Develop Bugs

Unencrypting xml files

I was curious if anyone knows how to unencrypt(sp?) xml files. I am trying to build a theme and wanted to browse through some xml's to see if I could change the color of the digital clock on the status bar, among other things. I tried googling to no avail. Is this even possible at this time, or am I just going to have to wait until someone figures out how to unencrypt these files? Just some general advice on how this filetype behaves in android would be appreciated as well. Thanks in advance...

Stericson is currently in the process of this. He'll let us know when he's got it.

Shoulda figured Stericson had a hand in this matter. He is extremely valuable in the development of our devices, in fact, I almost sent him a PM to ask him about this matter directly, but I wanted to gather some general info/advice from everyone. Thanks for the reply Phromik, and thanks be to Stericson too, for being such an indispensable asset to these forums.

Ahhh, many thanks....Unfortunetly, this is not easy in the least. As for right now the xmls can be decrypted, vis some tool online you can find by googling, but you can also see the xmls in plain text by downloading the source and looking through them. I am trying hard to get these done but it is not easy in the least. Much more difficult then what we are doing now.
We will get it though, no worries, just may take some time.
Stericson

Woohoo!

I successfully edited my first .png and ported it as a theme!
Colored Vibrating Phone!!
I want to appologize for being impatient to all the current theme developers specifically Manup. After spending an hour how to get the .png to save in the archive file, I can see that editing each individual icon could take hours and hours if you want it to look right.
Time for me to try at some more difficult stuff.
Hope to be posting my first theme within the next few months.

um..what did you do that took so long?

well....
Remember that this is my first self attempt at this.
I was having trouble getting it to save to the archive. The pop up was behind other applications I was running, so I didn't see it prompting me to save to the archive.
Next is just the editing of the .png itself. If I was just copying and pasting it wouldn't have taken any time. I had to find the icon I wanted to put there, then change the colors just right. It isn't really hard, just time consuming, but you already know that. This is why I was apologizing. Its my first time, give me a break.

Ok I went to edit the first android boot screen.
and of course it hung on boot screen in a loop. My file went from around 3k to 31k so obviously the file is too big. I can't seem to find an option to compress or deflate the file using 7zip.
Can any give me some suggestions?

You don't the .png images with 7zip you do it with Photoshop or whatever graphic design program. There is a post some where explaining how to compress the .png images i just don't know it of hand.

Yeah you want to save the file in photoshop using the save for web & devices...or the pngout program. read thru this here. has my way and the pngout way in the posts.
Ill give ya a tip, this is how i do it at least. i extract the update.zip then extract all the apks that i am going to change. I start editing all the files in framework-res, then move to Launcher, contacts and phone. After these are done i normally import them into the update.zip, sign it and test it.
When i import the images i just open the update.zip in WinRar, then double click the apk i need to import images into. It opens the apk in a new WinRar window, i browse tot he folder i need then just drag the images into it. Do that for each apk then sign it and test it.
Hope this helps.

I was using 7zip for extraction and paintshop pro for editing
I was doing fine. I was just excited to get that far. One of the problems I ran into was when I edited an image file it went from 3k to 30k when. I even used png crush and it only compressed to 24k. Not sure if it is even important yet.
I was only:
A) apologizing for expecting so much when it is so much work.
B) proud that I figured it out and am on my way to editing/creating my own theme.
I only ask one thing of some of the more senior devs. Please don't be so critical. All of us are at several different levels. What may seem juvenile to you might be a huge hurdle to others. This is why we are dependant on you for themes.

Brutal-Force said:
I was doing fine. I was just excited to get that far. One of the problems I ran into was when I edited an image file it went from 3k to 30k when. I even used png crush and it only compressed to 24k. Not sure if it is even important yet.
I was only:
A) apologizing for expecting so much when it is so much work.
B) proud that I figured it out and am on my way to editing/creating my own theme.
I only ask one thing of some of the more senior devs. Please don't be so critical. All of us are at several different levels. What may seem juvenile to you might be a huge hurdle to others. This is why we are dependant on you for themes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good job on getting going, im getting ready to make a go of it as well. I dont think they are criticizing you just being helpful. Have you seen how critical people are in the theme makers posts, cant believe half the theme makers still do it lol.

Brutal-Force said:
I was doing fine. I was just excited to get that far. One of the problems I ran into was when I edited an image file it went from 3k to 30k when. I even used png crush and it only compressed to 24k. Not sure if it is even important yet.
I was only:
A) apologizing for expecting so much when it is so much work.
B) proud that I figured it out and am on my way to editing/creating my own theme.
I only ask one thing of some of the more senior devs. Please don't be so critical. All of us are at several different levels. What may seem juvenile to you might be a huge hurdle to others. This is why we are dependant on you for themes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope i didn't come off that way...i was just trying to help. no ill intenet in that post at all =)

Thank you.
It always helps with reassuring words while trying something this complicated.

Thank you damnitpud.
I have been following the forums very closely since October. I have even followed your posts and tutorials. I am just trying to ride the wave crest and not fall in, because getting out is a *****. I have had to not only pick up the 'ol writing computer

Read through my post here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=3339701&postcount=6
It tells you how to edit the update.zip without extracting anything but the drawables folder. After a lot of time and effort I have streamlined the process as much as possible so maybe you can pick up a few tricks with that walkthrough. And I use gimp, I dont mess wtih compression or saving file for web. I take big images, save them as a png, resize them to 48x48 using the XP power toys resizing tool and drag-and-drop them into my update.zip. I dont know what is happening but everyone keeps thinking its way harder than it really is.
Then when I swap themes from ADP to RC33 or vice versa I open up my theme in 7zip and a blank theme in the version I want to convert too. I got to each apk and drag-and-drop the drawables folder straight into the other update.zip replacing the existing drawables folder. If you do it my way you can convert a theme in minutes or if you have all the artwork you can turn it into a theme in about 15-20 mins TOPS.
My biggest suggestion is to experiment with trial and error, use your nandroid backup and make mistakes, its the best way to learn and there is nothing that compares to hands on experience, that way you know what works and you can tell people from experience instead of hearsay.

7Zip is the best tip you gave B, I tried using WinRar but it wasnt as user friendly for this stuff. Especially as 7Zip saves as you swap and move up the file tree.

I am using your tutorial B.
I don't have photoshop, so I am using Paintshop pro PhotoX2 which works fine for me.
I was using 7zip, but I am used to using Winzip. I am currently using Winzip12 so thats serving my needs nicely.
What I was referring too isn't so much difficult in moving files around, it is more or less knowing WHICH files you can mess with. I have seen posted that don't mess with .9.png files at them moment as that can cause problems. I also do not know what size a theme is aloud to be in the update.zip. I also wanted to know If i have to include ever single file or if it is just neccessary to do just the things you want to change.
It isn't hard to actually do the file changing and such, the "HARD" part is more Time consuming then hard, and thats the artwork required to actually change the look of the component.
More questions will pop-up I am sure, but I am in the Trial and Error Stage right now.
Another question if anyone reads this, Where is the Clock Widget located? I see that every theme maker edits this, and lets be honest, If you use this widget, it is the center focal point of every theme. Just changing this gives the whole desktop another feel.

Brutal-Force said:
...Where is the Clock Widget located? I see that every theme maker edits this, and lets be honest, If you use this widget, it is the center focal point of every theme. Just changing this gives the whole desktop another feel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's in the Launcher.apk.

All your questions are in the tutorials, if you drag the drawable folder onto your desktop you can see the pics when you doubleclick the folder.
Just my thought,
The clock is something that most people change, but I dont use the clock, that is why the time is in the corner constantly. I feel the clock just eats up space on my desktop. Of course I like it with as few icons as possible.

Thanx for the replies.
I had also found the clock in the Launcher.apk file, but for some reason, when I try and edit it and put it back into the folder it causes my phone stop at the boot screen. I just wanted to make sure I was trying to edit the right file.
I somehow expected it to be in a completely different place.
Yes a lot of my questions may seem to be repeats, but I had initially started this thread as just a Eureka thread. But as long as people who are in the know are reading it, I am glad to ask questions. Sometimes the Main threads and stickies are 150 pages deep and after not reading them for two days you kind of get behind.

well if we are asking questions....then can someone help me
when I go to update my phone with the update zip i get
E:Wrong digest
system/app/Launcher.apk
E:Verification failed
and yes I am new at this...

Have you rooted with RC29 yet?
Looks like what happens before you root.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=442480
Read this first.

I had the exact same "wohoo" feeling when I made my first theme mod and it was a success.

[Q] Can someone port this?

Hi.
I hope it is the right place to post this.
I was hoping someone could port this theme:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=574139
For the Desire or make a theme copying the style. Mostly opendesire or Defrost.
I really like the Buuf style as I use it in ubuntu and ADW launcher. But I lack the skills and the knowledge to make a theme or port it.
(I don't know which image files does what...)
Thanks in advance. And I hope you can help me.
-Simon

No one. no
Well if someone could atleast point to a tutorial on what which picture file does what I guess I will see if I can do it myself. (And maybe a little on how it works. I have ubuntu.)

Hi
Unfortunatley you aren't going to get much advise on this here, I too like a theme but it is not for my phone it's for T-Mobile Pulse.
I too wanted my theme ported as I do not have the skills, I'm fine with photoshop but its knowing which images and xml code need changing. Also photoshop PSD template would be great.
But I guess there are no tutorial or anyone willing to create one. I'm doing my own research but haven't yet found anything useful. i'll let you know if I get anywhere.
Good Luck mate but I think we are on our own with this one

Thanks for answering. And think you are right about the "on our own" part. I guess I'll have to find a tutorial on which files to edit and then make my own theme. If you find anything. Could you please give me a PM?
Sent from something using the internet.

Just thought I'd let you know that I managed to port the theme I wanted, not too bad but is not perfect stills some issues.
Shame there are no PSD templates. please see thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=7730046#post7730046

The problem is that theme is ugly and childlike no offence but it is.
This puts people off porting themes as there will be only one or two people that will actually like it and use it. What rom are you currently using? I may have a go at porting it tomorrow when i have some spare time. Not sure how much of it i would be able to do. I'm new to all this stuff too!

Lol.
I know It's childish. But so am I
I am shifting between defrost 2.9a, opendesire 3.3.0 and cyanogenmod rc2.
So if you have time, you can deside.

[Q] Change dialer icons

Ok, so I searched that exact search string and did not see anything like it so here is my question....
I am using Zone23's EVO-Zone Riptide Rom. I love the ROM and the theme has everything I like except for the little Android guy. I like the blue, but as much as I dislike Apple as well I can do without the little crossed out apple on Andy's chest. I modified photoshopped it and it came out just fine. I thought maybe that was the same one used in the list of contacts too but when I list my contacts, you can see the small Andy with the crossed out apple on his chest in the list. I am looking for what apk file find that little icon. I have tried the following apks and did not see it. I am hoping someone may know:
phone.apk
htcdialer
contacts provider
htccontacts
phone
I did find the large one in: Phone.apk\res\drawable-hdpi\phone_default.png
I have attached the examples of what I did thus far and the one icon I am trying to change.
Thanks in advance for any help!

I changed the avatars all at once....so I'm not sure what is what, but there are 2 more in
system\framework\com.htc.resources\res\drawable-hdpi

bluebeast213 said:
I changed the avatars all at once....so I'm not sure what is what, but there are 2 more in
system\framework\com.htc.resources\res\drawable-hdpi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, that did it. Never would have thought to look there. Lots of good things to change in that folder. Thanks for the help!

No problem, man.

htc clock widget

ok so im trying to figure out how to edit the htc clock widget to open a different clock like desk clock. can this be done?

def's uncommon rom is the only one that i know of that does it. good luck getting him to tell you how. def is one of my favorite dev, i'm not calling him out. all the dev keep there findings to them selves really.
question... how come people don't share there tweeks and hacks anymore?
i remember full threads on reg edits, tweeks, and hacks, that people would share with the world. I actually had threads where i would take requests, and cab them up for people to be able to install easily.
big difference between the WM day to the current droid days.
cody

^be very nice if this were the case. As fully customisable, unique rom, suited to your needs.
Sent from my Droid Incredible using XDA App

i sent a pm to the owner of the rom and i am awaiting a reply back. im not trying to take credit for something i just dont want to have to run beautiful widgets when i spent all the time on making custom flip clocks.

codyppc said:
def's uncommon rom is the only one that i know of that does it. good luck getting him to tell you how. def is one of my favorite dev, i'm not calling him out. all the dev keep there findings to them selves really.
question... how come people don't share there tweeks and hacks anymore?
i remember full threads on reg edits, tweeks, and hacks, that people would share with the world. I actually had threads where i would take requests, and cab them up for people to be able to install easily.
big difference between the WM day to the current droid days.
cody
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is a very ****-headed thing to say. I am MORE than willing to help anyone out with reproducing ANY of my mods. I keep nothing secret, and I literally JUST replied to the OP's PM, just before reading your completely asinine comment. My PM box is FULL of questions AND answers with guidance on duplicating mods. Truth be told, I do not POST these modifications and how-to in their own threads for one reason only. I do not have the time to support them.

ok so i can find where the activity is and change it but when i push to the phone nothing changes...

deficitism said:
That is a very ****-headed thing to say. I am MORE than willing to help anyone out with reproducing ANY of my mods. I keep nothing secret, and I literally JUST replied to the OP's PM, just before reading your completely asinine comment. My PM box is FULL of questions AND answers with guidance on duplicating mods. Truth be told, I do not POST these modifications and how-to in their own threads for one reason only. I do not have the time to support them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Def, I was not trying to be a **** head and don't see that my post directed anything negative towards you. I was iust stating that a few years ago, members in the Windows mobile forums shared everything. Infact, there were http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/windows-mobile-hacks-tweaks/ forums just for regedits and hacks. I don't find that on the 2010 Android forums.
I didnt mention the guy who posted a zip file that was able to put the 6 bar signal meter in the task bar. He clearly stated that he pulled it out of your Rom. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=8758884&postcount=22 Then your reply saying something about you not liking what he did. To me that said the Android developers didn't want the secret out of the bag. It's not just you. I have ran quite a few roms and really liked certain parts, but didn't keep it for the fact that I didn't like other parts. I have searched for ways to get just the good hacks and tweeks, but there just not there.
For the record..... I am sorry Def. I was not saying that your bad for not posting everything you do. I was just trying to say that there's a good chance he will not get the information he seeks. That's just the way Android forums are going these days.
here is a couple thing i would like to add to my roms, but cant find information on them. correct me if i'm wrong, but people just dont share this stuff.
1. 6 bar signal
2. htc clock widget launching vanilla clock
3. app drawer 5 icons wide,
4. battery percentage in battery icon
yes, def's roms have all of these. that is why i run his rom. at least until he bans me from his roms due to this thread.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App

codyppc said:
Def, I was not trying to be a **** head and don't see that my post directed anything negative towards you. I was iust stating that a few years ago, members in the Windows mobile forums shared everything. Infact, there were forums just for regedits and hacks. I don't find that on the 2010 Android forums.
I didnt mention the guy who posted a zip file that was able to put the 6 bar signal meter in the task bar. He clearly stated that he pulled it out of your Rom. Then your reply saying something about you not liking what he did. To me that said the Android developers didn't want the secret out of the bag. It's not just you. I have ran quite a few roms and really liked certain parts, but didn't keep it for the fact that I didn't like other parts. I have searched for ways to get just the good hacks and tweeks, but there just not there.
For the record..... I am sorry Def. I was not saying that your bad for not posting everything you do. I was just trying to say that there's a good chance he will not get the information he seeks. That's just the way Android forums are going these days.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I would like to say he got me started and I found where the attribute is for opening world clock and I have changed it to deskclock but I think I'm doing something wrong with the apk tool because when I push it to the phone and launch it still opens world clock but in the files its self it says deskclock. I wish I knew more about the Android language but sadly I don't and I'm going to keep trying.

synisterwolf said:
Well I would like to say he got me started and I found where the attribute is for opening world clock and I have changed it to deskclock but I think I'm doing something wrong with the apk tool because when I push it to the phone and launch it still opens world clock but in the files its self it says deskclock. I wish I knew more about the Android language but sadly I don't and I'm going to keep trying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am am really glad to see people like def who is trying to help others instead of just posting there roms.
I am 38 years old, married with 4 kids. i have been on the forums for a long time and know what and how they work. i was not trying to start anything, i love helping people and learning. that is why i like the forums.
i have made 2 apps for windows mobile and never thought of charging for them. one of the apps had over 20,000 downloads. my favorite thing to do was help people learn to make there own.
back on topic....
i would really like to have a zip to flash this htc clock mod. it is one of my favorite parts of def's uncommon rom. i dont have the time anymore to learn a lot of coding. at least i don't think so. kind of new to android so i dont know if it's easy or not. flashing zip files is easy. lol.

^ That would be pretty sweet! Wish everything was easy as flashing a zip.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App

KGBxxx said:
^ That would be pretty sweet! Wish everything was easy as flashing a zip.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i use to cab up rededits for easy installs. i dont know if you know what red edits are or not, but many people wouldnt do them because they were tough. cab files were just like apk for android. zip files are just as easy really. maybe someday.
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/windows-m...e-regedits-get-em-here-requests-welcomed.html