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[Q] Downloading from the market on a PC

A friend of mine wants to buy a Desire S. He won't have 3G in his subscription for the mobile phone. In other words: the phone could only have an internet-connection by using WiFi.
Unfortunately, he doesn't have a WiFi access point in his house, because his father can not stand the radiation. All the internet-connections in his house are wired, and none of the neighbours have an unsecured WiFi access point.
So, this would mean he can't use the market, because the phone can't be connected to internet at his house. Ofcourse, he could download apps at school or at one of his friend's houses, but this is a bit unpractical.
In other words; I am looking for a certain app on the PC or a website, which can browse through the Market, and download the APKs, so he can install them manually (only the free ones ofcourse).
I already checked AndroLib and Cyrket, but none of them provides a downloadlink, only a QR-code.
Is there any alternative, or is the only way of downloading apps at his house searching APKs manually by using Google?
Thanks in advance.

That's a tough one. You can browse the market from any browser. You just need to go to https://market.android.com/.
However, when you "purchase" an app, it will only send via cellular, not internet.
I wish you luck on this.

Well, you could do that on Nokia phones by accessing the 'ovi' site and using some parameters to make the site "think" you were accessing using a mobile phone. In Android Market I don't think you can do that... But there's a way to get the programs needed: with YOUR help !!!
If you have an Android phone, you can download the apps he needs and then backup them using Titanium Backup or App Backup and Reinstall. The 'apk' files will be saved in a directory and you can send them to your friend by bluetooth, or put then on a usb pen...
But... let me tell you this: the Android phone relies SO MUCH in internet data that not having wifi nor 3g subscription is almost a crime, specially having a Desire S !!!

Thanks for the help guys!
Guess I'll have to help him whenever he wants new apps, but that isn't a big deal.
At least there is another one who switched to Android

just google the file and youll get the app.

[Q] Android without Google, completely

Hey,
jsut thought about this thought the whole day. I´ve got a Moto XT720 (Stock ROM) and it works pretty good. Now the thing is, I have the Google Account and so on. But I do not want that Google is tracking me, has access to my phone, and that my phone can connect to google servers (Mail, Calendar, Market, SYSTEM).
Is it possible that I can delete some apk´s so that I have a real standalone mobile phone?
Sorry for my bad english,
greetings

you gotta be kidding

Google's stuff is the spirit of their OS... Android needs google's account for the market moreover.

sounds a little impossible. just make an account for the market and don't use it for anything else. Only thing i can think of.

Exactly, but he wants remove google's apps too...
He wants a total googleapplicationless Android phone. What a problem !

Thanks guys,
I do not need the market also (for what?, I have the apps I want to use)
Greets

push..no one knows it?

If you do any web browsing on any device even on a pc or iphone google and bing etc will track data about you. You can't use any device online without someone tracking you unless you use a proxy and even then the proxy could still track you.
You can delete or freeze googles apps but browsing will be tracked on any online device so only sure way is switch off wifi and mobile data.
But that defeats the point of a smartphone then.
Dave
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk

Maybe you should forget mobiles cause anytime you're tracked as soon as you power it on
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk

a guess, flash a custom rom and dont flash the google apps pack?

ICS, at least stock ICS, has the ability to disable system apps.
Settings -> Apps (under 'Device) -> 'All' tab, click an app, click "Disable". It won't be uninstalled, but it will never run, meaning it cannot connect to the internet or do anything else.

e.coli said:
ICS, at least stock ICS, has the ability to disable system apps.
Settings -> Apps (under 'Device) -> 'All' tab, click an app, click "Disable". It won't be uninstalled, but it will never run, meaning it cannot connect to the internet or do anything else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is if he ever uses internet he will still be tracked. If he uses gps his location can also be tracked.
Dave
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk

mistermentality said:
The problem is if he ever uses internet he will still be tracked. If he uses gps his location can also be tracked.
Dave
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, it's a very strange request, but he could disable all internet-capable apps, and just use his phone for voice and offline apps?
He could still use GPS though, but not A-GPS. GPS just receives the signal from the satellites, this is why you can still log your position while off the cell network. It's one-way communication, so there's no way to be tracked just by listening to the GPS signal. He could download maps to the phone and use it for navigation that way.

Don't get an Android phone is my advice if you want no connection to Google.
-Sent from my Droid 2-

I agree, why would you use an google operating system, if you don't want to have any connection with google?
Android without the Android market is pretty dull, and even if you would use the amazon appstore (which is officially only working in the US/and maybe CAN) you would be stuck with only a fractal of not up to date apps, since in the amazon app store are alot of old versions flying around.
And please dont believe in the old google creep, who is sitting in front of the "internet" waiting is whole life only to set cookies in your browser. He does not exists!

I don't understand why you would want Android on your mobile device and not want google on it? Thats how smartphones work, if you don't want google on your phone I suggest you get a non smart phone.

Why so much hostility? Isn't the point of Android, and these forums, that it is so customizable? Maybe he doesn't like the new privacy policy.
Anyways, he could disable all Gapps and install Firefox or whatever, which would disconnect most of your connection to Google, but it's hard to avoid it if you want to use the internet at all.

e.coli said:
Why so much hostility? Isn't the point of Android, and these forums, that it is so customizable? Maybe he doesn't like the new privacy policy.
Anyways, he could disable all Gapps and install Firefox or whatever, which would disconnect most of your connection to Google, but it's hard to avoid it if you want to use the internet at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think anyone's been hostile, just surprised maybe as seems op wants no tracking yet to be able to use internet which can't be done except at best through a proxy.
To the op, you can root and uninstall or freeze google apps and browse via a public proxy server if you want to avoid tracking but your carrier and possibly google (the main operating systems all record your gps data inc ios android and wp7, think only wp7 was found collecting that though which is why I say possibly not probably) can still see where you have physically been via cell, gps and wifi logs.
If its just google you wish to avoid another option could be use a firewall or dns blacklist app to stop your device being able to connect to known google internet addresses.
Dave
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk

miro101 said:
And please dont believe in the old google creep, who is sitting in front of the "internet" waiting is whole life only to set cookies in your browser. He does not exists!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, he does:
http://www.stateofsearch.com/top-15-of-eric-schmidts-remarkable-quotes/
If you don't know by now that all of the "free" apps aren't really free, you're kidding yourself. How do you think Google makes money? It's primary purpose is collecting information. Private informtaion (even the carriers...search on the term "carrier IQ"). That is the age we live in. The best that can be done is to either throw your phone away or learn how to secure your phone and info in as much as is possible. There are apps that can identify what apps are sending what data and block them from doing so (on rooted phones). Even then, data still gets out. It's a trade-off. For now, it's used for marketting purposes. However, that much data is bound to fall into the hands of some government who will use it to control the masses. It's just too tempting, and it's the nature of humanity. So, I'll limit whatever data exodus I can and accept the trade-off for the rest (until the government {read Anti-Christ} wrests control). The old saying applies: "It's not paranoia if they really are out to get you".

I honestly don't get the point in using a smartphone with fears of being 'monitored' or tracked. If you don't want to be tracked, don't use the internet, don't use a cell phone, and live under a rock for the rest of your life. That's the best advice I can offer.

Anyway to make an app work without needing to connect to it's server?

I wanted to know if there was a way to fool an app that always needs to connect to a server to do a part of it's job. The app is moboclean. It can restrict other apps from being too invasive, simulating some root controls to non-rooted device. I have downloaded some apks and used moboclean to keep them from digging into my contacts and what not, so that part is working fine. But i also wanted to install other apps, and since moboclean always needs to connect to it's own servers, this became a problem. For a couple of weeks moboclean servers were down. So moboclean would not install some recent apks i had. Already wrapped apps could still work, but to initiate a new app with those controls, moboclean won't do it without connecting. For now, seems that the servers are back up since it can now connect again. Moboclean does declare that it downloads it's custom apk of the app i would like it to control, but thats not quite true since it seems to give root control to apps that cannot be found in it's database of custom wrapped apps. Which again only fails sometimes , an example being the firefox app. What i'm trying to portray is that moboclean can work without needing to connect to it's server everytime i want it to wrap up a new app and install it so that i can control some if it's permissions. And since the creator of the app is no longer active, user named "uusafe", or perhaps goes now by a new username, i feel the that very useful app will eventually become useless once it's servers go down for good. Is there a way to make moboclean work without needing to connect online, since that part really doesn't do anything, and it just wraps the app up anyway. Just to force it to do what it does, but skip the connecting part.
As a disclaimer, i'm not exactly sure how everything works in this case. i could be misinterpreting or becoming confused with how some apps work and can be forced to work, but any help and enlightenment would be appreciated.
Thanks.

Help! Galaxy tab s4 with virus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi guys, I believe my galaxy tab s4 is contaminated with a virus . I already did many factorys resets and didnt installed no apps but from time to time , even when Im at the home screen with Avast only or with the antivirus that comes with the tablet activated, google play store opens without my request showing a program called IQ Option broker. What should I do?

malandrex said:
Hi guys, I believe my galaxy tab s4 is contaminated with a virus . I already did many factorys resets and didnt installed no apps but from time to time , even when Im at the home screen with Avast only or with the antivirus that comes with the tablet activated, google play store opens without my request showing a program called IQ Option broker. What should I do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could be a fake Play store app reinstalling itself somehow eg from SD card. Is your antivirus scanning your external storage also? Check if you have more than one play store app shown in settings>apps (not your normal apps screen as they can be hidden there). Or it could be an overlay made to look like Playstore screen ... you did get official Avast app right?
else something has installed itself in system folder which is why factory reset not working and you will need to reinstall your FULL Samsung factory ROM suggest you use Samsung SmartSwitch like RootJunky here (use high quality cable eg samsung usb cable, else danger of bricking)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9QhJngOuLQ4

malandrex said:
Hi guys, I believe my galaxy tab s4 is contaminated with a virus . I already did many factorys resets and didnt installed no apps but from time to time , even when Im at the home screen with Avast only or with the antivirus that comes with the tablet activated, google play store opens without my request showing a program called IQ Option broker. What should I do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download Odin 3.xx (current version)
Browse SamMobile for firmware for your device, download factory ROM. Pay close attention to the region code for your ROM, CSC code. Use one compatible with your device and regional settings. It can be found on the IMEI sticker on the back of the device
Follow the flashing instructions to the letter that you will find on SamMobile website.
Once completed the device is fully refreshed and has latest available software at the time of the build. Do device setup and download app updates.
Enjoy.

Many thanks for both replies , but I have a few more questions:
a) Does this virus have the power to attack my router? If so, what should I inspect at my router? Should I use my brother´s ios iphone as a router while cleaning my device?
b) If I attach the tablet at my PC to perform the firmwire installation, could the virus be transmitted to it? What should I do to avoid it?
c) Where can I safely download this ODIN?
And answering some questions you made:
a) The avast app was downloaded from the store
b) Ive already tried disconnecting the sd card, perform a factory reset without the card but the problem persists.
c) I logged at my google account and when looking at my registered activity, Google claims I did opened the Google Play Store and searched for the IQ Option Broker app. So the virus acts as if it was me.

malandrex said:
Many thanks for both replies , but I have a few more questions:
a) Does this virus have the power to attack my router? If so, what should I inspect at my router? Should I use my brother´s ios iphone as a router while cleaning my device?
b) If I attach the tablet at my PC to perform the firmwire installation, could the virus be transmitted to it? What should I do to avoid it?
c) Where can I safely download this ODIN?
And answering some questions you made:
a) The avast app was downloaded from the store
b) Ive already tried disconnecting the sd card, perform a factory reset without the card but the problem persists.
c) I logged at my google account and when looking at my registered activity, Google claims I did opened the Google Play Store and searched for the IQ Option Broker app. So the virus acts as if it was me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
b) Possibly access is possible via your modem (or Bluetooth as serious bug was just patched this month if an attacker knows your BT MAC ... though likely take a while to rollout to all Samsung so you moray not be patched). If you suspect modem then you need to therefore also update your modem firmware (assuming its been patched & is not old & still vulnerable to some old bug, or buy new one) AND change both user & admin passwords
There is an XDA article with link to safe Odin download, google to find. But I'd recommend using Samsung SmartSwitch as this is official way & no special knowledge required.
Re item c) then possible it's just someone trying to load an app remotely via your Google account, does it show any unrecognised login from another device? Also I'm not 100% sure if this requires user to tap install on newer phones, so might not be what you are seeing. Change Google password. (your phone not infected in this case as you didn't click install) Always use a different password)(used same password then check your email address on have I been pwnd)

See below

IronRoo said:
b) Possibly access is possible via your modem (or Bluetooth as serious bug was just patched this month if an attacker knows your BT MAC ... though likely take a while to rollout to all Samsung so you moray not be patched). If you suspect modem then you need to therefore also update your modem firmware (assuming its been patched & is not old & still vulnerable to some old bug, or buy new one) AND change both user & admin passwords
There is an XDA article with link to safe Odin download, google to find. But I'd recommend using Samsung SmartSwitch as this is official way & no special knowledge required.
Re item c) then possible it's just someone trying to load an app remotely via your Google account, does it show any unrecognised login from another device? Also I'm not 100% sure if this requires user to tap install on newer phones, so might not be what you are seeing. Change Google password. (your phone not infected in this case as you didn't click install) Always use a different password)(used same password then check your email address on have I been pwnd)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
b) I have 2 modens here, one from the internet provider , which is at bridge mode and one that spreads the signal. THe last one is modern and updated and the bridged one , there is no way I can acesss the firmwire besides its info. However , when I had to put it at bridge mode, I had to use an ethernet cable with a computer which maybe wasnt the most protected one. Could that process corrupts a firmwire modem?
c) But I have 2 stage factor. Shouldnt my phone receive an SMS alerting someone is logging at my account? And no, I havent seen any unrecognized login when I accessed my google account.
But your reply gave me an idea...: Maybe an access to my google account was made from a "public" computer and since the access wasnt terminated, as I use this computer a lot, a bot may be trying to remotely install this app.

malandrex said:
b) I have 2 modens here, one from the internet provider , which is at bridge mode and one that spreads the signal. THe last one is modern and updated and the bridged one , there is no way I can acesss the firmwire besides its info. However , when I had to put it at bridge mode, I had to use an ethernet cable with a computer which maybe wasnt the most protected one. Could that process corrupts a firmwire modem?
c) But I have 2 stage factor. Shouldnt my phone receive an SMS alerting someone is logging at my account? And no, I havent seen any unrecognized login when I accessed my google account.
But your reply gave me an idea...: Maybe an access to my google account was made from a "public" computer and since the access wasnt terminated, as I use this computer a lot, a bot may be trying to remotely install this app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
b) would need to be a modem exposed hero their internet with known vulnerability, so not sure.
C) yes, should have got a msg so can role that out, I guess.
Suppose it' possible that public pc could be comprised and doing that ... bit of a long shot ...

IronRoo said:
b) would need to be a modem exposed hero their internet with known vulnerability, so not sure.
C) yes, should have got a msg so can role that out, I guess.
Suppose it' possible that public pc could be comprised and doing that ... bit of a long shot ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I found the culprit , when I reviewd the few apps Ive installed on my tablet and googled them . There is Netflix, Omega Wars game, PUBG and COD Mobile, handycalc, Go Read, Hube and... QuickPic gallery!!!!!!!!! I used this app on my ancient galaxy S2 and at my other 2 previous tablets. When I looked for the program at Google Play one hour ago ,QuickPic wasnt available anymore!!!! I googled about it and saw many people complaining about this program when a chinese company bought it a few years ago . Maybe QuickPiC installed some crapware at my device!!!!

malandrex said:
Hi guys, I believe my galaxy tab s4 is contaminated with a virus . I already did many factorys resets and didnt installed no apps but from time to time , even when Im at the home screen with Avast only or with the antivirus that comes with the tablet activated, google play store opens without my request showing a program called IQ Option broker. What should I do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BTW, can you find same app on Google, is it called IQ Forex, is closest I could fined

IronRoo said:
BTW, can you find same app on Google, is it called IQ Forex, is closest I could fined
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The name of the program is IQ Option , from IQ Option developer

malandrex said:
The name of the program is IQ Option , from IQ Option developer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't find this one but doesn't mean anything, maybe not available in my country or not compatible with my phone.
PS: Don't rule out a compromised router even top of her range can be affected eg
https://threatpost.com/critical-netgear-bug-impacts-nighthawk-router/153445/

IronRoo said:
I can't find this one but doesn't mean anything, maybe not available in my country or not compatible with my phone.
PS: Don't rule out a compromised router even top of her range can be affected eg
https://threatpost.com/critical-netgear-bug-impacts-nighthawk-router/153445/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont have much free time , but despite the fact I think the router is still safe, Ill reset it on a weekend and change again its id and password as this is a process that takes too much time ( mostly due to my ignorance at the beginning of the process ).
Im thinking about taking my tablet for a Samsung assistance, but Im worried theyll change one virus for another if the employees are corrupt. Do you think I should take the risk or Im beeing too paranoic?

Question (solved) play store auto installing apps on all devices

play store auto installing apps on all devices
Whenever I install something on my s22, it will install it on my galaxy tablet.
How can I prevent this.

In Playstore settings change to update by wifi only and disable wifi. I normally keep Playwhore package blocked and firewall blocked unless needed. Once a Playstore paid for app is activated I firewall block it as well if it doesn't need internet access. I avoid Playstore as much as possible and create installable backups for all the apps from Playstore so I never need to use Playstore again when reloading except for paid apps. It streamlines reloads and they go much faster.
I also use more Playstore alternatives now but always scan them first with Virustotal. A Playstore app may be clean when installed only to download it's payload latter as an "update". Another reason I don't allow updates or an internet connect if not needed. Playstore updates can and do ruin once working apps. Tired of that bs.

Thanks for your thoughts.
But this did not ever happen before.
I've always had a Samsung mobile and Samsung tablet and the mobile app never auto-installed on the tablet till now.
I don't want to turn off auto-update because thats not a real fix.
Need to find out why its auto-installing.
I checked playstore on mobile and on tablet and on browser - but theres no mention of auto-install on all devices.

CorruptedSanity said:
Thanks for your thoughts.
But this did not ever happen before.
I've always had a Samsung mobile and Samsung tablet and the mobile app never auto-installed on the tablet till now.
I don't want to turn off auto-update because thats not a real fix.
Need to find out why its auto-installing.
I checked playstore on mobile and on tablet and on browser - but theres no mention of auto-install on all devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can manually install updates from Playstore which is a wiser way to do it. One of the reasons I can run Pie securely is I use vetted apps, some are 6 yo and I firewall block them. Updates bring trouble far too often. Once a system is running fast, stable and fulfilling its mission updates serve no purpose most of the time. Auto updates bring rude surprises and make troubleshooting much harder in tracking down the offender.
In 2.5 years (that's how old this current load is) I've had no malware but spent a lot of time undoing damage updates have caused including a firmware "upgrade" for my Buds+ that trashed the sound. That pair now needs to be reflashed and it's a pain to do. meh.

If you try unmark one or more of your devices before instalation on the app, did it help?
See the pictures.

Same, annoying feature, as on iPhone. On the other device go to settings/network preferences and disable auto update.
Simply manually periodically check for updates on tablet and it will check and update any apps installed if necessary

Monipeev said:
If you try unmark one or more of your devices before instalation on the app, did it help?
See the pictures.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that was exactly it!
both devices were checked
many thanks to you!!
raul6 said:
Same, annoying feature, as on iPhone. On the other device go to settings/network preferences and disable auto update.
Simply manually periodically check for updates on tablet and it will check and update any apps installed if necessary
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
see above solution