Customize AA Launcher problem? - Android Auto General

I recently discovered that AA no longer allows me to re-organize my app order. The apps are all there, but there is no way to re-organize them. Has anybody else encountered this issue?
For the record, it use to be that there were three lines that allowed one to pick up and move the apps within the AA Customize Launcher setting, which allowed one to drag-and-drop to the position desired (e.g. putting Waze at the top of the launcher so it was the first app encountered on the head-unit so no scrolling would be required).
Any assistance is greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
B.D.

BostonDan said:
I recently discovered that AA no longer allows me to re-organize my app order. The apps are all there, but there is no way to re-organize them. Has anybody else encountered this issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it is a limitation of Android Auto...
Some months ago I was a beta tester of Google play services and in Android Auto was possible to reorganize the app order.
But now I'm not a beta tester and there is only an option to select the apps you want to use in Android Auto.
This is my experience, maybe it will be useful for you

Related

[Q] Google Maps and Navigation

Hello,
I am using a Nexus One with Cyanogen 6 RC3 on it. I have also flashed the google apps addon pack in order to have those apps.
My problem is the following; Two days ago I was able to use google maps navigation without problem. However now, anytime I use two addresses in Canada (where I live) for "Get Directions", the "Navigate" link never pops up. However the Navigate link is available when I use two US addresses. This is especially weird because if I access the Navigation app directly from my app drawer, I am able to use navigation between canadian addresses.
Just 2 days ago I was able to use navigation from within google maps and suddenly I am no longer able to. People have said to re-install google maps but I cannot seem to uninstall the maps application. Should I reflash the google apps pack?
Further, I apparently had auto updating enabled for maps but am unaware of any update that was applied.
Any help to be able to use the Navigation from within google maps within Canada would be greatly appreciated. I hope it is clear what my problem is, if you need more clarification please ask
Im not sure what the rule is about first replying to your own thread however I do have an update.
I re-flashed the latest google apps pack found here xttp://mirror.kanged.net/gapps/
The pack was the same one that I originally flashed however it seems after flashing now I have navigation functionality from within Google maps again. I am happy to have my problem resolved currently but I am curious as to why my Navigation functionality disappeared in the first place.
Hopefully someone knows or can explain what happened so I can prevent this kind of issue in the future. Thank again for all your time
you can try flashing RC2 back, couse many people are facing this issue!
I'm still experiencing this issue. I switched to Enom's rom to see if it fixed it but nope. My Google maps navigate link is sometimes available and then just doesn't show up other times. I am able to use the navigate app. I tried uninstalling maps with titanium backup and redoenloading it from the market, but I still have the problem with navigate.

Recent File Manager update (hating Alcatel right now)

Idol 4 6055u hidden update last week and File Manager is now like a 'Clean Master' clone with all the clean-your-phone and boost-your-phone notifications spam. And since there's no way to root it the app is not removable.
Anyone had any luck stabbing this one to death?
Sucks right? Mentioned it in a thread I made a few weeks back:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/idol-4s/help/alcatel-phone-t3634870
If possible, uninstalling updates or disabling the app should revert the app to its pre-spam state. If not, disabling the apps and using a less invasive file manager app is an option.
Alternatively a factory reset will return all system apps to their pre-spammy state if I recall correctly. From there, you can just avoid updating that individual app.
macallik said:
Sucks right? Mentioned it in a thread I made a few weeks back:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/idol-4s/help/alcatel-phone-t3634870
If possible, uninstalling updates or disabling the app should revert the app to its pre-spam state. If not, disabling the apps and using a less invasive file manager app is an option.
Alternatively a factory reset will return all system apps to their pre-spammy state if I recall correctly. From there, you can just avoid updating that individual app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately you can't disable the app, even though it appears you can under dev options (tried that, it just updates itself in the background again). Have tried uninstalling (updates) but it updates itself again and the spam reappears. It also places a perma-notification (can't slide off) at the top of the notifications.
BUT: The latest update to File Manager allows you to turn off notifications. Problem solved.
NOTE: You do have to give permissions for storage before you can get into the settings that allow turning off notifications/shortcuts.
This is well-known problem, ads presents in all latest preinstalled Acatel's apps updates: File Manager, Sound Recorder, Weather, Launcher and others. All of them puts notifications with spam-news and in some cases tries to change default homepage of Google Chrome browser. To prevent this need to do the following things:
1. Uninstall all updates of these apps to revert it to stock-state.
2. Deny auto update of these apps in Google Play.
3. Deny auto update of system apps in standart Update application.
DeckerSU said:
This is well-known problem, ads presents in all latest preinstalled Acatel's apps updates: File Manager, Sound Recorder, Weather, Launcher and others. All of them puts notifications with spam-news and in some cases tries to change default homepage of Google Chrome browser. To prevent this need to do the following things:
1. Uninstall all updates of these apps to revert it to stock-state.
2. Deny auto update of these apps in Google Play.
3. Deny auto update of system apps in standart Update application.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, following these steps I think I got them tamed. Not all the apps show up in Google Play but disabling auto-update in 'Updates' (Alcatel's version) should take care of those...
yosemite610 said:
Thanks, following these steps I think I got them tamed. Not all the apps show up in Google Play but disabling auto-update in 'Updates' (Alcatel's version) should take care of those...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Several of Alcatel's Apps updates throught Google Play and other via Updates app. For example, sound recorder updates via Google Play. If it's already updated - just remove updates and Google Play app for Sound Recorder and forbid / deny future updates. In 'Updates' need to forbid updates of system apps too. I already done all of this steps for each preinstalled app which tries to update - all fine. There is no any unwanted push notifications.
Rip ._. I hate this phone so much.
They are pathetic. Updating all apps and adding ads to them.
DeckerSU said:
Several of Alcatel's Apps updates throught Google Play and other via Updates app. For example, sound recorder updates via Google Play. If it's already updated - just remove updates and Google Play app for Sound Recorder and forbid / deny future updates. In 'Updates' need to forbid updates of system apps too. I already done all of this steps for each preinstalled app which tries to update - all fine. There is no any unwanted push notifications.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the tips and detailed info @DeckerSU. I had begun to prepare to unlock, root, and flash a custom ROM due to this adware and push notification nonsense. Up until the recent app updates, I had truly enjoyed the clean, stock android UI experience on my idol3 ... now I can relax again, the aggravation of those push notifications is gone!
DeckerSU said:
This is well-known problem, ads presents in all latest preinstalled Acatel's apps updates: File Manager, Sound Recorder, Weather, Launcher and others. All of them puts notifications with spam-news and in some cases tries to change default homepage of Google Chrome browser. To prevent this need to do the following things:
1. Uninstall all updates of these apps to revert it to stock-state.
2. Deny auto update of these apps in Google Play.
3. Deny auto update of system apps in standart Update application.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you, I hadn't thought of step 3
I signed in just to thank you
edit: just realized this thread is for idol 4s, but it applied to my idol 3..
I didn't realize this is a problem on later phones.. so messed up
Very bad, all those spamming programs on a phone we paid for. They beter come out with a recent
Android update. Its a Shame for the alcatel brand.
DeckerSU said:
This is well-known problem, ads presents in all latest preinstalled Acatel's apps updates: File Manager, Sound Recorder, Weather, Launcher and others. All of them puts notifications with spam-news and in some cases tries to change default homepage of Google Chrome browser. To prevent this need to do the following things:
1. Uninstall all updates of these apps to revert it to stock-state.
2. Deny auto update of these apps in Google Play.
3. Deny auto update of system apps in standart Update application.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the tips! I was starting to think I would have to root the device... Very dissapointing to see this kind of behaviour from Alcatel
Cheers
It may be worse than you think!
It's bad enough for a SYSTEM app to be serving up potentially malicious advertising that could Pwn your device, but it ventures deep into dark waters if that SYSTEM app has the Facebook "Graph" API inside of it that could allow a developer (or in this case your Chinese phone manufacturer) to use your Facebook access token to pillage through your Facebook account and look through your photos, tags, pages visited, URL's, or even create Facebook posts or messages on your behalf!
Sound crazy?
Take a look at the Facebook "Graph" developer site for yourself:
https://developers.facebook.com/docs/graph-api/using-graph-api/
And if someone was familiar with some open source tools that could allow them to look inside an Android app:
https://github.com/iBotPeaches/Apktool
https://github.com/pxb1988/dex2jar
https://github.com/sreenivasmula/JDGUI
http://www.7-zip.org/download.html
That person might look to see if the app has the Facebook Graph API inside of it:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jrdcom.filemanager&hl=en
Any one have a custom rom? Like Lineage or CM or AOSP any other one except the crapy stock rom?
Not good enough!
I no longer trust ANYTHING that is installed on my Alcatel device after the recent adware/spyware "upgrades"!
I installed TWRP and the (unofficial) Lineage ROM until I get a different phone all together.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/id...ficial-lineageos-14-1-idol36045x-5-5-t3615700
I will NEVER purchase another Alcatel device as long as I live and I will advise all my friends and family and anyone else that will listen to avoid Alcatel as well.
I also suggest that anyone with a stock Alcatel device not to use any "widgets" that create shortcuts that may use your access tokens for Facebook and/or Twitter until we know what is going on.
The Facebook Graph API on a native app has a greater access level than a web application and the token(s) don't expire for 60 days and can be extended.
I advise people to avoid logging in to apps or websites with their social media and/or Google credentials and to change your passwords and set up 2 factor authentication and remove any apps associated with your social media accounts.
Wtf
yosemite610 said:
Idol 4 6055u hidden update last week and File Manager is now like a 'Clean Master' clone with all the clean-your-phone and boost-your-phone notifications spam. And since there's no way to root it the app is not removable.
Anyone had any luck stabbing this one to death?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That update is from google play store! Not from alcatel.... Uninstall updates and don't let google play do whatever it wants in your phone!
That update is from google play store! Not from alcatel....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The update may have come the Google Play Store but is every bit Alcatel!
The "boost" function comes from TCL (Alcatel) owned Hawk app's "Super Cleaner" and the antivirus function comes from Hawk's Hi Security app that uses McAfee technology.
http://www.ehawk.com/en/
Can you help me to unlock a sharp phone?
DeckerSU said:
This is well-known problem, ads presents in all latest preinstalled Acatel's apps updates: File Manager, Sound Recorder, Weather, Launcher and others. All of them puts notifications with spam-news and in some cases tries to change default homepage of Google Chrome browser. To prevent this need to do the following things:
1. Uninstall all updates of these apps to revert it to stock-state.
2. Deny auto update of these apps in Google Play.
3. Deny auto update of system apps in standart Update application.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you help me to unlock a sharp phone?
I have the modem.elf file.
Following the advice on this thread, I was able to revert to the old versions of these apps back in October, and my phone stayed usable from then until about 2 weeks ago. Suddenly, the "updates" installed themselves (as part of a "critical system update" that I was notified my phone needed, and now, I don't have the option to uninstall the updates (or rather, it uninstalls to another spammy, bloatware version, not to the factory original).
Any ideas on what I can do now? Or is it time to throw this phone in the trash, and get one from a company that doesn't do this?
critical system update
Following the advice on this thread, I was able to revert to the old versions of these apps back in October, and my phone stayed usable from then until about 2 weeks ago. Suddenly, the "updates" installed themselves (as part of a "critical system update" that I was notified my phone needed, and now, I don't have the option to uninstall the updates (or rather, it uninstalls to another spammy, bloatware version, not to the factory original).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have got to be kidding me!
Now Alcatel and McAfee are tricking users into installing their adware/spyware through the use of fake "critical update" patches?
I think it is high time to do a complete breakdown/inspection of the app and do a full public disclosure.
It isn't surprising that Alcatel would infect a users phone with adware/spyware but for a so-called "security" company like McAfee to be involved is both frightening and disturbing.

Question How to set the default navigation app in Android 12 on a S21U

I updated my Samsung S21 Ultra (G998B) to Android 12 a couple of days ago. After that the default navigation app is set to Google Maps. I tried to figure out how to reset that to Waze but it can not be changed.
Before Android 12 is was just a matter of setting all apps to "not default" and a pop up appeared to ask you what you wanted to use.
But now it seems that you have to fnd the app in Apps and select the option "set as default". You can also choose the links that have to open the app. But when I want to set my default navigation app to Waze things go wrong. For some reason the links do not stay selected and are deselected as soon as I close the window. So there is no way to set the app as default. I already removed Maps but that doesnt help.
I already contacted Waze Support but the only replies I get from them is a simple answer on how to set default apps in Android 11. It seems they do not read questions.
Does anyone know how to resolve this issue?
I'm using this
Thanks for the reply. Nice app!
But it doesn't work when you want something through a browser. At that point is still goes back to Google Maps, either the app itself or Maps on the internet.

IMPORTANT: Real reason custom AA apps are not working any more!

I have been reading the various threads and GitHub issues for popular custom AA apps and it seems nobody has really explained the real reason the apps are not working any more: any apps developed using an unofficial AA app SDK (aauto-sdk) OR using the internal AA APIs will no longer run (crash on start - the screen just blinks and goes back to AA launcher) because of this Exception:
java.lang.SecurityException: Wrong signature - go/gearhead-retail-device
There are temporary workarounds such as downgrading the Android Auto APK and preventing server-side config from downloading to device but currently, for normal non-rooted users which have auto-update on these apps won't work. Renaming their package names won't help either as they will still trigger the Exception when trying to show their UI on AA screen.
For AA developers: Google wants to limit the functionality of AA apps for various reasons, including safety while driving. The only official way to develop AA apps is to use the Android for Cars App Library. This library does of course not allow for low-level API access which custom AA apps relied on - no longer can you just manipulate your own Activity and draw normal Android UI. It also limits the amount of text/interaction permitted. This means any custom apps will have to workaround using the very limited APIs available in this library - a full redesign will be needed.
Perhaps load older version and either use a adb edit or a package disabler to kill updates on stock devices.
OTA updates is the first thing I lock down on a stock Android... once bitten, twice shy.
Any directions what someone which is rooted should do so, never need to update android auto? I have a dedicated phone for android auto in car. I use it only for this. But every now and then, android auto doesn't work and force you to update to last version. (in which last version custom apps doesn't work).
Some suggest use firewall for Google play services and android auto, to cut internet from those. I tried it but I'm not sure it's working..
sosimple said:
Any directions what someone which is rooted should do so, never need to update android auto? I have a dedicated phone for android auto in car. I use it only for this. But every now and then, android auto doesn't work and force you to update to last version. (in which last version custom apps doesn't work).
Some suggest use firewall for Google play services and android auto, to cut internet from those. I tried it but I'm not sure it's working..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to ID what are the offending update app/UID(s).
Google play Services can be temporarily disabled but it has dependencies like Gmail and certain 3rd party apps. The update app(s) may also be dependencies of this service.
Not a practical solution.
Each case is unique. Sometimes it's a force update to an app like in my Samsung's case, Wearables. The update screwed my Buds+ sound proper. Wearables checks for updates everytime it's used.
Solution: uninstalled new version, install older previous backup copy and use Karma Firewall* to ID the app's and/or UID when it connected to the internet.
Repeat above process as when it connected it again updated Except the second time around I firewall blocked Wearables (there are actually 2 that needed to be blocked) internet access.
Took close to an hour to troubleshoot, quit irritating.
Updates, destroyer of worlds
Yes, well... play with it
*Karma's valuable logging feature is blocked on Android 10 and higher. You can still ferret out the offending app/UIDs but it's harder
Actually app are working correctly on android 9\10\11 installed using aaad, kingInstaller or aaease. Unfortunately this error is showed on android 12 devices and can't find a workaround for now
fcaronte said:
Actually app are working correctly on android 9\10\11 installed using aaad, kingInstaller or aaease. Unfortunately this error is showed on android 12 devices and can't find a workaround for now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is Android Auto not working on Android 12 ?
Ze2ro said:
is Android Auto not working on Android 12 ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As now on android 12 will work only with version 6.9xxxx44 but Google is start showing a notification to update, you can avoid it for now but I don't know how lot will work this trick. The other solutions is working with new version but is really annoying and practically you need to clear data of android apps every time you want to connect to the car and use custom app

Android Auto updated to 7.8.622514-release --> "Google" app now available on Android Auto

Hello,
Today I was unfortunately forced to update Android Auto to 7.8.622514-release. My Android Auto was running really stable with 7.5 (and I had really bad experience with 7.1 and 7.3 --> therefore I'm absolutely no fan of this forced updates).
I checked the functionality with a second phone with the app "Headunit Reloaded".
I noticed that I have a now the "Google" app available in Android Auto.
But it seems to me that the app has no function at all. I just have the message "no new messages during your drive".
Moreover it also does not appear in the launcher settings on my phone. Therefore I can't even deactivate the Google app.
Does anyone else have this? Does anyone know what kind of function the app should have?
I really do not think that I need this app. I prefer to have a clean Android Auto. Is there any other way to deactivate this app from Android Auto?
Thanks a lot.
Update: I also noticed that the Google Assistant shortcuts vanished and can't get brought back...Where are my Google Assistant shortcuts now?
Update 2: now after using Android Auto today for some drives in my car, everything is normal again. The Google app was gone after the 2nd drive and I could add my Assistant shortcuts again after the 3rd drive. I'm really curious why this happened...
I just hate these forced updates.

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