Related
Below is a post I made for the Vibrant. Being that our phones are so similar, I thought you guys may be able to benefit too.
Please note though, this is for the Vibrant and there may be very big differences that I am NOT aware of. Hope this helps some of you!
ROOT TOPICS
HOW TO ROOT
justadude had a great post on how to root. Please read his post. Rooting takes maybe 2 minutes. This does void your warranty - but so much is gained from having Root! I currently do not feel the need to explain all the benefits. If you found XDA, you must be fairly smart person. Enjoy!
* Alternate Method *
XDA user TGA_Gunnman has again made another great thread. This time he has created a program to make root even simpler than downloading a file, renaming it and going to the stock recovery... yeap, the one click Root (and now an unroot too). Please see his thread here, and thank him for his work.
Got Root? YOU NEED A RECOVERY!
Big props to XDA user Koush for his amazing Rom Manager App, and the work he put into getting us such an easy & safe recovery. Everyone who has rooted their Vibrant should get his app (STRONGLY encourage the Premium Version). In short, this lets you create system backups for those "oops" moments. It also gives you a directory of ROMs for easy downloading and flashing. Yeah, it is that cool. Please see his post for instructions. After successfully installing, be sure a make a Nandroid Backup of your system before flashing any rom's. Please note that the Premium is a key that unlocks functionality in the free version, so you will need both if you are willing to help Koush out.
Free:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Premium ($3.99):
HOW TO MAKE A NANDROID BACKUP *ALWAYS BACKUP BEFORE YOU FLASH A NEW ROM
1 - Open Rom Manager
2 - Click on Flash Clockwork Recovery (you can skip this if you have already flashed the recovery before)
3 - Click on "Reboot Into Recovery"
4 - At the prompt, click "ok" to reboot into ClockworkMod Recovery
5 - If this is your first time, you may be at the stock recovery on the Vibrant. Thats normal. Click on "reinstall packages" (ALSO: Volume up and down navigate, and power is used to select an item).
6 - Now, you are at ClockworkMod's Recovery. Scroll down (volume down), to "Nandroid" and select it (power button).
7 - Click on Backup. It will run it's course.
8 - Voi'la, you now have something you can always fall back on in case you F up. Thank Koush and all the testers.
HOW TO RESTORE A BACKUP
Follow the steps from above, but select "Restore" instead. They will be sorted by date YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS.
DID YOU F'UP AND NEED TO GET BACK TO STOCK?
Well, thanks to XDA User justanothercrowd we have a Nandroid Backup to get you back to how the Vibrant shipped (and rooted of course). Hopefully you don't need it, but thank him after reading his post just in case you do!
HOW TO UN-ROOT *ie, sending your phone in for warranty work
The following code can be keyed in Terminal Emulator (could also be done in ADB or deleting the files using Root Explorer). If you do use Terminal, change the keyboard to the stock Android KB prior to opening Terminal. Apparently the backspace on swype does not work in Terminal. Each line should be entered separately. bahnburner gave the instructions in this thread, which you should review first.
su
rm -r /system/app/Superuser.apk
rm -r /system/xbin/busybox
rm -r /system/bin/su
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
* Alternate Method *
TGA_Gunnman in this thread created a one click root/unroot program. Thank him for his effort.
THINGS TO DO WITH ROOT
CONTROL YOUR STARTUP (PLUS MORE)
There are many apps in the Market for this function, I only know and use Autostarts (found here). The developer has been very receptive to feedback and informative. This app does a lot, but this is what I suggest.
Download it. Install it. GO TO MENU > SETTINGS > APPLICATIONS > (can't recall the next menu name at the moment) AND ENABLE USB DEBUGGING (it will not work otherwise). Open Autostarts.
It will scan the system and put all the apps that are used for MANY different tasks the phone does. I then go to the options and hide all of the system apps (no point in messing with those). After that, simply control what market/3rd party apps should be running given the task identified by Startup. You will be surprised what apps appear, for no good reason. Of course Android will eventually kill these when needed, but why have them open in the first place (this is better than a task killer if you ask me). Obviously if you are sending a text message you do not want to disable an app like handcent, so use common sense here. Any questions or issues, I would suggest emailing the developer or posting a question in the App section (perhaps there is already a designated Startup thread to ask this question, hint hint).
Autostarts (Approx $1):
RESTORE SETTINGS AFTER WIPING YOUR PHONE *If changing from one ROM to another, be courteous, and wipe.
XDA user SykesAT reminded me that Titanium Backup is a great app for restoring after wiping your system. I do not use it, so I asked him to do a small write up. He obliged, and here it is:
Backup Your Apps and System setting with Titanium Backup
It can backup/restore:
* All the applications you have installed, including protected ones,
* All the data and settings of these applications,
* Most (or all) of your phone's settings and data. (incl. SMS, bookmarks, call log, calendar, launcher, WiFi, etc)
* Market links when restoring apps.
* NOTE: It will not backup the system applications from your ROM. Only their settings will be backed up.
Titanium Backup is available from the market (free version only) or you can DL from the dev's site. There is a premium (donate) version with more features. Please see the Dev's site for more details, instructions and FAQs. Here is a link to his site!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Titanium Backup:
DELETE THE BLOAT!
Download Root Explorer (i'm not associated with) and go to System/App to remove a lot of the bloatware that came on the phone. I strongly encourage researching what can & can NOT be removed. ALWAYS make a backup. Here is a good thread about removing the bloat. Remember, I am not responsible. It will be some time before we have a custom ROM that removes this crap for us.
TAKE SCREEN SHOTS!
If you have root, the easiest way is to download shootme or drocap2 from the market. You can also use the Android SDK, but I'm going to keep is basic here. Once you have your pic, upload it for all of the community to see!
Shootme:
DISABLE ADS WITHIN APPS!
Download AdFree from the market... check for updates and voi'la, most, if not all apps should be ad-free.
AdFree:
HOW TO TETHER
Download Barnacle from the Market (consider the donate version). Then visit Lovellkid's thread for more instructions.
Donate Version ($1.99):
Free Version:
CAMERA / VIDEO SECTION
HOW DO YOU ZOOM IN?
XDA user antonio91282 pointed out that you can zoom in by pressing the volume rocker while using the camera. It goes from 1-4x.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN RECODING VIDEO TO SD VS. INTERNAL MEMORY
XDA user wphend00 asked (By creating two separate threads!, tiss tiss) if there were differences between recording video to the SD vs. Internal memory. I thought it was a great question, so I did a very quick test. Disclaimer, I'm certain others can do a better job. Here is my post with links to the videos so you can see for yourself. Here is a link to the entire thread so you can see discussion about it, if any.
APP TOPICS
USE GOOGLE GESTURE FOR QUICKNESS
XDA user os2baba pointed out using Google Gesture to search the phone (everything, apps, contacts, music, etc.). It's a great app where you make gestures with your finger and it isolates your search results based off the letter/number you enter. Highly recommend trying it.
Google Gesture:
WHERE ARE APPS LOCATED?
System Apps:
system/app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Market Apps:
data/app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Market Apps (Private):
data/app-private
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Downloaded Apps (using browser):
sdcard/download
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
* If you download an app using the browser, you can use Root Explorer to move the app to data/app so the apps are stored on the 1.9GB partition the system uses. Once moved you can click on it to install it. My personal preference.
TRY A HOME REPLACEMENT (ADW or LauncherPro)
Go to the market and download either - both are free. ADW has more customization, but I like the look and feel of LP more. If you don't like it, uninstall and go back to TW. Gravis86 started a good thread debating which is better, located here.
ADW:
LP:
This my LP setup on my Vibrant. Notice the docks (these are also scrollable & there are 5 per each desktop screen you have). The Live Wallpaper is Aquarium.
XDA user afive720 had a nice post on how to revert back to TouchWiz (without uninstalling). You can read the thread here for more information.
WHAT WEATHER APP IS THAT?
It is Beautiful Widgets, found here.
WANT TO USE ALLSHARE: PC > PHONE AND VICE/VERSA?
I found this thread to be extremely helpful. I ended up using Windows Media Player and it was too easy. Great app.
XDA User BritCrit has also given some really good information in this thread you may also want to review.
USE AWESOME DROP TO MOVE FILES IF NO CABLES
If you are ever in a bind, or just being lazy you can use this app to move files from a PC to your phone. No hastle, no account setup and it is free. Just go to this site: http://labs.dashwire.com/drop and then enter the 4 digit code when you open the app on your phone. Drag whatever files to the browser on your PC, and voilà, it will instantly start showing up on your phone.
REDUCE A PICTURES SIZE BEFORE SHARING IT?
PaulO'Brien tweeted about an app, Image Shrink Lite, that lets you adjust the size and then select the method you want to share (twitter, messenger, gmail, etc). I mention this only because a lot of people get frustrated when they take a pic and try and send it out, but gmail hangs on it (and it eventually ends up a draft email) because it is too large. Resize the pics before you email them and you will not have this Fail.
Image Shrink Lite:
NEED HELP WITH METAMORPH?
Stericson is a master, and his thread is the tell-all on MetaMorph. Basically, this app allows you to customize the color/look of almost everything on your phone. It seems above my level, but those who use it, love it. You can view it here. I would caution using it unless comfortable.
MetaMorph Donate ($1):
Free:
VIBRANT TOPICS
STOP THE BOOTUP / SHUTDOWN AUDIO NOTIFICATIONS!
This thread has it covered: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=731059
I deleted these two files using Root Explorer (referenced below) and can attest it works perfectly.
Thanks to XDA Member PhilSlater I know that the File locations are:
Bootup: system/etc/PowerOn.wav
Shutdown: system/media/audio/ui/Shutdown_128.ogg
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BUTTONS - Tap vs. Long Press (LP) Taken from www.androidcentral.com:
Home: Returns to the main home screen. If at the home screen, another tap gives a preview of all home screens.
(LP) = See your most recently used apps (GREAT for multitasking).
Back: Takes you back a level in an app, or back a page in a browser, etc.
(LP) = In your browser, quickly access bookmarks, history and most-visited sites. Thanks, Snapdragon0503!
Menu: Tap this for additional options in an application, or from the home screens.
(LP) = Make the keyboard appear.
Search: Brings up the search function. Could be search within an app, Google search, or universal search of contacts, bookmarks, apps, etc. that are in the phone.
(LP) = Launches voice search.
WANT A NEW LOOK? CHANGE YOUR FONT!
In settings, go to sound and display. Change the "Font Style" is like 8th from the bottom. There are a few freebies, and about 50 for a dollar in the market. I changed my system to helvetica, and I was amazed at the level it changed the phone. If you already have some free fonts you downloaded from the market, I believe you can move these .apk files to this directory to make them appear under Sound and Display:
data/apps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(It is where Helvetica appeared once I downloaded and installed it).
XDA user RandyN added some input with this post, and I tend to agree. Though I love helvetica
XDA User nick_karstedt also pointed out there is an app that also does this called Type Fresh. I'm going to stick with the OS settings, but this looks like a good option for a lot of people. Thanks for the suggestion.
CHANGE THE DOCK BUTTONS ON TOUCHWIZ!
Open the app drawer, menu, edit, change to customizable. With the app drawer open now, press menu and edit again. You can now replace the two app docks in the middle (dialer and app drawer can't be replaced).
DELETE APPS FROM THE LAUNCHER OF TOUCHWIZ
Open the launcher, menu > view type, change to customizable. Now press Menu again and select Edit. All of the non-system apps will have a red subtraction logo. Thanks to XDA user erikrios and his post for this gem!
QUICKLY ADJUST YOUR BRIGHTNESS
Move your finger left to right across the notification bar. You probably need to cut off auto-brightness though. thanks to soklean (neat!)
NEED TO COPY AND PASTE?
If at a site, and you need to copy some text... click Menu > Select Text > Drag your finger over the text you need to copy. When you release your finger, the selected text is copied to your clipboard. Long press and paste when ready. I agree this is not perfect, but some of us may not even know you could do it. Froyo is coming soon, and with it the ability to easily copy/paste within gmail.
HOW TO CONTROL + F USING THE ANDROID BROWSER
I Very often use Control + F when browsing sites on a PC. Android makes this very easy when using their browser as well. Simply press Menu when in the browser, go to More, then select "Find on Page." You can then enter the keyword you are looking for and use the directional arrows (to the left of the word) to move from one entry to the next. Awesome.
CHANGE THE HAPTIC VIBRATION INTENSITY
Love this feature. I often find haptic feedback is too much. To adjust the intensity, from the home screen: Menu > Settings > Sound and Display > Vibration Intensity. As you slide the bar it gives you an idea of the intensity. Great addition.
TAP CONTACT IMAGE FOR MORE OPTIONS
XDA user jkang29 reminded me of another thing I took for granted. When you are in Contacts, click on the image of the contact for MANY options on how to contact/share with that particular contact. Thanks jkang29!
WANT TO DISABLE SD CARD NOTIFICATIONS?
I do not see the point in hearing this chime. To cut off the sound, from the home screen: Menu > Settings > Sound and Display > SD Card Notifications. You can uncheck this and never hear that sound again.
CONTACTS / DIALER TOPICS
EDIT YOUR CONTACTS (ON YOUR PC FIRST)
If you are new to Android, the first time you logged in it was probably amazing (and frustrating) when you saw ALL of your google contacts sync with your phone. Here are my thoughts, I hope it helps. First things you need to know, google does not allow you to stop the auto-adding of the random people you email to be added to your contacts. Of course, those randoms are now likely showing up in your contact list (hence the frustrating part). Here is how I fixed it:
*please note, if you hide all contacts who do not have a phone number (see below) you can likely skip this, but I included for those who REALLY want to clean up their contacts*
1 - Login to gmail on your PC. Click on "Contacts" on the left border.
2 - Notice you have "My Contacts" (the good) and you have "All Contacts" below that (the bad).
3 - go to the "search contacts" search bar and just enter one SPACE and then press enter.
4 - The middle column will now have your contacts sorted by THE GOOD (My contacts) on top and then THE BAD (All Contacts) below that. You may have more tiers, but I am keeping it simple for illustration.
5 - Scroll all the way down to the bad list. Review the names. Some may be legit people you just have not added to your My Contacts list yet.
6 - If you have a hard time recalling who someone is, google has included a "show conversation" link. This shows any previous email exchanges so you can decide to either delete or add them.
7 - Work through this list. I would suggest deleting them as you go, but not adding them to your My Contacts list until the very end (to prevent from having to do step 3 over and over).
8 - Okay, great. Lets assume you got rid of all the clutter. NOW, go to your My Contacts.... the far right panel should have a box that says "Find Duplicates". If you have any, fix them... no reason to have several entries for the same person.
9 - Now just review the My Contacts list and make any edits or format changes. I am Type A, so you could only imagine how clean your Android Contact list is about to appear.
Great, enough with the PC. Go to your Vibrant. Chances are it is already synching up with the changes you made.
The phone came with a bunch of #s stored on the Phone and SIM stock, I could care less about these. If you agree:
1 - Open Contacts. Press menu, go to "Display Options"
2 - Uncheck Phone and SIM (others may not agree, I just dont see the point), leaving Google as the only one checked.
Alright, almost there now. As it is, you have removed a LOT of clutter, but you may still have a ton of contacts. That is because, by default the Contacts app shows All contacts, even if they do not have a phone number. Now again, this is a personal choice.... but if I need to call someone, I would rather not have to deal with people listed who I do not have a phone number for. Also, if I am emailing them, I am using gmail, not Contacts (so again, not needed). IF you agree:
1 - Open Contacts, Press Menu and go to "Display Options"
2 - The top will say something to the affect of, check here if you only want to show contacts with phones.... Click it. Then click Done.
3 - Bam, your Contacts may not be perfect (like mine), but I bet they look a ton better. I tried to point out there is a lot of personal preferences, so please take this with a grain of salt. I like things clean.
FIND YOUR CONTACTS FASTER!
TouchWiz has a lot of cool tricks. One of my favorites is in the Contacts app. When you load the app, you will notice the far right has the alphabet running top to bottom. Good news, by simply pressing on the letter you will automatically jump down, instantly. I much prefer this to the old Android where you had to grab a silver bar and scroll down. Good job Samsung.
SMART DIALER!
Samsung even included a smart dialer. Pull up your dialer and just start typing the number out. It filters down your contacts as you type each new digit. Likely, after the area code and first 1 or 2 digits after should be enough. There will be a drop down on the right and a number above it (the # of possible contacts based off what you input). Just press the contact, and the press CALL, genius. Seriously should be on all android phones.
KEYBOARD TOPICS
TRY A NEW KEYBOARD!
Our phones came with Swype, Samsung's KB and the default Android KB. All are very good in their own right. You will find you prefer one over the other (or maybe many of the alternatives in the market). To switch... simply long press anywhere that you would normally input text (a text message or the search widget). "input method" will pop up, click on this. Now choose the KB you want to try out. If one is not showing up, go to Menu > Settings > Locale and Text and make sure its there/checked.
NEED A TRACKBALL?
In swype, move from the "swype tips" button to the "sym" key. Voila, directional buttons appear + other goodies (see pic).
MISC. GUIDES
HOW TO MOUNT PHONE TO PC
One of the most basic things I have overlooked. XDA user DaMaDo reminded me Android does not auto-mount like some other phones on the market. I am so accustomed to this, I neglected it. Precisely the things I want you to help remind me of. When most of us connect the phone, the USB drivers are automatic. If not there is a guide below to assist. For now, let's assume all is well on the first connection of the Vibrant to the PC. When you connect you will likely get a popup on the PC about installing drivers, great. Please use the cable that came with the phone! I had an error with another cable (nexus one's I believe).
Pause a bit. Alright, seems like nothing is happening right? Okay, go to the phone's notification bar and pull it down. You will see USB Connected. Click on this. You have a pretty little pop up window. Click on "Mount."
Shortly after, your computer should pop up automatically TWO devices, the "/SDCARD" (Internal Memory) and "SDCARD/SD" (SD Card). If not, go to My Computer and find the drives you just mounted to the PC.
NEPHRON'S GUIDE FOR ADB, etc (taken from the G1 forums)
This guide helped me a ton. I realize some things may be diffrent, but I could not think of a better starting point. Please read this thread.
CONVERT VIDEO FILES ON YOUR PC FOR YOUR PHONE
XDA user TGA_Gunnman did an excellent job putting a thread together for how to convert videos using HandBrake (get it here) and then moving them to your phone. I have a 2 year old. One thing I do a lot of is take video of my girl and share them with people. Perhaps you just want to share a prank video... regardless, this is the thread to get you on point. Be sure and thank him if his how to helped you!
HOW TO PROPERLY INSTALL A NEW SD CARD
XDA user techspy posted this question and I had recently done it so I responded with how I did it. Again, like always, I'm certain there are people on here who know how to do this better/easier, but this works and is nothing difficult. Here is my post with instructions, and here is the thread for discussion.
MISC. QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE THOSE FUNKY BARCODES?
These are QR Codes. Download Barcode Scanner from the market. Scan any of these codes I linked. You will be sent to the app in the market. Download, enjoy.
NOTICE LAG?
I do not encourage this, but some will want to play with it. There is a great thread on tweaks that can be done to speed up the Galaxy. I personally will wait for either an update or a custom ROM. Others users have reported a Factory Reset has helped. Again, updates are coming soon as well as custom ROMs.
DOUBLE NOTIFICATIONS?
If you are using a 3rd party app, you may be getting double notifications. For example, I use Handcent for texting (you should try it). First thing you need to do is open the stock Messanger app, go menu > Settings and disable notifications. This is basic, but sometimes it's easy to overlook.
SHOULD I USE A TASK KILLER?
Absolutely not. You have the best OS and one of the best spec'd phones ever. You would be doing more harm than good. If you do have one, uninstall, reboot and let me know what you think!
In addition, even Google at Google I/O 2010 addressed app developers and asked them to no longer include "quit" or "close" as options within their apps. I think Andronica (another great android site) summed it up well with their article, found here.
XDA user iunlock created a thread with some good debate based off this sticky. You can read all the thoughts by clicking here. In short, the overwhelming majority agreed and some have commented on seeing an increase in performance after deleting their task killers. Awesome job guys.
HOW TO DO A FACTORY RESET!
Rarely should you need to do this (I've never done one), but if you want to, simply press menu and go to settings. Scroll down to Privacy. In there is the option to perform a Factory Reset.
NEED HELP INSTALLING THE DRIVERS ON YOUR PC?
TGAGunnMan started a great thread with links for the drivers. You can view it here.
THREE (3) LIGHTS/SENSORS - SURE THERE IS NO LCD?
Yeap. I asked myself when I noticed there were 3 items. Two are used for the proximity sensor, the other is the light sensor.
Big props to XDA user gravis86 for answering my query so fast, see his post here.
Wow! Nice compilation! The only thing I know that doesn't work properly with the Captivate is method 2 of the lag fix in the link given under the lag section.
Other than that, this is great! Thanks man!
^ yeah, I'm not a fan of those lag fixes... tried to convey that in my post. I just switched to LauncherPro and use Autostarts.... my phone flies.
Hope this helps you guys. Never really thought that some of you guys were not checking the Vibrant threads (like I was not reading the Captivate ones).
Someone please feel free to take ownership of this and make it more suitable to the Captivate. Just want to help... if someone does use it, would appreciate at least a name drop
nice work on that and thanks for the qr codes for those programs, a lot of useful stuff that I didn't know about
Awesome post
Thanks s15274n!!
Thank you ever so much for the the Swype arrow keys tip. That was the biggest problem I've had with the Captivate. The brightness control through the notification bar was also a big help. Sometimes its the simple things that make your day.
This needs to be stickied immediately. Phenomenal thread. Nice work.
Nice compliation! I second the sticky vote.
To me, TouchWiz is the single biggest lag producer on the phone. I've gone LauncherPro and never looked back.
Yep, I used this thread before, great stuff indeed ..thanks!
Awesome, awesome post. Thanks TC!
thanks a ton for this thread, and *facepalms* for me not thinking to check out the Vibrant forums also....
Doesn't look like this thread really got much attention like it did on the Vibrant. I am not going to maintain this one like i do the Vibrant.... feel free to check there periodically (OR, have someone maintain this one as a sticky).
After the success off AutoKiller I decided to write an app which lets you kill startup apps right after they are started, so it shortens system load times and gives you the possibility to decide what you want to run on your system.
with 2.0 release it brings an advanced tab, it gives you control over intent receivers directly, so you can completely disable automatically running parts of applications
a few words from my home page
Autorun Manager (formerly Autorun Killer) lets you decide what apps you want to let automatically start up. It sports two modes:
Basic mode lets you decide which startup apps should be killed right after they start during system boot process.
Applications are usually autostarting because of a reason, so only disable one if you know exactly what it is doing and you definitely don't need it.
Advanced mode lists all your applications which are registered for system wide events (aka. intents like an incoming call, low battery or boot finished) and gives you the control to enable or disable these -so called- receivers.
Using this mode recommends above average knowledge about how your device works. Please be very careful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you need more information please check my home page.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Wow, wasn't expecting any surprises, but after loading your program, I found that there were quite a few programs that I didn't know loaded at startup.
Startup speed did seem a tad quicker. Thanks so much!
erikikaz said:
Wow, wasn't expecting any surprises, but after loading your program, I found that there were quite a few programs that I didn't know loaded at startup.
Startup speed did seem a tad quicker. Thanks so much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad you like it
ok how do i get autorun killer ?
Why this post is not in android app ?? (but nexus ....)
Anyway is there a list of services safe to shut ?
Doesn't work on N1 .. installed it 3 days ago, apps still run with startup and restart alone even when "prevent restart" option is checked.
Donated anyway, seems like a promising app.
When people complain my apps are broken, I'm forwarding the support emails to you.
BootsSiR said:
When people complain my apps are broken, I'm forwarding the support emails to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^This.
So if I read the first post correctly, this kills apps right AFTER they started?
This speeds up startup time how?
If X, Y, and Z all startup when i turn my phone on, and I use this app to tell my phone that X and Y are fine, but kill Z after it starts, then when I start my phone X, Y, And Z still start, but then Z gets killed immediately? I don't understand how this could possibly help performance in any way?
Task killers (but not automatic ones) have their purposes when used responsibly, however I really don't think you are getting ANY performance gain.
Just my 2 cents, don't mean it as an attack on your application or anything
gIMpSTa said:
^This.
So if I read the first post correctly, this kills apps right AFTER they started?
This speeds up startup time how?
If X, Y, and Z all startup when i turn my phone on, and I use this app to tell my phone that X and Y are fine, but kill Z after it starts, then when I start my phone X, Y, And Z still start, but then Z gets killed immediately? I don't understand how this could possibly help performance in any way?
Task killers (but not automatic ones) have their purposes when used responsibly, however I really don't think you are getting ANY performance gain.
Just my 2 cents, don't mean it as an attack on your application or anything
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea, i was thinking that already. how does it increase performance if the app has already started up and is already slowing the system, and then you use more cpu to kill it. then another app starts up. same thing.
Great App, highly recommended!
Nice app, didn´t know that some of my installed apps start on boot (even don´t know why they want so). After disabling some of the apps the phone runs faster overall.
Thanks for the sharing!
Upstreammiami said:
ok how do i get autorun killer ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
download from market...
exadeci said:
Why this post is not in android app ?? (but nexus ....)
Anyway is there a list of services safe to shut ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there is no such list system apps are not shown by default
JayQ8 said:
Doesn't work on N1 .. installed it 3 days ago, apps still run with startup and restart alone even when "prevent restart" option is checked.
Donated anyway, seems like a promising app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
please read help, there are techniques how an app developer can make his app start in very often cases, so it will be started whatever you do.
BootsSiR said:
When people complain my apps are broken, I'm forwarding the support emails to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is a free world, everyone should use my app on its own responsibility, and only if they know the possible consequences.
ratson said:
this is a free world, everyone should use my app on its own responsibility, and only if they know the possible consequences.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, they don't/won't. For starters, no where (at least in this thread, haven't looked at the app itself) does it state anything like "there are probably apps that you feel like don't need to run at startup, however they do if you want a problem free experience with that app" or anything like that.
If you don't communicate the possible consequences to people, not sure how you expect them to know this? Sure, not everyone is going to read it even if it was in 72 pt red font on the first page, but there isn't even a warning for those that would read it and take it into consideration.
I'm not saying this app shouldn't exist (goes against the whole free/open/do what I want with MY phone), I'm just saying you might want to post some kind of warning that some apps, whether you like it or not, are depending on running (then automatically killing themselves when done, or whatever) on startup and that this may interfere with that.
I agree and I will add a warning. thank you for your suggestion.
gIMpSTa said:
Unfortunately, they don't/won't. For starters, no where (at least in this thread, haven't looked at the app itself) does it state anything like "there are probably apps that you feel like don't need to run at startup, however they do if you want a problem free experience with that app" or anything like that.
If you don't communicate the possible consequences to people, not sure how you expect them to know this? Sure, not everyone is going to read it even if it was in 72 pt red font on the first page, but there isn't even a warning for those that would read it and take it into consideration.
I'm not saying this app shouldn't exist (goes against the whole free/open/do what I want with MY phone), I'm just saying you might want to post some kind of warning that some apps, whether you like it or not, are depending on running (then automatically killing themselves when done, or whatever) on startup and that this may interfere with that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it possible to stop the apps starting in the first place as opposed to killing them after they start?
Snowtoad23 said:
Is it possible to stop the apps starting in the first place as opposed to killing them after they start?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, it is. but only on rooted devices, and it is VERY dangerous. I don't plan to offer that feature in my app.
Great application ratson, but apparently its useless to me, seeing as I only have 6 startup applications:
Swype
ATT Hotspots
AK Notepad
DRM Protected Yadda Yadda
Task Manager
Transdroid
Still though, at least now I can salvage whatever cycles were being chewd up by Trandroid, Hotspots and Notepad. Definitely a keeper! In conjunction with your AutoKiller, my Aria is running better than stock, which overcompensates for the performance loss from my Live Wallpapers.
Thanks a ton
this application lists all the apps which listen to the on boot broadcast event. if the app uses a different technique to start itself it is not listed.
kopimi said:
Great application ratson, but apparently its useless to me, seeing as I only have 6 startup applications:
Swype
ATT Hotspots
AK Notepad
DRM Protected Yadda Yadda
Task Manager
Transdroid
Still though, at least now I can salvage whatever cycles were being chewd up by Trandroid, Hotspots and Notepad. Definitely a keeper! In conjunction with your AutoKiller, my Aria is running better than stock, which overcompensates for the performance loss from my Live Wallpapers.
Thanks a ton
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
stopping an autorun program in the first place
stopping an autorun program from startup in the first place
ratson said:
yes, it is. but only on rooted devices, and it is VERY dangerous. I don't plan to offer that feature in my app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok. can you share this info. or share where i can read about it please?
thanks mate
mobrewards.org popup on this site?
i clicked a 'link from an email' about a 'topic reply on this forum' in gmail app on S3
new galaxy s3(not 1 day old )
i got a popup saying i had won something and my location (very dodgey looking)
mobrewards.org
How could i get bad stuff so quickly. it it advertising from this site?
Cheers
I've also started getting these pop-ups recently. Maybe since Wednesday? I too have a SGS3
I don't remember clicking on anything but now every so often I get an offer pop up from mobilerewards.org saying I'm the lucky winner of something.
Rarely, I get a full screen ad from the same company which seems to 'take over' both Chrome Beta and the stock browser screen. I can change tabs but not go back to the previous page. If I press the back button on the phone, it quits either browser.
Used various anti virus and ad checkers but they all report back as clean.
It must be a new ad on the site? Maybe?
Just noticed this downloaded to my phone after one of the ads popped up "FedEx_cycling_728x90_fade.swf". I'm obviously not going to try and open it!
Im getting these for few days now on my Desire. Cant access the forums I want as this pop up thing takes up the screen!
VERY annoying... XDA Developers please do somehthing!
i clicked a reply notification from an email sent by the forum
this is the page it took me to
i blanked out my location to stop aliens tracking me
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Yes.. I wish we all were winners!
Hope the site does something to remove these.
So apparently I've won a prize
Hi guys, I'm very new to the site. So firstly, I would like to say hi to you all and let you know that I have the same issue on my HTC Desire.
I've found that this current problem has interrupted my early morning meandering on the web and as a result I am not a happy bunny.
Thus far, I have avoided pressing okay on the pop-up banner or whatever it is. My way around this annoying pop-up, is to press Menu (instead of okay) to get out of it. My deepest fear is that if okay is pressed bad things will happen. However the stupid pop-up returns each time I Google search, or use any Android applications.
Unfortunately, this is the extent of my technical prowess. So I'm a little
I am considering running an anti-virus, then restarting my phone. Not sure if this would help, but it's worth a try.
In the hope that this issue gets resolved, I will keep an eye on this thread.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Farcroft33 said:
Hi guys, I'm very new to the site. So firstly, I would like to say hi to you all and let you know that I have the same issue on my HTC Desire.
I've found that this current problem has interrupted my early morning meandering on the web and as a result I am not a happy bunny.
Thus far, I have avoided pressing okay on the pop-up banner or whatever it is. My way around this annoying pop-up, is to press Menu (instead of okay) to get out of it. My deepest fear is that if okay is pressed bad things will happen. However the stupid pop-up returns each time I Google search, or use any Android applications.
Unfortunately, this is the extent of my technical prowess. So I'm a little
I am considering running an anti-virus, then restarting my phone. Not sure if this would help, but it's worth a try.
In the hope that this issue gets resolved, I will keep an eye on this thread.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the extra info. I got the message again today too,, while checking for repiles about the problem. Slightly ironic.
It only happens when I click an email link to a topic reply for this forum. Are you saying it is happening other times?
Hello.
Having the exact problem.
I have tried using several virus/MALWARE programs to run scans. Avg..etc. No viruses or malware detected. Tried running these antivirus programs with ie protection. Done diddly squat
Found that it occurs everytime if you clear browser history, cookies, cache and close ie down.
Soon as i launch a certain website(for me its trueachievements.com) i get redirected.
Tried searching for mobrewards.org and android rewards and found very little.
Also deleted several of the latest apps that i installed. Had no effect. Started to try disabling some services.
This mob rewards doesnt even register in history. Disabling cookies does stop it thou but obviously that has adverse effects
steamdog said:
Hello.
Having the exact problem.
I have tried using several virus/MALWARE programs to run scans. Avg..etc. No viruses or malware detected. Tried running these antivirus programs with ie protection. Done diddly squat
Found that it occurs everytime if you clear browser history, cookies, cache and close ie down.
Soon as i launch a certain website(for me its trueachievements.com) i get redirected.
Tried searching for mobrewards.org and android rewards and found very little.
Also deleted several of the latest apps that i installed. Had no effect. Started to try disabling some services.
This mob rewards doesnt even register in history. Disabling cookies does stop it thou but obviously that has adverse effects
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cheers for the extra info. My phone was 1 day old. I put on about 5 apps on I don't think it's that. I can list the apps?
O.T but on my old phone I started getting an ebay advert in the start thing at the top every time I booted the phone. It appeared after installing angry birds.
I'm going to root soon and add add free android. Hopefully it will fix this.
If you get any more info let us know.
galaxy44 said:
Thanks for the extra info. I got the message again today too,, while checking for repiles about the problem. Slightly ironic.
It only happens when I click an email link to a topic reply for this forum. Are you saying it is happening other times?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries.
As I said, I first encountered this problem in the early hours of the morning. It just kept popping up on the screen. In my tired state I said that I pressed Menu, but realised that I had pressed the Home key - which got rid of the screen entirely. However it came back each time I tried to Google search, open Facebook or play one of my games (FB game).
Since my earlier post. I have deleted one of two Facebook games which took up about 14mb and funnily enough I have not had a pop-up since.
Time will tell. However I suspect this issue may have something to do with the time of day that I was browsing and using my phone. I have a broken sleeping pattern and have started to play Words With Friends (FB Game) and Draw Something - the FB Game that I deleted and recently stopped playing prior to this problem.
I think this could possibly be something that has been monitoring my internet habits and it rears its ugly head in the early hours of the morning. As opposed to during the day, when I don't use the web as much.
If this is the case, I would suggest that you monitor your internet usage and the time of day that these pop-ups occur. Look at everything you have installed recently and look into anything that you think may be the potential source of the problem.
If this problem persists with me, I would be tempted to back up all of my important information and reset the phone to its original factory settings. I'm not that desperate yet, but will consider it if the going gets tough. And lastly because I am paranoid about security, I would change my passwords. I acknowledge what's good for me might not be good for you. So make sure you consider your options before you do anything drastic.
I hope this helps as I am still really tired. Good luck!
---------- Post added at 05:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:57 PM ----------
steamdog said:
Hello.
Having the exact problem.
I have tried using several virus/MALWARE programs to run scans. Avg..etc. No viruses or malware detected. Tried running these antivirus programs with ie protection. Done diddly squat
Found that it occurs everytime if you clear browser history, cookies, cache and close ie down.
Soon as i launch a certain website(for me its trueachievements.com) i get redirected.
Tried searching for mobrewards.org and android rewards and found very little.
Also deleted several of the latest apps that i installed. Had no effect. Started to try disabling some services.
This mob rewards doesnt even register in history. Disabling cookies does stop it thou but obviously that has adverse effects
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. I cannot find anything in my settings either.
I rooted my galaxy S3 and installed ad free. As I said my phone is a day old. So I wouldn't master reset your phone bro.
Intrusive ads are supposed to be posted here and the mods/admins will look into them.
cheers bud
looks like there are some similar complaints about 'the add' in that post
i posted my screens there now )
Many Thanks
Anyone else who's getting this popup also install the Swype apk posted on the SGS3 forums? Only happened since I installed that, although as it's only happened twice - and when on XDA - it may well be coincidence.
This pop up started when I was using my stumble upon app. Then it started popping up in my dolfin browser
Sent from my SGH-I727R using XDA
Getting the same here on my 1 day old galaxy s3. Really strange, I've got it set up exactly the same as my nexus s all the same apps etc, and never had a problem with that.
I got this once on my practically dead HTC Desire (with practically nothing on it) about four days ago, and once per day on my new SIII since then. I've googled for it several times, it seems to be affecting a wide range of people on different sites, devices, and platforms. But no solution for making it stop had appeared to me as yet. Since it hit my old Desire before I put Swype on my new SIII, I don't think it is the S 3 swype file that was posted here.
I dont have Swype or use FB apps, and just keep getting this irritating pop up.
And it only happens accessing XDA forums!
???
XDA's sure gone downhill fast since the reputable developers started leaving to that other site. First AirPush ads aimed at developers, now full-page popups for paid SMS scams. Hit "back" and it takes you to the page BEFORE the page with the ad.
Way to **** the bed, XDA.
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Introducing the world’s first mobile security app that can survive a wipe / hard-reset!
(From the makers of OVERVI3W and Phone Creeper)
There are many security tools available out there that come with a variety of tools for helping you keep your phone safe, but usually when a phone is stolen the first thing that is done by the thief is removing your SIM card and wiping the phone. Many of the products out there will still help you track your phone if the SIM card is removed, but Root Defense will continue to work after the phone has been wiped. Better yet is that this feature is completely free and the application can only be uninstalled through our website.
Root Defense is also completely hidden, with no user interface or icons and is not listed in the installed apps list. All controls are handled through the web.
Updates are also automatically applied silently in the background so that all users are always up to date on the latest features.
Why would anyone choose anything else?
Root Defense stands out as the most advanced security, tracking and logging commercial mobile application ever created and this is just the beginning.
Root Defense Free – comes with the following features: (FREE)
A free two week trial of Root Defense Pro
Silently and automatically install updates in the background
Silent remote uninstall
Force GPS on / off
Survives wipes / hard-reset and is embedded directly into the OS of your phone for ultimate security
Only shows up in running tasks under “all” and is listed as “security” with the default android system icon.
No interface or application icons on the phone (Truly hidden)
Tracks the LAST phone location on map with timestamp and battery life.
Remotely wipe ALL data including memory cards for ultimate protection (Ensure your data is not compromised.)
Offline data capture will hold and transmit data captured when no internet access is available.
Sound alarm
Turn on ringer (Great if you can find your phone and the ringer is off.)
Uses very little processor and battery
Root Defense Pro – Includes all features listed above plus the following: ($3.99 / Month)
Can be installed on up to 5 phones with no additional cost!
All phones can be managed through the same web account.
Captures call, MMS, SMS, browser history, location, internet favorites and contacts
Tracks phone locations and path over time on a map along with timestamps and battery life
Create lists of allowed or disallowed contacts (great for kids you want only calling home or 911)
Export your logs from the website to your computer.
Silently listen in to phone (If phone is stolen, this might help you identify who has it.)
Sends messages to phone. (Send your kids a message directly to their screen without using SMS)
Allows remotely sending of SMS messages from phone.
Redirect incoming or outgoing calls from select contacts to a different phone.
ROOT DEFENSE REQUIRES A ROOTED ANDROID PHONE FOR INSTALLATION!
REMEMBER, ROOT DEFENSE HAS NO INTERFACE SO USE THE CREDENTIALS CREATED DURING INSTALL TO LOG IN TO WWW.UNFAIRWARE.COM TO VIEW AND CONTROL YOUR PHONES!
AND PLEASE, PLEASE REMEMBER THAT YOU MUST UNINSTALL FROM OUR WEBSITE FOR FULL PROTECTION
CAN BE DOWNLOADED DIRECTLY FROM OUR SITE HERE
Change Log:
V5 has been released!
* Geo-fencing has been added so now you can define regions on a map and set rules to alert you as to if the phone entered or left those regions during stated days and times.
Keep in mind that this feature is still beta. Try to give extra ~30 feet extra room just to be sure you don't get false positives. This will do a check on every GPS check-in time to see if you have entered or left defined areas. So accuracy is only going to be as accurate as check-in time periods. In general I recommend people don't ever alter the default 15 minutes however.
* The issues with the block lists have been fixed up. You can add a block for any number 4 digits or greater and it will be found if the transmission ends with those four digits. Example: if your block is 4567 then the phone number 555-123-4567 would be found. so would 34567,234567,123457,...,5551234567
* The GPS module has been rewritten and is MUCH more efficient and accurate at the same time.
* The "Secret communications" option didn't make it into this release because of time constraints, but will be available in the next release. Time-estimates will be posted when available.
Older changes have been removed to keep post length reasonable.
Reserved - just in case
Look very useful!thanks for sharing.
Now available on the Android Market:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.unfairware.rootdefense
Brand new version just released, supports most devices including tablets now.
Version 3.0 has been released with support for many new devices.
hmm and how is this different than cerebus. Thats not a dig at your program that is just an honest question. Because I was thinking of using that product.
zikronix said:
hmm and how is this different than cerebus. Thats not a dig at your program that is just an honest question. Because I was thinking of using that product.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, Cerberus was a program created after ours that has many of the same features. Even including the 5 licenses for the price of one.
Root Defense comes with many many more features though and no user interface on the phone.
Basically its still free but with more features and a stealthier install.
Also ours shows the existing data of logs and location from before a phone went missing so you aren't in the dark when your device is off.
If you go to both sites and look at the feature set differences, they are actually quite drastically different and both are free for all security features.
I would agree that your app does more than Cerberus but your app is not the only one that will survive a system reset. Cerberus and others I suspect can also embed themself in the rom thus being able to survive a system reset. I have been using Cerberus for a long time so I am not sure if yours was released before Cerberus, as you indicated in a previous statement.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
uberNoobZA said:
I would agree that your app does more than Cerberus but your app is not the only one that will survive a system reset. Cerberus and others I suspect can also embed themself in the rom thus being able to survive a system reset. I have been using Cerberus for a long time so I am not sure if yours was released before Cerberus, as you indicated in a previous statement.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that's true. It was an honest mistake that i never updated the original PR release posting on the front that was originally added when we were were the "Only" ones. You can only keep that title for a short while on anything good.
And yes we have been offering it longer. This feature started with certain stands of our OVERVI3W product and then we stripped them into two completely different products and rebuilt Root Defense from scratch to offer more methods than OVERVI3W.
Cerberus has had a suspiciously similar structure and sales model to ours. Not that it matters, I'm sure they are also a great product however if you simply lost your phone and the battery is dead than Cerberus wouldn't even be able to help you find it. Anyway, I've also removed the word "only" on the first post. Thanks for your keen eye.
chetstriker said:
Yes, that's true. It was an honest mistake that i never updated the original PR release posting on the front that was originally added when we were were the "Only" ones. You can only keep that title for a short while on anything good.
And yes we have been offering it longer. This feature started with certain stands of our OVERVI3W product and then we stripped them into two completely different products and rebuilt Root Defense from scratch to offer more methods than OVERVI3W.
Cerberus has had a suspiciously similar structure and sales model to ours. Not that it matters, I'm sure they are also a great product however if you simply lost your phone and the battery is dead than Cerberus wouldn't even be able to help you find it. Anyway, I've also removed the word "only" on the first post. Thanks for your keen eye.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How would any app find a lost phone that had a dead battery ? Cerberus, lookout, AVG etc. are able to help you track your phone (lost or stolen) and some (like Cerberus) will play a sound, say a message using TTS, sound an alarm or make the phone ring. Granted, the phone needs to actually be turned on and have a charge in it's battery, but then this is a limitation of any other tracking app.
I will admit, one thing I really like from Cerberus is its pricing model, with a one off cost for life. Yes, I realise that does not 'guarantee' updates, but then nothing does, really...
Sorry to have inadvertently 'hijacked' your thread I'm definitely going to give your product a try. Do you have a corporate pricing model you could share? My company may be replacing all of their Blackberry devices with Android ones so something like this will be great to allow management of these devices.
Won't complete setup. At 4th or 5th screen where it says to swipe and it won't swipe...
cephraim said:
Won't complete setup. At 4th or 5th screen where it says to swipe and it won't swipe...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is your phone rooted? and if so does it have su installed? You must at least have to be rooted and have su before it lets you continue.
If you do have both, it sounds like you have superuser set to automatically decline root privileges.
You can try the following, go to your program, open superuser and click the wrench in the upper-right corner, click security, click automatic response and then make sure it DOESN'T say Deny. If it's set for Prompt, you can try setting it to Allow to see if that fixes your problem as I've read that running CM10 on some model phones (like my Epic 4g touch) have a bug that causes the prompt feature not to always run.
If that's the case then switching it to Accept will fix that.
Well, I was able to complete the install, but I decided to uninstall for two reasons:
1) Lookout said it was a risk. I guess I know why.
2) It asked for SU access from several different modules (aupdate and security). This seemed odd to me. Is it what we should see?
You should know that the uninstall did not go well, either. I had to uninstall via Titanium to get it fully off my phone.
I'm willing to try it again if you could help clarify the multiple SU requests.
Thanks,
Eph
That is normal, the Root Defense app you download from the market or website is actually just an installer.
It configures and embeds the actual application "Security" into the OS and embeds a separate program "Aupdates" which allows for the silent remote uninstalls and updates without having to go through the market.
You can't uninstall Root Defense in any normal fashion because that's the whole point of a more secure application.
To uninstall properly, you're supposed to log in to the website and click the "uninstall" button in the lower right hand corner of the command tab.
The are all very deliberate and specifically designed to make the program as invisible as possible and as hard to remove as possible for anyone who tries to steal your device.
As far as lookout mobile goes, I believe it probably warns on any app accessing log files. I can only guess without knowing how there program works.
cephraim said:
Well, I was able to complete the install, but I decided to uninstall for two reasons:
1) Lookout said it was a risk. I guess I know why.
2) It asked for SU access from several different modules (aupdate and security). This seemed odd to me. Is it what we should see?
You should know that the uninstall did not go well, either. I had to uninstall via Titanium to get it fully off my phone.
I'm willing to try it again if you could help clarify the multiple SU requests.
Thanks,
Eph
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does Root Defense survive a ROM reflash? I'm looking for an undeletable theft protection. All ideas are very much welcome and appreciated.
SecUpwN said:
Does Root Defense survive a ROM reflash? I'm looking for an undeletable theft protection. All ideas are very much welcome and appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
SecUpwN said:
Does Root Defense survive a ROM reflash? I'm looking for an undeletable theft protection. All ideas are very much welcome and appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately no, no current solutions offer this. This will survive a wipe or hard-reset but not flashing a new ROM.
Unless better protection is added via hardware or chipsets embedded in devices, this probably won't be a reality. With a rooted device you have full access to ALL aspects of the OS, partitions, everything. And to many that is the point of rooting.
For now, the best we can do is make it as difficult a process as possible to reduce your chances of loosing connection.
Version 3.1 released!
Change log includes:
* Fix for calls not being recorded bug
* Fix for auto-update can cause auto-uninstall of itself.
* Fix for phones not attaching after install
To ensure your auto-updater is working probably and you weren't affected by the auto-uninstall of program from update bug, please download the latest version from our first post or directly from the market.
Hi Everyone! ??
Now that it appears we have a new, solid way to disable and effectively block Amazon bloatware/system apps from our Fire tablets (detailed in this awesome HOW TO guide as discovered by Supersonic27543), I thought I'd take a moment to at least give a good starting effort at updating the very useful system app tracking spreadsheet that bakshi originally created a few months ago (I use it all the time/have found it very helpful!).
With FireOS 5.6.2.0 and 'Show Mode' and what have you, there are more and more stock system apps and I just wanted to see if we could collectively share our findings. I ran the simple ADB command that lists system apps/packages on my HD 8 (2017) and them simply appended the new items onto a copy of bakshi's Google sheet, added some color coding, etc. I haven't had a lot of time to fill in a lot of the app details that I've become familiar with myself, but I wanted to at least get something started. So here is an easier to read html presentation view of my updated sheet, and here is a version allows for filtering/column resizing/comments/etc..
Ummm ?, does someone by chance have any interest in taking ownership of this document? Or maybe at least collectively? ?? I do have more details that I've learned through my own trial and error / several factory resets and I'm more than happy to share, but I'm not really an Android OS wizard or pro. Many of the new apps are part of "Show Mode" / are new calling features (which I find weird / frustrating since we don't even get the full "Echo Show" drop-in / calling experience anyway) ... ??
Hopefully this document can be useful for many of us. I'm happy to hear any thoughts and to share ownership of the document with anyone who wants to take a stab.
Thanks all!
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richaardvark
My Kindle Fire HD 8 is soooo Slow
Hey me again, so I'm looking at your updated spreadsheet for 5.6.2.0 on the bloatware. I'm trying to understand it - i.e what can I remove safely? I assume the apps that you have marked as 'safe' can be removed. What about the ones that have a blank in the column 'Safe to Remove'? I can see why some shouldn't be removed, but why do I care about amazon.glorialist (for example). I have no idea what that even is - that's not saying much... I guess I'm confused at this point on what I can get rid of. I have my fire HD back to ground zero, running 5.6.2.0 but that's it and it's running pretty good speed wise. But I have to get rid of something because once I install google services I'll be right back where I was (dial-up or less response) so then I might as well as stay with the vanilla Fire. Thanks!
richaardvark said:
Hi Everyone! ?
Now that it appears we have a new, solid way to disable and effectively block Amazon bloatware/system apps from our Fire tablets (detailed in this awesome HOW TO guide as discovered by Supersonic27543), I thought I'd take a moment to at least give a good starting effort at updating the very useful system app tracking spreadsheet that bakshi originally created a few months ago (I use it all the time/have found it very helpful!).
With FireOS 5.6.2.0 and 'Show Mode' and what have you, there are more and more stock system apps and I just wanted to see if we could collectively share our findings. I ran the simple ADB command that lists system apps/packages on my HD 8 (2017) and them simply appended the new items onto a copy of bakshi's Google sheet, added some color coding, etc. I haven't had a lot of time to fill in a lot of the app details that I've become familiar with myself, but I wanted to at least get something started. So here is an easier to read html presentation view of my updated sheet, and here is a version allows for filtering/column resizing/comments/etc..
Ummm , does someone by chance have any interest in taking ownership of this document? Or maybe at least collectively? I do have more details that I've learned through my own trial and error / several factory resets and I'm more than happy to share, but I'm not really an Android OS wizard or pro. Many of the new apps are part of "Show Mode" / are new calling features (which I find weird / frustrating since we don't even get the full "Echo Show" drop-in / calling experience anyway) ...
Hopefully this document can be useful for many of us. I'm happy to hear any thoughts and to share ownership of the document with anyone who wants to take a stab.
Thanks all!
richaardvark
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DallasRedHead said:
Hey me again, so I'm looking at your updated spreadsheet for 5.6.2.0 on the bloatware. I'm trying to understand it - i.e what can I remove safely? I assume the apps that you have marked as 'safe' can be removed. What about the ones that have a blank in the column 'Safe to Remove'? I can see why some shouldn't be removed, but why do I care about amazon.glorialist (for example). I have no idea what that even is - that's not saying much... I guess I'm confused at this point on what I can get rid of. I have my fire HD back to ground zero, running 5.6.2.0 but that's it and it's running pretty good speed wise. But I have to get rid of something because once I install google services I'll be right back where I was (dial-up or less response) so then I might as well as stay with the vanilla Fire. Thanks!
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You ask very good questions! hah
With regard to which exact programs should be disabled, a couple of things come to mind. First - I have to be open and say I, myself am still trying to find just the right balance. Every day when I get free time, I tinker around and enable/disable certain apps. By far, the tablet is in a much more use-able state than it was with all those factory-installed apps running, but there are still minor issues that pop up. As you can see from that post of mine you quoted above with the spreadsheet, I kinda foolishly assumed that there'd be kind of a collective conversation about this among HD 8 owners on here, and while I did get some good information and continue to daily, I realized very quickly that there isn't really a one-size-fits-all answer here. So to answer your question, I'd say what apps you disable largely depend on your goals for how you plan to use the device. Some people want to strip the device of anything Amazon as much as possible with the hope of ending up with as close to a stock "Android" device as possible. Some people want to be able to use Alexa still, some people like their Kindle e-books or whatever. I can definitely help you look at which individual apps to disable but would need to know what features you'd like to keep and what features you want to remove. Are you wanting to install a new launcher, or keep the FireOS launcher? Do you want full Alexa as well as "Show Mode"? All things to consider and totally changes what apps you disable or leave be. So that's the first thing to take into consideration when deciding which apps to disable.
Another thing to be aware of is that if you disassemble certain packages this annoying parental control lock warning begins to pop up (I guess you could say Amazon kinda booby-trapped the device, lol). It's not a big deal, but depending on what you disable, you'll notice an annoying pop-up message. The original author of that de-bloat thread (Supersonic27543) mentions this in his OP. There are fixes for this though.
User Ivorin put together a nice list of apps he chose to disable with clear notes and I found this helpful. I've made a few minor modifications however on my own device, added a few more to disable, kept a couple he chose to disable. See his list here.
Another question I have for you is how are you going about installing Google Services? Is there a certain guide/thread you're following? There are several different posts on here with essentially the same set of instructions, but I do think there are a couple of different suggested steps among these posts, with some methods a little better than others. I only ask this because, you shouldn't really experience any major slow-down in performance after installing Google/the Play Store, at least not like it sounds like you've been experiencing. My device(s) overall are pretty snappy and solid. So we should look at that as well.
Sorry I didn't have a simple, one-size-fits-all answer for you, but if you give me just a few more details I'll have answers for you and you should be able to quickly make it all come together.
DallasRedHead said:
But I have to get rid of something because once I install google services I'll be right back where I was (dial-up or less response) so then I might as well as stay with the vanilla Fire. Thanks!
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This is the thread I've typically followed when installing Google Services/Play store. These four files, in this order. It doesn't matter that they're outdated - as soon as you bring it all online it will update itself to the latest versions.
richaardvark said:
You ask very good questions! hah
Well now i have more questions
With regard to which exact programs should be disabled, a couple of things come to mind. First - I have to be open and say I, myself am still trying to find just the right balance. Every day when I get free time, I tinker around and enable/disable certain apps. By far, the tablet is in a much more use-able state than it was with all those factory-installed apps running, but there are still minor issues that pop up. As you can see from that post of mine you quoted above with the spreadsheet, I kinda foolishly assumed that there'd be kind of a collective conversation about this among HD 8 owners on here, and while I did get some good information and continue to daily, I realized very quickly that there isn't really a one-size-fits-all answer here. So to answer your question, I'd say what apps you disable largely depend on your goals for how you plan to use the device. Some people want to strip the device of anything Amazon as much as possible with the hope of ending up with as close to a stock "Android" device as possible. Some people want to be able to use Alexa still, some people like their Kindle e-books or whatever. I can definitely help you look at which individual apps to disable but would need to know what features you'd like to keep and what features you want to remove. Are you wanting to install a new launcher, or keep the FireOS launcher? Do you want full Alexa as well as "Show Mode"? All things to consider and totally changes what apps you disable or leave be. So that's the first thing to take into consideration when deciding which apps to disable.
You asked for it so here goes:
Well in a perfect world I would like it to do everything my laptop does... However back to reality. I got it to:
1. Play how-to videos
2. Pull up other types of information via the web
3. Get mail and my calendar and contacts plus keep the last two updated off my Outlook installed on my PC. (I want the gmail app at least and it’s not on the Amazon app store). I know I can get yahoo thru the Appstore. I would rather use Outlook but refuse to pay for Outlook 365. I need to keep the Fire stock email, calendar and contacts for the program I run on outlook to propagate the calendar/contacts. I’m sure there are others apps but this works and right now that’s all I care about.
4. Play videos when I’m on the road (either wifi or downloaded)
5. I do like the voice to text recognition because without a regular keyboard my typing frustrates me (I use the same on my phone)
6. Read doc files like PDF, Work, EXCEL, PPT etc. Only need a reader, don’t want to create or edit.
7. Not a bit gamer – when waiting at a docs office I play solitaire (mostly) or candy crush so don’t need resources for that.
8. I’m still old fashioned – if I want to read a book I want paper, the same goes for magazines and newspapers. I read on the laptop when I have to. So I could care less about Kindle…
9. I can’t stand the fire launcher but I’ve read where Nova is inconsistent on Fire HD so might be stuck with that unless there is something else out there that works??? (low on my priority list).
10. I do like Alexa because I use it in the house. If she is a big hog I’ll get rid of it.
11. Get rid of the ads
I think that’s the majority of it. I just want to get decent response time but I don’t know what to delete. For example, I tried killing some stuff that was running in the background but didn’t know what those processes were and ended up having to reboot. I did this a few times and got frustrated and quit.
Have I ended up confusing the issue? I just don’t have time to keep tinkering around with this thing. If I can get decent response time and get my must-have apps on there I’ll be happy. I just would like to know what I can kill and be done with it...
Another thing to be aware of is that if you disassemble certain packages this annoying parental control lock warning begins to pop up (I guess you could say Amazon kinda booby-trapped the device, lol). It's not a big deal, but depending on what you disable, you'll notice an annoying pop-up message. The original author of that de-bloat thread (Supersonic27543) mentions this in his OP. There are fixes for this though.
I saw that too but I can deal with that later, the speed right now is the most annoying thing... And the ads...
User Ivorin put together a nice list of apps he chose to disable with clear notes and I found this helpful. I've made a few minor modifications however on my own device, added a few more to disable, kept a couple he chose to disable. See his list here.
Got it.
Another question I have for you is how are you going about installing Google Services? Is there a certain guide/thread you're following? There are several different posts on here with essentially the same set of instructions, but I do think there are a couple of different suggested steps among these posts, with some methods a little better than others. I only ask this because, you shouldn't really experience any major slow-down in performance after installing Google/the Play Store, at least not like it sounds like you've been experiencing. My device(s) overall are pretty snappy and solid. So we should look at that as well.
Well that took some time because I was flip flopping around and the instructions weren’t very clear (I figured it out) but I ultimately got from two sources.
http://rootjunkysdl.com/files/?dir=Amazon Fire 5th gen
He had two ‘features’ I used. 1) remove the annoying ads, 2) fix it so Amazon updates doesn’t break the Google apps.
I started with this one that led me to rootjunky to get Google play services down:
https://lifehacker.com/how-to-get-google-play-on-a-kindle-fire-and-install-any-1790706649
I see the instructions you used are different and I also see that you can disable the ads thru that ‘pm’ command? I saw mention of that in Ivorin’s list that you referred me to – maybe it was in the other ones too, I just saw his comment in that list.
>>>>> OK, so my question is why do I need google play services if you are just downloading the APKs? Someone else mentioned using apkpure.com to get APKs and forget about Google play services but then I read too that some of these sites might have malware etc. and to stay away from them. I’m happy downloading the APKs myself. As you have probably noticed I only know enough to be dangerous, I’ve just really begun to stick my big toe into the Android world.
I also noticed that some apps (non-stock) simply will not install so I just have to go to the web for those.
Sorry I didn't have a simple, one-size-fits-all answer for you, but if you give me just a few more details I'll have answers for you and you should be able to quickly make it all come together.
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I Get that and I really can't thank you enough for your time on this!!!
BTW, the first site you sent me to on the bloatware: He has instructions on getting com.amazon.unifiedsharefacebook. FYI it was already on my Fire HD after I went and got it off the site. I did see where someone said it used to be there but the developers got rid of it – I guess not since I have 5.6.2….
richaardvark said:
This is the thread I've typically followed when installing Google Services/Play store. These four files, in this order. It doesn't matter that they're outdated - as soon as you bring it all online it will update itself to the latest versions.
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I've used the method in the thread you linked multiple times on my HD 10 7th gen running 5.6.1.0 and I can say it works perfectly every time and have never had any issues with Google play store/services acting up in any way.
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Got Google loaded but some issues with internet?
tylerhole said:
I've used the method in the thread you linked multiple times on my HD 10 7th gen running 5.6.1.0 and I can say it works perfectly every time and have never had any issues with Google play store/services acting up in any way.
OK, I loaded the four APKs you and richaardvark suggested. All went fine thank you. So that's all I have on it now, except for Stock and a file manager. I'm trying things one at a time to see if there is a particular app that brings me to my knees. I do still need to remove the bloatware once that's figured out.
What I'm running into is I use the SILK browser to load up sites that I go to all the time just to see if I'm getting decent response. I have two that are so slow on the Fire but not on my phone for example. Now what I'm seeing on the 'draggers' is after a long period it comes back and says "No Internet". All I have to do is hit enter and it loads right up. Does anyone have an idea as to what might be causing this? I tested the same sites on my phone with no issues.... Thanks!
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DallasRedHead said:
tylerhole said:
I've used the method in the thread you linked multiple times on my HD 10 7th gen running 5.6.1.0 and I can say it works perfectly every time and have never had any issues with Google play store/services acting up in any way.
OK, I loaded the four APKs you and richaardvark suggested. All went fine thank you. So that's all I have on it now, except for Stock and a file manager. I'm trying things one at a time to see if there is a particular app that brings me to my knees. I do still need to remove the bloatware once that's figured out.
What I'm running into is I use the SILK browser to load up sites that I go to all the time just to see if I'm getting decent response. I have two that are so slow on the Fire but not on my phone for example. Now what I'm seeing on the 'draggers' is after a long period it comes back and says "No Internet". All I have to do is hit enter and it loads right up. Does anyone have an idea as to what might be causing this? I tested the same sites on my phone with no issues.... Thanks!
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Why don't you just install chrome since you have the play store up and running? I use it daily without any issues on mine. And I got rid of all the Amazon crap. You can see all the apps I currently have installed in the attached pics.
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i like some of the amazon apps but prefer the straight android versions from google play can the book music prime vids work if i get rid of the stock versions a replaced with apks? plus dont want alexa at all or any of the new crap amazon pushed with latest update... is it possible to get uptodate without all the crap? cause im still at 5.6.1.0? i know alot of questions....
tylerhole said:
DallasRedHead said:
Why don't you just install chrome since you have the play store up and running? I use it daily without any issues on mine. And I got rid of all the Amazon crap. You can see all the apps I currently have installed in the attached pics. View attachment 4582486View attachment 4582487
Yes, I will do that. I need to get rid of the Amazon crap too - just need to figure out what I can safely get rid of. I was checking speeds before I loaded it up with standard android apps - which I did last time and my system ran at a crawl so I'm trying to identify one-by-one which one (or ones) are the culprit. (I completely started over from scratch after looking at this forum and getting help from y'all).
BTW. It looks like you use the standard Fire Launcher - is that correct? Thx.
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DallasRedHead said:
tylerhole said:
Why don't you just install chrome since you have the play store up and running? I use it daily without any issues on mine. And I got rid of all the Amazon crap. You can see all the apps I currently have installed in the attached pics. View attachment 4582486View attachment 4582487
Yes, I will do that. I need to get rid of the Amazon crap too - just need to figure out what I can safely get rid of. I was checking speeds before I loaded it up with standard android apps - which I did last time and my system ran at a crawl so I'm trying to identify one-by-one which one (or ones) are the culprit. (I completely started over from scratch after looking at this forum and getting help from y'all).
BTW. It looks like you use the standard Fire Launcher - is that correct? Thx.
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My solution to the slow system was to remove all the Amazon stuff that has been deemed safe to remove that I've seen in various threads here. Of course some still want to use some Amazon apps so it's not the solution for everyone. Just keep in mind while you are trying stuff that removing one thing may break something else and cause your tablet to slow down. But best of luck, be sure to post your findings! [emoji4]
As far as my launcher, I actually replaced the nova Launcher and have the widgets working [emoji16]
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Desktops Icons not going away
tylerhole said:
My solution to the slow system was to remove all the Amazon stuff that has been deemed safe to remove that I've seen in various threads here. Of course some still want to use some Amazon apps so it's not the solution for everyone. Just keep in mind while you are trying stuff that removing one thing may break something else and cause your tablet to slow down. But best of luck, be sure to post your findings! [emoji4]
As far as my launcher, I actually replaced the nova Launcher and have the widgets working [emoji16]
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
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I posted this in another thread but basically I got everything working and started 'PM Hiding' stuff. I read that 'pm hide' and 'pm disable' are essentially the same. Sometimes I would have to leave the 'com' on front of the name (that I was trying to hide), other times I had to leave it off. I was getting 'new hidden state: true' but after reboot they are all still on my desktop I don't know why.
I was using Richaarvark spreadsheet and only getting rid of 'safe' stuff. Some stuff I don't want to get rid of. Others I wasn't sure. But I definately got rid of all the parental controls, the clock, weather, maps but they are still there and I don't know what I'm doing wrong! Help tremendously appreciated. I'll get back to NOVA once I get this figured out
DallasRedHead said:
I posted this in another thread but basically I got everything working and started 'PM Hiding' stuff. I read that 'pm hide' and 'pm disable' are essentially the same. Sometimes I would have to leave the 'com' on front of the name (that I was trying to hide), other times I had to leave it off. I was getting 'new hidden state: true' but after reboot they are all still on my desktop I don't know why.
I was using Richaarvark spreadsheet and only getting rid of 'safe' stuff. Some stuff I don't want to get rid of. Others I wasn't sure. But I definately got rid of all the parental controls, the clock, weather, maps but they are still there and I don't know what I'm doing wrong! Help tremendously appreciated. I'll get back to NOVA once I get this figured out
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Have you tried pm disable instead? Hide might only be hiding it in your launcher until reboot. Otherwise, although you'd have to reset to get them back, you could try the method in this thread.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/hd8-hd10/general/tut-root-cleaner-android-experience-hd8-t3797327
I know it says 5.6 and up it won't work, but I'm on 5.6.1.0 and my friend is on 5.6.2.0 and it's worked for both ours.
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tylerhole said:
Have you tried pm disable instead? Hide might only be hiding it in your launcher until reboot. Otherwise, although you'd have to reset to get them back, you could try the method in this thread.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/hd8-hd10/general/tut-root-cleaner-android-experience-hd8-t3797327
I know it says 5.6 and up it won't work, but I'm on 5.6.1.0 and my friend is on 5.6.2.0 and it's worked for both ours.
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Thanks for the info but... I tried pm disable and half of them wouldn't disable - why I went to hide them. Also, when this kept happening what I read was disable requires a rooted device (mine is not).
Do you think I could just try pm uninstalling - I don't want to start over! I've spent hours on this and have brain drain and looked at so many threads. The initial thread I was pointed to was https://forum.xda-developers.com/hd8-hd10/general/a-t3820744/page23#post77476583 and that's what I've been following.
I have 5.6.2 btw. --- AND A HEADACHE!
Thanks!
DallasRedHead said:
Thanks for the info but... I tried pm disable and half of them wouldn't disable - why I went to hide them. Also, when this kept happening what I read was disable requires a rooted device (mine is not).
Do you think I could just try pm uninstalling - I don't want to start over! I've spent hours on this and have brain drain and looked at so many threads. The initial thread I was pointed to was https://forum.xda-developers.com/hd8-hd10/general/a-t3820744/page23#post77476583 and that's what I've been following.
I have 5.6.2 btw. --- AND A HEADACHE!
Thanks!
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Do you have the HD 8 or 10?
tylerhole said:
Do you have the HD 8 or 10?
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I have an HD 8.
Interesting, I just checked this. While my desktop icons didn't disappear my searches on chrome have gotten a lot faster! I had two sites that I was testing with that were so slow I would walk away while they loaded up. Now they load up great! Hum.....
DallasRedHead said:
I have an HD 8.
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Oh... I wasn't aware of what device you had so yeah, disregard what I said, my apologies.
tylerhole said:
Oh... I wasn't aware of what device you had so yeah, disregard what I said, my apologies.
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No problem but now I don't know where to go from here. Maybe someone will reply from the original post I was following... I'm really just now sticking my toe in the Android world.
DallasRedHead said:
No problem but now I don't know where to go from here. Maybe someone will reply from the original post I was following... I'm really just now sticking my toe in the Android world.
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I haven't attempted to do anything regarding disabling or removing system apps on mine without root, plus I have the 10 not the 8 so there's other lil differences too.
That combined with Amazon making things more difficult to be done with every update not sure if I could point you in a direction to go without doing a bunch of digging through threads myself lol.
I'm sure there is someone will be able to chime in and help ya out, just a matter of time. Hope ya get it figured out and I'll be checking back to see what happens! [emoji854]
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can some1 tell me what i did wrong i disable only the safe apk.. reboot the amazon goes into moptimizing system storange application mode forever.. then i have to go into adb and sideload stock firmware