind of) Google Play Services is available on the device in order to correctly function or even to be positively installed.
EDIT (2017-05-02): In regard to the use of the Magisk module "NanoMod" please refer to post #14!
First, I'm extremely happy with my "GAppsless" system - running smoothly without any problems and all functionalities I desired! I don't have benchmarks but personally I've the impression my current ROM is performing faster, smoother, simply better than with Gapps.
To achieve a location fix runs perfectly in all three modes (including energy saving mode just by WiFi or mobile network) and definitely much faster than with GApps; GCM push notifications work; BlankStore ran as advertised, all installed apps were indicated and available updates, download of apps or updates without problems, and as advertised paid apps or beta versions were not available. Latter was the one and only reason why I installed the Google PS as the only Google application. For the procedure please see below.
Installation was quite easily accomplished by simply following the OP of [APP] microG GmsCore - lightweight free software clone of Google Play Services by @MaR-V-iN.
First, I ensured I'd both the Titanium Backup (TB) APK file and the TB Pro-Key APK file on my external storage the booted into recovery (in my case TWRP). I create a NANDROID backup by TWRP and then clean flashed my favourite ROM (in my case: Resurrection Remix® by @rodman01) i.e. wiped /dalvik, /cache, /system and /data (including internal storage - my Titanium backup is on external storage), factory reset. Flashed my favourite kernel, followed by flashing of Chainfire's SuperSU v2.76 (this is by my information the latest SuperSU by Chainfire himself. I refuse to go for the CCMT SuperSU v2.78, and I've issues with my kernel control application if I e.g. use phh's systemless SuperUser).
There no need any more to flash the Xposed framework through TWRP since @rovo89's version 3.1.1 of the XposedInstaller (this is true for my GT-I9305 and might be different to other devices/ROMs). In my case, the Xposed framework is absolutely necessary as my ROM does not support signature faking and I had to use the respective FakeGapps APK. Due to @Primokorn I became aware there are other tools like Needle or Tingle (just search for them) to get signature spoofing for Nougat (until we have Xposed).
Reboot into system.
Remark: Quoted from MaR-V-iN's above linked thread: "...You need a 4/5/6 ROM that is GAPPS-free. Either don't install them or remove them, if your ROM ships them. Please note that microG GmsCore might run on a cleaned stock ROM, but it might also brick it or cause random bugs. Be aware that only latest Android versions (4.4+) are regularly tested and thus prioritized over older versions when issues occur..."
Completed my desired initial ROM setup and installed the TB APK and the Pro-Key APK. Made the necessary TB setup especially the location of my backups. Restored XposedInstaller and all initially required applications via TB but definitely include F-Droid and the application with a root explorer of your desire, I'm personally using SD Maid - System cleaning tool by @Dark3n (all others were restored after installation of microG). Please do not restore or install any application, which require GCM push notifications, before having installed microG! Performed the setup for all restored applications. Installed the Xposed framework via XposedInstaller. Reboot. Installed the FakeGapps APK and activated it in Xposed. Reboot.
I followed this procedure (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=42983611&postcount=306), downloaded the "android-checkin-1.0.jar" and "bla.bat" and generated an Android ID for my Google PS account. Please be advised about this information I received from @pupsidze: "Accounts created online does NOT work with this. I have registered an account via friend's phone and it worked like a charm..." This obviously means you must use an account that was formerly created through the Google PS on an Android device.
I downloaded following APKs on PC and moved them to my external storage:
microG Services Core
microG Services Framework Proxy
UnifiedNlp APK (This tool works for me; however, if you have problems there're two others available at this [URL="http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/app-g-unifiednlp-floss-wi-fi-cell-tower-t2991544"]UnifiedNlp - FLOSS Wi-Fi- and cell-tower-based geolocation thread by @MaR-V-iN as well as a link to a respective Xposed module). @Primokorn made me aware that you don't need to install UnifiedNlp.apk since it's already included into microG.
BlankStore Attention, you must manually grant "storage permissions" (thanks to @Primokorn
Install all of the above, then move into F-Droid to download the backends for UnifiedNlp as indicated in the above mentioned UnifiedNlp thread and install them. I'm personally using the two following backends: "LocalGsmNlpBackend" and "NominatimNlpBackend".
Follow step no. 4 of the installation instructions in the OP of [APP] microG GmsCore - lightweight free software clone of Google Play Services by @MaR-V-iN. For the setup of the "LocalGsmNlpBackend", I'm using the database of "Mozilla Location Service" because the download of the OpenCellID database quite often broke down. Please be aware that the download takes quite a few time due to the size of the database (only do via WiFi!!!), and choose before the areas you interested in in order not to "overload" your storage! At this point, I rebooted then went in "BlankStore" or as it appeared as "Android Market" on my app list.
When you open "Android Market" the first time, it requires you to enter the credentials of your Google account. Enter your Google email address, Google password and the Android ID you generated earlier. If everything worked as advertised all your already installed applications should appear in the "Android Market" after you hit "installed apps".
I suggest to now run the self check in the microG settings. Before you do, ensure that location is enabled in the ROM settings otherwise you want get a tick mark in the last row of the check. If any other tick mark is missing just recheck your settings and especially if all permissions are granted.
When I was at the point to restore my remaining applications via TB, I wasn't initially able to restore 6 out of my about 100-ish applications; a new installation of these applications failed, too. Just by accident, I checked the homepage of one of these apps (Öffi) and realised that one of its requirements was to have a pre-installed Maps Library v1; however, they also offered an AOSP version, which was running without GApps but microG. This was for me the first indication not to have Maps Library v1 but only v2 installed.
I discovered (again) @MaR-V-iN's NOGAPPS Project (NetworkLocation, MapsAPI, Blank Store) thread, downloaded and flashed the Maps API Flashable Zip. All resistant applications were installable afterwards and are running properly.
Conclusion: If some apps can't be installed it's most likely due to missing Maps Library v1.
Last but not least, I manually installed Google PS by downloading its latest version from apkmirror.com and renamed it to Phonesky.apk. (EDIT (2017-03-25): Please be aware that @ale5000 recomments here to use version 5.1.11. Personally, I use the method described here for purchases in Google PS.) Then I created a folder called Phonesky via my root explorer in /system/priv-app/ and set its permissions to "755 (rwxr-xr-x)". I move the renamed Phonesky.apk into this folder and change its permissions to "644 (rw-r--r--)". Rebooted and was done.
After the reboot, I noticed the following:
The formerly "Android Market" (BlankStore) was no longer available in the app list but a "Play Store".
A Google account was available under ROM settings => Accounts; however, synchronisation was automatically disabled.
Via Google PS, my Google account was accessible including all purchases I did.
At "My Apps & Games" no apps were indicated under "installed apps", under "all apps" all my installed apps were shown and the ones not installed but downloaded in the past. No "beta" tab was shown.
In my "donation apps" (e.g. Amplify) the donation was again indicated.
I went to my Google account on Google Play Store (on my PC) and walked my way through all of my applications by clicking on "install" despite the indication that it was already installed. Obviously the applications apk's were again "beamed" to my device (and installed (???) again occasionally with a timely delay of about an hour). However, eventually the Play Store on the phone indicated all applications now also under "installed apps", if applicable updates were provided, the tab "beta" was created and I was back into all beta programs I had formerly joined. Play Store runs exactly the same as before when I had Gapps installed.
Meanwhile I experienced that Play Store automatically synchronises all my apps by itself i.e. I learnt to be patient.
Please advise if you believe I missed something or in case of any question! Be aware, I took my time to conduct all of the above; didn't do it in a single step i.e. I was running more or less two operating systems on my device simultaneously and switch back and forth. Now, I'm only (and will only be) staying on my "GAppsless" ROM!
P.S. Before you install one of the "directly linked" apk-files recheck if it's the current version!
CREDITS: To everybody who I mentioned in this OP or the subsequent posts. If I forgot someone I apologise. Please let me know in this case or if you want to be more prominently given credit; I'm happy to immediately follow such a request!
EDIT (2017-04-14): Please find a more brief procedure below at post #8.
Off topic comments are allowed as long they are generally related to the overall topic, are in the general interest of the followers of this thread and add value to the thread. The ultimate decision rests with me as the OP!
Hi @noc.jfcbs, did you get your Google Play Store app auto-updated?
@bam80: Negative, gratefully no Google Play Store auto-update!
I personally assume that functionality comes with Google Play Services that aren't installed obviously. I don't know (and I'm not going to try) if the Play Store auto-updates if I grant permission for auto-updates in the Play Store settings.
Occasionally, I manually check for new Play Store versions, and XDA labs also indicates when updates are available. However, I already realised that not all new versions are compatible with my device running on RR v5.7.4 Sammy. And as long as my current Play Store version works why should I replace it?
Never had problems with newest Play Store versions. I just thought that if Play Services were responsible for the update, now microg should take its place. Sadly, this functionality seems do not implemented. Had never needed to update Play Store by hand. Thanks for answer, though
Play Store has its own update services, hence the reason it still updates itself w/out Play Services. Sadly it doesn't have a setting to not do so. The do not auto update setting applies to apps installed from the store.
On one of my microG ROMs the Play Store kept updating itself which was getting quite annoying. Especially since I was using a TBO Clear version. Blocked the two services responsible and all is good. That's a KitKat ROM with a 7.6.x Play Store. Operating fine despite a new "need to update Google Services" notification.
On a regular GApped ROM that is using an older themed Play Store that I like it also kept getting updated. Blocked the services there and no updates since.
In some cases and for some folks, blocking the services after the fact might mess up the store a bit (nothing shows up in My Apps). Clearing cache and data usually fixes that.
On crDroid Nougat where I had to start over from scratch, due to ROM rebase, I blocked the services early on before activating Google account and running the store. All good there also.
The two services are shown in the screenshot from MyAndroidTools.
LG G3 D851, PAC-MAN LP ROM, MultiROM, Tapatalk 4.9.5
@marcdw: Thanks very much for the thorough explanation. In deed really helpful. However, my Play Store didn't auto-update despite both services been enabled. Anyhow, I disabled them too.
It's funny how that works sometimes. My main ROM, PAC-MAN LP that I've been running forever, also didn't update. No blocked services or anything. Just never did. That was cool. Other ROMs would update at the drop of a hat though.
LG G3 D851, OctOS Nougat ROM, MultiROM, Tapatalk 4.9.5
Just recently, about three weeks ago, we decided to also go for GApps-free on my wife's device (a Samsung GT-i9305, too).
I'd like to more briefly explain the procedure I used.
I clean flashed the ROM of my wife's desire (certainly a GApps-free one) and the desired kernel. Installed XposedInstaller 3.1.1 and through it the Xposed framework, followed by the FakeGapps Xposed module. Activation and reboot.
Please be aware that we're using the same Google account on both devices. At no point during the procedure, I had to generate an Android ID by "android-checkin-1.0.jar" and "bla.bat".
Downloaded following APK's in its latest versions from here and installed them in this order:
microG Services Core
microG Services Framework Proxy
BlankStore
Downloaded and installed F-Droid. In turn, I downloaded and installed following backends from F-Droid:
LocalGsmNlpBackend
NominatimNlpBackend
Configured the backends to my desire. For the setup of the "LocalGsmNlpBackend", I used the database of "Mozilla Location Service", selected the countries of my desire and downloaded the database (takes quite a while; suggest to only proceed via WiFi).
From apkmirror.com, downloaded (but did not install) "Google Play Store 7.5.08.M-all [0] [PR] 146162341" (personally best experiences with this version; some later version even don't install on our devices). Renamed the play store download to Phonesky.apk. Via my root explorer, I created a folder called Phonesky in /system/priv-app/ and set its permissions to "755 (rwxr-xr-x)". I move the renamed Phonesky.apk into this folder and change its permissions to "644 (rw-r--r--)". Rebooted.
Downloaded Maps API Flashable Zip from NOGAPPS Project (NetworkLocation, MapsAPI, Blank Store) and booted into TWRP. Flashed the zip, back into system.
Created a (our) Google account in the ROM settings.
Ensure that all applications mentioned above had their necessary permissions (e.g. location, storage etc.). Opened Google Play Store the first time to check its functionality and to modify its settings. Run the "self check" in the microG settings to confirm all items are tick-marked.
While writing this post, I realised that the Play Store was auto-updated to "Google Play Store 7.6.08.N-all [0] [PR] 149245622"! This is weird as I have the respective services disable via MyAndroidTools (see attached screenshot). I need to dig closer into this.
I tried to do the same with my S4 I9505. I started with flashing Optimized LineageOS 7.1.2 from here. I followed your instructions carefully. After flashing MapsAPI I tried to add the Google account in Settings - Account - Add Account - Google. The only thing that happens is a message 'One short moment...' and it waits forever until I hit the back button. Do you have an idea what's going wrong?
MichaelZR said:
I tried to do the same with my S4 I9505. I started with flashing Optimized LineageOS 7.1.2 from here. I followed your instructions carefully. After flashing MapsAPI I tried to add the Google account in Settings - Account - Add Account - Google. The only thing that happens is a message 'One short moment...' and it waits forever until I hit the back button. Do you have an idea what's going wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had that issue too and still haven't got things working but I was able to create the account during play store installation. It might work, if all else is good.
elv1503 said:
I had that issue too and still haven't got things working but I was able to create the account during play store installation. It might work, if all else is good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MichaelZR said:
I tried to do the same with my S4 I9505. I started with flashing Optimized LineageOS 7.1.2 from here. I followed your instructions carefully. After flashing MapsAPI I tried to add the Google account in Settings - Account - Add Account - Google. The only thing that happens is a message 'One short moment...' and it waits forever until I hit the back button. Do you have an idea what's going wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never tried to go for GApps-free on a "Nougat"-device. My favourite ROM (Ressurection Remix for the i9305) does not support signature spoofing i.e. I still require the Xposed framework (for the FakeGapps module but also for other very important things to me). I personally continue to stick with Marshmellow or to be more precisely with RR v5.7.4 (besides some trials I made with RR v5.8.x without any personal or confidential data on the device).
Does the ROM you mentioned (Optimized LineageOS 7.1.2) supports signature spoofing? Due to the issue you described I personally doubt - and in turn my personal procedure won't worked. If my assumption is correct you might use tools like Needle or Tingle (just search for them) to get signature spoofing for Nougat.
Does the microG self-test provide any information if signature spoofing is available (please see screenshots)?
noc.jfcbs said:
I never tried to go for GApps-free on a "Nougat"-device. My favourite ROM (Ressurection Remix for the i9305) does not support signature spoofing i.e. I still require the Xposed framework (for the FakeGapps module but also for other very important things to me). I personally continue to stick with Marshmellow or to be more precisely with RR v5.7.4 (besides some trials I made with RR v5.8.x without any personal or confidential data on the device).
Does the ROM you mentioned (Optimized LineageOS 7.1.2) supports signature spoofing? Due to the issue you described I personally doubt - and in turn my personal procedure won't worked. If my assumption is correct you might use other tools like Needle or Tingle (just search for them) to get signature spoofing for Nougat.
Does the microG self-test provide any information if signature spoofing is available (please see screenshots)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes there is a self test. It does show everything is OK for google play but I haven't been able to get play running. I'm going to try the market route but I need android I'd. I tried a couple of google apo versions.
elv1503 said:
Yes there is a self test. It does show everything is OK for google play but I haven't been able to get play running. I'm going to try the market route but I need android I'd. I tried a couple of google apo versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please check the last three pages of post in this microG thread. Might be helpful for problems of "Nougat" guys. As I said I'm still on MM (for very good reasons, but I know everybody converted to Nougat and will to "O" soon for even better reasons).
Resurrection Remix "Nougat" v5.8.3 is now GApps-free
Thanks to the really powerful and easy to use NanoMod Magisk module by @Setialpha powered by Magisk by @topjohnwu I was able to create a GApps-free system on my Samsung GT-i9305 running Resurrection Remix RR-N-v5.8.3 by @rodman01 (RR-i9305 official thread). Excluding download times, the following complete procedure took me less than one hour this morning, and - if interested - I'd like to share the way I used with you.
However, before I continue I need to address my very best compliments to rodman01 for such a superb ROM, to topjohnwu for the systemless root as it was the basis for going GApps free, and to Setialpha for this fantastic module, which made it so easy and fast to achieve a GApps-free device. Three times :good::good::good: and thanks very much to all of you for excellent jobs well done!
As you certainly know RR doesn't come with signature spoofing by itself, which is a prerequisite to go GApps-free with the help of microG by @MaR-V-iN. Thanks very much to MaR-V-iN for allowing me/us to abandon Google from my/our devices. Without Google, not only privacy is much better protected, the device itself runs much smoother and faster. As long as Xposed was available i.e. up to Marshmellow, signature spoofing could be achieve for RR via a Xposed module but for Nougat, no Xposed available (yet???). For this reason I stayed on RR-M till I found Setialpha's thread as he provides an easy-to-use tool to achieve signature spoofing on RR-N as long as use use the Magisk su-binary. However, as mentioned in the OP there've been other tools available to get the spoofing but not as easy to use.
Before you continue to follow me through my procedure, I'd like you to thoroughly read the OPs of all linked threads with their invaluable information.
Download the following files via the links given in above mentioned threads and save them to your device (I used my external SD):
Latest Resurrection Remix RR-N-v5.8.x
Latest Magisk and the MagiskManager.apk (link to XDA-thread see above).
EDIT (2017-04-30): Latest NanoMod-microG NanoMod-6.1.20170421.zip and NanoMod-patcher NanoMod-patcher-6.1.20170421.zip from here. Please be aware that there are two additional, more specific NanoMod-zips available. Use them on your own descretion; I personally like all the functionalities that come with the "overall/general" NanoMod module. EDIT (2017-04-30): My device had really severe battery drainage with the "overall" module. Battery drainage with the microG-module is not a factor at all. And I personally realised that I don't have any need for the additional things comming with the overall module. Reported my battery drainage issue together with a logcat to the dev.
If desired - mapsapi.flashable.zip from here (you only need that if you're using applications that require Maps Library v1. You won't be able to install any of those apps (or restore a TB backup) before Maps Library v1 has been flashed). EDIT (2017-04-30): No requirement to do so. Maps v1 is coming with the NanoMod module. Just ensure that /data/.nanomod-setup shows nanomod.mapsv1=1 as described in the OP of the Nanomod-thread.
If you like (as I did) create an update.zip by Titanium Backup. I saved that on my external SD, too.
Boot into recovery (I'm using TWRP 3.0.2-1) and follow this procedure:
Before you continue to do anything, create a NANDROID backup of your running system!
Wipe dalvik, cache, system, data (I did not wipe internal data or external SD).
Flash RR-N-v5.8.x.
Flash Magiskzip.
Reboot into system (Remark: The initial reboot might take a while i.e. grab a coffee; all follow-on reboots are slightly longer during the initial boot phase probably due to the revised boot.img but after that phase boot is really fast).
Install the MagiskManager.apk and start it. At that point, MagiskManager stated that Magisk v12 is installed but no root available. Here, I simply re-started the phone and afterwards, MagiskManager also indicated root to be available.
Re-start into recovery.
Flash NanoMod (or the module you desire) and NanoMod-patcher. Do not flash mapsapi.flashable.zip, yet - at least didn't later on work for me.
Flashed my TB-update.zip
Reboot into system and commence to setup your device with the initial ROM configuration that enables you to proceed (e.g. WiFi/mobile data setup, location enabled (I used "high"/GPS & data), required permissions granted to the microG applications and the connected backends etc.)
At this point I went into the microG settings and conducted the first self test to see how many marks were checked and what I still missed. If a check mark regarding a lacking permission is missing, just tick on it, and a dialog is going to open to grant this permission (later with the backends, it might also be a statusbar notification). For me I wanted achieve first the "location ability" i.e. I didn't care yet about the Google Play Store.
I maintained in the microG settings and setup my backends. My settings for the backends can be retrieved from the screenshots. Please be aware that the download of a GSM Location Services´database can take a while (my phone still had one from end of March available).
Re-check if in the self-test all marks are ticked, now.
By use of the app "GPS Test", conducted such a test. This was an unbelievable experience as such many satellites were recognised immediately after the start of the app and granting of location permissions, and just after 3 - 5 seconds I had the first fix.
Re-started into TWRP.
Flashed mapsapi.flashable.zip
Rebooted into system.
In the ROM settings, created my Google account without any problems. Immediate connection to the respective Google servers; user account and password were accepted without any problems.
Opened Google Play Store from the app drawer. Play Store immediate connected to my account. Made the necessary modification to the play store settings, and as you can see on the screen shot, all my apps are shown including beta's and the purchased ones.
Continued to further setup my system, but microG was done at that point, and my system was GApps-free except for the play store.
Thanks again to rodman01, topjohnwu, Setialpha, and MaR-V-i!:good:
EDIT (2017-06-10): Recommendation
In order to achieve after the clean flash of a ROM exactly the desired installation of microG (or anything else that is provided by one on the NanoMod modules, I suggest to create a so called ".nanomod-setup"-file with the values in accordance the OP of the NanoMod thread (see Alter Installation part) and your preferences. Although the OP mentions different possibilities, my personal pratice is to create this file once and have it on the extSD. I do the clean flash of the ROM and if required Magisk, and boot into system. I copy .nanomod-setup to /data, boot back into TWRP and flash my NanoMod-modules.
Mine e.g. looks like this:
Code:
nanomod.play=1
nanomod.reinstall=1
nanomod.mapsv1=1
nanomod.overlay=0
EDIT (2017-06-22): A few more details regarding the .nanomod-setup file are available in this post.
EDIT (2017-09-17): In case of "NLP issue", missing the bottom two tickmarks in the microG settings self-test or the unability to get a location from GSM cells/WiFi please check also post #48.
EDIT (2017-10-31): With the current version (v14.x) of Nanomod, installation is now even more easy. A setup-wizard to create the desired .nanomod-setup file is now available; it simply has to be flashed before any other Nanomod-zip is flashed. The new patcher can now be flashed immediately after flashing of the full module, the microG-module and/or the F-Droid-module; the patcher doesn't require a reboot into system anymore after the flash of the other modules. If Nanomod recognises Magisk Nanomod automatically gets installed as Magisk module unless you "tell" the setup-wizard differently.
@noc.jfcbs
Great write-up. One question though: seems you have abandoned XPrivacy as of now. Any privacy protecting measures taken from your side to replace XPrivacy? I am also tempted to switch to Nougat, but lack of XPrivacy is holding me back.
Portgas D. Ace said:
@noc.jfcbs
Great write-up. One question though: seems you have abandoned XPrivacy as of now. Any privacy protecting measures taken from your side to replace XPrivacy? I am also tempted to switch to Nougat, but lack of XPrivacy is holding me back.
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Click to collapse
For quite a while I had the same restraints but I knew at some point I'd balance the advantages of XPrivacy (which isn't obviously any further developed) for privacy considerations with the non-availability of security patches for earlier custom ROMs. Anyhow, I want to use custom ROMs, and I fully do understand that the great teams and single-players who port open sources codes for our devices don't have the capability to focus on later versions; might be different for companies like Microsoft or Google with their genuine products.
So, I tried to analyse the situation and to assess the most likely but also the worst case situation. My personal assessment was that the advantages of having latest security patches available takes precedence over faking privacy related information. Nonetheless, I'm convinced to protect a suitable level of privacy by other means:
Stay GApps-free and don't allow calls to Mountain View by elemination of the phone boothes.
I don't use any of the email-, messenger-, chat-, or browser-application (etc.) coming from Google, Facebook and similar companies but R2Mail2 (K9-Mail is nearly as good but simply doesn't provide for S/MIME only for PGP), Conversations, Silence, Slimperience etc.
Installation only of applications that are open-source or at least have a good reputation using intensive web-search. This includes that the country of origin must be clearly identified and verifiable.
Due to the lack of XPrivacy and AppOpsXposed intensive use of the ROM capabilities to grant permissions and privacy settings.
WiFi and mobile data, both set to use unsuspicious DNS-servers.
Clear and restrictive permissions to access the world wide web by the different means via AFWall+.
Last but not least to check the network activities behind the firewall via NetworkLog.
No upload or synchronisation of personal data or any file to or with "the cloud". Synchronisation and backups locally done with my PC.
Only maintain personal data but no confidential ones on the cellular device. Passwords or user names are not saved on the device at all.
Localisation is only enabled when definitely required.
Use of an extremely privacy related email-provider. I use Posteo.de who are in my personal mind simply the very best for just 1€ per month. Their help section additionally provides great advice on tools for contacts, calendar synchronisation etc.
Actually, I'd love if Xposed occasionally becomes available for Nougat and further on to enable me the further utilisation of XPrivacy and others. But meanwhile, I think all mentioned above is the best I can do as I do want to use a Nougat-based ROM.
I was happy about your question, and I'd be even more glad about any further suggestion or recommendation.
@noc.jfcbs
Clearly some good thoughts you have stated here, which I really appreciate. Xposed in general should only be used with a lot of caution as it enables device manipulation on a far more advanced level than normal root methods. Your idea of investing time to get to know the module before installing it is absolutely reasonable and should be followed by anyone interested in the combination of privacy and Xposed.
The only thing bugging me is synchronization of calendar/contacts, which should be synchronized between all of my devices. As of now, I use Google services, but I am more than willing to put an end to this. I am currently thinking about using my private NAS to set up an OwnCloud server for this specific purpose or even invest some money in a Raspberry Pi who can host it (which would most likely be the better choice as my NAS should only be available in my local network without global network access).
If you are interested, I will write down some results in case this works out. But I am not sure if I will find the time in the next few months, as I am currently planning to start building a house for me and my family, thus not having enough time for this.
Portgas D. Ace said:
...
The only thing bugging me is synchronization of calendar/contacts, which should be synchronized between all of my devices. As of now, I use Google services, but I am more than willing to put an end to this. I am currently thinking about using my private NAS to set up an OwnCloud server for this specific purpose or even invest some money in a Raspberry Pi who can host it (which would most likely be the better choice as my NAS should only be available in my local network without global network access).
If you are interested, I will write down some results in case this works out. But I am not sure if I will find the time in the next few months, as I am currently planning to start building a house for me and my family, thus not having enough time for this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your plans sound great: Plant a tree, father a child, build a house...:good: I wish you and your family all the best.
If interested please allow me to explain how I synchronise my calendar and contacts:
My cell phone with my two notebooks via the MyPhoneExplorer (MPE) application on the Android device and an MPE client on the Windows notebooks. Using this tool now with full satisfaction for years. At home, I synchronise via WiFi when all devices are booked in; on tour, I only synch those devices I've with me and only via USB cable.
My (main) notebook (only that as I only have a license for one PC; however, that's sufficient for my purposes) synchronises with my posteo.de-email-acount via the tool iCal4OL. It's a pity, the developer cancelled the purchase of licenses to new customers but still supports old ones and updates the product. The tool works great. If you check how posteo.de has implemented privacy and security, I believe it's the actually best company in Germany or probably in the world. You do not need to provide any personal details for registration, even the yearly fee of 12 € can be paid in cash by mail if you want. The account has implemented multiple, first class and up-to-date security features. And their help and FAQ sections are fantastic providing great recommendations about usable tools, encryption for the account but also emails and so on.
My wife's Android device synchronises calendar and contact by the help of CalDAV and CardDAV. Also fantastic and every cent worth. Additionally, she also uses MPE with her notebook.
Raspberry Pi is certainly an excellent choice. Read some quite interesting articles in the Kuketz IT-Security Blog.
noc.jfcbs said:
Buddy, you made me shy... But thanks for the laurel wreath...
I know neither Nexus nor your ROM but I certainly know the ROM must be totally GApps free before even installing microG. If you don't find a GApps-free ROM of your desire there are ways to completely remove GApps from your device; personally I deem them to be a bit complicated, but... Details are in the OP of the microG thread you certainly know. Additionally, signature spoofing is a prerequisite. Unless your ROM already supports that you've to go either with Xposed and its respective "fake GApps" module or to use Magisk as the SU binary and NanoMod as a Magisk module. As Xposed is not available for Nougat, Magisk and NanoMod are my personal choice despite a few other tools available to achieve signature spoofing on Nougat.
In this thread, I tried to explain why and how I went for GApps free. Initially, this occured on Resurrection Remix (RR) v5.7.4 i.e. Marshmellow. Meanwhile, I migrated to RR v.5.8.3 i.e. Nougat, and in this post I described how I used Magisk and NanoMod to go GApps free even without Xposed.
Just to reiterate: My personal major intention for going GApps-free has been to leave everything of Google behind (except the Play Store) for privacy reasons and respect. Certainly, I'd accept any other benefit coming with that. However, after a quite long "GApps-free" period, I cannot confirm that battery endurance has really enhanced but I can confirm that at least my personal device and my wife's one are running much smoother and quite often faster than during their GApps-times.
Please advice in case of further questions; however, I suggest to use my above linked thread for that as I'm not monitoring this thread for obvious reasons.
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I just pretty much searched through /system for anything with Google in it ?
It worked, and I now have microG. I also then used an Xposed module (InstallerOpt) like you suggested (Magisk won't work with a locked bootloader). Thanks for the help!
PorygonZRocks said:
I just pretty much searched through /system for anything with Google in it ?
It worked, and I now have microG. I also then used an Xposed module (InstallerOpt) like you suggested (Magisk won't work with a locked bootloader). Thanks for the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad that you worked it out. No need to post a thanks! ...just hit the "Thanks"-button...