Database Develop

[Q] Keeping NC from calling home and/or updating

I'm guessing there's a utility, or utilities, running on the Nook that does things like auto updating the firmware, seeing what books are in your library, what page you're reading, other usage stats, etc.. Has there been any work to disable these spies?
Although I mainly wanted the Nook as a tablet, I'd like to buy a few books, and use it to view a few (Legally owned) PDF files. But if B&N is going to mess with my rooting, or decide something isn't legal, or otherwise decide to remove things off my Nook (Remember the Kindle and 1984?), or spam me based on what I'm reading, I'd rather wipe all B&N software from the device, and just have an Android tablet.
BTW, if the above sounds like a complaint, it's aimed at B&N, not the developers here, for which I am most thankful for all their awesome work!

Since there hasn't been an update yet, nobody is sure if the methods used by other devices will work or not. I believe there are a few threads in the development forum that talk about possible ways of preventing it from auto updating, but they haven't been tested yet to see if they work.
Do some looking in the dev forum or do a search and I"m sure you'll find what I'm talking about. It's a standard method of preventing Android from updating, but no telling if it will work.
Edit:
Here is the thread I was referring to:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=860480&highlight=update

Thanks for the response. I checked the link, and was surprised Android has the auto-update functionality built in. Do you know anything about possible spy applications? Has anyone checked it's internet activity? Any strange processes?

What do you mean it hasn't updated. The day you first powered it on and connected to the internet you got an update, at least mine did.
I imagine you could use wireshark and then turn on your radio and see where the nook goes first. It could have a schedule so maybe completely restore the device and then see the first addresses or urls it goes too on it's own. Once you get that then it's just a matter of entering those urls in the host file with an unresolvable address.

I probably will use Wireshark, when I get my nook (Christmas present). I just didn't want to reinvent the wheel, and be all prepared when I finally get it. I'm surprised there isn't more interest in privacy with the nook.

Mine didn't update when I got it. It's version 1.0.0, and until you set up wifi there is no way for it to get an update. Also, there isn't a way to check for updates. The original Nook had an option to check for updates, not with the NC.

Nook android app on rooted Nook Color

Has anyone been able to run the Nook Android Application on a rooted Nook Color?
When I try to run it, it just exists immediately.

Why would you want to run the android app, when you already have the nook.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App

Nookie Froyo can and from what I've been told works fine, therefore the app works on the screen and such, but for some reason no it doesn't work properly in the B&N ROM.

I have the same experience, that is, immediate exit.
Why run it on the NookColor??
Because the Market app is just better.
Page turning is more like a page turn, the interface is better......
Tried killing native processes and it still won’t work..
No, ideas. I guess I’ll wait for Froyo.

moemoney12 said:
Why would you want to run the android app, when you already have the nook.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I knew someone was going to ask that.
Easy - once you add about 2700 books, the library app on the nookColor shows 0 books. You can still search, but you can no longer browse. (That's using up 2.5GB of space - so just about half).
I have 0 faith that B&N will fix this, so I was thinking perhaps that the android app would not have this limitation.

Whoa....have you reported this bug?
If that's the case i have no doubt it WILL be fixed. Has anyone duplicated this issue with that many books?

cabbieBot said:
Whoa....have you reported this bug?
If that's the case i have no doubt it WILL be fixed. Has anyone duplicated this issue with that many books?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really hope you are right, but I wonder where you get your optimism.
E-mail technical support @ Barnes and Noble is non-existent. So far, the suggestions have ranged form hard resetting the device, to telling me how I can unarchive my books. So I gave up on that.
I called in a few times, and managed to get to the next level up of support, but can't seem to get them to file a bug report in their system. Previous companies I worked for, we would gladly file a bug report and give the customer the #. Not here.
As you can imagine, 2700 books might be considered an edge case - but not for long - especially given that the Nook reads PDFs, etc. 2700 is not all that much.
There's a post here: http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com...ks-in-Library/m-p/770718/highlight/true#M3277 which shows another user concurring. I have seen others with the same issue as well...

Two things.
First, another valid reason to utilize the android app is the ability to use multiple accounts. I personally use three accounts on B&N, and it is super annoying that I have to wipe my account just to read my other books.
Second, if this is a real bug present in the stock Barnes and Noble library, they will fix it. The original NOOK has had five updates to fix bugs and add features, and Barnes and Noble will continue this with the NOOKcolor. The main reason they chose the android OS as opposed to creating their own ( a la kindle or sony) was the easiness of OTA updates.

Two things.
First, another valid reason to utilize the android app is the ability to use multiple accounts. I personally use three accounts on B&N, and it is super annoying that I have to wipe my account just to read my other books.
Second, if this is a real bug present in the stock Barnes and Noble library, they will fix it. The original NOOK has had five updates to fix bugs and add features, and Barnes and Noble will continue this with the NOOKcolor. The main reason they chose the android OS as opposed to creating their own ( a la kindle or sony) was the easiness of OTA updates.

Also, the reason I am looking for it, is the ability to read holding the nook landscape, it is more confortable to me that way.

I prefer the Phone version of the UI in the Nook App and would like my CM7 NC to look the same as some of the button in the tablet version are hard to hit for some reason (especially 'go to shop', 'settings', etc).
I installed the APK that my phone downloaded but the app knows it's a tablet and converts to that. Anyone know how to make it look more like the phone version?

[Q] A Worthwhile NC Root Project

Greetings,
This is my first post here, so forgive me for posting in the general forum and not in the dev forums (I have to accumulate 10 posts to use the dev forums). I have a very important and worthwhile project that I'm hoping will interest a few devs here.
I am attempting to build a proof-of-concept for a very large educational institution that is considering implementation of ebook readers. Obviously, stock ebook readers are not up to what we need, and more robust tablets like the Galaxy Tab are cost prohibitive given the goal of distribution of these devices to tens of thousands of K-12 students. I don't want to be stuck with a single book distribution method, so I am looking for some standard Android flavor rather than a Nook-like interface.
So, here's my challenge to you. I would like to use the Nook Color (the $250 price point is perfect) to build a proof-of-concept low-end, semi-restricted Android tablet. I am looking for:
- Android 2.2
- Flash Support
- Ability to run:
- Dolphin Browser
- Regular Nook Android App
- Kindle App
- Google Book Reader App
- Adobe Reader App
- Some (undefined) Calculator App
- Stock Android Calendar App
- Stock Android Mail App
- Google Maps App
- Google Earth App
- Stock Android Gallery App or Equivalent
- Some (undefined) File Manager App
- Some (undefined) Note Taking App
I would also like the ability to load APK files (that we write) without the use of the Android Market. And . . . I need the final installation to *NOT* have root capability.
Anyone have a ROM to start this?
Also, while I'm somewhat familiar with rooting other Android devices, I'm not a developer and not a linux expert. I employ developers that have written a few Android apps, so they can handle the installation if necessary.
Any takers?
You can contact me off-list if you like at Dwayne at leeschools.net.
Thanks,
Dwayne

Wouldn't a $200 netbook be a far more usable tool to a student?

good thing you didn't post this in development.
once nook is updated to 2.2 this will basically all be possible with just root.
supposed to be released soon....
if you want a custom rom those will be around soon as well.
--edit--
i see you want this all without root. i don't believe that is possible. good luck though

There are specific reasons we are not considering netbooks for this project, beyond the scope of this discussion. For the purpose of this POC, we are only looking at touch-based slates.

I can't think of a way to fully disable root without someone being able to add it back. With that said would you be able to just delete the marketplace to make it "locked down" after installing everything? Possible disable super-level access as well?

I've not seen any confirmation that they are going to update to 2.2. I've only seen rumors to that effect. Do you have evidence to the contrary, because that would be great.
Additionally, the reason I'd like to involve the devs is because it is highly unlikely that B&N will release it with anything close to a stock 2.2 install. It will likely still require quite a bit of work to function normally. Hopefully I'm wrong on that account, but based on B&N's business model, I anticipate that they will do their best to prevent it from being used as a full tablet. They want to sell books. I don't think they want to sell devices without books. Not enough margin in the devices.
Perhaps I'm wrong related to their business model. I have approached B&N and requested an NDA to work with the Nook product team to see if they are interested in working together with us on a customized version. My feeling is that if they make very little on the device (with the goal of making the majority of their profit from content), they'll decline this offer.

MattJ951 said:
I can't think of a way to fully disable root without someone being able to add it back. With that said would you be able to just delete the marketplace to make it "locked down" after installing everything? Possible disable super-level access as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We could remove super user, but I'd also like to prevent users from killing services. I anticipate that we'll need some additional security apps that need to run full-time. One of our big challenges is that, by law, whenever we provide an Internet-capable device for students to take home, we are required to filter Internet. That's a huge task. On a PC, we an lock it down and force traffic through our filters from outside. From an Android device, we don't know how to handle that yet. We have a few approaches. I'm in discussion with M86 regarding an Android equivalent to their mobile client.
But . . . we have a lot more experience locking down a Windows or Mac PC than a phone OS. Most phone OSes are built from the perspective of a consumer, where the user is free to add/remove apps. We need a way to deal with that. Haven't gotten that far yet. The first order of business was to see if we can build our base functionality in a $250 device.

DwayneA said:
I've not seen any confirmation that they are going to update to 2.2. I've only seen rumors to that effect. Do you have evidence to the contrary, because that would be great.
Additionally, the reason I'd like to involve the devs is because it is highly unlikely that B&N will release it with anything close to a stock 2.2 install. It will likely still require quite a bit of work to function normally. Hopefully I'm wrong on that account, but based on B&N's business model, I anticipate that they will do their best to prevent it from being used as a full tablet. They want to sell books. I don't think they want to sell devices without books. Not enough margin in the devices.
Perhaps I'm wrong related to their business model. I have approached B&N and requested an NDA to work with the Nook product team to see if they are interested in working together with us on a customized version. My feeling is that if they make very little on the device (with the goal of making the majority of their profit from content), they'll decline this offer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude, all of those hings are capable. Have you done any reading in this forum. Just get a nookie froyo 2.2 card set one up the way you want. uninstall super user and market. make lotsa copies of card and stick it in nook. If you really want you can also trash the firmware on the internal memory so it will not even book the stock nook firmware.
enjoy!

Consideration should be taken that rooting technically voids the manufacturer's warranty. Other than that, using the NookColor as a tablet is still a gamble in terms of getting a rock-solid and reliable device. Supporting the devices may be problematic.
Fortunately, the devs here are doing great work and I fully expect (hope) that it will be a rock-solid reliable device very soon.
You will probably also want to avoid booting from the microsd because they are easy to remove.
Filtering could be done with a VPN.

to avoid removal of micro sd, just put a little sugra on the break where the nook opens for the micro sd, sort of lieka warrenty sticker

If you need help. Let me know.
The Nook Color already has a Froyo image that can be installed. DSP currently doesn't work. That is responsible for video decoding not only for local files, but for Flash video as well.
Other than that, Flash will still run, but not on all occasions, and the rest of your requirements have already been accomplished (ie. apks can be installed and already exist on the Market or from the Internet).
You can install the Froyo image (it consists of a boot image and a system image) to your Nook easily, and afterward install all of the "G" apps with a quick copying of a folder.
Check here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=864
- Do a little reading
- Possibly try installing Froyo on your memory card first.
- PM me if you need any guidance. I'm feeling pretty PRO at this after using adb all weekend to work with my Nook.
FYI: You can completely hose your internal installation and still be good (As long as you don't actually corrupt your memory physically). The Nook can always be booted off of a microSD card and restored to a fresh installation.
Edit: I just read some of your other posts. Just a thought: You could uninstall or disable the browser by default, thus not having to worry about Internet filtering. Later, users could still install apks from the sdcard (All that you have to do is tick a box in "Settings"). You can also do all of this without touching the stock rom. Of course you'd want to disable that from booting ever, so... after you were booted into your microSD card OS you could use adb to delete the content of the mmcblk0p1 (boot) partition. But I think that still might go against BN's warranty rules.

I understand the reasoning of wanting to lock it back down but if your students are capable of finding XDA (I'd imagine 1 or 2 of them is, at least) then that person would probably root the systems for anyone who was so inclined. I mean, B&N wasn't able to stop it, it's not likely that you would (without some sort of remote supervision app that could monitor and detect rooting).

gallahad2000 said:
I understand the reasoning of wanting to lock it back down but if your students are capable of finding XDA (I'd imagine 1 or 2 of them is, at least) then that person would probably root the systems for anyone who was so inclined. I mean, B&N wasn't able to stop it, it's not likely that you would (without some sort of remote supervision app that could monitor and detect rooting).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that was going to be my 2cts. A student would just have to pop in an sd card. And it would be a little unfair not giving student that right? And even then, they could always push something over via adb.

Have you looked at other options like the Archos line of Android tablets?
Otherwise, the SD Card install of Froyo works well - just superglue the opening

Why would any school district buy tablets with no warranty? Doesn't seem that feasible to me.

blackderbyhat said:
Why would any school district buy tablets with no warranty? Doesn't seem that feasible to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He's only looking for a proof of concept right now, and is trying to work with Barnes and Noble directly.

I forsee many broken nooks in our future.

[Q] New to Android.....

I'm new to all this Android stuff. Had Blackberrys forever. What exactly ist it to root the phone, how "dangerous" is it, and what exactly are the benefits to doing it?
I now have two Android devices, the LG Revolution, and a Dell Streak 7.
Thanks for your patience.

twillet50 said:
I'm new to all this Android stuff. Had Blackberrys forever. What exactly ist it to root the phone, how "dangerous" is it, and what exactly are the benefits to doing it?
I now have two Android devices, the LG Revolution, and a Dell Streak 7.
Thanks for your patience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting the phone gives you access to the protected areas of the phone. As far as how dangerous it is, that depends on the ability of the end user to carefully follow directions
The advantage is that you can customize your phone as you see fit. The manufacturers place certain software on your phone that may actually hinder you from using your phone to its full potential (i.e. Microsoft Bing, and Verizon Navigation).
Once you remove these additions, you can add the Google counterparts (for free) that make your phone far more functional, and eliminates the need to pay third parties (like Verizon for Navigation).
You can also install new images on to your system that does most of this work for you (meaning you don't have to be a developer to get rid of those services as someone else has done it for you). With some ROMs, it increases speed (overclocking), gives you functionality you didn't previously have (wireless tether - the free kind), and allows you to skin the parts of the interface that can't be skinned with a home app replacement.
Typically speaking, if you are using a stock home-screen, and the original firmware, you are getting the worst experience from your phone. Counting on developers, however, can have it's down side. Since they are working for you to get the perfect phone, but aren't perfect by nature, there can be bugs and flaws as they are in the development process. Most developers want to release a quality product, so they continue working on their product until it is as close to perfect as conceivably possible.
The trickiest part is getting your phone rooted and putting CWM recovery on it. If you can follow the directions to a 't' without skipping or ignoring portions of the instructions, you will usually be home-free to do whatever you want with your phone.

twillet50 said:
I'm new to all this Android stuff. Had Blackberrys forever. What exactly ist it to root the phone, how "dangerous" is it, and what exactly are the benefits to doing it?
I now have two Android devices, the LG Revolution, and a Dell Streak 7.
Thanks for your patience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DUDE!!! you are in the exact same boat as me, and with the same devices! though i came from iphones.
I agree with majorpay. love the revolution and the streak7. i can never go back to ios now.

Ad Free! And console controllers!
Major, great explanation. I guess the thing I would add is the use of apps that remove ads. And something that kind of big right now is using a console Bluetooth controller, like the sixaxis (PS3) and wiimote apps. My wiimote syncs up perfectly with my rooted Droid 1. Gotta try the PS3 app. Neither worked on my stock LG Revolution.

As to what root exactly does...
"root" is the "Administrator" so to say in Linux and UNIX. You can do anything as root, and it technically (from a secure point) should never be used.
If you own root, you own everything. When you root your phone, you gain the ability to access the root user, which most providers do NOT want you do.
As majorpay said before, you have the ability to remove bloatware, and apps like Bing and Verizon apps which come pre-installed on the phone. This takes up space, uses memory, and you can't uninstall them. With root you have the ability to override Verizon's apps (per say) and delete them, then reinstall them with Google's non 3rd party apps which are free.
If anyone is familiar with "jailbreaking" it is the exact same thing, gaining access to the root user for the iPhone / iPod touch.
I have never used BB before, so I don't know if there is something similar to rooting...
TL;DR - It lets you do anything you want

Rooted NC ROM Choices: Pros/Cons/Comparison Chart?

Search as I might, I've found nothing to go by that is close to being up-to-date; either on the XDA forums or elsewhere. I am attempting to figure out how best to root my NC to get the most functionality out of it. So far, I believe CM7 may be the way to go with it but I'm wanting to be sure before rerooting. Is there been any chart compiled with information about the different available roms specifically geared for the NC with the pros/cons/comparisons of the attributes specific to each rom? I'm also looking at finding any rom "Gotchas" as well. And please, before it even begins... I am not asking for opinions/favorites. I am looking for the facts and nothing beyond that. I want to push my NC to its limits but stability is still part of the end goal.
Thanks!

To my knowledge, no, there is no such comparison, primarily because of the intensity of CM7 development for the NC. There are forked variants of CM7, mainly Phiremod and MIUI (I believe the only version for the NC is the one built on CM7), but otherwise there are only far less robust options (Honeycomb preview/test builds) and outright obsolete ones (Nookie Froyo).
The other option is to root stock with ManualNooter, which some people do prefer.
All of the above are having issues with the Market right now, requiring some rather annoying temporary workarounds (setting dpi to 160 and frequently clearing Market data). Another "gotcha" if you use B&N content is that the Nook app's Search button is unresponsive in CM7, meaning you have to set up a Search softkey in order to use it.
The last stable release of CM7 is also a bit out of date, and you would probably be better served by a recent nightly (I've seen issues reported with 177, but 176 is solid), incorporating features like deep sleep, a built-in boot menu, fastboot, compatibility with the Nook Tweaks app (overclocking, voltage stepping, enhanced audio gain, and USB host) and kernel updates from B&N's last update, among other things.

Appreciate the input... I've been reading a lot lately and your observations fall inline with most everything that I'm reading. I had been using ManualNooter but I wanted to gut the B&N ROM altogether. I've loaded CM7 and it is working well. Couple market glitches (Version not supported, No Netflix showing in market, etc.) but mostly its working well so I'll keep plugging away. I had to do the LCD Density change in order to get Kindle to install but; ahhh, the joy of modding.
Again, thanks for your help!

Netflix does work just fine if you google up an apk.

Taosaur said:
Netflix does work just fine if you google up an apk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't say that Netflix wasn't working, simply that it won't update from the market from my early Netflix version. I am able to use the older one but it keeps crying about wanting to update upon loading. I cancel and then watch movies. I've not watched a full movie yet in this way so I can't say yet if there are any issues beyond the "won't update via market" issue.