Disabling Assistant - Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers

Is it possible to ditch the assistant and go back to the home button bringing up Google search? Sure, the Assistant thing is neat. I just don't have an use for it.

Hey there! Just had this problem myself (ironically enough, using a 6P with a "pixel" rom).
Since you're using a Pixel, steps should be easy. Note that this DOES require root, and I believe it will also trip Android's SafetyNet (that means no Android pay):
1. Install: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jrummy.apps.build.prop.editor&hl=en
2. Search for 'eligible'. The full entry you should see listed is 'ro.opa.eligible_device'
3. Change it from 'true' to 'false'
4. Reboot!

Related

Viper4Android without root possible?

I was able to eq/tune the bluetooth audio in my car perfectly using V4A on my last bunch of LG phones that were rooted. I just bought the Pixel 2 XL from Verizon knowing that the bootloader had been locked (WTF Google, why do you allow carriers to do that? - isn't the whole idea of Google phones that they are unadulterated Android?) because it appeared to be the best phone for my other music endeavors (Audio Evolution Mobile multi-track recording).
I saw some mention that it will run if SELinux is in permissive mode. Is there a way to do that manually after each reboot and then enable V4A?
Thanks
dsteinschneider said:
I was able to eq/tune the bluetooth audio in my car perfectly using V4A on my last bunch of LG phones that were rooted. I just bought the Pixel 2 XL from Verizon knowing that the bootloader had been locked (WTF Google, why do you allow carriers to do that? - isn't the whole idea of Google phones that they are unadulterated Android?) because it appeared to be the best phone for my other music endeavors (Audio Evolution Mobile multi-track recording).
I saw some mention that it will run if SELinux is in permissive mode. Is there a way to do that manually after each reboot and then enable V4A?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The short answer is no. I know you can change selinux with adb, however, V4A needs root to function properly. I definitely agree with you though on the Verizon/Google thing. I'm a Big Red user as well, but haven't purchased a device directly from them in 4 years for the reason you stated. And, unfortunately, it'll likely only get worse! ?
dsteinschneider said:
WTF Google, why do you allow carriers to do that [lock the bootloader]? - isn't the whole idea of Google phones that they are unadulterated Android?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to touch on this, the bootloader has nothing to do with Android itself. The P2XL is still "unadulterated" Android. The Verizon units have the locked bootloader because that was the price Google had to pay in order to get the phone in the Verizon store. AT&T wouldn't have been much better, and the other two carriers aren't large enough to think about.
This "unadulterated" complaint isn't new. The Nexus 6 encountered this in 2014, because models sold in the AT&T store were carrier locked, though the bootloader was unlockable.
Badger50 said:
The short answer is no. I know you can change selinux with adb, however, V4A needs root to function properly. I definitely agree with you though on the Verizon/Google thing. I'm a Big Red user as well, but haven't purchased a device directly from them in 4 years for the reason you stated. And, unfortunately, it'll likely only get worse!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, good tip on buying from Google next time. I bought this one from Verizon because they knocked $300 off the price and there are 3 other Android users in the family I can pass this one to.
The Pixel 2 XL sound over bluetooth to my car's Pioneer DEH-80PRS is quite good. The highs are clear without harshness, the frequency response is flat. I'm also getting plenty of gain using the supplied dongle with Shure e5c IEM's.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
Just to touch on this, the bootloader has nothing to do with Android itself. The P2XL is still "unadulterated" Android. The Verizon units have the locked bootloader because that was the price Google had to pay in order to get the phone in the Verizon store. AT&T wouldn't have been much better, and the other two carriers aren't large enough to think about.
This "unadulterated" complaint isn't new. The Nexus 6 encountered this in 2014, because models sold in the AT&T store were carrier locked, though the bootloader was unlockable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As a long suffering Samsung and LG bloatware eradicator I'm grateful that I was able to eliminate the 3 or 4 VZW additions in a few minutes. No NFL running in the background - reminds me of the Simpsons episode where Bart claims he is being controlled by MLB until their satellite crashes in the backyard
I use Nova Launcher (although the launcher that came with the Pixel 2 XL seemed OK) so I'm able to tweak the behavior mostly how I want it. I originally started flashing ROMs to get around VZW restrictions placed on the phones. Especially for GPS when I was on Windows phones.
ViPER4Android
You can run Viper4Android without root. However, you need a rooted device to install it.
To install Viper4Android, follow these steps;
1. Download Busybox on your android device.
2. After downloading install Busybox. It will ask permission for root, simply grant the permission. Busybox will be installed on your device.
3. Now, Download ViPER4Android and then (more)
dsteinschneider said:
As a long suffering Samsung and LG bloatware eradicator I'm grateful that I was able to eliminate the 3 or 4 VZW additions in a few minutes....
I use Nova Launcher (although the launcher that came with the Pixel 2 XL seemed OK) so I'm able to tweak the behavior mostly how I want it....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Having an unlocked model I genuinely forget that Verizon models install a few apps. The good news is that, as you found out, they're removable.
The P2XL is the first device I own to not have a custom ROM on it, though it is rooted. I, like virtually everyone else who has been here for years, would root Android to add features that were missing. Android 8.1 was the first version of Android to have sufficient features to make a custom ROM unnecessary. There are things I would like to see in a stock ROM such as a reboot menu with the option to reboot into recovery or the bootloader, but those are minor things which apps can compensate for. Like you, I use Nova, not just for its customization features but also because I disable the stock launcher in order to remove the horizontal recents screen.
AbdulMajid11 said:
You can run Viper4Android without root. However, you need a rooted device to install it.
To install Viper4Android, follow these steps;
1. Download Busybox on your android device.
2. After downloading install Busybox. It will ask permission for root, simply grant the permission. Busybox will be installed on your device.
3. Now, Download ViPER4Android and then (more)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Abdul,
I'm looking for clarification. Do the above instructions mean that just by installing Busybox on my VZW Pixel 2 XL which I believe to be "unrootable" that it will temporarily be rooted?
Thanks
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
Having an unlocked model I genuinely forget that Verizon models install a few apps. The good news is that, as you found out, they're removable.
The P2XL is the first device I own to not have a custom ROM on it, though it is rooted. I, like virtually everyone else who has been here for years, would root Android to add features that were missing. Android 8.1 was the first version of Android to have sufficient features to make a custom ROM unnecessary. There are things I would like to see in a stock ROM such as a reboot menu with the option to reboot into recovery or the bootloader, but those are minor things which apps can compensate for. Like you, I use Nova, not just for its customization features but also because I disable the stock launcher in order to remove the horizontal recents screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. It would be great to be able to root my VZW Pixel 2 XL for things like being able to access the Google Play Music playlist database directly (to backup) but other than small things like that I'm very satisfied with Android 8.1.
bunu dene harika bir uygulama https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jazibkhan.equalizer
bunu da dene https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pittvandewitt.wavelet
Mod Edit: English Translation Below
try this great app https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jazibkhan.equalizer
try this too https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pittvandewitt.wavelet

S10 Customization Guide v2 [No Root]

This guide was designed for S10 series, but the majority of the Guide of course is applicable to all android Pie devices as if based on apks and adb debugging, you shall test at your own desire. For adb debugging to be enabled, go to: About Phone > built number > tap until you unlock "developers option" go back and and inside "developers options" enable "adb debugging" from there.
First and foremost, I would like to express how I am amazed with the level of customization you can do without root on a Samsung nowadays, as I've been an android/samsung user for quite some time its really something to consider.
Okay, now lets cut the chase. What I really did is to put together different applications, tips and miscellaneous information together in order to achieve what I felt the most customized Device possible without root and that I think lots of users could still absorve all or at least part of this guide in their own devices.
1) First, what I did what to go through the Battery Optimisation Guide by @Corv0, which honestly speaking led me to an average of 9-10 SoT.
1.1 Even though people talk alot how they liked OneUI I cant change from Nova Launcher, its simply the ultimate Launcher experience. I recommend getting the prime version, totally worth it and you get it for life.
1.2. If you are used to Adway, you know we can't live anymore without it, but in times without root, Blokada is for me the best alternative. I also found it better and more stable than Adhell and does not need key update every now and then, thats lame!
2)If you like music and once used Ressurection Remix roms, you must have fallen in love with Pulse music bar. It simply reinvigorates the navigation bar. As an alternative I must suggest the well known Navbar app. For me its a must to change navigation bar color and enable their music visualizer.
3) If you once used xposed in a samsung, you might remember the Samtweak, and now you can have it in Pie without the need of root with great function like 180 degrees reverse (which I find very useful when using headphone jack so it does not bother you against the chest for instance), volume warning, navigation and status bar hide, etc
4) Another must in S10 plus is to use Button Mapper. Some may talk about Bixby Action app, but Button mapper is the ultimate deal with many more options, check video link.
5) Okay this is more of a personal preference, which is my case I can say: sometimes I use it, sometimes I don't. If you didn't like/ didn't get used to the front camera cutout I strongly suggest to use Status Bar and change status background color to black. I find it do the job of hiding the front camera pretty decent and improved a lot indoor and low light experience as you cant see the cutout almost never.
6) Last (so far) but not least important, if of course the installation and usage of Nice Lock (for the ones without access to Good Lock). I think we may can it as an official customization app for samsung devices. It almost made me remember Rice tweaks app. I personally like to use 7.1) Task Changer mod to change recent apps back to vertical. 7.2) Navistar to fully customize the navigation bar with different icons and 2 more buttons. The rest I didn't really use it but I suggest you install them all and see what's useful to you.
I will record a video and post it here (probably tomorrow) to show all these changes and tweaks I did and how they actually appear on my device.
------- v2 (April 26th):
Actually these are "tweaks" I had already done before v1 but simply forgot to mention on the original post however to keep things in order I will continue the numbering:
7) Bloatware removal, this is another must you have to do, specially when talking about samsung, with is known for the amount of apps its included from stock. And within this link you can easily do it through adb shell. Big thanks to @Neo3D for this amazing guide.
7.1) Once you "debloat" your device, make sure you deinstall/deactivate youtube standard version as well, and install the well known and amazing Youtube Vanced (Non Root version of course). In addition, set it as standard so it will be fully integrated to the links.
Well those are my suggestions for the customization of s10 without root (so far). If you have more tips please comment down below.
Video is up, check comment for exact cue by "tweak": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_giH6O6-Pdo
Great guide for the S10 XDA gang! Kudos
Nice guide.
Thanks
Sent from my SM-G9750 using Tapatalk
Doesn't bloat removal cause more battery drain? I mean when the phone tries to find a certain package and cannot it is starting to heat up and etc
I started out early in the process and I was able to get Adhell running .... Seems like maybe my battery was worse after Adhell. Wondering if you guys thought, based on this guide, I should get rid of Adhell and go more this direction (for ad blocking and app/bloatware freezing) ?
FlatOutRU said:
Doesn't bloat removal cause more battery drain? I mean when the phone tries to find a certain package and cannot it is starting to heat up and etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should be the other way around bro...
jcrompton said:
I started out early in the process and I was able to get Adhell running .... Seems like maybe my battery was worse after Adhell. Wondering if you guys thought, based on this guide, I should get rid of Adhell and go more this direction (for ad blocking and app/bloatware freezing) ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried both and found blokada much more stable. You can try and compare yourself, its way easier to install and get it running as well.
Also, using Blokada and it works well...
Knox bloatware removal
if the s10+ com.samsung.android.knox.containercore isn't installed at 0 then how can I remove the number one bloatware I so desired to remove?
BossEgan said:
if the s10+ com.samsung.android.knox.containercore isn't installed at 0 then how can I remove the number one bloatware I so desired to remove?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Search Cswm app manager (for Samsung) on play store
Good!!

Looking for information about rooting Pixel 3xl for the purposes of call recording

I'm fairly computer literate but I have zero experience with rooting phones. I have no idea about modules, or even what they mean. To be honest, I don't even really want to root my device, but Google has forced my hand. Call recording (totally legal where I live) is an essential part of my job, and as you all know by now Google has restricted this feature with Andriod Pie. It was preventing me from getting a new device, but now I simply have to upgrade. Now, I can look all this up given some instruction on how to root, but I can't find anything comprehensive in regards to my specific application.
What I'm looking for is someone to explain to me how to root the Pixel 3xl for the purposes of recording phone calls. Here are my questions:
1. Is there a certain program to use when rooting for this purpose or can I root in any fashion?
2. I don't need instructions on how to root the phone (I know this information exists and I can find it) but what do I do after I root my device in order to get Call Recording to work? Is it as simple as just rooting the phone then downloading a call recorder app?
3. Is one app better than another when downloading to a rooted phone?
4. Can someone explain, step by step what I need to do in order for this to go smoothly? I'd really hate to buy a brand new Pixel, then immediately brick the thing. (eg. Step 1. Root phone. Step 2. download this module Step 3.......etc)
If this information already exists, then please point me in the right direction. I really have searched for a step by step guide, and just cannot find one.
Thanks all for your help.
Before rooting your phone, try call recorder cube acr by Catalina group in the play store.
There is nothing that works as good as rooted call recording, and I've tried a bunch.
Here is the guide you need to root. You will need to unlock bootloaders and then root in that order (note: rooting will delete the data on your phone like a factory reset would so make sure to back everything up first).
Next, what I use is Call Recorder by @skvalex and it's amazing, the best I have found and it syncs to google drive automatically. So I can go back for years and find conversations if I would like to... There used to be two versions, a regular non-root version and a ROOT version, the latter is what you want (he may have combined them both into one now though). I'm not sure if that is what is on his site or not, you will probably need to reach out to him. You will also have to purchase ( a one time fee of $10 in the play store but for me totally worth it and MUCH better than a monthly plan). Then in the settings just make sure you select the ROOT method of recording. (settings>recording method>ROOT). He used to point people here for the root app but looks like he just updated it recently. The version I'm on is 3.2.0
ccalixtro said:
Before rooting your phone, try call recorder cube acr by Catalina group in the play store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's actually what I use currently on my LG G6. I've heard of some users having absolutely no issue with ACR on the Google Pixel 3xl with Andriod Pie but it seems these cases are rare(ish) and most likely have to do with either the country the user is in or where the phone is from, but I haven't figured that part out yet. I will certainly try it when I buy my Pixel xl3 and report back, but my hopes are low on this.
in_dmand said:
Next, what I use is Call Recorder by @skvalex and it's amazing, the best I have found......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's awesome info thanks. I've heard people saying a few different apps work but it seems they all have to further modify their system in order to use them. Other than switching the app to "Root Mode" it sounds like this is just as easy as rooting the phone, then installing the app right?
Jay_1327 said:
That's actually what I use currently on my LG G6. I've heard of some users having absolutely no issue with ACR on the Google Pixel 3xl with Andriod Pie but it seems these cases are rare(ish) and most likely have to do with either the country the user is in or where the phone is from, but I haven't figured that part out yet. I will certainly try it when I buy my Pixel xl3 and report back, but my hopes are low on this.
That's awesome info thanks. I've heard people saying a few different apps work but it seems they all have to further modify their system in order to use them. Other than switching the app to "Root Mode" it sounds like this is just as easy as rooting the phone, then installing the app right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep!

Question Graphene or something similar..

First Google phone (Pixel 6 Pro) in years! Anyways want to slim down and get rid of Google services on a phone. I am thinking of switching to Graphene OS but also want a ROM that fixes a lot of the bugs this phone has. Better screen color and brightness control and better battery. But would like to use the stock camera if possible. Rather not have to use magisk if it's avoidable.
Would a different ROM make more sense or are there other things Graphene can do that improves on Google's buggy and strangely limited version of Android on the Pixel.
Btw downgraded from a S22 Ultra for the purpose of giving Google's snooping eyes the boot but got use to the saturated colors on Samsung phones!. I am fine with the browser versions of YouTube, YT Music and Gmail.
Any and all suggestions and comments welcome.
To what do you refer when you say "... the bugs this phone has."?
I'd say go with GrapheneOS. You can use gcam if you like, I'd recommend with "gcam-services-provider" photos version, which avoids the need to install gservices.
Magisk should not be necessary unless you want to do something that just won't work without root, like call recording (BCR is the best choice for this), or make proper complete backups (seedvault backup is available, but won't back up any application that tells it not to, with root, neobackup is the best choice)
Youtube software should be replaced with Newpipe (open source youtube client). Gmail can be replaced with Fairemail (preferred) or K9Mail (now Thunderbird? https://k9mail.app/2022/06/13/K-9-Mail-and-Thunderbird.html).
96carboard said:
To what do you refer when you say "... the bugs this phone has."?
I'd say go with GrapheneOS. You can use gcam if you like, I'd recommend with "gcam-services-provider" photos version, which avoids the need to install gservices.
Magisk should not be necessary unless you want to do something that just won't work without root, like call recording (BCR is the best choice for this), or make proper complete backups (seedvault backup is available, but won't back up any application that tells it not to, with root, neobackup is the best choice)
Youtube software should be replaced with Newpipe (open source youtube client). Gmail can be replaced with Fairemail (preferred) or K9Mail (now Thunderbird? https://k9mail.app/2022/06/13/K-9-Mail-and-Thunderbird.html).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think i know some 'the bugs this phone has"
google phone navigation bar is terrible, sometimes it will lag and i will have to swipe a few times if i want it to work properly,Even on 4 xl and 6 pro
96carboard said:
To what do you refer when you say "... the bugs this phone has."?
I'd say go with GrapheneOS. You can use gcam if you like, I'd recommend with "gcam-services-provider" photos version, which avoids the need to install gservices.
Magisk should not be necessary unless you want to do something that just won't work without root, like call recording (BCR is the best choice for this), or make proper complete backups (seedvault backup is available, but won't back up any application that tells it not to, with root, neobackup is the best choice)
Youtube software should be replaced with Newpipe (open source youtube client). Gmail can be replaced with Fairemail (preferred) or K9Mail (now Thunderbird? https://k9mail.app/2022/06/13/K-9-Mail-and-Thunderbird.html).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe bugs was to strong. More like behaviors like the auto brightness being way to dim despite constant adjustment to train it. It has been using Samsung devices for a while now. Android has been getting so good I stopped rooting and installing roms. However Samsung has gotten very irritating and bloated again.
Thanks for the help and suggestions. There where some root apps that allowed you to adjust the displays saturation and contrast. Is there anything like that for the Pixel 6 Plus. Samsung broke my eye with the saturated colors. Lol.
Also is possible to use an Android wear watch without Android wear or will I have to change to a Tizen (Samsung) or maybe a Honor Magic watch. Taking suggestions.
Also is rooting for Magisk necessary as I would like to keep things more secure.
96carboard said:
To what do you refer when you say "... the bugs this phone has."?
I'd say go with GrapheneOS. You can use gcam if you like, I'd recommend with "gcam-services-provider" photos version, which avoids the need to install gservices.
Magisk should not be necessary unless you want to do something that just won't work without root, like call recording (BCR is the best choice for this), or make proper complete backups (seedvault backup is available, but won't back up any application that tells it not to, with root, neobackup is the best choice)
Youtube software should be replaced with Newpipe (open source youtube client). Gmail can be replaced with Fairemail (preferred) or K9Mail (now Thunderbird? https://k9mail.app/2022/06/13/K-9-Mail-and-Thunderbird.html).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just an update. Graphenos install was super simple. Using Newpipe but looking for a YouTube Music streaming app since I listen to a lot of kpop which is hard to find elsewhere. Any ideas? Also using Open Camera for more control.
Grapheneos has a Saturated color profile so that fixed my color saturation issue!
Refusing to install even a sandboxes version of GPS.
johnciaccio said:
Just an update. Graphenos install was super simple. Using Newpipe but looking for a YouTube Music streaming app since I listen to a lot of kpop which is hard to find elsewhere. Any ideas? Also using Open Camera for more control.
Grapheneos has a Saturated color profile so that fixed my color saturation issue!
Refusing to install even a sandboxes version of GPS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure if it gives you exactly what you're looking for, but newpipe seems to have had some music-specific features since 2020; https://newpipe.net/blog/release/pinned/newpipe-0.19.3-release/
When you hit the search button (magnifying glass, upper-right corner), you then hit the MENU button (3 vertical dots button, upper-right corner) and can pick one of the 4 youtube music filters.
The saturated colors option is part of AOSP and is included in factory images as well. They started adding that in one of the updates for Pixel 2, which is where they started pushing *natural* colors. Some people didn't like natural colors after getting used to cartoon-level saturation and wanted some extra. I keep mine on Natural and have subsequently adjusted to it. It was probably easier for me to adjust to on account of having had no choice initially.

Question Pixel Watch com.google.android.dialer.apk

Hello,
While I love Samsung hardware, I despise their firmware (reason for AOSP or LOS I usually use). But then - I love Google's software. So I ended up heavily debloating my Galaxy Watch 4. Only app I can't get my hands on, to replace the stock variant, is Phone app. I do have a version 24.0.477253451 which is from 2022 and have severe issue: all incomming numbers are flagged as "Emergency Call". Otherwise the app works as expected, I love its minimalitic design. So my question is:
Could some good soul either provide Google Pixel Watch (WearOS3) com.google.android.dialer.apk (Phone App)? Or maybe a link where I can find up-to-date one.
I went so far as to obtaining latest Pixel Watch OTA, converting *.br to *.img, and extracting those raw ext4 images, only to find out that Phone App isn't included.
I would like to re-test and sideload newer Phone App to my Galaxy Watch 4.
I tried searching this forum for answers in this regard to no avail.
Thank you in advance.

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