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[Q] Customising System Bar (Task Bar) With custom text

All,
I am trying to test the water to see what is possible for an enterprise tablet deployment we are working on.
We are working on a dual persona device - which enables the user to switch between two android instances.
I want to be able to notify the user which persona they are using, and an ideal way to do that would be via the "System Bar" at the bottom of the screen. I am thinking of a couple of options:
1) Change the colour of the system bar
2) Add some text to the status bar (that is always there)
If I understand correctly, the settings for this menu are in SystemUI.apk, and i have pulled this using adb from the device. I believe I know how to go about changing the colour, by searching out the relevant png's and swapping them.
How would i go about implementing option 2, for example I may want the string "Home" or "Work" displayed dependant on the instance the user has loaded. Would this be a case of changing a layout XML definition? If so which one?
Regards,
Andy

Why not just use the system notification services that already exist in android? You can have persistent notification icons, text etc. and no need to build a custom ROM, just use an app.

DigitalMD said:
Why not just use the system notification services that already exist in android? You can have persistent notification icons, text etc. and no need to build a custom ROM, just use an app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good question - I am open to all suggestions - the key requirement is that an item of text would be visible at all times to the user, and couldn't be dismissed.
Wasn't looking at a custom ROM - we have to make some changes to the device anyway which need us to Root it - so was thinking while we were there to mount the Filesystem read/write and swap SystemUI.apk to solve this issue.
As I say open to good ideas.

This may be what you're looking for...
http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/11/14/android-4-2-feature-highlight-multiple-user-accounts/

LeftyGR said:
This may be what you're looking for...
http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/11/14/android-4-2-feature-highlight-multiple-user-accounts/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, interesting but not quite what we are trying for just yet. These devices will be single user devices (currently) which we intend to run dual persona's on, essentially we will be running a micro hypervisor, that allows a user to switch between virtual OS's.
So - we are just trying to find a decent feedback mechanism to present the user with an "always visible" way of telling them which persona they are in.

patonar said:
Hi, interesting but not quite what we are trying for just yet. These devices will be single user devices (currently) which we intend to run dual persona's on, essentially we will be running a micro hypervisor, that allows a user to switch between virtual OS's.
So - we are just trying to find a decent feedback mechanism to present the user with an "always visible" way of telling them which persona they are in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. So I think what you are looking for is this:
* Single User sign-on - where one person (considered the owner) logs into the device.
* Switching profiles (essentially) between two user interfaces.
**Where in one environment the owner has a general setup to use as a personal device, for lack of a better term.
**And in another environment the owner has a cusomized setup that is more optimized for work purposes. Not necessarily "different than the first environment, but obvious enough that when they unlock the device they will know which environment they are in.
Basically correct?
If so, what about this as a general solution: Using multiple Launcher Apps.
Basically, use the system default as one environment. Setup/arranged for the purpose of general use. Use a second (3rd party) Launcher as the second environment. 3rd party launchers are very customizable and most are themeable. And there are a few Launcher Manager apps on the market that allow for faster switching between them. Even provide desktop shortcuts on each launcher to quickly do between. Lock the 3rd party launcher from being able to be uninstalled easily by placing it into system/app folder. And if you want to take certain functionality away, modify it so an owner can't change the theme or settings you choose for it.

LeftyGR said:
Ok. So I think what you are looking for is this:
* Single User sign-on - where one person (considered the owner) logs into the device.
* Switching profiles (essentially) between two user interfaces.
**Where in one environment the owner has a general setup to use as a personal device, for lack of a better term.
**And in another environment the owner has a cusomized setup that is more optimized for work purposes. Not necessarily "different than the first environment, but obvious enough that when they unlock the device they will know which environment they are in.
Basically correct?
If so, what about this as a general solution: Using multiple Launcher Apps.
Basically, use the system default as one environment. Setup/arranged for the purpose of general use. Use a second (3rd party) Launcher as the second environment. 3rd party launchers are very customizable and most are themeable. And there are a few Launcher Manager apps on the market that allow for faster switching between them. Even provide desktop shortcuts on each launcher to quickly do between. Lock the 3rd party launcher from being able to be uninstalled easily by placing it into system/app folder. And if you want to take certain functionality away, modify it so an owner can't change the theme or settings you choose for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes basically correct, but I have a solution for the device "persona" switching - imagine I am actually running two completely separate ROM's running on VM's.... so each ROM behaves as its own device, unaware of the other...
All I want to do - is add some text to the system bar that is always there....

patonar said:
Yes basically correct, but I have a solution for the device "persona" switching - imagine I am actually running two completely separate ROM's running on VM's.... so each ROM behaves as its own device, unaware of the other...
All I want to do - is add some text to the system bar that is always there....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. Two completely separate OS running at same time. I could see that as possible, save the problem you may run into with internal space in the current format. Would you need to completely repatriation the entire device to achieve this? Or maybe you could use an AOSP base, which is considerably lighter. I'm saying two completely autonomous systems would essentially duplicate all files needed to run to make them truely separate. Actually, I think that's what you're saying...

LeftyGR said:
Ok. Two completely separate OS running at same time. I could see that as possible, save the problem you may run into with internal space in the current format. Would you need to completely repatriation the entire device to achieve this? Or maybe you could use an AOSP base, which is considerably lighter. I'm saying two completely autonomous systems would essentially duplicate all files needed to run to make them truely separate. Actually, I think that's what you're saying...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The implementation of the virtualised android is being done by a company for me... that isn't the issue.
I have been making some kernel mods, to beef up encryption, but also wanted while i am there to make some mods to the system bar / task bar.
Forget about the two OS issue - imagine a single device, one OS, ICS 4.0.4 - i want to add some text to the task bar (static text) how could i do it?

Anything we need to do about the latest WPA2 vulnerabilities that were found?

This is the story I'm referring to for those who haven't heard yet.
I just got my Note 8 on Saturday and did get a carrier update later in the day, not sure if it was related to this. Anyone have any info on what we need to do or are we waiting for AT&T/Samsung to release a patch?
From the link:
As a result, all Android versions higher than 6.0 are also affected by the attack, and hence can be tricked into installing an all-zero encryption key. The new attack works by injecting a forged message 1, with the same ANonce as used in the original message 1, before forwarding the retransmitted message 3 to the victim. In each case, the attacker can force a targeted device to re-install an already-in-use shared key, downgrading the key.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

This will require an update from Samsung. Not holding my breath on that happening anytime this year.

Avoid public wifi like the plague. Even after the patch I'd stay away from it.
Also this includes turning on your hotspot in public. At least until a patch is pushed out.
That will keep you safe for about 6 months until the next bug is discovered. It's the nature of IT security.
One thing that is a great idea and an awesome feature on Samsung is the "Secure Folder" app.
You can use it to store pictures, files, apps, etc. They are encrypted by the KNOX container and require a pin or password to open the secure folder.
If you move let's say, your private pictures, your banking app, and any sensation files (eg credit cards, ID, passport, etc) into the app even if your phone gets compromised you should be okay.
*as a disclaimer I work in ISO for a fortune 100 company. More than will to offer any advice about protecting your phone, computer, wifi etc.

Thanks I didn't think about using the Secure Folder. I just moved (not copied) a photo into there to test it but the photo still shows up in the gallery, yet I don't see it when browsing for it from within the Secure Folder.
When something is within this folder, can it still be accessed from outside the app or do you always need to open the app, type in the password and then access it? Like could I still attach photos from there easily into a message/email or do I need to go in there, move them out of the folder, attach them, them move them back? Hope that makes sense.

Kadin said:
Thanks I didn't think about using the Secure Folder. I just moved (not copied) a photo into there to test it but the photo still shows up in the gallery, yet I don't see it when browsing for it from within the Secure Folder.
When something is within this folder, can it still be accessed from outside the app or do you always need to open the app, type in the password and then access it? Like could I still attach photos from there easily into a message/email or do I need to go in there, move them out of the folder, attach them, them move them back? Hope that makes sense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No if it moved correctly it should be hidden unless you are in the secure folder.

Unsolved tech...

Hello guys,
I have been searching for answers to some of the tech stuff, but couldn't find them.
Here are some of those questions. Hope some of you would have answers to these. Thanks in advance!
ANDROID
1. How to share files between multi-users on Android 11?
Before Android 11, it was possible to save files inside the Android/ obb folder, and these files were visible for all users on the device. In Android 11, this is no longer working as the 'obb' folder appears to be exclusive to each user.
I know this is possible via USB OTG or a cloud service, but is there a solution without these?
2. How to copy/ backup game data for non-rooted devices?
Helium Backup doesn't seem to work. I have played a game for long on my Mediapad, and I would like to copy that game to my phone. Unfortunately, my Mediapad is not rooted and losing all that game progress has become a nightmare. I have written to the app developer to provide some sort of backup using either Google Play Games or social media integration like Facebook/ Twitter, but haven't received any response.
3. How to force apps (esp. file managers & gallery apps) to use in-app media viewer without changing system default.
For example, I may use the stock gallery app as default for viewing media. But if I am using another gallery app or a file manager that is capable of viewing media files using its own media viewer, I would rather want it use it than open the default app. Is there a way to do it?
4. Replace stock file manager (a system app) with another app from Google Play Store or other sources. Is this possible?
I am not asking how to convert a user app into system app. I know that part. I tried replacing the apk file of the stock file manager with a 3rd party apk, even renamed it, but it didn't work.
5. Extract a system app from one device and install it on another device without root. Is this possible?
I have tried it, but apk installation fails. For example, Samsung Gallery app on OnePlus phones.
iOS
1. How to install .ipa (iPhone app) on an iPhone (not jail-broken) without a laptop (iTunes)?
2. Is it possible to have SFTP server for iPhone?
All Operating Systems
1. How to provide LAN only access for non-rooted devices as well as in Windows & iOS?
For rooted devices, we have apps like AFWall+ that can do it. But is there a way to do it for devices without root, as well as for Windows and iOS?
For non-rooted devices, we have apps like Netguard that support 'Allow LAN access' whilst blocking internet access.
Are there any alternatives and solutions for other platforms?
2. How safe is it to enter login credentials in an app to allow it access to network drives?
I use several apps (on various platforms) to connect to my laptop over SMB. This requires me to provide the app with my Windows Login Credentials, which is a Microsoft account. Am I risking my account by providing this info to the app? Is it safe to enter login credentials of cloud services in file manager apps?

Just bumping this thread as it seems to have been lost/ unnoticed.
@Ultramanoid can you answer some of these?

Sridhar Ananthanarayanan said:
@Ultramanoid can you answer some of these?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't help much, sorry. As to Android, some notes :
1. Never have used an OEM / Google's version of Android, or anything other than rooted single-user systems.
2. In addition to the previous answer, I'm not a gamer.
3. I usually don't ever set defaults with some rare exceptions, so I am always given a choice of what I want to use to handle a file. It may vary depending on many things; I may want to edit an SVG file as text, or view it as an image, for instance. There are applications / services that will intercept intents to allow you to do this sort of thing as well, but I can't recommend a specific one, never use them myself.
4. Possible, but will break Android as by now the system requires it as a file picker in many instances without recognizing alternatives and developers of most applications do expect it as well and their services will not work without it. Don't do it. With recent Android storage changes, including the scoped storage debacle, this is not a viable option anymore.
5. Depends, but not likely as a general rule, specially for OEM garbage, which relies on their own proprietary modifications of Android, their libraries, frameworks, et al. You'd have to carry those over to the destination too, which may not even be possible. Use OEM-independent and not Google Services reliant applications. ( Edit : you'll find some of those applications built to install on all devices here on XDA by single developers, "SONY camera for all devices" and that sort of thing, not recommended anyway, not well supported or long-lived experiments. )

Ultramanoid said:
Can't help much, sorry. As to Android, some notes :
1. Never have used an OEM / Google's version of Android, or anything other than rooted single-user systems.
2. In addition to the previous answer, I'm not a gamer.
3. I usually don't ever set defaults with some rare exceptions, so I am always given a choice of what I want to use to handle a file. It may vary depending on many things; I may want to edit an SVG file as text, or view it as an image, for instance. There are applications / services that will intercept intents to allow you to do this sort of thing as well, but I can't recommend a specific one, never use them myself.
4. Possible, but will break Android as by now the system requires it as a file picker in many instances without recognizing alternatives and developers of most applications do expect it as well and their services will not work without it. Don't do it. With recent Android storage changes, including the scoped storage debacle, this is not a viable option anymore.
5. Depends, but not likely as a general rule, specially for OEM garbage, which relies on their own proprietary modifications of Android, their libraries, frameworks, et al. You'd have to carry those over to the destination too, which may not even be possible. Use OEM-independent and not Google Services reliant applications. ( Edit : you'll find some of those applications built to install on all devices here on XDA by single developers, "SONY camera for all devices" and that sort of thing, not recommended anyway, not well supported or long-lived experiments. )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks very much. But I wish you answered the last 2 questions as well.
If time permits, would you be interested in telling us how you use your phone? I mean which device, which OS and what apps you use. I would like to give that a try (on a spare device) and see if it is possible for me to live without Google.

Sridhar Ananthanarayanan said:
Thanks very much. But I wish you answered the last 2 questions as well.
If time permits, would you be interested in telling us how you use your phone? I mean which device, which OS and what apps you use. I would like to give that a try (on a spare device) and see if it is possible for me to live without Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't answer because it won't be helpful.
As to the 1st, I don't use LAN, and I don't keep data in any device or computer unless in use. External independent encrypted storage to be used wherever, whenever, independent of device, cables if needed.
As to the second, it's a matter of common sense, being informed of vulnerabilities and aware of reputation, and trust. Would you trust Chrome or Mozilla with data if you're online banking ? Seems reasonable -- but be aware of major vulnerabilities that may be going on. Would you trust an application released yesterday by a single developer for the same ? Probably not a good idea.
Finally, I doubt what I use and how I use it would be acceptable for you, or most people. In essence you could : Install latest firmware, wipe device, install latest security patched Lineage build for it, remove vendor / Lineage applications, get full root, remove anything you don't need or use which could have vulnerabilities; frameworks, libraries, binaries, etc ( Bluetooth, SMS, Android system-wide downloader, system-wide WebView, NFC, and on and on .. ), install your own binaries, fonts, hosts file, and applications where appropriate ( /bin /etc et al ), install Termux and all Linux packages required for your use, everything open source whenever possible, and stay away from any Google services / Play / applications with ANY trackers, analytics, data mining or even crash report capabilities; zero tolerance. Internet permission only for a secure web browser -- and terminal if / when needed. Half of what I do or use goes through terminal to be honest. In short, for me an Android device is a full Linux laptop replacement with added perks : Always on and on me, camera, GPS, pedometer, unlimited LTE data, and emergency calls for medics / police. ( Edit : And Japanese EEW alarm of course ! Only notification I use. We learned our lesson well in 2011. )

You can use ApkExport to extract any apk including system apks. I've transferred apks between other devices devices with it.
Never had need of doing that though with a system apk.

Help My devices are being controlled remotely

Hey I have multiple Android devices 10 at the least. They have all been hacked. I found .dload and .config folders on all of them. Also when I went to remove memory and sim from one it automatically began uploading a custom rom. Of course I've reset them all but not sure how many already have been rooted by someone else. I'm a little familiar with the process so I picked up on some of the signs. My dns has been switched to automatic. My developer options have been configured to the t. It's also configured to infect any other devices near by. I have no idea where to start

Markowski82 said:
Check system.
Bitdefender Mobile Security - Apps on Google Play
Powerful Antivirus Protection, Mobile Security & Virus Cleaner for Your Phone
play.google.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do u know how to permenitly delete .dwnld and .chat_temp files. They just keep coming back

Markowski82 said:
chatTEMP folder may be created by the SnapChat application.
.dwnld android - Google Search
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This phone was just purchased with nothing but what came pre-installed. I checked hidden files immediately and it wasn't there. Shortly after I noticed my inability to remove location access from numerous system apps and the inability to configure call forwarding. Checked files again and show hidden files had been switched . When I turned it back on .Chat_temp and .dwlnd were now in my files directory. The files are used to gain administrative privileges and remote access.

Is it possible for a custom ROM to disable Scoped Storage?

As above. I just updated to Android 11 recently on my Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ (SM-N975F), and holy **** Scoped Storage is a massive pain. Google and various device manufacturers have already been gradually restricting and cutting down access to various power user options (e.g. flashing custom firmware, accessing various settings, making dev features harder to use and/or access), but Scoped Storage is pretty redundant.
For those who aren't familar, Scoped Storage severely restricts access to the Android/data folder in your internal storage. As a result, it just turns the Android/data folder into basically what the data/data partition is - a system-managed folder where apps can only access their own folders and only certain system processes (or root users) can access the entire folder structure. This breaks a lot of apps which historically stored their data in their own Android/data folders which would otherwise work on Android 11.
I was hoping that LineageOS would have had an option to disable this "feature" (I noticed a commit around "opting out of scoped storage" at https://review.lineageos.org/c/LineageOS/android_packages_apps_Eleven/+/286006), but it seems not. For me, I've downgraded to Android 10; thankfully the bootloader version remained the same.
Still, I was wondering, is it likely that a custom ROM maker will be able to find some way to disable Scoped Storage on Android 11 in the future? Thanks for any responses.
Edit: clarified that I meant Android 11+.

ArtemisPilly said:
As above. I just updated to Android 11 recently on my Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ (SM-N975F), and holy **** Scoped Storage is a massive pain in the ass. Google and various device manufacturers have already been gradually restricting and cutting down access to various power user options (e.g. flashing custom firmware, accessing various settings, making dev features harder to use and/or access), but Scoped Storage is pretty redundant. It just turns the Android/data folder into basically what the data/data partition is - a system-managed folder where apps can only access their own folders and only certain system processes (or root users) can access the entire folder structure. This breaks a lot of apps which historically stored their data in their own Android/data folders.
I was hoping that LineageOS would have had an option to disable this "feature" (I noticed a commit around "opting out of scoped storage" at https://review.lineageos.org/c/LineageOS/android_packages_apps_Eleven/+/286006), but it seems not. For me, I've downgraded to Android 10; thankfully the bootloader version remained the same. Still, I was wondering, is it likely that a custom ROM maker will be able to find some way to disable Scoped Storage in the future? Thanks for any responses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is possible if it downgrade your device to android 10

Austinredstoner said:
It is possible if it downgrade your device to android 10
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that's what I originally thought as well. Still, we can't feasibly remain on Android 10 forever, so I was wondering how is Scoped Storage implemented on the Android OS and whether it can be disabled or that specific module can be rolled back by ROM developers.

ArtemisPilly said:
Yeah, that's what I originally thought as well. Still, we can't feasibly remain on Android 10 forever, so I was wondering how is Scoped Storage implemented on the Android OS and whether it can be disabled or that specific module can be rolled back by ROM developers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They say their some file manager they bypass this restrictions it may work but I can't say for sure
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.marc.files
This app may be able to bypass the restrictions

Austinredstoner said:
They say their some file manager they bypass this restrictions it may work but I can't say for sure
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.marc.files
This app may be able to bypass the restrictions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I know some file managers are able to bypass the restrictions (Root Explorer, Solid Explorer etc). The problem is with other, non-file-manager apps (e.g. messaging apps, browsers, games) which are used to storing their data in Android/data.
Many such apps either crash upon opening, or they might ask for permission to access their old folders, which when granted, opens up the Android stock file picker. The stock file picker then refuses to allow the app to use its old folder, saying "to protect your privacy, choose another folder" (or something like that, I've downgraded to Android 10), and there don't seem to be any options to use a different file picker (for some reason the only other app I can see in the file picker is Termux??).
This cripples a lot of older apps which are still very useful but which haven't been updated in a while (and when I say "older", I mean "2019" - not that old, about half of Android devices still run on 9.0 or older).

ArtemisPilly said:
Yeah, I know some file managers are able to bypass the restrictions (Root Explorer, Solid Explorer etc). The problem is with other, non-file-manager apps (e.g. messaging apps, browsers, games) which are used to storing their data in Android/data.
Many such apps either crash upon opening, or they might ask for permission to access their old folders, which when granted, opens up the Android stock file picker. The stock file picker then refuses to allow the app to use its old folder, saying "to protect your privacy, choose another folder" (or something like that, I've downgraded to Android 10), and there don't seem to be any options to use a different file picker (for some reason the only other app I can see in the file picker is Termux??).
This cripples a lot of older apps which are still very useful but which haven't been updated in a while (and when I say "older", I mean "2019" - not that old, about half of Android devices still run on 9.0 or older).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google will finally let file manager apps request "All Files Access" on Android 11 next month
Google has finally announced when it will allow file managers and other apps that target Android request the All Files Access permission.
www.xda-developers.com
This wasn't here when u created this thread but this is good news

Austinredstoner said:
Google will finally let file manager apps request "All Files Access" on Android 11 next month
Google has finally announced when it will allow file managers and other apps that target Android request the All Files Access permission.
www.xda-developers.com
This wasn't here when u created this thread but this is good news
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually the article says that Android/data and Android/obb will be excluded from said access, so it's not really any improvement over the current situation.
One of the alternative band-aids to disabling Scoped Storage might be to find some way to mod the stock file picker so it recognises apps like Solid Explorer and Root Explorer (which can bypass the restrictions) as file managers. However this still doesn't help apps which expect to be able to access their files from the get-go; one example is GTA San Andreas, which seems to just crash upon opening.

Xplore file manager bypasses it
X-plore File Manager - Apps on Google Play
X-plore is dual-pane file manager with tree view, LAN/Root/Clouds and more.
play.google.com

ArtemisPilly said:
Yeah, that's what I originally thought as well. Still, we can't feasibly remain on Android 10 forever, so I was wondering how is Scoped Storage implemented on the Android OS and whether it can be disabled or that specific module can be rolled back by ROM developers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can stay on Q for the life of the device more then likely. I'm still running Pie with zero issues.
Android's gone Apple tarted

blackhawk said:
You can stay on Q for the life of the device more then likely. I'm still running Pie with zero issues.
Android's gone Apple tarted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
money will make even the best developers re-tart just take a glance at windows 10
I still got windows xp

revized said:
money will make even the best developers re-tart just take a glance at windows 10
I still got windows xp
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sad but predictable to see Android tailspinning in like creepy billgatesware.
XPx64 is still the best.
I run W7x64 too.
After that MS became an useless liability.
Evil clownware

I still wonder though, will LineageOS opt out of Scoped Storage or add a feature to disable it?
An equally effective alternative and probably even better one would be to let the user give specific apps full storage permission. Is something like this realizable (even if it's through rooted means - that would be fine)?

We need CONTAINERS for scoped storage. Same as we do for browser containers.
We need a scoped storage manager to group apps.
We don't need an all or nothing approach designed to push everything through the cloud.
Then again, that could be a workaround, right? Same as the workarounds for the browser when local file access was removed: setup a local server to pass data between processes!!

Hi, just my tuppence worth.
I bought an updated android box couple months ago as an upgrade to couple of old ones I had. Mainly use for watching streamed tv shows, viewing youtube and also checking out my cctv and saving recordings to the usb hdd.
Well the new box was amazing. Never mind the hype it is really good. its the hk1 rboxx4. Very fast on latest android 11. But it was a good month messing about trying to work out why nothing would write to the external usb dd. Then I discovered the scope business and the penny dropped.
Google is going to muscle in on streaming ppv sites. Well android has for years. But if they want to sell premium movies etc. or even just official boxes, They wont want the fee payers making back-ups. Just cant see why else they would do it.
The second thing is X-plore does not solve the problem. Ive used it for years on every device iv ever had. But it will not write to ext hdd on android 11. Tried many times, many versions.