I have been around the Android game for quite some time. More of an enthusiast per se. I have reached a point where I want to give back to the community. I have gained a pretty good knowledge of the inner workings of Android and have an advanced understanding of PCs. I am just trying to start of small and advance progressively from there. Looking for someone that doesnt care to answer a few questions I am having.
I want to start by porting themes to my current device, Epic Touch 4G. We haven't received official ICS as of yet but we have quite a few leaks and ports. I figure if I learn enough now, when we receive our official release, I can give back. Now, I know porting a theme isnt considered true dev work but it is a start. If I can gain enough knowledge porting, I hope to physically start making my own themes.
As it stands right now, I have successfully learned how to decompile/recompile apks. And that is where things have gotten tough. I cant seem to implement the ported theme without creating a bootloop. Just not sure what the problem could be. The theme I am trying to port is capable of being flashed to my device and works but when I try to actually take the themed items from the flashable zip and directly implement them into the rom, it bootloops. It may just be something simple I am overlooking but after speaking to a few people, I still havent come to a conclusion.
So far I have tried taking the theme zip and pull the themed apks from it using 7zip, then copying them over into the rom.
Then I tried decompiling the themed apk, decompiling the stock apk and then moving the files from the themed apk over to the stock apk and then recompile.
I even tried just moving the individual pngs from each seperate folder over and then recompiling.
All created the bootloop.
So in closing, I have the ability and learn quickly, just need a push in the right direction. If you are interested in assisting me, it would be much appreciated.
Related
I was wanting to know if anyone can explain to me how to theme for the Evo 3D. I have not themed for a phone yet but I would like to start and to learn how. I have no problem reading a lot and doing a lot of testing and trial and error. I just would like to know if any themers can give me a head start on where I can begin. I have a lot of great ideas.
I am somewhat experienced in C++, and CAD programs as I am a Mechanical Engineer but if it's required to have a greater knowledge in those then it would be great to know more. At least I would enjoy learning it since I'd be doing something I enjoy. Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you in advance.
Also I understand we can't apply full themes until we have s-off but it seems people have ROMs and Themes done already so I would like to take the opportunity to start working on my own as well since I am sure I will have to learn alot.
toxicfumes22 said:
I was wanting to know if anyone can explain to me how to theme for the Evo 3D. I have not themed for a phone yet but I would like to start and to learn how. I have no problem reading a lot and doing a lot of testing and trial and error. I just would like to know if any themers can give me a head start on where I can begin. I have a lot of great ideas.
I am somewhat experienced in C++, and CAD programs as I am a Mechanical Engineer but if it's required to have a greater knowledge in those then it would be great to know more. At least I would enjoy learning it since I'd be doing something I enjoy. Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you in advance.
Also I understand we can't apply full themes until we have s-off but it seems people have ROMs and Themes done already so I would like to take the opportunity to start working on my own as well since I am sure I will have to learn alot.
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Theming requires mostly graphics design. You're changing images inside the Framework-res.apk and Systemui.apk. Each phone runs differently, so this information may be slightly incorrect, but if you take a deodexed ROM, you will find inside the .zip, system/framework/framework-res.apk>res>Drawable-hdpi. This folder is where most of the changes will be. For individual apps, you open the app (via a file manager, like 7zip) and open res > drawable-hdpi for the images.
The hardest part (for me) are XML files, this is where the C++ knowledge will come in handy. This is for changing text colors and animations in the framework. Most of what you'll change though *should* be inside framework-res.apk and Systemui.apk.
Now, something new I found out is if you're running Sense, then you must modify the Rosie.apk that's included (I think.)
Thank you as that is very useful, but since this would be my first time actually messing with a phone like that. What program works best for extracting a rom and what should I use to pull the information from the rom.
hello guys just set up dxsidia android kitchen not sure if anyone uses this but i have a few questions and since dxsidia does not support this anymore was hoping someone could answer them for me...
1. is the major obvious one does it work on the photon in the thread it does say unconfirmed for atrix but nothing on photon?
2.after creating the work folder i go into advanced options and start editing? i realize since there is nothing on the photon most of my answers are probably going to be try and see but no harm in asking right...
3.it has a set of pluign scripts labeled sgs2/ sgs these are for samsung galaxy s right so i dont want to use any of them?
4. there is a task killer tweak you can add from it what exactly is this?
5. add data/app functionality??? lets you add or remove apps??? not sure is why im asking
there are more q's but i figured if i can get these answered im doing good
ive read the thread for a few days now and seems simple but confusing at same time seems like its a one click type thing but if you dont know for sure what you are clicking can really screw up and have to start from scratch... anywho trying to do more around here and would appreciate any help anyone has thanks a ton
1) Yes in terms of an apk is an apk. No in terms of the updater script (IIRC)
2) Yes, assuming theres options in the advanced menu you'd like to impliment
3) You don't need the Samsung plugins.
4) Changes minfree settings in the boot image. Be aware the ICS impliments memory handling differently than previous versions.
5) Adds a script and folder for data/app partition so you can include optional apps. Optional apks (things like nascar for example) could be placed in here and would be installed on flash. But because they are in /data, the user has the option to uninstall through manage apps.
Personal Opinion: While the kitchen may be a convienient way to do things, it leaves little (Read: No) room for learning. Assuming you'd like to create a body of work to be publically distributed and not just for personal use, it might be worth the upfront investment in figuring out how to do/script this stuff yourself. That's not me trying to be an elite a-hole, that's me giving solid advice.
Cheers!
Yeah im a trying to learn as much as i can ive been reading and reading and reading have always known about the kitchen just never tried it thanks for the response you didnt come off as elitest is all good i find its easier for me to learn by trying things while reading about it granted i do research in great lengths not just in xda but other forums, blogs, links so on and so on before even downloading these tools but as i said it seems to sink in better when i can go ok i use this option this what it means thats what it did this what its supposed to do/look like
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium
So ive been trying all day to spit out a rom with the kitchen and no matter what i do it doesnt install either get status 7 or 0 says was looking for 4agrs but only found 3 and sometimes says 3args but only found 2 ive tried using a rom i know flashes and just running it through the kitchen and flashing the output... idk what im doing wrong but starting to think it is not photon compatible any insider tips? i know i already asked this but not quite ready to surrender to defeat on this yet and i REALLY dont want to install linux or ubuntu on my computer would have to partition it and just not to keen on doing that to the family computer my kids and wife play on it almost more than i do
Hi,
I am slowly getting through the basics of apk decompiling, Editing, Debugging & recompiling.
Using tools like Apk Tool, Winrar, Notepad++ Winmerge, Adb .
first time I have touched an android or even done any kind of stuff like this was Early August 2012. So not long at all, now i have a question to the more experienced Devs. Eg; Lets just say I dont want increasing ringtone How do you pin point where in the apk to start editing i mean there are heaps of files its like looking for a needle in a haystack. One way I came close and pin pointed it is using a previous made mod and then used Winmerge to compare the differences, Problem is the differences in these to Apks is not just the Increasing ringtone, so when I winmerged them it picked out out the other differences Now this deffinatley narrowed it down. I have a feeling it has something to do with the Callnotifier.xml is this the only Xml?
Also Lets just say you dont have another apk to compare it to , how to you find out this stuff..
Another thing is I want to cook up a rom, but the way I want to do it is modding my own rom untill I am happy with it and then creating something like a nandroid without my personal data. then making it flashable for people. What tools is best used for this? I was thinking editing my nandroid and adding it to a cwm flash. but I think there is an easier way.
Thanks for you help
Hey guys, I have a few questions. I looked around a bit before posting this, but I may have missed some stuff so if I need to remove this thread just let me know that I should have looked harder(and kindly provide a link please).
First I would like to know how to get into "Themeing". I want to know how to change the colors mostly. I can usually find the file I need to edit in order to change the icon shape, but If I'm not mistaken, the colors are probably controlled in an xml file. They may all look for a "central file" that contains the colors, or I may need to change each one individually. If there is a central file could someone help me find out what it is.
I have only found how to edit apps, so here's where I get a major case of the noobs. Are the system colors controlled by the launcher or the theme or is there a UI that can be edited what do I need to do. I want to be able to change the number styles, the fonts of the keyboard, and all that jazz. The most important thing, though; is that I need to be able to change the colors. I really don't have an issue with the current fonts and don't have a good idea what to replace them with anyway.
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Now that the above train wreck is over I have some harder questions.
I also want to get into developing. I will probably start by modifying someone else's. (side question, could I re-release theirs with my changes just so that people could test it provided I ask and give them credit. I know this depends on the person, but is it taboo, or just a no for some people) I already read through and followed shrike1978's. It was possibly the best thing that could have happened to me. It showed me that it was actually possible to do for someone with less android experience. (link)
But after I have built it what do I need to do to get started modifying it? I'm not even sure what all I want to do, but is there any suggestions of a starter project, as well as a how to do it?(maybe changing the launcher, or something like that)
Also I have been using xfce linux mint on a second hard drive of 75 gigs. Will this be an ok setup? Should I switch to ubuntu although I don't really like it as much?
Should I be s-off or on (maybe on so that I know that they will be supported)? Also is there any good vm's that run in linux and will run android?
I probably missed a few questions that I intended to ask, so I will edit them in when needed.
I plan to make a how to thread on my findings(hopefully good enough shrike gives me a :highfive: for doing a good job) so everyone who helps (provided I actually learn how and am capable of making the how to) will be thanked in my future famous thread
Also I apologize for any miss-types. I will do my best to correct them, but my keyboard is pretty broken (it took a tumble when I moved home for winter break)
I figured out the fonts(at least for the few roms I checked). They are easy to change and add. They are controlled in a system_fonts.xml in the "\system\etc" folder of the rom. The files that they represent are in the "\system\fonts" folder of the rom. The xml file has a pretty good explanation of how it is read, so adding your own should be pretty easy.
If anyone here has any suggestions even if you dont know for sure let me know please.;
Here's some threads I had bookmarked that may help:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=16459009
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=916814
I had another one that I can't find the bookmark for.
feralicious said:
Here's some threads I had bookmarked that may help:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=16459009
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=916814
I had another one that I can't find the bookmark for.
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Click to collapse
You are my hero.
i very like learn to mod the apps or a rom with my device, but i can't know which way is easy, i think i or new member like me will aslo like to do this work. Give me to advice. Thanks all you.
keveinee said:
i very like learn to mod the apps or a rom with my device, but i can't know which way is easy, i think i or new member like me will aslo like to do this work. Give me to advice. Thanks all you.
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Click to collapse
There is no easy way. First you have to learn Linux (ROM building) or learn to decompile the apps and look threw thousands of files. Alot of which are xmls and smali code.
^ true
Also depends which device you have
Mtk or snapdragon
zelendel said:
There is no easy way. First you have to learn Linux (ROM building) or learn to decompile the apps and look threw thousands of files. Alot of which are xmls and smali code.
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Click to collapse
i knew it, but i have one question that im using my device with snapdragon chip, but i don't understand that why some app, when i get from the other devices then some app, i can use, but something some app i can't use to my device? But all app from google play, the alls that can use to setup to my device, all things what is the different?
Ok first your chip has very little to do with what apps will or will not work on your device. Those are concidered by many other factors. Like screen res, ram, and in some very rare cases gpu. Others are OEM dependent. Some are dependent in if your rooted or not.
I would advise putting any development ideas on hold while you go back and do alot of research.
zelendel said:
Ok first your chip has very little to do with what apps will or will not work on your device. Those are concidered by many other factors. Like screen res, ram, and in some very rare cases gpu. Others are OEM dependent. Some are dependent in if your rooted or not.
I would advise putting any development ideas on hold while you go back and do alot of research.
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Click to collapse
thanks about your advice!!! First, my device had been rooted (my device is LG) then i can setup the apps from outside, and i see that when the modders decompile or rebuild a app, they also had added lge-res.apk, lge-res.odex, lge-framework.apk with command ' if ' in apktool like that 'apktool if lge-res.apk.....'
why did they do that?
I already have found very things from google search, but i could not find what things i need, cause be able to my english level is not good. im very exciting to do anything about that.
IF you be modder, professional in the modifier work. Can you help me to do that? Again that i thanks about your advice.
keveinee said:
thanks about your advice!!! First, my device had been rooted (my device is LG) then i can setup the apps from outside, and i see that when the modders decompile or rebuild a app, they also had added lge-res.apk, lge-res.odex, lge-framework.apk with command ' if ' in apktool like that 'apktool if lge-res.apk.....'
why did they do that?
I already have found very things from google search, but i could not find what things i need, cause be able to my english level is not good. im very exciting to do anything about that.
IF you be modder, professional in the modifier work. Can you help me to do that? Again that i thanks about your advice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not an expert modder but I can try and point you in the right direction, those files are framework files that are required by the LG framework to function correctly, essentially they are extra resources that are required for the app to work correctly based on the changes LG made. Samsung, HTC, Motorola, etc. all have similar files that are required when working on any of there apk's (For example S Note is a Samsung specific app I would first have to input "if" the touchwiz framework for the app to compile and re-compile successfully in order to make any modifications to it). What other resources where you looking for?
shimp208 said:
I am not an expert modder but I can try and point you in the right direction, those files are framework files that are required by the LG framework to function correctly, essentially they are extra resources that are required for the app to work correctly based on the changes LG made. Samsung, HTC, Motorola, etc. all have similar files that are required when working on any of there apk's (For example S Note is a Samsung specific app I would first have to input "if" the touchwiz framework for the app to compile and re-compile successfully in order to make any modifications to it). What other resources where you looking for?
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Click to collapse
thanks your answer, you're so right. I would to be a really modder, i've just been learnt about electrical technology in my school, but i very exciting be become modder. Sure i will find additional to adding my leaked knowledge. Thank alot.