[Q] Secure Contacts Manager/Address Book (with db encryption) [Android] - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I am looking for a secure contact (and related misc. information) manager/phone-address book that encrypts the database and protects its records from other apps as well as in case of the phone being lost. This is for Android.
I've been looking for such an app for quite some time and in various sources. I found some people asking for something similar, but with no answers. I also found some "secure wallet" programs that could almost do the trick, except that they store secure information but no people's contacts. While, of course, I can record phone numbers (and addresses) in a free-note format, that wouldn't allow easy dialing of those numbers, or easy copying of the addresses to the navigation apps (Google Maps, Waze, etc.).
None of the contacts managers I found offer encryption/protection.
I couldn't find any discussion about this type of app. I am surprised why nobody is interested in such an app. Or am I just looking in a wrong way?
Do such apps exist?

I have been looking for the same thing.
So far the only thing I have found is essential pim pro app. It uses it's own encrypted database to save the contacts. It also can share the contacts through an account in Android 6+ (not sure how secure that feature is)
There was a very old personal information manager app that had very few permissions that might also work but I have not used it in 4 years and forget the name(not could I find it when I searched Google play)
So I'm still looking for a open source app that is very similar.

Related

[APP] FBReader "Sync" App - FBSync v1.0.26 (Beta)

Hello all!
Recently I've started using two seperate Android devices to read books
using FBReaderJ for Android, a NookColor, and my phone, a Sprint EVO
3D. Very quickly, I ran into a problem. I read the same books on both
devices, so I ended up spending a lot of time looking for my place
whenever I switched devices (I used the NC at home, and my phone
everywhere else).
I imagine that this must be a problem quite a few people are having,
or will be having as android devices become more popular.
So, I wrote an android app to synchronize my place in each book
between the two devices.
App Name: FBSync
Current Version: v1.0.26
Revision History:
1.0.26 - Removed Auto-Sync feature (hopefully just temporarily. I want to get this working, but the FBReader API just doesn't provide enough functionality to get it working smoothly). Removed syncing of "recent" books (It caused more trouble than it was worth, sorry, you will have to manually open your book if you changed books on another device). Added a "Sync" item to the FBReader menu that pulls up FBSync.
1.0.24 - Updated Dropbox support to use latest Dropbox API. Fixed Auto-Sync feature to properly sync new book positions (broken due to a change in FBReader). Due to limitations in FBReader, the Auto-Sync feature is still rather rough.
1.0.23 - Added a Dropbox support for your book position data, an Auto-Sync feature that makes use of the FBReader API, and (in theory) the program has been translated into Russian (thanks Dmitry!). If you have set up your own synchronization server, you will need to update the PHP files to the files in the attached sync.zip
1.0.19 - Fixed another bug that affected Honeycomb devices. Confirmed working on an Acer Iconia A500.
1.0.18 - Fixed a bug that affected Honeycomb devices (I hope!)
1.0.17 - Added "Alternate Sync URL" functionality for those people who want to set up their own sync server instead of using mine. See below for more instructions.
Requirements:
1) Root. Your devices must be rooted. This application only uses
root for two things. First, it uses root to get access to the
FBReaderJ books database, and second, it uses root to kill the
FBReaderJ process before it syncs the data (it has to kill the process
to force FBReader to reload the database).
2) FBReaderJ must be installed on the device (you will be prompted to
install it if you haven't already when you load my app)
3) You must have already opened FBReaderJ at least once, and viewed
it's library (Menu button, "Library"). This creates the databases
that my application needs.
Download:
An older version is available on Google Play, but the latest version can always be found at the bottom of this post.
Instructions for Use:
As of v1.0.23, you have the option of either syncing book positions to my web server, or to Dropbox. If you choose to use Dropbox, it will create a single file on your Dropbox account (under \FBSync) that contains the book position data.
If you desire to sync the book positions to my web server, you can also enable a new, experimental "Auto-Sync" feature that syncs your position whenever you open or close FBReader (or a book in FBReader). This functionality only works when using my web server, it does not currently work with Dropbox.
The auto-sync feature make use of FBReader's API and makes FBSync work as a plug-in for FBReader. Unfortunately the API does not contain all of the features needed to completely remove the root requirement for FBSync.
If you are going to use my web server to sync:
After you install it, go into the settings (blue icon, or menu/
settings), and enter an email (doesn't have to be an email, any unique
string will work) and numeric pin # (this isn't secure, so don't use a
pin you care about). The email/pin is just to uniquely identify you.
You should use the same email/pin on each device.​
On the same screen, you can choose to sync the actual book files to Dropbox. Since your Dropbox account is used, only your account can access the books, if
you choose to sync them. It only uploads/downloads the books when it
needs them, so it may take a while the first time you sync, but after
that it shouldn't take more than a minute MAX (my typical sync times
for 90 books is about 5-10 seconds)
Click the middle, orange icon, to begin the sync process.
If this is the first time you've synced since selecting the "Enable Dropbox" setting, you will be prompted to allow FBSync access to your dropbox account.
The sync process first uploads, then downloads. It only updates the book's "place" on the web (or Dropbox) if it's farther ahead than the web's "place" for the book.
If you are using the Auto-Sync function, the above statement is not true. It always saves the exact position of your book upon closure of FbReader or closing the book.
Miscellaneous Info:
This program is still in beta. I have used and tested it extensively,
but I'm not liable if you manage to break it somehow. Since it does
alter the data in FBReader's databases (it does not, and never will,
alter the database structures), it is possible, but very unlikely,
that it could lose your book's places. I would suggest that you back
up FBReaderJ using something like Titanium Backup before you start
using FBSync, just to be on the safe side.
The synchronized book position data is currently hosted on my personal web server, or your Dropbox account (as of v1.0.23). Your book files are only stored on your Dropbox account.
UPDATE: As of v1.0.17, I added the ability to define your own "Sync Server". Here's how to use it:
In the Settings (Menu, Settings), there is a new option "Alternate Sync URL" where you can enter your own URL. Leave it blank if you want to use my server.
If you want to use your own, you will need the file attached to this post. I wouldn't recommend trying to set up your own server unless you are pretty comfortable with web servers, php, and mySql.
Sync.zip contains a .SQL script, and several .PHP files that are required to set up your own sync server.
The primary thing that you need to set up your own Sync server is a HTTP Web server that supports mySql and PHP.
On your server, create a new mySql database (name doesn't matter, just make sure there's a user attached to it that has insert/update/delete rights), then run the sql code in the sync.sql to create the two tables that are needed.
Edit the common.php file and replace the '' values in this block:
Code:
$dbhost = 'localhost';
$dbuser = ''; // Fill out the database user name here
$dbpass = ''; // Fill out the database user password here
$dbname = ''; // Fill out the database name here
with the correct values for your server. $dbhost can probably remain 'localhost'.
Then create a directory on your web server that is accessible from your devices, and put the 5 PHP files into it.
Launch FBSync, hit Menu, Settings, click the "Alternate Sync URL", and type in the URL that points to the directory you put those PHP files in (ex; http://sync.splitmatrix.net/alternate_sync ). You must start it with http://, and it should not end in a /.
After you enter the URL, save out of it, back out to the main FBSync window, and click the Sync button. If you set up everything correctly, it should sync to your server now instead of mine.
Please let me know of any issues you find, or any improvements you
want.
Thanks,
Scott
6/27/2012 Edit - Updated Sync.zip to remove some buggy code from addbook.php
Hi Scott,
I only have 1 device right now, so no need for sync, but I would be interested in how you can read your BN books with FBRreader. I have installed FBReader, but don't know how to read the books with it.
Also, I installed the dolphin web browser and clicked on a few epub links but nothing happens, is there a way to get it to bring up those files in FBRreader?
droidly said:
Hi Scott,
I only have 1 device right now, so no need for sync, but I would be interested in how you can read your BN books with FBRreader. I have installed FBReader, but don't know how to read the books with it.
Also, I installed the dolphin web browser and clicked on a few epub links but nothing happens, is there a way to get it to bring up those files in FBRreader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't actually purchased any books from B&N, but assuming the books you purchased are DRM free, you should be able to just move them into the \sdcard\books directory, and they should appear in the FbReader library. I believe, by default, the B&N books go into the internal storage, in the B&N Downloads\Books directory. Use a file manager like estrong's, astro's, or root explorer to copy them.
Via your web browser, save the epub books to \sdcard\books (or move them there after they download), and they'll show up. I don't believe that you can associate any book reader with epub files, I don't think android supports that. You have to open the book with the app, not the app with the book.
Scott
I use FBReader on multiple devices and would be extremely interested in such an app!
Thanks for your interest in my syncing app.
One pretty major requirement for this app is that your devices have to be rooted. Android doesn't like one app accessing another app's data, so the only way I could do it was to use root privileges.
It's still in beta, but you can download a copy of it at:
http://sync.splitmatrix.net/apk/fbsync.apk
Currently v1.0.9.
After you install it, go into the settings (blue icon, or menu/settings), and enter an email (doesn't have to be an email, any unique string will work) and numeric pin # (this isn't secure, so don't use a pin you care about). The email/pin is just to uniquely identify you. You should use the same email/pin on each device.
On the same screen, you can choose to sync the actual book files as well as their positions. It only uploads/downloads the books when it needs them, so it may take a while the first time you sync, but after that it shouldn't take more than a minute MAX, my typical sync times for 90 books is about 5-10 seconds.
Obviously you should have Fbreader already installed, and you need to have ran it, and gone into the library (menu/library) at least once (this creates the fbreader app database).
Click the middle, orange icon, to begin the sync process. It first uploads, then downloads. It only updates the book's "place" on the web if it's farther ahead than the web's "place" for the book.
Please let me know of any issues you find, or any improvements you want.
Thanks,
Scott
Cool
I just tested and it does work as stated. One question though, where is it uploading the data too?
Personal website, sync.splitmatrix.net. if the app takes off, i'll figure out something more secure and permanent.
Scott
Interesting. I'll try it out. Thank you!
One thing to think about however, especially if you open this up to general usage, is that by uploading/downloading the book file itself rather than just the current read-to position, you could potentially run into copyright issues. There is reason to believe that this could fall under Fair Use, but past rulings on similar commercial services for other media have been inconclusive. That may be a can of worms you don't want to open.
I am not a lawyer, but I do play one on web forums.
One thing I would try would be saving it on Google's servers through IMAP or something like SMS Backup does. Then no need to have to pay for a server. Don't know if it is at all possible but just thought I would see how you liked it.
RoboRay said:
Interesting. I'll try it out. Thank you!
One thing to think about however, especially if you open this up to general usage, is that by uploading/downloading the book file itself rather than just the current read-to position, you could potentially run into copyright issues. There is reason to believe that this could fall under Fair Use, but past rulings on similar commercial services for other media have been inconclusive. That may be a can of worms you don't want to open.
I am not a lawyer, but I do play one on web forums.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, this is something I'm aware of. Not sure what I'm going to do about it yet. That's why it's a setting
Scott
qwerty017 said:
One thing I would try would be saving it on Google's servers through IMAP or something like SMS Backup does. Then no need to have to pay for a server. Don't know if it is at all possible but just thought I would see how you liked it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The server it's currently on is hosted by a friend of mine for free, so I'm not concerned about it at the moment. If thousands of people end up using this, then obviously I'll have to make some changes.
Scott
I wonder if there's a way to store and retrieve the sync data with each user's Dropbox or something...
RoboRay said:
I wonder if there's a way to store and retrieve the sync data with each user's Dropbox or something...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd imagine that there is a way to do this, since programs like Titanium Backup support a dropbox interface.
If enough people think this would be a good feature to add, I can definitely look into it.
Scott
I'm just thinking that using each person's Dropbox would get you off the hook for not only server space and bandwidth, but also any potential copyright liability for book copies made by users synchronizing their files.
Valid points. I'll do some digging and see what it will take to implement the dropbox API in this app..
Thanks,
Scott
Edit: Updated first post with useful information - added download link.
Updated to v1.0.10 to fix a problem when used with the latest FBReader beta. Same URL as before:
Edit: Download the app off the market
Thanks,
Scott
This is a great app this is the missing link in fbreader. I hope you continue to support and enhance it.
Now that my archos tablet is rooted i can really enjoy it. I used to read my books on my phone and occasionally I still do.
Thx for the great work.
This looks like a dang good app. Since getting my nc i've quit using my evo for reading. This sync will bring joy back to my bathroom bbreaks at work!
Thanks for your kind words!
Since the last time I posted to this thread, I've added a dropbox interface to the program, and posted it to the Market (for Free of course!), so if you've downloaded the APK from the web, please re-install it from the market for the latest and greatest version.
Thanks again,
Scott
Oh, great! I'm checking out the Dropbox syncing now.
Edit: Works great!
If I may make another suggestion, you should post about your app at the MobileRead forum. I think you'll pick up a lot of users there.
Also, I know that the Android version of FBReader is different from the PC versions, but syncing with the Linux and Windows versions would be the icing on the cake. MobileRead might be a good place to find others wanting to help develop that capability

[Q] An standalone - Outlook-like Application that works with linux

Hi!
I'm kind of sick of using the Windows Platform but im bound to the platform because of Outlook and im looking for an alternative.
I want an app that can be used on my Android device that has all or almost all the functions of Outlook.
I've look inside the market for the entire day for apps that could fit in to the description but i couldn't find any good.
It's called a planner, with calendar, to-do lists and all those things, Mail is not required.
The program needs to work for both PC(multiplatform) and Android.
Since i couldn't find anything properly myself since i don't know where to look, i'd thought i could turn to the experienced people at XDA-Dev.
So my question is if there is any proper alternatives, even outside the market or inside, that could replace Outlook, with the same functionality.
Also i'd rather also avoid cloud sync.

Which app for manage client?

Hi,
a friend of mine bought a few days ago a Samsung Galaxy Tab 7" to manage his clients (he's a doctor).
He started to build his contact library (he doesn't have an android phone and no gmail contacts) adding name, surname, eventually mail and phone number and in the "Note" field he wrote all the note he'd taken. BUT this field has a characters' limit, and he can't add even a letter anymore (for the most visited client of course).
I tried to search for an app for this purpose but I can't find anything. I don't even search ONLY an app, it can be enough another method using the in-build feature of the tablet and android.
I searched for some CRM app, but most of them are ugly (since it's not a power user the more simple and clean is the better) and not optimized for a tablet. I found Insightly, but it's only online, and if he does'nt have a wifi network around he can't, not only record the new data, but also access to the old ones! They MUST be always available.
I thought about a simple folder + text file in G Drive, but these are only online too. Dropbox, too.
If it can interact with the G Mail contacts (the Note field is very useful at this) it would be wonderful, otherwise he'll build up his library with his contacts.
How can I do to have these data always on the tablet (cloud sync is not absolutely necessary)??? Any idea for an app or an alternative method?
Thanks!
nobody??
He bought a tablet to use for work, without any idea on how he would use it for work or if it would even do what he wanted? If he throws money around like that, why not recommend him to get an app written for his company and it's needs. There are many app developers who design and write custom apps for clients.

[Q] Sync folder to <x> storage

Hey everyone,
I've been googling for many hours. I've been to many shady places. But I've come up empty handed.
I'm basically looking for an app, that can provide syncronisation between a folder on my device, and a folder on <insert cloud storage here>.
I'm personally trying to migrate away from Dropbox, of which I've been a heavy user for many years. But in the light of the recent NSA gate, I thought I'd take a look what else is out there. I've chosen MEGA, as they provide (on paper) the security I like, and enough storage for my cloud-storage-needs.
I've been using Dropbox to automatically store the images I've taken with my phone camera and I take a backup of my texts every night at 2pm, which is also, automagically, uploaded to Dropbox. The official MEGA app takes care of the first, but the latter is taken care of within the backup app itself. It can be disabled, though.
I've looked for sync apps, but neither those or apps like Helium doesn't support MEGA.
So dear XDA,
Is there hope for me?
ownCloud provides universal access to your files via the web, your computer or your mobile devices — wherever you are.
It also provides a platform to easily view & sync your contacts, calendars and bookmarks across all your devices and enables basic editing right on the web.
http://owncloud.org/
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.owncloud.android&hl=pt_BR

[Looking for] Multi-platform custom dictionary app

Hello dear community,
I am looking for this for quite a while.
Is there an app that will allow me to create my own cloud based dictionary? I want to improve my language skills through creating my own dictionary.
The dictionary database has to be editable online (web based), since I would like to be able copy/paste detailed definitions from different web dicts.
And of course a sync-able android app that will allow me to check some words on the go or learn while in the train
"Now" dictionary is getting pretty closer to what I wish for, but it's only available for smartphones and no browsers.
"Anki cards" is cool too, but they focus on the flip-cards learning feature which I don't frankly need. I will be completely happy with a super simple searchable custom dict.
There are some apps that allow to create custom dict file and then upload it to the SD or whatever and use it. But I want to be able to add words constantly (web or on the go)
I'm thinking - there definitely is such an app, its just me who fail to search of it properly so please help )
cheers,
Kalin
Hi there!
I would like to encourage you to check out the Spreadsheet Memo app: http://spreadsheetmemo.com
Spreadsheet Memo is a flashcard-based learning web application (combined with the power of Google Sheets to store your content) that allows you to quickly memorize things.
Flashcards can bear vocabulary, major historical dates, chemical element names, math/physics equations or even types of dinosaurs
Simply put, any subject matter that can be learned via a question-and-answer format.
You can use it for your study, as a preparation tool, knowledge check for one of your exams or to practice new vocabulary.
Sky is the limit!
See more:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UReSmwT4O9E (everything you need to know about the Spreadsheet Memo app in one video)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpreadsheetMemo (news, helpful tips and updates notifications)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpreadsheetMemo
Example Document (updated with every new release; provides the examples of how to use the new Spreadsheet Memo features)
Chrome Web Store: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/spreadsheet-memo/kkanmehahohgnfcncalgknpbnaiaomeb (you can add the Spreadsheet Memo to your Chrome Apps for quick access - this app is free, no ads and no hidden costs)
The main features and the main goals of the Spreadsheet Memo are:
It helps you to memorize things: and it works! Every lesson is composed with two rounds. The goal of the first (initial round) is to check your brain memory's performance (you reveal the answer and subjectively define its difficulty by choosing one of the following: "I knew it" or "I didn't know"). The second round (final round) is to make sure that you have remembered the new or troubling things. The progress of the current round is presented by the progress bars located near the Question/Answer cards.
Ability to use the Google Sheet documents to store your data: with all the benefits of Google documents like sharing, editing, printing, etc.
Compatible with mobile devices: you can use it on your computer but also on all kinds of your mobile devices. You're not bound to one device. So, whenever you've got some spare time, start the new lesson. You just need a web browser!
Multiple documents: you can use as many different documents as you want. All according to your needs! You can even use the Named Ranges feature offered by Google Sheets. This is a very useful way for slicing your Spreadsheet Memo documents to a smaller parts and describe those parts with friendly names.
Responsive: no unnecessary pages loading - clean, quick and simple.
You can add links and images to your content: sometimes the words are just not enough. You can add an image or a link to the internet resources to enrich your content. It could be especially useful when you prefer some additional visualization for being able to remember things quicker and better.
You can enrich your content by using Wiki Markup - supported types are: Text formatting, Indent text, Lists, Sections, External links, Images and YouTube videos.
You can add mathematical equations or formulas using the TeX or AsciiMath notation.
Your documents stay with you: by using the standard Google Sheet documents you're able to review and edit their content even without the Spreadsheet Memo app.
Secure and safe: all of your documents belongs only to you, no personal info is shared or collected, all connections are made with secure https protocol.
No ads or hidden costs: it's all for free!
Your privacy is very important and you have the right to remain anonymous.
The Spreadsheet Memo was build on the foundations provided by Google (Google Apps Script: https://developers.google.com/apps-script/) and uses all the benefits of this platform, such as:
integration with Google services (e.g. Google Sheets)
single sign-on (you don't need to remember yet another login/password. Let the Google manage and provide access to other apps, like the one to the Spreadsheet Memo app)
built-in security, stability, scalability and efficiency
This app uses the Google Authorization. Thus, when first launched, the Spreadsheet Memo will need your authorization to run. You can read more about it here: https://developers.google.com/apps-script/guides/services/authorization You don't need to know all about this - the most important info is that your email, login, password or any other personal info will NOT be passed to the Spreadsheet Memo. They will always remain your property.
Your approval of permissions will let the Spreadsheet Memo operate properly and with full capabilities.
And I'm fully aware that all the permissions might look pretty scary at first glance. And that is exactly why I've written all of this - trying my best to make you feel safe and making sure that you are well informed.
So, let me explain those permissions:
View and manage your spreadsheets in Google Drive, View and manage the files in your Google Drive - for being able to find the Spreadsheet Memo documents. This app operates only on Spreadsheet Memo documents, it has no access or even isn't aware of the existence of any other of your Goggle Drive files.
View and manage data associated with the application - for being able to store your preferences using the user properties (those preferences are private and are connected specifically with your Google account)
Allow this application to run when you are not present - for being able to run this app without additional login prompt, when you're already logged into your Goggle account - just to save your time (standard behavior of Google related products)
Know who you are on Google - standard permission to recognize you as a google user (no information is processed or collected)
View your email address, Send email as you: for being able to send you the welcoming mail (with short summary and information about your current Spreadsheet Memo assets). And the best part is that this email will be sent from your account to your account, never leaving your own context. So your email address, as well as your identity, will stay hidden and secure.
And If you don't like this app (something that, I hope, is unlikely going to happen ) you can always revoke its accesses (uninstall it). There are two ways to do this:
Just follow the instruction from https://developers.google.com/apps-script/guides/services/authorization#revoking_access_rights
or you can use the Uninstall option provided in the mail that you will receive from Google. It will be sent right after the first launch of the Spreadsheet Memo app. Look for the mail: "More information about Spreadsheet Memo with uninstall instructions." in your inbox. Any documents that you've created will stay in your Google Drive, nothing will be lost.
Wrapping things up: remember that all of your documents belongs only to you, you can uninstall this app any time you want, no personal info is shared or collected, your identity (such as email) is and will remain your own property. From the Spreadsheet Memo point of view, you're anonymous.
You can find some additional info about the Spreadsheet Memo at the https://www.facebook.com/SpreadsheetMemo page - including news, helpful tips and updates notifications.
I've been using flashcard-based apps for quite some time (Super Memo was great!) and I've found them very useful. But every one of them had some things that just doesn't work for me (e.g. troubles with data migration, lack of support for mobile devices, no statistics, etc.) - so I've decided to write my own.
One line of code to another and the idea transforms into something with its own domain name and Facebook/Twitter page.
So, feel free to check it out. And if you have any thoughts about it (like/dislike, opinions, reviews, ideas) please leave a comment. Thanks in advance for any feedback!
Jump to the http://spreadsheetmemo.com and start memorizing now!

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