Related
Background
Samsung has released a few 2.2.1 for the europe region, while those in the Asia / Middle East regions are still having 2.2 roms, and no sign of whether Samsung is going to release it, if any at all.
I took the liberty to try having additional locale in the rom (not the MoreLocale or others available in the market) and manage to get it done.
I have tried it with the South East Asia rom, with languages available in thai, viet, simplified chinese, malay and indonesian.
Disclaimer
I'm not sure if it will work with other regions such as China and Hong Kong (ZS series), or Middle East (JP series), but those who have time to spare, and want to have an authentic 2.2.1 rom, can always try.
Also, even when it can be done, I'm pretty certain it is not a 100% fit, but would dare say in the region of about 95%.
Also, it would be a long and tedious process as each system app will be needed to decompile.
Tools Needed
Apk Manager 4.9 (courtesy of Daneshm90)
7zip compression utility
2.2.1 Rom (latest is WXJS5) which I have used
2.2 Rom (other regional rom) which in this case is DXJPE for my case
Instructions
1. Create separate directories for both roms and install / unzip the apk manager in each respective directories.
2. Copy the system apps (including framework-res.apk and twframework-res.apk) for each rom to the respective folders (place-apk-here-for-modding).
3. Decompile all the system apps for each rom.
4. Navigate to the projects folder and select the apps you want to start with (probably a good idea to start with framework-res.apk)
5. Go to the res folders and in it you will find all the values folders as well. Example:
- values-en-rGB folder
- values-en-rUS folder
- values-ko folder
- values-ko-rKR folder
6. Go to your 2.2 rom folder and do the same and you will notice that these are different from the 2.2.1 folder.
7. Copy those different values-xxxxxx folders to the 2.2.1 rom res directory.
8. Recompile the apk and in the process, select yes to keep all the info intact, and apk manager will generate a keep folder.
9. Delete the resources.arsc from this keep folder and proceed to complete the compilation.
10. You will now have the unsignedframework-res.apk in your place-your-apk-here-for-modding folder.
11. Open up this apk with 7zip and you will see the resources.arsc file which is compressed.
12. Drag this file out and close the 7zip program
13. Next, right click the resources.arsc and select Add to archive from the 7zip option.
14. Make sure your option is to store (not compressed) and click on the ... icon to select the file, in this case is the unsignedframework-res.apk. This method of doing is to ensure that your resources.arsc is changed from compressed format to store format (no compression).
15. That is your first change in adding locale.
16. Repeat the above steps for the rest of the apps (I know it is tedious but the experience is well worth it).
17. Create an update zip to store these modded files (make sure you delete the prefix unsigned from the apps).
18. Like everyone says, ALWAYS do a backup of your current rom.
Disadvantages
Your apps will definitely be bigger in size and hence occupy more space.
Advantages
This is as near as you get with your region on a 2.2.1
This can be done with any stock or customized rom.
I hope the above guide will be useful for those who has time to spare, and who is willing to try it.
Please let me know if this works for other regions as well.
Any questions, please ask.
Edit:
Download is available here for those who wants locale of the SEA region. Consist of some apps that were modded.
The attached image showed the comparison of the 2 framework-res.apk.
On the left is the 2.2 rom (DXJPE), with the values-in, values-id-rID (Malay and Indonesian), and the values-mcc204-zh-rCN as the chinese as well.
On the right is the 2.2.1 rom (WXJS5), with the values having the European languages as well.
What you need to do is find those files unique in the left side and copy these to the right side.
Recompile and that's it.
The second image showed the language (in this case simplified chinese) after i selected chinese as the locale after modding the Settings.apk as described above.
thanks its quiet useful, many of friends were looking for such a thing,
I'm also running middle east rom (jpg) which I like to try 2.2.1 with support of persian language. it should be possible by your tutorial.
I have one question:
17. Create an update zip to store these modded files (make sure you delete the prefix unsigned from the apps).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so you mean it is not necessary to sign the apk? just rename back to original?
taha_e said:
thanks its quiet useful, many of friends were looking for such a thing,
I'm also running middle east rom (jpg) which I like to try 2.2.1 with support of persian language. it should be possible by your tutorial.
I have one question:
so you mean it is not necessary to sign the apk? just rename back to original?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no need to sign system app. Just rename will suffice.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Useful guide. I've been meaning to do this for a while but I didnt know how.
For step11, what .apk do we open? unsignedframework-res.apk? When I open this file, theres no resources.arsc...
and step12, what do you mean by "drag this file out"?
apparition said:
Useful guide. I've been meaning to do this for a while but I didnt know how.
For step11, what .apk do we open? unsignedframework-res.apk? When I open this file, theres no resources.arsc...
and step12, what do you mean by "drag this file out"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Step 11, yes the unsignedframework-res.apk. It can't be that there is no resources.arsc. Did you encounter errors during decompiling? Use 7zip to open the framework-res.apk and see if you have resources.arsc.
I meant extract the resources.arsc.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Also, I recommend to decompile Settings.apk as the 3rd one. This is where the ui is.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
g00ndu said:
Step 11, yes the unsignedframework-res.apk. It can't be that there is no resources.arsc. Did you encounter errors during decompiling? Use 7zip to open the framework-res.apk and see if you have resources.arsc.
I meant extract the resources.arsc.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, maybe that's it; I'm getting errors. Do I have to (10) decompile with dependencies? then use the twframework from my ROM?
apparition said:
Oh, maybe that's it; I'm getting errors. Do I have to (10) decompile with dependencies? then use the twframework from my ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your framework-res.apk must be a modded one. There is no dependencies for the framework-res.apk. Settings.apk need the twframework-res.apk as the dependency. Let me guess, you are on Darkyy's rom?
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Yeah definitely modded. FireFly ROM (for SGS Captivate i896).
But thanks. Excellent guide.
apparition said:
Yeah definitely modded. FireFly ROM (for SGS Captivate i896).
But thanks. Excellent guide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The rom chef may have not done the moding cleanly, and hence decompiling will always end up with the errors. Perhaps you can try to see what the log of apk manager says, and solve it from there.
Thanks, I will now add chinese, arabic and hebrew to ultimate rom.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
webstar1 said:
Thanks, I will now add chinese, arabic and hebrew to ultimate rom.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope that it will work with hebrew and, especially the right to left sentences. Let me know if it works.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
I have tried some files for jpg rom which is persian/arabic these languages are right to left. unfortunately this method did not work. I mod browser.apk but the characters are shown seperate and also left to right. anyone knows how to mod for RTL or which apk is related to rtl?
I think RTL should be mod in .so files as i know
taha_e said:
I have tried some files for jpg rom which is persian/arabic these languages are right to left. unfortunately this method did not work. I mod browser.apk but the characters are shown seperate and also left to right. anyone knows how to mod for RTL or which apk is related to rtl?
I think RTL should be mod in .so files as i know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try Darkyy's patch on hebrew / arabic? It's on the first post of his "Incredible" rom. Download those files and installed them and check again?
Hope this helps.
Edit: I guess maybe not, there must be something in the framework.jar that supports rtl language support for jp series. if you have the time, maybe do a baksmali for framework.jar for these 2 roms?
g00ndu said:
Did you try Darkyy's patch on hebrew / arabic? It's on the first post of his "Incredible" rom. Download those files and installed them and check again?
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im on stock rom js5 I think that patch will not work for it. can i use it for stock?
This is an awesome guide! I've always wanted chinese locale on Darkys rom. Gonna try this when I get home. Thanks for your hard work goondu.
taha_e said:
Im on stock rom js5 I think that patch will not work for it. can i use it for stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Darkyy's rom is also based on js5, and in that case you can always try. But always do a backup first before any attempts to try.
I wish you luck!
Edit: I downloaded it once, and found the following:
/system/app - AxT9IME.apk and Swype.apk (presumably arabic based)
/system/fonts - 11 fonts with names of hebrew and arabic on them
/system/framework - framework.jar (this one not sure what is modded, maybe ask Darkyy?)
/system/lib - 5 .so files
/system/etc - apns-conf.xml (which is not related to this)
Go try it.
psychedelic'd said:
This is an awesome guide! I've always wanted chinese locale on Darkys rom. Gonna try this when I get home. Thanks for your hard work goondu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are most welcome.
Point to note: there are some apps that do not have any other region locale, for example, SecDownloadProvider.apk and DownloadProvider.apk. You need to go through one app at a time. I made a mistake.
Having said that, if you are adventurous, you can even create your own for these 2 apks in chinese.
:O
Any ways to just replace files using root explorer to add chinese language to my rom?
All these steps are beyond my skills and knowledge.
I want to remove pre-installed apps I don't need/want on my phone.
And I want to know if there is a way to see what apks another apk needs to run.
and if there is a way to find what apk file an app in my app list is.
And another thing. if I deodex stuff, is it only /system/app and /system/framework I need to deodex? or is there any apk's in other places too?
Febernacke said:
And I want to know if there is a way to see what apks another apk needs to run.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem here is that an apk is usually a standalone package but the app may call other apps during runtime, so hard to know what's going on during runtime..
Febernacke said:
and if there is a way to find what apk file an app in my app list is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just use Super Manager and launch APK Manager; you'll have a list showing the installed apps, click on one of them, you'll get a lot of info including apk name and package name
Febernacke said:
And another thing. if I deodex stuff, is it only /system/app and /system/framework I need to deodex? or is there any apk's in other places too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you need to deodex system apps and framework stuff, nothing else.
Hi people,
we all know that since ICS the Facebook app can't sync anymore with Android because Google disabled that feature, and wants Facebook to alter it's app in order to get the sync working again.
Facebook doesn't seem to be working very hard on that, and i really like my FB contacts being synced. So i read a few things on the web, and i saw this: http://android.modaco.com/topic/350037-enabling-facebook-sync-in-ice-cream-sandwich/. That seemed very interesting, but it still worked with some ugly init.d scripts, and his scripts can't be downloaded as Filesonic keeps deleting those files (and he didn't post the source).
But the first step he explained seemed helpful, and a poster who commented on his post gave a solution to get the sync working with only editing the ContactsProvider.apk: http://android.modaco.com/topic/350...-cream-sandwich/page__p__1873845#entry1873845.
So i tried it out. Took my contactsprovider.apk from OneCosmic's ICS (RC 2.11), and decompiled it with the latest apktool. I altered the files as explained in the posts, and tried to recompile.
But that's where i got stuck. It didn't recompile. I can't get it working. Tried different versions of apktool, loaded framework-res.apk, but it keeps giving errors. It really is a bummer, i wanted to try it out and see if i could get the sync working again.
Does anybody have a clue how i can recompile my files again, or does anybody have another solution? Thanks in advance!
I did manage to add arrays.xml file into resources, and patch that smali file (but the spot was @ line 9319!?).
Here's the apk:
http://www.multiupload.com/EJXMTI2G3W
I haven't signed it, cause I don't know if it's needed for system APKs.
Try it, and sign it yourself if needed.
I used apktool to add arrays.xml into resources and baksmali/smali for smali.
And as always I picked the new files (resources.arsc and classes.dex) and replaced them manually into a copy of the original apk.
Hope it helps.
edit: Ahh, forgot to mention.
I took ContactsProvider.apk from Onecosmics 2.1 build but I guess they're the same!
Not running ICS, not using FB sync, so not tested at all.
theos0o said:
I did manage to add arrays.xml file into resources, and patch that smali file (but the spot was @ line 9319!?).
Here's the apk:
http://www.multiupload.com/EJXMTI2G3W
I haven't signed it, cause I don't know if it's needed for system APKs.
Try it, and sign it yourself if needed.
I used apktool to add arrays.xml into resources and baksmali/smali for smali.
And as always I picked the new files (resources.arsc and classes.dex) and replaced them manually into a copy of the original apk.
Hope it helps.
edit: Ahh, forgot to mention.
I took ContactsProvider.apk from Onecosmics 2.1 build but I guess they're the same!
Not running ICS, not using FB sync, so not tested at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
replaced ContactsProvider.apk on my Captivate running CM9 b12, i get force closes -_-
jerkysh said:
replaced ContactsProvider.apk on my Captivate running CM9 b12, i get force closes -_-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not my problem if u can't read!
theos0o said:
I did manage to add arrays.xml file into resources, and patch that smali file (but the spot was @ line 9319!?).
Here's the apk:
http://www.multiupload.com/EJXMTI2G3W
I haven't signed it, cause I don't know if it's needed for system APKs.
Try it, and sign it yourself if needed.
I used apktool to add arrays.xml into resources and baksmali/smali for smali.
And as always I picked the new files (resources.arsc and classes.dex) and replaced them manually into a copy of the original apk.
Hope it helps.
edit: Ahh, forgot to mention.
I took ContactsProvider.apk from Onecosmics 2.1 build but I guess they're the same!
Not running ICS, not using FB sync, so not tested at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx for trying man, but it gives me force closes on de FB app and the Contacts app. Hmm.. Not really shure what to do now :')
dherre65 said:
Thx for trying man, but it gives me force closes on de FB app and the Contacts app. Hmm.. Not really shure what to do now :')
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you sign it?
theos0o said:
Did you sign it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I opened the apk with winrar and put the contents into the original file. That should work?
dherre65 said:
I opened the apk with winrar and put the contents into the original file. That should work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Errr, no!?
First, you should try the APK I uploaded before, *UNTOUCHED*.
If that doesn't work, try this one which is signed.
Do not modify/touch/change any of them!
theos0o said:
Errr, no!?
First, you should try the APK I uploaded before, *UNTOUCHED*.
If that doesn't work, try this one which is signed.
Do not modify/touch/change any of them!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, tried your unsigned and signed apk's, still fc on me... Contact app & fb app.
dherre65 said:
Okay, tried your unsigned and signed apk's, still fc on me... Contact app & fb app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, ok.
I don't know, just followed the instructions!
I would like to add some emoticons into whatsapp
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RodneyNL said:
I would like to add some emoticons into whatsapp
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You probably wont be able to add any, you can change the current ones by editing the apk, signing it then installing it. Once you open up the apk (with 7zip, winrar etc.) look inside the drawable-hdpi folder. Thats probably where the emoticons are kept.
I can help if you need.
You might want to check out these custom whatsapp's by yorzua :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1543631
Thanks for your reply om gonna try it out i'll let you know of i need your help (probably i will need it xD)
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Adding icons to whatsapp
Hey Guys has anyone tried adding new icons into the default whatsapp?
Or do the modded versions allow adding additional GIF'S to be added to the instant messenger?
Thanks
yes i have tried it, but it's useless since the recipient of the emoticon should have the "moded" version too, so that he could see the emoticon
Just wanted to add that Ive noticed the Iphone has new icons and I can view them on my phone which dont have those icons :/
esk02k said:
You probably wont be able to add any, you can change the current ones by editing the apk, signing it then installing it. Once you open up the apk (with 7zip, winrar etc.) look inside the drawable-hdpi folder. Thats probably where the emoticons are kept.
I can help if you need.
You might want to check out these custom whatsapp's by yorzua :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1543631
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used 'Formatter' to rename (whatsapp) .apk file into .zip did required changes (replaced one .png smiley file) & again renamed it into .apk
But then, I'm not able to install it (even after uninstalling previous version). An error saying 'Application not installed' shows.
How can I modify .apk files (in terms of replacing only the smiley image files) & repack it into proper .apk file so that I'll be able to install it without any error?
Please help me..
thanks
yogz214 said:
I used 'Formatter' to rename (whatsapp) .apk file into .zip did required changes (replaced one .png smiley file) & again renamed it into .apk
But then, I'm not able to install it (even after uninstalling previous version). An error saying 'Application not installed' shows.
How can I modify .apk files (in terms of replacing only the smiley image files) & repack it into proper .apk file so that I'll be able to install it without any error?
Please help me..
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i also want a new smiley, for example a puking smiley
After modifying the apk i think you should resign it to be able to install it
Check zipsigner from the play store
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fmardini said:
After modifying the apk i think you should resign it to be able to install it
Check zipsigner from the play store
Sent from my GT-I9100G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so i have to download the whatsapp.apk, unrar it, change the icons in it, and resign it?
Were are the folder?
I am getting a "parsing" error by installing whatsapp
jonny.pl said:
i also want a new smiley, for example a puking smiley
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is exactly what I am trying to do here.
I was looking for the same & found these.
http://www.techgyd.com/whatsapp-stickers-free-android-iphone/12739/
Good idea, but not practical
In order to install an apk, it must be properly signed and with a password that only the developers know. If you own the app though, you will still need to to decompile and recreate the apk structure by turning the directories of the zip into an android structure, since the compiling will change pretty much everything.
Worst part of it all, if you somehow manage to change and install the app, only you will be able to see it since only the apk installed on your phone has those custom emoticons.
Cheers :good:
how do I put emoticons on viber /whatsapp for sell
Just get your friends to use wechat, has all the emos in the world. Whatsapp is crap
Hi,
MMS package ideally has the package name of "com.android.mms". I was able to modify and successfully use the package name as "com.android.sms" and use it as a second app in the phone.
However, some apk does not allow this change and any package name other than "com.android.mms" does not allow to be installed (though signed) and reports only "app not installed".
Does anyone have a clue about this protection? Has anyone been able to figure this out?
Thanks in advance.
josephpatrick said:
Hi,
MMS package ideally has the package name of "com.android.mms". I was able to modify and successfully use the package name as "com.android.sms" and use it as a second app in the phone.
However, some apk does not allow this change and any package name other than "com.android.mms" does not allow to be installed (though signed) and reports only "app not installed".
Does anyone have a clue about this protection? Has anyone been able to figure this out?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
For this
First you Should disable signature Checker from service.jar
See this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2198834
After that you Should decompile "secmms.apk"
Then you should drag and drop all secmms.apk folder from project folder in your apktools to not pad and change package to other be Sure in smali file package called "com/android/..."
and in xml file called "com.android....."
Finally compile it and Do sign because you had changed androidmanifest.xml
Goodluck
Armin.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Biftor said:
Hi
For this
First you Should disable signature Checker from service.jar
See this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2198834
After that you Should decompile "secmms.apk"
Then you should drag and drop all secmms.apk folder from project folder in your apktools to not pad and change package to other be Sure in smali file package called "com/android/..."
and in xml file called "com.android....."
Finally compile it and Do sign because you had changed androidmanifest.xml
Goodluck
Armin.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the steps, it makes sense to disable signature check. however, had a small doubt though. if few other secmms.apk allow changing of the name and some not, is it not something within the apk itself that is accepting the change. For e.g. i didnt have to patch service.jar to get one particular apk to work after renaming. Your thoughts please.
josephpatrick said:
Thank you for the steps, it makes sense to disable signature check. however, had a small doubt though. if few other secmms.apk allow changing of the name and some not, is it not something within the apk itself that is accepting the change. For e.g. i didnt have to patch service.jar to get one particular apk to work after renaming. Your thoughts please.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After you change "androidmanifest.xml"you Should sign that apk
For this you need disable signature checker in services.jar
Goodluck
Armin.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Biftor said:
After you change "androidmanifest.xml"you Should sign that apk
For this you need disable signature checker in services.jar
Goodluck
Armin.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This still does not explain the problem wherein some mms.apk allows renaming the package name and allowing re-compiling and signing. However, few others do not allow any change to the package name, the re-compiling works, signing works but the app does not install
Please note that i was successfully able to change the name of 1 of the mms. apk and it installs as a separate app. however, there are a couple of others which does not work in this fashion. This is weird, seems to be some sort of locking mechanism within the apk. The fact that it works fine for the one modded mms.apk confirms that i dont need to make changes to signature checker. There is something else preventing the package name change
josephpatrick said:
This still does not explain the problem wherein some mms.apk allows renaming the package name and allowing re-compiling and signing. However, few others do not allow any change to the package name, the re-compiling works, signing works but the app does not install
Please note that i was successfully able to change the name of 1 of the mms. apk and it installs as a separate app. however, there are a couple of others which does not work in this fashion. This is weird, seems to be some sort of locking mechanism within the apk. The fact that it works fine for the one modded mms.apk confirms that i dont need to make changes to signature checker. There is something else preventing the package name change
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you ok????
I said many times you should/must disabled signature checker....because secmms.apk is system app and system app after sign not work until change service.jar...
Anyway maybe you know better than me...
Goodluck
Armin.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Biftor said:
Are you ok????
I said many times you should/must disabled signature checker....because secmms.apk is system app and system app after sign not work until change service.jar...
Anyway maybe you know better than me...
Goodluck
Armin.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess there is a communication gap, guess my request is not clear, I will figure this out on my own, thanks.