Okay, well today, I picked up a new HTC One X. First impressions were pretty good, and I have to say that as of yet, it's looking like it's a pretty good handset.
However; there's one thing about it that really bugs me. SMS messages apparently force you to use these utterly horrific smileys. I was never a fan of the old android icons that occasionally popped up, but these icons are just plain god-awful. Is there any way of disabling them?
(To be honest, I'd much prefer just to have your standard ASCII faces... Not to mention, if you happen to need to send a message that just happens to have the characters in that order, I'd rather not have badly made face icons appearing in the middle of it..)
bump. I can't believe htc require you to install a 3rd-party sms app in order to be able to get rid of emoticons. I'm a 40-yr old man, I don't want to see a crappy cartoon face in my text messages...
thanks for this nice q
3lliot said:
bump. I can't believe htc require you to install a 3rd-party sms app in order to be able to get rid of emoticons. I'm a 40-yr old man, I don't want to see a crappy cartoon face in my text messages...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My thoughts exactly... Not to mention, they're so badly designed that I spend more time working out what emotion they're actually supposed to convey, rather than reading the actual message...
Seems slightly out of place, too. The rest of the UI is nice and clean, fairly sleek looking - then you have these ridiculous cartoon faces slapped accross all of your texts..
I'm going to go ahead and bring this thread back from the dead.
Last time I tired to fix this by modifying my framework files and ended up soft-bricking my phone.
There's got to be a better way.
bump?
Untested Solution
EDIT: I looked more into it, and it gets pretty complicated. According to a StackExchange post I found (link in the attached .txt file), you can go through a process to retrieve the source code from the original .apk file BUT it requires the classes.dex file to be intact. That means you have to de-odex the Message+Nonprime.odex file, "re-dex" it into classes.dex, and add it to the Message+Nonprime.apk archive (can simply change the extension to .zip and add the file before continuing the linked steps).
After following all of those steps, I ended up with the source code and readable XML files. Unfortunately, trying to open them in Eclipse does not work, as I'm apparently missing key HTC resources (or I just don't know where the resources files should be pointing). I was hoping for the ability to just change the name across any necessary files, then repackage, but it doesn't seem to work like this.
I've also tried taking the original APK, adding the .dex file (created from the .odex -> files/folders -> dex process) inside, and signing the package (after deleting the META-INF folder containing HTC's signed information). I was hoping that signing the package after renaming it to Message2.0.apk would allow me to install it as a user application (I don't have root or the ability to change the bootloader to overwrite system applications, due to the 4.2.2 update) but the install always fails since "the application is already installed." If I knew how to modify the files within classes.dex properly, I'm sure I could rename the entire package and create a "New" application, but for now I've hit a brick wall. Hopefully if anyone reads this they can build on my failed attempts.
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I stumbled on this (admittedly old) thread, and I don't know if anyone cares, but I've figured out what seems to be key in disabling smiley images from appearing. Below is the information of the phone I'm working with:
Phone Model Number: HTC One X
Android Version: 4.2.2
HTC Sense Version: 5.0
Software number: 5.18.502.1
HTC SDK API level: 5.41
Android uses "SmileyParser" to watch for certain key combinations and replace them with preset images. The theory is that by changing the strings SmilelyParser checks, it won't ever find a match, and they won't be replaced.
I found the Message application under /system/app/Message+Nonprime.apk. HTC's Message application utilizes Android's android.com.mms but has custom functionality/themes (I'm assuming)
Using ADB (Android SDK tool to browse filestructure), I used "adb pull [source] [local]" to copy the .apk and .odex files
I used "smali-#-#-#.jar" and "baksmali-#-#-#.jar" to convert the .odex file
The output of the tool gives a file structure with editable files. I navigated to com/android/mms/util/
In this folder, there are two key files: SmileyParser.smali, and SmileyParserOne.smali. I believe the "One" version may be modified to work with HTC One phones, but I'm not 100% sure (content looks similar)
I opened each file with Notepad++ and found "const string" references with the text version of an emoticon. The code seems to match those with "aput objects" but I don't know 100%
I modified each string (within the quotes) by just adding an 'x' to hopefully thwart the string match. Basically, the phone should wait until x or x is fully matched before replacing the smiley
I'll note again, I did the EXACT same process in both .smali files I mentioned, and I touched ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ELSE. There's no telling what you'll break if those don't compile correctly (which is why I also avoided adding a longer string, in case memory allocation issues cropped up)
I then repackaged the entire output I created into a new .odex file
Now, here's where things get tricky. I don't have a rooted phone, so I can't actually replace the .odex inside of the /system/app folder. I may work on testing on my phone (but I don't get a lot of time and really would not like to brick it), but I'm worried since I'm running a very recently updated Sense version (and there may not be reliable root processes, I have no idea).
If anyone has a rooted HTC One X (check above for the exact software version I have) that would like to try out the modified .odex file (apk is mostly UI/theme, .odex contains the actual programming logic) I am providing the .zip containing the apk and odex files. I've also tried installing the apk+odex with "adb install X/X.apk" but the application has a name buried in the structure (probably everywhere) and I have no idea how to rename it everywhere that's required.
If someone knows how to take a package and re-compile it with a new name, I could potentially re-install "Message 2.0" as a user app without any root privileges required. That's another option I'm looking into (since I'd really rather not root and potentially lose my stored data).
The same problem is still occurring in 2018. I would try your solution, but it's outdated. I'll have to dive in and edit the files myself if a solution isn't found. Although, in that case, I would probably match something further from the x, preferably with 2 bytes because as you said, memory issues might pop up and I'm not sure just how far they went with this.
Related
Hi - is there any way on PocketPC 2003 to disable access to Solitaire and Jawbreaker. I'm pretty sure I can't remove them all together as they're in the ROM - but some registry hack to prevent access to them would be sufficient.
Try this...
You don't list what device or WM versions you are using, but here are two possible solutions you could try:
1) Read through the forums specific to your device, and learn how to cook your own ROM, removing the offending software.
2) Any file in your ROM can be "overwritten" by syncing to your pc and draggin a file with the same name to the folder containing the file you wish to replace. IE. I have a small, written for the pda application, which when run, displays a pop-up saying "This software has been removed because I do not wish for anyone using this device to have fun doing so!" or similar. I then name it solitare.exe and drag it into the Windows directory from my PC. It asks me am I sure I wish to overwrite the file, I click yes and bam! the file is "replaced". (I believe what actually happens is the OS delinks the file and places the new file in the old ones placeholder on the filesystem, it is still in the ROM as that is unwritable unless flashing, but it is no longer accessable, which is what you want to happen.
tried & failed...
I've created a solitare.exe as you suggested and placed it in the Windows directory - it doesn't seem to get run when executed however - The original game still gets run - I fear I may be doing something stupid.
Re: tried & failed...
gremlin said:
I've created a solitare.exe as you suggested and placed it in the Windows directory - it doesn't seem to get run when executed however - The original game still gets run - I fear I may be doing something stupid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do you want to block them?
Re: Try this...
pneuma said:
You don't list what device or WM versions you are using, but here are two possible solutions you could try:
1) Read through the forums specific to your device, and learn how to cook your own ROM, removing the offending software.
2) Any file in your ROM can be "overwritten" by syncing to your pc and draggin a file with the same name to the folder containing the file you wish to replace. IE. I have a small, written for the pda application, which when run, displays a pop-up saying "This software has been removed because I do not wish for anyone using this device to have fun doing so!" or similar. I then name it solitare.exe and drag it into the Windows directory from my PC. It asks me am I sure I wish to overwrite the file, I click yes and bam! the file is "replaced". (I believe what actually happens is the OS delinks the file and places the new file in the old ones placeholder on the filesystem, it is still in the ROM as that is unwritable unless flashing, but it is no longer accessable, which is what you want to happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey pneuma.
2) Isn't working for me either. I thought gremlin was doing something wrong, but I just tried it myself, and, although my "fake" solitaire.exe (a renamed app) file is there, so is the original solitaire.exe. Tapping on the Solitaire icon under games runs the game as if nothing happened, although just opening the Games folder would tell you that it didn't work (the Solitaire icon is still the cards)
What did you do that we didn't? I'm using a Universal.
Peculiar...
Personally I haven't tried this specific to the games, but there was a nasty spash screen in the new WM5 for my Himalaya that I replaced in the method detailed above. It would appear however that solitaire might be a system program, as the following files:
\windows\solitaire.lnk
\windows\start menu\solitaire.lnk
have the following Target: ":MSSOLITAIRE"
but don't despair!
If you have resco explorer or some similar mobile based explorer replacement, try edit the links to point to the replacement exe, or even delete the links altogether, as well as the Games directory under "\windows\start menu\" (might not work deleting them though).
If the deletion or edits don't work you may well have to do the same trick, replacing these .lnk files with something else.
--Marc
Thanks to pneuma I think I've got a workable solution without having to hack into the ROM!
I've created two programs (using PocketBuilder) called Solitare.exe and Jawbreaker.exe which just pop up a response window saying "This Application Has Been Disabled"
I've also created two .lnk files - solitare.lnk and jawbreaker.lnk which contain:
22#"\Windows\Solitare.exe"
and
23#"\Windows\Jawbreaker.exe"
respectively
In my boot process I copy the executables and .lnk files to the \Windows directory and also copy the .lnk files to the
\Windows\Start Menu\Program\Games\
directory.
I don't think our users (sorry to diss them) are bright enough to figure out they have to remove all of these files to get the games working again.
Thanks for all your help.
Gremlin.
gremlin said:
(sorry to diss them)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But you're dissing them all the way by treating them like this.
Why shouldn't they be able to play Solitair or JawBreaker every now and then during a coffee of lunch break. A bit of light releif never did anyone any harm.
I'm glad I don't work with you. (Bah Humbug)
I have no say in how the users are treated - I am merely a developer - I get told what needs to be done and I do it. I can offer my suggestions at design time but ultimately it is not my decision how the users are treated on the shop floor.
If I was in management it would be a different story.
I'm lovely to work with - I make the tea and everything
gremlin said:
If I was in management it would be a different story.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Point taken. :wink:
I would argue that it's hardly worth the effort just to piss people off.
I'll have my tea with milk and no sugar.
I accidentally erased a name of a file using total commander and can't undo myself.
My files show:
//Plugins
Application Data
ConnMgr
Content
Documents and Settings
Music
My Documents
Programs
Storage Card
Temp
Windows
and "wrong name because I deleted it" (in the folder is Manilla_20100401....)
Can someone please let me know what that file name should be? Most of my programs won't fully launch now because of it.
Thank you for your help.
Michael
Just hard reset your phone. That's always an easy fix that's sure to work
I just had this phone replaced due to warranty and had finished reinstalling lots of items but stupidly hadn't made a backup. I was in fact only opening total commander to make certain it was working when I accidentally deleted the file name. I would hate to hard reset when it is just a single file name that needs replaced .... I hope.
Do you have SK Tools? If so, this is a piece of cake. Open the database tool and export Replstor as an .xml. Open it with notepad on your PC and find the name of the file or folder (and its contents) in the list. There could be a few thousand entries, so it may take a while.
Farmer Ted--I don't find any of my file names from my device in this document. Thank you for the suggestion but I am still at a loss for the original names of the folders under My Device.
If only I knew someone with an HTC Fuze, I could just look on their panel under My Device. Unfortunately, most of my folk are Iphone zealots. Their advice usually involves a different purchase!
Michael
Well, I realized after I posted that if you somehow deleted one of the databases, then it won't show up in replstor, because they're all excluded from replstor. Most of them can't be deleted, though. You should have mxip_initdb.vol, mxip_lang.vol, mxip_notify.vol, mxip_swmgmt.vol and mxip_system.vol. If you're missing one of them, then look in the\windows folder and find the rom version and copy it to the root of the device. It may not have everything it needs in it, though. Just post up if you're missing one, and I can probably tell you how to fix it (well, maybe, lol).
Thanks FarmerTed, I'll give it a go as soon as I understand what it means! Just to clarify, I didn't delete any files. I renamed it. Not on purpose. These are just the basic files under My Device.
I've renamed stuff before, too. The best thing to do if you catch yourself is to delete the entire name, then highlight another file. The messed up file will go back to the original name.
shoot. doesn't work. It would have if I would've done that in the first place though, so that is good to know.
I'm the New Guy.
Can you change an app's label/name if you have the apk?
I've attempted with no success.
I used the APK MANAGER 4.8 by Daneshm90, it de-compiles and converts android xml to xml and back. Whenever I try changing any viewable text (ie. example.apk via Apk Manager creates an out folder: ~\out\res\values\strings.xml -> "<string name="app_label">Messaging</string>" >--> "<string name="app_label">In4nerd's SMS</string>") ultimately it doesn't accept it and wont recompile.
Any help?
Ps: can't posts links
Pss: I'm using CM 5.0.8 update 2.1, if it even matters (which I think it might because Mms.apk only works for its target version and under<-assumption; meaning CM 6's Mms.apk does not work on CM508's..I've tried it too)
null above this arrow ^
EDIT:
I found a way. I can now edit everything about anything in any app (icon, app title, text in the app, graphics in the app..etc) [including sys apps] [without damaging its structural integrity]. I changed sys app "Messaging" to "DANO!". Thnx for all your help xda...(sarcasm sigh).
Post script: if any of you guys wants to know what the problem I had with this originally was, let me know.
Also, I'm not going to abuse this ability to steal app code or take credit for any app not made by me; I only will use this to make an app more appealing to myself, and my system.
kthxbai
New Guy: 1 Rest: -562
I downloaded an app from the market: Prabhupada. It comes with some html files stored locally that are accessed through the app's menu system. The app worked fine on an LG phone (can't remember which one), and it works for the most part on my rooted LTE Galaxy Nexus. However, it can't access the html file assets with spaces in the names.
After some tinkering, I disasembled the app apk and went into the asset folder and started to eliminate the spaces in the html files, replacing the spaces with '%20' (without the quotes) codes. This seemed to fix the issue.
I don't know if it is an issue with:
-Ice Cream Sandwich
-rooting/unlocking
-the app itself
My guess is that it might be an ICS issue. I emailed the developer and haven't heard back. Any ideas? I don't know Java, but have successfully completed a few android sdk tutorials, so my understanding is minimal... hopefully will learn more soon!
I saw this on my device, and only found little info/threads, with almost zero content/analysis. Aparently the kindle app leaves a bunch of random files around. And since the prefix is "RCE" i am a little paranoid, since that usually means "Remote code execution" and is usually associated with exploits
Files:
CS_JIT_Animation.mp4
jit_cs_positive_preview.png
rce_plugin_strings_resource_cs_CZ.json.min
rce_plugin_strings_resource_de_DE.json.min
rce_plugin_strings_resource_en_US.json.min
rce_plugin_strings_resource_es_ES.json.min
rce_plugin_strings_resource_fr_FR.json.min
rce_plugin_strings_resource_it_IT.json.min
rce_plugin_strings_resource_ja_JP.json.min
rce_plugin_strings_resource_nl_NL.json.min
rce_plugin_strings_resource_pt_BR.json.min
rce_plugin_strings_resource_v2_TYPO_TEST.json
rce_plugin_strings_resource_zh_CN.json.min
All Attached in a zip created by the android native file manager.
Current places mentioning this
https://forums.oneplus.com/threads/unkown-files-in-download.948860/
https://talk.sonymobile.com/t5/Xper...erious-Files-in-Downloads-Folder/td-p/1353185
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-xz1/help/phone-mysterious-files-download-folder-t3871763
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMmx5tRm0jM (one of the files is a video, someone uploaded to youtube ...and to https://gfycat.com/generouspinkcolt
How to make those files appear for you:
Install kindle from the google app store
if you already have it installed, or want to see the files again after you deleted, Stop the app and delete all storage. (nothing will be lost, this app syncs everything and some more to the amazon servers)
perform the first Sync on kindle app
Now, insert a pen drive and open the native android File Mananger and look at the local Download folder
Files are somewhat hidden:
If you look into the download folder with any other app (I tried, blackberry file manager, oi file manager, Ghost Commander, and Termux --after enabling the storage setup)
Files probably have a weird attribute or ownership... but the native android file manager does not show anything other than creation date! And every single file operation (copy, move, compress) reset the information to "regular user, creation time set to now". So either I see them on the Native File Manager, without any information available, or I do not see the files until I destroy the information.
Android version is not important (seems to happen on several versions) and has been happening for a while (First mention seems to be Nov2018)
Anyone have any idea what this is? I know I will probably reverse eng the kindle app at some point, wast a bunch of time, and realize it is just some dumb amateur library badly implemented by amazon... or maybe not. I think at this point I am most curious as to how the app "hides" the files from most everything.