Develop Bugs

[Q] What changed?

Well I think at least (as a Noob) I am posting this in the proper place.
Anyway, I have the ota JB update plus root but I seem to be finding less free apps and more pay for apps. In fact one of the apps I had but uninstalled, when I was on the custom codename android rom is now no longer free. I also had installed my nfl team wallpaper the other day and uninstalled it (I am having really bad battery drainage issues) but decided to reinstall and now the app is not even in the store. I am not sure what is going on. I thought when you are rooted you have more free apps to choose from not less and why would that one app I had originally gotten for free on my custom JB rom, now cost $?.
for instance a few days ago the packer live cube 3d wallpaper was free but not anymore. I didn't use it due to battery drainage but I am wondering why it is no longer free.
Thanks

You are imagining things. Rooting/ custom roms have no effect on the play store. Its just developers of the apps changing things
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

Okay thanks. I am new to this. Why did you say I am imagining things?

1. not all apps are compatible with jelly bean, so they wont show up in your market.
2. root has nothing to do whether apps are free or paid. its just easy to steal apps with root.
3. your custom rom before could just have included a paid app into its rom, people do that. sometimes they have permission(rarely) and sometimes they are just stolen(usually).

simms22 said:
1. not all apps are compatible with jelly bean, so they wont show up in your market.
2. root has nothing to do whether apps are free or paid. its just easy to steal apps with root.
3. your custom rom before could just have included a paid app into its rom, people do that. sometimes they have permission(rarely) and sometimes they are just stolen(usually).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you Simms. Perfect and helpful answer!:good:

Sorta off topic but I've been shying away from free apps lately, especially games. I'd rather pay a set fee than be nickel and dimed with in app purchases and annoyed with ads.

Help With Security Solution

I want to be able to granularly set the permissions for each app. From what I understand my options are:
Cyanogenmod - except CM10 for SGS2 is missing this at this time
Pdroid for GB
Pdroid 2.0 - running CM10 only
LBE (from China)
I have had Pdroid 2.0 running on CM10 for a few weeks but CM10 isn't stable - just had it auto-reboot in the middle of a call. Does anybody have any other ideas / suggestions?
On a related note - I'm wondering why it seems that most people aren't bothered with apps monitoring their use and even more important archiving all the data compiled on them?? The only thing that I can think of is that most cell phone / XDA users are really young and just don't know any better??? Didn't they pay any attention in history class?? What am I missing here?

Mrktmind said:
On a related note - I'm wondering why it seems that most people aren't bothered with apps monitoring their use and even more important archiving all the data compiled on them?? The only thing that I can think of is that most cell phone / XDA users are really young and just don't know any better??? Didn't they pay any attention in history class?? What am I missing here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because phone security is generally easy to manage. Most apps make a good name for themselves. And many people check the security of an app as soon as it were to hit the Play Store. It doesn't mean we are young it means that we aren't dumb and know how modern technology works.

hrffd said:
Because phone security is generally easy to manage. Most apps make a good name for themselves. And many people check the security of an app as soon as it were to hit the Play Store. It doesn't mean we are young it means that we aren't dumb and know how modern technology works.[/QUOTE
I highly doubt that anyone on XDA, regardless of age, is dumb. I do believe, however, that there are quite a few younger members who could be a bit naive due to a lack of experience. Younger folks tend to take most things at face value. Just because something is free monetarily doesn't mean it isn't costing you something. Just because an app is on Play Store doesn't mean it is "secure" - especially since the Play Store (as well as Android, Google, et.al.) operate on the same business model as the apps!
Just a random example - Why would Angry Birds need my Sim Card Serial number to operate properly? Why would it need to know the phone numbers of all my incoming calls? Answer - it doesn't - in fact it doesn't need ANY of the permissions it asks for to operate properly. So why does it ask for these permissions? Answer - it is data mining your phone.
Ok, so I think most XDA members are aware of WHAT these apps are doing. My original question is WHY don't more people seem to care?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Mrktmind said:
I want to be able to granularly set the permissions for each app. From what I understand my options are:
Cyanogenmod - except CM10 for SGS2 is missing this at this time
Pdroid for GB
Pdroid 2.0 - running CM10 only
LMB (from China)
I have had Pdroid 2.0 running on CM10 for a few weeks but CM10 isn't stable - just had it auto-reboot in the middle of a call. Does anybody have any other ideas / suggestions?
On a related note - I'm wondering why it seems that most people aren't bothered with apps monitoring their use and even more important archiving all the data compiled on them?? The only thing that I can think of is that most cell phone / XDA users are really young and just don't know any better??? Didn't they pay any attention in history class?? What am I missing here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe MIUI is also a viable option for this, no? You can set app permission on a "per-app" basis with MIUI security I believe.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

I tried this app a while back and it basically does what you want but it got annoying https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lbe.security.lite
I don't use these because I am very selective about what goes on my phone.

Thanks Luke!
Not very familiar with MIUI ROM's will have to look into them.

someguyatx said:
I tried this app a while back and it basically does what you want but it got annoying https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lbe.security.lite
I don't use these because I am very selective about what goes on my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, this is the app I listed above - just had the initials wrong! :silly: It is a lot like pdroid but, like you, it scares me.

I have my own small business and run most of it from my phone, in the beginning I used the standard flip phone then graduated on to a touch pro 2 with Windows Mobile 6.5 as I began to accumulate massive amounts of data on my Windows Mobile phone, for some reason I still felt secure in the applications like ActiveSync that I was in control of my data.... A year ago last October I upgraded to the Samsung Galaxy s2.. this was my first real experience with Google's Android operating system. in the first few minutes of using the new phone I could see how deeply the hooks were being placed to data mine my information. I resisted at first but then came to realize if I wanted all the bells and whistles Google was offering I had to play the game... I use the security program mentioned above... maybe they should have an app were you sign a consent of exactly which data you would like to keep on your phone and not share with other people. then when you visit the play store apps that request more of your private data than you're willing to share won't show up? I would like to have an open sourced built firewall that monitors traffic, letting me choose the permissions per app as I see fit.

Mrktmind said:
Thanks Luke!
Not very familiar with MIUI ROM's will have to look into them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've ran both Adhvanlt's and Lens's JB MIUI Roms, and they're both amazing! The standard MIUI launcher feels a bit like the iphone, and there is no app drawer, but that's easily fixed by downloading [insert favorite launcher here] if you don't care for it. There's hundreds of options for customization. They are literally the most customizable ROMs you'll ever run; All of this on top of the fact that it has the security features I believe you are after baked right in to it.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

Looked at two MIUI ROM's for the E4GT. Both of them have issues with Google Voice. I need Google Voice.
I am also going to try +AF (Droidwall fork) firewall tonight to see if it will work on FK23. It apparently has issues with some ICS/JB ROM's. That will at least give some protection from apps that don't need network access at all. But for apps that need network access to do their intended job it's useless. Just read last night that the developer has added profiles to +AF - that should be really cool.
I guess I'm spoiled a bit with Pdroid - it works so well and is very detailed.
Thanks for all the replies! Other suggestions, ideas, thoughts, opinions welcomed!

Mrktmind said:
I want to be able to granularly set the permissions for each app. From what I understand my options are:
Cyanogenmod - except CM10 for SGS2 is missing this at this time
Pdroid for GB
Pdroid 2.0 - running CM10 only
LBE (from China)
I have had Pdroid 2.0 running on CM10 for a few weeks but CM10 isn't stable - just had it auto-reboot in the middle of a call. Does anybody have any other ideas / suggestions?
On a related note - I'm wondering why it seems that most people aren't bothered with apps monitoring their use and even more important archiving all the data compiled on them?? The only thing that I can think of is that most cell phone / XDA users are really young and just don't know any better??? Didn't they pay any attention in history class?? What am I missing here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As an app developer, I can tell you that there are some shady apps, but if you download from good devs, the permissions are *usually* necessary. Here's some examples that people question the most:
Access to contacts... Assuming it's not a contact or sms app, if any app has a "share" feature needs this permission.
Access to sd card... Any app that saves anything or lets you change a background needs this.
Read phone state... So the app can properly call the "onpause" method when a call comes in.
Access to location... Assuming it's not a location app or game like ingress or zombies!Run!, you'll typically see this on free apps that have ads. Ads allow developers to get paid for their work while keeping the app free. They don't have access to the ad data, though. They just put in the api and the ad company handles the rest.
On top of that, large organizations will seek phone specific permissions like sim card numbers for analytics.
Google makes most of its money from ads, so it reads your usage to better target ads. Google also uses location data to improve location services like maps.
If you're worried about security, don't download a random app that only has 100+ downloads. If an app has 50000+ downloads, you can rest assured that it's already been vetted.
Also if you're downloading pirated apps, you're just a moron who is opening up his world to who knows who. Many (not all) pirated apps have added data mining code.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

[Q] Noobie Root

Hi everyone,
I just rooted my phone last night and now i'm ready to explore android. I know the question is probably been asked 1000 times but what do i do from here? I got Titanium app but that's about it. How can I:
1. Remove Bloatware
2. Get custome ROMS
3. Protect my device from malicous wares
4. Get new Widgets
5. Get paid apps? for free?
6. Modify Home Screens
7. etc
Please guide me.
Thanks

iampain13 said:
Hi everyone,
I just rooted my phone last night and now i'm ready to explore android. I know the question is probably been asked 1000 times but what do i do from here? I got Titanium app but that's about it. How can I:
1. Remove Bloatware
2. Get custome ROMS
3. Protect my device from malicous wares
4. Get new Widgets
5. Get paid apps? for free?
6. Modify Home Screens
7. etc
Please guide me.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Use TI to remove any Bloatware you dont want. Just make sure you do a full backup before toying around. Google "Nandroid" if you dont know how.
2) To each their own. If you want to keep wifi calling you must use one of the Tmobile based custom rom. Jedi Master 10 Rom is great.
3) See 5
4)
5) The devil is knocking but dont do it. Many of the great apps are already fee. Their are VERY FEW paid apps thats worth even the download. For those, its worth it just to pay a few dollars to get endless updates and feature improvements. I came from iOS, and over the years, I came to the realization that apps that are worth pirating is worth paying for. $2 or $3 are peanuts if I really like the apps and want all the latest features. Going the pirate route opens a world of hurt because anyone can infect these pirated apps. You really are ASKING FOR IT. Once you buy an app, you get it for life, so the next android device you run, these apps will continue to be useful. Pirating, honestly, is just a pain the ass. In iOS I would pirate to honestly try out an app, 90% of which I never even use a gain. In Android, its just too risky to be infected with malware. Pirating Android apps is just not worth the hassle.
6) Go wild, try Nova Launcher free

inspron said:
1) Use TI to remove any Bloatware you dont want. Just make sure you do a full backup before toying around. Google "Nandroid" if you dont know how.
2) To each their own. If you want to keep wifi calling you must use one of the Tmobile based custom rom. Jedi Master 10 Rom is great.
3) See 5
4)
5) The devil is knocking but dont do it. Many of the great apps are already fee. Their are VERY FEW paid apps thats worth even the download. For those, its worth it just to pay a few dollars to get endless updates and feature improvements. I came from iOS, and over the years, I came to the realization that apps that are worth pirating is worth paying for. $2 or $3 are peanuts if I really like the apps and want all the latest features. Going the pirate route opens a world of hurt because anyone can infect these pirated apps. You really are ASKING FOR IT. Once you buy an app, you get it for life, so the next android device you run, these apps will continue to be useful. Pirating, honestly, is just a pain the ass. In iOS I would pirate to honestly try out an app, 90% of which I never even use a gain. In Android, its just too risky to be infected with malware. Pirating Android apps is just not worth the hassle.
6) Go wild, try Nova Launcher free
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice. I'll do a search for Jedi Master 10 Rom. The problem is I still haven't mess around much so I don't really know how ROM works or installing them.

iampain13 said:
Thanks for the advice. I'll do a search for Jedi Master 10 Rom. The problem is I still haven't mess around much so I don't really know how ROM works or installing them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The "basic" understanding, for now, when it comes to roms is only flash ones strictly designated for your particular phone model. At least until you get more comfortable with this device, that should be rule number 1. Next thing is to decide what kind of rom you prefer, as there are two basic categories as of right now. 1. Touchwiz based, and, 2. AOSP, AOKP, or other nonTW based roms (like CM, paranoid Android, carbon, etc).
A lot would breakdown 1. Touchwiz based into two subcategories A. Stock (or rooted-stock) and B. Custom TW based... really no difference here but if you like allshare than stay stock (or rooted stock) where as if you dont use allshare then a custom TW still keeps full SPen functionality while allowing OC/UV and other rom specific features, etc.
If TW doesn't float your boat, or you'd rather stay more up to date with like latest 4.2+ releases then option 2 (AOSP, AOKP, etc) roms will be your best bet...
As far as rooting you got various ways but all threads provide adequate instructions
Custom recovery has 2 options CWM and TWRP (I use TWRP, but it shouldn't make a difference, unless the flash OP calls for either one).. Also Odin/Mobile Odin is something you may want to look into
Don't flash anything that mess with your modem/radio/efs (unless you know what your doing and have the right backups)
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app

iampain13 said:
Thanks for the advice. I'll do a search for Jedi Master 10 Rom. The problem is I still haven't mess around much so I don't really know how ROM works or installing them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you run custom roms no need to worry about bloatware really if you just plan to root just freeze with TB dont uninstall as that can cause some bad behavior. On a side note I highly recommend Jedi XX its awesome!

sleepy8686 said:
If you run custom roms no need to worry about bloatware really if you just plan to root just freeze with TB dont uninstall as that can cause some bad behavior. On a side note I highly recommend Jedi XX its awesome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 you can't go wrong with any version of Jedi ROMs.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium

Is using an app like Lookout even necessary?

How many people use apps like Lookout that scan your phone and supposedly offer ant-virus protection? Are they even necessary?

Don't think you'll find many that do. Other than corporate security reasons. All of is crackflashers don't stay on the same system long enough to warrant such a measure
Sent from my phone using xda premium.

I like lookout for the scream feature....my wife loses her phone all the time and if I send the code through lookouts website the phone makes a loud siren sound even when on silent or vibrate. As far as the antivirus I really dont use it

I use lookout not for the scanning feature, but for the lost phone/lock/wipe features.You never know when you might need it.

Not absolutely, i use Eset Mobile on the N4, used it for many years allready om my pc`s. Better safe than sorry. And always look at the permissions you are about to give to an app when installing.

I used Lookout for 2 years on my HTC Desire then decided to uninstall it about 6 months ago. Can't say I've missed it.
I've not put it on my N4.

Common sense, and checking permissions is much more important than an anti virus imo. Google play store already has the bouncer that scans all the apps. Most of these malware apps that users install come from people not willing to cough up a few dollars for apps and getting said apps from third party sites, and torrents often repackaged with malware, and imo it looks good on them. Support the devs, don't be so cheap, and pay for apps (not directing this at anyone here, just saying). Use the Playstore, or somewhere reputable like XDA and check permissions, there's no reason a wallpaper would need access to your contact list and private info ect. Never used an antivirus on a phone and i likely never will.

i use lookout because i need to install apks from other sources..
i need to install apks from other sources because google play does not allow apks like adaway..
i buy apps from google play.. but ads? no way..

A little off topic here but Rom toolbox by JRummy has an adblocker, i wonder if Google will make him pull the app

I use avast... Dont know if it works, but being a windows user, i think im mentally ill, and insecure.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

carnage017 said:
I use avast... Dont know if it works, but being a windows user, i think im mentally ill, and insecure.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hahahhaha, Awesome man, made my morning. :good:

ScumDroid said:
A little off topic here but Rom toolbox by JRummy has an adblocker, i wonder if Google will make him pull the app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, he's taking care of that before they pull it: https://twitter.com/jrummy16/status/312368614059692033

overhauling said:
No, he's taking care of that before they pull it: https://twitter.com/jrummy16/status/312368614059692033
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i guess i wont be updating rom toolbox anymore

ROM toolbox adblocker was never as good as AdAway anyway.
As far as apps like Lookout go, I'd never use an anti-bvirus scanenr etc. I use Cerberus in case I lose my phone so I can track/find or wipe it.

waste of RAM and space for antivirus apps... dont pirate apps and just download apps/games from the play store and you'll be fine.

[Q] AT&T samsung galaxy note 4 ROOT/EXPOSED INSTALLER

While I was the first one in my town, AT&T my local store to get my NOTE 4, a root isn't available for this awesome phone YET. What are you doing in the meantime to customize your device? No xposed Installer, no rooted apps... What is it that you've done to make up for what we don't have? And how have you done it? If you know root, then you know what we are missing and what we want. How have you done up your phone? Let me and the rest of us know what you've done, and how you done it...... Also, let us know if you're wanting the root or not. I want the root badly... Oh so badly....

Not doing much to customize it yet, I'll wait for towelroot or one of the other kits and a custom Rom before I do much. Must say, this is probably the only phone I've had that customizing isn't a high priority, best phone I've ever had and custom will just make it better.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using XDA Free mobile app

note3palermo said:
While I was the first one in my town, AT&T my local store to get my NOTE 4, a root isn't available for this awesome phone YET. What are you doing in the meantime to customize your device? No xposed Installer, no rooted apps... What is it that you've done to make up for what we don't have? And how have you done it? If you know root, then you know what we are missing and what we want. How have you done up your phone? Let me and the rest of us know what you've done, and how you done it...... Also, let us know if you're wanting the root or not. I want the root badly... Oh so badly....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get a launcher. I recommend nova. It will let you customize it enough.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using XDA Free mobile app

You can theme without root. Loving this badboy.
Nova launcher, Exdialer, One icon theme, Holo locker.

Im pretty satisfied with stock for now. im using the latest version of tsf shell it runs really smoothly and i really like the animations. As far as apps go greenify is a must for me with or without root
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Found a pretty awesome app for switching hardware keys ie. The back an recent app buttons for us left hand people. "all in one gestures" in the play store. NO ROOT needed!
It's a free app, it also has gestures for many custom setups. I have my back button set up as a left to right swipe on the side of the screen. Makes one handed use easier for sure.
Also you can change the long press actions of your hardware keys.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using XDA Free mobile app

I am using a custom launcher right now. Go launcher EX. I also switch between, Nova, Taft, next, spb, and others. With all the widgets, all pro versions or top version available. The best icon sets I believe are the best for me. I have custom set ups left and right. I'm needing root so badly. I love APPOPPCOMMAND,or whatever it's called. I love to root all my devices. I know the note 4 is great, I do. But rooting it makes it that much better. Keys so hope bounty-gate solves this for us. I'm chipping i some loot for sure. Regular customization is OK and all, but the rooting is where it's at for me. And a whole lot more of you all out there want it too. Please root. I have 30 shirts being made up right now, saying, got root? Galaxy note 4 needs you. (front) then on the back it says xposed Installer made me do it

stalnakerz said:
Not doing much to customize it yet, I'll wait for towelroot or one of the other kits and a custom Rom before I do much. Must say, this is probably the only phone I've had that customizing isn't a high priority, best phone I've ever had and custom will just make it better.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Geohot works for Google now, so it's my understanding he will no longer be working on towelroot app.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

What is sad, is, GEOHOT, no longer works for us. He is with GOOGLE as i keep hearing.. Any confirmations? If you go back to geohots first you tube videos, or even when he was on CNN or whatever TV show he was on, at that time, he claimed that he was for us. The masses, the people. Unlocks and roots were all his giving. To us. Now he has turned away from us. I guess money is the ROOT of all evil. Let's hope CHAINFIRE makes this happen for us. He is our new brass god we hope makes it for us. SAURIK for iPhone keeps himself real and stays with the people and keeps JAILBREAK available for all people be master what ios they run. I'm sad now. Chainfire, geohot, we need you both

Geohot never worked "for us." He came out for a huge bounty....you want his attention, make a huge bounty

n00b1269 said:
Geohot never worked "for us." He came out for a huge bounty....you want his attention, make a huge bounty
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right he never worked for "us". What I meant was, he wanted us the people to have free reign over our phones. He did it for us. I never known he came and did it for bounty.... Did he? Let's get it done then. I'm going to personally put up 100 into the bounty loot bin. Let's get him or chainfire working on it. I know this, nothing is going to happen until after lollipop comes out. No one is dropping a root opener when you, us, we could all lose it after the update. That's the truth. I want root so bad I can and will eat my old note 3 to get it

I want it bad too, but that bounty was over 18k that brought George out last time.

n00b1269 said:
I want it bad too, but that bounty was over 18k that brought George out last time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it was. It was Hugh! !!!! I Remer when it all happened. Lol

....ok

ShrekOpher said:
Get a launcher. I recommend nova. It will let you customize it enough.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. That was the first launcher that I got for my phone.

I'm a fan of apex

jimmie48jj said:
Found a pretty awesome app for switching hardware keys ie. The back an recent app buttons for us left hand people. "all in one gestures" in the play store. NO ROOT needed!
It's a free app, it also has gestures for many custom setups. I have my back button set up as a left to right swipe on the side of the screen. Makes one handed use easier for sure.
Also you can change the long press actions of your hardware keys.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about telling us what app that is...

It's in the post, it's called "All in one gestures" it's on the play store for free
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using XDA Free mobile app

A launcher isn't what I want root for. If it is all you want it for, then do launchers. For me, it's so much more than that. Its the file system changing, its writing to files, its changing the boot log. It Is changing and stopping what starts up during boot. Its taking away permission that apps have to my phone. It is way more than customizing. Its changing the phone and how it works. That's what I want root for. Not just for changing the layout in my phone. Nova, apex, go launcher EX, next, tsf, i have them all.. The full paid versions. I have every launcher except for the stupid ones. I have literally 95% of them all. I have the guesture things and all those. I want root and I just been with at&t for too long to stitch it up. It is ducked up and I hate it without root. I hated the iPhone without jailbreak and I love the note 3 and 4 but I need root to really make it right

I just want root to get rid of the AT&T jingle and globe during boot.