Database Info

Blizzard launches Mobile Authenticator for ANDROID

You may have heard that blizzard released their mobile authenticator for android via the android market.
Now the thing i was wondering is where serial is stored.
In the java emulator it was stored in a xxxx.db file, and in iphone in an xml file,
correct me if i'm wrong though.
Code:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<Serial>US-1234-5678-9123</Serial>
<Token>AQIDBAUGBwgJCgsMDQ4PEBESExQ=</Token>
<TimeDifference>-631</TimeDifference>
</Authenticator>
or this is perhaps an xml file to compile it for iphone/touch,
anyway, there is (or has to be) a way to change the serial , i've been looking in every xml or db file on my G2 but no succes yet, perhaps anyone else have found something?

I've encountered some difficulties with using the Blizzard Mobile Authenticator on my rooted handset. Seems it treats mine differently to a non-rooted handset and can be unusable. I've reported the problems on the official WoW forums here.
Regarding changing the serial code, why is this ever necessary? You can view it through the applications controls should you ever need to look it up. And you can always replace the authenticator on your account.

high class problem... i dont know it

jokeyrhyme said:
Regarding changing the serial code, why is this ever necessary? You can view it through the applications controls should you ever need to look it up. And you can always replace the authenticator on your account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha, I answered my own question yesterday. Forgot to unlink my phone from my account before wiping it for a ROM update, and had to call Blizzard for help. It's lucky I had my original serial code written down. I can now see the value in being able to cause a fresh authenticator to behave like an older one.

This is something that has been talked about on another thread over at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=557862
But from what I have been able to get, the data is stored in the file:
/data/data/com.blizzard.bma/shared_prefs/com.blizzard.bma.AUTH_STORE.xml
Now, how the token file is encoded... I can't say. Haven't gotten to that part yet.

jokeyrhyme said:
Haha, I answered my own question yesterday. Forgot to unlink my phone from my account before wiping it for a ROM update, and had to call Blizzard for help. It's lucky I had my original serial code written down. I can now see the value in being able to cause a fresh authenticator to behave like an older one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dont mean to bring up a super old thread, but i couldnt find any answers (the post linked here shows how to read the serial from file, but not how to make it persistant or change it to something else) (sorry if its preferred to make a new thread to ask the question, seems like every forum prefers a different method, and this one seemed to be pretty spot on for what i was wondering)
I wanna try out different roms but keep the serial persistant. I could on my iphone by backing up the authenticator in itunes.
but even backing up app+data in titanium back up leaves me with a different serial.
Is there any way to get a backup with a persistant serial in it? I really dont want to leave my account unsecured, I dont want to have to carry around an extra keychain but im not going to deattach and reattach the authenticator every time i want to flash a rom.

bisby said:
dont mean to bring up a super old thread, but i couldnt find any answers (the post linked here shows how to read the serial from file, but not how to make it persistant or change it to something else) (sorry if its preferred to make a new thread to ask the question, seems like every forum prefers a different method, and this one seemed to be pretty spot on for what i was wondering)
I wanna try out different roms but keep the serial persistant. I could on my iphone by backing up the authenticator in itunes.
but even backing up app+data in titanium back up leaves me with a different serial.
Is there any way to get a backup with a persistant serial in it? I really dont want to leave my account unsecured, I dont want to have to carry around an extra keychain but im not going to deattach and reattach the authenticator every time i want to flash a rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
iìll try to see if after 1+ year something changed and finally we can have an answer..
im in same condition.. id love to use mobile autenticator on android on my sgs2 BUT im kinda flashing roms kernels and testing every week different roms..
was hoping in titanium bkup.. but seems they wrot aint workin.. sooooooo any suggegstions?

[Q] Package file is invalid...

Hello all.
I am new here and posted in the General folder because it wouldn't let me post in the android folder. My phone started doing this 2 months ago. Originally it started when I downloaded an app and then I got a window pop up and said 'Package file is invalid'. Now I am on my 3rd Triumph (returned for other issues) and the problem is still around. It seems like the problem follows my gmail account around. I only get this error with some of the apps. I need to know how to remedy this issue. I have read the other thread about this problem here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=674725
and it lost me after the fourth post.
Phone info:
My Triumph is fresh out of the box ( just got another one yesterday, 10/1).
Dont know what ROM I am using.
Not rooted ( and dont want to void any warranties)
If you need other info, just let me know.

Most of the things mentioned in that post regard a modified rom, which you probably don't have (in other words, "my phone is stock"). The biggest question is whether you have tried restarting your phone lately.
The second biggest question? Where are you installing your apps from? If from the market, here are my troubleshooting recommendations. If not, correct me here or feel free to PM me.
Market acts goofy on the Triumph, and for that I blame Android. Try going into Settings> Applications> Manage and go to Market (usually under Running apps). Clear cache and force close, then see if the problem continues. Second time around, clear cache and clear data and force close, and try again. If problems still persist, uninstall all your updates and then see what your phone does.
I rather like the old Market because it didn't have that overpriced junk in it. Either way that refresh might be necessary.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk

I have not restarted the phone lately mainly because I just got a new one yesterday.
I use only the market to download apps.
I did all the things you said in the order you said them and I am now running the old market but it still doesn't let me download certain apps. With the old market the pop-up window doesn't say 'package file is invalid' it now says 'Download was unsuccessful, please try...' and I cant see the whole error message.
I haven't been using the Market long enough to know the one. I am new to the android game.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=674725
There is that way, but you will be breaking your warranty, since you need CWM and neeed to be rooted
Other Ways:
Go to settings, then applications, then go to market, uninstall updates(if you have)
or
Get titanium Backup(if you can), uninstall market, pull the Vending apk from http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=320287&d=1272913729 inside /system/apps, put on SD Card, and install it.
If titanium backup wont(MAYBE NOT FULLY SURE) let you uninstall, then you need to be rooted.
Absolute Last Option that probably won't do much good is, factory reset.

Titanium Backup requires root anyway. Becoming rooted isn't hard, as long as you can download and run the app Gingerbreak 1.2. It isn't on the market, of course.
Although still, I find it strange you cannot just open certain apps. Are there any specific ones that do or don't work?
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk

Yeah! If you use Gingerbreak V1.2, you can root, then unroot when you are done, they will never see it was rooted. ANYWAYS, they never check if your rooted when you return or exchange a smartphone, not even Virgin Mobile checks....

austrie said:
Yeah! If you use Gingerbreak V1.2, you can root, then unroot when you are done, they will never see it was rooted. ANYWAYS, they never check if your rooted when you return or exchange a smartphone, not even Virgin Mobile checks....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got into crap with Best Buy because they checked, actually So yes, I would recommend getting rid of as many traces as possible... but yes, Gingerbreak is the meanest and cleanest method available on any of the three VM Android phones. At least, as of now.

They check WTH!?!?! What did they check for/what did you change?

I highly doubt that they dont check to see if someone did something to their phone that would void the warranty. Nevertheless I would like to not root the phone at least until I am sure I am keeping this one.

austrie said:
They check WTH!?!?! What did they check for/what did you change?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The convo went something like...
"Your last phone was rooted. We can't get money for rooted phones."
"Um, I can un-root it then."
"No, we already accepted it."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

[Completed] Restoring from the Play Store, how do I make it work?

Hi all,
I just have a general question about the PLay Store and thought maybe someone here might have a suggestion. When flashing a new ROM or resetting to factory defaults, I get one of three behaviors when logging in to Google:
1) Nothing, it logs me in and shows every app I have ever installed on any device as "Available".
2) A bunch of random stuff starts installing, most of it what I want, but a bunch I haven't had on my device in weeks sometimes. This can be 5 apps or 50, no pattern that I can figure out.
3) I get this nifty screen that lets me pick a device backup, even for other devices. It not only also lets me pick a backup date but ALSO lets me go in and further pick and choose which apps on the list that I want to restore.
#3 is what I'm looking for. I want to restore from the Play Store, not a Titanium Backup file or anything, but I can't make this consistent at all, does anyone have any luck with the Play Store being consistent? It does appear that #3 is a Lolipop feature, at least in that particular format, but once again, no consistency.
Currently the device in question is my Asus Tf700t, but I've come across this on multiple devices. I just installed Zombi Pop 5.1 RC as my ROM, but I've also had it be just as random in other ROMs. I also tell it to back up my data on install, and just double checked that it was marked as such in my settings.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, it just drives me nuts to have this supposed auto backup that never works the same way twice in a row. Apologies also if I put this on the wrong board, but this seemed appropriate.

Mikey1969 said:
Hi all,
I just have a general question about the PLay Store and thought maybe someone here might have a suggestion. When flashing a new ROM or resetting to factory defaults, I get one of three behaviors when logging in to Google:
1) Nothing, it logs me in and shows every app I have ever installed on any device as "Available".
2) A bunch of random stuff starts installing, most of it what I want, but a bunch I haven't had on my device in weeks sometimes. This can be 5 apps or 50, no pattern that I can figure out.
3) I get this nifty screen that lets me pick a device backup, even for other devices. It not only also lets me pick a backup date but ALSO lets me go in and further pick and choose which apps on the list that I want to restore.
#3 is what I'm looking for. I want to restore from the Play Store, not a Titanium Backup file or anything, but I can't make this consistent at all, does anyone have any luck with the Play Store being consistent? It does appear that #3 is a Lolipop feature, at least in that particular format, but once again, no consistency.
Currently the device in question is my Asus Tf700t, but I've come across this on multiple devices. I just installed Zombi Pop 5.1 RC as my ROM, but I've also had it be just as random in other ROMs. I also tell it to back up my data on install, and just double checked that it was marked as such in my settings.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, it just drives me nuts to have this supposed auto backup that never works the same way twice in a row. Apologies also if I put this on the wrong board, but this seemed appropriate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello.
Thank you for using XDA Assist.
Please post your question here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2257421
That's a friendly ask any question thread where you'll find expert advice.
Good luck!

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

Not sure how many of you are aware, but there is a completely different user interface built into the Note5 that's hidden. I thought maybe some of you might like to check it out just for fun. It allows you to place widgets and apps on the lockscreen and has a bunch of cool lockscreen effects. Also, the "notifications panel" and the "recents" page are totally different, as well as many other interesting features. I added some screenshots for you guys to check out in this post.
Here are the steps to activating it:
1) First, anytime you're playing around with the SystemUI, even if it's a built in feature, it's a good idea to do a full system backup in TWRP. Not necessary, but recommended.
2) Next, you will need to have the Galaxy Apps store installed on your device. If you happened to have deleted it like I did, then I've attached the APK to this post for anyone that needs to reinstall it.
3) Open the Galaxy Apps store and update it if/when it prompts you.
4) Once the store has loaded, search for the words "Good Lock". Click on the app and click "Update", then "Install" and reboot the device when it prompts you.
(This is the hidden SystemUI that you already have on your device, but it needs the current update to work.)
5) Once rebooted into the new SystemUI, it will begin walking you through all of your new customization options. You can change any of these anytime you want by opening the "Good Lock" app in your applications list.
NOTE: If you decide that you want to deactivate the alternate SystemUI at any point, then you can just open up the "Good Lock" app and click on "Uninstall" too. You can also uninstall the Galaxy Apps store at any time and features like the new "Recents" page, if you don't like it, can be toggled off in the app as well.
Anyhow, I hope you guys have some fun with this. I'm trying it out for awhile just for kicks. Be sure to let everyone know what you thought of the new SystemUI in the comments too!

Just installed this running N5 Express ROM with no issues yet. Really like being able to have Tasker widget shortcuts on the lockscreen.

catchjeff said:
Just installed this running N5 Express ROM with no issues yet. Really like being able to have Tasker widget shortcuts on the lockscreen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a really good idea. Been trying to think of a more useful widget to use on the lock screen. So far I've only added a fancy clock/weather widget. [emoji14] Maybe I'll give it a try.

Cool cant wait to try it out!
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

For this you dont need a root or twrp its official from samsung

mirketos said:
For this you dont need a root or twrp its official from samsung
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TWRP is mentioned for backing up your current configuration of TouchWiz(and your device in general) if you can before using Good Lock in case anything goes wrong. Obviously backing up your device is never required, but definitely always recommended when altering the system in any way, regardless of where it comes from. It's important to understand that Good Lock isn't just some Samsung app in the app store or just another launcher that changes the home screen, apps page, etc. It tweaks the system ui itself, including the look and function of the notifications panel, lock screen capabilities and more. It's true that you can just revert back to TW whenever you want pretty easily from within Good Lock, but the process isn't perfect. In fact, I myself applied it and reverted back only 2 times and the second time something went terribly wrong during the reversion and the system halted and it would no longer boot after that, so I had to restore a previous backup which I was glad to have had. All the data that I hadn't recently backed up though was of course lost, so yes...a TWRP backup is recommended when using Good Lock.
Also worth mentioning is the fact that if you're not running a compatible version of the stock firmware or at least a compatible TouchWiz rom, it will try to prevent you from installing it by not showing it in an app store search or by blocking access to the app's page(if you're following a link) in the Galaxy Apps store. For instance, it was there when I was on stock Marshmallow, but does not allow me to access it on stock Nougat. Instead I get error messages saying the app is not supported on my device when trying to load the Good Lock page.
Here is the link btw in case anyone can't find Good Lock in a search and wants to check if it can be used on their device. If it shows it, then it's compatible, if it doesn't then it's likely not. Just open the link in a mobile browser and click "OK" if prompted.
https://apps.samsung.com/jupiter/appquery/appDetail.as?appId=com.android.systemui

bogarty said:
TWRP is mentioned for backing up your current configuration of TouchWiz(and your device in general) if you can before using Good Lock in case anything goes wrong. Obviously backing up your device is never required, but definitely always recommended when altering the system in any way, regardless of where it comes from. It's important to understand that Good Lock isn't just some Samsung app in the app store or just another launcher that changes the home screen, apps page, etc. It tweaks the system ui itself, including the look and function of the notifications panel, lock screen capabilities and more. It's true that you can just revert back to TW whenever you want pretty easily from within Good Lock, but the process isn't perfect. In fact, I myself applied it and reverted back only 2 times and the second time something went terribly wrong during the reversion and the system halted and it would no longer boot after that, so I had to restore a previous backup which I was glad to have had. All the data that I hadn't recently backed up though was of course lost, so yes...a TWRP backup is recommended when using Good Lock.
Also worth mentioning is the fact that if you're not running a compatible version of the stock firmware or at least a compatible TouchWiz rom, it will try to prevent you from installing it by not showing it in an app store search or by blocking access to the app's page(if you're following a link) in the Galaxy Apps store. For instance, it was there when I was on stock Marshmallow, but does not allow me to access it on stock Nougat. Instead I get error messages saying the app is not supported on my device when trying to load the Good Lock page.
Here is the link btw in case anyone can't find Good Lock in a search and wants to check if it can be used on their device. If it shows it, then it's compatible, if it doesn't then it's likely not. Just open the link in a mobile browser and click "OK" if prompted.
https://apps.samsung.com/jupiter/appquery/appDetail.as?appId=com.android.systemui
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok! Haha!! You dont need a make backup or something IT'S OFFICIAL YOU FOOL MAN

mirketos said:
Ok! Haha!! You dont need a make backup or something IT'S OFFICIAL YOU FOOL MAN
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WTF dude? Seriously. Stop being an ass and actually read what I wrote. It's the least you can do after I typed all that out. You're not helping anyone by TROLLING this thread and repeatedly mentioning something so extremely redundant. If you don't want to backup then don't backup. I clearly said that it was obviously not required to do a backup and that I was only recommending to do it because I lost data and couldn't boot after selecting the option to revert back one time. Stop wasting people's time with your pointless comments. NOWHERE does it say in my post that making a backup is Required, so get over yourself. Either stop being a destructive ass or go and troll someone else! Your negative comments are not welcome here.

Joy Launcher - No Joy

This launcher app appeared in my update list (Idol 6045i, 5.5). Since it is not currently on my phone it is not really an update. Notice -there is no uninstall option.
Read a bunch of reviews - most were bad, very bad - and once it's on your phone you can't get rid of it so be warned!
It is pushed out by Alcatel.

catapp said:
This launcher app appeared in my update list (Idol 6045i, 5.5). Since it is not currently on my phone it is not really an update. Notice -there is no uninstall option.
Read a bunch of reviews - most were bad, very bad - and once it's on your phone you can't get rid of it so be warned!
It is pushed out by Alcatel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My dad's pop4 plus got it too, and it's annoying as hell.
I hope somebody comes up with a way to remove it soon , or even better, a whole ROM fo the phone.

It brought lots of adware (bloatware) I tried to get rid of it but all settings of the desktop are now gone. I have to setup my settings again.

Form of malware
Same happened to my 3 family Alcatel phones this week. I didn't ask for this forced 'update', don't want it and it has totally destroyed my desktop, contacts and all shortcuts. I phoned Alcatel and complained that they don't offer an uninstall option and what they have done is, without permission, hijacked my phone.
They said they would look into it, but I am not convinced.
Will never get Alcatel again

I didn't install it on my phone and it disappeared from my update list quite awhile ago.
I don't allow automatic updates. That is crucial. I choose what updates to install.

Joy Launcher problem
I was able to swipe down from the top, I went into settings, to Apps, to Joy Launcher. I tried Force Stop & it didn't work. I then hit the 3 vertical buttons at upper right of screen. I then hit Uninstall Updates. This allowed me to get my screen back. It also returned my homescreen to factory settings. I had to add whatever icons I wanted to the homescreen. Note, I am not tech savvy but this gave me back my functional use of my cell phone.

Same here, I will never get Alcatel ever again because of this joy launcher crap

titaniummitch said:
I was able to swipe down from the top, I went into settings, to Apps, to Joy Launcher. I tried Force Stop & it didn't work. I then hit the 3 vertical buttons at upper right of screen. I then hit Uninstall Updates. This allowed me to get my screen back. It also returned my homescreen to factory settings. I had to add whatever icons I wanted to the homescreen. Note, I am not tech savvy but this gave me back my functional use of my cell phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Update: Joy Launcher returned. I repeated above actions & it again returned. On Joy Launcher I denied permissions and for a 3d time it took over my screen. I again repeated above actions and this time I was asked if I wanted to replace Joy Launcher with the factory settings. I clicked on yes and I again got my normal screen back. I don't know if Joy Launcher will return again, I'm waiting...

titaniummitch said:
Update: Joy Launcher returned. I repeated above actions & it again returned. On Joy Launcher I denied permissions and for a 3d time it took over my screen. I again repeated above actions and this time I was asked if I wanted to replace Joy Launcher with the factory settings. I clicked on yes and I again got my normal screen back. I don't know if Joy Launcher will return again, I'm waiting...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are we sure this is Alcatel pushing this launcher? Or perhaps this is bundled with some other type software that persistently re-activates it.
This used to be a common practice for dev's of one program, to get extra revenue by bundling it with their own.
I myself havent installed the most recent update as I feel no need to at this time. I'm currently trying to get rid of that silly "File Manager" that just all of a sudden decided it needed to run actively!

Moscow Desire said:
Are we sure this is Alcatel pushing this launcher? Or perhaps this is bundled with some other type software that persistently re-activates it.
This used to be a common practice for dev's of one program, to get extra revenue by bundling it with their own.
I myself havent installed the most recent update as I feel no need to at this time. I'm currently trying to get rid of that silly "File Manager" that just all of a sudden decided it needed to run actively!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for commenting. As I previously wrote, I'm not very tech savvy.
I don't factually know that it comes from .Alcatel but since 8/14 this keeps returning. I haven't downloaded any new apps. I cannot use the phone until I figure out how to delete the Joy Launcher message from my screen. I refuse to allow the program's permission requests. I wrote to Alcatel on 8/14 & they gave me a case #. They haven't yet addressed the complaint.
Today it returned again yet it wasn't listed as 1 of my apps. I went into apps - permissions & I denied all permissions. Joy Launcher had some permissions even though it didn't appear on my list of apps. After I denied permissions I restarted the phone & it was gone. The problem is that it keeps returning. I don't know how to stop this from being re-installed.
Sorry you are having trouble with the File Manager, I haven't yet experienced problems.

titaniummitch said:
Thank you for commenting. As I previously wrote, I'm not very tech savvy.
I don't factually know that it comes from .Alcatel but since 8/14 this keeps returning. I haven't downloaded any new apps. I cannot use the phone until I figure out how to delete the Joy Launcher message from my screen. I refuse to allow the program's permission requests. I wrote to Alcatel on 8/14 & they gave me a case #. They haven't yet addressed the complaint.
Today it returned again yet it wasn't listed as 1 of my apps. I went into apps - permissions & I denied all permissions. Joy Launcher had some permissions even though it didn't appear on my list of apps. After I denied permissions I restarted the phone & it was gone. The problem is that it keeps returning. I don't know how to stop this from being re-installed.
Sorry you are having trouble with the File Manager, I haven't yet experienced problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On another site 1 guy claims he installed another launcher then used all in one toolbox to disable at startup

http://download.cnet.com/Joy-Launcher/3000-20432_4-77527969.html
It does seem to be an alcatel app

titaniummitch said:
Thank you for commenting. As I previously wrote, I'm not very tech savvy.
I don't factually know that it comes from .Alcatel but since 8/14 this keeps returning. I haven't downloaded any new apps. I cannot use the phone until I figure out how to delete the Joy Launcher message from my screen. I refuse to allow the program's permission requests. I wrote to Alcatel on 8/14 & they gave me a case #. They haven't yet addressed the complaint.
Today it returned again yet it wasn't listed as 1 of my apps. I went into apps - permissions & I denied all permissions. Joy Launcher had some permissions even though it didn't appear on my list of apps. After I denied permissions I restarted the phone & it was gone. The problem is that it keeps returning. I don't know how to stop this from being re-installed.
Sorry you are having trouble with the File Manager, I haven't yet experienced problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem mate. Been dealing with OEM crap since the HTC Desire days.
They put this stuff on for several reasons.
1) To give the device a unique feel different from other manufacturers
2) They get money from the developers of said applications to help for a larger profit margin
3) (and the 1 I think is the winner) They let their spouses or partners chose an app "cuz it's cute"
In actuality it's #1 and 2.
If you are rooted, try this app out from the play store. It's what I use.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jumobile.manager.systemapp&hl=en
You can find all the apk's and "com.xxxxx.xxxxx" files. Ya should be able to locate that joy launcher easily. My guess it's re-installing from a couple locations.
As with that Alcatel File Manager, I use ES File Explorer or Root Explorer. I don't like the idea of a program running in memory like File Explorer does. U can tell cause it leaves icons on the notification bar. So I deleted it.

No Joy, (contiunued)
TheMadScientist said:
On another site 1 guy claims he installed another launcher then used all in one toolbox to disable at startup
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the suggestion, Mad Scientist, I'll look into the toolbox. It returned last night and I followed Moscow Desire's advice on preventing automatic updates. I had to search how to do prevent automatic updates, I didn't know I could disable them. I managed to accomplish disabling the auto updates. At some point the screen asked me "Do you want to replace with factory version" & I clicked on yes.
I hope I'm not violating protocol by going into lengthy detail. The inability to use my phone is frustrating. I'm writing about my attempts in case I succeed in regaining control of the phone & maybe my experience could be useful to somebody else. Thanks for the input & guidance.
---------- Post added at 03:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:54 PM ----------
I like your #3.
I appreciate your generous assistance. This app remover might be the answer. I'll wait and if my refusing auto updates (done last night) doesn't solve the problem then I'll download this app remover.
Moscow Desire said:
No problem mate. Been dealing with OEM crap since the HTC Desire days.
They put this stuff on for several reasons.
1) To give the device a unique feel different from other manufacturers
2) They get money from the developers of said applications to help for a larger profit margin
3) (and the 1 I think is the winner) They let their spouses or partners chose an app "cuz it's cute"
In actuality it's #1 and 2.
If you are rooted, try this app out from the play store. It's what I use.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jumobile.manager.systemapp&hl=en
You can find all the apk's and "com.xxxxx.xxxxx" files. Ya should be able to locate that joy launcher easily. My guess it's re-installing from a couple locations.
As with that Alcatel File Manager, I use ES File Explorer or Root Explorer. I don't like the idea of a program running in memory like File Explorer does. U can tell cause it leaves icons on the notification bar. So I deleted it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

titaniummitch said:
Thanks for the suggestion, Mad Scientist, I'll look into the toolbox. It returned last night and I followed Moscow Desire's advice on preventing automatic updates. I had to search how to do prevent automatic updates, I didn't know I could disable them. I managed to accomplish disabling the auto updates. At some point the screen asked me "Do you want to replace with factory version" & I clicked on yes.
I hope I'm not violating protocol by going into lengthy detail. The inability to use my phone is frustrating. I'm writing about my attempts in case I succeed in regaining control of the phone & maybe my experience could be useful to somebody else. Thanks for the input & guidance.
---------- Post added at 03:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:54 PM ----------
I like your #3.
I appreciate your generous assistance. This app remover might be the answer. I'll wait and if my refusing auto updates (done last night) doesn't solve the problem then I'll download this app remover.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not at all thats what we are here for. I'm trying to make mine better too just like you.

Hello All, I too was the victim of the rotten Joy Launcher. I think I have now stopped it and now we have a happy Alcatel cell phone.
I did a lot of things, but basically - sorry do not have the cell to hand.
I uninstalled Joy Launcher (from version 7.0 to version 5??) and clicked on Force Stop. Then I uninstalled Updates (from version 7.0 to version 5??) and clicked on Force Stop.
Within Play Store, I selected 'do not install when connected to Wireless' and 'manual install'.
There is one last 'manual install' option which I think is within settings.
The octopus is gone and Joy Launcher doesn't bug me anymore. Yippee!

Update it from Apkmirror site , you will find latest update ver 7.0.1.0.823 . It seems that play store removed it .

Response from Alcatel
As I mentioned in my earlier post I emailed Alcatel support. They did not respond so I wrote again, this was my email:
Subject:
Your malware - Joy Launcher
Message:
I have 3 pop4 Alcatel phones. You have forced an installation and update of 'Joy launcher' via Google Playstore.
It has totally removed all of my existing desktop, with its contacts, accounts and shortcuts, etc, which took months of usage and setting up. All is now wasted and lost.
I did not ask for this rubbish program. I do not want it. You have forced it on to me. You have deleted and corrupted my data without my permission.
I have made formal complaints to my network provider as I am most disappointed and angry with Alcatel and will certainly make my thoughts known, because this application is a form of malware.
=====================
I received a response today from Alcatel which was:
Dear customer,
Thank you for contacting us.
Regarding your issue, to deactivate Joy Launcher you need to connect to the internet ( wi-fi network) and a rollback that will remove the Octopus/Spider or any other such annoying features will set in.
What you will also need to do is to go to the settings and then to apps. There you will need to search for the joy launcher and then to click on it and if you see 3 vertical dots, please click on it and then unisntall updates(if not just disable it and uninstall it from the play store).
After you do this, please go to the play store and click on the 3 orizontal lines and settings-> auto-update and click on do not do auto-updates.
We also recommend to get a new launcher from the play store and set it as default in order to fix this.
Please consider rebooting your device if the change doesn't come through.
===
I though I ought to pass this 'fix' on in case it assists anyone. In any event, I will certainly not get an Alcatel phone again because of what they have done. I hate this type of intrusion with software/bloatware which constantly eats your data with spurious and dangerous ads and peaking at your data.
Good luck
Steve

The amount of bloatware (some of which is borderline malware) that has been silently installed since 6.0 is appalling. It renders the phone super sluggish.
If your phone is rooted you can uninstall most of it (at least Joy Launcher, File Manager and Weather) using a root system app remover.
Anything in the com.tct package namespace is a candidate for being eradicated.

How to root Alcatel Pop4 - 5051x
Yes, bloatware is verging on being criminal as the device has the memory stolen from it.
Thanks for informing me that rooting would allow me to get rid of unwanted stuff. The only problem is that I don't know how to do this. I have read different forums and followed numerous links but I have not found a step by step (idiots guide) to root my Alcatel pop4 (5051x) Android 6.0.1
If there is one specifically for that phone I would gratefull for assistance as I do not want to brick my device.
Thanks in advance
ps: I spent ages trying to prove I am not a robot and was about to give it up as a bad job. Is this normal or just me? For example when it asks for street signs does that include picture of the poles only holding the street signs above...? It just goes on and on. I suppose I need a guide to that now !