[Q] Tool to compare versions of .apk files with installed apps? - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I've been a serious Android hacker for years, and am constantly trying out new ROMs and apps on both my phone and tablet. But one issue has always irritated me, and I have yet to find an app to ease the pain.
The problem is maintaining apps that were NOT installed from the Market, but from .apk files scattered in various directories on the SD card. What I need is a tool that combines the functionality of an app manager like Easy Installer together with details of all currently-installed apps: In a single big list sorted by app name, I'd like to see the installed version (if any), plus every available .apk file and the version it contains. That would make it SO much easier to know if I need to update installed apps with a newer version, and to delete multiple .apk files of outdated versions.
I've seen lots of apps (including the Apps menu built into Android Settings) to view the installed apps and their version info -- and also lots of apps to scan the whole SD card for .apk files and display the actual app info (name, version, etc.) vs. just the filenames. What's missing is an easy way to compare all these.
Has anyone discovered a single app that will do this??

Please use the Q&A Forum for questions &
Read the Forum Rules Ref Posting
Moving to Q&A

Related

Windows Marketplace

==================================
This post is placeholder for history of previous work
ANY WORK LOCATED IN THIS POST WILL NOT WORK!
==================================
++++++++++
v1.0.2201.000
++++++++++
***PROGRESS HAS STOPPED. THIS WAY WE WON'T OVERSTEP ANY LINES AND PUT ANYONE IN HOTWATER. WE BELIEVE THERE IS NO MORE NEED TO GO ANY FURTHER AND IN THE END HAVE PROVEN THAT THE CURRENT SECURITY OF THE MARKETPLACE IS NOT VERY GOOD***
I managed to get the official cab that Marketplace downloads... (so easy, just need to grab it before it deletes itself and one other move that most could figure out easily hehe)
It's v1.0.2201.0000
Now to try and hack it to storage card
EDIT: Added a version I made where you can choose storage card (WMMarketplace_sc). I wouldnt suggest installing that version to device. Use at your own risk
May need to play with reg settings
Code:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Security\Software\Microsoft\Marketplace]
"DownloadLocation"="[URL="file://windows//WMMarketplace.cab"]\\Windows\\WMMarketplace.cab[/URL]"
"IsInstalled"=dword:00000001
"MarketInstallLocation"="[URL="file://windows//WMMarketplaceFullClient.exe"]\\Windows\\WMMarketplaceFullClient.exe[/URL]"
"BootStrapInstalledPath"="[URL="file://windows//WMMarketplaceFullClient.exe"]\\Windows\\WMMarketplaceFullClient.exe[/URL]"
"FedDocURLChkDate"=hex:***********
"DeviceToken"=***********"
"DeviceTokenTimeSkew"=hex:******
"DeviceTokenExpireTime"=hex:***********
"DeviceTokenCreatedTime"=hex:**********
"DevicePuid"="*************"
"LiveIdDeviceRegisterEndpoint"="[URL]https://login.live.com/ppsecure/DeviceAddCredential.srf[/URL]"
"LiveIdAuthEndpoint"="[URL]https://login.live.com/liveidSTS.srf[/URL]"
"DeviceGuid"="****************"
"EulaAccepted"=dword:00000001
"WebServiceUpdateServer"="[URL]https://client.marketplace.windowsmobile.com/bootstrap/02/2009[/URL]"
Another snippit some users may need:
Code:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Versions]
"Aku"=".5.3.00"
Edit: All Cabs from Thread have been collected into this first post and have been stripped of the DeviceID's
1. Original-WMMarketplace.cab The official cab downloaded by the older marketplaceclient.exe. Without Shortcuts.
2. Original-WMMarketplace_sc.cab Derived from official cab downloaded by the older cab which gives the opportunity to install to Storage Space. Without Shortcuts.
3. Short-WMMarketplace.cab The Official Cab but this time with an added Short cut to the App.
4. Short-WMMarketplace_sc.cab Derived from official cab downloaded by the older cab which gives the opportunity to install to Storage Space. With a short cut to the app.
5. XDA-Developers-patched-WMMarketplace_sc.cab Last version that can install to Storage Location and also adds apps Install to Storage Location from inside the Marketplace and makes a shortcut in Programs.
To Check out other Local MarketPlaces Disable GSM change Location in ControlPanel, reboot, then Log into Marketplace through Wifi.
MarketplaceRegionSwitch: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=577627
Minimum requirements:
.Net 3.5
Minimum AKU till now 1.4.1
Minimum Build till now 2?????
THIS is WWE 0409, so you would have to manually rename the EXE.MUI.04XX to correspond with your Country code.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The old way (v1.0.2201.0000)
Marketplace would use WCELoad.exe and the command line parameter /noui
The new way (v1.1.1109)
Setup.dll files included in cab file tell Marketplace where to install
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is the latest cab file (v1.2.1417.0001)
I editted it so that it can be installed to storage card
Marketplace.cab = original
Marketplace_sc.cab = edited
New in this version: The much awaited arrival of installation to storage card and ability to select marketplace location
This thread is aimed at getting Windows Marketplace to install progs to Storage Card
v1.1.1109: NOT YET ACHIEVED
v1.0.2201.0000: SOLVED *
v1.2.1417.0001 Post Three
v1.2.1422.0001 Post Four
Latest Files:
v1.1.1109 for WM6.5: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=4939560&postcount=158
Marketplace for WM6, WM6.1: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=4963420&postcount=177
There are a couple of theories that are currently being tested so hopefully something will pop up shortly. I have been able to achieve a work around, but its not very convient (evidence here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=591056)
The current way of installing is to use Setup.dll in the cab:
Setup.dll files included in cab file tell Marketplace where to install
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa924308.aspx
More Info:
http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/wmdev/default.aspx
*NOTE: To access marketplace you need the latest version of Windows Marketplace thus making older versions (and work) redundant
*************************************************
Storage card installation coming in next version!
http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/wmdev/archive/2010/02/15/marketplace-momentum.aspx
*************************************************
I dont understand.. is this a fix so the apps will be installed on your storage card instead of on the device?
Here is the latest cab file (v1.2.1422.0001)
I editted it so that it can be installed to storage card
Marketplace_1.2.1422.0.cab = original
Marketplace_sc_1.2.1422.0.cab = edited
the first version is original official ms cab
the second version is an editted version i made of the original so it runs off storage card instead of device
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=4675927#post4675927
orb3000 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=4675927#post4675927
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My one is the official cab
I was planning on checking SD card installation this weekend.
So Thanks a lot
And for the information around where did you find the switch to SD?
(did a comparison of the two versions and registr settings but found nothing to be pointing to the SD install change)
Also the Aman version that downloaded the rest of the needed files, after downloading those files, was still started through the old Marketplace.exe.
Does this version do it's jiggy without that old .exe?
Looks like it has a minimum need for .Net 3.5 Mobile.
this is the new version that amans downloads - that way you dont need his cab
aku reg change lets some users access marketplace (found in thread here somewhere but not in the cabs)
all i did to the cab was change the hardcoded install location (from \windows to %InstallDir%\Program Files)
Re-Write
What i meant was that The new market place does not create any shortcuts to itself.
So in the previous case WMMarketplace.exe would start WMMarketplaceFullClient.exe.
So if a user that never had WMMarketplace.exe, how would it ever start up WMMarketplaceFullClient.exe, besides going to windows folder and making the shortcut themselves as the cabs you posted do not make the links.
So in that case all that is needed is just a shortcut.
Pretty cool if all it takes to get SD install is installing it "Not into Windows"
ahhh, i see, will have to update (unless someelse can do it)
essentially it is: change install location and values for registry
shall have to add icon (which starts fullclient)
you need to select storage card as your install location. %instaldir% is like a wildcard and enables installing to storage card
Here they are then with the shortcuts, And added the Enable Widgets registry for supported devices just in case.
Now Back to work it's Coffee time
What i thought (and am interested into getting to work), is forcing the App store, to install Apps Store Apps to SD card and i thought that was what you meant.
Bummer, but that still leaves a little Chalenge to the next guy.
Also installing your/this _SC version gave me the US shop, instead of the NL shop i had forced upon me before.
And running the still installed to Memory (Downloaded by Aman's Cab) Previous Version will give me the NL shop.
Update:
Cabs have been moved to first post.
hmmm, i didnt check that. im in australia. im guessing it is one of the reg strings that do it (possibly one of the **** ones i posted - i copied them from another thread incase they are different for each user so thats prob why it is us shop)
i had a quick look for download location but nothing stood out so when i have time, i hope to find something. the thing is, it deletes cab files after installing them
can't be the registry strings as i can run both localized stores on one device.
So it might be there are actually different Cabs for different Locations.
I'll be moving your Thread to Dev And Hacking, as general get's less attention to check this localisation "Problem" (cool neat Feature) out.
hmmm...well since the second cab is derived from the first, that is strange
i used the reg entries from here for teh sc cab:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=4683349&postcount=8153
Code:
"DeviceGuid"="c10b3661-WWWW-WWWW-WWWW-WWWWWWWWWW"
"DevicePuid"="0018BFFD804FXXXX"
"FedDocURLChkDate"=hex:00,00,40,0C,A9,B2,D2,41
those were the only different to my device
plus, im in australia, not us
Hmm, might have been a glitch in the MS appstore itself.
I am now no longer able to get the other US/AUS store.
Razzum frazzum..
Update:
Re installing the Cab again gave me the English Shop again.
So you are right it is related to the Reg's.
But these somehow get reset.
I don't have the time ATM to fully check out what is going on.
But if it is just the registry settings changing my Locale for the Shop, it should be fairly easy to make a locale switcher.
(i don't think i have US store as there's only 46 apps in there)
Yup running WMMarketplace.exe (The old one instead of the FullClient.exe) with an active GSM connection will change the ID to:
c183d069-WWWW-WWWW-WWWW-WWWWWWWWWWWW
For NL Region apps.
And
"DevicePuid"="0018BFFD804FXXXX"
"FedDocURLChkDate"=hex:00,00,40,0C,A9,B2,D2,41
Don't get Changed
The first Cab only had:
Code:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Security\Software\Microsoft\Marketplace]
"BootStrapInstalledPath"="\\Windows\\WMMarketplaceFullClient.exe"
"MarketInstallLocation"="\\Windows\\WMMarketplaceFullClient.exe"
I'm in the UK, and actually have a proper official WM6.5 device, running the OEM's rom.
DeviceGUID is 5c08e32a-WWWW-WWWW-WWWW-WWWWWWWWWWWW
However, I'm not convinced that the Locale is in there, not if they stick to their own rules. That SHOULD just be your devices unique ID.
We need 2 phones in the same locale to compare.
I put in your Device ID disconnected GSm and went in trough Wifi.
Now i have 52+ apps in the Store (can't see if this is actually Uk but it's different/more then the Previous asumed Australian one)
Could be that a part of the Device ID is used for the Locale though.
Could also be that their Servers remember the last Locale used by that Device ID and then present that shop to the device.
But second time i log back into marketplace (MarketPLaceFullClient.exe on SD) with GSM on i still get the same 52+ app store.
Time for some good old "Break and Testing".
I used
5c08e32a-WWWW-WWWW-WWWW-WWWWWWWWWW
As DeviceGuid
And i then got a new DeviceGuid assigned,
c685ebe2-WWWW-WWWW-WWWW-WWWWWWWWWW
And i can still see the (now correctly counted) 56 Apps Store version as oposed to the 4 Apps NL version i get starting it through The old Marketplace.exe.
WTFrag i just Found Microsoft Office Mobile Listed for 31,19 Pounds!!
Dunno if its of any interest (or if I am just plain dumb ), but test changing your locale (regions)...
I changed from Swedish to English (US) and all of the sudden I had s**tload of apps to choose from... I connected through wifi though, havent tested GPRS yet.

[REF] █▌█▌█▌█▌THE ANDROID WALK>THROUGH - Guides, Explanations, Fixes & Tips █▌█▌█▌█▌

[REF] █▌█▌█▌█▌THE ANDROID WALK>THROUGH - Guides, Explanations, Fixes & Tips █▌█▌█▌█▌
Find here and EXTENSIVE collection of every single information available on Android : Kernels, Builds, Updates, Fixes and much much more...
Posts Guide​
Post 1 : Android Encyclopedia
Post 2 : Complementary Guides
Post 3 : Problems, and Fixes
Post 4 : How-to's
WARNING : This post needs updating, formating, typo-checking. Please be patient, as i'll need to collect a lot more data, and rest a little as well
Mods, I made a typo in my post ^^ Can somebody help there? Can't find how to edit a poll Thanks!​
A big THANK YOU to all the contributors of this thread, who are helping me, and the others!
​
This is a GUIDE/LINKS Thread. Suggestions are welcome, but :
PLEASE DON'T ASK QUESTIONS HERE Please check this (How to post a good question and maximize answers)
USE THE THREAD LINKS PROVIDED INSTEAD ON POST 3
You will save yourself double the time : On DEDICATED THREADS you will have more experienced users and more traffic, thus a faster and/or better answer!!!​
Why this thread​I've been reading a lot lately, but still haven't found an updated thread for basic questions, or just a welcome stop-by.
I'd add I'm not a cook neither a developer, but came to understand a few things by myself that weren't precisely told
(A common flaw of computer advices : Do this to solve that - You don't need to know how or why)
This brings pros, as I'll be more oriented towards the end users, but cons as I'll sometimes lack the necessary skills to go further. As a whole, I do believe this may still help understand the basics, and help get rid of a few misunderstandings. This is why there'll be a lot of "seems" and "mays" but in the end, most of the "basic" data here is accurate, and i'll get better as time goes by.
My current hardware and software
- HD2 Europe FR
- Hastarin 7.6 on PhireMod Sense 1.5
- Dutty CDC V11 COM2 FR
- Radio 2.15.40
However, this post covers Android as a whole, and lots may apply to other devices, be it with or without Haret "emulation"
Legend:​
-
Simple Explanation
->
A parameter or file you may change/trigger in order to enhance/solve problems/your Android build (yes, this works both ways)
[file]
An actual Windows Mobile/Windows XP/Seven file. You can see them using a SD Card reader/usb cable/etc
root/
This is Android C:\ drive
A file or directory present/visible ONLY when under Android on the phone.
/
Same as root/, but with some laziness included
(exe)
Means this is a Windows XP/7 Program
(apk)
Means....!
A. Android itself​
There are a few things you need to know on android on HD2.
What an Android build is made of :
- A "sound enabler" [CLRCAD.exe],
- An Android Bootloader for WM6 [HARET.exe],
- A startup command [startup.txt], Touch-screen Calibration Instructions [ts-calibration], a boot logo [initrd.gz]
- An Android Kernel [zImage],
- An Android Root Filesystem [rootfs.img]
- A ROM image [system.ext2]
- A data container [data.img]: This holds your texts, contacts and everything else. Sometimes provided BLANK by some chefs to avoid high boot times (cf Updating Android)
All of these should be on the "Android" folder of your SD card.
Note : For an easy launch of your Android, I recommend Exceller Multiple Boot Loader (link here), that you can set on autoboot (or not)
When you launch Android via EBL on WM6:
- [CLRCAD] enables sound
- [Haret] is launched, then totally closes Windows Mobile (all resources shut down)
- Kernel+Drivers, ROM and Data are loaded
What to learn about this:
- There are hardware/software interactions happening when Haret "closes" WM6 and it's own drivers take place.
-> It may be useful to activate "Airplane mode" in Windows to avoid pieces of the radio chip to stay indefinitely on without Android being able to shut them off (cf Power consumption problems)
-> Full charging may not be achieved under Android, this because of Android drivers not being able to correctly write the battery status (yet). To get to 100%, charge when the phone is off or under WM6 (although i do manage to have a 100% under Android under certain circumstances)
-> It may as well be useful to launch Android with Keypad lights on in order to ensure that lights are working properly. This depends on hardware and software, and varies from people to people.
->Flashing a radio under WM6 has the same impact over Android, as the radio chip instructions are shared between Android and WM6 (cf Robo Voice)
->The WM6 ROM used, while seemingly not worthy of attention (as it is "shut down" by Haret), seems to handle some important work when closing itself or interacting with the hardware. That's why changing from "Stock rom" to a "custom one" may resolve a few problems too.
B. Android's Internals​
First, at the current state of development, Android is ENTIRELY run through the SD card.
-> Class 2 cards have been reported to being a source of annoyance, still being able to correctly run Android, but slowing a lot of problems. T-MO USA users have different experiences with the bundled microSD card provided. However, i'd advise using AT LEAST a Class 4 microSD, with correct formating.
- File explorers under Android are reporting a "root/" directory with several files and folders, and a "root/sdcard" folder. In fact, the [data.img] of the SDcard IS (some part of) the "root/" (unzipped for you to see) whereas the SDcard is...the SDcard. That's why removing the SDcard with android running may freeze the whole file-system.
- The actual NAND work is approximately for the devs to put the [rootfs.img and system.ext2] inside the phone flash, to ensure that Android still runs when removing the Sdcard. The problem is : the [data.img], that holds Android's data, may still be on the SDcard (as EU HD2 only have 512mo of ROM, and Android already takes 300 just for booting)...To be continued.
Kernel, Libraries, Modules, File-system, and the like...
Ok, I know little about them, as I'm not a developer or a cook, but here are the basics
Kernel bundles
-> [zImage] : It is the main kernel file, it seems to contain the primary drivers using for controlling the phone. You can update this file by downloading a "Kernel" like Hastarin 7.6, by powering the phone in WM6, and replacing the [zImage,Haret,initrd.gz] in the Android folder of the SDCard
- [Initrd.gz] seems to be the logo launched when Haret is loading Android (needs confirmation)
- [rootfs.img] : It handles the basic file-system
Android Builds Bundles (further explanation)
- [system.ext2] : It contains the Android files described there-under, also provided in a build
Modules
Located in /system/lib/modules, they are here to handle the Bluetooth and Wifi. They sometimes need to be replaced manually (aka "pushed" via the shell/terminal)
Libraries
Located in /system/lib/ or /system/lib/hw, they handle other elements, like lights and so on. They can also be uploaded manually when needed.
File-system Organisation
- root/acct, root/bin, root/cache, root/config, root/dbgfs, root/sbin, root/dev, root/mnt, root/proc, root/sys, root/tmp seems to contain files used for Android. Never went there.
- root/data/etc and root/data/system holds some system files. Don't mess!
- root/data/app/ is the main location for user installed apps (.apk)
-> root/data/data/ is the location for each apps' storage (like some sort of registry), like scores for games, etc
-> root/data/data/ seems to also be the place where the "hosts" file of android is located (The other ones across the file-system are usually empty ones)
- root/system/app/ is the main location for cooked (pre-installed) apps. Removal is at your own risk!
-> root/system holds the build.prop file, responsible for some of the phone behavior. This folder seems to be physically hosted in Android's [system.ext2] file, and is dependent of the chef providing it. You can configure alternate DNS in this file (BACKUP first).
Kernels' flavors (MichyPrima Kernel Thread)(Hastarin Kernel Thread)
- There are two branches : EVO and Nexus1. They mean different libraries, drivers and modules. Nexus1 is the most stable, but the least capable. EVO, although less stable, is the most able, and thus has been selected to be at the base of the NAND development.
- There are two data approaches : RMNET and PPP. Both have their pro's and con's: Speed(PPP) vs Stability(RMNET). (Learn more here)
- There are several kernel chefs, and several available tweaks for each branch.
- There are several capabilities, such as Overclocking or Not, etc. Usually, each Kernel chef delivers its Kernel with or without these additions. Find the one that suits you best.
To summarize / To Update Android :
- A downloaded "Build" provides a FULL working Android system, you need NOTHING ELSE
- A downloaded "Kernel" provides : An updated [Haret, initrd.gz, zImage] that you just "paste" over an existing Android "Build" and sometimes updated "Modules/Libraries" that you need to manually push
->Note : There seems to be a workaround, like a [root] folder, containing many sub-folders, that is placed in the [Android] folder. The files included in this [root] folder seems to be copied by Haret into the root/ folder of Android on boot. That is why, when you "update" an entire "build", chefs ask that you deleted everything on your [Android] folder, to ensure nothing from an old "build" or "Kernel" will be copied to the new "build" upon booting Haret.
->Note on updating "Builds" : I personally erase everything but the [data.img] on my android folder, then unzip the content of a new "build". WARNING : Some chefs include [data.img] in their "builds", so be sure to CHECK to avoid an override!
How to choose a build/a kernel:
- Check what are your needs : Sense implementation, Basic but blazing Android, HTC Sense.com services.... Each come with a price
- Again, choose what do you want from your phone, cutting-edge but unstable or basic but sure...(You may have both )
-> I personally don't recommend going out of binded paths. Each chef, in each build, uses a specific Kernel dev, and adapts its ROMS to it. I chose to only update a similar Kernel, when the cook or chef just didn't have the time to implement it yet (usually, unless Kernels are really faulty, new ones come with new builds, so just wait for a wholesome upgrade)
C. Basic Android Tools (Survival Starter Kit)​Some tweaks will require "Super-User Access" or stuff like that. Again, here are the basics.
First, "Droid Explorer" (exe).
No, don't look on the market, it's a WINDOWS XP/7 PROGRAM.
(Why the capitals? For the story, a few months ago, it took me HOURS to figure that, as there is also a "Droid Explorer" on the market, free as well. When you're told, "Go into ADB mode with Droid explorer and push that file in the rootlib" you're starting to think you took the wrong spaceship )
-> ADB Mode : Short for "Android Debugger Mode". You can switch this in "Parameters/Application/Development, Check the USB Debug). You need to enable ADB mode to use Droid Explorer.
- Droid Explorer basics : If already on ADB, click on "Connect device" at the right corner, and select the only device shown.
- Warning : I've personally got increasing problems accessing/pushing files to Android using Droid Explorer. I'm currently using the "root folder update" method. (Handle with caution!)
Other useful programs (most are free, some very useful may not, and some are included in builds):
System Apps
- Root explorer (Apk) : A useful Android program, to access files currently not available trough ES Filexplorer or Astro, although some other file explorers may possibly retrieve SU privileges to access the entire file-system. "root/data" is a typical folder not accessible with "traditional" file explorers.
- Super-User (apk): It's an Android Program, provided with your build. It enables programs to access some privileged code/areas...(To investigate)
- Terminal Emulator (apk) : It's Android's cmd.exe, used to input commands like in DOS-Mode
Usually Bundled Apps
- Astro (apk): Beautiful File Explorer
- Drocap2 (apk): Screenshot app. Push start, and shake HARD
- DSP manager (apk): Manages that crackling speaker bad bass rendition
Must-have Apps
- Adfree (apk) : Similar to winhelp2002 for windows, this block some ads while on the Internet. Doesn't block GoogleAds (developers need to survive through free apps too!)
- BatteryLevel (apk): Inputs a permanent notification, which shows the battery percentage. Lightweight and useful, albeit not always properly refreshed
- DroidWall (apk): The only? firewall for Android. Need Busybox (cf TitaniumBackup) in order to function properly. Warning : May block genuine apps from accessing Internet. And no, your cracked apps won't be prevented from calling "home", as license verification goes through the Android system itself.
- GPS Status (apk) : Handles the A-GPS, compass and other stuff
- SetCPU (apk+widget) : This is used to tweak the CPU. (see Hastarin's recommendations, a shame I can't export my settings). Install the apk, then place a widget in order for it to work (mandatory? need to investigate...)
- Shazam (apk)
- SMS Popup (apk) : Great program, pops sms and enables quick management. SMS notifications have to be handled solely by either the program, or the system. Disable one or the other accordingly.
- Startup Cleaner Program (apk) : Manages starting programs. Handle with care.
- SwitchPro (apk+widget) : Almost similar to Cookie's switches for WM6. Can't live without. Weird implementation though.
- Taskiller (apk+widget) : Selective task killer. Has been reported to cause wake-up lag when set on "autokill on sleep" (and I do, but use it on other occasions)
- TeslaLED (apk) : Ke$ha's favorite tool for impromptu parties!
- CurrentWidget (widget) : report power consumption. Helps reporting battery drain problems (I got 3ma on standby ). Don't set to "update" on less than 1 minute. Use it to log when on sleep, then check power consumption on standby.
- DolphinBrowserHD (apk) : Very configurable, personal choice.
Very Nice Addition
- Swype (apk) : Provided on the forum, or sometimes implemented on Builds, can't live without either.
Is there a developer in the room?​- Taintdroid (needs implementation/compiling?)
Unusual stuff coming from me, but this program recently came to my attention. It detects every ID/IMEI/etc Internet leakage and reports to the user. It visibly need some kind of integration into the kernel in order to work. With a firewalling program, we could prevent our phones from spying hard on us (I have a dream, i know ^^)
>>>Hastarin, MichyPrima, ElBartoMe and the others, anyone there? <<<
Thanks for all the devs, chefs and forum users, i'll link when available and when free
Complementary guides
This is post 2 :
Complementary guides
Complementary guides:
> How to flash an android build, and boot issues/solutions
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=732380
>A good explanation of the different terms
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=774859
>Frequently asked questions (although pretty much technical to me) (Tips and Apps)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=7088391&postcount=3
Main Problems, Concatenated Solutions, Original Threads
This is post 3 :
Main Problems, Concatenated Solutions, Original Threads (When available):
Main Problems and Solutions (compilation)​Some filenames aren't correct, i'll check that later
(One general thread)
Battery Drain (One thread there) (Another Thread here)
May be the main problem out there, although Touchscreen freezes are competing for #1 as well
- Try tweaking WM6 power management (Thread here)
- Use CurrentWidget log mode to verify
- Remove root/data/system/batterystats.bin
- Try the Airplane mode in WM6. For daily Android users, set to airplane, then switch the phone off and on without a reboot app. The airplane mode should stay indefinitely on. For constant switchers, launch haret after airplane mode. On next reboot, WM6 shouldn't have airplane mode on.
- Try checking the "lightslib.q8sk"(?) file/problem. Try replacing it with the newer "lights.htcleo.so" provided on the forums
- Try flashing a different radio or WM ROM (test radio first of course)
- Try booting Haret with the keys' lights on
Robo Voice
This issue seems to be hardware+software related. AKA It is different for everybody, and same build+rom+kernel may produce different results on similar phones.
- Current state of resolution is : FLASH RADIO and CHANGE WM ROM ^^
PPP Stuttering (no Edge/HSPA icon warnings)
- Try the libhtc_ril_wrapper.so fix provided by noellenchris (Another thread there)
- Try updating your kernel
- Try removing Taskiller Autokill feature (not the kill on sleep feature)
PPP Freezes (icon going on and off, etc)
- Try tweaking the build.prop (GSM or WCDMA prefered via "ro.telephony.default_network=" parameter ) (See "Tweaks" Section)
- Try changing the DNS inside "root/system/build.prop" (Link of your mobile provider DNS here)
- Try tweaking the APN in "root/system/etc/apns-conf.xml"
Screen of Death (Thread)
As Robo Voice, this issue seems to be hardware+software related. AKA It is different for everybody, and same build+rom+kernel may produce different results on similar phones.(Proof)
- Try flashing a new radio
- Try formating your SD with the largest FAT32 Allocation Unit Size possible (Thread Here)
- Try changing your SD-Card
Touch-screen Freezes
- Try disabling g-sensor in Parameters/Display/Auto-rotation
- Try offset change. Still haven't understand... (Thread Here)
Music Stutter
- Try updating or Changing Kernel (Thread Here)
- Try this workaround
Background Noise
See this thread
Camera "Moon picture" Preview
- Temporary fix : Disable preview
Camera : HTC 5Mpx (EVO/Desire Roms ONLY) (No Desire HD, No Desire Z...)
See thread here
011 International Dialer issue
Fix can be found here
T-MO USA MMS Issues
Thread Here
Tweaks i'm aware of​
Boost DATA Speed
-> Edit your "root/system/build.prop" and check for correct values (These ones seems "overboosted") -> (Thread Here)
- Here are the "HSPA network" values explanations (See here), these seems more moderate
Build.prop Configuration
ro.telephony.default_network=
-> "0" is WCDMA/UMTS Prefered, even when network is very low
-> "3" is GSM/WCDMA Auto Mode, switch 2G/3G according to highest network
How-To's
This is post 4 : How-To's
HOW TO REQUEST FOR HELP ON XDA​Again, personal point of view here, but there are a lot of "unsaid" things around there....
1. Nothing more annoying than a "noob" (and we've ALL been through there, but...) that didn't (at least) try looking for himself.
-> Use wisely the "Search on this thread" button. It's WORKING. Tip: If you're not on a specific thread, but rather in the Development of General sub-forum, tick the "Post" button to avoid going through entire threads for a single answer.
2. Do remember: you're not alone.
-> DON'T BE RUDE, BE POLITE, SAY HI, THANK PEOPLE, we all have to be patient. It's XDA Community. Plus, some threads are moving real fast, and may have flooded your question. Ask again, and just don't complain!
-> EDIT YOUR SIGNATURE. Insert your ROM, Radio, Phone model, etc etc etc. Most common answer to noob problems: "WHAT'S YOUR ROM"
->Try asking GOOD QUESTIONS, starting with (Hi!) "I've been looking for this, found this, understood this, but need help about that" (Thanks) and you'll see how people will be more inclined to answer ^^
Flash a WM6 ROM (compatible with Android)​> Need-to-Know : HSPL, RUU, WM6 Roms
1. Install the HSPL
- A HSPL is needed in order to "flash" custom roms, as well as new radios, and then Android Builds. Most up-to-date HSPL is HSPL 3 (found here).
- Plug your WM6 phone to your computer using the USB cable provided on activesync mode (SDCard Flash method here)
- Launch the "Mobile Manager" in Vista/Seven, or wait for activesync in Windows XP, and establish a connection (Connection failure : Look here)
- Launch "HSPL3_PKG.exe", and follow the instructions
- Reboot phone
2. Download and Install a WM6 ROM
- Hint: Choose and download a recent WM6 rom (advices here)
-> Your phone needs its battery to be charged at a minimum of 50%, else flashing won't occur
- Again, plug your phone in USB-Activesync mode
- Unzip the archive, and launch "CustomRUU.exe" ("ruu_signed.nbh" is the WM6 rom file)
Flash a new Radio (under WM6 only)​- Choose a recent radio, minimum required is 2.08, 2.12 recommended (radio thread here)
- Again, plug your phone in USB-Activesync mode
- Sometimes, only the radio (ruu_signed.nbh) is provided in zip files. "Pick" the "custom_ruu.ex"e of a WM6 ROM, and copy it in the unzipped radio folder, it'll work just as well.
- Launch and follow the instructions
Install Android on a SD Card​
Update an Android Build (with a new build)​
Update an Android Build (with a new kernel)​
Yes, I did find this useful - Thank-you !
RedWave31 said:
A.Android itself
There are a few things you need to know on android on HD2.
>What an Android build (like mdeejay NextSense.zip) is made of :
- An Android for Windows Mobile emulator (HARET),
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HaRET is not an emulator. It is a Linux bootloader.
A Really good guide, actually explains quite a lot about the filesystem that I wasn't aware of. Well written and a great idea.
msoler8785 said:
HaRET is not an emulator. It is a Linux bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, updated!
Feel free to submit ideas or whatever!
Wow, good idea on putting it all in one thread, few things, however:
As another poster suggested, haret is not an emulator (handheld reverse engineering tool)
As far as the filesystems: rootfs.img is the linux rootfile system, startup.txt are commandline arguments for the linux startup, system.ex2 is the root android filesystem, etc. So to avoid confusion, think of it this way: system.ex2 would be closer to the android "rom image", where as rootfs, startup.txt, ts-calibration, and initrd are for the linux kernel side, so you can boot up android. (Very oversimplified I know, just trying to help)
When you install a linux box, typically it's installed on more than one partition (keeping the /home directory on a seperate one is always good practice, and some people even keep /var on a seperate one for log files as well.) data.img and system.ex2 would be like different partitions of the android filesystem. When you buy a phone that isn't "rooted", it means you don't have access to the root file system, aka in this case, system.ex2.
*edit* oops you already saw the thing about the haret. Didn't notice.
You may also want to add that for where apps are located after install, /data/app is for user installed apps, /system/app are for pre-loaded apps that are installed with the system. If you wanted to remove any app that came with the system (like the amazonmp3, for example), you'd delete it out of there. (Delete files out of the system/app at your own risk, don't delete it if you don't know what it is)
Added HSPA Values and DNS and APN files location. Enjoy
This is a very nice guide. Has a lot of the necessary stuff that the other guides leave out.
Good job. Maybe I will just link folks to this guide in the future instead of directly answering them. (probably just do both though - I was pretty noob at one point)
Oh, and .apk = Android Package (android apps are .apk / android package file)
Added 5mpx Fix, hope the HD Roms will have camera too
- Try the Airplane mode in WM6. For daily Android users, set to airplane, then switch the phone off and on without a reboot app. The airplane mode should stay indefinitely on. For constant switchers, launch haret after airplane mode. On next reboot, WM6 shouldn't have airplane mode on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For my phone, turning on Airplane mode in WM6. then booting into Android with Haret without restarting, then coming back to WM6...it is still in Airplane mode.
Great Job man...keep this thread up to date...We appreaciate your hardwork....thanks a lot...
Top work dude!
Spelled "through" wrong in the title
OCedHrt said:
For my phone, turning on Airplane mode in WM6. then booting into Android with Haret without restarting, then coming back to WM6...it is still in Airplane mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn I spent a lot of time trying to figure this one, as I'm not using WinMo anymore. Are you using Cookie HomeTab's switch? Or directly in the Com Manager?
>I remember using Cookie Switch didn't stay at next reboot
- BTW, maybe it has to do with your launcher, or even the rom
jetsetwilly said:
Top work dude!
Spelled "through" wrong in the title
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL This is the "Walk-true-shame"
Thanks for reporting
Added "How to post a Good Question", personal joke of the day, but REAL INFO
A question and a few suggested tools-
First, where in the Android file structure are the logs stored?
Second, another way to access the phone from Windows, one I use for working on Linux systems-
1) install QuickSSHd from the market. It will open an SSH (secure) tunnel into the phone
2) Install on your windows system Winscp and Putty (both Windows XP and up applications and both free. Winscp allows you to transfer files to and from the phone and Putty gives you a root shell and your desktop/notebook keyboard.
While these tools are not real simple, if you have an understanding of basic Linux and get this far you can then log into the phone over your home WiFi network with full root access and get into a lot of trouble if you aren't careful. It also seems more stable than Droid explorer.
Excuse this potentially silly question...
How do you quit Android? I'm running the Runnymede/Rhyme/Bliss one and long holding power doesnt do anything.
Is it just a battery pull?

[Q] Developing a non-market App with updates

Hello all,
I'm a developer (with less experience) for a company which is developing an app which will be side loaded on devices which are to be distributed. I've read about, and tested some methods with linking Android Market apps to sideloaded apps, provided they have the same signature and .apk file name, but our company does not want market exposure for this app.
My idea is as follows:
1. App checks an ftp server running in some location for a file with version info to see if the current version matches the version on the device.
2. App downloads .apk and relevant data to device
3. App then triggers some sort of "update" which will install the new .apk and replace the necessary data.
Alternatively, what is typically done in this instance when someone wants to update a non-market app? The Amazon App store is an example of a non-market app which updates itself, so I know it's been done before.
How does one go about writing a class which will update the app that it's currently running in? Are there any tutorials or code walk-throughs for this?
Any help from fellow developers is appreciated.
Look at this links:
http://stackoverflow.com/questions/...o-automatically-update-application-on-android
http://stackoverflow.com/questions/2631255/ideas-for-android-application-update
Thank you for the links - I've been toying with code since then.
But wow, it seems there is very little information out there about this . . .
If you don't want to maintain you own update server, you may try this: auto-update-apk.com
Android client is open-source under Apache 2.0 license, so you may see how it works and make any changes, if necessary, before incorporating into your own project or using it as a starting point of your project.

First File Manager For windows Phone 8 with Full SD Card Access Capability

Now Windows Phone 8 Got his First Real File manager.
Pocket File Manager .
Now The latest improvement:
- Full Access to media library
- Full access to video files
- Full access to SD Card
* I think Now Microsoft open windows phone 8 API's .
Common Developers....Hurry Up...
Now U can Make More Powerful File managers for Wp8.
Get it Here:
http://www.windowsphone.com/en-in/store/app/pocket-file-manager/56dd9c3d-fe0a-4ceb-84b0-043e58e55b19
Checked....Working Fine with All capabilities in....
Yeaaaah this was posted a couple days ago so I wouldn't really call it "GRAB IT FAST" (nor, for that matter, is this post quite in line with the forum rules as you're kinda-sorta advertising a paid app, even though it's not yours).
If you read the dev's forum thread (it's not here, it's easy enough to find though) you'll see he got special permission from Microsoft to use a capability which is normally only available to OEMs. Sure, it's a good sign and may mean good things to come, but don't go getting all breathlessly excited about it *just* yet!
Also, "Full API Access" is a pretty bad description. It doesn't appear to use any non-standard APIs at all, in fact (I decompiled it already). The filesystem APIs are available to all developers. You just can't *DO* much with them because apps run in sandboxes with very low permissions. The dev got permission to add *one* extra capability, ID_CAP_MEDIALIB_PHOTO_FULL, which gives full access to the pictures library and the SD card. It does not give anything even vaguely close to full access to the whole phone (as a trivial example, it still doesn't give access to the Documents folder). It's also not something that just any random developer is going to be able to use.
Thanks for trying, though, I guess...
Not the means of any ad here.
I just got it...usefull....
Delete the thread...if its not suitable here.
thanks
Amirphp said:
Not the means of any ad here.
I just got it...usefull....
Delete the thread...if its not suitable here.
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think this thread should be deleted.
Anyway I just went to the Pocket File Manager facebook and this is what I found out :
"Hello developers.
I want to info you that in next version of Pocket File Manager we added support for third party application to save files into Phone storage and SD Card. It is very simple process and will cost you nothing.
How it works:
All what you need is to add special extension into your file and execute Launcher. PFM will receive file and save it to desired location , also it will remove extension so the file name remains original.
Extensions supproted:
.tosd - Save file to SD Card. For example you have file named "my new file.dat" and you want to save it to SD card. Rename the file to "my new file.dat.tosd" and use Windows.System.Launcher.LaunchFileAsync(); PFM will store the file named "my new file.dat" in SD Card. If no SD card is presents file will be stored into Phone's storage Picture folder)
.tols - Save file to PFM local storage.
.tops - Save file to Phone's storage under the Pictures folder.
If you have any questions fill free to ask!"
Maybe this can be helpfull to other developers that can't get the ID_CAP_MEDIALIB_PHOTO_FULL capability for their own app.
I think this is interesting ...
Best app
Super app!! Installed trial version on Lumia 925, all works as described. Hurry up developers!!!
This looks great! But I wish the ability to access even a small part of the SD card was open to all developers. Its been very difficult to build a productivity app when the only way to get files out of the phone is email. Looks like he got into the Nokia collection about a month before he added the capability, I assume Nokia made this happen.
That could be. Nokia has the ability to add ID_CAP_MEDIALIB_PHOTO_FULL to "their" apps if they want; they could probably arrange for this app to receive it.
I'm with you on the SD thing. The official APIs for SD access (read-only, limited to the file types you specify beforehand, can't specify reserved file types, can only see so many files) are really stupid.
The fact that 8.1 supposedly allows devs to enable installing apps to SD is encouraging. If that feature stays, there's a decent change it will mean the apps are installed to a FAT partition, which would mean they would have full access, automatically (MS can restrict access to the mount point, but then the app couldn't get at its own binaries and resources; if they allow that, they allow it all). Of course, they might split-partition the card, making part of it NTFS so that they can ACL it to hell again. Even then, though, you could remove the card and put it in a PC...
From my experience with the emulator, the SD card still appears to be a single partition, FAT32 to be exact. Installed apps are stored in a hidden folder, namely WPSystem\Apps. Unless there's some trickery here that I'm unaware of...
Heh, "hidden" folder. Yeah, that'll be effective. I bet they set the readonly flag too...
GoodDayToDie said:
Heh, "hidden" folder. Yeah, that'll be effective. I bet they set the readonly flag too...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That folder was there before, but now it also contains apps and appdata as well, besides some system files from before. Some folders are marked as partially read-only.
Well if there is a difference between the winRT file access and the winPTR 8.1 file access for apps I am yet to find it (aside from not being able to get on network locations and DLNA from phone).
I say devs should be more focused on getting their apps ready for 8.1 than still trying to live up with the *redacted* limitations of WP8.0...

How to extract Whatsapp Key from an SD-card install?

Dear all,
Though I'm kind of a beginner, I have made much progress backing up and decrypting Whatsapp messages from my old Android phone. However, there seems to have been an even older installment of Whatsapp running from an SD-card on the same device. There are Whatsapp-database files there, but I cannot find the decryption key.
I have tried many ways of going about it:
1. Exploring the root of the SD Card does not lead anywhere.
2. When I use Whatsapp-Key-DB-extractor by Tripcode, it only extracts from the phone's main drive.
3. When I transfer the older databases from the SD-card into their corresponding folder on the phone (either alongside, or replacing them), and then run the Extractor, again no success.
4. In the Apps menu of my phone Configurations, when I go to Whatsapp, the button "Move to SD-card" is unavailable. I figured this may be because only older versions of Whatsapp were able to move to an SD-card and run from there.
5. I downloaded and tried to install older versions of Whatsapp through APK-mirror (with the objective to consequently see if I can move it to the SD-card), but all of them ended in "unable to install"... And anyway, the oldest version available on apkmirror is not as old as the databases we're talking about (which are from June-July 2014).
6. Finally, I noticed that part of the Whatsapp-extractor's procedure is to revert to an older version (2.11.431) and back, so I tried interrupting the process before it sets the new version back. To no avail.
Can anyone come up with a workaround? Those messages are quite precious diaries of those days. My phone is an Experia Z (Model D5503, Android 5.1.1), but it has been stuck in a BootLoop since a very long time. I finally found the time and energy to sit down and see if I can learn how to get the most valuable information out of it after all, and after many, many hours and lots of patience and steady-handedness (the rebooting seems to occur with movement), I decrypted the database from the phone itself. Now I really cannot accept defeat in front of an even older treasure
Oh and post-edit: The databases from 2014 are crypt7. The ones that I DID extract succesfully are crypt12.
Best,
Publo

Categories

Resources