Related
So after looking around through the forums I have learned a lot, and I have appreciated every piece of information I have been given, but there have been some things I have either not found answers to, or have not found complete answers (ie: someone only asked part of what I'm asking).
*Phone info listed in Signature*
When giving an answer, please number it according to the question and/or Quote the question, Please do not quote the entire post.
1. IMEI Device ID: Can I change it? and How?
- After Flashing and Rooting, my email exchange account no longer recognizes my phone and asks me to validate the Device ID. I did get Exchange to work when I had 2.1 and I'm not doing anything different from before. (Note: Android Device ID and IMEI Device ID are 2 different things)
Answer: Your IMEI Device ID is located on the back of your phone. You can find it by removing the battery and then it is the number above the first barcode. Your IMEI ID is something you neither can change nor want to. If a problem occurs trying to get Exchange to work again after messing with your phone, try connecting to the network at the location of your exchange account. Make sure your phone is registered, if it's not, register and wait a day before attempting to connect to exchange again. If that still doesnt work, contact their IT dept and have them manually add your phone. Also, see Post#4 or Exchange Thread
2. Android Device ID:
a)Is the number/letter sequence located on my battery, my Android's ID?
b)In the app "Android ID Changer", when I change it to said ID on battery and click "Save" nothing happens, the ID that the App gives me is still listed at the top.
Answer: If you flash and root with what I've given in my signature, your Android Device ID should be the same or there shouldn't really be anything you need to worry about that requires it. Your IMEI ID is the important one. Also Reference the Device ID Thread, and please make sure you write yours down before flashing and rooting!!!!
3. Sounds Sounds Sounds!!!!!: OK, so I know everyone wants to have their own custom tones right? Well, after looking around for a little while, I haven't really found full solutions as to what I want:
There are 6 Different Kinds of Tones, and a 7th Tone Type I would like added:
- Voice Call Tones: As main ringtone and per contact(As Title)
- Notification Tones: (Text Messages, Email, etc)
- Music: Your media, the only files that should show up in "Music Player"
- Alarm Tone: In the Default Clock App, under Alarm Creation
- Smart Alarm Tone: In the Clock App also under Alarm Creation
- Screen Touch "Pop" Tone (When you click an app)
- Reminder Tone: Reminds you that you have a text or missed call(Not included on phone currently)
a) OK, with that list, when I go in to choose for each one, you get a menu (for example Voice Call gives you: Silent, AT&T Tone, Bird loop, ..., Samsung tune, ...). I would like for my custom sound files to show in the Default list of each according Tone type as listed above. How do I do it?
b) How do I differentiate the Text message tone from the email tone? How do I make make text message tones & settings individual/separate from Notification Tones and Settings?
c) Reminder Tone: When I had a motorola back in the day, if my phone rang at me and I was too busy or not around it at the time to look at it, about every 5 minutes, it would beep at me telling me that something happened while I wasnt paying attention. Is there a way that I can add this feature to my Captivate?
4. ASTRO vs. My Files(on 2.2-Froyo): It seems like "My Files" has everything that ASTRO has, yet I've seen a lot of people saying to get ASTRO. Is there any reason to have it?
Answer: If you have enabled the Side-Loading of apps, there is no real difference between these two other than their appearance since you can bring up the .apk installer that's included in both programs. Other options to using these to programs are: Root Explorer
5. Default Samsung App: Daily Briefing: There has got to be something better than this out there, any suggestions?
- Also, I already have a big clock that has weather(Fancy Widget), so I dont really rely on Daily Briefing for it
Answer: If you are looking for something in terms of a
Widget NewsReader: try Feedr for news, Auto Express for Car News, and ScoreCenter for Sports News
Non-Widget news readers include: Google Reader, gReader, & NewsRob.
6. Tethering/I'm Tethered, What Now?:
a) I know that my laptop can access WIFI via MobileAP, but how can I connect with my Laptop via USB Tethering. I have Windows XP Pro SP3
b) Is it possible for me to use my Laptop to send Txt Msgs?
c) Assuming I have hundreds of Contacts, Is to possible to keep ALL Contacts on laptop while keeping only most used contacts on phone?
Answer:
a) USB Tethering can be accomplished through apps like EasyTether or PDANet, but most ROM's for the captivate do have it standard. It would be under Menu > Settings > Applications > USB Settings > PC Internet.
b)
c)
7. Removing the Default "Latitude" App (2.2-Froyo): I already have Maps, Navigation, and Places. Why would I need "Latitude"? What is the purpose of it?
I use Titanium Backup Pro to "Freeze" most of the default apps (freeze meaning hide them w/o deleting them) but I cannot seem to find "Latitude" in the list of Apps, is there a way to freeze it with Titanium?
8. Allshare Default App 2.2: What does it add to the phone? Do I need it or should I "Freeze" it?
I'm looking for a way to play my media from my computer to my phone, however Windows Media Player doesnt recognize my phone as something to share to, how can I change this? (I use Windows XP Pro SP3)
9. FM Radio: Is there a way I can listen to my favorite channel without using up any data? And if I listen to the channel for about an hour, how much data will I have used? (So far, I've only seen Last.FM and TuneIn Radio)
Answer: Best thing to do if you want to listen to the Radio on your phone is to do it via Wifi. Unfortunately for us, our phone originally had plans to have a FM Chip installed allowing us free FM Radio, but that's just not how AT&T rolls. Another App besides Last.FM or TuneIn Radio to try is iheartradio. Furthermore, if you are wanting to watch your Data Usage, I suggest trying 3G Watchdog, I don't know how accurate it is from month-to-month, but it is an App(and Widget) that does watch your data usage.
10. Is there a way to rename the apps in my App Drawer? Some of them have strange/long names which will break a work so that it is on both lines or the whole title doesnt fit. This bothers my OCD so I was wondering if there was an easy way to do it.
11. Random Reboots When I don't have an Alarm enabled, sometimes my phone seems to go and sleep/hibernate/reset. Meaning I pickup my phone and for some reason it has gone and turned off on me. What's the deal? Does anyone else have this problem and is there a way to fix it?
12. Save Texts: What is the best way to save your text conversations to your computer besides using KIES?
13. Save Contacts What is the best way to Export Contacts to your computer for editing and later Importing back onto the phone besides using KIES?
- I want to have a back up of all my numbers so that I can remove some from my address book, but still have them on my computer in case I need them later.
14. GPS 2.2: Many have commented about fixing the 2.1 GPS, does the 2.2 GPS also need a fix?
15. Editing the System: Where Can I find in-depth threads that tell me how to change things in the system(thread links accepted)? I would like some that cover it in general, but I'd also like ones that also include adding and removing custom ringtones to the default as well as SetCPU and other functions.
16. The Lock Screen: Is there any way in which I can change the Default Lock Screen so that it includes a message on it like "This phone belongs to _______"?
Is there any other themes for the Text Message "Puzzle" Lock Screen?
17. Contacts:
a) Sorting Method - First I would like to sort my contacts by Group, then by Alphabetical Order. Is there any way that I can do this? Basically I want my girlfriend listed first, then all my Family Contacts, then all my friends. Is there a way I can do this other than adding symbols or prefixes in front of everyone's name?
b) Once while on the facebook app, it gave me the option to set a picture to one of my contacts(without saving the image to the phone), however I havent figured out how to do it since, does anyone know how?
c)How do I sync contacts with Gmail? Ive tried clicking Sync Contacts in Contacts under Gmail, and it shows the refresh icon for about a second but when I go to my gmail contacts, nothing is there. What's the deal?
18. Way too Awesome: So we've all seen what phones can do in the movies, hacking into computers and whatnot. Is there anything that our phones can do like in the movies? I personally would love to have a phone that Tony Stark or Sam Flynn would die for. ......Is there at least a way I can use my phone to unlock my car? I'd enjoy turning my phone into a trapper-keeper lol.
19. Custom Sound Settings: Media Volume can only go down as low as 5% before going to 0%, is there any way I can make my phone lower that 5% like when it's late at night but I still want to hear an app's crappy music, just really really quietly?
20. Phone Accessories:
What is the Best phone case for Captivate that utilizes a belt clip (w/screen protector)?
In terms of a 2nd battery, are there any batteries out there that have more battery life than the stock one that comes with the phone?
If I had a 2nd battery, would it be safe to leave it in my car throughout the year in case I need it, or would temperature be a problem?
21. Data Plans: Any chance of AT&T Coming out with a plan that's between 100Mb, and 2Gb?
I'm on Wifi most of the time, so I don't use most of my 2Gb, but I can easily use 100Mb, is there any chance of there being a 1Gb plan?
As I get answers to my questions, if the answer isnt too long I will edit the OP with the answers or link a post below the question for people who might stumble upon this thread with the same question.
EDIT: (Last Edited 1/17)
Added Answers to questions: 1, 2, 4, 5, 9
Added Parts B and C to #6
Added Questions: 15,16,17,18,19,21
1.) IMEI ID is on the back of the phone and don't think you can change that.
4.) Astro also lets you install third party apps that are loaded onto your SD card. My files just lets you browse.
5.) If you dont' need daily breifing, don't use it. I don't use it either.
6.) PDAnet will let you tether via USB and there are a few others.
10.) when you add a app to your home screens, you have the option to change the name. Doesn't help with your app drawer OCD but keeps your home screens under control.
11.) There are multiple threads about random shutdowns. Read them all if you want. So far, increasing the sleep speed minimum to 2000 (in setCPU) has worked for me. Granted it's only been a few days but no shutdowns since doing that.
14.) Reading all the GPS threads will show you that it's not locked into a particular OS. Nobody really knows what the problem is. Some have great GPS, some don't. Some get it working better with fixes, some don't.
axis01 said:
1.) IMEI ID is on the back of the phone and don't think you can change that.
4.) Astro also lets you install third party apps that are loaded onto your SD card. My files just lets you browse.
10.) when you add a app to your home screens, you have the option to change the name. Doesn't help with your app drawer OCD but keeps your home screens under control.
11.) There are multiple threads about random shutdowns. Read them all if you want. So far, increasing the sleep speed minimum to 2000 (in setCPU) has worked for me. Granted it's only been a few days but no shutdowns since doing that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4. My Files has a package installer if you have enabled sideloading of apps and seems to work the same as ASTRO as far as I can tell.
10. I havent seen an option to change the name on the homescreen either, I usually just drag them from my app drawer though.
11. Could you define what the sleep speed minimum is?
EDIT: ANd big thanks on where the IMEI was. I was kind of avoiding taking the battery out, but the number on the back matched the number in the phone info so I was happy. And for some reason my phone now works with exchange. I think my phone was waiting till I knew what it knew lol.
Oh man. I'll see if I can answer them all. LET'S DO THIS!
1. Before you left 2.1 stock, shoulda backed up nv_data. If your Device ID and produce code get messed up, check out http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=881162 and http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=880223 Use these threads to try and restore it; but if that doesn't work you might be SOL without a nv_data backup.
As for exhange, check out http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=821297
I work for AT&T, so me and IMEI's are best buds. You can't change your IMEI as it's a number issued directly for AT&T. AT&T uses these IMEI's to determine what type of phone is on your account. Should you change the IMEI, it would appear to AT&T as "Unknown GSM", and you would cease to get data.
2. Read #1
3. It depends on the apps you use to accomplish said tasks. I would imagine very few of us use the stock e-mail client, i would imagine most of us use K-9 or something along those lines, in which case you can specify a sound file in said apps settings.
As for having them show up in the default menu, throw them into /system/media/audio/ringtones and they should show up in default.
I'm not sure about the reminder, although I can't see an app for this not existing. As stated above, some e-mail clients such as k-9 or SMS like handcent may have this feature. If the stock ones don't, what can ya do?
4. Don't get either, get Root Explorer.
5. If you already have a clock, I suppose all Daily Briefing offers is news and a calendar. There's plenty of awesome news readers for the Captivate. If you like the widget variant, i would go with Feedr. If you prefer non-widget news readers, Google Reader, gReader, NewsRob; all good choices.
6. It depends on the ROM. USB Tethering can be accomplished through apps like EasyTether or PDANet, but most ROM's for the captivate do have it standard. It would be under Menu > Settings > Applications > USB Settings > PC Internet.
7. Latitude is bundled in with Google Maps. Not sure how to remove it, or if you can..maybe.
8. You don't need it. It's just a global way to share pictures and videos to multiple sources. I never use it.
9. Connect to WiFi!
10. Aside from decompiling the APK, i don't think so. Maybe NinjaMorph can do it, but I don't think so. You can hide apps from the drawer though, or hide the text, with alternative launchers.
11. The captivate stock firmwares seemed to have a problem with randomly rebooting. I work at AT&T and I sell these phones daily so I can safely say it's just the stock, even the 2.2 stock seems to do it. You can use SetCPU profiles to work some magic, but it's easier to just install a Custom ROM, as I personally no longer have this problem UNLESS i am on stock. Use http://romkitchen.org from your phone, easiest way. Make sure to donate if you use it frequently, it's an awesome service!
12. Can't answer this one. I imagine there's an app to back up texts to files on the phone directly though, if not it wouldn't be very hard to make!
13. From your contacts on the phone, menu > (possibly More) > Import/Export. It will save EVERYTHING about your contacts(Ringtone info, pictures, birthdays, etc) to a .vcf file. These can be altered, edited and saved on the computer.
14. 2.2 stock needs a fix I'm pretty sure. Check out this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=881941 , all you gotta do is flash one file, so do it anyway just to be safe!
Phew. Hope this helps!
geokhentix said:
Oh man. I'll see if I can answer them all. LET'S DO THIS!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Big thanks
As for my Android ID, I didnt know about it until afterwards. The posts that inform people about flashing and Rooting should mention this, because I didn't see it anywhere until after I was worrying about my phone not being able to connect to my email, but for some reason this morning when I tried it miraculously worked.
As for #3, where is my system folder? is it: I:\media\audio\ringtones ?
with my "system" being "I:"
I recently discovered setting custom sounds for my email accounts, but I am curious about all the default tones.
Are all the ones listed in different setting all just the same file with the exception that they only play for "X" amount of type depending on menu your are in?
And can the captivate not play MIDI files?....you know, old school polyphonic files........
And how the heck do I change the text tone for while my phone is plugged into the USB? omg it is the most annoying sound in the world, why does it not use the tone I have my texts set for? (I forgot this one on my list)
Thanks for your answer to #11. My phone hadnt done it at all until I dropped it down about 10 feet at a concert screen down 6 days after I got it. The next day the phone did the reset thing and I just about cried cuz I was just like I know it's because I dropped it. On the bright side when I picked it up after it fell, it didnt have a scratch on it or nothin'.
How do you alter a .vcf file?
WandererTJ said:
Big thanks
As for my Android ID, I didnt know about it until afterwards. The posts that inform people about flashing and Rooting should mention this, because I didn't see it anywhere until after I was worrying about my phone not being able to connect to my email, but for some reason this morning when I tried it miraculously worked.
As for #3, where is my system folder? is it: I:\media\audio\ringtones ?
with my "system" being "I:"
I recently discovered setting custom sounds for my email accounts, but I am curious about all the default tones.
Are all the ones listed in different setting all just the same file with the exception that they only play for "X" amount of type depending on menu your are in?
And can the captivate not play MIDI files?....you know, old school polyphonic files........
And how the heck do I change the text tone for while my phone is plugged into the USB? omg it is the most annoying sound in the world, why does it not use the tone I have my texts set for? (I forgot this one on my list)
Thanks for your answer to #11. My phone hadnt done it at all until I dropped it down about 10 feet at a concert screen down 6 days after I got it. The next day the phone did the reset thing and I just about cried cuz I was just like I know it's because I dropped it. On the bright side when I picked it up after it fell, it didnt have a scratch on it or nothin'.
How do you alter a .vcf file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, all Custom ROM threads should have a little blurb about it for people installing their ROM from a new stock device. But it seems to be fixable even if you didn't with a little work, so it's not too bad.
You can use Root Explorer to copy them to /system/media/audio/ringtones, but I think they may have to be in .ogg for them to work out of this directory. I'm not entirely positive, but all you would have to do to test it is push a non-.ogg ringtone over and try it. To copy your ringtones over nice and easy like;
Download the Android SDK and extract the android-sdk-windows folder to your desktop for easy copy pasta!
And enable USB Debugging (Menu > Settings > Applications > Development > USB Debugging)
Open a command prompt!
cd %USERPROFILE%/desktop/android-sdk-windows/tools
adb push [ringtone] /system/media/audio/ringtones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's in a perfect world where it won't complain about permissions. if it does;
cd %USERPROFILE%/desktop/android-sdk-windows/tools
adb push [ringtone] /sdcard/
adb shell
su - at this point, accept superuser request on the phone; make sure the screen isn't locked when you hit enter, prompt should change from a $ to a #
mv /sdcard/[ringtone] /system/media/audio/ringtones/
exit
exit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure if the Captivate can play .MIDI files for notification sounds. Only one way to find out though, right?
And i have no idea why your text tone is different when plugged into USB...mine sounds the same.
Late edit: forgot to answer one of em, you can edit .vcf files in MS Outlook!
# 9 - unfortunately our phone doesn't have FM radio. Another one to try is iheartradio. They have a number of radio stations. Although you're still using data unless you're using wifi like mentioned above.
Are there any better phonebook editors other than Outlook express?
I am looking for something so that I can have multiple phonebooks such as one with all my contacts I've ever had, and another for just the contacts I want on my phone
if you have a custom ringtone set for something and you have the phone plugged into usb, the phone can't access the the SD card where the custom tone is stored, thus you get that annoying (and loud) built in tone.
Re: myfiles: it does indeed let you install apps, but I'd recommend estrongs file explorer. It allows you to not only browse you're phone, but your pc files too (assuming it's on the same network, of course.) And let you open, copy and edit between the 2 devices.
Re: allshare: out of the box this great app let me browse and watch all of the video files off of my PC. I didn't have to configure anything special, except that my PC was already configured to share media with my xbox 360.
But I didn't do anything on my pc after buying the phone. Just connected to wifi and everything showed up. I haven't tried sharing the other way though (watching media from my phone on my PC)
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I896 using XDA App
#12. I've used Wifi Android Manager Wifi, I think it backs up text messages. It seems to back up everything else, that's for sure.
Hey, I've been working on adding answers to the OP, it's going, but I'm not done
Anyways, UPDATE 1/17/11 - I've Added Questions 15-21, please try and answer these when you get the time.
Added Answers to questions: 1, 2, 4, 5, 9
Added Parts B and C to #6
Added Questions: 15,16,17,18,19,21
I checked out various apps which can locate lost phone(after stolen).
All work on the premise of installing app remotely from google play, and then sending SMS to your phone etc.,
However, there are a few caveats(with all such apps, and others too). they work for brain dead thieves.
Professional thiefs will throw away your sim card, and then put in a new sim(prepaid sims freely available).
For security, the owner of phone will obviously change the gmail password, right?
So if thief factory resets and wipes data, and then logs on with a different google play account, can you still track it?
Is there any app which allows to do the same?
Casual thieves can be caught, but what if somebody does a full wipe?
I think google tracks phones using device ID. Is it possible to track phone through google, even if android account(google account) being used on the phone is different?
Need help please.
Prevention is better than the cure.
If the phone has been stolen without any tracking software installed, then the chances of recovering it are a lot smaller than if tracking software was installed before it was stolen.
The best thing you can do is call your carrier and ask them to block the IMEI, if they care about you they may also track it down... Or at least do some kind of deal to get you a new phone.
The best tracking app in my opinion is Avast! Its free too !
There is an anti theft feature, which requires root, But it will install as a system app so a factory reset wont remove it. You can do a whole range of things via the webpage, such as activating mobile data, Turning GPS on so you can track it, You can also make the phone scream and shout 'warning this device has been lost or stolen'
This is a useful feature as only you can disable it, You can also enter a message which will be displayed on screen for the theif to see!
You can remotely lock and wipe the device, so the theif cannot change gmail account.
Its does a whole lot more too!
azzledazzle said:
Prevention is better than the cure.
If the phone has been stolen without any tracking software installed, then the chances of recovering it are a lot smaller than if tracking software was installed before it was stolen.
The best thing you can do is call your carrier and ask them to block the IMEI, if they care about you they may also track it down... Or at least do some kind of deal to get you a new phone.
The best tracking app in my opinion is Avast! Its free too !
There is an anti theft feature, which requires root, But it will install as a system app so a factory reset wont remove it. You can do a whole range of things via the webpage, such as activating mobile data, Turning GPS on so you can track it, You can also make the phone scream and shout 'warning this device has been lost or stolen'
This is a useful feature as only you can disable it, You can also enter a message which will be displayed on screen for the theif to see!
You can remotely lock and wipe the device, so the theif cannot change gmail account.
Its does a whole lot more too!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks
Will it work in the following scenario
1. thief Steals phone
2. Puts phone in custom recovery
3. Flashes a new ROM
4. Puts in a new SIM
5. Uses a different google account.
Google has IMEI number of devices used. So can google let me know which user has the phone after its been stolen, if I give them a copy of the police report or something.
Actually Samsung have a free tracking and after-theft service.
You can set it up on the phone and on the samsung website.
It works even if they use the phone on the moon after having it
flushed through a toilet....So why bother in using third party apps and services ??
http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39...-and-control-samsung-galaxy-devices-remotely/
This is an old 'howto'. The samsung dive also works for the Note.
tsk1979 said:
thanks
Will it work in the following scenario
1. thief Steals phone
2. Puts phone in custom recovery
3. Flashes a new ROM
4. Puts in a new SIM
5. Uses a different google account.
Google has IMEI number of devices used. So can google let me know which user has the phone after its been stolen, if I give them a copy of the police report or something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google are a massive company, I doubt they will help 1 individual person, but its sure worth a try
as for the scenario, If the theif flashes a new ROM, it will overwrite /system so any previous system apps will be removed.
But, bear in mind, not everyone is an android freak like us most people wont know what recovery is, or how to flash a ROM, so this should give you enough time to track it down via the website.
For the freaks that do know what they're doing, Well I guess thats unfortunate, No security can withstand the knowledge we have, You will just have to hope they have a nice heart and will return it.
How about 'android lost' application?
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
dsmas said:
How about 'android lost' application?
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have changed my google password. So thief will probably use new market account. Now the question is, if phone comes online via a different market account, can I still control it?
lost my phone (galaxy S2) yesterday or it got stolen - i dont know excactly.
BUT the phone is still on, even 3G.
so is there any app which i could install through the market and track it?
plan b won't work because i have android 4.x
Lun4cy said:
lost my phone (galaxy S2) yesterday or it got stolen - i dont know excactly.
BUT the phone is still on, even 3G.
so is there any app which i could install through the market and track it?
plan b won't work because i have android 4.x
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have stock tw rom on your s2 if yes then Log onto www.samsungdive.com from their you can control your device by loging into your samsung account.. Good luck :thumbup:
Ps: if you have a cm rom then use this app https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.androidlost worked on my htc desire pretty good when i lost it in my college
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2
abhinav quietly brilliant said:
Do you have stock tw rom on your s2 if yes then Log onto www.samsungdive.com from their you can control your device by loging into your samsung account.. Good luck :thumbup:
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unfortunately not :/
got a costum rom and i think i removed all samsung apps.
Who needs phone location track and how to track phone location with this OX MobileSpy
tsk1979 said:
I checked out various apps which can locate lost phone(after stolen).
All work on the premise of installing app remotely from google play, and then sending SMS to your phone etc.,
However, there are a few caveats(with all such apps, and others too). they work for brain dead thieves.
Professional thiefs will throw away your sim card, and then put in a new sim(prepaid sims freely available).
For security, the owner of phone will obviously change the gmail password, right?
So if thief factory resets and wipes data, and then logs on with a different google play account, can you still track it?
Is there any app which allows to do the same?
Casual thieves can be caught, but what if somebody does a full wipe?
I think google tracks phones using device ID. Is it possible to track phone through google, even if android account(google account) being used on the phone is different?
Need help please.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Company who distribute cell phones always want to learn whether their employees are in rational use of vehicle and they go to the place where they should go, Cell Phone GPS Tracker gives you detailed information you want to learn with GPS location.
Location-specific information can be tracked especially for person who get lost when travelling unfamiliar places, or elder parents who are in amnesia may forget where home is, children get lost and so on. Then this OX Mobile Spy mobile phone location track function urgently needed.
OX mobile spy is both a mobile phone information backup software and a spy-tracking software, Which all depends on how to use it and how to review of it. By the using of it's backup function, you can easily backup contacts, messages, calls to your own email. By the using of it's spy-tracking software, you can use ox mobile spy's GPS location trace to find lost persons, use software installed in cellphone, messages, contacts and calls information to monitor your kid's suspicious behaviour.
Download: http://download.cnet.com/OX-Mobile-Spy/3000-2162_4-75909600.html
Exact GPS location with latitude and longitude, I like this program.
Gulp, here goes.
Welcome all,
Lock Extender is a plug-in for Automation apps such as Tasker, Locale and Llama (and possibly others that use the Locale standard plugin method) that allows you to change the delay between your devices screen turning off, and the security lock being set.
For example, if you set this with a profile that activates when you are home, it will effectively keep your phone unlocked (not keep the screen on ) whilst you are there. You will have to add an exit task that re-sets a shorter time out for when the profile ends or the lock will stay off.
There are two small caveats that I am working on (app is still in early stages, as I imagine most of these kind of things are )
You will have to unlock the device once the profile is active to actually remove the lock.
If you turn the screen off with the power button, it will apply the lock again.
There are two versions of the app in Google Play (or at least there will be soon). They are both identical in function; the free one will flash a toast every 8 uses (every 8th time Lock Extender runs a task to change the time out, you get a toast), and the paid one doesn't do this.
**** ROOT Required ****
Root/SU permission is required when you 'install' the application. To be more specific, the app needs to copy a little helper file to your devices /system/app folder and then you need to reboot. This (and removing the helper) is the only time that Lock Extender will ask for root access. If you are concerned then when it asks for root, don't save the choice and it wont be able to get root without you knowing.
Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] for help if you need it, and please contact me before leaving a bad rating!
If you have any suggestions on how I can improve the app (I know the UI is a bit sucky) then please drop me a mail. I have tested this on a Galaxy Note II and a Galaxy S3 with Tasker. Please let me know if your device has issues and I will see if I can help.
Tablet UI is coming soon.
This app uses ActionBarSherlock and would look turd without it.
[edit] The latest version of the Free app is in the Play store using the top link, the paid one is still being distributed throughout the store.
Long time ago, in the mid-2000s, there was such a fabulous concept as "PDA". Unfortunately, Microsoft let it slip and the concept went downhill.
Now for me it was the idea of a device that is not a phone (hence the existence of a separate "smartphone") and that is rarely online. It's bigger than "phone" and you use it to do serious stuff, not reading Twitter and ranting on Facebook.
I understand this concept is not very popular these days but this thread is for those of you security paranoids who are not risking putting your precious data online at all. But even if you are not so extreme you can safely get rid of more than 100 apps, you'll just have to experiment a little given my lists here.
Below are the apps I have removed to make my Note Edge run as smooth as ever, with battery lasting days on average use. I have been experimenting with this, gathering info about each problematic app from the internets; details and links are included below where I could find them.
What is removed: cellular/phone/messages/Qualcomm support, Samsung-only sharing/device features (quick share, direct share, beacon, TV, battery sharing, etc.), location services, Google/Samsung stuff, Dropbox/Evernote/Flipboard/other bundled stuff, backup/sync/cloud, tracking/remote management/locking (it had lots of this stuff), wearable stuff, environment sound detecting, payment/checkout, Chrome/Chromecast, Play/Samsung stores (install apps offline by APK), Car Mode, private mode, Knox, printing, S Finder, S Voice, Emergency Mode, SIM support, weather, Safety info, wizard appearing when you hard-reset the device (so all settings are set to defaults, you can customize them later anyway), Smart Remote, talkback, default video player, editing and trimming.
What is kept: all legit core functionality: external SD card, Internet (for offline browsing), Wi-Fi (but didn't try it), Bluetooth, NFC, camera and photo studio, Edge panel (Cocktailbar) features, S Pen including direct input, notes, snippets, etc., voice recorder/other tools, Easy Mode including reduced screen and side panel, Night Clock, S Health (tested pedometer, heart rate), service menus (e.g. *#0*#), ART/Dalvik runtimes work (instead of 300+ apps to optimize you get 143), USB features including MTP/debugging/adb, most native Samsung apps like Gallery and S Planner that are good. Dialing 911 seems to work which is surprising given all removed phone components.
After using this unbloated version of Kitkat 4.4.4 all apps still work fine except for some games that need Google Services Framework (however, it'll need other Google components, not just that - experiment). Not all though - Heroes 3 HD work just fine. Also note that if GSF is removed (partially or fully) while setup wizards are not you won't be able to get past the first run wizard as it will crash due to missing GSF. So either remove both or none.
I used this app to remove things. But you can probably freeze them with Titanium Backup with the same effect (except wasted disk space).
Removed apps (in alphabetic order):
Adapt Sound
AirWakeUp - this gesture drains battery like crazy, 10-15% per hour in sleep mode
AllShare FileShare Service - for playing content on other devices: http://www.shouldiremoveit.com/Samsung-AllShare-12424-program.aspx
ANT HAL Service - wearable support
ANT Radio Service
ANT+ Plugins Service
Automation Test - some say it can freeze the device, some say it's safe to remove: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s2/general/jelly-bean-xxlsj-solution-to-battery-t2016419
AutoPreconfig - cellular stuff: http://www.w0lfdroid.com/2013/08/change-csc-samsung-galaxy-devices-s4.html
Backup
Basic Daydreams - appear when the device is locked like a screensaver (photos, etc.) instead of clock, etc.
BeaconManager
Beaming Service
Blurb Checkout
Briefing
CapabilityManagerService - Popups when headphone jack used: http://forums.androidcentral.com/sp...ng-galaxy-s3-sprint-version-stock-rooted.html
CarMode
CarModeRemote
CatchFavorites - Yahoo/Twitter stuff: http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-edge/general/themers-paradise-useful-information-t2946943
Chrome
ChromecastServerService
CloudAgent
com.android.backupconfirm
com.android.provider.partnerbookmarks
com.android.sharedstoragebackup
com.qualcom.qcom_qmi - cellular protocol: https://sigquit.wordpress.com/2012/08/20/an-introduction-to-libqmi/
com.qualcomm.interfacepermissions - seems to be safe to remove
com.sec.android.app.chromecustomizations
com.sec.android.app.sbrowsertry - probably safe to remove: http://techspooler.com/guides/remove-bloatware-apps/1868
com.sec.android.app.wfdbroker - All Share related: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1910885&page=2
com.sec.android.chromecastservice
com.sec.android.mimage.expressme
com.sec.android.minimode.res - there are no mini apps in Note, probably safe to remove
com.sec.android.pagebuddynotisvc
com.sec.android.SamsungDrmProvider
com.sec.bcservice - probably safe to remove, deals with system status (rooted, etc.): http://androidforums.com/threads/li...-de-bloat-your-boost-mobile-galaxy-s3.778877/ - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2285894&page=2
com.sec.chromecast.remoteplayer
com.sec.enterprise.knox.attestation - this and other 4 apps are safe to remove
ConfigUpdater - Automatically updates certificates, firewall config, sms list, timezone info, said to be safe to remove: http://blog.burrowsapps.com/2014/03/what-android-apps-are-safe-to-remove.html, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2727541
CSC - cellular stuff: https://spreadsheets.google.com/spr...1gdDJRekl4QmkyNmIzUmRvX2h3UDVkQXc&output=html, http://www.w0lfdroid.com/2013/08/change-csc-samsung-galaxy-devices-s4.html
DCMProvider - communicates with other Samsung devices: http://forums.androidcentral.com/samsung-galaxy-s5/380456-dcmprovider-what.html
DeviceTest (com.sec.factory) - service codes: http://androidforums.com/threads/all-bloatware-detailed-complet-list.871115/
DirectShareManager
Drive
Dropbox
DSMLawmo - Dedicated Security Management to remotely lock/reset/etc. the device: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s2/help/dsmlawmo-t1863011
ELM Agent - multi-user support: http://androidforums.com/threads/elm-agent.825065/
Email
EmergencyManagerService
EmergencyProvider
Enterprise Sim Pin Service
EpsonPrintService
Evernote
Exchange Services
Favorite Contacts
Filter Installer
Filter Manager
FilterProvider
FixmoISA - some DoD stuff: http://gcn.com/articles/2013/05/29/breakdown-dod-security-controls--ios-android.aspx
Flipboard
Fused Location - location-related: https://developers.google.com/andro...android/gms/location/FusedLocationProviderApi
FWUpgrade - Upgrade client for AllShare app: http://forums.androidcentral.com/sp...ng-galaxy-s3-sprint-version-stock-rooted.html
GALAXY Apps Widget
Gmail
Google Backup Transport
Google Calendar Sync
Google Contacts Sync
Google Partner Setup
Google Play Books
Google Play Games
Google Play Movies & TV
Google Play Music
Google Play Newsstand
Google Play Services
Google Search
Google Services Framework - needed for Google apps
Google Text-to-speech Engine
Google+
Hangouts
HP Print Service Plugin
InCallUI
IndexService - S Finder-related, causes problems: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2461958
Intelligence Service - spying, Carrier IQ: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/help/kill-com-samsung-android-t2811304
Keyguard wallpaper updator
KeyguardTestActivity
Kies Application BnR
KLMS Agent
Live weather
LocalFOTA
LocationServices
Maps
Market Feedback Agent
MDMApp - some remote management: http://www.samsung.com/global/business/mobile/solution/security/mobile-device-management
Mobile print
Mobile Tracker
MobilePrintSvc_CUPS
MobilePrintSvc_CUPS_Backend
My interests
My Places
Nearby devices
Nearby Service
OMACP - SMS-related: https://spreadsheets.google.com/spr...1gdDJRekl4QmkyNmIzUmRvX2h3UDVkQXc&output=html
PacProcessor - claimed to be safe to remove: http://blog.burrowsapps.com/2014/03/what-android-apps-are-safe-to-remove.html
Pay with PayPal
PEN.UP
Perso - call sound personalization: http://androidforums.com/threads/all-bloatware-detailed-complet-list.871115/
Post_T_Promo - Dropbox stuff
Power Sharing - transfer power to another Samsung device: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.samsung.android.app.powersharing&hl=en
Preconfig - cellular stuff: http://www.w0lfdroid.com/2013/08/change-csc-samsung-galaxy-devices-s4.html
Print Spooler
Private Mode Service
Quick call contacts
Quick Connect
Quick Connect Interaction Service
RCPComponents - remote control: http://forums.androidcentral.com/samsung-galaxy-s5/396488-galaxy-s5-battery-life-getting-bad.html
Remote Controls - com.fmm.dm
Remote Controls - com.fmm.ds
Remote Controls - com.sec.pcw.device
RilNotifier - Radio interface layer: http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...rom-v9-available-changelog-op-t2037363/page93
ringtonebackup
RootPA - looks like junk: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2523379&page=4
S Finder
S Voice
Safety Assistance
Safety Information
Samsung Account
Samsung Billing
Samsung Calendar SyncAdapter
Samsung Cloud Data Relay
Samsung Cloud Quota
Samsung Contact SyncAdapter
Samsung Content Agent
Samsung Galaxy
Samsung Link Platform - communication with other devices: http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/1...sier-share-media-across-devices-computers-tv/
Samsung Link Platform Connectivity
Samsung Memo SyncAdapter
Samsung Print Service Plugin
Samsung Push Service - notifications for ChanON, etc.: http://forums.androidcentral.com/verizon-galaxy-note-2/279259-samsung-push-service-what.html, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sec.spp.push
Samsung SBrowser SyncAdapter
Samsung setup wizard
Samsung Syncadapters
Secure UI Service - since it's from Qualcomm it's probably safe to remove
Security policy updates - automatic network updates for threat detection: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.policydm&hl=en
Service Mode RIL
Setup Wizard - since it's Google must be safe to remove
SilentLogging - some surveillance stuff: http://mobilesyrup.com/2011/10/03/s...-phone-numbers-gps-data-email-addresses-more/
SIM Toolkit
SLLibrary
Smart Remote
SmartcardManager - SIM-related, 3rd party: https://code.google.com/p/seek-for-android/wiki/SmartcardAPI
SmartcardService
SnsImageCache - social networking: https://android.stackexchange.com/questions/12265/what-is-sns-app
Software update
Software Update
Sound detectors
SoundAlive - music playback effects
Street View
SysScope - tracks system status (rooted/official/etc.)
Talkback
Tap and pay
TcpdumpService
Travel wallpaper
Trim
Video
Video clip studio
Video Player
Video Trimmer
Weather
WlanTest - said to be safe to remove
WlucTest - said to be safe to remove
wssyncmlnps
YouTube
Apps you should leave alone and why:
3DTourViewer - some camera feature: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2790808&page=231
com.android.keyguard - screen lock (PIN, pattern, etc.): https://stackoverflow.com/questions/17689842/what-the-heck-is-the-keyguard-in-android
com.qualcomm.timeservice - network date/time sync, if removed clock will be screwed on each restart
com.samsung.android.app.catchme - breaks Night Clock if removed (someone says it's Yahoo/Twitter stuff: http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-edge/general/themers-paradise-useful-information-t2946943)
Easy Settings
EasyBottomPanel
EasyOneHand
EasySidePanel - if this and/or other Easy* is removed Side Panel and Reduce Screen no more works
FlashAnnotateSvc - S Pen/screenshot related: http://www.sammobile.com/2012/11/28/n7000xxlsa-–-galaxy-note-android-4-1-2-jelly-bean-test-firmware/
Heatlh Service - S Health doesn't start w/o it
HwModuleTest - probably what appears when dialing *#0*#
LogsProvider
MyScript ResourceManager - S Pen stuff: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2469681
QuickTool - Edge ruler, flashlight, etc.: http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-edge/general/themers-paradise-useful-information-t2946943
RootPa - might be causing problems if deleted
SapaMonitor - probably okay, audio input/jack monitor: http://forums.androidcentral.com/samsung-galaxy-note-3/360445-sapamonitor-jammonitorservice.html
Service Mode - internal info window: https://stackoverflow.com/questions/20248195/open-servicemode-menu-programatically-in-android
Service mode - may be related to service menu (*#0*#): http://forum.cyanogenmod.org/topic/30459-service-mode-servicemodeappapk-on-sgs/
Tags - NFC tags
Touchwiz Easy Home - if deleted Night Clock won't show up
Wi-Fi Direct
Wi-Fi Direct share
Attached are lists of safe-to-remove apps authored by different people that I've collected from various places in general for Samsung devices (I only used this as a reference, don't know how valid it is).
There's also a screenshot with installed apps in the standard launcher - just one incomplete page.
.
Update from me 1 year after: how was the experience?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=67600207&postcount=38
Great post. Thanks
so you've bought a Note Edge, disabled everything of use, and carry a separate device for calls, texts and web browsing? I'm not getting this!
Don't you use the interweb at all?? If you need a diary, just get a little black book.
I find that I can encrypt my device, use secure passwords and maintain all of the above securely in one package. Photos on SD which can be backed up to my NAS if I didnt want to keep images on google...
Sorry - really not trying to be rude but why?
bonerp said:
and carry a separate device for calls, texts and web browsing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't. I own a cheap Philips cellphone that can only call and read/send SMS. I don't browse web while I'm away from my laptop - I read books, watch movies, play games, think about projects taking notes and making mind maps, etc. Then since you have BT you can easily share/receive stuff. GPS is also working - you just use offline maps which are better than Google's anyway (you can get routes, etc. without paying for traffic and even in the countryside).
Don't you use the interweb at all?? If you need a diary, just get a little black book.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, and do you use your phone only for web surfing? I don't think so. There's so much you can do even without being online.
I find that I can encrypt my device, use secure passwords and maintain all of the above securely in one package.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's useless in most cases. Even secure passwords are challenging - can you really type 20 symbols or more that are sufficiently random using just soft keyboard? Won't it drive you mad after a couple dozen of times?
Besides, stock ROM includes loads of spyware. And it's not just Samsung - read about Lenovo's recent spyware "Superfish" that read all user's communications (even encrypted).
fundaprob said:
That's useless in most cases. Even secure passwords are challenging - can you really type 20 symbols or more that are sufficiently random using just soft keyboard? Won't it drive you mad after a couple dozen of times?
Besides, stock ROM includes loads of spyware. And it's not just Samsung - read about Lenovo's recent spyware "Superfish" that read all user's communications (even encrypted).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But google/the device remembers passwords. If you happen to lose it, android device manager allows you to remotely wipe it. I'm not worried about this, but if you are, doesn't knox help to further secure your use? I've never really used it.
Good on you if it worries you that much regarding keeping your life secure, but there are ways without staying offline and disconnecting yourself from the outside world.
20 yrs ago we never had all this, but now I couldn't manage my life without it.:good:
bonerp said:
But google/the device remembers passwords. If you happen to lose it, android device manager allows you to remotely wipe it. I'm not worried about this, but if you are, doesn't knox help to further secure your use? I've never really used it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Losing the device doesn't trouble me that much; what troubles me is that treats to mobile OSes are much bigger than to desktop because you have much less control over what goes in and out. Not just bad guys trying to trojan you but also manufacturers, ISPs, app writers - this is beyond the reasonable point. It's best to just keep the mobile device offline IMO. As an added benefit you see no more ads
Good on you if it worries you that much regarding keeping your life secure, but there are ways without staying offline and disconnecting yourself from the outside world.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not disconnecting myself, I'm disconnecting my smartphone only for the reasons explained above. I'm still perfectly online but only when I want it.
This is fantastic. I have a large percent of these apps frozen in TB, and you are 100% correct, not just about phones being preloaded with various degrees of spyware, but freaking redundant spyware. Of all the potential things that could affect the performance of my phone, just "no" on SO many level.
One thing I've often wondered about re: debloating. Does AdaptSound have an effect on call audio quality? I've kind of always thought that it did to some degree, and gone through the test to set it up, and keep in installed alongside Viper (of course...). What I do for battery is have a shortcut straight to sound settings on my home screen (thank you kindly Nova Prime), and switch my mixer to Viper (with the Super Quality drivers, since I do this), then when I'm not listening to music, like 97% of the time, I just switch the mixer back to AdaptSound with the shortcut and two additional taps.
Thoughts on the above strategy / any value whatsoever to AdaptSound?
Edit: I probably meant SoundAlive at least half of the time I referred to AdaptSound above.. I suppose my question appilies to both...
this is insanity. why even bother with a smartphone if youre going to remove the smarts from it and not even use it as a phone.
none of that stuff is spyware. youre removing API libraries and interconnection stuff which is necessary to actually use the phone as a smartphone.
and ironically youre removing the security layer completely which is knox. that means your phone cant isolate your private data from apps installed on it.
zurkx said:
this is insanity. why even bother with a smartphone if youre going to remove the smarts from it and not even use it as a phone.
none of that stuff is spyware. youre removing API libraries and interconnection stuff which is necessary to actually use the phone as a smartphone.
and ironically youre removing the security layer completely which is knox. that means your phone cant isolate your private data from apps installed on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What he/she said.
Just get off the grid completely if you're that paranoid.
A bit extreme but great resource, thanks! I'll pick what to do. Good stuff.
Sent from my SM-N910H using XDA Premium HD app
If what OP did is not your cup of tea, why flame him? Just take it as a resource you can use incase you missed out any 'bloat' to remove.
Hes not telling you to do it, not that you guys will listen either.
Good info @fundaprob
but freaking redundant spyware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's right, they're not comfortable with just one or two, they want a few dozens just in case. Like FixmoISA from what I have read is aimed at DoD compliance. But why on Earth it is preinstalled at my device?! What if I buy this outside of USA at all? Do you think it's removed from foreign firmware? It's surely not. And that's just one example - there's also a bunch of SilentLogging, SLLLogging, marketing, tracker apps that are running in background. Even if you're fine with giving away your personal data to whoever is there on the other side of the wire then think about your battery life at least. Running this mess doesn't add to it you know.
Does AdaptSound have an effect on call audio quality?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since I'm not using Edge as a phone I can't tell how it affects the mic. However, I haven't noticed any ill effect on audio/video playback. I suspect that AdaptSound is constantly running as a background service - just like any other sensor it drains the battery even when you're not using that specific feature (audio). Unlike adaptive brightness this doesn't look too useful to me so I've got rid of it.
and switch my mixer to Viper (with the Super Quality drivers, since I do this)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This may work but I wanted to avoid having to do any special actions to concerve the battery on the dialy basis. With your approach I'll be in and out switching the mixer several times a day. Not good
Besides, like I've said I see no effect of AdaptSound. Especially since 90% of the time I'm using headphones, it can hardly have any use for this.
About SoundAlive I'm not sure, I also have seen no effect of it.
if youre going to remove the smarts from it and not even use it as a phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If they would still produce PDAs I would buy them in bulk. But since they don't I'm happy to turn a smartphone into one. Seriously, have you never ended up with smartphone's battery completely drained when you most needed it?
It's not my fault that manufacturers suddenly decided that devices with screens of 3-4-5+ inches also qualify as the "phones".
none of that stuff is spyware. youre removing API libraries and interconnection stuff which is necessary to actually use the phone as a smartphone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, really. You'd do better by reading the links I've left in the list. Besides, 2/3 of the stuff has no purpose if you don't own devices that use it or features that you need, like remote locking. Otherwise there's no explanation why I am able to use every single app I have tried normally, with more than 50% of preinstalled stuff gone.
AirWakeUp - this is meant for the gesture that does drain 10-15% of the battery in sleep mode. What for do you need it if not using it?
ANT - this is meant to communicate with other devices (http://www.thisisant.com/directory/ant-radio-service). Since I have none, why do I need it?
BeaconManager, Beaming, QuickConnect, DirectShare, DCMProvider, Power Sharing - these all are meant for sharing stuff but mostly with other Samsung devices. Since I don't have any and since I can as well use Bluetooth - why do I need these?
Blurb Checkout, Pay with Paypal, Tap and Pay - these are completely off the wall for me. I'm not going to use my device as a wallet. There exist credit cards.
CarMode - I don't use it hence don't need it.
Chromecast - I don't have any TV that supports it. If at friend's I can always stick a USB drive which won't even drain the battery.
KNOX - I'm not in corporate environment, my KNOX counter is tripped and I see no use for this. Why keep it?
DSMLawmo (http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s2/help/dsmlawmo-t1863011), FixmoISA (http://gcn.com/articles/2013/05/29/breakdown-dod-security-controls--ios-android.aspx), Intelligence Service (http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/help/kill-com-samsung-android-t2811304), MDMApp (http://www.samsung.com/global/business/mobile/solution/security/mobile-device-management), RCPComponents (http://forums.androidcentral.com/samsung-galaxy-s5/396488-galaxy-s5-battery-life-getting-bad.html) - these are stuff to remotely mess up with your device. Whether it's you or not you can't even be sure. I'm not going to trade potential one time use of these for the possibility of spying on me 24/7.
Printing drivers - I don't even have a printer.
the list goes on
and ironically youre removing the security layer completely which is knox. that means your phone cant isolate your private data from apps installed on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny thing is that these days even malware doesn't run without active Internet connection. Okay, let's say it grabs all my passwords, photos and documents. Now what? It will disappear the next time I do hard reset, with all the traces and stuff it has collected. Have you seen malware that bricks device on purpose? I think 99% of it nowadays is meant for extracting profit. Even if we take cryptolockers (which serve exactly this purpose) they only start working after obtaining the public key from the server. No connection - no key.
There's more to it than you think at first.
Just take it as a resource you can use incase you missed out any 'bloat' to remove.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. I'm not suggesting everyone follows my steps. I'm only suggesting that you look through the lists and see that you can remove a number of obvious bloatware that you can identify after a bit of googling (which I did for you). There are also a few lists of other people I've collected that I've updated the post with.
There's no need to criticize him for doing what he wants with his phone. He just shows that it's possible, and if others want to do the same, they can. He even provided a list of all apps he could remove without breaking anything he didn't want, which is awesome.
I for instance rarely use ROMs with a lot of tweaks and extras, as I like it as stock as possible. I rarely use custom kernels, except when they're superior and minimal compared to stock. I don't lash out against those who choose to use the ROMs and kernels with more features.
If everyone were to complain about everything that didn't fit their preferences, this forum would be a mess.
zurkx said:
this is insanity. why even bother with a smartphone if youre going to remove the smarts from it and not even use it as a phone.
none of that stuff is spyware. youre removing API libraries and interconnection stuff which is necessary to actually use the phone as a smartphone.
and ironically youre removing the security layer completely which is knox. that means your phone cant isolate your private data from apps installed on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha, good one.
Archiimonde said:
There's no need to criticize him for doing what he wants with his phone. He just shows that it's possible, and if others want to do the same, they can. He even provided a list of all apps he could remove without breaking anything he didn't want, which is awesome.
I for instance rarely use ROMs with a lot of tweaks and extras, as I like it as stock as possible. I rarely use custom kernels, except when they're superior and minimal compared to stock. I don't lash out against those who choose to use the ROMs and kernels with more features.
If everyone were to complain about everything that didn't fit their preferences, this forum would be a mess.
Haha, good one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh please. lets not enable paranoia - and illogical paranoia at that. do you really think OPs crippled phone with "spyware" removed is secure ?
While removing all the actually useful features his phone has also been stripped of basic security. he does not have a knox encrypted container which means his phone data can be accessed using the modem baseband processor and all the data copied off it. Since his phone is no longer a phone he wouldnt even see the activity. Removing "location services" APIs do nothing since the phone is going to ping the towers anyway regardless of whether it has a SIM or not and since it has no SIM it will ping *all* the towers instead of the ones it is registered to. So everyone with a basic stingray can track his location at all times. Removing the cellular control protocol disables modem control using flight mode so even in flight mode the phone would be pinging everything in sight. bravo. awesome "security". and how does OP make it even more secure ? I know .. lets strip out the basic modem key loading so your baseband modem is now open completely to anyone with a spoofed cell tower with zero encryption keys loaded on it in default factory config! woo! home run.
He might as well buy an etch a sketch instead of a phone at this point since he converted his $900 smartphone into an insecure brick. there is nothing useful to be gained by stripping out functionality while reducing security in the name of "hiding from the man" when the "man" can easily get access to anything on your phone anyway and its kept there unencrypted for easier access. My stock 910U with encrypted knox container, DoD CAC enabled and switched to flight mode is waay more secure than his stripped down insecure brick.
I think that android is perfect for those people that want to customize their phones the way they like it. that's what we're all here for and that's what the dude have done. *however* I can't feel that this wasn't done properly as the OP took the smart out of the phone. to the OP- you just own a 1990's phone now. maybe thats the way you like it but frankly I don't get why getting a 700$ phone for only calls/sms. if that's what you want i'd just get an actual old yearly 2000's phone that doesn't even have 3g, or the cheapest smartphone available today and do the same thing- just there it would make more sense(as all of the smart features are slow anyway). and as much as I agree regarding the lack of privacy these days- I'm also realistic. there are a few billions of people around the world and even more mobile phones. yes, google can locate you when you use location services. so what? if you are not a terorrist, not the NSA or anybody else gives a damn about it. there is no privacy today, and it's not necessarily worst thing possible.
OK, so we've established that different people use their devices in different ways. Moving on... take a look at the system apps on your phone. What percent percentage of them perform a function that you're aware of? How many of them provide the exact same function as other (in many cases system) apps? If either question is difficult to answer some research can be VERY illuminating.
Rather than jumping all over the OP for removing certain things due to personal preference, consider mine. I recently had 301 system apps on my phone (have begun uninstalling certain things I've just had frozen before). Of those 301 apps, I had 104 frozen. Determining the purpose of an app before ditching it, I've lost ZERO featues / functionality and hardly ever see an OOM error which happened somewhat often before debloating.
The fact is that there are pre-installed apps on your phone that are very likely just taking up space, or doing things that you would explicitly prohibit if you were aware / able to. OP has provided an excellent resource for determining to some extent what these apps are doing. What he's personally chosen to remove is a matter that's really of no concern to anyone but himself.
zurkx said:
While removing all the actually useful features his phone has also been stripped of basic security.
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Click to collapse
Now we're talking. What you are saying makes sense but to be completely sure you should provide some links or other proof that it is exactly as you describe. Because I am not sure that the following is true:
zurkx said:
Removing the cellular control protocol disables modem control using flight mode so even in flight mode the phone would be pinging everything in sight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have just tried this: enable flight mode (side note: it's permanently on for me), go to Phone, dial 911 and then observe the screen saying "enabling radio, please wait". If what you are saying is true - i.e. if I have removed cellular controls - then (1) how it would be enabling, if no control interface is present? (2) how would it actually call the number (by this I mean that I could hear the other guy)?
Something is wrong here.
Then, you are missing another point. For some reason you are assuming that whatever I have done was done for "security". But it was not. Sure, I am eager to strip off unwanted spyware (please, don't object that Fixmo and co. produces something useful for us). But I am as well eager to remove unnecessary processes to conserve the battery and make the device run smoother. This actually happens. Attached is screenshot of the battery stats - 20 hours on battery with about 5-6 hours of active usage (1.5 hours of gaming) and limited charging while transferring stuff via USB. It virtually doesn't use the battery in sleep mode as you can see. 39% remains, that's given that the device was charged up to 60% or so in the beginning. Sounds good to me unless I interpret it wrong.
(You can also see short Mobile signal spikes - that's my 911 calls. Doesn't look like the device no more controls what happens with its cellular module, does it?)
And to be clear: I understand that it's possible to spy on probably everyone depending on who does that. But stock "spyware" spies on everyone just in case. It's not targeted, it's common. That's what I am against. Targeted spying is completely another story and not my case (bad guys use another means to get rid of it, I'm sure).
zurkx said:
My stock 910U with encrypted knox container, DoD CAC enabled and switched to flight mode is waay more secure than his stripped down insecure brick.
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Click to collapse
I think it is but is it faster and has better battery life? Also, what happens once you switch off flight mode? It happily pours all the sniffed data to the other side. When you have data going not only in but out (online) you are always in catching-up position because patching broken defence by definition takes time after the breach happens (virus, etc.) and before the patch is on your device. Since defences are studied beforehand it doesn't matter how good they are because otherwise there would be no viruses whatsoever.
Now, zurkx, I don't want to offend you or anything but you sound angry and not very constructive. Try this: think of all the features I have removed/lost with my modification and write them down on one side of a piece of paper. Now think of all that remain and write on the other side. I am sure that the left list would be cluttered with "Chromecast", "Clever house", "Fitness clocks", "Mobile printing" and things like that. The other side will stay with "Awesome camera", "1080p video", "Extreme games that don't even heat up the device", etc.
Obviously, the latter is more important to me. I have no use in devices I will never own. It is imprudent to just leave them consuming CPU cycles and battery life.
tal123 said:
you just own a 1990's phone now. maybe thats the way you like it but frankly I don't get why getting a 700$ phone for only calls/sms.
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Guys! I have ONLY removed cellular connectivity and various wireless stuff. I have NOT taken out the CPU, NFC, GPS or whatever. I can still watch video, use regular apps, play games and whatnot.
I do own a cellphone that can only send/receive calls and SMS and has no 3G but it costs $39, not $900. Mind you. I charge it once a month and happy with that.
No, seriously, I can't get it. Can you play World of Tanks on Nokia 3310? What are you saying man? The life doesn't end with LTE!
jazzmachine said:
What percent percentage of them perform a function that you're aware of?
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Click to collapse
True and that also doesn't mean that you should just leave the obvious garbage take its place. Because then you can as well abandon HTTPS when using online banking, or turn off WPA2 encryption just because if they wanted to spy on you that wouldn't stop them, so why bother? Also, you never know if your laptop is not preinstalled with another "Superfish" that works around TLS so all that is useless anyway.
Hopefully it's clear that I'm ironizing.
jazzmachine said:
Determining the purpose of an app before ditching it, I've lost ZERO featues / functionality and hardly ever see an OOM error which happened somewhat often before debloating.
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Oh heaven, somebody has got his senses. I thought something was wrong with me. Hurray.
question- so if you have a phone just for calls/texts and all you wanted is a device just for games, etc- and that's why you stripped everything from your note 4 and made it just for offline apps- why not just get an ipod touch?
This is a very comprehensive list on which apps are safe to remove and which are not. And to get the list from a person who is willing to strip off this much is even better as they will tell you all the apps that are sefe to remove because they were not afraid to take them off.
Thank you for this list I am going to go through it and remove the apps that make sense for me to remove.
One question though, How much space did you free up by uninstalling all of these apps? It might be good to add the weight of each app next to them as well for easy refrence. Just a thought. Great job by the way!
zurkx said:
oh please. lets not enable paranoia - and illogical paranoia at that. do you really think OPs crippled phone with "spyware" removed is secure ?
While removing all the actually useful features his phone has also been stripped of basic security. he does not have a knox encrypted container which means his phone data can be accessed using the modem baseband processor and all the data copied off it. Since his phone is no longer a phone he wouldnt even see the activity. Removing "location services" APIs do nothing since the phone is going to ping the towers anyway regardless of whether it has a SIM or not and since it has no SIM it will ping *all* the towers instead of the ones it is registered to. So everyone with a basic stingray can track his location at all times. Removing the cellular control protocol disables modem control using flight mode so even in flight mode the phone would be pinging everything in sight. bravo. awesome "security". and how does OP make it even more secure ? I know .. lets strip out the basic modem key loading so your baseband modem is now open completely to anyone with a spoofed cell tower with zero encryption keys loaded on it in default factory config! woo! home run.
He might as well buy an etch a sketch instead of a phone at this point since he converted his $900 smartphone into an insecure brick. there is nothing useful to be gained by stripping out functionality while reducing security in the name of "hiding from the man" when the "man" can easily get access to anything on your phone anyway and its kept there unencrypted for easier access. My stock 910U with encrypted knox container, DoD CAC enabled and switched to flight mode is waay more secure than his stripped down insecure brick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's no need to rant. I never said the phone was more secure. You claimed that nothing of what he removed was spyware, which is wrong. I'm sure your phone is more secure. I agree with OP though that you statements make sense, but I'd also like to see some sources.
And to be clear: I understand that it's possible to spy on probably everyone depending on who does that. But stock "spyware" spies on everyone just in case. It's not targeted, it's common. That's what I am against. Targeted spying is completely another story and not my case (bad guys use another means to get rid of it, I'm sure).
Click to expand...
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This is what I meant.
BEFORE I SMASH THIS PHONE INTO A ****ING CONCRETE WALL
After the phone is left still for a certain period of time it force close apps like facebook messenger, third party clipboard assistant, third party alarm app and many other. not only that but it doesn't open them after the phone detects movement, I have to open the app myself to bring it back to life.
I'm not rooted and I don't want to because I'm still under the warranty period.
If you can do any of the following I'd be so grateful:
1. Write a script that runs some specific apps when it detects that they're closed, or a script that cause movement in the sensor to delude the phone into thinking that there is movement so it doesn't enter doze mode.
2. find me any way around
I've tried all the options in the phone. protected in the protected apps, ignored in the battery optimization, allowed in the autolaunch, wifi and data are kept running after the screen is off, all notifications are allowed.
TIA
I don't think there is a way to do this... We will have to wait for Android 7 where things are pretty different (better).
For you and many others having some issues my advice is email Huawei Here . More people reporting problems, better chance for a fix faster