Develop Bugs

[Q] Do I need to Install Android System WebView

Hi All
I Love my M9, I think its awesome but do I need to have Googles webview. I used to have it installed (quite a while ago) but found it was a massive battery drain.
If i understand it correctly, according to this article:
https://www.infinum.co/the-capsized...5-lollipop-what-is-it-and-why-should-you-care
It seems more like a way for app developers to deliver updates quicker and it affects only Chrome users
Is this correct or should I have it installed, even if I use the stock HTC or Firefox browser.
Is it better now-a-days on battery and M9s resources
Thanks

NightOrchid said:
Hi All
I Love my M9, I think its awesome but do I need to have Googles webview. I used to have it installed (quite a while ago) but found it was a massive battery drain.
If i understand it correctly, according to this article:
https://www.infinum.co/the-capsized...5-lollipop-what-is-it-and-why-should-you-care
It seems more like a way for app developers to deliver updates quicker and it affects only Chrome users
Is this correct or should I have it installed, even if I use the stock HTC or Firefox browser.
Is it better now-a-days on battery and M9s resources
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Webview came preinstalled with my Nexus updates but I have never updated or used it actually. I am actually not even sure what it does apart from some advanced APIs which normal user wouldn't ever use and if you read user comments about the app, they are pure sarcastic and full of humour. Gave me some nice laughs.
Do not worry if you have not installed it. Think of this app like the world's useless app which has some hidden supper powers but for that you will have to check it for yourself!
Read the comments for superpowers!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.webview

WebView is the part of the Android OS responsible for rendering web pages in most Android apps. If you see web content in an Android app, chances are you're looking at a WebView. The major exception to this rule is Google Chrome for Android, which instead uses its own rendering engine, built into the app. (The same goes for some third-party Android browsers like Firefox.) [Source]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, WebView isn't that useless. The majority of people commenting that app on google play simply don't understand its function. If your apps are running fine after you uninstalled WebView then there is no need to reinstall it. But I wouldn't be suprised if you faced some problems with some of your apps that are showing web content.

Hnk1 said:
Google Webview came preinstalled with my Nexus updates but I have never updated or used it actually. I am actually not even sure what it does apart from some advanced APIs which normal user wouldn't ever use and if you read user comments about the app, they are pure sarcastic and full of humour. Gave me some nice laughs.
Do not worry if you have not installed it. Think of this app like the world's useless app which has some hidden supper powers but for that you will have to check it for yourself!
Read the comments for superpowers!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.webview
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I can gather, it seems that people just dont know what it is and are commenting on the fact that its creating problem, crashes and shut-downs n their devices, and yes.. some of the responses are quite funny, but from the way the app looks, its explanation is quite complicated.
Flippy498 said:
Well, WebView isn't that useless. The majority of people commenting that app on google play simply don't understand its function. If your apps are running fine after you uninstalled WebView then there is no need to reinstall it. But I wouldn't be suprised if you faced some problems with some of your apps that are showing web content.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After a bit more reading, the app allows you to view content without having to have the browser on that web page or even open at all, such as documents or maybe even video/audio from a certain site, which in itself is a great idea especially in Multi-tasking.. kind of like a multi-window (ala Samsung & LG), but at this point Goohgle just havent explained it properly, plus it looks like a beta process.. soething that may appear in Android 5.1 or even 6. Im not really sure.
Thanks anyway for the help folks.. needless to say, Ill leave it alone for now

[Q] HTC Apps?

Can you install the HTC Apps from Google Play?
Then disable the Google apps like: Calculator, Calendar, Chrome, Photos, etc?
And one more question, are the dialer/phonebook, messages, music, notes (Scribble), voice recorder and tasks google or HTC apps? (I hope HTC)
Anyway, if it doesnt. If you extract the apps from any M9 rom (maybe deodexed), could you install the .apk files?
Also, does it have the grid view on Recent Apps? (Please say yes)

I would like to know if this is possible as well. I prefered htc apps over Google...

From what I have seen and read you can do this yes.

Yes, this is possible.

My mind is a little blown that some people have these preferences, but yes, you can.

Ajfink said:
My mind is a little blown that some people have these preferences, but yes, you can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Different folks different strokes.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

People have different tastes.
Like some people prefer Touchwiz/Xperia/Optimus/Miui/etc over AOSP, because each of these skins add something new that appeal to a certain group of people.

The big advanatge of HTC apps is that they are not completly linked to all the damn google stuff. I want to use the playstore for apps, but the other stuff is mostly an invasion of privacy...

Ajfink said:
My mind is a little blown that some people have these preferences, but yes, you can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I mostly prefer Google apps, but the HTC Music player is awesome, so yeah that's the first app I'll be installing when the 10 hit UK market

HTC uploaded Boost+ on Google Play.
Guess what was in one of the screenshots.
Sense 8 apps.
See for yourselves.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.htc.pitroad

Who's the say that isn't from an M8 or M9?
Anyway I believe if HTC makes it available you can get it from the Play store. If not then you may have to sideload it and hope it works.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

Most HTC apps can be downloaded from the Play Store on the 10. However, one that is not compatible with the 10 is the HTC gallery app.

Behold_this said:
Most HTC apps can be downloaded from the Play Store on the 10. However, one that is not compatible with the 10 is the HTC gallery app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a work around for this yet? I hate using Google photos...
Tried extracting the Gallery.apk from a M9 rom but it kept force closing.

I don't mind Google Photos as an app to create and save my pictures, but it's absolutely not ready to be integrated into the camera app. It takes way too long after taking a photo to review and edit. And forget taking a burst of photos, you have to wait literally a minute or more to see them.

xx3rdwrightxx said:
Is there a work around for this yet? I hate using Google photos...
Tried extracting the Gallery.apk from a M9 rom but it kept force closing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3 choices:
-you could use Team Fulmics's ported apps
-you could download ICE ROM for M8 and extract some themed Sense 8 apps (but low chance for them to work... Althrough they are running on a Sense 8 rom)
-there was some thread on XDA where somebody actually ported some apps especially for the HTC 10
Imo, you should the second idea, because the Sense 7 apps would not quite fit with Sense 8, so better try some themes ones first.
If they dont work, just try the other things.

Tidbits said:
Who's the say that isn't from an M8 or M9?
Anyway I believe if HTC makes it available you can get it from the Play store. If not then you may have to sideload it and hope it works.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because of the status bar. Is the stock google one.
HTC One M9/M8 doensnt have that.
So... I think HTC has made new apps, but they are not releasing them for some reason. :/

I can deal with almost all of the changes that they've made but I'll tell you the one app that I'm really missing is the HTC music player. I found the APK file online but every time I install it the app force closes
I don't particularly care for the Google photos app because what it would like to do is upload all of the photos from my phone to my Google account and I don't necessarily want that to happen. I actually hate the way Google handles most of their data collection. So I've made it a habit of mine ever since I started using android to go into the sink settings and turn off everything except for my Gmail.
I'm pretty comfortable with the way things are now

I have slowly gotten used to the Photos app from Google...
I did try to side-load HTC Music Player, but it keeps crashing on me... if anyone has a stable version, please let me know. Google play subscription isn't available where I live, so casting is disabled and I can't use my wireless speaker system...

Good grief, can't use the HTC Music Player app and can't edit the quick settings so there's a huge amount of pap in there at the moment. No interest in using Google photos or most other Google apps, seems to me like HTC has sold a bit of its soul to Google and left out some of its good apps like the gallery. If i wanted a stock launcher and all that Google crud I'd buy a Nexus device.

Strange, HTC Music player crashes but not Htc Music widget.

Safe to disable list for HTC 10

I'm in stock/unrooted phone and I'm looking to disable as many apps as I can without negatively affecting performance.
I've seen lists for other phones but haven't seen one for the M10.
Be grateful if someone could signpost me to a list already made or just start one here.

mwake4goten said:
I'm in stock/unrooted phone and I'm looking to disable as many apps as I can without negatively affecting performance.
I've seen lists for other phones but haven't seen one for the M10.
Be grateful if someone could signpost me to a list already made or just start one here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the Google stuff really, besides play services and play, gmail and whatever else you use.
The other apps unless identifiable is leave will alone. You could end up with an OS that won't boot and in all fairness the benefits are extremely minimal.
Personally I'm like yourself I don't like bloat, but I'm rooted, so I flash venom and then tick the compete removal of sense then install the pixel launcher. Battery wise there's very little difference though.

dladz said:
All the Google stuff really, besides play services and play, gmail and whatever else you use.
The other apps unless identifiable is leave will alone. You could end up with an OS that won't boot and in all fairness the benefits are extremely minimal.
Personally I'm like yourself I don't like bloat, but I'm rooted, so I flash venom and then tick the compete removal of sense then install the pixel launcher. Battery wise there's very little difference though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi thanks for reply, what you said makes sense.
Also, I did find this link on line for another HTC phone and might try to disable some of the system apps outlined there.

mwake4goten said:
Hi thanks for reply, what you said makes sense.
Also, I did find this link on line for another HTC phone and might try to disable some of the system apps outlined there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I've been through this before, I've streamlined my windows installation back when it was a benefit, but even then it wasn't a huge help.
If you ever root, check out apps like autostarts which stop apps from opening and that would probably have a bigger impact, haven't used autostarts for a while, minimal footprint from the app itself, but as I said you would need root access, plus removing ads etc and titanium to remove apps completey, for me rooting gives you the most flexibility and thus the largest benefit to better battery and performance, but again that's down the yourself.
Streamlining apps and removing things you don't need will give you a large benefit, get rid of apps that are intrusive like push ads, even Facebook has a massive impact on battery, Skype, Viber, they're all hogs.

Thanks for taking the time to reply again, I am a bit scared of the whole rooting process.. maybe I could take my phone to a repair shop so they can do it for me?
Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk

mwake4goten said:
Thanks for taking the time to reply again, I am a bit scared of the whole rooting process.. maybe I could take my phone to a repair shop so they can do it for me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a couple clicks on your phone, just have to pay up $20. No worries. A phone shop probably won't do it for you

Repair shop will not guarantee anything in case something will go wrong.
Time to post first on topic list:
My personal disabled apps.
- Android Live Wallpapers
- Android Pay
- Docs
- Facebook
- Flashlight
- Google App
- Google Play Movies&TV
- Google Play Music
- Hangouts
- HTC Service DLNA
- HTC Sync Manager
- HTC Sync Manager Package Installer
- Instagram
- Messenger
- News Republic
- Touchpal All unused languages pack
- Trusted Face
- Zoe Video Editor
This list is considered safe to disable by me. No problems at all, everything works like a charm.

afuller42 said:
It's a couple clicks on your phone, just have to pay up $20. No worries. A phone shop probably won't do it for you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I guess I'll have to dive head first and learn how to root the phone...I might try it first on my old m8 first just to get confident with it all...
cavist said:
Repair shop will not guarantee anything in case something will go wrong.
Time to post first on topic list:
My personal disabled apps.
- Android Live Wallpapers
- Android Pay
- Docs
- Facebook
- Flashlight
- Google App
- Google Play Movies&TV
- Google Play Music
- Hangouts
- HTC Service DLNA
- HTC Sync Manager
- HTC Sync Manager Package Installer
- Instagram
- Messenger
- News Republic
- Touchpal All unused languages pack
- Trusted Face
- Zoe Video Editor
This list is considered safe to disable by me. No problems at all, everything works like a charm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the disabled app list I will get these apps disabled now.

mwake4goten said:
Ok I guess I'll have to dive head first and learn how to root the phone...I might try it first on my old m8 first just to get confident with it all...
Thanks for the disabled app list I will get these apps disabled now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can usually find some decent bloat removal lists here on XDA. Won't be made for the 10 and a little behind, but should help. I think getting a full updated safe to remove list is a great idea.
As for S-OFF (root), Sunshine crew does an amazing job to make the process as easy and safe as possible and provide really great support, even through phone I believe, as well as there irc channel.
Very good idea to do your M8 first as it can be very easy to permenantly brick your device IF you decide to mess around without research, which from your posts will not be an issue for you.
Basically once you are S-OFF, if you don't know what you're doing, just find a tutorial or ask in the appropriate thread, or create one.
Happy flashing.

mwake4goten said:
Thanks for taking the time to reply again, I am a bit scared of the whole rooting process.. maybe I could take my phone to a repair shop so they can do it for me?
Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly rooting is a doddle mate. There are guides everywhere, if you don't know just ask.
afuller42 said:
It's a couple clicks on your phone, just have to pay up $20.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
highly unlikely you'll mess it up. Plus you don't need s-off so it is free. If you need help rooting IM me and i'll help, rooting is a process you want to be familiar with, getting someone to go do it for you isn't helpful because you don't learn anything, the root process isn't hard you'll be fine

dladz said:
Plus you don't need s-off so it is free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I thought I was in the Verizon forums when I replied we have to pay extra, can't just simply use htcdev.

afuller42 said:
I think I thought I was in the Verizon forums when I replied we have to pay extra, can't just simply use htcdev.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah OK, yea I was referring to int unlocked. Provider specific I wouldn't know, I always buy unlocked. Less hassle.

[Q] Removing YouTube Ads?

Anyone get YouTube Module iYTBP for Magisk to work? I've never used this particular method before. I manually downloaded the latest ARM64 variant and tried the ones listed in Magisk downloads as well . I'm not sure if its just broken for our device at the moment or I'm doing something wrong. If some has another method for removing YouTube ads you be appreciated. Thanks

Try Youtube RED hahaha

Couple ways. YouTube Red of course which is what I use now. But I used to use pi-hole on my home network

Yea, their ads are getting out of hand.

Root it, then use an aggressive HOSTS file. This one is not bad http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm
Remember to convert the format of the hosts to Unix. In Notepadd++ that is EDIT --> EOL Conversion --> UNIX
If rooting is too much, go with a DNS blackhole. Raspberry Pi Hole is the easiest.
Or you can setup DNS on a Windows Server, then import the domains from the hosts file using this: https://cyber-defense.sans.org/blog/2010/08/31/windows-dns-server-blackhole-blacklist
Another benefit of a DNS server is that you can log all the DNS lookup requests from your Pixel 2, iPad, Smart TV, etc. Then block the **** out of them.

JeffBea said:
Anyone get YouTube Module iYTBP for Magisk to work? I've never used this particular method before. I manually downloaded the latest ARM64 variant and tried the ones listed in Magisk downloads as well . I'm not sure if its just broken for our device at the moment or I'm doing something wrong. If some has another method for removing YouTube ads you be appreciated. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using it and it works perfectly. Did you follow the instructions in the thread?

ilal2ielli said:
I'm using it and it works perfectly. Did you follow the instructions in the thread?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought I did. I disabled YouTube and then tried to install module in Magisk, but it failed to install. Maybe I wasn't reading the right thread.

JeffBea said:
I thought I did. I disabled YouTube and then tried to install module in Magisk, but it failed to install. Maybe I wasn't reading the right thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was having issues too. What worked for me was uninstalling updates for YouTube, and when it prompted to return the app to the stock one that came with the phone, I said yes and it finally worked.

The best adfree solution to YouTube IMO is this:
https://www.official-plus.com/ogyoutube
Not only do you get YouTube adfree - you can do picture in picture without YouTube red AND you get an extra button to download the video in mp4 or just the audio in mp3 if you wanted to! AND ROOT NOT NEEDED! 1st install MicroG APK, then install OGyoutube APK, give permissions, and done lol.
Best YouTube experience yet. Please give this a try, you will forget all about the YouTube adaway module.
BTW, I'm on Oreo 8.1 developer preview 1, unrooted, locked bootloader, stock recovery and still works great. Has extra settings and options not originally in stock YouTube too. And they're all handy =-)
P.S. I been using this for YouTube all week (just got my pixel 2 xl) and haven't seen a single ad yet.

Honestly, pay for it or deal with it. A lot of these creators spend hours and hours creating content for you to enjoy. Those ads pay for that time. And not nearly enough I might add. It's 5 to 20 seconds of your life or 10 bucks a month.

Guys, I live in Russia, so there's no way to legally use YouTube Red. Here's what I did:
1. Rooted with Magisk.
2. Removed system app YouTube.apk.
3. Downloaded modified YouTube iYTBP and put it into the system folder.
Magic! Everything works fine including picture-in-picture mode. No ads!

JeffBea said:
Anyone get YouTube Module iYTBP for Magisk to work? I've never used this particular method before. I manually downloaded the latest ARM64 variant and tried the ones listed in Magisk downloads as well . I'm not sure if its just broken for our device at the moment or I'm doing something wrong. If some has another method for removing YouTube ads you be appreciated. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just use they're non root version and install apk and everything is fine. Doesn't matter if you're rooted or not.

zathus said:
Honestly, pay for it or deal with it. A lot of these creators spend hours and hours creating content for you to enjoy. Those ads pay for that time. And not nearly enough I might add. It's 5 to 20 seconds of your life or 10 bucks a month.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now the wall of "it's not supported in my country" and other excuses will come.
This is what society is now. Would rather rip everyone off to save themselves a 40 second ad

soapbox23 said:
I was having issues too. What worked for me was uninstalling updates for YouTube, and when it prompted to return the app to the stock one that came with the phone, I said yes and it finally worked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it working, thanks for the tip.

Lawlrus said:
Now the wall of "it's not supported in my country" and other excuses will come.
This is what society is now. Would rather rip everyone off to save themselves a 40 second ad
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol well it's a valid point. I live in Canada and pay for Google play music, which comes bundled with YouTube red for those in the States. Why should I pay the same amount of money to get less features than someone in the States?

Youngbloodx said:
Lol well it's a valid point. I live in Canada and pay for Google play music, which comes bundled with YouTube red for those in the States. Why should I pay the same amount of money to get less features than someone in the States?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because that's the way life is some times? Move to America so you can save $15 a month. See if it's worth it lol

Taebom said:
Just use they're non root version and install apk and everything is fine. Doesn't matter if you're rooted or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you mind sending a link to the correct APK version to me for the Pixel 2 XL? I'm rooted with Magisk if that matters. I looked on their download site and there are like upwards of 8 files for just about every version of the APK.

Bloatware

I just ordered my 7x a couple of days ago. I've seen some reviews about bloatware. I was just wondering, is there a lot of it? Can any of it be uninstalled or just disabled? Don't plan on rooting the device any time soon so would like to eliminate as much bloat as possible without root.

kingd421 said:
I just ordered my 7x a couple of days ago. I've seen some reviews about bloatware. I was just wondering, is there a lot of it? Can any of it be uninstalled or just disabled? Don't plan on rooting the device any time soon so would like to eliminate as much bloat as possible without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really depends on what you consider bloatware. It comes with a lot of Google products, Facebook, Instagram, and some others. I only use a handful of Google products and none of the social stuff. It also comes with a few Huawei products I don't use. For me, that's a lot of bloatware. To others who may use all these apps, it may not be.
I will say it sucks to have apps like SwiftKey preinstalled because I use the beta version. This creates two different versions on the phone. I can't say if this is true for other apps, but it could be.
It can't be uninstalled by the way, well not without root. I don't believe they can be disabled either, but could be wrong about that.

bloodbath said:
Really depends on what you consider bloatware. It comes with a lot of Google products, Facebook, Instagram, and some others. I only use a handful of Google products and none of the social stuff. It also comes with a few Huawei products I don't use. For me, that's a lot of bloatware. To others who may use all these apps, it may not be.
I will say it sucks to have apps like SwiftKey preinstalled because I use the beta version. This creates two different versions on the phone. I can't say if this is true for other apps, but it could be.
It can't be uninstalled by the way, well not without root. I don't believe they can be disabled either, but could be wrong about that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the response. Its apps like facebook and Instagram that I don't want on there. I use Metal, just lighter and don't need to use the messenger app. I figured it would come with Huawei apps. I just didn't know if it came with bunch of stuff. Still excited to get the phone. Its been years since I've bought a brand new phone lol.

kingd421 said:
Thank you for the response. Its apps like facebook and Instagram that I don't want on there. I use Metal, just lighter and don't need to use the messenger app. I figured it would come with Huawei apps. I just didn't know if it came with bunch of stuff. Still excited to get the phone. Its been years since I've bought a brand new phone lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those apps are easily uninstallable though.
Sent from my Honor 8 using XDA Labs

ayush rao said:
Those apps are easily uninstallable though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are they? Sweet I was hoping they weren't system apps. I had a galaxy s6 which I'd still be using if I could root it and install all the **** Samsung and at&t put on there.

kingd421 said:
Are they? Sweet I was hoping they weren't system apps. I had a galaxy s6 which I'd still be using if I could root it and install all the **** Samsung and at&t put on there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha! All the third party apps included on the phone can be uninstalled. Tech reviews keep saying bloatware for EMUI phones but never really explain which apps can be uninstalled.
Sent from my Honor 8 using XDA Labs

ayush rao said:
Haha! All the third party apps included on the phone can be uninstalled. Tech reviews keep saying bloatware for EMUI phones but never really explain which apps can be uninstalled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not exactly. Facebook came pre-installed and can't be removed iirc. I went through and disabled every app I didn't use. Basically what it does when you disable a pre-installed app it resets the app back to factory version then disables it. Below is two screen shots. One of the pre-installed Facebook and another of an app that I installed myself. When clicking the Uninstall button it gives two different options.

str8stryk3r said:
Not exactly. Facebook came pre-installed and can't be removed iirc. I went through and disabled every app I didn't use. Basically what it does when you disable a pre-installed app it resets the app back to factory version then disables it. Below is two screen shots. One of the pre-installed Facebook and another of an app that I installed myself. When clicking the Uninstall button it gives two different options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to uninstall all the 3rd-party apps that came on my phone (US). CNN, Instagram, Facebook, Messenger, one or two more. I was also able to uninstall several Google apps: Google+, Google Play Books, Slides, Docs, etc. Just Music & Movies and TVs were the only ones I'd rather unininstall but were system apps. There is also a program called Facebook App Manager that can only be disabled and not uninstalled.
Overall, the bloatware was pretty light and it was easy to remove 90% of it, so even if you don't intend to root (I do), it's not really bad at all. I am a bit shocked, frankly.

brassmule said:
I was able to uninstall all the 3rd-party apps that came on my phone (US). CNN, Instagram, Facebook, Messenger, one or two more. I was also able to uninstall several Google apps: Google+, Google Play Books, Slides, Docs, etc. Just Music & Movies and TVs were the only ones I'd rather unininstall but were system apps. There is also a program called Facebook App Manager that can only be disabled and not uninstalled.
Overall, the bloatware was pretty light and it was easy to remove 90% of it, so even if you don't intend to root (I do), it's not really bad at all. I am a bit shocked, frankly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very nice. Mines arriving today can't wait. I intend to root at some point but I keep reading that there's no stock images released yet and I don't want to mess up and not be able to fix it afterwards. So I'll just use it as is for now and wait for the development to pick up first. If I get the urge to flash a custom ROM , people keep releasing them for the nexus 5 which is what I'm currently using.