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I'm in the process of brainstorming and gathering people to build a Cydia style ROM modding app and would like everyone's input on what you would like to see in the app.
I'm going the repository route where all modifications for a specific ROM will be in one repository so you can access only packages, files, apps, etc for the ROM you are running. There will also be wallpaper, apps, font, widget, etc repositories so you can get the content you want when you want it.
As I see it, developers could put only the specific files that will be updated each ROM version in a downloadable package so you can flash say a ten megabyte file instead of going the route of downloading an entire ROM to update a small amount of the whole file system.
I figure it'll start with just the evo 3d then other people from other phones can make and add their repositories for their devices and it'll end up having all android devices with active development.
So please, give me your ideas and let's make this work.
Also if you are interested in helping to develop this app let me know.
I'm personally against his idea because I think there's plenty of alternatives to this idea that do what Cydia does and they do it better in my personal opinion....BUT if it does leave the drawing board and becomes a reality, I'll give it a shot just because
Also just to help you out because I see you're lacking information on what exactly Cydia is and all, I've provided a few links and videos so people can see what this Cydia thing really is.....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cydia
Mazda said:
I'm personally against his idea because I think there's plenty of alternatives to this idea that do what Cydia does and they do it better in my personal opinion....BUT if it does leave the drawing board and becomes a reality, I'll give it a shot just because
Also just to help you out because I see you're lacking information on what exactly Cydia is and all, I've provided a few links and videos so people can see what this Cydia thing really is.....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cydia
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I am aware of what Cydia is. It is an iOS program basically that has repositories for apps, tools, modifications, etc. I've used it before when i had an itouch. What are the alternatives you know of? I'd like to take a look. And you're speaking of android alternatives correct?
dfeldt91 said:
I am aware of what Cydia is. It is an iOS program basically that has repositories for apps, tools, modifications, etc. I've used it before when i had an itouch. What are the alternatives you know of? I'd like to take a look. And you're speaking of android alternatives correct?
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HAHAHA I know you're aware BUT since you're asking for help for the development of the app, I figured I let people that are completely unaware of what Cydia is, know what it does and what exactly you're trying to bait them into helping
BUT like I said, I'm against the idea and to be honest....I highly doubt this will take off considering the reason the iPhone or iPod Touch or whatever, has the Cydia store is because you'e not able to flash zips and flash different types of ROMs like AOKP, CM, Codename Android, Paranoidandroid, etc....
On Android, you don't have to depend on a store like app to download simple things like center clock or clock widgets or features that are sometimes already included in ROMs.
Please don't take this as a bashing post or whatever because as you can see above, I'm trying to be as helpful as possible BUT your idea on Android doesn't apply.....it really doesn't
Mazda said:
HAHAHA I know you're aware BUT since you're asking for help for the development of the app, I figured I let people that are completely unaware of what Cydia is, know what it does and what exactly you're trying to bait them into helping
BUT like I said, I'm against the idea and to be honest....I highly doubt this will take off considering the reason the iPhone or iPod Touch or whatever, has the Cydia store is because you'e not able to flash zips and flash different types of ROMs like AOKP, CM, Codename Android, Paranoidandroid, etc....
On Android, you don't have to depend on a store like app to download simple things like center clock or clock widgets or features that are sometimes already included in ROMs.
Please don't take this as a bashing post or whatever because as you can see above, I'm trying to be as helpful as possible BUT your idea on Android doesn't apply.....it really doesn't
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Not sure how it doesn't apply.....
It would be an app like cydia where you can go to download fonts, wallpapers, modifications, apps, ROM updates...
How does that not apply?
And like you said.......'sometimes already included in Roms'. What about when it isn't and you would like something? Or for people who need certain parts of Gapps. For example they want the Play store but not the rest of the 88 or so MB of random apps. It really makes sense to have each app downloadable via a repository to avoid having a bunch of apps you never will use or having to go back in after installing Gapps and deleting a lot of it just to get the play store....
P.s. What are the cydia alternatives you spoke of? I'd like to check them out.
Let me think:
If you want apps: look for it on the play store
If you want wallpapers: you can try zedge or flickies.
If you want to download ROM's: GooManager or the xda apps.
If you want fonts: look for a apk in the play store
If you want a single app from the gapps: look for it on the browser or xda app
...Just saying
Maybe you can develop the "cydia app" and post it here
-iDanny "??? X Project ROM Coming Soon!"
dfeldt91 said:
P.s. What are the cydia alternatives you spoke of? I'd like to check them out.
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That's the thing about Android. It doesn't lock you into one way of doing things.
MIUI and other AOSP ROM versions use themes and HTC Sense uses skins so depending on what ROM you have installed the approach to customization is different. HTC has their hub to get wallpapers and skins, while themes can be downloaded from many websites including XDA. The type of customization you are describing, including deciding which programs will be installed, can be done during installation of the ROM using the Aroma installer (SOS M and Viper3D are good examples). Some ROM's have their own customization apps like Venom Tweaks and Hub for the Viper3D ROM.
Apps like Mimimalistic Text and Desktop VisualizeR can really personalize icons and home sceens, but that's not something that could easily be configured in an external app.
Yes, it's more complicated in Android than iOS, but also much more flexible, and most of us prefer it that way. If you want something simple to customize programatically, stick with iOS, where Apple tightly controls the environment and options.
ramjet73
I like the idea of a "hackers" app store where all the unofficial apps could live. The problem is it could be used for malicious purposes. At least apps posted here are vetted by the community.
I know there is an updater app that Tommytomato (I think) made for Rom devs to use, but the few ROMs with the app don't seem to take advantage of it.
Why Google doesn't force developers to update their apps with Holo theme.?
For eg. Every app on Windows Phone has that metro theme.
So many apps look like iPhone style.
Many apps look like mobile webpages.
I love Holo UI, but so many apps (for eg Whatsapp..) have Gingerbread UI, and then I feel like am I using Jellybean or Gingerbread? ??
Android is an open platform and for the most part Google keeps their hands out of 3rd party apps. This is a good thing as it would drive away some developers. I suspect the reason apps are still using a GB UI is either because they haven't been updated recently or because the majority of Android devices still run GB.
Yeah, imagine trying to draw that line between what is allowed and what isn't. And the previous poster makes a very good point regarding holo in particular. You can't make a holo app and maintain gingerbread compatibility without doing a lot of special-casing based on which android api level the app is installed/running on. It's a lot of work. So many devs just design to the lowest common denominator.
spunker88 said:
This is a good thing as it would drive away some developers....because the majority of Android devices still run GB.
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mindstormsguy said:
You can't make a holo app and maintain gingerbread compatibility.
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Hmm, ICS & JB share is increasing, so I guess, We'll just have to wait, till developers realise this and make Holo apps.
One good thing is, apps which are 4.0 up, they all use HOLO apps.
Why doesn't Google make a polite request (...if not force...) to all top developers, like Twitter, Facebook, Limkedin....etc to update their apps to HOLO theme..?
Atleast this much Google can't do...?
Linkedin app is like iOS port. Painful to use. And there aren't many Linkedin Clients except DroidIn...but that is limited features.
Facebook I use Stream for Facebook. Its OK, so so.
For Twitter, I use Twidere, its Great. But I'd love a Official Twitter app.
All new apps to Android look like iOS copies. Google must do something....
Apourv said:
Why doesn't Google make a polite request (...if not force...) to all top developers, like Twitter, Facebook, Limkedin....etc to update their apps to HOLO theme..?
Atleast this much Google can't do...?
Linkedin app is like iOS port. Painful to use. And there aren't many Linkedin Clients except DroidIn...but that is limited features.
Facebook I use Stream for Facebook. Its OK, so so.
For Twitter, I use Twidere, its Great. But I'd love a Official Twitter app.
All new apps to Android look like iOS copies. Google must do something....
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Sounds like you need an iphone. or a goophone.
calisro said:
Sounds like you need an iphone. or a goophone.
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No, I'm not at all an iPhone fan, I'm just saying that apps look like ugly iPhone apps.
Atleast. Whatsapp is coming up with HOLO design
Well then... now that android is a major contender in the mobile OS wars. Had the G1 from day one.
My only complaint from android... is the quality of apps. Also, repeat of the same apps over and over again in the play store. Recently I've been scouring the market place and I noticed that there are a lot of apps that seem kinda... a waste... For example... just how many weather apps and widgets do you need? most of the time they copy HTC, Samsung, or Sony apps (weather, clock, calendar etc) and slap on a generic name onto it.
Now Im all for "oh android is OPEN" but at least put some effort on making an app
this raises the question... should android have a tighter quality control over apps? Im not saying to make android "closed" but anyone that wants to submit an App on the play store needs to follow guidelines so there isn't repeats of apps that makes android fragmented. I mean there's 700,000 apps on the play store right now but prlly only a few 100 are only worth using because of how polished they are.
What do you guys thing? does Google need have tighter control of the play store?
I agree with you. I think holo ui on apps is the best thing ever happened to android. Apps started to look high quality and developers did great job with holo. But there are still tons of non-holo apps that hasn't been updated since 2009/2010 and most of them not even work on new devices they just give force closes. I think Google should give those developers 2 month to update their apps with their guideline and otherwise just delete it. I started get sick of these old apps.
The other thing bothering me is the themes. Go themes, adw themes, launcher pro themes, they are everywhere. I hate to see all those themes when I simply search "launcher" on play store. Most of them are not even compatible with the latest versions of their launcher. I hope Google will do something about it.
Google started letting Android turn into new Windows. Every manufacturer can put bloatware in it. Millions of useless programs in the Internet. Most of them aren't updated since XP. Most of the people choose Linux or Mac(I still like windows more than mac ) over windows just because of the bloatware. Think about the toolbars of ie . Google should manage apps better in play store. Otherwise Android will start killing itself.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium HD app
No, Android is an open platform and things like this may discourage developers. Google will feature apps that are designed well, but banning apps because they are deemed outdated looking or not useful is not what I want to see.
I do agree there is a lot of junk in Google Play but there is also the same junk in the iTunes app store. I would like to see Google allow more advanced searching in Google Play, they are Google afterall. Google Play's search should add sort by date app updated, filter by compatible Android version, and I'm sure there are more. That way you could find newer and better apps in your search.
spunker88 said:
No, Android is an open platform and things like this may discourage developers. Google will feature apps that are designed well, but banning apps because they are deemed outdated looking or not useful is not what I want to see.
I do agree there is a lot of junk in Google Play but there is also the same junk in the iTunes app store. I would like to see Google allow more advanced searching in Google Play, they are Google afterall. Google Play's search should add sort by date app updated, filter by compatible Android version, and I'm sure there are more. That way you could find newer and better apps in your search.
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so your saying that google should just let those junk apps stay in the play store. sure ios has junk apps but it isnt as bad as android.
yea discourage the developers that makes junk apps. thats the point. if a developer is constantly putting out updates then it shouldn't worry about having its apps being deleted. im just saying that google needs remove crappy apps from the play store. it just makes google play look lazy
leventccc said:
I agree with you. I think holo ui on apps is the best thing ever happened to android. Apps started to look high quality and developers did great job with holo. But there are still tons of non-holo apps that hasn't been updated since 2009/2010 and most of them not even work on new devices they just give force closes. I think Google should give those developers 2 month to update their apps with their guideline and otherwise just delete it. I started get sick of these old apps.
The other thing bothering me is the themes. Go themes, adw themes, launcher pro themes, they are everywhere. I hate to see all those themes when I simply search "launcher" on play store. Most of them are not even compatible with the latest versions of their launcher. I hope Google will do something about it.
Google started letting Android turn into new Windows. Every manufacturer can put bloatware in it. Millions of useless programs in the Internet. Most of them aren't updated since XP. Most of the people choose Linux or Mac(I still like windows more than mac ) over windows just because of the bloatware. Think about the toolbars of ie . Google should manage apps better in play store. Otherwise Android will start killing itself.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your right about some of the themes... some of those themes are copying other manufacturer's skins
look at beautiful widgets... they copied htc sense clocks. im suprised that htc didnt take them down.
spunker88 said:
No, Android is an open platform and things like this may discourage developers. Google will feature apps that are designed well, but banning apps because they are deemed outdated looking or not useful is not what I want to see.
I do agree there is a lot of junk in Google Play but there is also the same junk in the iTunes app store. I would like to see Google allow more advanced searching in Google Play, they are Google afterall. Google Play's search should add sort by date app updated, filter by compatible Android version, and I'm sure there are more. That way you could find newer and better apps in your search.
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Click to collapse
There isn't thousands of outdated launcher themes and not working apps in the app store. The ones at app store still work on newer iphones and don't look outdated. But the ones at play store look stretched and outdated.
i agree with you
I believe one thing that would help is better search functionality in the play store. Seams to me that a major search engine would have better search options in their store.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using xda premium
Hi!
I was wondering whats the status of the AOSP apps now that most of them are replaced by Googles own suite of apps?
Are they completely abandoned, or do they get just updates on new Android versions to make use of the new APIs that come with it?
I've read in a lot of articles that Google stopped all development of AOSP apps because they are focusing on their own apps, but that opens up another question:
If its so, how come nobody from the dev community is doing any work on AOSP apps and submiting those changes back to AOSP?
Does Google forbid or decline commits to AOSP apps?
Im wondering because it doesnt make sense that some custom ROMs develop their own AOSP app replacements instead of submiting improvement changes to the AOSP directly.
First off, I hope I'm posting this in the correct area
This may be a fantasy, but I will state my idea, and if you know any way of making it a reality, OR if it already exists, I would really appreciate your advice & help!
The idea is basically a super lightweight custom ROM that would work (be able to be flashed on) on a lot of different devices. (multiple android phones & tablets)
Preferably, I want it to run on the most stable version of Android
No play store, only a predetermined set of apps to be installed along with the ROM
No stock browser or any native apps that have a browser built-in
Basically, there are a few applications for this product, 2 that come to mind.
The most obvious, Kid friendly - I know about the parental controls available, I want something 'bulletproof'.
To ensure productivity and reduce distractions among employees.
I would also want a browser that is whitelist-based that can have the whitelist updated remotely, every time the browser connects to the internet, (either on startup of the app or in the background) it would check the whitelist and update itself with the new definitions. Ideally, I would want a Chrome-based browser with a built-in adblocker.
I know the lines are blurred from custom ROM to custom apps. I hope I'm not dreaming of a unicorn
(The native apps preferred would be The Camera, Messages and phone apps)
I think what you looking for is "Kids Space" from oxygenOs and colorOs 13. Now even I'm looking for the same for older oneplus devices.
You had any luck with it?