[REF][NOOBS][BASICS]Android Terminologies for noobs - Sony Xperia P, U, Sola, Go

Some of the terminologies for noobs or someone new to android platform
​
Sources:
1) First Source
2) Second Source
Please let me know if I have missed something or something stated below is wrong!!!!
1- Android:
Android refers to the concept of a humanoid“robot”, and on November 5, 2007, Google announced this to be the name of the open source mobile operating system based on the Linux platform. The platform's operating system, middle-ware, user interface, and application software composition was known as the first mobile terminal to create a truly complete and open mobile software system. Similar to the iPhone, the Android WebKit browser was enabled with touch screen, advanced graphics, and internet functionality. Users can use the phone to check their email, search the web,and watch videos online. In comparison to the systems that came before it such as the iPhone, the Android system was a single integrated platform for the entire Web service instead of having a more centralized focus on search functions such as that included in the iPhone browser.
2- Open-source:
Open-source is software that anyone is allowed to see the 'source' code. In the context of Android, Open-source refers to the approach to the design, development, and distribution of software. This offers accessibility to a software's source code for modification, improvement, bug-fixing, and security-enhancement. CyanogenMod is based on this principle.
3- AOSP:
Android Open Source Project
4- APK:
APK or Android Package, is an acronym that refers to an Android installation package that is programmed in the Android phone's file format. Similar to the APK format, the Nokia phones used to use sisx, sis, and jar formats to install the packaged files. APK files can be installed via the phone, through USB, or through installing auxiliary programs on your computer.
5- ROM:
ROM in this case refers to the device firmware (in simple words, this is the mobile operating system installation package) for mobile devices such as the Android system, the iPhone iOS, and Windows mobile phones. In order to install a new ROM to a mobile device, the device must first be unlocked before the ROM can be flashed to the device. “Flashing” refers to writing a new ROM to a mobile device by replacing the firmware with a new firmware.
6- RAM:
RAM or Random Access Memory is a storage partition of the phone that is used to store and preserve temporary data. It can read and write at any time, and RAM is usually the temporary storage medium for the operating system or other programs that are running. (referred to as system memory)
7- Recovery:
Recovery can be reached through the VOLUME UP continuously pressed, and is often referred to as recovery mode. Simply put, Recovery is a flashing interface. You can choose to install the system recovery interface, ghost backup your system, restore your system, or many other things. Flashing a recovery and flashing a ROM do not conflict with each other. In this mode you can carry out a lot of advanced operations,for example, convert partition format, backup, restore, install a patch package, empty non-system data, and format the partitions, among other things.This mode is very powerful. There is some operating risks, so be careful when performing these actions.
CWM related options for instance, are explained below:
-Reboot system: now restart the phone
-Apply sdcard: update.zip update.zip installation root directory of the SD
-Wipe data / factory reset to clear user data, restore factory settings
-Wipe cache partition to clear the cache
-Install zip from sdcard install zip from SD card
-Backup and restore backup and recovery
-Mounts and storage mount memory
etc.
8- Root:
Root privileges can be likened to the Windows system's Administrator privileges. The Root Super Android system administrator user account has sovereign rights to the entire system. This account is able to modify and operate all objects on the device. Systems cannot be changed or revised unless it is through the Root permissions.
9- adb:
Adb or Android Debug Bridge can be used through Eclipse DDMS to debug Android applications. In fact, the Google Android system uses these debugging tools. In addition to the above feature, we can do adb state management on the device, or use it as a mobile device simulator. It can also be used to enter the various states of the phone such as the recovery,installation programs, copy files, or even run the shell.
10- External SD Memory:
The technical name for this type of memory is “built-in non-volatile mass memory”, but is more commonly known as ROM or Read Only Memory. Obviously, this type of memory is not actually read only, or else we wouldn't be able to make changes to the internal memory, and smartphones would simply be pretty bricks with call functions.
External SD Memory (abbreviated SD Card) are memory storage devices that are bought separately from the mobile devices, and can be inserted into the device to increase on board storage space.
11- Firmware:
Programs stored in the ROM, EPROM, or flash memory that usually control various internal electronic devices (Hard Drives, Keyboards, Displays, etc). Firmware is typically 'fixed' software that is not updated in consumer devices, however it is often updated (or 'flashed') by advanced users to fix bugs or add features to the device. Flashing firmware designed for one device onto a different device, or not following a specific procedure while flashing will often render the device unusable.
12- Kernel:
The kernel is the basic component of the operating system.It is the part of the software that provides secure access to the computer hardware for many applications. The kernel can decide which functions are restricted or limited for each program or application, and the time frames that each process can use hardware.
13- FC:
Short for Force-close or forcibly closed, this is mainly an error that occurs when a program encounters a fatal error and needs to terminate the process.
14- Phone is “bricked”:
Cell phone enthusiasts jokingly refer to the failed flashing of a rom to a mobile device and the subsequent disabling of the phone’s boot processes as “bricking” the phone. If this is manufacturer induced, the phone becomes useless – a veritable “brick” of useless hardware and circuitry.Thankfully, if the “bricking” of the phone is only due to the improper installation of the new system, you can fix the issue through the bootstrapped recovery interfaces.
15- Android Play Store:
The Android Play Store or Play Store is the hub for all developed applications for the Android platform. It can be directly compared to the Apple App Store, and includes a vast majority of the apps that are found inits Apple counterpart. Users can browse, download, and install all types of applications, and while many are free, there are also many that are paid, so this provides an incentive for many major media companies to develop for Android in order to increase profits.
16- CM:
CM stands for CyanogenMod, which was founded by Steve Kondikin 2009. CyanogenMod is a launcher shell for Android and can be flashed from Rom. Currently, CM is available in CM7, CM9, and the beta CM10 versions.
17- Flash Memory:
This is memory that comes with specialized storage such as on mobile devices with items that are already pre loaded such as applications,pictures, music, etc. Under normal conditions, these types of memory are read-only, and will not allow users to overwrite preexisting data.
18- Restoring factory settings:
Restoring factory settings will erase all user settings on the mobile device, so before performing this action, it is recommended to backup all user data. This process rewrites the current ROM on your mobile device with the stock ROM that the device originally came preloaded with. Depending on which maker or system, restoring factory settings will erase user settings,installed software, or some combination of both.
19- OTA:
OTA refers to “Over the Air” updates. These updates are usually downloaded using a data connection as opposed to the normal WiFidownload. The point of these types of updates is that they can be downloaded at any time.
20- Fastboot:
Fastboot literally means starting quickly. In fact, fastboot is a special method of booting the phone through the computer that can allow the user to access a streamlined set of options that increase the efficiency of performing some processes.
21- Superuser:
A superuser is a root permission management software. This software is designed to help you manage which applications on your device have root permissions in order to avoid any unintentional damage to your device from malicious or untrusted applications.
22- APP to SD, APP2SD:
Some Android systems have the option to move application data from the internal memory to the SD card, and still be able to effectively run the programs. This method can also be used to transfer app data to and from phones without having to re-input all previously entered data. Another use for APP2SD is that by moving app data to the SD card, it frees internal memory from clutter and improve phone speeds.
23- Busybox:
A set of Unix tools / commands that has been compiled for use on your phone. These are not usually full-featured versions of the Unix commands found on the larger platforms counterparts, but they are pretty close and useful nonetheless.
24- Bloatware:
Software or 'apps' that you don't need, but come pre installed to a device's /system partition, meaning that you cannot remove them unless the device has been rooted. Usually, these are apps are sponsored by a company and included by a carrier for profit. For example, the Photobucket app included on the G2 by TMobile.
25- Dalvik-Cache:
The dalvik-cache directory holds all of the pre-compiled .dex files created from installed apps. These files are static and do not change unless the app is updated.
26- Google Apps (GApps):
An add-on for Google's applications (Market, GMail etc.), packaged separately to avoid copyright issues
27- Logcat:
A debugging tool built into Android devices that displays system logs as they occur.
28- NANDroid:
A set of tools that will enable anyone who has root on their Android device to make FULL system backups, in case something goes wrong or you want to try out that new experimental ROM/theme. NANDroid will backup (and restore) /system, /data, /cache, and /boot partitions.
29- Unlock:
Most GSM devices are locked to only work with the sim cards of a particular carrier. Obtaining root access (e.g. installing CyanogenMod) on the device usually does nothing to the sim-lock. The usual way to unlock the device to all SIM cards is to obtain a subsidy unlock code from a carrier.

I still stand by that this is a logcat -
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"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Sent from my Jellybean Xperia S

Ben36 said:
I still stand by that this is a logcat -
View attachment 1656035
Sent from my Jellybean Xperia S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
good one....

U have a typo at 3rd point

Deodexed?
Sent from my MT27i using xda premium

Related

Move security app to \system\app directory: Will it be installed after factory reset?

Is it possible to move an app and its files to that directory on rooted phones? Don't apps in that directory automatically stay installed after a factory reset?
I'd like to install PhoneLocator there in case I lose my phone and the person that finds it does a hard reset. Obviously you'd need to also move the file that holds the specific user's login/password info to be able to communicate back after a reset.
If not, is it possible to just unpack the rom I'm using and then stick the files in there?
ScottSNX said:
Is it possible to move an app and its files to that directory on rooted phones? Don't apps in that directory automatically stay installed after a factory reset?
I'd like to install PhoneLocator there in case I lose my phone and the person that finds it does a hard reset. Obviously you'd need to also move the file that holds the specific user's login/password info to be able to communicate back after a reset.
If not, is it possible to just unpack the rom I'm using and then stick the files in there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, if it is installed in /system it won't be deleted on a factory reset. However, the data in those apps gets wiped. Making the data NOT wipe from that app maybe challenging.
-viperboy- said:
Yes, if it is installed in /system it won't be deleted on a factory reset. However, the data in those apps gets wiped. Making the data NOT wipe from that app maybe challenging.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would take a little bit of work but you could add a script w/ the needed data on the system partition to replace it in case of a wipe. Of course an RUU could still wipe it out but the odds of that being used are slim.
xHausx said:
It would take a little bit of work but you could add a script w/ the needed data on the system partition to replace it in case of a wipe. Of course an RUU could still wipe it out but the odds of that being used are slim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
everybody is spot on and it is an interesting question/challenge.
the simplest implementation i can think of would be to store your final version of the application's settings on the /system partition .. i'd hide it somewhere since we're doing this all covert stealth like .. and have a simple script on boot copy the application's data settings from the /system partition back to the /data partition on every boot.
the downside would be remembering, whenever you make a change to the application's data settings you would need to copy it back over the /system location, otherwise the /system version would overwrite it on boot.
if you are running a custom kernel, they often allow for scripts in a custom created /etc/init.d/ .. otherwise you can tag up something decent looking that is called from the stock /init.rc
a little more complicated of an implementation would be to write an android app (stored to /system/app) which uses root permission to copy the hidden application's data settings from the /system partition to the /data partition on every boot. the android app could hide itself from the application tray and be trigger via secret dialer code!
the app could also detect changes to the /data directory settings and copy it back over the /system directory ...
hope that helps contribute a bit to the logistics of implementing the idea!
/system/etc/init.post_boot.sh would be the perfect spot to hide the script if you went that route. It already gets called with the stock ROM and the odds of someone finding it there is slim to none. The data itself could be zipped up and placed anywhere. eg. "/system/lib/lib3dstuff.so"
If you use a custom ROM that you think may get switched you could even go so far as to modifying the recovery to reinstalling the files needed for it. That way if they switch to stock from CM or something like that it would still be there, you would just need to make sure that script gets called or that the recovery at least replaces the app's data.
Thanks for the great replies, a lot of great devs that I've actually heard of in here giving advice.
I'm not so worried about changing up the application's data after I set it up. I've got PhoneLocator and SeekDroid for paid apps that can do the basic relocating of my phone in case it's lost. My plan would be to only use Phone Locator for this since it's an app that's not relying on a data connection to send out GPS coordinates and can be triggered by a silent SMS message. I would set it up initially, not touch it afterwards, and then basically use other apps that do similar functions if I needed it.
And I'm not really so worried about someone "discovering" this buried in some system folder on the root. I'm guessing 95% of the people that would "find" my phone would just try and use it as a fun 4 inch wifi device or MP3 player without a cellular connection. And I have faith that if some XDAer found it they would be one of the few people I'd expect to go out of their way to return it.
Some of the solutions seem a bit over my head at this point, is this something I could post in the Dev section to request someone to write the script for? I know people get pissed if things that aren't really dev requests get posted in there.
Or is there a security app that already does something like this?
Back when I was on WinMo 3 years ago using my Mogul there was an app called NueGPS that the developer allowed chefs to cook into their roms, so I'm surprised this hasn't been developed already. Seems the first thing a dishonest person would do that wasn't planning on finding the owner on a lost phone would be to wipe it so they could either sell it or be able to customize it to just use as a wifi device.
I would donate for an app/script like this
That's genius
Sent from my HTC EVO 3d
Root: revolutionary
Recovery: Twrp cwm 4
ROM: Synergy rls318 (I want aosp)
I emailed the developer and he pretty much said this would work. I asked him the same question in the OP.
His reply:
Copy the com.rvo.plpro-1.apk from /data/app, to system/app with an app like Root Explorer. Uninstall the previous installation of ProLocator Pro. Restart your device. Done ! The user info will be stored in that file. Auto enable GPS is default, if it is off, it will be turned on, when a position is asked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Had to "unlock" the app first from within its program to uninstall it from the /data/app directory, but it looks like it works. Before I flash another rom I'll try a standard wipe from the phone settings to see if it holds the settings I have the SMS GPS notifications go out to. He told me those scripts weren't really necessary and that all the user info gets stored in the .apk file. I'm wondering what all these other files do then. This is what came up under a search for plpro in Root Explorer.
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"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
ScottSNX said:
He told me those scripts weren't really necessary and that all the user info gets stored in the .apk file. I'm wondering what all these other files do then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not in the habit of telling an android developer what his own app does or does not do, but I have developer a few android apps and am semi familar with how the android system works so I'll share my opinion. I'm in agreement more with you than whoever wrote the reply in the email you quoted.
I would be very surprised if his application was somehow internally storing settings inside of its own apk file ...
Those files you found and listed in your screenshot which ,are stored in the application's /data/data directory, are the standard preference type files which most (prob all) android applications use to store their settings. Google provides a very nice and convenient API for storing and managing settings in the app's respective /data/data directory.
It would be worth a try to test out. I would expect the following results from a test:
Move the apk file to /system/app. Wipe /data partition. Reboot and the application should have 100% stock/default settings.
On another approach, a thought just crossed my mind. It could be possible to have the application store your specific settings on a remote server and when the application opens or runs, it could pull down your specific settings from the server. This would of course require internet access (might not have if somebody stole and wiped, at least right away). But thats reverting back to our previous discussion.
Hope that helps as a second opinion from another application developer!

Top Super User apk - Root What's/How/Why

Introduction:
Purpose of this thread is sharing most useful applications for root users.
I'll try to keep this first post update.
What's root permissions:
Rooting is a process that allows users of mobile phones and other devices running the Android operating system to attain privileged control (known as "root access") within Android's Linux subsystem with the goal of overcoming limitations that carriers and manufacturers put on some devices.
Learn more
How to:
Easy root
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"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Why become root:
* Being root user is first step for every tweak or mod in your phone
* To install a recovery menu
* Uninstall unwanted stock Rom apps
* Changing your system's files
* Opportunity of installing exclusive root users apk
* For the pleasure of experiment
Why not:
Messing with /system can make run your phone worse if something goes wrong. Nothing that a backup, a a total wipe with SEUS or a brand new firmware with FlashTool, can't solve
Root apk:
Titanium Backup
You can backup, restore, freeze (with Pro) your apps + data + Market links. This includes all protected apps & system apps, plus external data on your SD card.
Root Explorer
Root Explorer is the ultimate file manager for root users. Access the whole of android's file system (including the elusive data folder!).
Wireless ADB
Use ADB over Wi-Fi with Wireless ADB
ROM Manager
* Flash your recovery to the latest and greatest ClockworkMod recovery.
* Manage your ROMs via a handy UI.
* Organize and perform backups and restores from within Android
* Install ROMs from your SD card.
* Install your favorite ROMs over the air
AnTuTu CPU Master
AnTuTu CPU Master is a tool for changing the CPU speed on a rooted Android Mobile Phone/Pad.
Superuser
Hook into your phone's power
Grant and manage Superuser rights for your phone.
Market Enabler
Market Enabler lets you access paid apps in Android Market
For some apps are just enabled for some specific country and not available to the other countries,so it is very difficult to download many high quality software.Market Enable lets you access paid apps from countries where paid apps are not yet available.
AdFree Android
AdFree removes most ads in the browser and other apps. It does this by nullifying requests to known host names in the system hosts file.
Android Terminal Emulator
Access your Android's built-in Linux command line shell.
BusyBox
BusyBox is a software application that provides many standard Unix tools, much like the larger (but more capable) GNU Core Utilities. BusyBox is designed to be a small executable for use with the Linux kernel, which makes it ideal for use with embedded devices. It has been self-dubbed "The Swiss Army Knife of Embedded Linux".
Font Changer
Font Changer allows you to switch the default system font on your Android device (will replace the keyboard font too for a fresh typing experience). It creates an automatic backup of the default fonts at the beginning. When removing the application it should be done from inside its settings to restore your default fonts.
ROM Toolbox
ROM Toolbox combines all the great root apps all tied up into one monster app with a beautiful and user-friendly interface.
MetaMorph
MetaMorph allows you to theme, patch, and mod your phone by adding or changing files on your system and apps.
CacheMate for Root Users Free
CacheMate for Root Users allows you to clear cache from your device in one click
Dual Mount SD Widget
This widget Modifies a setting that will allow you to mount your SD card to your phone and PC/Radio/ect at the same time.
Sixaxis Controller
Sixaxis Controller allows you to use your Sixaxis and DualShock 3 controllers in many of your favourite games and applications.
Quick Boot (Reboot)
Reboot your phone quickly. Boot into Recovery and Bootloader with one tap.
FaceNiff
Use it with extreme caution. And don't abuse
Chainfire3D
Chainfire3D sits between your apps and the graphics drivers, and can intercept and/or change commands between the two. Features include reducing texture size and quality to reduce memory use and potentially increase game performance, as well as increasing memory use potentially increase performance.
Swapper 2
Swapper is simple application for “extending memory”. Helps when you need some memory for non active applications (like music player + browser + maps + etc…).
awesome post!!!
thanks, very helpful indded
First post updated with new applications and qr codes.
Tip: if you're using Google Chrome or Chromium browser, and you like to see qr codes in Android Market, just go in your browser extensions and download Droid Code.
No need of configuration
Thanks for grate info.........
Great info......super su...install failed.... Any solution.... Thanks

[PC]Android Application Manager (AAM) PC - Released 0.2 Alpha 30 Sept 2012

Introducing AAM -> Android Application Manager (PC) Version 0.1 (alpha) !! India Independence day - 15th August!!
I'm Back with Bang
New features on 0.2 3th Sept 2012 version
Link2sd support
- Right click to application and select Link to SD-Ext
- Compatible to Links2SD app
Speed Improvements
sort
- 3 levels
- Asc or Desc
- Sorting by table column header click
filter
- Text filter
- predefined filters like User apps, System apps, Linked apps, Installed on SD apps
Config directory selection dialog
- Safe mode check (to enable backup of app/data on every action, for just safe side)
Quick backup option in tools menu
Device details box
What is AAM?
AAM is a tool by which yoy can manage your applications from your computer. Main aim is to take backup of system or user application (.apk file) as well as its data, which can be restored back - all form your computer. Basically I am replicating some of the Titanium backup functionality on this PC based tool.
Who can use this?
Any android phone can use this. However currently its supported on windows only, but future versions definitely support Linux.
Where are download links?
Executable Exe - http://www.mediafire.com/?st2bdes6u7sceuq
Jar file - http://www.mediafire.com/?5il859gga8db5b3
What are features of AAM?
To list down, main features would be -
Link app to SD ext to increase internal memory (NEW)
Move apps to SD card (NEW)
List applications installed on Phone along with details like App name, package, APK file location, Freezed or Unfreezed, etc.
Backup System APK
Backup User APK
Backup data of any application
Restore / Install APK
Install by push method - Push apk to /system/app or /data/app
Restore DATA of System or user application
WIPE data of a application
Freeze/Unfreeze application (yes, this is FREEZE facility similar to titanium)
Uninstall App (user app as well as system app )
Kll app process
Reboot device in 3 modes - Normal, Recovery and Download
Universal tool - for all phones!!!
What are supported platforms and requirements to run this?
Currently I am releasing exe as well as jar file. but future versions definitely support Linux.
You need
java 1.5+ installed on your system
Android platform tools (adb.exe and aapt.exe) which comes with Android SDK. (In next versions, i am planning to package those also )
And yes, you DONT NEED TO INSTALL ANYTHING ON PHONE
Where are screenshots?
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"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Does everything works?
No. Hence this is Alpha version. I have tested it on my phone Samsung Galaxy 3 i5801 as well as a Jelly bean emulated device. Other devices are supported but not tested. This tool dose not brick your phone but improper use may result in loss of data. Please Use at your own risk.
[Technical]
Internally, its all based on adb and aapt tools. Using adb commands and shell commands everything is done. Using aapt tool, a apk file is parsed to get app name and icon.
Written in java, and windows exe is created with JSmooth
How to use AAM?
Connect phone via usb cable. Make sure your system passes requirements mentioned above.
When AAM runs for first time, it will ask for ADB home directory (where adb.exe and aapt.exe are present) and a directory for storing backup data.
AAM will load apps installed on device. Please note that when there is no backup of a application, its icon, app name can not be retrieved.
You can start using AAM by selecting applications from list and clicking on action buttons listed on right hand side.
For quick selection, use select check-box options - To select all, system apps, user apps, Uninstalled system and user apps.
Reboot options are mentioned on menu-bar above application list.
You can change backup directory as well as ADB home directory using 'Configuration' menu.
Installing an application can be done in 2 modes. Normal mode and force mode. Normal mode will try to install app using adb. Forse mode will push application apk to user or system app directory.
If you like AAM, don't forget to give donation form Donate menu or About AAM button.
(Uninstalled apps means applications whose backup is present in AAM but its not installed on device.
Does AAM requires device rooted?
No. non-rooted devices are partially supported. In fact, AAM uses busybox. sometimes. If your device has busybox, you can use all AMM functions. Withtou busybox, some functionality may affect but core functions will work.
Limitations and known issues?
I have not tested AAM on all devices.
Contacts and messages are not restored across different versions of Android.
Operates on one device at a time.
While AAM is running, device disconnect is not detected.
Still may be more.
What are future plannings of AAM / Wish List?
(DONE)
Also, to make CWM flashable zip file of selected applications backups to restore them on phone recovery.
Do not hesitate to add items in wish-list.
Where are source files?
current source files are raw develper D) files. I will spend some time on beautification of source like create license text, comments etc and upload.
I will appreciate and welcome any feedback and suggestions.
nice project...carry on.....
Its too annoying writing batch script.....I am now writing a Java program to do this---which will run adb at backend.
Nice, hope you can make it universal for all phones and firmwares, i mean it should be universal right, just backing up the apps?
Sent from my GT-I9003 using xda app-developers app
bscraze said:
Nice, hope you can make it universal for all phones and firmwares, i mean it should be universal right, just backing up the apps?
Sent from my GT-I9003 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, currently I am not aware of directory structure of other devices as in where are system apks and data files. If its same as g3 then it will be universal else - making it universal will require little tweaks which is easy I think.
done yet?unyaffs like??
geek4u86 said:
done yet?unyaffs like??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I am too much busy in office work, still I managed to make backup work, working on restore operation now....
geek4u86 said:
unyaffs like??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What does that mean?
Almost ready with alpha version. will release it in couple of days. It will be a Executable jar file.
bsuhas said:
Almost ready with alpha version. will release it in couple of days. It will be a Executable jar file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Almost all options are working now, Please see first post.
this would be great, features similar to what mybackup root does is most preferred as thats what i use now but it only backups to its owns erver or the sd card, im ready to be a beta tester
Just a query, this wouldn't work without root right?
Sent from my GT-I9003 using xda app-developers app
bscraze said:
Just a query, this wouldn't work without root right?
Sent from my GT-I9003 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
to my knowledge it wont without root, not possible
khal_nayak said:
to my knowledge it wont without root, not possible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, It's all based on ADB (and aapt), What I am internally doing is adb push/ pull and shell commands. We can push/pull on non-rooted phones too. So main functionality of backup apk+data and restore will work I think. Correct me If I am wrong....
I would be glad to beta test this....I am currently looking for an easier way to back up my phone....currently looking for a way to back it all up and make a flashable zip
beezie916 said:
I would be glad to beta test this....I am currently looking for an easier way to back up my phone....currently looking for a way to back it all up and make a flashable zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A flashable zip would be a great idea. +1
Sent from my GT-I9003 using xda app-developers app
bscraze said:
A flashable zip would be a great idea. +1
Sent from my GT-I9003 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is great idea...
I need to learn how to create CWM zip from Java but looks like this is doable....
Keeping this in to-do for next release....First i'll release a basic version...
@all, Any more things in wish-list?
bsuhas said:
Well, It's all based on ADB (and aapt), What I am internally doing is adb push/ pull and shell commands. We can push/pull on non-rooted phones too. So main functionality of backup apk+data and restore will work I think. Correct me If I am wrong....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the apps such as mybackup root, the reason y they require root to backup most things such as apps+data etc is because they use busybox, now im new to android but busybox install is like installing root and the reason y i said u need root is because without root if it was possible or efficient then y wouldnt samsung kies have the same feature?
Alpha version released today. Please see first page
Work in progress for integrating link2sd features....
it will mount sd-ext partition and can create links of apk files to this partitoin, so more internall memory.
I will try to make this compatible with 'link2sd' app so that both (AAM and link2sd app) should be on same page.
init.d support needed from kernel to use this functionality.

[ROM]Tera (on Bullhead) - A cloud file system for unlimited storage

Hi, All.
This is our first post on XDA, so please excuse us if we fail to follow all the rules. Please let us know if it happens, and we'll fix it right away. Thank you very much!
Tera is based on AOSP 7.1.2 with capability to extend your smart phone storage to the cloud.
We made a file system that connects to cloud storage services and make them look like local storage.
We also made changes to the Android framework to support this file system for the Android user experience.
# Changelog
20170804 : first released
20170808 : remove verify system partition for gapps install
20170810 : Disable some encryption functions to enable direct boot in some apps. (e.g Phone app wasn't able to find SIM card in some cases.)
20170823 : Support restore data from google drive, and release Tera AOSP source .
# Disclaimer
Tera is a work in progress. The development team cannot be responsible for any damage to your device or your data. It has been tested extensively and we deem it stable enough for daily use in most cases. (We gave it to our boss's 78-years old mom to use.)
We are still developing it and adding more features, so we do collect some information to aid future development. You should agree to let us collect the following before using the ROM:
* IMEI
* storage usage amount (NOT storage content)
* data transfer amount (NOT the data being transferred)
* list of installed apps (NOT app data)
* IP address
# Features
* Extend phone local storage with Google Drive cloud storage, while using the local flash memory as a cache.
* Apps can use the entire cloud space as if they were physical storage. If your Google Drive has available quota of 100GB, all apps will see 100GB of local storage available.
* Data will be stored in your Google Drive in a folder call 'tera.<IMEI>'.
* You can 'pin' apps to keep them in local storage for offline use. This can be done in the Tera management app or in Launcher (drag and drop to the top).
* If the "pinned space" is too crowded, you can 'unpin' apps the same way to free up the space.
# Known issues
* Occasionally the phone gets stuck in power off sequence. Force power off (press the power button for 10 seconds) will work.
* The Google account used for storage cannot be changed without a factory reset.
* Out of (cloud) space condition is not handled. The system will just keeps retrying.
* Some apps will display incorrect cloud capacity if your cloud space is more than 8TB. (Overflow in API level 18 and before.)
* The Google Drive total size is displayed in the dashboard, not counting the space used by activities other than Tera.
* Data stored in Google Drive is split into blocks, so you won't see the files directly. We have a utility that gives you the file view for Swift backends, but not for Google Drive yet. We're working on it.
* Data encryption is currently turned off. The system should work with it turned on, but we haven't tested that.
# Installation Steps
1. Download image files and flash. (All existing data will be lost.)
2. Boot to TWRP recovery and sideload gapps.
3. In order to perform an OAuth for access to Google Drive, you will need a web browser. e.g. Chrome or Firefox.
# Usage
1. Open the Tera App.
2. You will see three choices for the backend: Google Drive, SWIFT, AWS S3.
2a. Google Drive is, well, Google Drive. This is what you want.
2b. SWIFT is for future use in private cloud backends, not available right now.
2c. AWS S3 is also for the future, not available right now.
3. So please choose Google Drive and continue to grant access.
4. You will be brought to the Tera dashboard.
5. Enjoy!
# Download
Google Drive
Source Code
# Screenshot
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
# Roadmap
* Restore data from Google Drive.
* Use OpenStack Swift as backend.
* Use AWS S3 as backend.
* Open source.
# Bug report
# Contributors
Hope Bay Mobile, Inc., and all Contributors in AOSP.
XDA:DevDB Information
Tera, ROM for the LG Nexus 5X
Contributors
fineaisa
ROM OS Version: 7.x Nougat
ROM Kernel: Linux 3.10.x
ROM Firmware Required: bootloader unlocked
Based On: AOSP
Version Information
Status: Beta
Current Beta Version: 2.3.2
Beta Release Date: 2017-08-23
Created 2017-08-11
Last Updated 2017-08-23
Is there source code be interested bringing this ROM to Angler (Nexus 6P)
Nice idea
sweet seems like what nextbit was doing with their phones. I'd give it a try.
minidude2012 said:
Is there source code be interested bringing this ROM to Angler (Nexus 6P)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We prefer open source in the future.
dpj52190 said:
sweet seems like what nextbit was doing with their phones. I'd give it a try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but we focus on filesystems for extend phone storage with various cloud⁄nas options and what's important, you can control your backend!!
And our final goal is let all Android users can enjoy with this feature.
fineaisa said:
We prefer open source in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well can't wait as I'm extremely interested in building this
Sweet ROM. Keep up the amazing work
minidude2012 said:
Well can't wait as I'm extremely interested in building this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Source is here
fineaisa said:
Source is here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nice ill start working on a port to angler once i fugre out how you setup device tree xd
Sorry the question.
Why do you need to know our IMEI?
manfio said:
Sorry the question.
Why do you need to know our IMEI?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, we just use it as UUID, only for statistics
We haven't find a good way to do this.
Any suggestions ?
Very good idea but if I understood the main idea the phone need a constant internet connection to open an app so we are really limited.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using XDA Labs
fineaisa said:
* Apps can use the entire cloud space as if they were physical storage. If your Google Drive has available quota of 100GB, all apps will see 100GB of local storage available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, but i have an unlimited google drive account, what apps will see in this way?
francos21 said:
Very good idea but if I understood the main idea the phone need a constant internet connection to open an app so we are really limited.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all, if the App is still in the cache, it will work without an Internet connection. With an 8GB cache, most Apps you used recently will likely stay in the cache.
We also provide a feature called "pinning" to keep an App in the cache. That way it will always work even without the Internet connection. The default setting is to unpin all Apps and you can pin individual Apps in Tera Management app.
dennes544 said:
Okay, but i have an unlimited google drive account, what apps will see in this way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We display the number backend gave , 10T!
Giving your IMEI to someone is not the wisest thing in the world. I'd suggest you find a different way to generate a UUID.
jeffsf said:
Giving your IMEI to someone is not the wisest thing in the world. I'd suggest you find a different way to generate a UUID.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your suggestion!
we are trying to do what you said. thanks.
dennes544 said:
Okay, but i have an unlimited google drive account, what apps will see in this way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Drive replies with 10TB available when queried, so we display that. But as you use more storage, the available storage space is always 10TB and will not decrease. For example, after you store 1TB of data, your total space becomes 11TB and available space is still 10TB.
jeffsf said:
Giving your IMEI to someone is not the wisest thing in the world. I'd suggest you find a different way to generate a UUID.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, if you want to develop this ROM for another device you may need another unique identifier. Wifi only tablet devices don't have an IMEI because they don't have a cell connection. However, you could use MAC address (use Wifi adapter MAC if no cellular radio exists.)

How To Guide Just tweak it [Tab A7] - debloat, battery...

Tab A7 stock rootless setup​
model used: Tab A7 Lite SM-T220
Just a quick article for this nicely sized 8.7" tablet. It's a baby tablet, not wasting time with rooting We want:
* debloating
* better battery
* better privacy
* call recording
* disk encryption
* tweaks
Rooting​No rooting. No logins, not even Google login, that's the plan. FDroid, Aurora, Vanced manager to deploy all you need. No contacts, no SMS, no location, nothing to protect.
Modules​Magisk​-
XPosed​-
Apps​* AdGuard -> supreme adblocker and firewall. Set VPN approach (rootless friendly, assuming device will stay at home), turn on HTTPS and turn off internet for all apps. Then enable few (browser, youtube, aurora) specifically.
* YouTube Vanced -> YouTube without ads and sponsor blocks.. install in non root mode, and remove the existing originals
* (optional) MiXplorer -> best file manager, replaces spyware ES File explorer you had before
* F-Droid -> open source apps
* Aurora -> all apps
Debloating​What the script does:
* choose 8 categories of app removal, in the beginning of the file
for each say 0=skip 1=remove 2=revert back
* use more switch to disable some questionable/helpful stuff
* disable up to 70 apps with possibility to revert back
I usually cook these files carefully, here i just removed non existing packages, added existing vendor packages. Vendor garbage gets uninstalled straight away, majority of packages is disabled in non-root mode (per user) so it can be reenabled later. You can edit the file.
unzip the file to some folder
adb shell as it's plugged to PC and authorized (and usb debugging in developer otions on)
go to the folder with script
cp TabA7_cleanup.sh /data/local/tmp
chmod +x /data/local/tmp/TabA7_cleanup.sh
/data/local/tmp/TabA7_cleanup.sh;
Tested ok on August Android 11 EU firmware. It produced no errors (=packages relevant), but there could be regional differences, producing exceptions in your case. See other comments below if the instructions are unclear.
Download: (file attached)
Battery​Battery saving:
turn off location
turn off permissions and app usage for usual snitches
in Adguard turn off WIFI/mobile for each app (will be the default), then reenable few - advantage: no ads in games, no stupid accidental payments. Also set WIFI/mobile off when screen off -> tablet won't do anything, just keep idle for days hopefully
don't even enable GMS, this device can be a good throwawy tablet with no login to ANY service, without encryption, just pure gamepad.... likely no password/PIN to unlock. It's with slow CPU but games work nicely. It's not even slower than S4 flagship tablet honestly.
hi, thanks for the guide, very insightful with me transitioning from iOS.
My only question is the script, I’ve downloaded ABD and can shell into my device. However I’m having issues when copying the script, it keeps coming up saying invalid path, I’ve looked everywhere for a tutorial but with me having limited knowledge I’m at a dead end
any help greatly appreciated
Herb291 said:
hi, thanks for the guide, very insightful with me transitioning from iOS.
My only question is the script, I’ve downloaded ABD and can shell into my device. However I’m having issues when copying the script, it keeps coming up saying invalid path, I’ve looked everywhere for a tutorial but with me having limited knowledge I’m at a dead end
any help greatly appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i just flashed the new firmware and did it again, no problem. First i copied the script from Windows to somewhere on Android (/storage/emulated/0 or similar "noexec" quasi-sd card location), and then moved it to a location from where it can be executed. The location should work and is generally recommended. You can find another one /data/local, /tmp or whatever is there. Or use adb push <PC_file> <target_directory>. Or post the screenshot. This should be a trivial issue and can't stop you.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
getting this error
raxahasan0077 said:
View attachment 5456865getting this error
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Place the script on the tablet in an easy to remember location.
Open Powershell:
“adb shell” or “./abd shell” (whichever works)
“Cp /storage/emulated/0/FILELOCATION/TabA7_cleanup.sh /data/local/tmp”
then follow the rest of the instructions
now getting this error
raxahasan0077 said:
now getting this errorView attachment 5456963
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is your USB debugging turned on in the dev settings, did you hit authorise on your device when you first plugged it in?
you can check if you’re device is authorised with “adb devices”
edit: not sure if it matters but try a lowercase cp
Herb291 said:
Is your USB debugging turned on in the dev settings, did you hit authorise on your device when you first plugged it in?
you can check if you’re device is authorised with “adb devices”
edit: not sure if it matters but try a lowercase cp
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah lowercase cp works
Working with LADB ( no computer needed)
https://www.xda-developers.com/debloat-your-phone-run-adb-shell-commands-no-root-no-pc/
Download: https://disk.yandex.com/d/H02YifGGtrErbw
////////////Run an .sh file to install ///////////
cd /sdcard
cp cleanup.sh /data/local/tmp
cd /data/local/tmp
ls -l
chmod +x /data/local/tmp/cleanup.sh
ls -l
./cleanup.sh
/////////
Download: https://disk.yandex.com/d/NcQMhFp73OpwXw
( and run .sh script with LADB)
Tips howto install LADB:
important! Always use "Open in split screen view” for pairing devices. (only first connection, next time don't need)
View attachment 5457089
@tom.android have you removed all theese 41 apps and the tablet functions ok, without any problems ? Is there any real benefit in performance and especially in lagging ?
Reply: @nikoum
Just removed (switch off) my unused app, sorry not help for good performance but no trouble.
Note: LADB
https://forum.xda-developers.com/attachments/ladb_v1-7_test-zip.5457295/
How dose this work without rooting? When I try to run the script from ADB i get Can't execute: permission denied?
I run "cmd", then "adb shell" and then "pm uninstall --user 0 <package name>". Make sure in developer options to check USB debugging to on and when connecting device with usb cable, authorize the conneftion, when asked by the phone.
doggydog2 said:
Tab A7 stock rootless setup​
model used: Tab A7 Lite SM-T220
Just a quick article for this nicely sized 8.7" tablet. It's a baby tablet, not wasting time with rooting We want:
* debloating
* better battery
* better privacy
* call recording
* disk encryption
* tweaks
Rooting​No rooting. No logins, not even Google login, that's the plan. FDroid, Aurora, Vanced manager to deploy all you need. No contacts, no SMS, no location, nothing to protect.
Modules​Magisk​-
XPosed​-
Apps​* AdGuard -> supreme adblocker and firewall. Set VPN approach (rootless friendly, assuming device will stay at home), turn on HTTPS and turn off internet for all apps. Then enable few (browser, youtube, aurora) specifically.
* YouTube Vanced -> YouTube without ads and sponsor blocks.. install in non root mode, and remove the existing originals
* (optional) MiXplorer -> best file manager, replaces spyware ES File explorer you had before
* F-Droid -> open source apps
* Aurora -> all apps
Debloating​What the script does:
* choose 8 categories of app removal, in the beginning of the file
for each say 0=skip 1=remove 2=revert back
* use more switch to disable some questionable/helpful stuff
* disable up to 70 apps with possibility to revert back
I usually cook these files carefully, here i just removed non existing packages, added existing vendor packages. Vendor garbage gets uninstalled straight away, majority of packages is disabled in non-root mode (per user) so it can be reenabled later. You can edit the file.
unzip the file to some folder
adb shell as it's plugged to PC and authorized
go to the folder with script
cp TabA7_cleanup.sh /data/local/tmp
chmod +x /data/local/tmp/TabA7_cleanup.sh
/data/local/tmp/TabA7_cleanup.sh;
Tested ok on August Android 11 EU firmware. It produced no errors (=packages relevant), but there could be regional differences.
Download: (file attached)
Battery​Battery saving:
turn off location
turn off permissions and app usage for usual snitches
in Adguard turn off WIFI/mobile for each app (will be the default), then reenable few - advantage: no ads in games, no stupid accidental payments. Also set WIFI/mobile off when screen off -> tablet won't do anything, just keep idle for days hopefully
don't even enable GMS, this device can be a good throwawy tablet with no login to ANY service, without encryption, just pure gamepad.... likely no password/PIN to unlock. It's with slow CPU but games work nicely. It's not even slower than S4 flagship tablet honestly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do I get the script file to.run from ADB? I get permission denied
TheDroidKid said:
How do I get the script file to.run from ADB? I get permission denied
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's literally discussed above incl all common mistakes, if you think it's unique, please post a screenshot.
Your right got it working. Didn't releaize it was a big deal not to have it in /tmp
I keep trying to do the cp step but it keeps saying no such file or directory.
I checked my tablet with MiX and there's no local folder on data... What am I doing wrong here?
Is better privacy only possible with rooting? I want to disable the radio entirely and remove all of the Google apps.
Elzbach said:
Is better privacy only possible with rooting? I want to disable the radio entirely and remove all of the Google apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i disabled google, and using Aurora without root. With no logins, no PIM data, no location tracking, there's almost no data to steal. But if I was using it as a mobile phone, with logins, contacts etc, i'd have to root.
doggydog2 said:
i disabled google, and using Aurora without root. With no logins, no PIM data, no location tracking, there's almost no data to steal. But if I was using it as a mobile phone, with logins, contacts etc, i'd have to root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not using it as a phone and there is still no data to steal, but I still want to get rid of those things. I want to completely remove the tracking apps regardless of how little there is to track because they are bloat. I want to completely disable the radio, the microphone, gps, and blu tooth. I don't even want wireless internet connections to remain.

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