Database Info

Tronsmart TS7 (aka Glacier TS7) installs random apps without permission

I have a (4GB) Tronsmart TS7 (some times known as a Alps Glacier TS7). It's a Chinese MTK6589 based phone running Android 4.2 purchased from geekbuying.
For the most part the device is stock, there are next to no pre-installed apps apart from the usual, and the only additional apps I have installed are: Playstation, Steam, ColorNote, Shuttle+, Root Explorer DI Radio, Chrome & Gmail
The problem I have is that there are apps appearing on the device that I am not installing. So far it has been the same set of apps that appear:
Mobo Market
UC Browser
TrustGo Security
DU Battery Saver
337 Game Master
GameCenter
(there may be more)
These apps don't start appearing right after a factory reset, but start to arrive 1-2weeks later. They also seem to be packaged similarly; when I say packaged I mean opening them seems to prompt with the same menu & style (accept licence etc) before it gets to the main app. Also, after you open the app from the app drawer it then creates an icon on the desktop. Maybe opening it actually does the installing?
The apps themselves seem to be legit.
I have factory reset the device (twice), and changed my Google password but they are still appearing. They don't show up in my Play store history so they must be coming from elsewhere.
My main concern is that if it is downloading things without my permission, what might it be uploading ? Not to mention wasting my 3g data etc.
So I have a few questions:
Should I be (really) worried?
Is there a way to monitor this? eg connect to a wifi hotspot and packet capture the network traffic? or maybe use a process monitor (the ones I've tried so far haven't shown anything) to see if there is some sort of script in the background?
Can it be stopped?
Thanks in advance, I would be interested to know if anyone else has/had this problem?

I have the same problem.
I haven't tried flashing some other ROM yet, but I guess that is the only way to get it to stop installing those things.

Have you actually found any other roms to install?

For anybody's information:
You may have noticed how you always end up with a 'Tronsmart.mp4' video file appearing in your gallery app. This is damn annoying since it appears twice, once on the internal and once on the external SD card. There is an '\system\app\CopyTest.apk' file which creates both of these. Should be safe to delete it and thus prevent the file(s) appearing
I have actually decompiled this apk. It works as a service that runs when MEDIA_UNMOUNTED or MEDIA_MOUNTED is invoked, and does absolutely nothing else.

I have the same problem, those random apps installing and the video always in my gallery. I have managed to stop tge apps by using a firewall and allowing only my apps that i want to use the internet. I havent found a solution though to fix the problem. Probably tronsmart is spamming its customers...

mariosm1cy said:
I have managed to stop tge apps by using a firewall and allowing only my apps that i want to use the internet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What Firewall did you use? I might be able to use something like that to pinpoint the app that's causing this.

Sory for the late reply. I am usin "android firewall" free from google play store.

USB debugging disabled stopped it on mine
edit: not that easy, wasn't enough. made some cleanup by disabing/removing some system apps. seems to work so far although there are still some strange events like superuser crashing and right after that system downloader.apk reappearing. haven't seen any other junk coming back
these are the apk's i removed:
systemupdateassistant
systemdownloader
omacp
mtkbt
midtest
galaxy4
fusedlocation
engineermode
engineermodesim
cds_info
basicdreams.

[APP][4.0+][No Root]MoboClean: Get Root style control without Root

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Arm64 is supported in V2.1
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MoboClean allows you to replace apps with cleaned version. For cleaned version, autostart and background running can be disabled, and privacy access can be denied. With this, you can enjoy the true phone boost and battery saving, and your sensitive data will be protected.
Highlights:
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★ Disable autostart
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Main features:
★ Update your apps to cleaned version for granular permission control.
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★ Deny annoying notifications.
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★ Cleaned apps' update is supported in MoboClean.
★ Get new cleaned apps from MoboClean. All apps are scanned with anti-virus tools.
★ Set permissions before download, or alter permissions after installation.
Changelog:
July 20,2014 v2.3
1. UI optimization, check real status of your phone
2. Setting enterance on homepage, permission management is more convenient
3. Detection of newly installed apps
4. Bug fix
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or on our website: http://moboclean.com/
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Notice: We don’t support x86 cpu so far.
FAQ
1. What is cleaned app?
Cleaned app is an original app loaded by wrapper. Granular permission management can be realized after cleaning. App cleaning will wrap the original app in your phone locally and reinstall the wrapped app so all access to privacy will be controlled. The wrapped app is exactly the same one as the original app, except it is loaded by the wrapper, so it is safe to use. The way we process an app is similar to Amazon. For cleaned version, autostart and background running can be disabled, and privacy access can be denied.
2. What permissions can be controlled after cleaning?
Granular app permissions includes autorun, background running, notifications, SMS sending, call making, SMS access, call log access, contact access, phone number acquisition, and location.
3. How to update an original app to cleaned version?
There are 3 ways to get app “cleaned”:
1) All apps downloaded from MoboClean are cleaned version.
2) Update apps downloaded from other markets to cleaned version through “Permission”>“App Manager”>“Original”
3) Set Cleaning Installer as default installer. Apps installed by Cleaning Installer are cleaned version as well.
4. Can cleaned apps update as usual?
Yes. Through two ways:
1) The most convenient way: Update through MoboClean
2) Install update APK through Cleaning Installer
5. Differences between cleaned app and the original app
Cleaned app is on the basis of the original app but with a wrapper. The wrapped app is exactly the same one as the original app, except it is loaded by the wrapper, so granular permission control can be realized.
Declaration: MoboClean will not gather or upload any of your private data.
6. Cleaned app is not pirated one and contains no virus!
App cleaning means adding a wrapper to the original app to have fine-grained permission control, which will cause signature change. Cleaned version may be recognized as pirated or unsafe by some security or market apps, please ignore it.
Thank you so much for your everlasting support!!

Remind: UU AppPurifier does not need to "root" your phone. It will wrapper the original apk locally, then re-install the app. After that, you can control the permission dynamically. Only apps you want to control need to be "purified". Your suggestions are welcome!

All comments are welcome!
Let us know what you request from our app. We’ll work hard on the improvements.

Update to v1.2.3 today!
Change log:
1. Improvement of auto-installation
2. Improvement of stability
3. Bug fix.
Unfortunately, we will not support Android 2.3 in this and future version. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Get UU AppPurifier for FREE https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.uusafe.appmaster

like this app even for root user finally:good:
but google app can't be purified

pixiebob said:
like this app even for root user finally:good:
but google app can't be purified
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for your support!
Google apps are not available now. We are working on it.

uusafe said:
Thanks a lot for your support!
Google apps are not available now. We are working on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i find this app is more convenient, simple that xprivacy.
it will be great to choice coordinate gps for faking location(and not limited choice town), need this for example application meeting

Does work the update through Playstore after "purification"?

gonna love this!! great app man!!
anyway I noticed that after I purified one of the apps, its still showing in the android running apps list but with service:0 and consume 0.00mb memory, so is it safe to assume that it's not running? (neither app or service...)
Thanks and keep up the good job!

truemagic said:
gonna love this!! great app man!!
anyway I noticed that after I purified one of the apps, its still showing in the android running apps list but with service:0 and consume 0.00mb memory, so is it safe to assume that it's not running? (neither app or service...)
Thanks and keep up the good job!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for your support!
We will check into the issue you mentioned

Sorry, you can not update the purified app directly from GP. We will add a feature for updating very soon.
Uriens said:
Does work the update through Playstore after "purification"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

uusafe said:
Sorry, you can not update the purified app directly from GP. We will add a feature for updating very soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your quick feedback, I really look forward to such feature!

Hi uusafe,
I just found out that once I purified "Shazam Encore" (before first start), I'm not able to signon from Google or Facebook from inside of the Shazam app.
Is there a workaround for this to be released soon?
And...is there an option to remove purified app from the list? For it to become original app?
Many thanks

After installing this phone became slow and broke some apps I have. Will also uninstall and reinstall all your apps so alot at least 1 hour before you can use your phone again. You will also be signed out of your apps that requires signing in

chachoi said:
After installing this phone became slow and broke some apps I have. Will also uninstall and reinstall all your apps so alot at least 1 hour before you can use your phone again. You will also be signed out of your apps that requires signing in
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
true for those apps which are signed in via Google+ or Facebook...that's what I would like AppPurifier to improve on next version

truemagic said:
Hi uusafe,
I just found out that once I purified "Shazam Encore" (before first start), I'm not able to signon from Google or Facebook from inside of the Shazam app.
Is there a workaround for this to be released soon?
And...is there an option to remove purified app from the list? For it to become original app?
Many thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the inconvenience. If you want to remove the purified app you can uninstall the purified one and install the original one. Furthermore, we will add an "un-purify" feature in recent version.
As for "Shazam Encore", we are testing on it. And we think it may because of the block from Google or Facebook to get corresponding information to sign. Purification of Facebook may solve this problem. We are testing on it and you can have a try if you want
Would like to ask something more about Shazam Encore.
1. What's the version of it
2. When did it need to signon? To share or to purchase or other condition?

Thanks for your prompt reply!
The Shazam Encore is just one of the apps that allows login via Google+ or Facebook. I believe in general (not only Shazam) purified apps unable to login with Google+ or Facebook. Some apps I need to login (either via Google+ or Facebook) because it can provide personal experience such as storing my favorite songs or publish my post on Facebook, etc.
FYI the Shazam Encore I downloaded as of today is the latest version ie. 5.3.3
Another example of app that failed to login(bind) via Facebook is this: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mt.mtxx.mtxx&hl=en
Thanks for your hardwork

chachoi said:
After installing this phone became slow and broke some apps I have. Will also uninstall and reinstall all your apps so alot at least 1 hour before you can use your phone again. You will also be signed out of your apps that requires signing in
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can turn on the auto-installer function(turn on it in menu->settings) which can simplify the procedure of purication greatly.
Purification should not cost that long What is the purification time for one app on average?
About the sign in part: Did you sign through Google+ or Facebook app?
BTW, we are working on solution for the login issue and will release it in a few weeks.

truemagic said:
Thanks for your prompt reply!
The Shazam Encore is just one of the apps that allows login via Google+ or Facebook. I believe in general (not only Shazam) purified apps unable to login with Google+ or Facebook. Some apps I need to login (either via Google+ or Facebook) because it can provide personal experience such as storing my favorite songs or publish my post on Facebook, etc.
FYI the Shazam Encore I downloaded as of today is the latest version ie. 5.3.3
Another example of app that failed to login(bind) via Facebook is this: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mt.mtxx.mtxx&hl=en
Thanks for your hardwork
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would like to ask something more about the sign in
Did it need to sign on the current page with web signin?
like thisView attachment 3265374
Or did it need to skip to Google+ or Facebook client to complete the signin?
like thisView attachment 3265375

uusafe said:
Would like to ask something more about the sign in
( 1 ) Did it need to sign on the current page with web signin?
like thisView attachment 3265374
( 2 ) Or did it need to skip to Google+ or Facebook client to complete the signin?
like thisView attachment 3265375
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
( 2 ) If I've Google+ app or Facebook app/client installed, then it will proceed to client to complete the sign-in. It will then popup Google or Facebook permission window and user is asked to click "OK" to proceed sign-in.
( 1 ) Otherwise, (without Google/Facebook client installed), it will proceed to web sign-in (same like weibo sign-in screenshot you posted), I believe it's the case for the apps that adopt such sign-in methods.
Many thanks

Removing/Disabling Discovery "Feature" in SnapChat 9.11+

Howdy all!
Earlier this year, Snapchat introduced a new "Feature" called Discovery that allows you to see live events around the world, as well as sponsored stories from their partners. These can not be disabled in the 9.12 update, and previous to that, they required you to "hide" each of them every time from your feed. There are potentially thousands of these events on your feed, and they drain battery, drain your data, or both! Since SnapChat refuses to allow their users to disable the "feature", many turned to third party apps to get rid of them.
Most (if not all) 3rd party apps are against Snapchat ToS, because they usually allow you to save received snaps, and share images from your gallery (aka. pictures that may not be of you). Your account can be banned permanently from using 3rd party apps, and since they've been really hitting it hard with cracking down on people using them, it's not a viable solution to figuring out how to block the Discovery "feature".
I found the solution! This solution IS COMPLETELY FREE for one, as well it will keep you using the official app, so no 3rd party apps will be used. You'll also NOT be using any xposed modules, so nothing ToS breaking like saving snaps or whatever, either
Requirements:​
ROOTED Android 4.4+, 5.0+
Titanium Backup Premium - Free Version and Premium Unlock Key
Latest Snapchat APK - Google Play or APK Mirror
Snapchat 8.1.2 APK - APK Mirror
How to:​
Install the latest official client from the links above, and login as normal. Close the app once you're logged in, and swipe it away from recents.
Open up Titanium Backup Premium, and back up the Snapchat app.
Uninstall the Snapchat app.
Install the 8.1.2 version (linked above).
Open up Titanium Backup Premium, and restore ONLY THE DATA PORTION of the backup. DO NOT RESTORE APP OR APP+DATA!
Once successful, close TiBu and open up Snapchat
Notes:​
You will get a notice from "teamsnapchat" that says your version is out of date, and that it will stop working shortly, however it's not limited in any way for me. I've sent and received snaps from friends, chatted with friends, and even received story updates from other friends. All of it is working, including push notifications of new stuff.
I've not seen or heard anything Discovery wise from the app, nothing appears on my list of friends, and lastly, the data/battery problems are all but gone since it's not background syncing infinitely.
My screen does turn on whenever I receive a new notification, and I can't seem to disable it. I've unchecked the option to wake screen in settings, however it re-checks itself upon save/exit. I'm OK with this though, since my lockscreen timeout is 5 seconds.

Nice work but it is a bit misleading to say that this is removing/disabling the discovery feature in Snapchat 9.11 when the underlying solution here is to downgrade Snapchat to before the feature was enforced or introduced.

Kevin M said:
Nice work but it is a bit misleading to say that this is "removing/disabling" the discovery feature in Snapchat 9.11 when the underlying solution here is to downgrade Snapchat to before the feature was enforced or introduced.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not really a downgrade entirely though, since if you downgrade to 8.1.2 without the backup/restore data operation, then it refuses to let you login.
You're downgrading, then upgrading partially..

Pretty sure it doesn't work on 5.1.1. I get an error saying it won't work on this version of your Operating system.

Wiltron said:
It's not really a downgrade entirely though, since if you downgrade to 8.1.2 without the backup/restore data operation, then it refuses to let you login.
You're downgrading, then upgrading partially..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you're making the downgrade possible due to restoring the data of the newer version of Snapchat. Its a tweak to make the downngrade possible. Restoring the data doesn't brint back the new version.
I find the title misleading aswell, since you are not removing nor disabling the discovery feature at all.
It isn't Snapchat 9.11+ either when you downgrade to 8.1.2.
Its not really your solution neither, as this is was the default solution to use Snapprefs and simular mods before it was recently updated to work woth the latest Snapchat versions.

Doesn't work for me unfortunately. Automatically logs me out upon opening Snapchat 8 even with version 9 data restored.

After installing the current version of snapchat and logging in, try to go to settings and uncheck the option for Wake Screen, THEN proceed with the downgrade instructions. I haven't tried it, but it might work for you if your screen keeps waking once you downgrade.
I'll try this once they release root for my phone

To solve your wake screen problem i think all you have to do is backup the data AFTER you uncheck wake screen then restore the data to the downgraded app.

Good tip and much appreciated, although this has been known. And I agree it is misleading since the app is being downgraded and we are not actually disabling the feature in Snapchat 9.11+.
Again, the post is appreciated, but I think you should edit the thread title.

Doesn't work. After restore data and open Snapchat app, my account was disconnected and when I try to do login again, I receive a message saying that Snapchat is not updated and I need to update to login (something like this).

I usually just install the 8.1.2 update over the latest snapchat ☺. Data restore hasn't been working too fine with me ...

Thread closed per OP request. Method no longer works.
Darth
Forum Moderator

WhatsApp Clone App

Hi all,
I finally made the jump to OnePlus!
However, there is one feature that I miss from Honor 6x, and that is App Twin, which I use for having my two WhatsApp Numbers on the same phone. (Yeah dual sim is great!)
What is a good alternative to this for OnePlus 6?

OnePlus has a similar feature.
Go to settings -> Apps -> Parallel Apps
Works pretty much the same. Enable it for WhatsApp and you'll have 2 WhatsApp with individual accounts.

Shironomia said:
OnePlus has a similar feature.
Go to settings -> Apps -> Parallel Apps
Works pretty much the same. Enable it for WhatsApp and you'll have 2 WhatsApp with individual accounts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh that's so great to hear! I didn't realize that there was this feature! Loving my device more every moment!

drakenabarion said:
Oh that's so great to hear! I didn't realize that there was this feature! Loving my device more every moment!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just keep in mind that parallel apps will break twrp backups unless you delete them before you restore.

Or install WhatsApp and WhatsApp for Business then you don't need parallel apps.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6003 using Tapatalk

iElvis said:
Just keep in mind that parallel apps will break twrp backups unless you delete them before you restore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How exactly does it break backups? I've used TWRP backups and restore on the boot partition before while having it enabled. Or does it only break it for certain partitions?

Shironomia said:
How exactly does it break backups? I've used TWRP backups and restore on the boot partition before while having it enabled. Or does it only break it for certain partitions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't use them so I don't have any experience with it. But many, many people have reported problems with it. There are a couple of threads discussing the issue, here's one:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6/how-to/255-error-twrp-backup-restore-999-t3801632
It may have been fixed with the most recent OOS update.

Shironomia said:
How exactly does it break backups? I've used TWRP backups and restore on the boot partition before while having it enabled. Or does it only break it for certain partitions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The OnePlus 6 uses a/b partitioning which is different than many other devices with the exception of a few. While doing a backup with twrp you will run into a 255 error (999 folders) created by parallel apps. This will either happen when you make a backup or when restoring. I personally have not heard of a workaround besides deleting the folders before backing up. I have found a way to remove these folders permanently without having to delete them one by one. Here is my thread
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6/how-to/255-error-twrp-backup-restore-999-t3801632

The Parallel app is working nicely and shows up in the app drawer as a separate icon.
However the original WhatsApp now also opens the "choose optional or parallel app" screen.
Anyone know how to cause the original WhatsApp to just act like a normal WhatsApp, just like the parallel version does?
I generally keep the WhatsApp versions on different screens - home number and abroad number, which are both used equally as much. I edited different colour icons to keep them distinguishable.
Actually using WhatsApp business might be an option for this but I want to support the first party features first before trying that.

Parallel Apps has too many disadvantages for me, like the screen where you have to choose for the normal or the parallel app version. Also the parallel app version stores it's data (like pictures and video's) in a part of the os which you can only access if you have root. Furthermore did the parallel version of WhatsApp crash once for me and I could only get it back to work normally by using a testpackage from OnePlus. None of these problems when using WhatsApp for Business.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6003 using Tapatalk

For app cloning/multiple accounts I use ISLAND. It's such a cool app. You can create an Island Profile and a Mainland Profile (the apps and the clones of the apps). I use it in "God Mode."
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/closed-beta-test-incoming-companion-app-t3366295

rmaathuis said:
Parallel Apps has too many disadvantages for me, like the screen where you have to choose for the normal or the parallel app version. Also the parallel app version stores it's data (like pictures and video's) in a part of the os which you can only access if you have root. Furthermore did the parallel version of WhatsApp crash once for me and I could only get it back to work normally by using a testpackage from OnePlus. None of these problems when using WhatsApp for Business.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just installed WhatsApp Business. Yeah the only difference that matters is that it says business in the app and the icon has a B in the notification.
B is okay, because it's for the secondary account and it's fine to label it B. I am not so OCD to care that it says business in the app. (yeah from someone who spent almost 24 hours replicating his preferred settings in all apps).
Point is, it functions just as I need now. ?
Edit: actually at this point I think I will disable Parallel completely. I am currently looking for the command to delete profile 999, which I saw in a previous thread while looking for rooting methods.
Thanks all for the replies!

rmaathuis said:
Parallel Apps has too many disadvantages for me, like the screen where you have to choose for the normal or the parallel app version. Also the parallel app version stores it's data (like pictures and video's) in a part of the os which you can only access if you have root. Furthermore did the parallel version of WhatsApp crash once for me and I could only get it back to work normally by using a testpackage from OnePlus. None of these problems when using WhatsApp for Business.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The test package looks like a simple solution compared to many other ways of restoring data

rmaathuis said:
Or install WhatsApp and WhatsApp for Business then you don't need parallel apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can u do that? Have them both?
I thought WhatsApp business also uses com.whatsapp

Yes, you can install them both and link each of them to a different phone number without a problem.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6003 using Tapatalk

Really Amazing Feature to develop One Plus 6
That's grate features in Android 6S plus.

WhatsApp Clone
rmaathuis said:
Parallel Apps has too many disadvantages for me, like the screen where you have to choose for the normal or the parallel app version. Also the parallel app version stores it's data (like pictures and video's) in a part of the os which you can only access if you have root. Furthermore did the parallel version of WhatsApp crash once for me and I could only get it back to work normally by using a testpackage from OnePlus. None of these problems when using WhatsApp for Business.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6003 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you tell me "How to Use WhatsApp Clone in Android Phone"

Just install WhatsApp and link it to your first SIM. Then install WhatsApp for Business and link it to your second SIM. That's all.

Yeah, i am using whatsapp and whatsapp business on the same phone *2 sims* since whatsapp business has launched.

I don't want to update the app, thank.you

Hello everyone.
I'm writing today to see if anyone is willing to help a newbie out with this:
There is a certain app that I feel got ruined with its latest update, and I'd much rather stay with an older version.
Is there a way to tell the playstore to not offer me updates for that particular app anymore? I guess I could just ignore the notifications, but they bother my OCD.
I'm using an unrooted aosp phone under android 10, if it matters.
Best regards.

If you don't use wifi, disable it then set Playstore to only auto update by wifi.
I keep invasive Playwhore disabled except when I rarely needed it.
Use ApkExport to make an installable copy of that version of the apk, just in case.
APK Export (Backup & Share) - Apps on Google Play
Manage and extract your apps.
play.google.com

You can make the same application with different application name with AppCloner. It won't offer update like that.

dedq said:
You can make the same application with different application name with AppCloner. It won't offer update like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can renaming allow you to easily run multiple versions of the same app?

blackhawk said:
Can renaming allow you to easily run multiple versions of the same app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can without any problems.