Database Info

CWM recovery | Custom Clean ROM | Tweaks for Android watch phone Z1 (MT6516)

Z1 (brand unknown) is wrist watch phone with Android OS. It was first released in 4/2012 and it is Android 2.2.1. It has WiFi, AGPS, GSM/EDGE, 2 MP camera, mic, speaker, loudspeaker, capacitive touchscreen, display of 320x240, SDHC & SIM card slots etc.
As most Chinese phones it has SoC from MediaTek, MT6516 (armv5).
See my Czech review for photos: http://hodinky.blog.mobilmania.cz/2012/06/z1-hodinko-telefon-s-androidem/
Tweaks/tips for stock ROM (2.2.1)
Market/Google Play is missing in stock rom but it cam be added if you follow instructions on the page: http://www.ibuygou.com/p-z1_smart_android_2_2_watch_phone_gps_wifi_bluetooth_html-3638-usd.html (included in Clean ROM)
Default DPI is 120 however most controls are too small. Change it to 160 which will make all icons sharp. (included in Clean ROM)
Typing on tiny QWERTY soft keyboard is a pain, Flit Keyboard makes entering text much easier. (included in Clean ROM)
To enter engineering mode, dial *#*#8787#*#*
ADWLauncher EX works even better if you (see):
Disable all animations including scrolling homescreen
Disable dockbar and use swipe up instead (included in Clean ROM)
4x3 icon layout for home screen and 5x2 for drawer (included in Clean ROM)
Use something like Extended controls for toggles
Use No Lock if you don't need swipe to unlock feature.
Remove alternative Chinese markets and Chinese network account/sync providers from /system/app (included in Clean ROM)
Creating flashable dump
Use MT6516 BackUpTool for dumping your stock rom.
Use MTK_Rom_Studio_1.0.0a for converting dump into flashable format.
Flashing
Basically you need the driver: "MT6516_YuSu_USB_VCOM.inf" and flashing tool: "SP Flash Tool v1.1110". All tools can be found on the internet when searching for "MT6516 flash tools". The only necessary tools reuploaded can be found also here. (I'm not sure about the legality of these tools though.)
You have to use 32 bit Windows (I only tried XP in both VirtualBox and VMware but it could work with 32 bit Vista or 7).
Power off the watch, connect it directly to PC (no USB hub or extention cable) - new device will connect for few seconds - use it to install the driver. Unplug watch. (You may retry that few times because the watch disconnect within few seconds) Open flashing tool and select files to flash (I would recommend not to flash anything other than boot/recovery/system/data/logo), hit start and quickly connect the watch - flashing will start automatically.
Recovery
First build of ClockworkMod 5.0.2.8 seems to be working however all its features were not tested yet!
Recovery can be flashed with "SP Flash Tool" (use provided scatter file).
Rebooting to recovery from launched Android using "reboot recovery" works but I wasn't able to find working button shortcut to launch recovery directly from cold start. Please help me if you find a way!
Custom Clean ROM based on stock 2.2.1
Features
Removed alternative Chinese markets and Chinese (social) network accounts
Integration of Google apps (sync, Google Play, setup wizard etc)
DPI changed to 160 which makes the watch easier to control and the icons sharper
Preconfigured ADW Launcher, Flit keyboard
Includes root with Superuser, Busybox binaries
Minor clean-ups
So far this ROM doesn't include anything power user from XDA wouldn't be able to customize but this ROM is afford to save other users time with experiments.
Important notes:
Backing up your current ROM + data is highly recommended (use the above listed MT6516 BackUpTool)
The seller says you shouldn't do factory reset because of IMEI lost - I can't confirmed that - IMEI is kept even during factory resets so it doesn't seem to be stored in user data partition. BUT backup your current ROM anyway cause I might be wrong.
Clean ROM notes:
The first boot is slow. After the first boot, I recommend not touching the watch for 5-10 minutes because dalvik cache is rebuilding in the background and the setup wizard may lag a lot.
The default ADW launcher is configured to not have app drawer button - swipe up to open drawer
Known issue (to be fixed later): Because of DPI change - Bottom row of button in Dialer is smaller, however all buttons can be pressed
Known issue (to be fixed later): Because of DPI change - Superuser (root) confirmation dialog buttons aren't readable however the buttons are partly visible and can be pressed (press bottom left button to allow root acces)
Known issue (to be fixed later): Because of DPI change - There is small graphical glitch on the lock screen which however doesn't break anything
Flashing recovery is not needed at all. Just make sure you flash both partitions (it will erase all your data on the watch but not on SD). Follow instructions above on how to flash.
ROM download: http://www.multiupload.nl/3LHJ33CW95
or http://www.multiupload.nl/JK6NOATJ57
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"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
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"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
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CM ROM
WIP, first build of CyanogenMod 7 (2.3.7) booted so I continue testing/evaluating. So far I only used stock kernel but I have source for MT6516 kernel.
Notes: WiFi chip - MediaTek MT5921 - no open source driver
Currently on hold.
Proofs

Flit Keyboard
moneytoo said:
Typing on tiny QWERTY soft keyboard is a pain, Flit Keyboard makes entering text much easier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually have bought 3 Z1's and virtual keyboard is REALLY a pain..
Flit Keyboard makes entering text much easier ! !
Just Eight ( 8 ) >> Huge << Buttons Keyboard..
..that By Easily Sliding You Can Type:
>> All << Alphanumeric Characters And Symbols ! !
No More Accidentally Typing Wrong Characters ! !
Perfect 5..
(this Should Have Been THE Number One Android Keyboard..)
Thanks moneytoo ! !
ff
---------- Post added at 06:19 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:16 AM ----------
Z1 Android Watch-Phone
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Z1_Android_Watch-Phone
ff

Ive been thinking about buying the watch to use as a mp3 player, would you recomend it?
Sent from my NWZ-Z1000Series using xda app-developers app

Yes, I'm plugging my website, but hey, it's relevant.
I've just reviewed this device at:
http://linuxslate.com/Review_Z1_Android-2.2-Watch.html

Everything in this thread has been helpful, I just wanted to add my 2 cents.
DPI at 160 looks great. Unfortunately many apps will not fit, including keyboard, phone, and superuser prompt. Either find alternate keyboard and set superuser to auto-grant, or switch back and forth between 120 and 160 as necessary.
I like No Lock, but I find the phone wake-locking all the time until I turned No Lock off. I also like the fact that the time is there in big letters on the lock screen. It's very suitable for its watch functionality.

I did a manual backup without rooting (No need for Z4 Root)
Download and unrar MT6516 BackUpTool, but do not install anything.
On the Linux/Mac box, open the gscript folder, and open back22.sh in editor, or viewer.
Connect the watch via USB, and connect via adb shell
Cut, paste and execute each line from the back22.sh file
up to and including the last dd command in the first section - in other words
Code:
.
.
.
.
dd if=/dev/mtd/mtd11 of=/sdcard/backup_/expdb.img
Obviously, you don't do the comment lines.
exit the shell
Code:
exit
do:
Code:
adb remount
Install yaffs2image:
Code:
adb push <your_path_on_PC_to>/Install/BackUp/yaffs_back_2.2/gen/mkyaffs2image /system/bin/mkyaffs2image
Code:
adb shell chmod 4777 /system/bin/mkyaffs2image
(Again, the above is a cut and paste from the script)
Code:
adb remount
(for safety)
Code:
adb shell
Then cut and paste the remaining 3 mkyaffs2img commands.
Then:
Code:
exit
Copy the backup_ folder on the SD car to someplace safe.
If you want, you can remove mkyaffsimg:
Code:
adb remount
Code:
adb shell rm /system/bin/mkyaffs2image
Code:
adb remount
It's definitely more steps, but it leaves the system technically un-touched, un-rooted, and even returnable if you should have to.

Some more useful apps.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.coinsoft.android.orientcontrol
Orientation control to lock the screen in landscape mode; not free but worth it.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=itosisato.setsunasato.kokoroduyosato
Home button for soft home button in notification tray. Free.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.katecca.screenofflock
Off button in notification tray. Free.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.opera.mini.android
Opera mini has server side compression so makes best use of the slow 3g speed, but no multitouch so zooming is difficult.

m34n1ng said:
Ive been thinking about buying the watch to use as a mp3 player, would you recomend it?
Sent from my NWZ-Z1000Series using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can be done, but the MotoActv might be better, because the motoactv has a headphone jack so you can use any headphones you want. On the Z1, you have to use bluetooth headphones or a bluetooth headphone adapter.

I just ordered one of these last week, should have arrived today ... glad to see this exists!
Other than configuration/display-size issues, does everything work, i.e. all hardware? I noticed you had a note about the Wifi driver not being open source, but I assume that more effects if you try the MT6516 kernel. Even if it's a closed binary, I assume you could still load it and use it though. I'm not expecting any leaps and bounds in the kernel department.
As for CWM, is any part of it executed at cold boot? If so, I imagine you'd need to implement some kind of timeout menu that could optionally enter recovery before booting the watch. This is similar to what was implemented on the Kindle Fire which also doesn't have a normal stock recovery mode.
I assume you're still evaluating CM7 so you're not ready to distribute it ... but I do hope to see more from you soon, especially a HOWTO and download links!

I spent many nights trying to make GSM or WiFi working. Except few tweaks I only got the modem to start but nothing more. I have no experience with porting of binary drivers and this device has so many of them. Radio/modem and kernel modules - there are no problems with them but there are just too many dependencies on proprietary libs even from standard android native binaries.
So I'm giving up. At least for now cause I just don't have enough knowledge.
I consider making custom rom based on stock Android but I don't know if there would be any demand. Proper integration of Google apps, Chinese apps/account providers removed, tweaked launcher/drawer settings, tweaked global dpi/dpi of apps that not fit...
To have at least something, I give you very simple app "Z1 Backlight Toggle" apk (attached in 1st post) which can turn off completely display backlight. (Needs root) I use it on my bike when I have navigation running all the time cause it indeed saves battery and backlight isn't needed at all under direct sunlight, the display is readable the same.

moneytoo said:
I spent many nights trying to make GSM or WiFi working. Except few tweaks I only got the modem to start but nothing more. I have no experience with porting of binary drivers and this device has so many of them. Radio/modem and kernel modules - there are no problems with them but there are just too many dependencies on proprietary libs even from standard android native binaries.
So I'm giving up. At least for now cause I just don't have enough knowledge.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's fine, I understand how frustrating these things can be. But still, can you post information about how to backup / restore the firmware and how to flash a custom ROM? I might try playing with it myself sometime and at least having the knowledge would enable further experimentation.

WTF!!!! a wrist phone with Android OS.... This is so freaking cool!!! :thumbup:
Awesome......
Sent from my GT-S7500 using xda premium

moneytoo said:
I spent many nights trying to make GSM or WiFi working. Except few tweaks I only got the modem to start but nothing more. I have no experience with porting of binary drivers and this device has so many of them. Radio/modem and kernel modules - there are no problems with them but there are just too many dependencies on proprietary libs even from standard android native binaries.
So I'm giving up. At least for now cause I just don't have enough knowledge.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an idea ... if we can get the MTK6516 kernel to build and boot, that's one step. If we can then get Android 2.2 stock to build, and then compare it against an image of the Z1's file system, we should, in theory, be able to identify all the unique areas of the watch's Android setup. If we at least know how to build an identical watch Android from source we should be able to extend that into making Cyanogen Mod work ... or something else. I think it's worth a shot anyway!
Also for an identical kernel, there shouldn't be any need to "port" binary drivers ... ideally they're built-in or load as modules, same as any other drivers.
I consider making custom rom based on stock Android but I don't know if there would be any demand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're probably right there will be very limited demand. So I ask again, if you can at least post steps about reflashing the watch, I'll give it my best shot. I just want to be sure I can restore the watch after messing around with it. Which I'm guessing you were able to since you didn't claim any permanent damage. It seems it should be able to go into a factory restore mode which I hope will override any messed up systems.
lokeshsaini94 said:
WTF!!!! a wrist phone with Android OS.... This is so freaking cool!!! :thumbup:
Awesome......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It really is neat. Kind of limited, but really neat. I think if we can get any amount of control over the kernel and Android version, we can really extend the abilities of the watch. It just needs a chance...

southbird said:
I have an idea ... if we can get the MTK6516 kernel to build and boot, that's one step. If we can then get Android 2.2 stock to build, and then compare it against an image of the Z1's file system, we should, in theory, be able to identify all the unique areas of the watch's Android setup. If we at least know how to build an identical watch Android from source we should be able to extend that into making Cyanogen Mod work ... or something else. I think it's worth a shot anyway!
Also for an identical kernel, there shouldn't be any need to "port" binary drivers ... ideally they're built-in or load as modules, same as any other drivers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my opinion there's no problem with kernel, modules or libraries, we can just reuse them. The real issue I think is native android binaries such as wpa_supplicant or rild. We can either use (original) already built binaries or build new ones - but this is the problem... Original binaries depend on proprietary libraries so they "do something" important with devices. Newly build binaries just don't have that unknown functionality. Yes, reusing stock binaries might work for 2.2 but my only target so far was 2.3 since that would be real benefit for us.
southbird said:
So I ask again, if you can at least post steps about reflashing the watch, I'll give it my best shot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have a look here: http://bm-smartphone-reviews.blogspot.cz/2011/02/mtk-hd2-hd9-flashing-tutorial.html
Basically you need the driver: "MT6516_YuSu_USB_VCOM.inf" and flashing tool: "SP Flash Tool v1.1110". You have to use 32 bit Windows (I only tried XP in both VirtualBox and VMware but it could work with 32 bit Vista or 7 as well).
Power off the watch, connect it directly to PC (no USB hub or extention cable) - new device will connect for few seconds - use it to install the driver. Unplug watch. Open flashing tool and select files to flash (I would recommend not to flash anything other than boot/recovery/system/data/logo), hit start and quickly connect the watch - flashing will start automatically.

moneytoo said:
To have at least something, I give you very simple app "Z1 Backlight Toggle" apk (attached in 1st post) which can turn off completely display backlight. (Needs root) I use it on my bike when I have navigation running all the time cause it indeed saves battery and backlight isn't needed at all under direct sunlight, the display is readable the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which navigation software are you using?

adthor said:
Which navigation software are you using?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No idea what he's using, but I'll say that Sygic worked when NOT navigating (doing a route caused it to force close, I'm guessing possibly out of memory??) Using OsmAnd works pretty well ... of course, it's Open Street Map with all the usual limitations.

adthor said:
Which navigation software are you using?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use RMaps (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.robert.maps&hl=en) with collection of offline maps and prepared tracks for navigation.

southbird said:
No idea what he's using,
but I'll say that Sygic worked when NOT navigating
(doing a route caused it to force close, I'm guessing possibly out of memory??)
Using OsmAnd works pretty well ... of course, it's Open Street Map
with all the usual limitations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sygic 10 works nice with Z1 using 3D maps.
Sygic 12 works nice with Z1 using 2D maps.
When attempting to navigate Sygic 12 with 3D maps enabled,
the Sygic 12 crashes and Z1 returns to Home screen.
Correction..
Sygic 12 works nice with Z1 using 3D maps
only when Autozoom is turned off:
Settings > Map > Autozoom [untick]
ff

I consider making custom rom based on stock Android but I don't know if there would be any demand. Proper integration of Google apps, Chinese apps/account providers removed, tweaked launcher/drawer settings, tweaked global dpi/dpi of apps that not fit...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is exactly what needs to be done! If porting the binaries is not possible at the moment, why not go ahead with building with stock android, with proper google account and apps, and removing the chinese accounts.
Once you have tweaked launcher/drawer, tweaked dpi of apps that not fit etc done, it would be almost as good as running CM7. Any improvement would be a big improvement
I sincerely hope that you continue development, the demand for a stock ROM is sure to come as the device becomes more popular, as of now, there is nobody developing for Z1, that i know of.

apurvasrishti said:
That is exactly what needs to be done! If porting the binaries is not possible at the moment, why not go ahead with building with stock android, with proper google account and apps, and removing the chinese accounts.
Once you have tweaked launcher/drawer, tweaked dpi of apps that not fit etc done, it would be almost as good as running CM7. Any improvement would be a big improvement
I sincerely hope that you continue development, the demand for a stock ROM is sure to come as the device becomes more popular, as of now, there is nobody developing for Z1, that i know of.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I started cooking custom ROM based on the stock two days ago and I'm very happy with it. Proper integration of setup wizard, google apps, keyboard, dpi, orientation, better preconfigured launcher, working voice search etc.

[FAQ][CM10][Kang] for Bruce2728

FAQ for [ROM][CM10][Kang][Pyramid][RC][4.1.2]
This is a FAQ for users who would like to start (or just have) with Bruce's amazing ROM and run into issues.
The development thread is frequently seeing already-answered questions, frustrating many others
and drastically blowing up the thread.
Thank you Bruce for your great work and allowing us to experience a revitalized Sensation!
Obviously also big THANKS to the whole CM team, whoever you are!
In order to help out those users and lessen Bruce's workload to follow the thread, this should be a community effort,
so please feel free to post any items that need to be added or mistakes were made (I wrote this up from memory).
I'm bad with names, so I apologise beforehand to not plug every username here, thanks to whoever contributed!
If you are new to the rom: please take at least a few minutes to use the SEARCH feature FIRST with corresponding keywords
before posting a question, chances are pretty good that it's been answered already (many times).
Mods: if I missed to follow any guideline here, please let me know and I'll fix asap.
Q: I'm on a different ROM, what should I do?
A: Read the full first post as it already includes hints for installation.
You should then also check to have a current firmware (3.32 at least).
The first post has 2 different download links, one or both of them will have
the current version. If you do not see it in the first link (the >>>I AGREE <<< link),
just think for a second and click the mirror link!
There's also a link to a current gapps package (install from recovery as well).
If you think you need different versions, please search the dev forum first before asking,
there are plenty of tweaked/inverted versions out there.
Q: I'm on a previous build of Bruce's, what should I do?
A: just install the current build over it, you do not need to manually wipe dalvik/cache as the install does it already.
Q: Do I need a different kernel or can I switch to a different kernel?
A: Bruce included his own tweaked kernel. Other kernels (like tamcore) may also work,
but also may break things that Bruce had explicitly built in.
I haven't yet seen clear evidence that switching to another kernel offers anything, so
my personal opinion is: don't mess with it, just because you read about some fancy
tweak in another rom's thread.
Q: My data icon keeps flickering/bad connections?
A: this is a often discussed issue with unclear cause (as of now) and happened not only
to TMO users in the US, but also in other countries.
Yesterday it was reported, that getting a new SIM card fixed this issue (at least for
several months for another user).
Please search the thread also for more details/investigations by SkipJacks.
Q: There are graphical issues with Chrome?
A: This has been a known issue for weeks and still needs fixing (either Chrome gets fixed or new display drivers are released).
Q: Where can I find the option to dis-/enable the screen off CRT animation?
A: Settings -> Developer options: set "Window animation scale" to "0.5" or "off"
Q: Is it possible to have Sense widgets?
A: No, not the same Sense ones (this is a different software base). Check Play Store for widgets.
Q: How do I enable/disable Sweep2Wake?
This is disabled by default. To change this, it requires a mounted /system partition.
Use a root-enabled file explorer like the free "ES File Explorer", which has extra root
options to auto-mount it in read/write-mode (thus enable that option).
Then go edit this file as text:
Code:
/system/etc/init.d/89bruce
In it are separate sections for sweep2wake, tun and badass governor, like
Code:
SWEEP2WAKE=0
Change the value 0 to one of the values described right there in the file, read carefully!
Some changed settings can be activated by executing it in a terminal.
If unsure how to do that, do a manual reboot.
Q: The default badass governor behaves differently (or you experience lag)?
Proceed as with above answer, but this time change this line:
Code:
BADASS=2
The default is fairly well for battery, but set value to 1 to activate higher max. frequency.
Q: The camera does not have previous picture sizes, like 16:9?
Oct 25 build has the camera options now also list "8 16:9", "8 5:3" etc.
Q: My facebook app displays wrong/huge fonts?
A: Reported and confirmed by many to be a FB app issue after last weeks FB updates.
Q: My facebook app does not sync?
Syncing was removed by FB some while ago, but can be done by other apps (HaxSync?)
Q: Wifi hotspot does not work?
A: this is currently reported to be broken (Oct 25), but Bruce will certainly take care of it
when he has the time. Please do not report this repeatedly or ask him daily, also
follow the release notes.
Q: Call volume or headphone volume is out of whack?
A1: at least once after rom install, use volume rockers to set max volume and then
back down to normal level.
A2: Settings -> Sound -> uncheck "Safe headset volume"
Q: Can I install BeatsAudio?
A: with some extra package installed, probably (needs an extra sense framework),
search the dev forum for it.
but it might interfere with the built-in "DSP Manager" and cause other issues.
Please reply for answers to add... and hit Thanks if this helped you.
See next posts for more...!
Cheers
Tobias

PART 2:
Q: Better Battery Stats (or other battery app) is showing hours of Alarm Manager Wakelocks attributed to Google Services, what do I do?
A1: please read SkipJacks' post (page 1460!) about an investigation we did the last couple of days about it, excerpt:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We used System Tuner Pro to disable some of the start up items in the Google Services Framework.
Additionally we froze GTalk and Gnow (Google Search). And no, you can't just freeze those two apps.
The GSF will still create wakelocks when trying to activate them. So you have to modify the GSF as well.
These are the things that I disabled in the GSF using System Tuner Pro (other apps may work as,
such as ROM Toolbox Pro etc., all available in the market).
gtalkservice.diagnostits.gtalkdiagnostics
update.systemupdateactivity
gtalkservice.connection autherrordialog
talk.talkprovider
settings.googlesettingsprovider
gservices.gservicesprovider$override reciever
checkin.checinservices$reciever
checkin.checkinservices$triggerreciever
checkein.eventlogservices$receiver
gtalkservice.diagnostics.gtalkdiagnosticsbroadcast reciever
gtalkservice.serviceautostarter
gtalkservices.datamessagereciever
gtalkservice.sendxmppreciever
gtalkservices.packageinstalledreciever
gtalkservice.xmppendpointreciever
loginservice.serviceswatcher (You might try reactivating this one to see what happens)
usagestates.statsuploadservice$reciever
checkin.evenlogservice
gtalkservice.service.stalkservice
gtalkservice.pushmessagingregistar
You can freeze the GSF entirely with 1 easy step and that will also kill the wakelocks. But the Play Store becomes another casualty if you do that. Disabling the events above will stop the Google Services wakelocks dead in their tracks, and allow the Play Store to continue working. (Though I haven't tried purchasing a paid app yet)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is based on current 4.1.2 gapps, but may well be valid for previous builds.
A2: In general, unless utterly needed, disable any "sync" settings in individual apps, such as Calendar, Settings -> Google account etc. and don't forget to switch off BT and/or GPS when you don't need it.
Q: My mobile data icon blinks on and off, what do I do?!
T Mobile USA users may experience issues with mobile data going on and off in about 1 second intervals. The "H" will just blink continuously. The problem is how the AOSP framework interacts with the T Mobile USA data network. It is intermitent, and usually cures itself within an hour or two. This will occur in ALL AOSP ICS and JB roms for the Sensation. (CM9, CM10 Variants, AOKP, etc)
While a cure is constantly being researched, nothing final is upon us as of yet. The best thing you can do is turn data off and leave it off for an hour or two and see if it works later. If you must try to fix it right now there are a few things that may help, but understand they are temporary fixes.
Sending yourself a text message.
Calling to your phone.
Making a call from your phone.
Going into airplane mode for a minute then back to normal.
Sometimes these tricks work because they either force the network to either re-register or authenticate your phone. Sometimes they don't work.
If you absolutely positive must have data working right now, flash a Sense or Desensed ROM. This problem does not exist in Sense ROMs.
See this thread for more details about what does and doesn't help.
Q: I have no or issues with WiFi?
A: Read here.
-- BIG thanks to Skipjacks for the above (and me a little )
Q: The dialer/phone or gallery app does not show?
A: Having installed other tweaks or (inverted) gapps may have caused this. Try reverting any changes made.
If this persists, a fresh, clean install should be fixing it in any case.
Q: GPS is not working correctly?
A1: suggested apps to try out: "Faster Fix", "GPS Status" or simialr in market
A2: Settings -> Location access -> GPS source.. there check "Use internal GPS"
A3: "go outside!" (thanks Catnap, that made me laugh!)
-- Thanks to Catnap and darkbasic4
Q: I have a problem with feature X! Is this ROM broken?
A: Can you reproduce the problem after a full wipe, install the ROM (& gapps)? If not, it's not the ROM.
-- Thanks to Konstigt
Q: What to do about slow SD card transfer speeds?
A1: A solution I would recommend: MultiMount SD Card app
A2: Mount USB from within 4ext and transfer's should be at full speed
-- Thanks to MAMeingast and corumuk
Q.: Where did my video/picture/ringtone/music files go? They are on the SDcard but I can't see them in Apollo, the Gallery, etc.
A: Apps will not scan folders for media if they have a hidden file called .nomedia (with the dot in front!) in them.
Certain root apps have been known to put such a file in the main folder of the SD card itself, causing all photos, etc., to vanish. To fix, use a file manager like ES and enable View Hidden Files in the settings. Check the main folder of your SDcard (and others, if you like) and delete .nomedia wherever you want to be able to see media - especially the root directory of the SDcard. Then - and this is important - turn the phone OFF and reboot it (Restart may not be enough). This forces Android to rescan the card and your media will reappear.
-- Thanks to dkephart
Q: I have terrible battery life. After some browsing, phone calls etc. my battery is down from 100% to 50% in just one hour.
A: Do this battery test, charge to 100%. Set display brightness to 100%. Set timeout to 30 minutes. Disable WiFi, Bluetooth, Sync, GPS. Unplug the charger and just leave the phone at the home screen. Touch it after 30 minutes and let it sit for another 30 minutes. If you battery is below <insert a normal batterys percentage here> you might consider a new battery. So it's not the ROM!
(I don't know what actual value is supposed to be there, yikes...)
-- Thanks to Konstigt
Q: What kernel should I install?
A: The rom comes with it's own tweaked kernel (3.0.48 as of Oct 25).
You should not install other kernels, that are not explicitly made for Jelly Bean! The rom's libraries (a higher layer than the kernel) depend mostly on having functions and versions to be on the same "level" and could cause FCs/reboots if something is out of sync.
The Linux kernel contains drivers for: Display, Keypad, Camera, Wifi, Flash Memory, Audio, Power Mgmt etc. and as such it is specific to your phone model (different hardware likes chipsets, display etc.).
The kernel is under constant development, so mostly it's about fixing things, but in rare events there may be an issue introduced with it.
If that happens to you, you could either wait for one of the next frequently updated builds or revert to a previous build if need be.

Contributed by aVe2000 (thank him if it helped you):
- start Google Search|go to Settings|disable Google now
- use a tool like autostarts*|disable everything with gtalk, youtube, picasa uploader and (g)maps in it's name
(other tools also capable of that: Android/System Tuner, ROM Toolbox etc.)
- go to the sync profiles|disable all you do not really need (e.g. mail: sync manually)
- dont use any live wallpapers
- dont use widgets that automatically update its contents
- go to Settings|Performance|Processor|choose BADASS and then ... change init.d/89bruce file for badass to '3'
- additionally disable News & Weather with the autostarts* tool if not needed
- go to Settings|Backup & reset|Disable backup data
- disable all location based stuff or turn off as soon as no longer needed
- go to Settings|Display and disable automatic light adjustments
-- edited a little

For whatever else comes...

Thank you for the hard work friend
Sent from my HTC Sensation using xda premium

ThizizKenny said:
Thank you for the hard work friend
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, you're welcome. I now had to split the first post due to character limits, so please check back later (I'll be off to work at customer now ).

retsam751 said:
sorry but i can't find image and music from gallery and appollo apps... i try to delete file .nomedia from image and music folder, clear data gallery , music, media storage + reboot, but nothing happen... i try format my sd card and wipe from ext recovery then fresh install rom but still have same problem.. help please...
trying "scan media" from google play but missing image and music
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please read this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=31115660&postcount=6817
Just to be sure: if you have a rom build before Sept 5 you should also upgrade to the current build.

We should ask the moderators to delete the posts between the first post and the second part of your FAQ... I already requested the removal of my post! If we leave it like this, people will often not realize that there is a second part...

Ask bruce to add ur thread in his op.. also u didnt answer how to get rid of "g-locks"
and ya no gallery n camera app suddenly after i update my phone.. happening since 18h oc build.. it goes away even if i have those app on the earlier build..
@MAMeingast I agree.. (i too have a post n i regret it.. didnt know he was going to post 1..)

retsam751 said:
sorry but i can't find image and music from gallery and appollo apps... i try to delete file .nomedia from image and music folder, clear data gallery , music, media storage + reboot, but nothing happen... i try format my sd card and wipe from ext recovery then fresh install rom but still have same problem.. help please...
trying "scan media" from google play but missing image and music
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Q.: where did my video/picture/ringtone/music files go? They are on the SDcard but I can't see them in Apollo, the Gallery, etc.
A: apps will not scan folders for media if they have a hidden file called .nomedia in them. Certain root apps have been known to put such a file in the main folder of the SD card itself, causing all photos, etc., to vanish. To fix, use a file manager like ES and enable View Hidden Files in the settings. Check the main folder of your SDcard (and others, if you like) and delete .nomedia wherever you want to be able to see media - especially the root directory of the SDcard. Then - and this is important - turn the phone OFF and reboot it (Restart may not be enough). This forces Android to rescan the card and your media will reappear
yrs,
dkephart
Sent from my HTC Sensation using xda premium

Q: I have terrible battery life. After some browsing, phone calls etc. my battery is down from 100% to 50% in just one hour.
A: Do this battery test, charge to 100%. Set display brightness to 100%. Set timeout to 30 minutes. Disable WiFi, Bluetooth, Sync, GPS. Unplug the charger and just leave the phone at the home screen. Touch it after 30 minutes and let it sit for another 30 minutes. If you battery is below <insert a normal batterys percentage here> you might consider a new battery. So it's not the ROM!
I think you need to edit that part.

H3llblax said:
Ask bruce to add ur thread in his op.. also u didnt answer how to get rid of "g-locks"
and ya no gallery n camera app suddenly after i update my phone.. happening since 18h oc build.. it goes away even if i have those app on the earlier build..
@MAMeingast I agree.. (i too have a post n i regret it.. didnt know he was going to post 1..)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just report your own post (click the orange triangle with the exlamation mark) with a non-urgent request to remove the post! The mods will then delete it (mine is already gone)!

I've installed the 10/25 version, but still the camera is only showing up to 5mp.
Is anyone else having the same problem or know a fix?

H3llblax said:
Ask bruce to add ur thread in his op.. also u didnt answer how to get rid of "g-locks"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I did notify Bruce and he kindly agreed to do that when he's got time.
As to the g-locks, please scroll down page 1 to see "Part 2", where there is a link to the original post.
H3llblax said:
and ya no gallery n camera app suddenly after i update my phone.. happening since 18h oc build.. it goes away even if i have those app on the earlier build..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please install the current version and recheck.
Btw, my native tongue is German, please be so kind to post in plain English, thank you.
cccollings said:
I've installed the 10/25 version, but still the camera is only showing up to 5mp
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's definitely there. The camera settings' 2nd options screen does show you the "Picture size" option, right?
Clicking the "right" arrow will list "8 16:9", "8 5:3" and "8" then.
P.S.: I ran out of thanks for today, so thanks to MAMeingast as well!

Thread cleaned
Cleaned the thread on request of some posters to create a continuos FAQ-Area.
jotha - forum moderator

@tobitege.. i had to install the gallery 2 apk for it.. but after that when i reflashed the rom it didnt go away.. i dunno what happened b4.. will have to c in later builds if it persists..
And yes i m totally unable to get the 16:9 ratio 8mp camera shot.. as posted by someone to flash a file for it.. it didnt work at all for me.. i think it was toryheal or something.. but can u make out y it doesnt work for me??
Also about the battery.. i just examined it.. i got from 100 to 30 in 1 hours 15 mins with screen on all the time wifi on all the time.. played medium games like jetpack joyride browsed the web.. then i continued to use it on n till i reached 2 %.. suprisingly i got 2 hours 20 mins of "screen on" with 4 hours on battery..on 25th oct build without solving the g-lock issue.. do u think my battery is gone or is it a good battery outcome??

jotha said:
Cleaned the thread on request of some posters to create a continuos FAQ-Area.
jotha - forum moderator
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, appreciated!
@H3llblax: I'm sorry, but I can't help you with that issue. In your position I'd go with a full fresh install.

tobitege said:
Thank you, appreciated!
@H3llblax: I'm sorry, but I can't help you with that issue. In your position I'd go with a full fresh install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thanks ..
And it worked with a fresh install.. sry for the mistypes in the earlier post

It's definitely there. The camera settings' 2nd options screen does show you the "Picture size" option, right?
Clicking the "right" arrow will list "8 16:9", "8 5:3" and "8" then.
I have a left arrow and it shows 5m Pixels but no more right arrows. Should I reflash?!?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

cccollings said:
It's definitely there. The camera settings' 2nd options screen does show you the "Picture size" option, right?
Clicking the "right" arrow will list "8 16:9", "8 5:3" and "8" then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a left arrow and it shows 5m Pixels but no more right arrows. Should I reflash?!?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, first try flashing again without any wiping. If that still won't work, a full wipe/fresh install might be needed.

Hooking into S-Pen Sensor to Change Keyboard

Lenny and I were talking and sorta had the same idea independently, in that it would be nice to be able to use one keyboard "normally", and another when the S-Pen is in use (ie. removed).
Here's my thinking...
1) Hook into the framework via Xposed Framework such that when the S-Pen is removed, we store the current default keyboard.
2) Change the current default keyboard for the alternative keyboard (ie. the one for use when S-Pen is removed from phone)
3) When S-Pen is replaced into the device, the reverse is done - we backup the "S-Pen" keyboard, and restore the previous default.
This way, the user doesn't actually need to program it with their choice of keyboard - instead, it will simply learn what they use
Problems I anticipate:
Root access needed to change default keyboard
Can't remember where default keyboard is stored, but it might be in a database, needing me to actually write more than a few lines of code.
Any thoughts/comments?

What about hooking into the multiwindow keyboard? Or is that just complicating things?

q426669 said:
What about hooking into the multiwindow keyboard? Or is that just complicating things?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure what you mean by this tbh... I don't use stock keyboard enough right now to know it..
I have looked at the sdk and there is functionality for the holster state of the s-pen.
I need to think through this, as likely we need a screen on receiver to run a service but only wake if the state changes...

pulser_g2 said:
Lenny and I were talking and sorta had the same idea independently, in that it would be nice to be able to use one keyboard "normally", and another when the S-Pen is in use (ie. removed).
Here's my thinking...
1) Hook into the framework via Xposed Framework such that when the S-Pen is removed, we store the current default keyboard.
2) Change the current default keyboard for the alternative keyboard (ie. the one for use when S-Pen is removed from phone)
3) When S-Pen is replaced into the device, the reverse is done - we backup the "S-Pen" keyboard, and restore the previous default.
This way, the user doesn't actually need to program it with their choice of keyboard - instead, it will simply learn what they use
Problems I anticipate:
Root access needed to change default keyboard
Can't remember where default keyboard is stored, but it might be in a database, needing me to actually write more than a few lines of code.
Any thoughts/comments?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ive read about Xposed framework but am not sure why/how its any usefull for this?
also what keyboard vs another would you be using in both situations ? or are you referign to handwriting style vs normal mode ?
when you pull the spen there is already an option in settings to have a pop up version of snote 'poping up' that means the framework is already able to make the call when spen is pulled ..
poping up the ime switcher instead of snote...i assume one to many steps for you .. how about a gesture to launch the keyboard of your choice ?
other then easy workarounds , I think you would need to write more then a few lines of code , like an app or something .. especially for step 3 ...

If you check out a rom with multiwindow, you'll be able to use the mini floating keyboard whem you have two things on the screen so you don't loose visibility of content. Anyways, I think that's just complicating things.
The purpose of this project is so that I could use the 4.2 keyboard whwn my s-pen is holstered, and then the samsung keyboard when it is out.
Currently when I'm using the Android IME I have to make a manual switch to the Samsung keyboard when I pull out my spen.
This would allow one IME to be used while the s-pen is unholstered, and a seperate IME when the pen is put away.

q426669 said:
If you check out a rom with multiwindow, you'll be able to use the mini floating keyboard whem you have two things on the screen so you don't loose visibility of content. Anyways, I think that's just complicating things.
The purpose of this project is so that I could use the 4.2 keyboard whwn my s-pen is holstered, and then the samsung keyboard when it is out.
Currently when I'm using the Android IME I have to make a manual switch to the Samsung keyboard when I pull out my spen.
This would allow one IME to be used while the s-pen is unholstered, and a seperate IME when the pen is put away.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup that's my thinking!
Multi windrow would be nice at a later date, but that's another stage of this

pulser_g2 said:
Yup that's my thinking!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there any type of notification (or intent? I get those mixed up) sent by the system when the spen is pulled? If so, a program could be launched on SPen removal. The next step would only be to change the default keyboard (which likely will require root, but should be doable.) So, instead of hacking anything, this would just be a separately installed apk.

garyd9 said:
Is there any type of notification (or intent? I get those mixed up) sent by the system when the spen is pulled? If so, a program could be launched on SPen removal. The next step would only be to change the default keyboard (which likely will require root, but should be doable.) So, instead of hacking anything, this would just be a separately installed apk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I started looking at the samsung sdk and there is a receiver for the spen being removed.
I agree, this can be a standalone root app...
I didn't know the sdk could do this, but it can

I'm not a developer and just a noob, but I noticed that if you have anyother keyboard activated and showing, and you plug an usb on the go cable with a keyboard, you just have to press OK on a popup and then the keyboard changes.
Since I'm not even good at english, I recorded it on screencast. I'm sorry if this is useless, but I thought it could be some more starting point.

This is a very interesting idea, is this project "dead"?
I would be more than happy to help (or do it on my own if it's dead), furthermore I have collected everything I need to make this thing work ...

Okay guys, I will start working on the app. Anyone interested in the details of progress?
If you want to help, you can think of a name better than the one I thought about (SPen IME Switcher)
Or an Icon would be very much appreciated as I'm very bad at picture creating.
EDIT: Changed mind to SPenBoard Switcher

LegendK95 said:
Okay guys, I will start working on the app. Anyone interested in the details of progress?
If you want to help, you can think of a name better than the one I thought about (SPen IME Switcher)
Or an Icon would be very much appreciated as I'm very bad at picture creating.
EDIT: Changed mind to SPenBoard Switcher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm interested. But I'm not a developer, so I can just help by beta-testing .
Post your progresses here or just open a new topic for the app

Okay then, here's the current progress:
The app is still in the works of course, but I have a working prototype! And it's working better than expected , the prototype changes the keyboard immediately according to the state of the pen (inserted or removed), but currently the keyboards are hardcoded into the service (Swype and Samsung's Keyboard in my case).
I have to find a way to get all installed keyboards and let the user choose which keyboard is wanted for which state (I have an idea how to do that), then I'll have to get enough info from the selected keyboards to switch between them (I also have an idea on how to do that )
Only downside to the app now is, the app MUST be in /system/app.
Currently I'm adding two options, one to enable/disable the service, and one to enable service at boot.

(putting on the 'moderator' hat for this post...)
In trying to promote the purpose of this section (development discussion), can you please share details (and perhaps even code snippets) on what you are doing to detect the s-pen state, how you are going about changing the active keyboard, etc.
If you choose not to share this information, please create another thread in another section for your application.
Thank you
Gary

LegendK95 said:
Okay then, here's the current progress:
The app is still in the works of course, but I have a working prototype! And it's working better than expected , the prototype changes the keyboard immediately according to the state of the pen (inserted or removed), but currently the keyboards are hardcoded into the service (Swype and Samsung's Keyboard in my case).
I have to find a way to get all installed keyboards and let the user choose which keyboard is wanted for which state (I have an idea how to do that), then I'll have to get enough info from the selected keyboards to switch between them (I also have an idea on how to do that )
Only downside to the app now is, the app MUST be in /system/app.
Currently I'm adding two options, one to enable/disable the service, and one to enable service at boot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds good. I might take a look at it again.
Perhaps, if you want to make it work, rough-and-ready style, you could simply have two txt files in /data, that define the s-pen and no-s-pen keyboards.
If not, you could take a look at http://developer.android.com/reference/android/view/inputmethod/InputMethodManager.html
The app being in /system/app likely isn't a major issue, though it's possible we could maybe use root to do it directly...

pulser_g2 said:
Sounds good. I might take a look at it again.
Perhaps, if you want to make it work, rough-and-ready style, you could simply have two txt files in /data, that define the s-pen and no-s-pen keyboards.
If not, you could take a look at http://developer.android.com/reference/android/view/inputmethod/InputMethodManager.html
The app being in /system/app likely isn't a major issue, though it's possible we could maybe use root to do it directly...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used another way to do this, the app is actually close to being finished, I just have to add some more tweaks here and there!
I'll make sure to post detailed information on how I achieved this.
As of now, the user can choose to run service, run it on boot, and choose keyboards for each mode (SPen or No Spen), any suggestions for other options that one might need?
Regarding the /system/app thing, I tried to use root to move the app to /system/app on first launch, but failed.
I'll try to do this later, if anyone knows how to do this, then it would be great .
EDIT: Attached a picture of the app in it's current state.

LegendK95 said:
I used another way to do this, the app is actually close to being finished, I just have to add some more tweaks here and there!
I'll make sure to post detailed information on how I achieved this.
As of now, the user can choose to run service, run it on boot, and choose keyboards for each mode (SPen or No Spen), any suggestions for other options that one might need?
Regarding the /system/app thing, I tried to use root to move the app to /system/app on first launch, but failed.
I'll try to do this later, if anyone knows how to do this, then it would be great .
EDIT: Attached a picture of the app in it's current state.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm that looks nice
Regarding moving the app, here's how I'd suggest you do it. Should defo. work, but can't guarantee it is the fastest way.
1) Gain root
2) Remount /system as writable
3) Copy /data/app/com.your.app.name*.apk to /system/app/, chowning and chmodding to 644
4) Extract a helper app from the main APK, and install it to /data, and gain root
5) Use helper app to delete the /data/app/com.your.app.name*.apk file
That should work after a reboot, I reckon...

thread cleaned. Please read the section guidelines BEFORE posting. LegendK95, if you've started another thread for your app, you are welcome to post a link to it here (so that people can post their comments on that app in another section.)
Gary

garyd9 said:
thread cleaned. Please read the section guidelines BEFORE posting. LegendK95, if you've started another thread for your app, you are welcome to post a link to it here (so that people can post their comments on that app in another section.)
Gary
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you.
Here's the link to the finished application.
Anyway, as promised, I'll describe how the app works (for developers):
How do I know when is the pen inserted or removed?
Basically, The whole trick is in a broadcast receiver.
I found the action that Samsung uses for the pen while I was working on my other project (SF).
Details: I searched in android.policy.jar, and found it there, in a broadcast receiver subclass for the huge and important PhoneWindowManager class
The broadcast receiver receives an intent with the action "com.samsung.pen.INSERT"
When it's sent from the system, an extra value comes along.
The value is a boolean, with the String identifier "penInsert".
This broadcast receiver is a subclass of the service that switches the keyboard, once this intent is received, the "penInsert" extra value is assigned to a field inside the service's class.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How does the service change keyboards?
The current keyboard can be changed using different methods, but they all do it the same way.
I used the "master" way to change the keyboard, which all the different methods lead to in the end.
The current keyboard is stored as a String inside the Settings Provider's Secure Database, with an identifier String of "default_input_method".
The stored value is called the IME ID, which is generated from the package and class name implementing the method, with a / in-between.
*From developer.android.com
So with this known, if we can get the id of a keyboard, we can use the putString method to replace the value inside the Secure Database, thus resulting in changing the default keyboard to that one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do I get the list of keyboards enabled, and their ids?
You can get a List containing the information for all keyboards enabled using the InputMethodManager service, then calling getEnabledInputMethodList().
From there, you can use each Object in the list (the object will be an InputMethodInfo instance) to get their ids, labels, icons...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's it I guess, if you have questions, feel free to post them here so that everyone can benefit from this.

What to block in XPRIVACY & apps/modules like it ..??

HI everyone ..
Nice to join you all , ..
I have come to suffer a lot in controlling some apps permissions using the awesome XPRIVACY. .
So I thought of starting this post so we can help each other out ..
_ Prior to XPRIVACY 3.6.5 I was able to control.almost anything .. now for example I just can't control permissions for some apps .. ie; Mobogenie.com
It still reads my media even though I got them blocked ..
Still is able to read my location ..
So I started this thread so we all share " out of experience " how to get the best out of XPRIVACY ..
P.s ..
I've searched for similar Posts & found nothing .. I hope that I hadn't over looked similar Posts.

Ultimous said:
HI everyone ..
Nice to join you all , ..
I have come to suffer a lot in controlling some apps permissions using the awesome XPRIVACY. .
So I thought of starting this post so we can help each other out ..
_ Prior to XPRIVACY 3.6.5 I was able to control.almost anything .. now for example I just can't control permissions for some apps .. ie; Mobogenie.com
It still reads my media even though I got them blocked ..
Still is able to read my location ..
So I started this thread so we all share " out of experience " how to get the best out of XPRIVACY ..
P.s ..
I've searched for similar Posts & found nothing .. I hope that I hadn't over looked similar Posts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We already have an official thread for XPrivacy: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/modules/xprivacy-ultimate-android-privacy-app-t2320783
All issues should be reported on Github: https://github.com/M66B/XPrivacy
Thanks

Done , &Thank you ,Primokorn

I never get the part why people installing apps they don't trust and try to block stuff with external apps. If you're unsure just test it on emulators like the SDK integrated emulator, bluebox or others and see what the app does.
And no, XPrivacy can't block all stuff. So I highly recommend just no install apps if you're unsure or test it as mentioned in a emulator. As much as I love XPrivacy but it's much over hyped and overrated, some brain and you not need this app and also not if you rom does already supports the Privacy Guard stuff (mostly on CM based ROMS).

.... and I'll never understand why some people Wana clone themselves into people & condemn anything that is not their own preference ...
Xprivacy is a breakthrough .. and it is android as far as I am concerned until someone brings to life a ROM that respects people's right to privacy .. feel free to differ ,CHEF-KOCH , but please do not impose .. thank you

CHEF-KOCH said:
I never get the part why people installing apps they don't trust and try to block stuff with external apps. If you're unsure just test it on emulators like the SDK integrated emulator, bluebox or others and see what the app does.
And no, XPrivacy can't block all stuff. So I highly recommend just no install apps if you're unsure or test it as mentioned in a emulator. As much as I love XPrivacy but it's much over hyped and overrated, some brain and you not need this app and also not if you rom does already supports the Privacy Guard stuff (mostly on CM based ROMS).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sometimes you don't have a choice. May be all your friends are using a particular messaging service, or perhaps the app is critical or at least too useful for your job to give up.

Just don't let other people controlling you - you always have a choice. If all people saying jump from a bridge, will you do it too?
Just tell your friends you take care of your privacy data and ask them to install an similar and possible more secure alternative. If you really need services which doesn't respect your privacy, tell us how a tool like XPrivacy can block all this? If you block all connections you will never be able to use there services. And some stuff can't be faked since this will break the functions. So I see no argument at all.

Who said anything about " breaking connection " .. ?!! mind you that we all know about this new thing called " internet" & we do use it .. " who would've thought ..!!! " & breaking connection means that no creature called "NET" will ever exist on our devices
And where did you find us " users of X privacy & auther /developer " saying that Xprivacy protects everything against everything ..
There seems to be some communication issues here ..
Tell you what ,CHEF-KOCH, .. why don't you write/do something that eventually could make us throw XPRIVACY into the abyss of of forgotten ..
I am sure you are capable of achieving this task for me & my friends and for the rest of the world that is really hungry for your wisdom

Xprivacy is about the main reason I still use my android device with internet.
I'm not as paranoid at I should be but this is how I use x privacy.
It's around 90% successful to start out.(which means 90% I don't just boot loop from the start)
Shave head to avoid pulling hair out
Remove Sim card try to find someplace WiFi inaccessible.
Fresh install of a ROM with as many apks I don't use as possible.
(Apks are removed from the zip file before I flash the ROM)
Install xposed (I never make it a system app by putting it in the zip because that can cause update issues)
Install x privacy, set expert mode on, set all the expert features on, randomize everything are boot.
Reboot into recovery, backup everything
Reboot into device
start x privacy.
Edit template to block every last little thing. except inet.
Apply template to everything except android system, Phone, and system ui. (You can turn those ones off before you apply template).
Reboot device and hope for the best.
If it boots, let it settle and watch for errors.
After a while (your choice on how long) boot into recovery and do another full backup.
Start x privacy edit template to block everything
Manually change 1/4 of system apps to block inet.
Reboot and check for errors, if good do a recovery back up,
If bad restore your backup and change less "inet" restrictions.
repeat until everything is blocked for Inet you can block.
(This can) take hours.
Export your settings from time to time.
Next systematically block the various restrictions on phone, android system and system ui until they are tight as you can make them.
Install newest AFwall + and use while list mode to block everything (after setting it up in xprivacy of course)
Install network log to check network.
Use the "usage data" to give the minimum permissions required to use the system apps you need to use.
(Back up in recovery and export settings often as there is nothing worse than boot looping your device after an hours of work)
All new installed apps should be completely restricted at install., and you have to remove the restrictions one at a time to get them working with minimal access
Yes I do this every time I install a new rom.
Yes I would love to hear of a better way
No I can't just import all the settings from a different ROM
Boot loops are just too hard to track down with a large import
I have found some apps have no restrictions for a few seconds right after install. So I never install anything with internet connected and I always wipe the apps data and cache after I have it set up in x privacy and before I use the internet.
One day I will build x privacy from source so it can block the android system identification section. That is disabled by default now. with all the apps that factory ROMs and even aosp ROMs dump into uid 1000 it's just to open for me to love.

That was a pretty good post @nutpants, .. Thank you

Joying 2gb Intel problems/questions

So I just wanted to make a thread for these units where people can ask/answer questions specific to these devices. May help others as the info online isn't the best, including their own forum site which I have unable to access with a few weeks due to persistent ads...... ?
To get the ball rolling;
I have updated to the new official firmware with the new widget launcher, I like the launcher, well the fact that I have large icons and can have widgets on the home screen.
My issues are,
1) when I start the car (dormancy mode) I am trying to get tasks to run automatically (open rocket player, play audio etc.) Problem is there seems to be a built in task killer that kills macrodroid (which I'm using for my tasks). I have tried autostart apps but these don't trigger as the HU is coming out of dormancy mode and not actually booting. Anyone have a work around for this? If I could get Macrodroid to run I could solve the rest using macros (tasks)
2) Since the new update with the new launcher i no longer have Voice to text, i installed the google app but this caused the launcher to crash and only left me with the recent apps screen, luckily I was able to get back into play store from here and uninstall google app again which brought all back working again.
3) When playing a podcast (Bluetooth streaming from phone) and I want to change to rocket player to play music, if I just tap play on the rocket widget the media starts playing but I get no sound until I open the app, kind of defeats the purpose of the widget being there!
4) when I first installed the unit I had no problems with the illuminate function (headlights dim screen and turn on button lights) this worked for about a month and then for no reason just stopped, now if I turn on my lights the button lights flick on for about half a second and then turn off again, its not an issue with the lights as they work fine when I chose the timed option. I haven't checked my 12v feed yet as I'm guessing its OK due to the flicker, it will happen every time I turn the lights on.
I have tried reset, reflash combos about 6 times at this stage but always with the same results.
I know there are options to change the ROM but I would like to keep it stock for now just in case I need to return it.

fado5ster said:
So I just wanted to make a thread for these units where people can ask/answer questions specific to these devices. May help others as the info online isn't the best, including their own forum site which I have unable to access with a few weeks due to persistent ads...... ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume you mean the http://forum.carjoying.com/ forum? If so, mention that. Be concrete.
That is indeed annoying, but there are many hundredths of users on that forum without issues. Maybe your ISP doing something weird.
fado5ster said:
To get the ball rolling;
I have updated to the new official firmware with the new widget launcher, I like the launcher, well the fact that I have large icons and can have widgets on the home screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The new official ROM?? Which one? The 5 March version? And did you pick the right one of the two? And which unit do you have?
Mention all that! This makes your remark/question useless as people trying to help first need to ask you that.
fado5ster said:
My issues are,
1) when I start the car (dormancy mode) I am trying to get tasks to run automatically (open rocket player, play audio etc.) Problem is there seems to be a built in task killer that kills macrodroid (which I'm using for my tasks). I have tried autostart apps but these don't trigger as the HU is coming out of dormancy mode and not actually booting. Anyone have a work around for this? If I could get Macrodroid to run I could solve the rest using macros (tasks)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Search the forum. already many time mentioned. You need the NoKill app. Can be downloaded from here and mentioned here.
fado5ster said:
2) Since the new update with the new launcher i no longer have Voice to text, i installed the google app but this caused the launcher to crash and only left me with the recent apps screen, luckily I was able to get back into play store from here and uninstall google app again which brought all back working again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't you search at all? Also known issue and mentioned here on the forum.
fado5ster said:
3) When playing a podcast (Bluetooth streaming from phone) and I want to change to rocket player to play music, if I just tap play on the rocket widget the media starts playing but I get no sound until I open the app, kind of defeats the purpose of the widget being there!
4) when I first installed the unit I had no problems with the illuminate function (headlights dim screen and turn on button lights) this worked for about a month and then for no reason just stopped, now if I turn on my lights the button lights flick on for about half a second and then turn off again, its not an issue with the lights as they work fine when I chose the timed option. I haven't checked my 12v feed yet as I'm guessing its OK due to the flicker, it will happen every time I turn the lights on.
I have tried reset, reflash combos about 6 times at this stage but always with the same results.
I know there are options to change the ROM but I would like to keep it stock for now just in case I need to return it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again: which ROM are you on? You should mention that. ROMS before 2017 contain bugs, so do they in 2017 but at least a lot less. So make sure you are on a newer ROM. If you already are, like you mentioned above, mention the version. That saves people from asking for the obvious. Before you post read the rules.
Look at this thread and this thread
First of all: Search the forum.
And secondly: Search the forum.
And third: Be concrete. Mention versions, forums, etc. You don't even mention which head unit you have.

I was looking but could only find info on the 1gb model and the thread about the release of the 2gb model.
Thanks for the info but you don't have to be a **** about it.
I missed stuff when searching, I couldn't access the joying forum, I thought saying "their own forum site" would have cleared that. I couldnt access the site to find out if there had been updates, at the time i was on the ONLY UPDATED ROM with the new launcher with customizable widgets.
When i found NoKill I thought it was for steering wheel controls which I don't have so I moved on.
When I asked about model numbers on the joying forum (when I could access it) I was made out to be an idiot too because "They are all the same thing" so forgive me for thinking that. Mine is the JY-UL135N2
Again, Thanks for the info but you don't have to be a cranky prick about it, this is a forum isn't it? Used for discussion and help?
I was only saying something like this with info in one place would be good, if its out there already then sorry, mods can delete and ill crawl back into my hole of idiotness

Yes, I was annoyed but I did give you a number of helpful links and be honest: you were not very exact in your phrasing.
And w.r.t. the roms: They are on the joying blog59 page which is also mentioned several times on several postitions in this forum, and you could also have found it from the "normal" joying website carjoying.com
Even though I was annoyed I tried to help you. If your phrasing was more concrete that would have been a lot faster. And you still don't mention which ROM you are currently using, so nobody can give you an exact answer.
You can be angry with me, but clear communication would have prevented my irritated reply.

I am on the 2017222 rom but will be updating to latest tomorrow, have downloaded just need to do the HU side of it. I can get access to the Joying site using your link and only your link, not sure why or whats going on as this includes the main joying site too.
I plan on updating, attempting root then install NoKill.
I am giving the info I have, I don't know a lot about these devices and although I have rooted phones and tablets before I have never done anything like this.
You did give me helpful links and I thank you for that but please don't be too angry with people asking questions. I realise you know how this works but others don't and are afraid of damaging the device. Before your link which I used to access the updates page I had no way of checking for updates as I couldn't get onto the page

fado5ster said:
I plan on updating, attempting root then install NoKill.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no real need to update to the March 5 ROM if you already have the 22 Feb ROM.
The ROM is rooted. What you mean is that you want to install a SuperUser app like SuperSU or Kingroot or the like.
You don't need to SuperSU your ROM. You can install the NoKill version just like that as the ROM is rooted. You simply don't have the nice, userfriendly superuser apk on the system.

surfer63 said:
There is no real need to update to the March 5 ROM if you already have the 22 Feb ROM.
The ROM is rooted. What you mean is that you want to install a SuperUser app like SuperSU or Kingroot or the like.
You don't need to SuperSU your ROM. You can install the NoKill version just like that as the ROM is rooted. You simply don't have the nice, userfriendly superuser apk on the system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So there is no real advantage to the March 5 ROM?
Oh, I didn't know it was rooted still, thought they stopped that on the 2gb devices.. I'm not even sure if I need root for anything, all I wanted it for was to get to the /system... folder to copy NoKill to. Can I get there without SuperSU app using ES file explorer? Am I safe to delete the existing nokill.apk in there 1st and then copy in the new file? It won't cause any issues not having the apk for the few seconds? (Probably a stupid question)

fado5ster said:
So there is no real advantage to the March 5 ROM?
Oh, I didn't know it was rooted still, thought they stopped that on the 2gb devices.. I'm not even sure if I need root for anything, all I wanted it for was to get to the /system... folder to copy NoKill to. Can I get there without SuperSU app using ES file explorer? Am I safe to delete the existing nokill.apk in there 1st and then copy in the new file? It won't cause any issues not having the apk for the few seconds? (Probably a stupid question)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Sofia server is loaded upon boot and stays in memory. So no problem there.
Best thing to do via adb.
Code:
adb push Sofia-1-C9-Server-V1.0.apk /sdcard/
adb shell "su -c mount -o remount,rw /system"
adb shell "su -c cp /system/app/Sofia-1-C9-Server-V1.0/Sofia-1-C9-Server-V1.0.apk /system/app/Sofia-1-C9-Server-V1.0/Sofia-1-C9-Server-V1.0.apk.old"
adb shell "su -c cp /sdcard/Sofia-1-C9-Server-V1.0.apk /system/app/Sofia-1-C9-Server-V1.0"
adb shell "su -c chmod 644 /system/app/Sofia-1-C9-Server-V1.0/Sofia-1-C9-Server-V1.0.apk"
adb shell "su -c ls -l /system/app/Sofia-1-C9-Server-V1.0"
last command does nothing toyour system. It should only list the new apk and the old apk.old.
and then reboot your unit.

I know you are going to hate me for this but any time I've tried pushing files using adb I end up messing it up and bricking it.
Looks like the illumination problem was due to the car.. The illumination wire was in a different place to the joying connector, I repinned it and working now but still doesn't explain how I had it working fine for a month.. Really weird, had issues with 12v switched and constant 12v too.. Had to swap them around.. Seems to be Kia's doing and not joying.. Very strange

Macrodroid not running in background FIXED
Hey there! You probably fixed the issue with macrodroid by now but I had the same issue and I fixed it by installing Macrodroid as a system app. That did the job for me. Just did a reboot and waited for macrodroid to come up.