[Q] Screencasting apps - Nexus 9 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I am looking for screencasting apps that don't require root. Found the free Recordable and made a quick recording of my N9 homescreen http://youtu.be/0yz4-3nMMW8 However, the setup of Recordable is rather tedius, so can anyone give me a tip for other screencasting apps that work on N9? Thanks.

Screen Recording apps
Found Mobizen - No Root & Free - no activation process needed for screen recording http://youtu.be/eHCX-YKBujc and http://goo.gl/cT7AWW

I would not recommend any application that requires an activation via a PC. Most of them work similar as the Android Screenshot Library and basically just regularly take screenshots. This was needed to programmatically get access to the screen content of unrooted devices running Android versions prior to Lollipop. Luckily, Lollipop finally introduced an API that allows apps to ask the user's permission for recording the screen. As this is an official API, it works much faster than previous solutions, and is far easier to set up.

Thanks FD_ Are you saying that all the other apps, that so far only worked with Root, from now on will work with Lollipop without Root? (assume some slight modification of the apps might be necessary)
OK, my Nexus 9 and Nexus 7 (2012), both have Lollipop and work with Mobizen. So I tried Wifie's Galaxy PAD S 10.5 running KitKat 4.4.2, and Mobizen works, without having to be activated after each reboot of the tablet. (there was an initial involvement of the PC in the set up the account, though)

Not sure exactly what your requirements are but this app works really well on my N9
.https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hecorat.screenrecorder.free

Yes, got the tip about AZ Screen Recorder last night, installed it and it seems at first glance to be as good as Mobizen. Will check it out a bit more. Thanks georgios73

Quick look at AZ Screen Recorder http://youtu.be/JIVONhhd55w and companion http://goo.gl/qn8vWT Free, No Root and No Activation Procedure!

Seems that with Lollipop there are plenty of new apps coming that do not require root, such as Mirror Beta https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.koushikdutta.mirror and Lollipop Screen Recorder https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rivulus.screenrecording
Made a quick video about WhatsApp on PC using Mirror Beta http://youtu.be/7saIcH0GBUI

I'm always using the SCR (on <5.0 , root required) and SCR 5+ (>5.0 , no root required) from iwobanas

Thanks, did not know that SCR no longer requires root for Lollipop. Guess there will be still more...
Sent from my Nexus 9 using Tapatalk

georgios73 said:
Not sure exactly what your requirements are but this app works really well on my N9
.https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hecorat.screenrecorder.free
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use that. Pretty good software. Works really well for me.

Related

[Q] Just got my Kindle hdx 8.9 should I root ?

Or not as all I want to do for now is play youtube vids , read manga/comics and stream anime mks from my server ? Can I do all this without rooting ?
Well if you've turned it on and connected to Wi-Fi you're most likely already screwed if you wanted to root. If you haven't I would suggest it if you don't care about prime services...I had my HDX set up to look almost aosp with the now launcher and all of google services running including the store...then the update put me back to this ****ty combo of android and fire os
Sent from my KFAPWI using Tapatalk
I have not turned it on yet and will not for a day or two to research this.So you suggest I should root it ?
I would suggest rooting if you fit the following:
- You feel comfortable rooting your device knowing that you are able to brick your device. You understand the risk
(I personally think it happens when low on battery power cuts the process off since it gets mentioned a lot, or installing the tools needed in a incorrect order could put you in a "boot loop" from what I've heard/read. Correct me guys if I'm wrong. Or confirm that's right. Or add to the small list from experience with bricking if you want. I have not bricked my two devices myself and rooted Android devices before using other dev tools).
- You want to customize your tablet into a hybrid of both Amazon OS/ with Android launcher.
- You prefer having access to paid apps on the Google Play store since you can not side-load paid Google apps (from PC to Kindle using USB). Personally I found that video games run smoothly on the paid emulators I bought so far from the Google Play store.
- If you truly haven't been updated yet.
To check: When you go to Settings / Device / System Updates and it says Current Version is 14.3.1.0_user_... (also heads up, don't connect to the internet. The update for 14.3.2.1 will download automatically and when it's done it will install by itself. I own a Kindle Fire HDX 7" with 13.3.1.0 on it but they are pretty much the same thing except for a few things designed specifically for that device being their different code and/or addresses I would assume)
- You've rooted a Android device before. That way you feel more comfortable.
Your 3 concerns you've told us: You can watch YouTube through Amazon's OS only using their web browser called Silk. If your comics are PDF then you can view those without rooting as well. I never used mks files if that's what you're referring to so I can't help you there. Other than that, that's all the info I think you need other than the process it takes to actually root the device.
Hope I helped explain clearly.
taiko01 said:
Or not as all I want to do for now is play youtube vids , read manga/comics and stream anime mks from my server ? Can I do all this without rooting ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
H0B0onDRUGS2 provided some sound advices regarding rooting for you...
However, I watch YouTube and streamed video files from my PCs on my non-rooted and updated KFHDX7. Even though I don't do it, but I'm fairly sure you can read comics too without root. What file formats are they?
I've never rooted as i actually like fire os. My lgg2 satisfies my need to root, mod, flash. etc.
As far as YouTube goes tubemate, available from the Amazon store, works well for me however I'll probably sideload og youtube at some stage. Don't know about comics or anime.
LgG2 d802 running Sotmax V5 ROM
Looks like I will root it as I dont mind getting my hands dirty and I dont like closed eco systems like apple/amazon ,only reason I got was I got it dirt cheap
PS the manga are i think cbr/cbz and mostly in rar/tar containers full of png's.

[HowTo] Cast/Mirror your One Max Screen to Chromecast

How to Cast your One Max Screen to Chromecast
Hi everyone! Long time reader but first time posting.
Anyway, since Google finally released Chromecast 1.7.4, we can finally mirror our Android Screen in its entirety as it was shown at the Google I/O conference a little while back. However... only for certain devices. That list of supported devices mentions the HTC One M7 and Google Play edition of the M7... but no HTC One Max. Hmmmm.
Well, since the M7 and the One Max have the same chipset, this should work with no problems. However, once the Chromecast APK was updated, I didn't see the fabled "Cast Screen" button. What a pity.
But no fear! It DOES indeed work for the HTC One Max - and if your anxious to have it working now rather than waiting for Google to eventually update the APK, read on...
Here's how I got near perfect Screen Mirroring on Chromecast...
- Be sure you are on Android 4.4.2+ (I'm on 4.4.4 CM-11 Nightly). I would assume this should work on a Rooted Stock Rom.
- Make sure you are Rooted
1. Update your Chromecast APK to be 1.7.4 if it hasn't auto-updated already.
2. We need to edit your Build.Prop file - so download an app such as BuildProp Editor from the Play Store. Since the file is located in /system/build.prop - you need to be Rooted to edit this.
3. Open your Editor and give it Super User Permissions.
4. Make a backup of your Build.Prop file if the app has the function to do so.
5. Scroll down until you find "ro.product.device". It should read either "t6", "t6spr", or "t6zw" for International, Sprint and Verizon models respectively.
6. Change the "ro.product.device" string to "m7" -- without quotes of course.
7. Reboot your phone.
8. Reboot your Chromecast.
Now, if you Open the Chromecast APK App, once you connect to your Chromecast on the network, you should see the "Cast Screen" button in the pull-out menu of the App,
It's actually very fluid, hardly any noticeable lag. Haven't tested sound yet since I'm writing this at the office and the Chromecast here is just connected to a computer monitor.
I'm currently on a Nightly build of CM 11 for the HTC One Max... and I would have to assume this would work on a Stock Rom - as long as its Rooted.
Let me know how this works for you guys!
Could also try http://forum.xda-developers.com/har...experimental-enable-mirroring-device-t2812193
Flyhalf205 said:
Could also try http://forum.xda-developers.com/har...experimental-enable-mirroring-device-t2812193
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This method is working so far on my Verizon One Max...
Sent from my NuSense6 One Max

[Q] Softkeys

Alright, So we've seen Firefox running on Android Wear, however we can't enter any menus due to no softkeys on the device. I have been trying to install apps such as "Virtual Button Bar" and SoftKeys for Root Users onto the watch and they install and run. But only the home button works. Neither the back or menu button seems to work in any application.
Has anyone else attempted to get some softkeys for controls in unsupported apps that may be able to enlighten me more on why these keypresses seem to be ignored by the OS..
ShadowEO said:
Alright, So we've seen Firefox running on Android Wear, however we can't enter any menus due to no softkeys on the device. I have been trying to install apps such as "Virtual Button Bar" and SoftKeys for Root Users onto the watch and they install and run. But only the home button works. Neither the back or menu button seems to work in any application.
Has anyone else attempted to get some softkeys for controls in unsupported apps that may be able to enlighten me more on why these keypresses seem to be ignored by the OS..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With LMT all the keys that can get on-screen are working just fine in apps that support them but the problem is the app can't be launched (FC-most probably because it has an action bar) so you can't edit the buttons or the size of them, they just work but are over sized.
Ranomez said:
With LMT all the keys that can get on-screen are working just fine in apps that support them but the problem is the app can't be launched (FC-most probably because it has an action bar) so you can't edit the buttons or the size of them, they just work but are over sized.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder if you can install LMT on your phone, customize it first, then go to /data/data/... or an appropriate location to grab the config and push it into the watch.
I'm also considering buying a GW, so if this somehow works, please let me know.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
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AndyYan said:
I wonder if you can install LMT on your phone, customize it first, then go to /data/data/... or an appropriate location to grab the config and push it into the watch.
I'm also considering buying a GW, so if this somehow works, please let me know.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes ofc it will work but the problem with that is that it will take a lot of time to customize the settings right for the watch and each time you copy the files to data/data remember that you will need to set the right permissions, owner and SELinux context for each and every file and considering that currently SELinux contexts can differ from one device to an other and from one ROM to an other that will be really time consuming and hard as you will have to find an app on your watch that has the same types of files to see the SELinux contexts for each of them.
To say it short yes you can do that but it will probably take you at least 1 day and I don't have the time or patience to do that and I doubt many people on this forum will but ofc if you do buy a G Watch have a go at it and tell us just how much time you've wasted.
Ranomez said:
Yes ofc it will work but the problem with that is that it will take a lot of time to customize the settings right for the watch and each time you copy the files to data/data remember that you will need to set the right permissions, owner and SELinux context for each and every file and considering that currently SELinux contexts can differ from one device to an other and from one ROM to an other that will be really time consuming and hard as you will have to find an app on your watch that has the same types of files to see the SELinux contexts for each of them.
To say it short yes you can do that but it will probably take you at least 1 day and I don't have the time or patience to do that and I doubt many people on this forum will but ofc if you do buy a G Watch have a go at it and tell us just how much time you've wasted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, I doubt it would take that much effort, because I've tried manually moving config for some other apps without even touching the permissions, and they seem to fix that automatically. System apps don't like that way, though.
But seeing how Android Wear hates ActionBar, thus making many of my apps unavailable, I don't know if I'd still buy one. Yes I do want something Android on my wrist, but if it's just time-telling and Google Now (which is not even available here in China), then I'm not paying that chunk for it.
What apps do you have, then?
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
AndyYan said:
Hmm, I doubt it would take that much effort, because I've tried manually moving config for some other apps without even touching the permissions, and they seem to fix that automatically. System apps don't like that way, though.
But seeing how Android Wear hates ActionBar, thus making many of my apps unavailable, I don't know if I'd still buy one. Yes I do want something Android on my wrist, but if it's just time-telling and Google Now (which is not even available here in China), then I'm not paying that chunk for it.
What apps do you have, then?
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you are talking about moving configs to the same phone I guess? Also if not were you on android 5.x+ cause if yes SELinux has became really strict, to the point that if you mess up some contexts on any file in the data partition you could even get a bootloop (happened to me) or have all your apps disappear and be unable to install any app until you fix up the SELinux context (again happened to me), which you will have to do using adb in that state if you don't happen to have and file manager with root capabilities installed in /system/app or /system/priv-app.
Also to answer your question: yes most normal android apps don't work but there are some that do, even some games and some are even really playable, moreover there are enough useful android wear apps out there, I don't know what you plan to use your watch for but for me it does way more than enough, after all it's a watch, it's not like I'll ever want to spend a lot of time looking at it doing anything but I can do some fast reading on it when I need (not like I'll ever read a whole book on it, that's why I have an android e-book reader or even my phone in the worst case scenario), browsing the internet fast (ofc it needs to be connected to a phone with a data connection), receive and send messages, reject calls, even some light or not so light gaming, even things as Temple Run 2, can play music when I don't have my phone using a bluetooth headset/speaker), the only thing I miss is a full office suite, really, I am writing a novel at the moment and never know when I get some inspiration and have to write down what I have in my mind pretty fast so I don't forget, would love to just be able to write on the watch and not have to take out my phone for that.
Also I would suggest that if you have the money you should go with a watch that has wi-fi like the G Watch R or Urbane cause then you will be able to use the internet without a phone, also the screen of the G Watch is really bad in the sun, I had a Sony Smartwatch 2 before and that was way more limited software wise (and for that reason had a battery life of over 1 week) but the screen was miles ahead, I could see everything in powerful sun light without even setting the brightness to the maximum, on the G Watch I can barely see anything with the brightness at maximum in not so powerful sun light.
Does LMT contain the menu button by default? I could care less if it's a little oversized (as long as it's not to big for 150-175 DPI), but I'm about to reset my watch using the restore tools because I screwed up root while trying to get SoftKeyz (EDIT: I believe was the name of the softkey app I was trying to make work, can't remember and just finished resetting) to work correctly.
Ranomez said:
Well you are talking about moving configs to the same phone I guess? Also if not were you on android 5.x+ cause if yes SELinux has became really strict, to the point that if you mess up some contexts on any file in the data partition you could even get a bootloop (happened to me) or have all your apps disappear and be unable to install any app until you fix up the SELinux context (again happened to me), which you will have to do using adb in that state if you don't happen to have and file manager with root capabilities installed in /system/app or /system/priv-app.
Also to answer your question: yes most normal android apps don't work but there are some that do, even some games and some are even really playable, moreover there are enough useful android wear apps out there, I don't know what you plan to use your watch for but for me it does way more than enough, after all it's a watch, it's not like I'll ever want to spend a lot of time looking at it doing anything but I can do some fast reading on it when I need (not like I'll ever read a whole book on it, that's why I have an android e-book reader or even my phone in the worst case scenario), browsing the internet fast (ofc it needs to be connected to a phone with a data connection), receive and send messages, reject calls, even some light or not so light gaming, even things as Temple Run 2, can play music when I don't have my phone using a bluetooth headset/speaker), the only thing I miss is a full office suite, really, I am writing a novel at the moment and never know when I get some inspiration and have to write down what I have in my mind pretty fast so I don't forget, would love to just be able to write on the watch and not have to take out my phone for that.
Also I would suggest that if you have the money you should go with a watch that has wi-fi like the G Watch R or Urbane cause then you will be able to use the internet without a phone, also the screen of the G Watch is really bad in the sun, I had a Sony Smartwatch 2 before and that was way more limited software wise (and for that reason had a battery life of over 1 week) but the screen was miles ahead, I could see everything in powerful sun light without even setting the brightness to the maximum, on the G Watch I can barely see anything with the brightness at maximum in not so powerful sun light.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for compiling such a long response for me :thumbup:
As my signature says most of my devices are on 5.1. Moving some game saves across devices works nicely, though moving contacts database involves modifying owner and permission, but not SEL context - to be honest, I don't even know that ever matters.
Sure I don't have many things in mind when it comes to "what to do with GW"... Back when I was using the Gear, I had quite some apps on it, but most of the time I use it as a timekeeper. But not being compatible with ActionBar is so shocking - I can't imagine how many apps I've used on the Gear so nicely won't work with GW, the most important of which are Greenify, LMT and Root Explorer. Looks like I still have to do much research before I decide on a purchase.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
AndyYan said:
Thanks for compiling such a long response for me :thumbup:
As my signature says most of my devices are on 5.1. Moving some game saves across devices works nicely, though moving contacts database involves modifying owner and permission, but not SEL context - to be honest, I don't even know that ever matters.
Sure I don't have many things in mind when it comes to "what to do with GW"... Back when I was using the Gear, I had quite some apps on it, but most of the time I use it as a timekeeper. But not being compatible with ActionBar is so shocking - I can't imagine how many apps I've used on the Gear so nicely won't work with GW, the most important of which are Greenify, LMT and Root Explorer. Looks like I still have to do much research before I decide on a purchase.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just looked at your signature and now I know why you had no problem with moving data from one device to an other: all your devices are running CM so they will all use the same security contexts but CM's security contexts are different from normal stock AOSP's contexts and both are different from the contexts used in Samsung TW ROM's, I can bet that if you try to move the data to a stock nexus or some other device running a manufacturer ROM or an other custom ROM than CM (most do use the same contexts but some don't) you will get into problems. SELinux contexts seem to be now just as important as permissions, sometimes you can get around with the wrong owner but if you have wrong Permissions or SELinux contexts you might mess up more than what you were changing.
Also about the app compatibility thing....I don't really miss many apps that I run on my normal devices, the only one I can actually think of is Titanium Backup (and an office app as I said), I found a good replacement for root explorer in MiXplorer, greenify is totally un-needed and wouldn't be too useful even if it worked (I'm actually not sure if it does or not, to me that layout looked like the action bar is either a non-default implementation so it might work without it) because the xposed installer doesn't work (FC-same reason, action bar) but I think xposed could work if someone adapted the installer (doesn't seem to me that the OS-level differences are so big, it's more of the framework), didn't yet try but just for a lol will flash the xposed lollipop zip and see if I can still boot.
An other option for you might be to buy a Gear S, as far as I can see there is some development going on towards running (initially) android wear on it and further afterwards full android.
Ranomez said:
I just looked at your signature and now I know why you had no problem with moving data from one device to an other: all your devices are running CM so they will all use the same security contexts but CM's security contexts are different from normal stock AOSP's contexts and both are different from the contexts used in Samsung TW ROM's, I can bet that if you try to move the data to a stock nexus or some other device running a manufacturer ROM or an other custom ROM than CM (most do use the same contexts but some don't) you will get into problems. SELinux contexts seem to be now just as important as permissions, sometimes you can get around with the wrong owner but if you have wrong Permissions or SELinux contexts you might mess up more than what you were changing.
Also about the app compatibility thing....I don't really miss many apps that I run on my normal devices, the only one I can actually think of is Titanium Backup (and an office app as I said), I found a good replacement for root explorer in MiXplorer, greenify is totally un-needed and wouldn't be too useful even if it worked (I'm actually not sure if it does or not, to me that layout looked like the action bar is either a non-default implementation so it might work without it) because the xposed installer doesn't work (FC-same reason, action bar) but I think xposed could work if someone adapted the installer (doesn't seem to me that the OS-level differences are so big, it's more of the framework), didn't yet try but just for a lol will flash the xposed lollipop zip and see if I can still boot.
An other option for you might be to buy a Gear S, as far as I can see there is some development going on towards running (initially) android wear on it and further afterwards full android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, you got a good point there. I also move data between one of the CM phones and the TF300TL tablet, but SEL is nonexistent in Android 4.2, so I guess you're right.
Gear S is way out of my reach - if I had that cash I'd buy a ZenWatch, a 360 or even an Omate TrueSmart without hesitation. But thanks for letting me know all this anyway - I choose not to look at GW and Android Wear at this moment.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
AndyYan said:
Hmm, you got a good point there. I also move data between one of the CM phones and the TF300TL tablet, but SEL is nonexistent in Android 4.2, so I guess you're right.
Gear S is way out of my reach - if I had that cash I'd buy a ZenWatch, a 360 or even an Omate TrueSmart without hesitation. But thanks for letting me know all this anyway - I choose not to look at GW and Android Wear at this moment.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM12.1
[WARNING: XDA Premium 4.0.13+ lacks Signature function - do not update]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could instead look at a Gear Live then, it at least has a heart rate sensor and a way better screen for outdoors and at least in my country it is in the same price range as the G Watch (actually cheaper) but yes, I can't totally recommend android wear as it is right now, it's good enough (at least for me) but I can also see why a normal pure android watch could be way better yet I have faith that this will change.
Also I really can't recommend the Omate or any other MediaTek smart watch as 1st most of them have no resistance to water whatsoever, 2nd they have no support from and 3rd the firmware on them has so many security holes and other flaws it looks like a schweizer.
EDIT: I forgot to say that if you want full android you could search for a SmartQ Z-watch, as far as I know that is a pretty good one and also pretty cheap (on pandawill when it was on "last time sale" it was sold for 30$ and I am talking about the normal not the lite one, the lite one isn't worth it) but I don't think it will be updated anymore, yet android 4.4 is pretty good compared to other android smart watches.
Ranomez said:
You could instead look at a Gear Live then, it at least has a heart rate sensor and a way better screen for outdoors and at least in my country it is in the same price range as the G Watch (actually cheaper) but yes, I can't totally recommend android wear as it is right now, it's good enough (at least for me) but I can also see why a normal pure android watch could be way better yet I have faith that this will change.
Also I really can't recommend the Omate or any other MediaTek smart watch as 1st most of them have no resistance to water whatsoever, 2nd they have no support from and 3rd the firmware on them has so many security holes and other flaws it looks like a schweizer.
EDIT: I forgot to say that if you want full android you could search for a SmartQ Z-watch, as far as I know that is a pretty good one and also pretty cheap (on pandawill when it was on "last time sale" it was sold for 30$ and I am talking about the normal not the lite one, the lite one isn't worth it) but I don't think it will be updated anymore, yet android 4.4 is pretty good compared to other android smart watches.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Z Watch? No thanks, I've tried that *before* the Gear, and I sold it within a week and lost $15 in the process - crappy 1GHz MIPS which is not only slow but also lacks compatibility for almost everything I throw at it - not even a custom launcher or a weather app would work. Omate's MTK is indeed unfavorable, and that's why I haven't already got one. And there aren't many people who sell Gear Live here. Which leaves me zero feasible choice.
I guess I could call it an end to my hunt of smartwatches, until something like Neptune Pine (but thinner and lighter) shows up. Thanks for helping me analyze the situation all this time!
AndyYan said:
Z Watch? No thanks, I've tried that *before* the Gear, and I sold it within a week and lost $15 in the process - crappy 1GHz MIPS which is not only slow but also lacks compatibility for almost everything I throw at it - not even a custom launcher or a weather app would work. Omate's MTK is indeed unfavorable, and that's why I haven't already got one. And there aren't many people who sell Gear Live here. Which leaves me zero feasible choice.
I guess I could call it an end to my hunt of smartwatches, until something like Neptune Pine (but thinner and lighter) shows up. Thanks for helping me analyze the situation all this time!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the compatibility thing has changed as ingenic released a compatibility layer (something like libhoudini for intel CPU's) so as far as I can see from a friend's Z Watch it can run almost anything one would throw at it (ok, anything a bit rational, only apps that can actually be useful on a watch) but yes that CPU is not the fastest and the firmware is not really optimized enough so you would need a custom ROM and perhaps some RAM management script like L Speed to get it lag-free yet I can say my friend's z watch behaves pretty well on Dj Droid, it wasn't really lag-free the 2 weeks time we exchanged watches so I could test it but that's just cause I was using xposed and quite a few modules and also had about 100 apps installed, the lag wasn't really the problem for me, the annoying thing for me was the app load times, it would take me up to 1 minute to launch a 3d game.
This being said I would still recommend you to wait for something better, smartwatches right now are good but I see a lot more potential and I am sure in a few years we will see amazing ones, perhaps as good as our older phones in regards to app compatibility and flexibility, who knows, perhaps they'll even be as powerful as our current phones (as far as it goes phones in 1 year will probably be much powerful than our current phones so anything's possible).
EDIT: I also forgot to say that many apps have been adapted for MIPS since then so even without the compatibility layer there are enough apps working on the Z Watch.

Nook Tablet 1.4.3 Upgrade OS Options?

Recently inherited a Nook Tablet 16GB with OS 1.4.3.
Did some searching and Phone Arena http://www.phonearena.com/phones/Barnes---Noble-NOOK-Tablet_id6548 lists it as Android (2.3).
Am not familiar with TI OMAP4 SoC.
Since Android is now at 6, I wonder what the latest OS can be used with it?
Appreciate comments and suggestions!
Thanks
Ken
Should add am wondering what is the latest Android OS I can use before the TI OMAP4 SoC becomes noticeably Slow.
Ken
KenithO said:
Should add am wondering what is the latest Android OS I can use before the TI OMAP4 SoC becomes noticeably Slow.
Ken
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Slow compared to what? The original 2.3? That I can't speak to since I never did much with my original (ebay) tablet but turn it on and flash CM 10.2.1 (after having it repartitioned at my local B&N store). I ran CM 10.2.1 for a little over a year and was fairly happy with its performance but I have to add that it has been my only tablet experience (if you don't count my much-modified Nook Simple Touch!) and the rest of my experience is with desktop and laptop Windows machines.
I think if you intend to use the tablet for memory and graphics intensive gaming, you may be disappointed. Not sure since I'm not a gamer. I use mine for reading news, watching movies and/or streams, listening to audiobooks, doing crossword puzzles, email, some limited internet browsing, running Kodi, etc. I'm not sure I'd call the tablet response "sprightly", but I'm comfortable with the performance. I don't need to grab a cup of tea while something starts up
I'm not sure about CM 11 (that's roughly KitKat). I skipped over that one to investigate CM 12.1 (Lollipop) for just about a week now and have noticed some strain on the hardware resources and a change in response. But it's still settling in and things change a little from day to day so I'll give it a few more weeks before I decide whether to return to 10.2.1 or try 11.
So....it's largely what you'd expect. This is a piece of hardware that was designed as mainly a reader with a few bones thrown in to tantalize people into thinking they were getting a little something extra--which they were. But that was in the days of Android 2.3 and it really wasn't designed to be a super-duper multimedia tablet. That said, there are a lot of people who still use them and spend a lot of time developing CM for them.
As a 2.3 device it's pretty limited (except as a reader, if you like the backlight) so I'd say give at least CM 10 a try and see what you think. Just keep in mind its hardware origins.
Hi nmyshkin,
1st thanks for your comments! Will try to explain in more detail.
I would like to use my Nook Tablet as a audio/video player (No games) so like to install VLC media player or similar.
"Slow compared to what?" To my experience installing newer Windows OSes on same hardware. Have had best results using apps like nLite or with WinXP using Hiren's MiniXP to reduce all the Win Bloatware!
Since you are much more experienced concerning the Nook Tablet do you have a blog concerning your OS upgrade experience? Also what Audio/Video Player App(s) do you use?
Ken
KenithO said:
Hi nmyshkin,
1st thanks for your comments! Will try to explain in more detail.
I would like to use my Nook Tablet as a audio/video player (No games) so like to install VLC media player or similar.
"Slow compared to what?" To my experience installing newer Windows OSes on same hardware. Have had best results using apps like nLite or with WinXP using Hiren's MiniXP to reduce all the Win Bloatware!
Since you are much more experienced concerning the Nook Tablet do you have a blog concerning your OS upgrade experience? Also what Audio/Video Player App(s) do you use?
Ken
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're interested in mainly audio/video then the NT should serve you well. I hear you about trying to put newer (read: hungrier) operating systems on older machines. The CM people have done a great job but every piece of hardware has its limits. For your purposes I would think that CM 10 would be fine, but you could certainly try 11 or (maybe) 12. The advantage to choosing a more up-to-date operating system is that more apps are available to you. The catch is that the PlayStore will often say an app is not compatible since it sees the device as a Nook Tablet and has no idea that you have upgraded the OS. So you sometimes have to be creative in obtaining apps and sideloading them. As for bloatware, the principal source is the GoogleApps! When I did my CM 10 flashing there was just the typical package but there are now mini, micro, nano, etc., versions which narrow down the list of GApps to bare essentials. I used the nano set on my CM 12.1 and don't miss anything.
I've attached a screenshot of my current Home running CM 12.1. I have a second screen which is just a few utilities (file manager, print, wi-fi transfer, etc.) but you can get an idea of what kind of stuff runs well on the tablet with a newer OS. I've not used VLC player on the NT but I imagine it would be fine. MX Player works well for me and it also serves as my music player. Since I grew up in an era when the album was king, I don't keep separate songs and use minimal tags. If you're a more tag-driven music listener then you'd want something else. CM 10 comes with a tag-friendly music player but if that didn't suit your needs, there are plenty of apps to try in the PlayStore.
Anything that MX Player can't handle (haven't found it yet) Kodi would be able to deal with. I guess you could use Kodi exclusively as a media player but the screen interface is a little trying for a small screen.
I'm "experienced" only to the extent that I've had a lot of help with problems In my view you can't do better than the instructions given by user digixmax. His installation instructions for CM 10 are here. For CM 11 or 12 they are here. If you read through both threads you'll find plenty of panic-stricken posts by yours truly
nmyshkin said:
...
The catch is that the PlayStore will often say an app is not compatible since it sees the device as a Nook Tablet and has no idea that you have upgraded the OS. So you sometimes have to be creative in obtaining apps and sideloading them.
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FWIW I usually can download and install from an alternate source such as 1MobileMarket (http://market.1mobile.com) or Amazon appstore the very same app that Google Playstore deem incompatible with my Nook.
digixmax said:
FWIW I usually can download and install from an alternate source such as 1MobileMarket (http://market.1mobile.com) or Amazon appstore the very same app that Google Playstore deem incompatible with my Nook.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, or you can try here: http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/
Most common apps can be downloaded to your PC from there and then side loaded. Supposedly they will also fetch less common ones if you ask.
nmyshkin,
Thanks again for your detailed comments!
Also while I am new to Nook Tablet have been using Android cell phones for a while. My 1st Android phone was a Kyocera Hydro http://www.phonearena.com/phones/Kyocera-Hydro_id7096
Wanted to root it but after reading "!!WARNING!! there is currently no working recovery, beware of the changes you make to your phone, modify at your own risk" (am a believer in Murphies Law
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murphy's_law) decided not to take the chance.
Recently I got an and hoped to root it but found "Alcatel A460G Rooting Trouble - a lost cause" http://forum.xda-developers.com/general/help/alcatel-a460g-rooting-trouble-pointers-t3261024
so am waiting for someone to do this first.
While I have never Rooted an Android Device did learn early to side load, usually using http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/
Have recently found mention of another Android app download site APKPure https://apkpure.com/ but do Not know how trustworthy it is?
The only thing I know about "CyanogenMod" is what I read at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CyanogenMod
Since my Nook Tablet is still original will volunteer to use any test apps to determine its speed.
Also since it does not have a Camera do not understand the need to go above KitKat (4.4). If there is some other reason would be interested.
"When I did my CM 10 flashing there was just the typical package but there are now mini, micro, nano, etc., versions which narrow down the list of GApps to bare essentials. I used the nano set on my CM 12.1 and don't miss anything." Nano is for me! What about Pico? Also found Pico(Uni)?
Where do you normally download them? Is it http://www.androidrootz.com/2015/03/download-android-44x-kitkat-pa-gapps.html
Question: What do you gain by using CyanogenMod 12.1, based on Android 5.1?
Ken
Hi digixmax,
"I usually can download and install from an alternate source such as 1MobileMarket (http://market.1mobile.com) or Amazon appstore the very same app that Google Playstore deem incompatible with my Nook."
Thanks for the tip!
Do you know of any posts concerning the reliability of alternate sources?
Ken
KenithO said:
nmyshkin,
Thanks again for your detailed comments!
Also while I am new to Nook Tablet have been using Android cell phones for a while. My 1st Android phone was a Kyocera Hydro http://www.phonearena.com/phones/Kyocera-Hydro_id7096
Wanted to root it but after reading "!!WARNING!! there is currently no working recovery, beware of the changes you make to your phone, modify at your own risk" (am a believer in Murphies Law
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murphy's_law) decided not to take the chance.
Recently I got an and hoped to root it but found "Alcatel A460G Rooting Trouble - a lost cause" http://forum.xda-developers.com/general/help/alcatel-a460g-rooting-trouble-pointers-t3261024
so am waiting for someone to do this first.
While I have never Rooted an Android Device did learn early to side load, usually using http://apps.evozi.com/apk-downloader/
Have recently found mention of another Android app download site APKPure https://apkpure.com/ but do Not know how trustworthy it is?
The only thing I know about "CyanogenMod" is what I read at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CyanogenMod
Since my Nook Tablet is still original will volunteer to use any test apps to determine its speed.
Also since it does not have a Camera do not understand the need to go above KitKat (4.4). If there is some other reason would be interested.
"When I did my CM 10 flashing there was just the typical package but there are now mini, micro, nano, etc., versions which narrow down the list of GApps to bare essentials. I used the nano set on my CM 12.1 and don't miss anything." Nano is for me! What about Pico? Also found Pico(Uni)?
Where do you normally download them? Is it http://www.androidrootz.com/2015/03/download-android-44x-kitkat-pa-gapps.html
Question: What do you gain by using CyanogenMod 12.1, based on Android 5.1?
Ken
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it's best to do some homework on a device before purchase if you plan to root it or install alternate ROMS.
Sources for the various GApps packages can be found in the instruction thread I referred you to earlier.
Even CM 10 includes camera and Bluetooth fluff on the NT-- not functional, of course. Theoretically running a more up-to-date OS extends the useful life of the device. App development eventually leaves older devices in the dust, although not completely. I still have a generous complement of apps on my NST and that runs Eclair!
Anyway, the chief advantage of an OS like CM is that it is fluid, with people working to improve and enhance. Also, it overcomes some of the limitations imposed by B&N when they designed their "front end".
KenithO said:
...
Nano is for me! What about Pico? Also found Pico(Uni)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Info on different package types:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/reborn-gapps-5-t3074660
Where do you normally download them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://opengapps.org/#
---------- Post added at 07:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:14 PM ----------
KenithO said:
Do you know of any posts concerning the reliability of alternate sources?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not off-hand.
digixmax,
Thanks for the links! Somehow I thought the various builds were CyanogenMod and searched for "CyanogenMod Pico" but found nothing.
Looked over "Info on different package types" http://forum.xda-developers.com/andr...pps-5-t3074660 and am interested in PICO MODULAR PACKAGE ANDROID 5.1 DOWNLOAD LINKS (~43MB).
Question: Is a Pico Modular package available for Android 4.4.4 KitKat? Am guessing No.
To restate I would like to use my Nook Tablet 16 Only as a Multimedia Player and for reading DOCs and PDFs.
Since I only side load apps is it possible to eliminate Google Play Store, Google Calendar Sync, and the following Play Store application and leave only the core Google system base?
[GAPPS][DAILY] Open GApps for Android 5.1,5.0,4.4; arm,arm64,x86,x86_64
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3098071
[GAPPS][DAILY] Open GApps for Android 5.1,5.0,4.4; arm,arm64,x86,x86_64
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using XDA Free mobile app
Am trying to do my homework so have been searching for early articles about the Nook Tablet.
Found "How To Sideload (Almost) Any Android App On The Nook Tablet" by K. T. Bradford http://www.gottabemobile.com/2011/11/16/how-to-sideload-android-apps-nook-tablet/
Am wondering if this Nook originally had OS 1.4.0? Does anyone know how to find out? If yes is there an easy way to go back to it? That way I would get a baseline. If no I hope someone has found a workaround!
The 1st app I would like to install is a File Manager and would appreciate any recommendations.
Since OS 1.4.3 is listed as Android 2.3 checked Google Store for FMs that will run on this or older and found X-plore File Manager 3.78 (2.3), File Manager (File transfer) by Cheetah Mobile Tools (Varies with device?),
SD File Manager 1.0.9 by MobilDev (2.3), File Manager by 1.1 by IT STARS (2.3), File Manager 1.31 by xFrame Labs Tools (2.3)
Hi champ1919,
Thanks for the link! I have a lot of catching up to do concerning Open GApps!
Liked DL page http://opengapps.org/ for giving a quick overview of all the options!
Saw there is an X86 ver for 4.4 to 6.0 Nano. Am wondering if I can install these on a std 32bit PC?
Have been searching and found "Advanced Features and Options", "Removal of Stock applications", and "Universal Application Removals"
https://github.com/opengapps/opengapps/wiki/Advanced-Features-and-Options These give you a lot of options!
Any good tutorials?
OK guys, I'm updating a 16GB Nook tablet, it has 1.4.3.
From what I've pieced together, I need to create a bootable TWRP sdcard and flash the root file then flash the TWRP 3.0.0-0(the acclaim works for the old Nook?) Then flash CM12 or CM13?
I'm starting from scratch and these guides are rather old so I'm trying to make sure I use the most up to date recovery and ROM available but with everything spread through different guides its a little confusing to decide which steps and files I need and which ones I don't considering I'm trying to go from stock to TWRP and CM12/CM13 in as few steps as possible.
Droidriven said:
OK guys, I'm updating a 16GB Nook tablet, it has 1.4.3.
From what I've pieced together, I need to create a bootable TWRP sdcard and flash the root file then flash the TWRP 3.0.0-0(the acclaim works for the old Nook?) Then flash CM12 or CM13?
I'm starting from scratch and these guides are rather old so I'm trying to make sure I use the most up to date recovery and ROM available but with everything spread through different guides its a little confusing to decide which steps and files I need and which ones I don't considering I'm trying to go from stock to TWRP and CM12/CM13 in as few steps as possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can look at this thread for combinations of files that worked. I'm in there later in the mix and that's how I ended up with CM 12.1.
Looking at the SD card I prepared I can see everything I used except for the TWRP version because it was renamed. At this point I would just use one of the versions mentioned in the thread I just referenced for someone who succeeded at 12.1 (or if you want 13.0, there is a separate thread for that). Just know that TWRP gives error messages during the preparation process (at least my version did--mentioned in the thread) and these can be ignored.
The rest of the files I used with success:
cm-12.1-20151117-SNAPSHOT-YOG7DAO1K6-acclaim.zip
flashable_CWM_6.0.4.8_chrmhoffmann.zip
open_gapps-arm-5.1-nano-20160109.zip
FWIW, the file size on the TWRP version I used shows as 7516 KB.
Hello Ken,
All CMs are somewhat slower that stock Android from BN. You will also loose the proper behavior of tablet when you connect cable to charger - stock OS wakes tablet from sleep when tablet gets connected to charger, CM does not, so you will have to wake it up first, otherwise tablet will not charge. Then, under every CM build RAM (under 'About Tablet') is stated 672 Mb, but under stock OS RAM is 1024Mb. Don't know is B&N trick us or not.
Next, if tablet left asleep for some prolonged period its time/date gets frozen, so when you wake it up it will show some wrong time/date and it does not auto-update on wake up, so you will have to manually update it by going to proper menu in Settings.
Tablet definitely lags compared to stock (in my opinion), especially when apps upgrade themselves and/or you turn on the WiFi - it's total hell. Also, apps like FB can take forever to install.
I tried CM12.1 but decided to get back to CM10.2.1. I also use alternative launcher, cause native one works in landscape mode and nothing made it to run in portrait.
Btw, in newer CMs you will loose access to some of the internal storage and to recover it - you will have to repartition your tablet.
Hope my info helps a bit.
PepeladZ said:
Hello Ken,
All CMs are somewhat slower that stock Android from BN. You will also loose the proper behavior of tablet when you connect cable to charger - stock OS wakes tablet from sleep when tablet gets connected to charger, CM does not, so you will have to wake it up first, otherwise tablet will not charge. Then, under every CM build RAM (under 'About Tablet') is stated 672 Mb, but under stock OS RAM is 1024Mb. Don't know is B&N trick us or not.
Next, if tablet left asleep for some prolonged period its time/date gets frozen, so when you wake it up it will show some wrong time/date and it does not auto-update on wake up, so you will have to manually update it by going to proper menu in Settings.
Tablet definitely lags compared to stock (in my opinion), especially when apps upgrade themselves and/or you turn on the WiFi - it's total hell. Also, apps like FB can take forever to install.
I tried CM12.1 but decided to get back to CM10.2.1. I also use alternative launcher, cause native one works in landscape mode and nothing made it to run in portrait.
Btw, in newer CMs you will loose access to some of the internal storage and to recover it - you will have to repartition your tablet.
Hope my info helps a bit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This further reinforces my feeling that the CM flashings are somewhat idiosyncratic (at least on the Nook Tablet). I've run both 10.2.1 and 12.1 (current) on my tablet and never saw the clock update issue described. In 12.1 the AM/PM indicator had update issues, but I solved that by disabling the cLock widget and installing Chronus from the PlayStore.
Sluggish is as sluggish does, I guess. Running CM 12.1 is no more sluggish than my cheap KitKat LG smartphone I use as an mp3 player. I have to agree that sometimes the tablet just has a bad time of things. This happened a lot after my initial 12.1 installation and there were many odd things that needed fixing. I just kept at it until it is finally running as well as 10.2.1---even better since it now boots reliably every time, whereas with 10.2.1 there were many times when I would boot to a black (backlit) screen. So now I shut it down every night and boot up the next morning without any problem.
The moral seems to be that you just need to try. Keep a backup of the stock system in case you have "buyer's remorse". Don't give up right away. Reflash if things are just a mess, but if only a few things are wonky, work with the tablet for a week or so. It seems to get better after each reboot. Decide for yourself whether the reported sluggishness of the tablet is something that you notice for the apps you are using. A lot of it is about expectations.
nmyshkin said:
I've run both 10.2.1 and 12.1 (current) on my tablet and never saw the clock update issue described. In 12.1 the AM/PM indicator had update issues, but I solved that by disabling the cLock widget and installing Chronus from the PlayStore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thing is that I tried one of the latest 12.1 with the same results. I don't think the clock problem comes from cLock widget but is related to deep sleep mode or something like that.
nmyshkin said:
This happened a lot after my initial 12.1 installation and there were many odd things that needed fixing. I just kept at it until it is finally running as well as 10.2.1---even better since it now boots reliably every time, whereas with 10.2.1 there were many times when I would boot to a black (backlit) screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I switched to CM since 10.x and followed along till 13.x came out. So I was on 12.1 for quite some time and tried fresh builds quite frequently, doing 'full reset' install. Btw, I've never had unreliable boots.
nmyshkin said:
So now I shut it down every night and boot up the next morning without any problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, turning it off is the only way to keep clock right.

Question How to make the best of an unlockable_unrootable Verizon US variant?

I recently upgraded to the S23 Ultra and discovered that there's no option to unlock the bootloader. The root functions I value most are:
A firewall that will block apps from phoning home and/or accessing the internet without using the Android vpn (not sure if I could do that even if rooted...I just want to block apps from phoning home and use a vpn at the same time))
A call recorder (currently using Cube ACR, which actually works pretty good)
A way to 'image' the entire phone (i.e., like TWRP back up/restore)
A way to uninstall the bloatware that doesn't have an uninstall function.
Barring some method that will unlock the bootloader on this phone, what are methods/apps that will help me get as close to a rooted state as possible?
Well your first point is solved with what I use for privacy and adblocking. NextDNS (free option or $12/yr) you get a private DNS server and you control what is blocked and what isn't with all the customization you want. As for call recording, I've used skvalex (free with paid pro option but pro only adds automatic backup) for years whether rooted or not and it always works just fine. Though I will admit when it's connected to my car with Bluetooth it only records my side but I rarely talk while in the car so not a deal breaker for me. Thirdly, you could use adb to make a backup (from what I've read) but I use shizuku to give swift backup more permissions and it backups everything for me.
Thanks for your comments, spart0n.
I looked over NextDNS. It seems to have a lot of features. I do use my vpn's DNS, but they're various US servers are slow, plus NextDNS seems to have more features.
One thing I'm not clear on is can it slectively block apps from connecting to the internet, both on mobile /and/or wifi connection, much like a firewall?
I also did a quick perusal of skvalex, but I'm not sure how it's different from Cube ACR? One concern with cube is security...are they doing nefarious things with my data.
Cube also won't record the other side of a conversation when I'm using a bluetooth device (earbuds, car).
Is skvalex ' more respecting of privcy? In what ways do you deem it superior to other options such as Cube?
I'll be looking into Shizku and Swift backup, but am I correct in that it seems to be more of a 'Titanium' type app than a complete phone backup?
I really appreciate the pointers.
Sam Sung said:
Thanks for your comments, spart0n.
I looked over NextDNS. It seems to have a lot of features. I do use my vpn's DNS, but they're various US servers are slow, plus NextDNS seems to have more features.
One thing I'm not clear on is can it slectively block apps from connecting to the internet, both on mobile /and/or wifi connection, much like a firewall?
I also did a quick perusal of skvalex, but I'm not sure how it's different from Cube ACR? One concern with cube is security...are they doing nefarious things with my data.
Cube also won't record the other side of a conversation when I'm using a bluetooth device (earbuds, car).
Is skvalex ' more respecting of privcy? In what ways do you deem it superior to other options such as Cube?
I'll be looking into Shizku and Swift backup. I really appreciate the pointers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried cube in the past and it had a lot of denied connections in the background but over the years skvalex has worked perfectly even if I completely block all internet connectivity even from the start of installation except for checking for pro version.
As for NextDNS it does work on wifi and cellular. Personally I pay for the pro and have it setup on my home router plus all my phones too
Try freezing the Apps you cannot uninstall - e.g. SuperFreezZ or SD Maid.
Have a look here for some other goodies that may be useful:
https://alternativeto.net/list/28655/the-ultimate-f-droid-setup/
elmor0 said:
Try freezing the Apps you cannot uninstall - e.g. SuperFreezZ or SD Maid.
Have a look here for some other goodies that may be useful:
https://alternativeto.net/list/28655/the-ultimate-f-droid-setup/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's no such thing as not able to uninstall. With adb commands you can uninstall literally any app, even system apps.
spart0n said:
There's no such thing as not able to uninstall. With adb commands you can uninstall literally any app, even system apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My understanding is that the system apps don't get truly uninstalled but are effectively disabled (frozen)......?
spart0n said:
I've tried cube in the past and it had a lot of denied connections in the background but over the years skvalex has worked perfectly even if I completely block all internet connectivity even from the start of installation except for checking for pro version.
As for NextDNS it does work on wifi and cellular. Personally I pay for the pro and have it setup on my home router plus all my phones too
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem I've seen with Cube is that it sometimes randomly ends a recording before the call is finished.
Your earlier comment about using ABD to backup the phone - I found this and several other similar articles/guides outlining the method I think you alluded to. Seems pretty straight-forward. I also turned up info on uninstalling. Thanks for that - ABD seems the way to go.
The link:
How To Create a Full Android Phone or Tablet Backup Without Rooting or Unlocking Your Device
Android includes a built-in way to back up and restore the contents of your phone or tablet. All you need is a computer and a device running Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or newer.
www.howtogeek.com
Adding this link:
How to uninstall carrier/OEM bloatware without root access
If you want to get rid of carrier/OEM apps from your phone, here's how you can uninstall bloatware from your device without root access!
www.xda-developers.com
elmor0 said:
My understanding is that the system apps don't get truly uninstalled but are effectively disabled (frozen)......?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They do get uninstalled, but they remain inside the recovery partition so that when you reset the device they get reinstalled. You can disable or uninstall from Android any system app, even breaking the system, but the app will not get deleted from recovery unless you flash twrp or another custom recovery which deletes the stock recovery
Sam Sung said:
The problem I've seen with Cube is that it sometimes randomly ends a recording before the call is finished.
Your earlier comment about using ABD to backup the phone - I found this and several other similar articles/guides outlining the method I think you alluded to. Seems pretty straight-forward. I also turned up info on uninstalling. Thanks for that - ABD seems the way to go.
The link:
How To Create a Full Android Phone or Tablet Backup Without Rooting or Unlocking Your Device
Android includes a built-in way to back up and restore the contents of your phone or tablet. All you need is a computer and a device running Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or newer.
www.howtogeek.com
Adding this link:
How to uninstall carrier/OEM bloatware without root access
If you want to get rid of carrier/OEM apps from your phone, here's how you can uninstall bloatware from your device without root access!
www.xda-developers.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those are okay but dated guides for bloatware removal. There's 2 easy ways right now. One open source and not as feature rich and then there's a free/pro app that has more features.
Open source is universal android debloater gui (unless you want command line) from GitHub really easy to find with Google.
Or adb app control from cybercat. He's very active in his telegram support group and helpful
spart0n said:
Those are okay but dated guides for bloatware removal. There's 2 easy ways right now. One open source and not as feature rich and then there's a free/pro app that has more features.
Open source is universal android debloater gui (unless you want command line) from GitHub really easy to find with Google.
Or adb app control from cybercat. He's very active in his telegram support group and helpful
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So they are. Not stuck on terminal. I've found and bookmarked AppControl download page.
Looking again, the ADB guide I linked to is aged too...is that still the best method? A Windows GUI would be nice for that too. Is there a reliable app or is ADB still my best bet?
Sam Sung said:
So they are. Not stuck on terminal. I've found and bookmarked AppControl download page.
Looking again, the ADB guide I linked to is aged too...is that still the best method? A Windows GUI would be nice for that too. Is there a reliable app or is ADB still my best bet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah there's a gui for adb, it's called universal android debloater from GitHub and in the release section they have a gui version
GitHub - 0x192/universal-android-debloater: Cross-platform GUI written in Rust using ADB to debloat non-rooted android devices. Improve your privacy, the security and battery life of your device.
Cross-platform GUI written in Rust using ADB to debloat non-rooted android devices. Improve your privacy, the security and battery life of your device. - GitHub - 0x192/universal-android-debloater:...
github.com
spart0n said:
Yeah there's a gui for adb, it's called universal android debloater from GitHub and in the release section they have a gui version
GitHub - 0x192/universal-android-debloater: Cross-platform GUI written in Rust using ADB to debloat non-rooted android devices. Improve your privacy, the security and battery life of your device.
Cross-platform GUI written in Rust using ADB to debloat non-rooted android devices. Improve your privacy, the security and battery life of your device. - GitHub - 0x192/universal-android-debloater:...
github.com
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Rereading, I can see I wasn't clear at all. I should have specified 'for backup'. I'm doing a bit of searching for something now and this week. I doubt I can image the entire phone, but I'm hoping to find as complete and 'nandroid-like' backup solution as I can. If you know of anything, I'd appreciate it. Or maybe my best bet actually is ABD and commandline.
Sam Sung said:
Rereading, I can see I wasn't clear at all. I should have specified 'for backup'. I'm doing a bit of searching for something now and this week. I doubt I can image the entire phone, but I'm hoping to find as complete and 'nandroid-like' backup solution as I can. If you know of anything, I'd appreciate it. Or maybe my best bet actually is ABD and commandline.
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Honestly I don't know any good ones, I use swift backup with shizuku. That's all I really know of. It works like titanium backup did but without root, even with shizuku, is somewhat limited.
adb pull /sdcard will get your files
Sometimes adb pull will fail on a specific file or folder and just puke on itself and refuse to continue. If that happens, you just have to delete the file/folder and try again. I've only had this happen once though.
Swift Backup with shizuku will back up apps and their downloaded data but not user data. Pair it with Google Backup and Google will restore *some* app data... Realistically though, you'll be losing some or a lot of app data, depending on app policies.
Thanks for your responses. Regrettably, there's no option in Dev options to unlock the boot-loader., so I'm stuck with whatever is available. Now I know. I should have either switched carriers or bought an unlocked phone, which I think comes with its own caveats.
User data, photos and such isn't too much of an issue here. My client data from apps is backed up to PC regularly, as are any photos I want to keep etc.
I like Nandroid backups because they backup everything including texts, call logs and OS (nice in case something happens and the OS bites the dust or gets crippled).
The real issue is my texts and call logs, moreso the texts..
How reliable is Swift (which is looking more and more attractive) compared to ABD, and can ABD back up more?
Also, side note, but my late wife's phone is an S7. I lost a previous phone and ergo my texts, so the texts on her phone are all I have of our texts over the years.
I was thinking I'd use Smart Switch or something to transfer the texts from her phone over to the S10 I just upgraded from. Is that practical?
I appreciate your remarks. Thanks!
Sam Sung said:
Thanks for your responses. Regrettably, there's no option in Dev options to unlock the boot-loader., so I'm stuck with whatever is available. Now I know. I should have either switched carriers or bought an unlocked phone, which I think comes with its own caveats.
User data, photos and such isn't too much of an issue here. My client data from apps is backed up to PC regularly, as are any photos I want to keep etc.
I like Nandroid backups because they backup everything including texts, call logs and OS (nice in case something happens and the OS bites the dust or gets crippled).
The real issue is my texts and call logs, moreso the texts..
How reliable is Swift (which is looking more and more attractive) compared to ABD, and can ABD back up more?
Also, side note, but my late wife's phone is an S7. I lost a previous phone and ergo my texts, so the texts on her phone are all I have of our texts over the years.
I was thinking I'd use Smart Switch or something to transfer the texts from her phone over to the S10 I just upgraded from. Is that practical?
I appreciate your remarks. Thanks!
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As for bootloader unlocking anything Samsung, you can't buy the north America models, any other country model will have the option for unlocking. As for swift vs adb without root? Swift does call logs and text backups locally on the device and on several cloud services of your choice if you wish.
spart0n said:
As for bootloader unlocking anything Samsung, you can't buy the north America models, any other country model will have the option for unlocking. As for swift vs adb without root? Swift does call logs and text backups locally on the device and on several cloud services of your choice if you wish.
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Thanks, sprt0n. I'll give Swift a try, along with Shizuku. Regarding the old S7 texts...do you recommend Swift there as well? WIll there be an issue transfering texts between the s7 and s10 given their age? S10 is Android 12, S7 is Android 8.
Sam Sung said:
Thanks, sprt0n. I'll give Swift a try, along with Shizuku. Regarding the old S7 texts...do you recommend Swift there as well? WIll there be an issue transfering texts between the s7 and s10 given their age? S10 is Android 12, S7 is Android 8.
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You can try it says on the Google Play store listing page that supports Android 6 and up so it should work
I'll do that, Thx.
Y'all have given me direction regarding uninstalling apps and back up, and even firewalling, if NextDNS allows.
I may be back for future questions after I research this stuff. I appreciate all your comments, particularly spart0n.

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