Database Info

[Guide]Barclays mobile banking anti-anti-rootcheck patching

Edit: I've created a xposed module which works with the banking app version 1.7.1 see post below.
---------------------------------------------------
Edit: The changes needed to work with the latest version of the app (1.7.1) are listed in a post below below.
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*There was a error in the diff file. I've uploaded the correct version. Also this patch will definitely not work with the latest version of the app.*
I managed to patch the Barclays mobile banking app version 1.4.2 to make it work with cyanagonmod 10.0 and cyanogenmod 11.
I realize that the current version on play store is 1.7.1 but I haven't updated to the latest version yet. If you do try the latest version please let me know if it differs greatly from the current version in it's root checks
I'm not going to attach the patched apk since using banking app from a stranger on the internet is really not a smart thing . Instead I will detail the work I did which hopefully someone else will find useful.
This guide is geared towards more technical people who already have some experience with android development. It will not give a detailed step by step how to, rather a general information about the process.
Obfuscation methods used in the app
The app obfuscates the names of some but not all of the namespaces/classes/methods which can stump some decompilers.
It seems to generously sprinkle useless switch statements and loops which does nothing but make the code appear way more complicated than it really is. I would guess quite a lot of the bulk in the code is coming through these dummy statements. smali2java-toolkit was of great help to figure this out.
All strings in the app have been encrypted by a simple xor algorithm which is then decrypted at run time just before they are used:
for example rather than
Code:
myfunction(“Hello world”)
the code writes something in the sort of:
Code:
myfunction(decrypt(“Juqqdxidqw”, 'x'))
The decryption function is a static method 'bЮЮЮЮЮЮ' in the class appears to be 'rrrrrr.srrrrr' (the method/class/namespace names are obfusecated)
I extracted the decompiled code from this method to write a console application which let me decrypt any string in the application:
Code:
static String decrypt(String crypStr, char keyChar) {
char[] arrayOfChar1 = crypStr.toCharArray();
char[] arrayOfChar2 = new char[arrayOfChar1.length];
for (int i = 0; i < arrayOfChar1.length; i++)
{
int j = keyChar ^ arrayOfChar1[i];
arrayOfChar2[i] = ((char)j);
}
return new String(arrayOfChar2);
}
Anti root methods used in the app
Checking for 'test-keys' string in the build tag. (/system/build.prop file)
Checking for superuser related package/apk files.
Checking for superuser hider package/apk files.
Checking for existance of 'su' binary
Attempting to execute 'su' binary​The above checks are done both in the java/dex code and in a native code library.
Defeating the anti-root methods in Java/dex code:
The Java code is fairly easy defeat since changing the strings of the apk/file names which are checked as root related will make it think that no 'bad' apps are on the phone.
A bulk of checks happen in the isRootedDevice method of the com.barclays.android.application.BMBApplication class. While it checks for quite a lot of apk's, for my particular purpose I only needed to patch 2 lines in the method:
Smali file line 306 – which starts the checks for “test-keys” string in the build tag.
Smali file line 407 – which start the check for the string “/system/app/Superuser.apk”.​The next method in the same class 'runRootCommand' attempts to execute 'su'
Smali line: 956 – which contains the string “su” which will be passed to java.lang.Runtime.exec
A (mostly?) duplicate of the isRootedDevice function exists in the com.barclays.android.container.DeviceData the relevant lines are :
smali file line 1237: "test-keys" string check
smali file line 1271: "/system/app/Superuser.apk" file check​All of the above checks can easily be defeated by changing the the string so that it will check for a non existent package or file.
Keep in mind that all the strings listed above are in encrypted form. You can use the decrypt function listed above to decode them. I found the key char/byte needed to decrypt a given string is in the very next line to the one containing the encrypted string.
Defeating the anti-root methods in Native library
From what I can see the exact same tests which were done in the Java code is repeated in the native code library 'libtest_ndk.so'. As this check appears to form part of the authentication mechanism i don't believe it's possible to simply stop this check from being called from the Java code.
Also the com.barclays.android.container.sampler.SharedLibraryLoader which loads the native library appears to be doing some kind of checksum validation. While this probably could be easily worked around, disassembling an arm shared library was non trivial for me.
My approach was to write another native library which would hook into all the system calls such as 'system' 'stat' 'fopen', '__system_property_get' and redirect any operations to non existent targets, or change the return value. This achieves the same thing as what was done for the java code.
I put in some extra code into the smali classes to load my native library and to call it's initializer with the path to the actual native library.
Basic steps performed to patch the library:
Use apktool to decompile the original apk.
Code:
apktool d barclays.apk barclays
Use smali2java as helper to understand the code: This tool cannot decompile the critical check functions due to obfuscation. However it made it easier to understand the smali files generated by the apktool.
Patch the smali files to work around the checks as described above.
Build the hooking native library seperately
Code:
~/adt/adt-bundle-linux-x86_64-20131030/sdk/tools/android update project --path . --target android-19
ndk-build
Include the hooking shared library into the lib/armeabi of the decompiled package and change the smali files to load the new shared library.
Use apktool to rebuild the apk.
Code:
Apktool b barclays barclays.apk
Sign the apk from using your own key.
Create keystore:
Code:
keytool.exe -genkey -v -keystore my-release-key.keystore -alias release -keyalg RSA -keysize 2048 -validity 20000
Sign Keystore:
Code:
jarsigner -verbose -sigalg SHA1withRSA -digestalg SHA1 -keystore my-release-key.keystore barclays.apk release
Attached is the code for the hook library native project and the diff for the smali changes. Please note that this is for the smali files for generated by apktool (v1.5.2) for the version 1.4.2 of the Barclays mobile banking app.
For Users of other ROMs/SU applications and root hiders.
The app checks for a lot of common packages which I did not bother to patch since I don't use them, but if you do then you should put fixes for all those package/file names in both the smali and native code hook library.
A non exhustive list of files it check are:
Code:
/system/bin/amphoras
/system/bin/su
/system/xbin/su
/system/app/superuser.apk
/data/data/com.amphoras.hidemyroot
/data/data/eu.chainfire.supersu
/data/data/stericson.busybox
/data/data/stericson.busybox.donate
/data/data/com.jrummy.busybox.installer.pro
/data/data/com.jrummy.busybox.installer
/data/data/com.rootuninstaller.free
/data/data/com.rootuninstaller

Hey i will try this out shortly and post a APK (whether you use it or not thats up to you, but i am well known in the xperia play section of this website and should be trusted, Still its up to you.)
EDIT: well i am not a android developer, i can follow almost all this post except the bits about the native library any chance of a bit more information
specifically this bit "Include the hooking shared library into the lib/armeabi of the decompiled package and change the smali files to load the new shared library."
i assume that means just simply copy the built lib file in to that folder then include the file in the code somewhere? where do i do that to?

Sorry about the late reply but I just saw this message.
fma965 said:
EDIT: well i am not a android developer, i can follow almost all this post except the bits about the native library any chance of a bit more information
specifically this bit "Include the hooking shared library into the lib/armeabi of the decompiled package and change the smali files to load the new shared library."
i assume that means just simply copy the built lib file in to that folder then include the file in the code somewhere? where do i do that to?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's pretty much correct. There is already a 'libtest_ndk.so' file in the lib/armeabi folder of the apk. You just have to build my code from the zip file to get the libhooktest.so, which should then be copied into the lib/armeabi folder alongside the libtest_ndk.so.
Edit: Not sure if this is enough instructions. I'm just not good at writing instructions. Steps you need to build the native library are in my post. If you need more info i suggest about building the library http://code.google.com/p/awesomeguy/wiki/JNITutorial#Setup_Environment is a good
Afterwards you have to do the modifications I've listed in the diff to the .smali files.
But i have some bad news about this patch:
The diff file i have attached in the post is wrong. I've mistakenly uploaded the patch to reverse the changes i did . I will update the post with the correct diff file.
It will only work for Barclays app version 1.4.2. it will definitely not work for the latest version of the app which is 1.7.1.
I'm currently going through the code of 1.7.1 I've made some headway into the code but there I'm quite way off from getting it to work.
If you wish I can give you a copy of the original 1.4.2 of Barclays app, the built lib file and the patched app. I would recommend against using the patched app blindly but it might make it easier to figure out the changes i did. I would rather not upload them to xda though.

HiddenRambler said:
Sorry about the late reply but I just saw this message.
That's pretty much correct. There is already a 'libtest_ndk.so' file in the lib/armeabi folder of the apk. You just have to build my code from the zip file to get the libhooktest.so, which should then be copied into the lib/armeabi folder alongside the libtest_ndk.so.
Edit: Not sure if this is enough instructions. I'm just not good at writing instructions. Steps you need to build the native library are in my post. If you need more info i suggest about building the library http://code.google.com/p/awesomeguy/wiki/JNITutorial#Setup_Environment is a good
Afterwards you have to do the modifications I've listed in the diff to the .smali files.
But i have some bad news about this patch:
The diff file i have attached in the post is wrong. I've mistakenly uploaded the patch to reverse the changes i did . I will update the post with the correct diff file.
It will only work for Barclays app version 1.4.2. it will definitely not work for the latest version of the app which is 1.7.1.
I'm currently going through the code of 1.7.1 I've made some headway into the code but there I'm quite way off from getting it to work.
If you wish I can give you a copy of the original 1.4.2 of Barclays app, the built lib file and the patched app. I would recommend against using the patched app blindly but it might make it easier to figure out the changes i did. I would rather not upload them to xda though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries about the late reply, yeah you basically told me what i assumed it was i had to do, however when i was trying to do it i didn't have a 1.4.2 apk so was trying ot use 1.7.X and obviously failed .
Yeah the modifications to smali files is easy well when you know what your changing xD
if you could upload the apk for 1.4.2 that would be great, i would assume that as long as the signature matches the official apk its untampered, your modified one will obviously be signed with a different signature though.

:cyclops:

Good news. I've managed to get latest version 1.7.1 patched . I will try to post the patch information this weekend. In the meantime i suggest anyone interested download a copy from the play store and keep a backup of the apk in case they release a new version.

Fix for latest version of the mobile banking app (version 1.7.1)
I've figured out the changes required for the v1.7.1 of the app which is the latest version as of this post.
Changes from the old 1.4.2 are:
Almost all the classes in the app are now obfuscated, whereas before only some of the core class names were obfuscated.
The string encryption has changed. rather than a single encryption function it now uses a group of functions to perform the encryption. rrrrrr/vuuuvu class seems to manage invoking the proper decryptor based on the arguments.
All root checking is now done via the native library.
Native library now does some checks as soon as it's loaded before any methods are called.
The last change is a big problem since its not possible to do the patching of the dll after loading it as was done before. The onload/init of the dll exits the whole application as soon as it detects the phone is rooted.
My solution was to use a modified version of the 'crazy_linker' custom loader library which comes with the ndk to load the library into memory without invoking it's onload/init functions. This lets us hook into the necessary functions before they are called.
I've attached the smali changes as a diff and the new native hook library in this post.
As a side note I think the version 1.4.2 is a far better version. Why on earth would a banking app need to permissions to take pictures, who spends their time 'customizing' a banking app with personal pictures.
Edit: I've fixed a bug where the root was still being detected when used with chainfire su app. Special thanks to lil-diabo for helping me fix the issue. :good:

Xposed module for barclays banking app 1.7.1
Edit: New version (BarcPosed1.1.apk) has some support for barclays pingit. I've not tested this my self as I don't use the application personally. If anyone tries it please let me know.
I've converted my patch into xposed module. This module is compatible with the current banking app (version 1.7.1).
Please consider this as a beta version for now. I've tested it on cyanogenmod but it might have some issues with other roms. If you try it please let me know if it worked.
Assuming you already have a working xposed installation the steps to get the app working are:
1) Install banking app from playstore. Make sure it's version 1.7.1
2) Install the BarcPosed.apk from my post.
3) Run the BarcPosed app and click the 'install' button. You will need to grant it root permissions.
4) Enable the module in xposed and reboot.
5) Use the barclays app as normal.
6) Disable automatic updates for the banking app to prevent it from updating.
I've included the source code for the app.

Thanks, works perfectly. You sir (or madam) are a genius
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Works like a charm
Just tested it and it works!
Most excellent, Thanks again for your hard work.
So much easier than having to manually edit the files etc.

It works,excellent job, finally can use Barclays mobile, thank you very much
sent from Samsung Galaxy S4 Active

Just tested and it worked marvellously. Could you please make a fix for pingit as well?

Zell Dinch said:
Just tested and it worked marvellously. Could you please make a fix for pingit as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HiddenRambler said:
Edit: New version (BarcPosed1.1.apk) has some support for barclays pingit. I've not tested this my self as I don't use the application personally. If anyone tries it please let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've updated my post with version that stops the rooted warning from pingit. Don't use pingit myself so don't know how successful it is. Let me know if you try it.

Brilliant, been struggling in vain with Root Cloak Plus on my N5 but this works perfectly. Many thanks.
Sent from my Xoom Wifi using Tapatalk

Before I switched to KK, I used Barclays App 1.3 doing a small trick with SuperSU. It worked perfectly. I signed the app myself so that it wouldn't update itself from the market and so that I could still use the automatic update in the market.
Do you think it would be possible to make your AMAZING solution work with my v1.3 signed app instead?
thnx

vivelafrance said:
Before I switched to KK, I used Barclays App 1.3 doing a small trick with SuperSU. It worked perfectly. I signed the app myself so that it wouldn't update itself from the market and so that I could still use the automatic update in the market.
Do you think it would be possible to make your AMAZING solution work with my v1.3 signed app instead?
thnx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could try "root cloak" or "root cloak plus" they probably will work.

Actually, what I did, is sign the app with OneClickSigner and it worked fine. Now, the app is not attached to the market anymore since the signature changed, so that means I can continue to use the "automatic update" from the market and it won't ask me to update the app all the time when Barclays upload a new version.
thnx

HiddenRambler said:
...
I've converted my patch into xposed module. This module is compatible with the current banking app (version 1.7.1).
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
I have a request, can you make it compatible with GingerBread plz?
Thanks.

LoMAX_HUN said:
Hello,
I have a request, can you make it compatible with GingerBread plz?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you try the attached apk. It's the same code but built as an app for gingerbread version (API lvl 10). I couldn't test it as I don't have a phone for that version.
If it doesn't work please give me a logcat.

Banking Works, but Not PingIt
HiddenRambler said:
Edit: New version (BarcPosed1.1.apk) has some support for barclays pingit. I've not tested this my self as I don't use the application personally. If anyone tries it please let me know.
I've converted my patch into xposed module. This module is compatible with the current banking app (version 1.7.1).
Please consider this as a beta version for now. I've tested it on cyanogenmod but it might have some issues with other roms. If you try it please let me know if it worked.
Assuming you already have a working xposed installation the steps to get the app working are:
1) Install banking app from playstore. Make sure it's version 1.7.1
2) Install the BarcPosed.apk from my post.
3) Run the BarcPosed app and click the 'install' button. You will need to grant it root permissions.
4) Enable the module in xposed and reboot.
5) Use the barclays app as normal.
6) Disable automatic updates for the banking app to prevent it from updating.
I've included the source code for the app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
xposed is fantastic!
This worked for me. It's so nice to be able to update my SU binaries without fear of breaking the app.
I'm running Cyanogenmod v10.2.0 on a Samsung Galaxy S3 (International) (i9300).
I tried using the v1.1 of the BarcPosed.apk with PingIt, but it still tried to gain root and then closed itself immediately.

Conversations XMPP/Jabber Client (by siacs)

This isn't my app, but I've had numerous people asking me to compile this already (they have been looking for a good XMPP client for a while). This is the work of siacs (https://github.com/siacs/Conversations), not myself - I just compiled it.
The APK is attached. Do NOT consider this to be a "routine" distribution channel - I don't intend to post regular updates. The developer has it on Google Play for about £2 I believe, or you can compile it yourself (like I did). It might even appear on F-Droid if it's licensed appropriately.
If the dev wants, I will remove this, as having multiple signed APKs out there is annoying for user support. But I wanted to work out how to build this, so others can now look at working on the code too
Everything seems to point to this being a very good client Pleased to see XEP support for carbons and Stream Management - I might need to post my setup guide for an "XMPP bouncer" at some point if it's desired (gives you gtalk-like functionality via your own server)
If you want to compile this yourself (I mean, why should you trust someone else to build it for you?), here's how I did it. These are NOT optimal steps, but they worked:
1) Import the project from github into Eclipse (https://github.com/siacs/Conversations)
2) Get the source for openpgp-keychain and build it - I used Android Studio for this (https://github.com/openpgp-keychain/openpgp-keychain)
3) Go to "openpgp-keychain/OpenPGP-Keychain-API/libraries/openpgp-api-library/build/bundles/release" and get "classes.jar". Put this into Conversations/libs/
4) Add classes.jar to the build path as an external Jar in eclipse.
5) Compile. You should build it as a signed APK, and use your own keystore.
Alternative build instructions from korry, if you don't use IDE, or prefer building via ant
Open your shell.
Export your sdk path.
Checkout git and the submodules
execute ant debug
your apk will be in bin/Conversations-debug.apk
File hashes:
MD5: a2031e4d74fd692cdd2e8dd80ec3ebd6 Conversations-0.1.2.apk
22184a364a2e9a856d5a83407b8f9c7bcc2fbec9 Conversations-0.1.2.apk
6f8a7e164d32fa45b89b017439727bc0ea85c76c51f659080348976930a3f1b0 Conversations-0.1.2.apk
Old versions:
MD5: 40c5ce5b7063948e02ab49ea9e2da21a Conversations.apk
SHA1: 3f9447a1f5606c86c110f9e7c17a28b0e45019cf Conversations.apk
SHA256: 4c3c3868cfa4118b506176280cf5e5d902865a20816f471785fa2cfe177d32d6 Conversations.apk
SHA512: ef759f10ab78613a24f5791ce54cd263bf25bfaa82af5ca56683afcb35fa3a1e9a26f0c2b210af108c73f7515e82c7cbdc7c93065a342a184d115db454b9c2fe Conversations.apk

Very nice client, i leave it always on and it actually has a very low impact on battery life, clean and simple, i like it.
The apk is available on F-Droid: https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdfilter=conversations&fdid=eu.siacs.conversations
but the latest 0.7 release is not there yet.

need help
hello i am trying to build the apk file and successfully built .. but when i tried to run . it starts then stopped running . plz what's the problem

classes.jar
can you please send me this classes.jar file i have been trying to build the open keychain for 2 days it is giving me 4 errors in helpTester file etc. Please send me classes.jar file on my email id [email protected].
3) Go to "openpgp-keychain/OpenPGP-Keychain-API/libraries/openpgp-api-library/build/bundles/release" and get "classes.jar

conversations is a great XMPP client (the best I found). It is reliable, secure and open source.
Has somebody an idea how to get some emojis in there?

[TOOL] Vox Remover

Team Voxive Presents: Vox Remover [DISCONTINUED]
[CROSS-POSTED from old Voxive GApps thread, some doesn't apply]
Long time no see, huh? Well, contrary to the Post title, I am back but it's different now! Why?
THESE GApps ARE NOW APART OF Open GApps!
I wanted to cover a few things about this package real quick though!
First, the source code has been moved and updated (the old actually was missing the newer releases!) onto GitLab. One note though is that the APKs themselves are managed using Git-Annex, so you will need that to "complete" your repo. Find the source code here: http://gitlab.com/TeamVoxive/vox_gapps/
Second, Open GApps includes a AROMA version too that will be easy for you guys to migrate over to!
Third, my other project, Vox Remover is on hiatus as it is semi-replaced by Open GApps as not only it includes more removals than the original PA/TK Gapps these were based on but it also includes the ability to remove ANY app (have to configure in config file).
Lastly, I want to mention my "other" project that I am still working on. Vox Variety is a 24-hour variety station playing a lot unique stuff!
You can find Open GApps at http://opengapps.github.io/opengapps/ with daily, auto-generated builds for 4.4x to 5.1x on arm(64) and x86(_64) with a ton of variants!
OLD OP BELOW!
Vox Remover, based on PA GApps Remover by @TKruzze, is a flashable script for rooted Android devices that allow you to remove some bloatware that may come with your ROM.
To use, just flash after your ROM of choice! It will walk you through making the file and it will then remove them. Finally, the Addon.d script will keep them removed across updates without a reflash!
REMOVABLE ITEMS
To see the list of items you can remove, visit this page on our GitHub Wiki.
DOWNLOAD AND FLASH
You will find detailed instructions how to flash and download links on this page on our GitHub Wiki.
SOURCE CODE
View the Source Code on GitHub! If you want to contribute, feel free!
CREDITS
@TKruzze for making the original PA GApps Remover
@Kiray1982 for the code to run the shell script remover inside the AROMA installer.​
XDA:DevDB Information
Vox Remover, Tool/Utility for all devices (see above for details)
Contributors
dotmaniac
Source Code: https://github.com/TeamVoxive/vox_remover
Version Information
Status: No Longer Updated
Current Stable Version: v5
Stable Release Date: 2014-12-26
Current Beta Version: v6.0.1
Beta Release Date: 2015-04-23
Created 2014-09-07
Last Updated 2015-06-27

CHANGELOG
Changelog
v5.1
Added CM AudioFX under the existing DSP option.
v5
Version Merge
The Major change in v5 is the fact that Lollipop and KitKat versions are no longer separate. This changes a few things behind the scenes but only one thing up front: A new Version selector dialog that let's you select KitKat or Lollipop! MAKE SURE YOU CHOOSE THE CORRECT ONE OR IT WON'T REMOVE!!
New Apps
I have added a couple of new apps also!
Euphoria Wallpapers
CyanogenMod's Eleven Music Player
These apps are most likely lollipop only but if you find a KitKat ROM with them, you should be able to remove them!
Other Fixes
Fixed Sorting of CyanogenMod and Other ROM items to be Alphabetical.
Spaces to TABS
NOTE
This is early days for the Mixed Installer and I need all the testing I can get! Please report your issues!
v4-kitkat and v2-lollipop
With v2, you can now restore from the config file so you don't have to edit it every time you flash!
Simply choose RESTORE when you flash to jump straight to the installer.
Want to edit your choices? Tap DON'T RESTORE and you will be greeted with the classic installer!
v3.3.1-kitkat and v1.1.1-lollipop
FIXES BUG IN v3.3-kitkat and v1.1-lollipop, see changelog below!
20141122 releases: v3.1/v3.2-kitkat/v3.3-kitkat and v1-lollipop/v1.1-lollipop
LOLLIPOP VERSION STILL NEEDS TESTING! PLEASE HELP!
NEW FEATURES
All versions
Thanks to a request on XDA, I have added support to remove the Boot Animation. Just select the new option and it will remove the animation, defaulting you back to the one built into the code.
v3.2+ and both Lollipop versions
Also, you can now separately remove Exchange Services so you can still use Exchange accounts in Gmail!
v3.3 and v1.1-lollipop versions
Finally, you can remove AOSPA's Lightbulb/Torch App.
BUGS
v3.3 and v1.1-lollipop versions
Fixed Git messing up EOL which made development tricky, didn't impact end users.
All versions
Wouldn't flash in some recoveries like the MultiROM one because it didn't have an updater script file. I added a dummy file and now it works.
All versions
When I based this project off of the PA GApps Easy Config script I was working on, I accidentally left some items in the config script named "aosp_prop" instead of "gapps_prop". To make it easier, I renamed both to just "prop".
CLEAN UP
All versions
I did some misc. cleanup including:
Changing the author name to my new username: "bgiesing"
In config script, fixed leftover PA GApps config name and replaced with Vox Remover.
In the Install Script, I removed some extra headers and the part that looks for your text file as it is always in the same place now.
v3
AROMA Installer: The zip is now using AROMA! That means that you can use a simple click interface to config your choices.
One ZIP! I figured out how to run the current script from AROMA and show output which means you don't need two ZIPs! Flash one for everything!
Added a request: PhotoPhase Live Wallpaper
Combined: Development and SpareParts into one entry as if you are going to remove one, you are most likely going to remove the other.
Fixed: Addon.d Script! In the older releases, there were two problems with the script. The first was the ZIP not installing it on your device which means it can't work at all. The second is that even if you copied over the script manually, the items to restore were in the "restore" section and not "pre-restore" and this caused things like AOSPA's script to not restore completely!
v2
Fix SlimIRC and PAC-Man apps not removing
First Public release
v1
BETA Release, Initial Release

Reserved

good

this looking helpful!

No instructions on how to install/flash? I understand you based your work on TKRuzze's GApps Remover but it might be wise to add instruction in your original post as to how and when to flash your zip and/or would it conflict with TKRuzze's and the likes of those kind of questions.
So far, I'm liking this project.

Rickav said:
No instructions on how to install/flash? I understand you based your work on TKRuzze's GApps Remover but it might be wise to add instruction in your original post as to how and when to flash your zip and/or would it conflict with TKRuzze's and the likes of those kind of questions.
So far, I'm liking this project.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is instructions, it tells you how to make the text file and to flash, if you don't know how to flash, then you shouldn't be using custom ROMs!
As for possible conflicts, they both supplement each other, one removes GApps and the other removes stock apps! They are safe to use together!

dotmaniac said:
If you don't know how to flash, then you shouldn't be using custom ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I didn't know how to flash, I couldn't use a custom ROM in the first place.
In any case, I must have missed the the "when to flash" bit in your OP and, on that front, this project looks even more promising.

Rickav said:
If I didn't know how to flash, I couldn't use a custom ROM in the first place.
In any case, I must have missed the the "when to flash" bit in your OP and, on that front, this project looks even more promising.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you, the OP didn't mentioned where we have to put the file etc...
For beginners (like me) it's not as easy as it could be for experienced people.
Please give us some advice
Sent from my One

splokow said:
I agree with you, the OP didn't mentioned where we have to put the file etc...
For beginners (like me) it's not as easy as it could be for experienced people.
Please give us some advice
Sent from my One
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read again:
dotmaniac said:
To use, make a text file named ".vox-remove", put it in the same folder as the ZIP or the /sdcard root, and put a keyword from the list below. The file should have no extension. Remove anything in BOLD. After making the file, flash normally anytime after flashing the ROM (before or after GApps, kernel, etc.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

dotmaniac said:
Read again:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for editing
Sent from my One

Okay guys, here is a little bit of a news update!
I am still working on this, I just need a suggestion on apps that you guys want removed!
Secondly, I am in contact with @osm0sis to make an AROMA zip that will create a file for the new AOSPA shell GApps! This will save people the trouble of figuring out how to correctly make the text file. Hopefully, I can also make one for the remover!

I just released an AROMA zip to make the text file for PA GApps remover, I am going to try to have one up for Vox remover eventually!
dotmaniac said:
Me, @hlxanthus, and @osm0sis have been working on an easy config tool for making the .gapps-remove (soon .gapps-config) file. @hlxanthus has already posted a few versions and now here is the next step.
Download pa_gapps_config-20140916b.zip
Compared to his versions, the interface is completely slimmed down and the ZIP is smaller. How? Well, I used my base which is categorized and has a better file structure. The ZIP is smaller thanks to a few things: One includes less words in script files. An example is resread instead of zipread. This allows you to not have to enter the full file path. Secondly, he added a Splash image and I ran it through a PNG compressor. Before it was 520 KB and is now 130 KB. Third, my base doesn't include extra themes and icons that make up most AROMA zips.
Thanks to @osm0sis and @hlxanthus for ideas, shell help, and AROMA help. Specifically @hlxanthus for the backup code and verification screens. Also @osm0sis for the grep -w flag hint and help for other projects I have done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Suggestion
dotmaniac said:
Okay guys, here is a little bit of a news update!
I am still working on this, I just need a suggestion on apps that you guys want removed!
Secondly, I am in contact with @osm0sis to make an AROMA zip that will create a file for the new AOSPA shell GApps! This will save people the trouble of figuring out how to correctly make the text file. Hopefully, I can also make one for the remover!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Thank You!
2. Can you add the following Apps?
Cell Broadcast
CM Account
CM Video Editor
CM Home
3. What is the difference between (Development Extra dev tools & SpareParts Extra dev tools) ?
Thanks Again!

zakaziky said:
1. Thank You!
2. Can you add the following Apps?
Cell Broadcast
CM Account
CM Video Editor
CM Home
3. What is the difference between (Development Extra dev tools & SpareParts Extra dev tools) ?
Thanks Again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CM Home, Cell Broadcast, and CM account are essential for device use, aka if you remove them, your device won't work.
There is no such thing as the CM Video Editor... The video editor included in CM is the AOSP Movie Studio.
Also, Spare parts and Development are two separate apps. They both are advanced tools for app development.

- Exchange services
- AOSP keyboard (?)
- Camera
- Black hole, Sun beam, Bubble
(Do basic live wallpapers include Nexus and Spectrum?)

PünchUp said:
- Exchange services
- AOSP keyboard (?)
- Camera
- Black hole, Sun beam, Bubble
(Do basic live wallpapers include Nexus and Spectrum?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exchange services are there.
The keyboard we don't allow to remove because if you don't install a keyboard, you will be unable to type!
Camera I'll have to think about.
The live wallpapers are there, they just may have different names. Black hole is actually called Galaxy4.
Basic live wallpapers (I think) include Nexus. Spectrum is a part of Visualization Wallpapers.

‘Email’ removes both Email and Exchange Services?

PünchUp said:
‘Email’ removes both Email and Exchange Services?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No... Email removes email and Exchange removes Exchange

PünchUp said:
‘Email’ removes both Email and Exchange Services?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, forgot... Email removes both.

Blackberry Productivity tab for all devices running Android MM and N

This is the method to get the productivity tab (Latest version) on any device running Android MM and N.
New Update (November 11, 2017 )
What's New-Bug fixes
-Performance improvements
Things you need are
-A ADB or Terminal with root access or privileges
-A android Marshmallow or Nougat device
Steps
1--If updating, replace old ProductivityEdge.apk from /system/priv-app/ProductivityEdge folder with the new .apk and reboot.
-If installing for the first time, copy the ProductivityEdge folder to /system/priv-app.
2--Set 755 permission
/system/priv-app/ProductivityEdge
/system/priv-app/ProductivityEdge/oat
/system/priv-app/ProductivityEdge/oat/arm64
Set 644 permission on
/system/priv-app/ProductivityEdge/ProductivityEdge.apk
/system/priv-app/ProductivityEdge/oat/arm64/ProductivityEdge.odex
3--No need to reset the bbry_productivity_edge_enable if you have the Productivity Edge up and working already.
If you're setting up for the first time, run
Code: settings put secure bbry_productivity_edge_enable 1
from ADB or a local terminal with root privileges.
4--Reboot.
(There's a new update which was released in which we can add multiple widgets onto a tab in a single column, move theme around and resize theme as you like. You can even change the name and icon for each individual widget tab. Also you can hide the built-in tabs such a calendar and contacts.) Will release this update as soon as it comes out.
Tested on Pexorom Nougat Sony Xperia X dual sim

Working on my Samsung S4 with rr 7.1.2 ROM. Is it also possible to install the dtek app?

No it's not possible. I tried to edit the apk but it does not work.

Installed but it opens the settings when I finish the setup. Do you need to have other BlackBerry apps installed for it to work?

Yes. BB Calendar,BB Hub,

Install update
Karma,
How to update the newest version BlackBerry Productivity Tab 1.1.0.1192 because in your discription step 1 "how to install an update" failed on my phone?https://forum-lw-1.xda-cdn.com/images/smilies/confused.gif

Karma Kesang Namdak said:
This is the method to get the productivity tab (Latest version) on any device running Android MM and N.
Things you need are
-A ADB or Terminal with root access or privileges
-A android Marshmallow or Nougat device
Steps
1--If updating, delete ProductivityEdge.apk from /system/priv-app/ProductivityEdge folder and reboot ( not necessary)
If installing for the first time, copy the ProductivityEdge folder to /system/priv-app.
2--Set 755 permission
/system/priv-app/ProductivityEdge
/system/priv-app/ProductivityEdge/oat
/system/priv-app/ProductivityEdge/oat/arm64
Set 644 permission on
/system/priv-app/ProductivityEdge/ProductivityEdge.apk
/system/priv-app/ProductivityEdge/oat/arm64/ProductivityEdge.odex
3--No need to reset the bbry_productivity_edge_enable if you have the Productivity Edge up and working already.
If you're setting up for the first time, run
Code: settings put secure bbry_productivity_edge_enable 1
from ADB or a local terminal with root privileges.
4--Reboot.
Tested on Pexorom Nougat Sony Xperia X dual sim
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does it need to be flashed through TWRP or installed as an apk?

Can u please create a video for this?

Karma Kesang Namdak said:
This is the method to get the productivity tab (Latest version) on any device running Android MM and N.
Things you need are
-A ADB or Terminal with root access or privileges
-A android Marshmallow or Nougat device
Steps
1--If updating, delete ProductivityEdge.apk from /system/priv-app/ProductivityEdge folder and reboot ( not necessary)
If installing for the first time, copy the ProductivityEdge folder to /system/priv-app.
2--Set 755 permission
/system/priv-app/ProductivityEdge
/system/priv-app/ProductivityEdge/oat
/system/priv-app/ProductivityEdge/oat/arm64
Set 644 permission on
/system/priv-app/ProductivityEdge/ProductivityEdge.apk
/system/priv-app/ProductivityEdge/oat/arm64/ProductivityEdge.odex
3--No need to reset the bbry_productivity_edge_enable if you have the Productivity Edge up and working already.
If you're setting up for the first time, run
Code: settings put secure bbry_productivity_edge_enable 1
from ADB or a local terminal with root privileges.
4--Reboot.
Tested on Pexorom Nougat Sony Xperia X dual sim
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't want to root my device. Is it possible to install it without rooting?

djeniuss said:
I don't want to root my device. Is it possible to install it without rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Not possible.

Karma Kesang Namdak said:
No. Not possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, thanks

joecoeur said:
Does it need to be flashed through TWRP or installed as an apk?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to unzip the file and place the folders manually in the required place. Then set the correct permissions on the folder and apk. Then using a adb terminal which has root permissions enter the lines as stated above. Finally reboot.
(sorry for really late reply. I was busy with school and work)

where are the other apps needed for this to work?

zeratos said:
where are the other apps needed for this to work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to install Blackberry Manager app by Cobalt and all the apps needed are in there along with other blackberry apps.

Karma Kesang Namdak said:
You have to install Blackberry Manager app by Cobalt and all the apps needed are in there along with other blackberry apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where can i find it?

xaem said:
Where can i find it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here it is.

The tab is cool, but the animations are so laggy=(

xaem said:
The tab is cool, but the animations are so laggy=(
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although not buttery smooth, its smooth enough on my 2015 Motorola moto x play running DOT-OS, android version 7.1.2. Maybe it has something to do with your hardware and ROM.
---------- Post added at 12:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:01 PM ----------
Karma Kesang Namdak said:
This is the method to get the productivity tab (Latest version) on any device running Android MM and N.
New Update (November 11, 2017 )
What's New-Bug fixes
-Performance improvements
Things you need are
-A ADB or Terminal with root access or privileges
-A android Marshmallow or Nougat device
Steps
1--If updating, replace old ProductivityEdge.apk from /system/priv-app/ProductivityEdge folder with the new .apk and reboot.
-If installing for the first time, copy the ProductivityEdge folder to /system/priv-app.
2--Set 755 permission
/system/priv-app/ProductivityEdge
/system/priv-app/ProductivityEdge/oat
/system/priv-app/ProductivityEdge/oat/arm64
Set 644 permission on
/system/priv-app/ProductivityEdge/ProductivityEdge.apk
/system/priv-app/ProductivityEdge/oat/arm64/ProductivityEdge.odex
3--No need to reset the bbry_productivity_edge_enable if you have the Productivity Edge up and working already.
If you're setting up for the first time, run
Code: settings put secure bbry_productivity_edge_enable 1
from ADB or a local terminal with root privileges.
4--Reboot.
(There's a new update which was released in which we can add multiple widgets onto a tab in a single column, move theme around and resize theme as you like. You can even change the name and icon for each individual widget tab. Also you can hide the built-in tabs such a calendar and contacts.) Will release this update as soon as it comes out.
Tested on Pexorom Nougat Sony Xperia X dual sim
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are my HERO! Been looking for this everywhere! Works like a charm!
Tested and working on Motorola moto X play (2015). Android 7.1.2 :victory:
Although, you should include installing blackberry hub services+ in your installation guide. For me right after the reboot the tab showed up, but after intro it always took me to the app settings page. Only after installing blackberry hub services+ (using bb manager by cobalt) I got the productivity tab to work.

amal vajdan said:
Although not buttery smooth, its smooth enough on my 2015 Motorola moto x play running DOT-OS, android version 7.1.2. Maybe it has something to do with your hardware and ROM.
---------- Post added at 12:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:01 PM ----------
You are my HERO! Been looking for this everywhere! Works like a charm!
Tested and working on Motorola moto X play (2015). Android 7.1.2 :victory:
Although, you should include installing blackberry hub services+ in your installation guide. For me right after the reboot the tab showed up, but after intro it always took me to the app settings page. Only after installing blackberry hub services+ (using bb manager by cobalt) I got the productivity tab to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please can you post screenshot of the BlackBerry Productivity Tab running on your Moto X Play?

djeniuss said:
Please can you post screenshot of the BlackBerry Productivity Tab running on your Moto X Play?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using BlackBerry launcher and Hub too. For the apps to work in the productivity tab, they have to be installed first. Like for e.g. for it to show notifications, you have to have hub installed, if you want to use tasks you have to have BlackBerry tasks app installed.
For me it works with almost zero lags. Its almost as good as on a BlackBerry phone. :victory:

Linux on Dex open beta enrollment

https://www.linuxondex.com/beta-registration

does say "Note9 and Tab S4 devices," i signed up this morning with the hope it will come out for s9+ also

Link does not work for me

Hope will work on my s9+ with dockless dex(In pie update). That will be a game changer for our device

No luck for S9+ yet
If only I could trick the play store and download the app

Leonidas87 said:
No luck for S9+ yet
If only I could trick the play store and download the app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/samsu...inux-on-dex-beta-1-0-38-android-apk-download/

I already sideloaded the apk and it doesn't work on S9/+. The app checks if you have a supported firmware.
I decompiled the apk on my linux machine and am searching where the check is being performed. to see if i can bypass it.
The response message you get is defined as a string that translates back to an id. This id i traced back to EntryActivity.smali alongside a const v2, whatever that might be. Inside this .smali file there are multiple references to versions, processor so this seems to be where the check is called.
Is there anybody here that actually has programming knowledge that could point me in the right direction on how to do this? I've never really looked into the inner workings of an app before, nor did i ever really program anything except some small python projects.

Aerox912 said:
I already sideloaded the apk and it doesn't work on S9/+. The app checks if you have a supported firmware....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are on android 9 the app opens and lets you use it. I have not loaded a Linux image yet to fully test it.
If you guys missed out on the Android Beta 9 enrollment early today I have uploaded the OTA update here .
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s9-plus/how-to/official-android-9-beta-download-t3867703

I installed it on my S9+ and I can't get it to run "Linux on Dex requires device to have the latest software to support some features."

https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-linux-on-dex-beta-923435/ Looks like the linux apps for this need to support ARM 64-bit architecture.

Leonidas87 said:
No luck for S9+ yet
If only I could trick the play store and download the app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Build.prop (?)

Linux image cannot be downloaded on s9+
I have OneUI beta installed on my s9+ and in the official link, the store says the device is not compatible. When you download it via APK mirror, it doesnt allow you install the linux image. The error message is as follows "the web page at lxd-wv=a.samsungknox.com could not be loaded because net:: ERR_CLEARTEXT_NOT_PERMITTED"

Try to download Linux images from :
https://webview.linuxondex.com
Please tell us if it works

Aerox912 said:
I already sideloaded the apk and it doesn't work on S9/+. The app checks if you have a supported firmware.
I decompiled the apk on my linux machine and am searching where the check is being performed. to see if i can bypass it.
The response message you get is defined as a string that translates back to an id. This id i traced back to EntryActivity.smali alongside a const v2, whatever that might be. Inside this .smali file there are multiple references to versions, processor so this seems to be where the check is called.
Is there anybody here that actually has programming knowledge that could point me in the right direction on how to do this? I've never really looked into the inner workings of an app before, nor did i ever really program anything except some small python projects.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S9+ on Android P beta, signed up and accepted for LinuxOnDex beta, installed the apk from apkmirror, downloaded the image and extracted to LoD directory. On starting terminal mode I see this in logcat:
Code:
11-29 22:44:17.901 E/AndroidRuntime(23999): FATAL EXCEPTION: main
11-29 22:44:17.901 E/AndroidRuntime(23999): Process: com.samsung.android.lxd, PID: 23999
11-29 22:44:17.901 E/AndroidRuntime(23999): com.samsung.android.lxd.processor.LxdException: undefined model: SM-G965F, star2lte
11-29 22:44:17.901 E/AndroidRuntime(23999): at com.samsung.android.lxd.a.g.c(ModelTypeUtils.java:77)
11-29 22:44:17.901 E/AndroidRuntime(23999): at com.samsung.android.lxd.a.g.a(ModelTypeUtils.java:40)
so it (was) in ModelTypeUtils.java which has been renamed to a method 'c' in class 'com.samsung.android.lxd.a.g'.
But, I'm going to guess that this needs root access to do its low-level linux things, so the edited apk might need to be signed by Samsung to work

Was super excited there for a moment, I downloaded and unzipped the file to the lod folder in my s9+. The app recognized the file and allowed me to create the container. For using linux visually I needed to use DeX but everytime i clicked run black screen appears and immediately crashes. If u r persistent it is just black screen with "please wait".

Linux on Dex S9+ support
Does anyone find a workaround to make Linux on Dex work on the S9+? When loading the container with the Ubuntu image it get sutck on "Please wait" with a black screen...
Btw i'm using the beta 2 with hotfix of Android pie for S9+ with apkmirror Linux on Dex Beta version.

Skimi said:
Does anyone find a workaround to make Linux on Dex work on the S9+?
When loading the container with the Ubuntu image it get sutck on "Please wait" with a black screen...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same results here on S9+...
I've downloaded apk and ubuntu 16 image but after loading container and connecting DEX i see only "Please wait..." notification.
(hint: after installing, uninstalling and one more time installing LoD program won't start - i had to delete LoD folder first)

Are you using a official dex accessory or some generic brand?

Skimi said:
Are you using a official dex accessory or some generic brand?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Generic with full support for DEX (android desktop works just fine)

I also use acrobat generic adapter with full support for dex, it could be that Linux on Dex it's only supported by the original adapters...