text:
Changing the voice used on Nexus 7 for Google Now search
I have recently bought a Nexus 7 from the Google Play UK store and it seems to be configured as a US tablet in that the voice on the Google Now search is an american woman, whereas on my Nexus S when I search the voice that responds is a man's which I prefer for this purpose, mainly due to the accent the woman has. Is it possible to change the voice that the tablet responds with? I'd prefer solutions that didn't require rooting.
I've already tried changing the language to English (UK).

Have you tried changing the entire device's system language to English (UK)? Or just the voice dialect into English UK?

"I am with a few others: the bloody thing quit working after the Android sys update was installed. My playstore shows the app installed successfully, and I've un-installed both the tts and the uk tts and tried the "free" trial etc to no avail. Support after the sale? Ha!! I've followed the sage advise of other posters and I am at a loss. The bloody default voice continues to speak." from another user posted as an answer.

There's a separate section to choose the text-to-speech output speaker:
Goto settings and choose the UK voice:
Setting => Language & input => Text-to-speech output => Google Text-to-speech => Language
You can install german, spanish, french, italian voice data additionaly to the preinstalled english US/UK voices.

I've since got the UK voice working but that was 2 weeks ago or so, I can't remember exactly what I did, I may have downloaded some UK English pack for something and brute forced a load of settings.. The point is now when I change the system language the voice search changes to the corresponding one, i.e. System language UK means voice UK, system US means voice US, which definitely wasn't the behaviour when I first got it. The option you're suggesting doesn't seem to change anything. Which is odd...

That's indeed strange. Did you update to 4.1.1 in between? Google TTS got a lot of fixes (it crashed silently and more from what I saw via Google searching). Side note: As far as I know, both UK + US voices are pre-installed

I didn't knowingly upgrade, usually for a system upgrade there's the 'Install Upgrade' dialogue and I don't recall one, however my version is 4.1.1.

Ok. I got my Nexus 7 10 days ago and instantly had to upgrade to 4.1.1, but that was only a matter of <5mins (quite smooth and user friendly OTA). Well, anyway, seems this is fixed then. Anything I can improve in my post above??

Does the TTS option change the voice on your tablet? If not guess it's a version difference so you could you add in the info about changing the whole system language changes the voice on 4.1.1 and the answer you gave presumably was the old way to do on 4.1.0..?

I did some tests using Osmand and system languages en-UK, en-AU, en-US: The TTS voice followed the setting in "Google TTS Engine", i.e. I could switch between the male UK and the female US voice. My system is  however not the original Google 4.1.1 but a CyanogenMod10/4.1.1 build.


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Why GPS is never found?

Possible Duplicate:
How can I fix the GPS on my Samsung Galaxy S?

I've got a Samsung GT-I9000 (SGS1), it was on a pretty old stock firmware. I upgraded and rooted it with Odin and installed CyanogenMod 9 and the Icy-Glitch Kernel.
However I can't get any GPS signal, if I'm in Google Maps it keeps saying something like "Searching for GPS" (original on German "GPS wird gesucht").
I know that it did work with the old firmware when I got it.
What can I do to get the GPS back working?

Maybe a special CM issue. Many HTC-Buzz-Owners experienced this. Most got it fixed by (re-)flashing the radio. PS: @Flow I don't think its a duplicate, as the link you posted refers explicitly to Samsung firmware and a Samsung provided fix -- except if it does not refer to the system image (but e.g. the radio), which I could not figure out here.

@Izzy IMHO the famous SGS GPS problem is a pure hardware issue. Most fix attempts have to do with hardware and also my answer.

@Flow Thanks for clearification! Not having an SGS, I just barely remember there was an issue several years ago with SGS & GPS, but forgot all the details ;)

Well i know It worked For the old user of the phone (Stock). It didnt work on my old Rom either(Dark Knight 5.5).

@wayback if you are 100% sure that it worked on stock rom then it's most certainly a software issue which can be fixed by changing the rom or updating. But IIRC the GPS issues on the SGS where mostly caused by bad hardware design.

Are you indoors? Try going outside.

source: Stack Exchange

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

sort: votes


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Trying to install ADB USB Drivers, but Nexus is never appearing in Device Manager
I'm trying to install the google-adb-drivers.zip file (obtained here) on a Windows 7 64-bit system. The phone is the Nexus S 9020T. USB connectivity works correctly for file transfer mode. When I enable debugging, I expect to see "Nexus" appear under "Other Devices" in Device Manager, but it doesn't. After checking USB Debugging under "Developer Options" in the phone, the computer makes the USB disconnected sound.
I was able to load the drivers on a different Windows 7 32-bit system, but that's not the system I want to use.
Why is the debugging port not being recognized on the 64 bit system?
I saw the other post with a link to download the SDK, but I also would like to avoid installing the entire SDK unless absolutely necessary.

You should get the proper USB driver via the SDK Manager (which is the the tool you will run when installing the SDK).
The first step in installing the SDK, is starting the 'SDK Manager", and downloading an Android API package (ie. the code to develop for a specific API)
In the list of options, is an 'Extras' section - that contains the official USB driver for Android developer devices (of which the Nexus S is one).  Download that driver for best results.
You won't need to install the whole SDK using this method, but will need to start down that path, in order to get the proper driver.
Good Luck.

Looking at the Google's SDK download page:
This caught my eye under the section 'OEM Drivers'

The Galaxy Nexus driver, however, is distributed by Samsung (listed as
  model SCH-I515).

Might be worth a shot to try that instead.
The alternative is to try this other USB download from the same site here.
The final linky to an alternative site to get this to work can be found here which comes with a edited minimal SDK download purely to get the drivers to work.
If not, then why not temporarily download the whole SDK (have no choice here and is totally unavoidable) and just extract the USB drivers from there and wipe the SDK instead, and if you do, be sure to make a backup copy of the USB drivers! :)

Download the proper SDK API for Nexus and more-over you have to download the proper driver, if you have already installed the driver please uninstall it and then reinstall the driver, then it will work fine as I faced the same problem a couple of months ago. But this option worked for me.

all_licenses: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/


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How do I root my device with Mac OS X?
Similar to How do I root my Android device?, except using Mac OS X.
Everywhere I try to find the answer to leads me to Windows applications. Are there any guides or tools for OS X?

It's very device-specific, of course, so you'll have to follow the directions given for the device.
Generally it works to follow the Linux directions for the device, except that you need ADB for Mac OS X.

Devs always scratch their own itch first. It depends heavily on the device maintainer's preferences and how wide spread a device is and maybe also how sexy it is (pro/mid-range/low-end). Samsung devices have Mac support for example (heimdall for mac). Plus: System developing for Android requires not Win nor MacOs but Linux.


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Why does Android have antivirus apps while iOS does not?
I have a Samsung Galaxy S2 and my friend has an iPhone.
I have downloaded and installed the Norton Anti Virus app. I am at a loss to understand why iOS seemingly does not need protection as such. A smartphone, I have been told, is no less than a computer (even better, faster etc.), so need to be safeguarded.
Or is there another reason why iOS has no AntiVirus apps while Android does?

I'm not clear on what your question is here. If you're asking "Why doesn't the iPhone need antivirus software?" then this is really not the appropriate site (that's an iPhone/iOS question). If you're asking about the merits of antivirus on Android then I'd suggest taking a look at Is an antivirus really needed for Android?

The answer is simple: iOS doesn't allow AntiVirus apps into their app store and blocks all antivirus vendors. Android is more open here, so the vendors jump in and release their stuff. PS: I find this question legitimate, just needed some improvement.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/timworstall/2012/06/04/apple-explains-why-ios-dont-need-no-steenkin-anti-virus/

http://mobile.eweek.com/c/a/Security/Apple-iOS-Needs-Antivirus-Protection-Kaspersky-844659/

This has some reasons, let's try to sum them up:

Android has an open app market model (there's the more or less curated Play store but you can install apps from other locations (3rd party markets or self built/downloaded))
Android may also not need AntiVirus apps (most problems come from pirated rogue apps with added value piggybacked)
iOS has a strictly curated app store and you're not allowed to bypass it (unless you don't jailbreak your device but Apple so far ignores the existence of jailbroken devices)
Apple doesn't allow AntiVirus apps into their app store (they don't grant the necessary privileges to 3rd party apps and ignore the existence of jailbroken devices)
AntiVirus vendors want to create a market for mobile AntiVirus solutions
Apple denies existence/possibility of malware for their platforms as long as it's possible (for PR reasons)

To sum it up: Android is more open than iOS and lets AntiVirus vendors jump in while Apple denies them access to their app store.

The entire philosophy of the two competing "App markets" are different.
The Android Market, known as Google Play, allows any submitted application. Apps aren't really checked or pre-screened, they're simply submitted, and anyone can download them. Any kind of app can be submitted to the Play store, even one that hooks into the core operating system.
This is a double-edged sword, as a developer can write a malicious app, one that steals your data, disables your phone, and other nasty things. Usually, only when enough people complain will Google take notice and remove an app.
While Google does take some measures to protect its users, the protections applied are automated, and apps sometimes do slip through. (See Bouncer. Stats show that it has been somewhat successful).

Apps submitted to the iOS App Store have to go through a strict vetting process. Apple hires testing teams. They will manually inspect your app, to make sure it does what it says, without bugs, doesn't use private or secret functions on the iOS device, and so on. Apps are run in a sand box and cannot make any major changes to the way the device works. Since all apps are pre-screened before they are posted on the App Store, there is almost no chance of an application being malicious (virus, data stealing, etc).

As for whether or not you actually need an anti-virus app, well, this question may help answer that. Personally, I don't think viruses are a massive threat yet, and, although they may be later, I don't think it's worth the potential performance hit. Besides, Bouncer can help with most malware.
I'd be more worried about data-stealing apps, especially if the app holding sensitive data isn't sufficiently protected. Last year, Skype wasn't encrypting its contacts database, and malicious apps were able to simply read the data. This has, since, been patched.

Google does check Android apps for half a year now, see the Bouncer announcement.

The article that @ce4 links to also mentions sandboxing on Android.

For God's sake please check the difference beetween viruses and malware.

A computer looking forbthousands of patterns vs a human who might be tired bored or just an idiot. I wonder which one is more effective.

@RichardBorcsik I'm aware of the difference between the two, however, anti-virus apps usually provide protection against both viruses and general malware. I feel that, in context, both types of software are mention, although not explicitly

@Redendwhite Was there ever a virus for Android?

Even if Apple allows Antivirus on the App Store, they won't be able to do much. Each iOS app is lives in a Sandobox and can't access other apps and services. iOS apps can't run forever in a background instead they are hibernated to ensure good battery life. Also if you use passcode your data is encrypted. iOS built with security in mind and doesn't need antivirus.
There's innovative iOS mechanisms (Extensions, Action Sheet) which allows apps to work together and share data. This features are safe from viruses because:

Each interaction activated by the user, not OS.
This mechanisms are also sandboxed.

Each antivirus truly acts like a virus, it just works on your side and because viruses is not possible with iOS, antivirus also can't exist there.
Android works like PC where any process can run indefinitely and can access any part of the File System / OS. Android is improving encryption but even the latest Android version 4 years behind from iOS.


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Is it possible for my mobile carrier to track my wifi usage and bill me accordingly?
I watch a lot of inspiration videos from TED (www.ted.com.au) on my new Galaxy S2 phone. However, I only do this when I am at home and can access my home wifi network.
My home wifi and the phone's 3G networks are with different providers. Obviously, my phone switches to the home wifi network automatically when I am at home.
My question: Is it possible for my 3G network provider to see/track my wifi usage and bill me accordingly (as if I am using the 3G network) because everything goes through the phone that is on their network?
I am new to smart phones so please bear with me. My monthly 3G data download allowance is only 150 MB but my home wifi came with 5 GB.

In case you don't know, there's an official TED app in Play Store which would let you download videos for later viewing.

Of course not. Your WiFi will go through your WiFi chip to AP and to some other ISP. There is no connection with 3G just like you can use WiFi even without SIM.
But your carrier can(though highly unlikely) use some tracking program to track you and find what you are doing. Even if they do, the WiFi usage won't be counted as 3G.
One advice I'd like to give you is sometimes you think you're on WiFi but due to many reasons you might not be connected to WiFi and you might be browsing over 3G. So just keep an eye for that.

On Android, Wi-Fi is always used in preference to mobile data when connected to a Wi-Fi network.
This was quite clear in Gingerbread and older versions of Android, which removed the mobile data icon from the status bar when Wi-Fi was in use. From Honeycomb onward, the mobile data icon may remain on screen when Wi-Fi is active.
If your carrier/handset manufacturer hasn't customized the firmware too much, then (on ICS and later) the active data network will be blue, while the inactive data network will be white. (I don't have one handy, but I believe on the S2 they always appear in white, which is confusing. Still, Wi-Fi overrides mobile data.)

See this question for someone else with a similar concern. He also has a Galaxy...
To be sure you are using only WiFi connection, you should specifically turn off the mobile data connection (in that case you will have no connection if you lose the WiFi connection, instead of switching automatically to mobile data connection without you noticing.)
There are plenty of widgets out there that can make it more convenient to turn on/off your data connection.

Just flick your phone to flight mode, this stops the 3G from clicking over if your wifi falls off for whatever reason.

Flight mode also kills WiFi.

@ChinmayKanchi: You can enable Wi-Fi while in airplane mode (at least, you should be able to), it just may disable itself automatically when you first enter airplane mode: http://android.stackexchange.com/questions/27739/how-do-you-turn-off-all-cellular-communication-but-leave-things-like-bluetooth-a

This was news to me! I'm surprised, since none of my older phones (Nokia S40/S60) allowed this. However, I stand by my downvote, as the OP will be unable to make or receive phone calls while in flight mode.

As @ChinmayKanchi also noted, you will be unable to make or receive phone calls while in flight mode. This is a big disadvantage as normally this is the primary usage for a mobile phone...


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Where is current wallpaper stored on Jellybean?
On my Nexus S running 4.1.1, I am unable to find where the current wallpaper is stored. I referred to Where is the background image saved?, but my /data/data/com.android.settings/files folder is empty (I do have my file browser showing hidden files). It was confirmed in that question that ICS stored it in that location, but did Jellybean move it to a different place?

Unless you are rooted (Thanks @Izzy) you can't see the files and folders under /data folder. I am running 4.1.1 CM10 and as I am rooted, I can see files and folders under /data

In my CM10 4.1.1, I do not have "/data/data/com.android.settings/files/wallpaper" but under "/data/data/com.android.settings/" I have folders: cache, lib, shared_prefs only. And only share_prefs folder is not empty with two xml files with no pointer to wallpaper info.

I switched file browsers and now have a similar situation to @Narayanan where the shared_prefs is the only folder with files in it. The files folder isempty

The wallpaper was in
data/data/com.android.settings/files/

on previous versions of Android. However it appears that it was moved as part of the multi-user preparations. The current location is
data/system/users/0/

The file is conveniently called wallpaper and it is a png file.

I am not using  default wallpaper, and my files folder is empty (see my comment on the question). Is there some utility that let's you see what files are being modified?

@penguinrob It's not moved in JB. What do you mean by being modified?

On Mac, I can use fs_usage to monitor what files an application accesses. I'm wondering if there's something similar that could be used to see what files are modified when I change the wallpaper.

@penguinrob you're right it was moved. I haven't noticed as I haven't wiped when I upgraded to JB.

I'm glad I'm not the only one then!

I looked in /data/system/users/0 and I found the wallpaper file but none of apps will read it when opened as an image even after renaming it.

@damastah you need to copy it to your SD card. Normal apps can't open images from /data

I have been trying to retrieve the wallpaper as well but found it too difficult.
So to solve this I have create the app "Wallpaper Saver". It automatically saves your wallpapers and makes it easy to restore an old wallpaper again. It also supports live wallpapers. It is free to use.
You can download it from Play:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=dk.alroe.apps.WallpaperSaverFree


text:
Switch ROMs, still seamlessly use Apps and its data
I am presently using a rooted LG P500 running stock 2.3.3. I am very fond of trying various ROMs and recently got hooked to unofficial CM10 Android 4.1.1 (JellyBean).
Working with such unofficials or even official nightly builds has a problem of receiving frequent update. When ever such update comes I have to wrap up all my app and its data using Titanium Backup (TB) and for safety backup my present ROM completely using CWM recovery.
After installing the new ROM, I will download TB alone and restore all my apps.  Though the TB has batch mode for "Restoring all missing apps and its data", TB asks for confirmation before installing every app and prompt for "Done/Open" after installing every app.  This kills the purpose of running a batch.
Now my questions:

Is there any way I can switch between ROMs but keep the apps (with its data) installed in a common location for all ROMs
Automate the restore option (in new ROM) such that with one click and a wait of few minutes should get my phone back with all apps and data intact?

My dream use case with either question will be like: While I am in 2.3.3 ROM I would simply backup the present apps and its data to SD card and install the new ROM. When the new ROM is installed, I would like to have the apps that where backed up in my 2.3.3 ROM to come back with its data by doing something that is not daunting, but ready to wait for a while.
Any suggestions?

The pro version of Titanium Backup supports batch restore without user interaction. It's worth it.

Please provide a link if possible

Thanks, I was so near but didn't notice the pro version's benefits for so long!


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Galaxy ace camera app does not open and shows warning:  ErrorMessageHandler.handleMessage(-1)
After dropping device in water, I am trying to open my galaxy ace camera app, but it doesn't open. rather than it shows a warning message:
 Warning:
   camera failed
   ErrorMessageHandler.handleMessage(-1)

How can I fix this problem and make camera launches properly, so I can take pics or record videos?

It looks like this question is asked from a developers
perspective. Please be aware that Android Enthusiasts is for end-user
questions only and it may be off-topic as per FAQ.

I asked this question on stackoverflow but I got downvote and they advised me to ask it here

Well if you are writing a program then it belongs to stackoverflow. Or are you trying to open the Camera app? Then it belongs here. But you need to improve your question, add more details (e.g. especially code snippets).

Yes it is Camera app

Is the phone new? Have you flashed a ROM? Have you ever used the camera APP before?

2 months I used to open Camera but I dropped in water

Take it back to the repair store to get it fixed. Water damage has obviously knocked out some chip-set used in the Camera.

Something has gone wrong with your camera hardware and app is unable to find what it is. Take your device to service center (as @t0mm13b said)..


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Why has my micro SD card suddenly stopped working in my Samsung Galaxy SIII?
I bought a brand new Samsung Galaxy SIII on Tuesday and put my brand new 32GB SD card in it. It worked fine, populated my phone with all my music and movies etc.
I can even watch the movies on my TV wirelessly and view pictures... Amazing!
Anyway, I watched a movie through the new phone last night and reviewed my recent photos before bed. When I woke up this morning my phone said the SD card had been removed.
Now, the phone doesn't recognise the SD card anymore.
Can someone please advise me what has happened and how I can fix it?

You might want to check the Q&As in the "Linked" section to see if they solve your problem: http://android.stackexchange.com/questions/7240/how-to-fix-damaged-sd-card / http://android.stackexchange.com/questions/7289/micro-sd-card-physically-damaged / http://android.stackexchange.com/questions/22490/why-is-my-microsd-card-not-being-reconized-in-samsung-galaxy-s-plus / http://android.stackexchange.com/questions/25278/fix-a-damaged-microsd-card

I'm not sure if any of those mention re-mounting the card-- but that should work, too.
The same thing happened to me a few weeks ago, but what wound up being the problem was that I had dropped it in my sleep, and the sdcard came ever so slightly loose.
You might want to try taking it out and putting it back in again.
Or, if its an old sdcard of a cheap-class, it could've finally died.
In that case, I think Android has an "SDCard Read Error" notification.

Things to try: 1) Remove and insert card again. 2) Remove card and try it in another device. If it works in the other device format it in that device and insert again in the phone. 3) Try a different SD card in your phone. If 1 or 2 fix your problem - fine. If 3 does not work - your phone needs repair.


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Repeating Outlook calendar appointment on Android 2.3 calendar
I synchronize my Outlook 2010 calendar via an Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync account with my Samsung Galaxy SII (Android 2.3.5).
It works pretty good, except for appointments with repetition. I created a monthly appointment in Outlook with invited participants and then I see it as several sequential appointments per month on the Android calendar (e.g., I set last working day of each month in Outlook and instead of 8/31 only, it results in 5 appointments from 8/27 to 8/31 on the Android. After having had that for the first time, I deleted the appointment and created a new one, but with the same result.
Has anyone experienced a similar behaviour and knows how to work around that problem?


text:
Why can't my phone find pictures or music files suddenly?
I have a Samsung Galaxy Ace with its official CyanogenMod nightly build. And suddenly, it doesn't "see" my pictures, videos or music files. They don't show:

while selecting a notification/ring tone & default music player,
while viewing pictures in QuickPic or the default gallery, and
on Go Launcher Ex's videos and music finder feature.

However, ES File Explorer, the default File Manager, and PowerAmp clearly show the said types of files. I've done a NANDROID backup, wiped the partitions then restored the backup, still no go.

Ah, cripes. I don't know what on Earth put this .nomedia file on the root of my SD card. Problem fixed.

Don't forget to "Accept" this as the answer (when you're allowed) to act as a signpost for future readers. I'm sure someone else will run into this issue, too.

Looks like a recent update to ROM Manager could be the culprit: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.koushikdutta.rommanager&hl=en (see latest in "What's New" section)

Ha! That might be right. Thanks. And I need 22 more hours so I may accept this, but I will.

This issue has been driving me insane.  It's happened previously on Samsung Galaxy S4 and again on my S6 edge.
Issue: Images missing from Gallery app or Music missing from music player app.
Having tried everything from using ES explorer to move files to wiping the cache partition, there's a simple solution:

Plug your device into a PC. Identify the folders that are not showing (i.e., DCIM and Music). RENAME these to something else (such as "DCIM2" and "Music2").  The files will reappear.

I then renamed the folders back to "DCIM" and "Music".  It took 48 hours of online searches, learning about the 'emulated' folder etc - but this was the simple solution. I guess it reindexes the folders and makes them be found again by the appropriate apps.
Hope this helps.
David


text:
Enable/Disable automatic SD card installations in android phone
i don't know why, but in recent 3 day, my memory card goes crazy! and sometimes (3 times in a day) notify me : "damaged memory card, do you want to format it?"and when i format sd card, some applications corrupted and can't run, because it says : "this application not installed in your phone!"is there a way to disable or disallow android from installing or storing any data related to application installed on phone?phone Specs:

model : samsung GT-I9100G
Build number : Gingerbread.JPKK1
android version : 2.3.6

What you describe is a mix of multiple problems. First, your apps becoming "unavailable" is most likely due to Apps2SD being used, and you installed those on your SD card. See:

How to undo Apps2SD

Second thing is your card itself (hardware, the "thing you put inside your device"). If it goes broke that often, this rises some hardware related questions. Most likely possibilities:

Your card is broken
Your devices card adapter is broken
Something with your card controller is broken

You can check 1. easily in different ways:
A. check whether your card causes problems in other devices
B. check whether other cards cause the same problems with your SGS
If (A but not B) => use a new card (case 1.)
If (B but not A) => have your device checked (for either 2. or 3.). Hopefully you've got some warranty left.
Other useful Q&As on this site which might prove helpful to you include (but are not limited to):

Why has my micro SD card suddenly stopped working in my Samsung Galaxy SIII?
Micro SD card physically damaged?
how to fix damaged sd card?
Fix a damaged microsd card?

i don't use app2sd application. About other things you said; i'll check today. Thank you.any relation between this problem and card class [A,B or C] ?

Not that I know of. Never heard of class A..C -- just numeric values. There's the higher the faster (and as a side effect, often less power hungry).

Yap,got it. Now number 2; why when i install app in phone storage, i see some data related to that application saved in sd card?! A directory named android.

That might be app data (data the app stores when used). And class 2 is ancient and slow. Even class 4 is quite slow. If you buy a new one, get a higher class (not a must, but a strong recommendation) -- class 6 or higher I'd say. I personally would go below that.

it's so bad. in galaxy sII 16Gb, you can install applications in 2Gb space, and other 11Gb is for your books or media. i want it, why just 2Gb! it's very low! i had googled it and no response, other users face this problem and no one solve this. forum moderators say that it's good think for stability ,but i don't!


text:
ICS Photo editor weird behavior
I have just installed CyanogenMod and, while testing the Gallery and Photo editor apps, have noticed a very strange behavior. Whenever I try to apply some effects such as Lomo, Documentary among others, the Photo editor applies the effect only to a circle in the center of the image. The problem happens with any image from my gallery, no matter the resolution or the camera (back or front camera).
I have already rebooted the system, and have tried to "clear data" of the app. I have searched all the possible configurations and could not find anything related to this problem.
(The funny thing is that I tried an app called Photo Editor ICS, which is a clone of the original Photo Editor, and it worked fine. But I don't mean to keep using it, I expect that the original app works)

what version of CM are you referring to?

CM9.0.0. Running on a Samsumg Galaxy S2

Try using Aviary instead.
It's an excellent photo-editor app with even more features than the default one, and it works for me, even when I flash experimental JB roms where the camera doesn't even work.
This is a strange problem, unique to your device, and you should probably report it on the CM forums.
HTH!

care to tell everyone else what the linky is about?

ahem OK! Good tip. Thanks for not downvoting.

I give other people a chance to improve themselves by going "pssstt... what's that about?" ;)

Aviary seems to be a great app, but... I don't mean to pick any photo editor, I'd like to use the native one. There are many apps out there with great features, but I think it's essential that the native app works fine. Anyway the problem seems to be specific to Samsung Galaxy 2. I have seen in a friend's phone and also there are some people discussing it in XDA forum. In fact it seems to be a problem with the CM9 release, not sure if it can be corrected by a regular user.

Right, which is precisely what I said--
This is more than likely an issue with the CM9 build for your device.
Therefore, to immediately get around the issue, as opposed to waiting for a patch from the CM9 team for the SGII--- you can just use Aviary-- since it is fully featured, has the plugin capability, so you can invoke it directly from the Gallery--- etc, etc--
Would you like me to edit out the part about Aviary so that "This is a problem with CM9 on the GSII" is the correct answer?


text:
Does Bluetooth drain power when it's not in use?

Possible Duplicate:
Will constantly having Bluetooth on drain my battery too fast?

When Bluetooth is turned on, but not in use, is it still draining power? If so, how much relative to it being in use?

@AlEverett - I saw that question, but I didn't feel it answered my question of how much of a battery drain it was while on, but not in use, relative to being on and in use.

Most of the answers there specifically address the "standby" power, and one of them even gives numbers for how much power that uses compared to transmitting. Feel free to bounty that question if you want more information than that.

Yes.
When it is on, but not in use, it continually scans for the device it has been previously paired with.
This allows for it to do things like-- automagically connect to your car when you get in it.
However, the amount of battery drain is still minimal, even if it is continually scanning.

Alright, that's good to know. I have my Nexus 7 set up to Bluetooth tether from my phone, so I essentially have 3G on my tablet. It didn't seem to be draining my battery any faster when it wasn't in use, but I wanted to check.


text:
How can I attach a file to an MMS message?
Can I attach files to an MMS message? I am looking for a way to attach files like doc, pdf, or zip and send them over MMS.

Regular android messaging apps tend to disallow files other than image/video.
I use Tmail by Phonelight available from Google Play Store:

Tmail breaks the restrictions of all the Messaging apps. It is the only app that allows the user to attach any kind of file to an MMS message. You are now not limited to image, audio or video file. Tmail has expanded the MMS capability.

You can use the trial version to test it. the unlimited version costs 0,81€.

Does the recipient also need this software installed? Or will the file(s) be transferred without any additional software?

@Sparx This software isn't necessary to receive the files. Some devices may append .jpg at the end of the file name, but that's easily solved with a rename after the download.

It doesn't appear to be available on playstore now

Google it, have to look a bit... Tmail was removed from the Play Store almost 4 years ago. Flagging your answer for deletion, since it is a comment and not an answer.

Tmail has been removed from the Play Store, so the link no longer works.

The app indeed was unpublished in 2015. But checking its record at Appbrain, you can find alternatives easily – e.g. Magic Text :)


text:
Some features of Chrome for Android cause it to crash to the homescreen
I have an LG Optimus 2X P990, which is running Android 4.0.4, ParanoidAndroid ROM. I have downloaded Chrome for Android from the Google Play Store and it works like a charm in some places, but others just dont work.
For example, one of the most important features to me is tabs. Once I click the tabs button, it doesn't cause any errors or exceptions, all it does is close Chrome. The same thing happens with some other features like gestures and such - it just brings me back to my homescreen.
I have tried this on several ROMs, but none work. Is there a fix for this? Is it a known issue? How can I fix it, or is it something with my phone's hardware that simply will never work?
LOGCAT:
08-17 15:47:43.817: W/NvAudioDevice(15019): @@(Device.cpp-hal)@@
setOutputMute(force unmute)
08-17 15:47:43.827: D/(1049): @@(WM8994)@@ ACWM8994SetPowerMode(),
CurrPowerMode = 1, PowerMode = 1
08-17 15:47:44.717: I/chromium(20957): Initial Minidump data written:
08-17 15:47:44.717: I/chromium(20957):
/data/data/com.android.chrome/cache/Crash Reports
08-17 15:47:44.727: W/chromium(20957): Output crash dump file:
08-17 15:47:44.727: W/chromium(20957):
/data/data/com.android.chrome/cache/Crash
Reports/69c81f37-f360-aabd-59341dd1-267f1586.dmp
08-17 15:47:44.747: I/WindowManager(1587): WIN DEATH: Window{41320470
com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main paused=false}
08-17 15:47:44.747: I/ActivityManager(1587): Process com.android.chrome (pid
20957) has died.
08-17 15:47:44.747: W/ActivityManager(1587): Scheduling restart of crashed
service
com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.sync.ChromeSyncInvalidationListener
in 5000ms
08-17 15:47:44.747: W/ActivityManager(1587): Scheduling restart of crashed
service
com.android.chrome/com.google.ipc.invalidation.ticl.android.AndroidInvalidationService
in 15000ms
08-17 15:47:44.747: W/ActivityManager(1587): Force removing
ActivityRecord{40ec7e00
com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main}: app died, no saved
state
08-17 15:47:44.757: I/chromium(20974): [INFO:sandboxed_process_service.cc(317)]
SandboxedProcessService: Force exiting sandboxed process.
08-17 15:47:44.807: I/ActivityManager(1587): Process
com.android.chrome:sandboxed_process0 (pid 20974) has died.
08-17 15:47:44.827: D/Zygote(1056): Process 20957 terminated by signal (8)
08-17 15:47:45.157: W/InputManagerService(1587): Got RemoteException sending
setActive(false) notification to pid 20957 uid 10081
08-17 15:47:45.307: D/dalvikvm(3295): GC_FOR_ALLOC freed 5179K, 35% free
16188K/24711K, paused 46ms
08-17 15:47:46.127: D/dalvikvm(3295): GC_CONCURRENT freed 2054K, 22% free
19302K/24711K, paused 7ms+4ms
: E/(): Device disconnected

Have you done the usual stuff for a truculent app? Clear the cache, data? Force close?

I has been like that since i first installed it, i have done it, still doesn't work

I've always thought Chrome was excellent- especially since it completely negates the need for chrome-to-phone.
It shouldn't have anything to do with your hardware, but why don't you go into the Developer Settings, check "Show all ANR's" and see if that produces a FC dialog. If not, try running '$ adb logcat' -- reproduce the close, and tell us what the logcat says.

I dont see any button or checkbox named "show all ANR's", check out the logcat in my question


text:
Can Android devices access an iOS file system via USB-OTG?
Using an OTG cable, Stickmount, and Root Explorer, I can view files on my USB flash drives with my Android device.
On Windows, it's possible to view an iOS device's filesystem using programs such as iFunBox or iExplorer.
When I plug my iPhone to my Android device using an OTG cable, it's recognised as a camera instead of a mass storage device.
Is there a way to view an iOS device's filesystem using an Android device and an OTG cable?

Mass-Storage-Mode is definitely not possible as iOS devices don't offer it to begin with (edited your title to ask more generic). Apple iOS devices use a network-like filesystem over USB. You need to install iTunes to see it on Windows. However, I don't know of any current solutions for Android but it's at least not impossible (technically, there is an implementation for Linux available at libimobiledevice.org which could run on Android but would most  probably require root).

The kernel can be modified to include a filesystem driver module that can understand Apple's HFS+ filesystem.

@t0mm13b You could, but that would only help if iOS devices give you direct access to the filesystem over USB. As ce4 said, they don't.

No as mentioned in the above comment it's not possible.
In android only some part of Linux is used on the architecture whereas in iOS the complete os is built on it.
Android is hard coded in Java whereas in IOS you will find most of the file in XML format so as the format is different you will end up with an unrecognised file on your Android Device

As per the wiki iOS uses XNU kernel and not Linux kernel.


text:
How do you turn off all cellular communication but leave things like bluetooth and wifi enabled?
I'm going to be traveling overseas and don't have an international roaming plan.  I would like to disable my cellular radio while I am there but I'd also like to use bluetooth and wifi.  I don't think I can enable bluetooth or wifi while in airplane mode, though.  How can I do this without physically removing my SIM card?

You actually can enable both of those features while in airplane mode. They get turned off automatically when you first enable airplane mode, but there's nothing that prevents you from re-enabling them:

Wow, you're absolutely right.  I could have sworn I tried this but the ability to re-enable them was disabled.  This must have been on my old phone.  Thanks for the help.


text:
Where to find a PIN lock screen that scrambles the keypad on every use?
Is there some way to get a lock screen whose PIN pad changes number layouts every time it's used? It seems like a very basic way to thwart smudge attacks and yet my (broken?) google-fu can't find any implementations.
I'm using 2.3 Gingerbread, would prefer solutions not involving rooting/flashing new ROMs if possible.

just FYI, LG G3 has this out of the box

@SargeBorsch and Cyanogenmod

I'd just like to mention that recording video of someone logging on, even from the side, could greatly facilitate a pickpocket once they obtain your phone. All this stuff about smudges is hard to achieve as they will likely be rubbed off when you put it back in your pocket.

That is a very interesting question. I am not sure if this can be done, to scramble the keypad's number layout every-time on unlock to force you to slow down.
You've pointed out the weakness in the security - smudges on the touchscreen; the only thing that I can think of is this - wipe down the screen each time... now you may get funny looks from others, akin to taking off the glasses each time and wiping it cleanly to "see" again if you get my drift.
I would not be surprised if there's a soft keyboard layout that appears at random intervals but I suspect its never thought of as it would drive users batty especially when texting.
The lock-screen's pin mechanism is in-built and to override that mechanism requires going down the unofficial programming interface that does not have the approval from Google's Android development aspect. Almost bordering on using malware techniques to achieve it.
The other thing I can think of is to use a screen protector, in that way, the smudges will show on it but not on the actual touchscreen. Despite saying that, one could theoretically sprinkle a bit of powder on the screen and gently brush it away to see where the fingerprint is on but that's going OTT on the other hand, that is, if you watch too much NCIS... :)
My suggestion - in the case of pattern unlock, do not allow "Use Visible Pattern" or "Use tactile feedback" under Settings > Location & security settings, to minimize breach.
But however, your question is a worthy +1 from me from a security viewpoint.
Edit:
Just an afterthought after exchange on chat, it is quite possible in theory, to use a custom keyboard that is tied specifically to password input, the ones that shows an asterisk in place, and just randomize the keyboard layout with letters, numbers re-positioned at random intervals but that could have an adverse side effect, as in "darn it, now I have to be extra careful to, not to go too fast!" or "darn it, one thing to do - uninstall it as tis annoying!"

+1 from me as well. I remember some ATMs with touch-screen having used that technique -- wonder why they stopped that if favour of fixed keypads.

true, would not be surprised, the old reliable way - the hardware keypad :)

You have a great point, and a valid question. Looks like this was raised as an enhancement request two years ago, if that means anything. I found two apps that seek to address your concern:

Whisper Systems has a different method of working around smudge issues by asking users to wipe over the smudges they just created.
Number Track Lock advertises the exact functionality you're looking for. This is a paid app that has mediocre reviews, so proceed at your own risk.

Neither of these to me are a perfect solution. I'd love to see this built into Android - perhaps you can find a ROM with something like this baked in?

Whisper Systems is advertised as only working on Nexus S and Nexus One phones.

+1 for the linky to the enhancement request a while ago but only 10 people starred it so its unlikely to be picked up by google though! :(

I wonder why Whisper Systems does the "swipe erase" method rather than the "randomize layout" method? Swipe erase only allows PIN combinations 1-5 from the screenshot.

The app "Hi Locker" has this functionality.  Just confirmed on my Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 (So international GSM/4G).
Play Store Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mobi.appplus.hilocker
Note I'm not yet fully recommending the app, but it's the first of the ones I tried this evening that actually has the functionality.  The list that didn't:
C Locker Free,
Gravity Box [KK] (XPosed module),
Go Locker.
And I actually came across Hi Locker because it's what "Lockdown Pro - AppLock" uses for that functionality.

Just download Lockdown Pro from Google Play and select the option "random keyboard" in it.

This answer might be more useful if you gave a link to the software you're recommending.

Lockdown pro is awesome I highly recommend and if you want all features with no ads it's only 1.88 well worth it if you ask me.

This app doesn't seem to do what the dictionary00 was asking. I read the description, and watched the video demoing the app, and no where did I see that it allows you to make the PIN unlock keypad scrambled. While this app does have some nice features, it doesn't seem to do what is being asked.

My old LG K7 (8GB memory, total, from 2012 - 2013) had this option. In Settings => Lock Screen => Randomize PIN entry (Scramble numbers for secure PIN entry). I just switched to a 16GB Samsung Galaxy J3 (much pricier than my trusty K7), and it doesn't have a randomized PIN.
I checked online, and the LG V10 and LG Lancet have it, too. Maybe it's just an LG innovation.

I'm sad to say that my LG V20 does not have it. I sure wish I had it back.

all_licenses: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/


text:
Will there be 4.0 (ICS) Android version for i9000 phones?

Possible Duplicate:
When will my device get the Android 4.0 update (Ice Cream Sandwich)?

Will there be 4.0 Android version for i9000 phones? I can't find any answers online.


text:
Do I need internet/3G to use GPS?
I have a Samsung Galaxy S2 that has some problems with the GPS:
If I use internet my navigation works but when I turn the 3G off, GPS does not work.
Do I need internet/3G to use GPS?

Which navigation app are you using?

In short: GPS works without an active connection, it's completely passive.
GPS has however an addon feature called A-GPS (assisted GPS) which speeds up the startup (time to first fix) considerably. It basically warms up the receiver with GPS status data such as time, coarse location and most of all GPS satellite orbit location data (ephemeris data download). Everything of this is also included in the GPS signal but a cold start needs longer if the receiver needs to fetch it itself. With A-GPS this data is downloaded from the internet and fed to the receiver.
Note: The A-GPS data is good for some days but deteriorates over time until the phone needs longer to (once!) cold start again (or a internet re-download is necessary). You can trigger a manual redownload with some apps, for example GPS status.

Basic Concepts
You are confusing two different concepts: "GPS" and "Navigation", that are used for two distinct scenarios on your device.
GPS is used to pin-point your location in the globe. Navigation is used to plan and track your movements from point A to point B.
While Navigation may depend on 3G or Wi-Fi to access the internet and retrieve maps and other information as to graphically present your location in relation to the designated route, GPS doesn't use the Internet, it works communicating directly with antennas and in turn with satellites to ascertain you global position.

Phone Settings
There are two phone settings regarding GPS, one is the GPS on/off toggle, the other one is the A-GPS (Assisted GPS), that actually relies on Internet Connectivity as to provide faster and some times more accurate results:

Tap your device "menu" button;
Tap "Settings";
Tap "Location & Security":

"Use GPS satellites" - When locating, accurate to street level:
Tap to apply the green tick as to have the regular GPS method available.
"Use Quick GPS" - Use server to assist GPS (check to improve GPS performance):
If the GPS option is active, you can tap to activate this option, improving GPS accuracy, but keep in mind that this only works with a data plan, as it uses network resources to assist ascertaining your Geolocation.

Navigate offline
If you need navigation capabilities while offline, you can use an app that relies on maps downloaded to your phone. Personally I'm happy with Navfree: Free GPS Navigation by Navmii available from Google Play Store. I've downloaded some maps, for Portugal, around 90Mb, but afterwards I'm fully capable of navigating without any internet connection.
Maps are provided by OpenStreetMap.org free of charge and updated by a large community.

About GPS
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the U.S. DoD. There are no subscription fees or setup charges to use GPS.
Read about it at:

GARMIN - What is GPS?
Wikipedia - Global Positioning System

About Navigation
Navigation is the process of accurately ascertaining one's position, planning and following a route.
Read about it at:

Wikipedia - Navigation

GPS and navigation are separate concepts.
GPS itself does not require Internet connectivity.  However, many navigation apps (e.g. Google Maps or Waze) require an active connection in order to access map data on-the-fly, compute directions, look up traffic details, search for points of interest, etc.
There are other (usually paid) apps that don't require Internet connectivity for navigation because they provide this data as a separate download.  Directions, turn-by-turn navigation, POIs, etc. can then be accessed from data that is stored on SD Card, while the device is offline.
In both cases GPS is only used to place your current position on the map.


text:
Locking individual files on micro sd card
I have Galaxy S2 running on android 4.0.3. I have a number of photos, videos, pdf and word files stored on the micro sd card.
I am just wondering if there is a way to password protect individual files.
Many thanks

Short answer:
Maybe.
Long answer:
The SDCard is formatted with the legacy MSDOS FAT16 filesystem, which enables compatibility for the most part, largely majority with the Windows platform, not to mention Linux and others. It is for that reason, there is absolutely zero mechanism within that filesystem from a security standpoint. That is the trade-off with legacy filesystem and interchangeability with different desktop systems.
However, the alternative may be, is to format the SDCard to use one of the variety of Linux only filesystems where you can put permissions on each directory to prevent it from being browsable. Notably, ext3fs or ext4fs (Extended Filesystem 3rd and 4th edition respectively). That you might get away with but could induce side effects with the stock Android applications such as Gallery, Music Player.
The one thing that springs to mind, albeit from a technical view-point, would be, to have a Android service running in the background that is monitoring file access to those files in question and the service could trigger a rudimentary dialog box prompting for the password based on the list of files the service can monitor based on your choosing.
A bit of quick google-fu yielded this hit on this app that might be the very thing you're looking for.

With VeryAndroid File Protector, you can pick files and folders on
  your android phone or computer to protect with password.

Actually, that is what I have mentioned above! Well, reading the reviews, some disgruntled people felt they were cheated out of it, its free for 48 hours and having to pay a premium price - 19.95 accordingly to the review!

As t0mm13b already described, on a FAT system it's not as easy as setting some file permissions. But what you easily can do is use encryption on single files or entire directories.
One of these ways is to use encrypted containers. You can think of them like password protected ZIP files -- only that you can access them transparently from any app, once you've opened them. An example would be EDS, which uses containers in the popular TrueCrypt format. Using this, you can even copy your containers to your workstation, and access them there: TrueCrypt is available across platforms, so e.g. on Linux, MacOS, BSD, Windows...
If you don't care about using the encrypted "stuff" on your workstation, DroidCrypt is another popular alternative, coming with a nice user interface.
As you explicitly asked for "single files", a last alternative to mention is FileLocker, which lets you lock files separately. It also encrypts them -- but to be able to read them again, you must "unlock" each file separately.

If you are looking for more alternatives: There are lots of encryption apps available on the playstore. Some of them can handle single files only, some files and directories. Some even encrypt entire "volumes" (i.e. the entire "disk"). Many of them require root -- the two I picked here should not.


text:
What exactly is framework-res.apk
As far as I understand it, it is a big system file that apparently controls a big part of the phone. I am interested because I wanted to do some themeing and so far I had edited SystemUI.apk, but if I ever ran into any problems (and being a beginner that was bound to happen) nothing seemed to happen other than the fact that I lost my notification bar.
Problem is, I have heard of some people who touched framework-res.apk and they wound up not being able to even boot their phone. I decided before carelessly poking around with something that could potentially soft brick my phone, I would like to learn a bit more about it.
So what exactly is framework-res.apk? What is it used for? What does it control? Where do we visually see its use? What could potentially happen to my phone should something go amiss with framework-res? Anything else I should know before poking my nose where it shouldn't be?

Framework-res.apk basically contains the elements of the Graphical User Interface for the phone. This file is available at /system/framework/framework-res.apk.
Poking in this file would mean changing the complete look and feel of your device. Since it is the main element of your screen, replacing it directly by pushing it through ADB would lead to soft-brick. Therefore, this apk should carefully be modified and replaced using the recovery module of the phone.
Check this link for details on the same: Modifying the framework-res.apk (Theming the UI)

From my coding experience, I can say the following as my understanding:
If you are familiar with application development terminologies, this framework-res.apk is just a resource library. Continuing with that assumption, other modules, libraries depend on this file to get images, sound etc.  For example the boot animation sound is embedded in this file.  Every resource will generally be given an identifier through with the other modules load and they will just assume or take it for granted that such resource will be available in this file.
Generally there will be a manifest file which will index all the resources (images, sounds etc) against its identifier.  The code segments that maps the resources against its identifier and that fetches the requested resource will be compiled against one platform/version/library and hence tweaking and recompiling if not done carefully will make the framework-res.apk incompatible with its consuming modules.  Depending on how things are implemented, you would get away with an error, but developers can't expect to verify everything and they have to take certain things for granted (like presence of a resource as it is they who had planted it).  Hence usually the consuming module freezes and hence the whole phone appears to be frozen as system modules as well depends on this apk.

If you want to change the AndroidManifest.xml file of framework-res.apk i think you must sign all system apks with your own key to avoid bootloop. If you want to change other things in framework-res.apk: "than drag meta-inf folder and androidmanifest.xml from original apk to modded apk using 7zip or winrar"
In the framework-res.apk you can change some thinks like protectionlevel etc. its interesting:
https://www.reddit.com/r/LineageOS/comments/9z728h/how_to_change_frameworkresapk_without_bootloop/
My errors when i sign all system-apps with my key:
Can not re-sign Android system app without app crashing (using LineageOS)
Can not re-sign Android system app without app crashing (using LineageOS)
He has similar problems and he created an update.zip:
https://stackoverflow.com/questions/9475576/resigning-system-img-on-a-device


text:
Get root or re-install the OS without a USB cable?
Usually, the guides for getting root or re-installing the OS on an Android device (I have a Samsung Galaxy S, which I'm mostly inetersted about) tell to flash the device from another computer through the USB cable.
Is it in principle possible to perform such modifications without using the USB cable (and another computer)?
Perhaps, by putting a file with the other version of the kernel/OS soemwhere on the device, and booting it in a special mode?
Imaginne the situation: I took the Samsung Galaxy S (and a laptop), but no USB cables, and went away from the civilization. Now it turns out that to use some of the apps I would like to use (like SSH server frontends for Android) I

either have to re-install the Android OS (because they want a newer version; so I'd use CyanogenMod or Replicant because there are no offical upgrades from Samsung)
or have root (because they don't want to work without root).

Can this be done without a USB cable?

(Of course, there is another good solution in this situation: take the source code of those apps, and fix them so that they will work for me, re-compile and install them.)

(AFAIU, after I have full (root) access to the device, I can re-install the OS without a cable and another computer: for example, I have another device that was supposed to work under Android -- Toshiba AC100, but after I installed Ubuntu 12.04 on it by flashing the device, I must be able to re-install the kernel from inside the OS -- there is a "flash-kernel" utility in Ubuntu.)

I've read it must be possible to flash an update stored as a file on the device in a recovery mode(?) -- http://android.stackexchange.com/a/183/13117 . But I don't understand the details: How to boot into the recovery mode? Can someone please explain this?

And even if I had a USB cable, there might be another problem: my other computer runs Ubuntu for ARM, so to flash a new OS I'd need something like heimdall for ARM. It's not among the available pre-built downloads, will have to try to build it for ARM then... Is obtaining heimdall for Linux on ARM possible?

Use ROM Manager app. It can install ROMs from SD card. You can download your favorite ROMs using it, too.
And, Samsung Galaxy S is officially supported by it.

And ROM Mnaager app doesn't require me to have root access in the system?

@imz No. It does require root access to flash CWM recovery to system partition and use it to flash another ROM.

@imz To gain root access from within device, there's no reliable method available. There was an app for that, Root Exploit in Market. But, Google pulled that out last year. You can find that app on internet and see it works for you or not.

I see. ROM Manager is the answer to the last part of the question (in brackets). It's the tool to use to flash new kernels from inside Android on Samsung Galaxy S (like flash-kernel in Ubuntu on Toshiba AC100 in the example from the question), but only after the user the system has root access.

I guess there must be a backdoor for this because I've read in a news article that it will be possible to upgrade (officially) the OS on Samsung Galaxy without connecting it with a USB cable to another computer by means of a new "Kies" app from Samsung.
So, it's possible for an app (in this case, at least the Kies app) to re-install the OS. But this backdoor might be well-protected (requiring cryptographic signatures from Samsung perhaps -- just a guess).
And the article told that one should install the "Kies" app (if it is not present) through the "Samsung apps" app. (I haven't tested this myself because I have been using the device without a SIM-card, but the "Samsung app" app wants a SIM-card...)
So, it's possible to install an app that will be able to re-install the OS. But this backdoor might be well protected (perhaps, only an app from Samsung can do this).

(I've read it must be possible to flash an update stored as a file on the device in a recovery mode.)
Indeed, "Procedure B: (Does NOT require ADB)" from Galaxy S I9000 HOWTO section (on forum.xda-developers) must enable me to re-install the OS without a USB cable on a non-rooted Samsung Galaxy S:

Copy the CustomROM/root file to the "/sdcard/" folder on the phone and (if not already the case) rename to "update.zip"
Restart in Recovery Mode by pressing an holding VolumeUP+Home+Power.
Wait for the recovery screen en select "apply: /sdcard/update.zip"
Wait for it to finish and reboot.

This only works if your device is already rooted.  Flashing a custom ROM via stock recovery is not possible, unless the ROM is signed by manufacturer keys (those are generally are only known by manufacturer or carrier).  Replacing recovery with one that allows flashing unsigned ROMs requires root.  Gaining root requires either exploiting a vulnerability, or in the case of (most) Samsung devices flashing a pre-rooted image.  In either case, this needs to be done with a help of a computer via USB.

@Chahk: the signature must be somewhere inside the update.zip then? This signature thing was the missing tile in the overall picture of the ways to reinstall the OS I have learnt. Thanks for the comment!

The signature is not part of the ZIP, but rather a unique way the ZIP file itself is constructed.


text:
Can my Android device become - remotely and without my permission - a wiretap and get used as surveillance device?
I saw the following article:

An article in the Financial Times last year said mobile providers can
  "remotely install a piece of software on to any handset, without the
  owner's knowledge, which will activate the microphone even when its
  owner is not making a call.

Is this possible one Android phones and is there a way to block it?

Ahh, Schneier on Security,  Unvy gb gur Xvat. :-)
tl;dr
It may be possible, no one can say for sure. And since no one knows if it's possible you can't block it, because you don't know what and therefore how to block.
But first, let use investigate the statement step by step:
Note that the Article is from 2006

...said mobile providers can...

Google is certainly able to do so, if you are using a Google Services enabled device (usually the ones with "by Google" on the back). But basically every hardware/software manufacturer, whose parts are placed within smartphone (or traditional mobile phone), is able to install backdoors in his products, which could by used third parties to manipulate the device. Either because they bought this access or because the manufacturer is forced to, for example by a (secret) government regulation.

..."remotely install a piece of software on to any handset,..

That's possible and every time you install an app over the Play Store web interface you use this technique.

..without the owner's knowledge,..

Usually you will see visual feedback about the installation process, at least until it's running. But the notification about the new app stays in the notification bar. But no one can rule out that there is a silent install method too.

..which will activate the microphone even when its owner is not making a call...

Android apps are able to activiate the microphone if they have the permission to to so. But if the app came with a silent install method, who knows if the permission for the microphone was also silently given?
And now, how can I protect my privacy?
As soon as you buy a piece of hardware/software without having the ability to verify the hardware and software components for surveillance backdoors, you are lost.
But there are alternatives. There have been attempts to create open source hardware and software for smartphones. Therefore allowing you to review the components for unwanted modules. See for example Opoenmoko.

I would be much more worried about some backdoor in the radio firmware. It receives an SMS and bamm! Your microphone is slaved.

@RichardBorcsik Did I exclude the radio firmware in my answer anywhere? :-)

Nope it just wasn't mentioned while it's a much more realistic threat than Google secretly spying on us. They do that publicly :)

@RichardBorcsik Just edited my post to make clear that Google isn't the only one who's involved.

The above answer applies not only to Android phones, but pretty much to every piece of proprietary connected hardware.  PCs, routers, firewalls, and other devices that can connect to the Internet can potentially be avenues for attack.

To answer this question:

Is this possible one Android phones and is there a way to block it?

Recently, as far back as the start of this year, there was uproar over a small piece of software which was hidden in certain handsets, and was able to monitor everything - the infamous Carrier-IQ. A bit about the Carrier-IQ as quoted from wikipedia

It provides diagnostic analysis of smartphones to the wireless
  industry. The company says that its software is deployed in over 150
  million devices worldwide.

Thing is, no one really know for certain if they actually did, as the security world got "excited" about it and started to slam-back on the manufacturers - Apple, HTC, Samsung, Sony, to name but a few. And exposed the ruse behind it, all of a sudden that hype fed its way into the Android world, and guess what happened - an app appeared on the Google Play Store, Carrier-IQ detector.
What I was emphasizing, is how the paranoia made its way into the norms of human emotions - yes, a lot of people were really mad and demanded to know - was there a breach of privacy?
By the way, if you look on the main Carrier-IQ site here, there's a ticker that states as of now, 147,918,175 handsets deployed.... (Ok, am not really sure if they are trolling us with that ticker but questionable as it was stated on the wikipedia that is "deployed in over 150million devices" heck it aint even there!!!)
Yes it is quite possible that there are back-doors available to do just that kind of thing, and is commonly associated with stock ROMs straight from the factory! Zte had one, and was reported a while ago and its publicly available on pastebin. For the sake of historical information, I'll quote it here in case it gets lost.

The ZTE Score M is an Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread) phone available in
  the United States on MetroPCS, made by Chinese telecom ZTE
  Corporation.
There is a setuid-root application at /system/bin/sync_agent that
  serves no function besides providing a root shell backdoor on the
  device.  Just give the magic, hard-coded password to get a root shell:
$ sync_agent ztex1609523
id uid=0(root) gid=0(root)
Nice backdoor, ZTE.

It does show one thing and one thing alone, Stock ROMs! All too often people can be naive in thinking that just because its "Stock ROM", it does its job.
Now, not to induce fear or paranoia into anyone, which I certainly would not wish to do so, it helps to have a cool collected thoughts about this.
The dose of reality will hit home, once you realize how, custom ROMs have a better advantage over stock ROMs, they are compiled from source code and is publicly available, such as CyanogenMod, AOSP, CAF, AOKP; rest assured, you will be equally better off with those ROMs in the long term.
Why? For the most part those custom ROMs would be rooted anyway, which will enable you as a user, to have a tight rein on the handset in the way you want it, not some fancy-schmancy stock skin on top of the ROM, such as HTC Sense, Samsung TouchWiz, Sony TimeScape etc. And if the developer of said ROM is trusted to be good, i.e. good community feedback, then yes you would be pretty safe.
What you can do to re-inforce the belief that a custom ROM is better than stock any day is this, knowing that the ROM is rooted, you can use Droidwall/Hi-Surfing, or another type of firewall, to block access to those "sneaky" apps like that. That will put in a level of assurance, but having said that, its not about justifying why having a rooted ROM in the first place, rather its, to empower yourself over the handset and use it in the way you want. If you don't like an app, uninstall it, if an app requires root - then so be it.
It does make you think and ponder for a bit in why carriers would rather have you to be stuck with a stock ROM, and a locked bootloader i.e. "rooting will void the warranty", "unlock the bootloader - you're on your own", but there's always two sides to the same coin, if anyone can get their hands on a handset, and unlock the bootloader, it will simply factory reset and wipe the data upon unlocking and reboot!
So you can see how, from a security viewpoint in what's going on and the decisions involved. I know, when I made a ROM for Zte Blade, I was trusting that the source does not have any malicious code, well, it was coming from AOSP source on google and yes, its rooted, and users feedback is good.
There's a lot of thought in what was said, and yes, that kind of thing can be blocked - If you want to be really secure - block the following under Droidwall here,

Download Manager, Downloads, DRM protected content storage, Media Storage.
Google Services Framework, Network Location, Google Calendar Sync, Google Contacts Sync.
And finally, block the Linux kernel as well.

With those criteria selected, you will most certainly not be able to download remotely nor sync either. Also, pay attention to the permissions that is asked for by the app on Google Play store, be prudent and you will have nothing to fear.

Technically, its possible. You can visualize it with Play Store scene: Play Store can silently install (when you send signal from web interface) and update apps without owner's knowledge.
Mobile providers can also do this as long as their Trojan app comes pre-installed with device. They can push and install an app to listen your voices.
How to block it?

Root your device and hunt down all apps from mobile providers which could do such nasty things. Google can help. Either remove them from system or block their access to internet using Firewall (there're many firewall apps in Play Store).
Flash a fresh new custom ROM like CyanogenMod etc.

Yes. CarrierIQ, Smithlogger, HTC Logger, and a couple of other things are installed onto the device by the carriers.
iPhones are stuck with CIQ, with nothing more than the mere delusion it isn't there or that they can get rid of it when, in fact, they cannot
However, you can get this, which is more helpful if you're rooted, but even without root privileges, it can point you to the opt-out screen for any logging service that may be on your phone.
Furthermore, all this news talk about malware on Androids is crap.
You have to install said "malware" - but the "malware" barely even exists.
So long as you pay attention to what permissions each app you are installing has, you have no chance of anyone leveraging your phone to spy on you.

Is this possible one Android phones

Yes! It is possible to remotely install apps on your Android phone without your consent. Most of the devices are vulnerable to attacks due to  vulnerabilities found in core Android framework.
For an example, Stagefright vulnerability found back in 2015 July puts about 95% of all Android devices in danger. This vulnerability is activated when Android process a malformed multimedia files on the device. For an example an malformed image you receive as an MMS could trigger the Stagefright vulnerability
Check out the demo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7S-11k28324

is there a way to block it?

Do not click on any links received from people you don’t know.
Install a virus scanner and keep it up-to-date.
Do not leave your phone unattended. Always have a phone locked with a PIN or pattern

Source: goo.gl/rHhMNH


text:
Can I run Samsung apps (app market from Samsung) without a SIM and mobile connection?
I have a Samsung Galaxy S with Android 2.2.
I have read that now there is a "Kies" app available from Samsung which would allow to upgrade the OS on the phone without connecting it with the USB cable to another computer.
That article said I have to install it through the "Samsung apps" app. So I started it, but it said it won't work without a SIM card.
But I intended to use only WiFi, I don't need the SIM card and the mobile connection.
Why this problem? Is it solvable (without a SIM card)?

Can you give a link to the source that says you can update the phone over the air with Kies? It's not supposed to be possible with Android versions prior to 2.3.x (can't remember exactly)

@onik Yes, what I read sounded similar to what you say. And I didn't read any "success strories" with Android 2.2. But I supposed one could try to somehow get Kies on Android 2.2 and then use it, although officially Kies is only for Android 2.3.x.

I've never seen Kies on Android, and it's not found on Samsung's update pages or Samsung Apps website. The only possibilities officially supported are FOTA (Firmware Over-the-Air, on newer Android versions) and Kies on PC.

@onik: Now I think I might have been mistaken about this...

No, the Samsung apps market won't start without a SIM card, because the card is used to determine the country of the user.
There is an App called "Kies Air" which allows you to connect your device to the Kies App installed on your PC over WiFi. But I doubt that you are able to upgrade the OS this way. It's more meant for synchronization (calendar, email, ...) use.
IMHO you need a USB cable to update the SGS, either with Kies or Odin/Heimdall.

There is probably no Kies app for Android, as @onik notes in the comments.
I was mistaken probably when I thought that there is one.

Im able to get Samsung apps market app on my phone with no sim card it can etect country via wifi, works on Galaxy s3

How does this answer the question?


text:
what does "flash recovery" mean?
In the instructions for ClockworkMod Recovery for Galaxy S i9000, there is:

Step 2. Flash Recovery.

I don't understand what this means. Which recovery to flash? How to do this? (With a USB cable, or it can be done by some manipulation with the phone alone, without connecting it to another computer?)

The instructions in the link refer to the option in ROM Manager app that you are installing in Step 1.  To clarify, "Step 2" should read "Launch ROM Manager, and use the 'Flash ClockworkMod Recovery' option."

The general consensus is there's usually different partitions available:

system
data
cache
boot
recovery

When a guide says to flash "partition" where partition is one of the above, then that implies transferring the contents destined for the partition. The mileage will vary depending on the handset/manufacturer as not all of them actually have implemented partitions like the above.
Usually it can be done with using the cable plugged in and using fastboot.
For example:
To flash a kernel onto the boot partition one can undertake it like this:
sudo fastboot flash boot boot_image_file.img

followed by:
sudo fastboot reboot

Likewise in the OP's case, its referring to the recovery partition.
sudo fastboot flash recovery recovery_image_file.img

I would be wary about using ROM Manager to do this for you without using a computer; Have got bitten by it, and found that it can sometimes, be incorrect with regards to using recovery i.e. ClockworkMod Recovery, it was so convinced that I had a very old version of CWM, when in reality, the latest was installed; end result, I messed up the recovery and threw away ROM Manager as I preferred to do it on the computer - less errors and that the human checking is in place.

I have just a few hours ago flashed ClockworkMod Recovery on my Galaxy S in order to switch from stock ROM to cyanogenmod. Simply follow the instructions from the official Samsung Galaxy S Full Update Guide.
The relevant section about flashing recovery contains the steps you need to follow. Make sure to read the Note at the end of the section if the first kernel doesn't work for you (it didn't work for me).

BTW, the link to the latest version of CyanogenMod (at least) at that "Guide" page is a misleading (outdated): it points to a page that suggests CyanogenMod 7.2, but there's already a Cyanogen 9 stable release for Samsung Galaxy S; check it at http://get.cm/?device=galaxysmtd&type=stable . Don't know whether the "latest release" to Clockwork recovery really points to an uptodate latest release, or there's likewise a newer one.

The guide points at using heimdall on another GNU/Linux computer to flash the recovery. There is a further problem if my other computer (which runs a GNU/Linux) is ARM. To flash the Samsung Galaxy S from it through the USB cable, I'd need something like heimdall for ARM. It's not among the available pre-built downloads, will have to try to build it for ARM then... Is obtaining heimdall for ARM possible?

From the link you provided, you've problem to make ROM Manager work. Use this app. ROM Manager flashes the CWM recovery from within the app.
There's no need of another computer at all...

No need -- only if I have root acces in the currently running system on the device, right?

Yes. If you're trying to use ROM Manager, I guess you've root access already.


text:
How to access Android APKs without rooting
I recently bought a 7" Android ICS tablet as a gift for a friend.  Unfortunately it's not a Store supported device, so I can't download from the Store.
There are a number of sites that allow you to download APKs, but most of the apps I want to download aren't available on them.  I have a 10" tablet that IS supported and has a large number of the apps I want to provide to my friend.  Is there any way to get at the APKs on the 10" tablet (without rooting it) so I can copy them to, and install them on the 7" - using the provided app installer?

You can use an app like App Backup & Restore. It allows you to select which apps you want to backup and it copies them to your SD card.

Titanium Backup is useful for this too.  The APKs are stored in a folder on the root of the SD card called "backup", if memory serves :)

@Logos it's "TitaniumBackup". But that requires root and the question was for without that. That's way the first paid app I bought and it saved my ass a few times :)

I'm pretty sure that app backups don't require root?  Also, there is a space between the two words, but thanks for playing :) http://matrixrewriter.com/android/

OK, so I got App Backup and Restore to backup the apps ad restored them onto the 7"...  BUT... (There's always a "but" isn't there?  But, NOT all the apps in my app list appear on the list that I can backup.  What's going on here?

@Logos I meant the folder's name not th app'. :)

Try with a file browser (Astro) or something like that to browse on your tablet and then you'll find the apk's if you search good.
But it is not sure they will work correctly or possible to transport them. But you can always give it a try.

I can't put a comment so l'm answering which will be extension to Fox Hayden's answer.  On tablet which has many apps as you said install SHAREit. In SHAREit there is option named web share . It can used to transfer all files including SHAREit.apk. Just follow the instructions given in web share. Now install SHAREit on client too. Transfer whatever you want.

Best choice for this is IMHO AppMonster, which backs up your *.apk files to sdcard. This version is free but somehow limited; the real power comes with its payed version, AppMonster Pro Backup Restore (~EUR 3) -- which not only adds batch-mode for restore, but also automatically backs up all new installations/updates, while letting you define how many generations you want to keep and (at least this was on the roadmap) even "pin" a version you want to keep "forever".
An added plus is that it also shows whether an app has ad modules hooked in (e.g. AdMob), if it supports App2SD, or if it is already installed on SD:

For me, it is the ultimate tool for this goal -- saved my ass a couple of times, when some app-update introduced a bug, or ripped away a feature. The only thing I miss here is it cannot backup the apps' data -- but that's a thing impossible to all non-root apps (for this, I use mentioned Titanium Backup -- but that's not topic of this question, and thus just mentioned for completeness).
To sum up: AppMonster would solve your problem with getting the *.apk files to the sdcard for transfer -- and even offer you features you surely will use even after completing that job. Moreover, if you use the Pro version, the sdcard copy will be done automatically for you, saving you some manual work.

Titanium Backup (free) on un-rooted device can also do what App Monster pro can do. So, why should I spend money?

So you say, TB automatically backs-up .apk files at the moment you do the install/update? I must have missed something in its settings then. But thanks for the info that TB can also be used on un-rooted devices!

OP isn't asking for instant auto-backup. BTW, ROM Toolbox provides this feature for free..

Feel free to provide your answer :)

1) Download zapya on any other device than share it to your device using bluetooth install it and you can connect both devices through Zapya using wifi hotspot and Zapya will let you send and receive APK of any app .
2) Download ES file explorer open it and click on apps it will show you all the apk's of installed apps.

Download SHAREit on both devices.
Press 'receiver' on the gift tablet and 'sender' on the other.
Go to Apps on the sender then select the apps you want to share.

SHAREit doesn't provide a direct download, so how do you propose getting it on the tablet that can't access the Play Store?


text:
Haptic Feedback with Gingerbread on Samsung Galaxy mini 2
How can I turn off vibrations when I long press on start screen (to add a widget, etc.) or in Opera mini when long press on a link?

The Haptic Feedback is a global setting provided by your phone, you can turn it off by:

Click your device "menu" button";
Tap "Settings"
Tap "Sound";
Tap "Haptic feedback" to remove the green tick, thus disabling this feature.

What is "haptic feedback"?

Haptic feedback, often referred to as simply "haptics", is the use of the sense of touch in a user interface design to provide information to an end user. When referring to mobile phones and similar devices, this generally means the use of vibrations from the device's vibration alarm to denote that a touchscreen button has been pressed. In this particular example, the phone would vibrate slightly in response to the user's activation of an on-screen control, making up for the lack of a normal tactile response that the user would experience when pressing a physical button. The resistive force that some "force feedback" joysticks and video game steering wheels provide is another form of haptic feedback.

More about this at Wikipedia.

what is haptic feedback? my samsung mini 2 doesnt have it in settings and also iam having the same vibration problem

@lily I've updated the answer with a small description and example of Haptic Feedback. Ps: Does your device have Gingerbread installed?


text:
What does HBOOT mean?
My best guess as of now is "partition and mount point layout". But it feels like there's more to it, since the bootloader can identify the HBOOT by name.
I've been flashing custom ROMs for quite a while now, but I still haven't quite grasped what HBOOT really is or means.

HBOOT is bootloader. It lives inside NAND's first partition, mtd0 (if partition map is MTD). It is loaded in memory (RAM) when device is switched ON. Its jobs are:

Check the Hardware.
Initialize the Hardware.
Start the Operating System (Either Android or Recovery).

HBOOT can also support doing more than this like flashing ROMs.
Something More: Nandroid backup and restore don't touch HBOOT.

Curious, is HBOOT manufacturer specific or is it the common name for the bootloader?

@CatShoes HBOOT is manufacturer specific term.. generally used by HTC.

@SachinSekhar Thanks, I have an HTC phone so I see it all the time, but didn't seem to find it with other devices, just wasn't sure.  Thanks, again.

Also the Nexus 9 uses H-BOOT.Even though it is a Nexus.Other Nexus devices use Google bootloader


text:
Do all apps have a demo/trial version?
Someone suggested a pay-for app in another question and when I looked it up, it seemed it didn't have any trial version that has the feature for which I'd pay.
Now, I will not pay for something I have never seen working, even if it's only 4€ and so I was wondering whether I missed something or whether it's usual for pay-for apps to charge before you even can try it?
(This app, Moon+ Reader, does have a free version, but I'm specifically interested in a feature of the pay-for version, so the limited free version doesn't help.)
It seems like a very long time (maybe never) that I payed for any software on my desktop where there wasn't a demo of some sort to try out the key features you payed for.

Not all apps have a trial version. The developers can decide if they won't to release one or not. I don't see a real question here.

You can purchase an app, use it and if you aren't satisfied, you can tap Refund button within 15 minutes..

@Sachin - There's a Refund Button? Cool, I guess that means really every app essentially has a trial version. (Even if only a 10min trial)! Put it as an answer, I'll accept it :-)

@SachinShekhar If that button is present and can be used with all apps, technically as Martin mentioned, any app has at least a 15min trial period. This is good, consider making your comment an answer.

@Martin and concerning Moon+: It's worth every cent, excellent support. Even if something doesn't work, just write the author. I'm using this App (Pro-Version) for about 2 years now. But before you ask: No, I don't use PDF files, so I cannot judge this feature; but I know how long Seany looked for the perfect implementation before putting it into action, so it must be good :)

You get 15 minutes trial of all paid apps listed in Play Store. Its Google's policy to refund money if you aren't satisfied but you'll have to claim refund within 15 minutes. After purchasing an app, just look for Refund button on app page in Play Store app.

No, not all apps have demo or trail versions. Though Amazon's Android app store has an on-line emulator that lets you try out thousands of different apps in your browser before purchasing.


text:
Nexus 7 doesn't have sdcard folder when connected to PC
I've just bought a Nexus 7. When I plugged it into my laptop, it shows the media folder, I'd like to access the sdcard folder just like the other devices. How to transfer files?
I think "adb push" is not a good choice.

See also Better way to connect Galaxy Nexus (ICS) to Linux

Nexus 7 doesn't support UMS (USB Mass Storage) out of box. But, it supports file transfer by MTP (Media Transfer Protocol). MTP allows you to push and pull any type of files from sdcard, but it doesn't allow you to edit files directly on sdcard (like you do with UMS mode).
From your screenshot, it looks like your Nexus 7 is connected with PTP (Photo Transfer Protocol), also known as Camera Mode. Switch to MTP mode and do whatever you want. Also make sure your PC OS supports MTP.

When I chose MTP, it even didn't show any folder so I chose PTP.

@Emerald It means that Ubuntu has problem accessing over MTP. Try finding a software for that.

@Emerald Try using command line.. http://manpages.ubuntu.com/manpages/hardy/man1/mtp-tools.1.html

it's not even 'not out of the box' but more 'not at all'

@ce4 But, few tricks and hacks can enable UMS in Nexus 7. I'd say 'not at all' if there was a limitation from hardware layer.

Sure, the hardware is not the limitation here. At the moment it's more of a 'not at all' for me. One of the possible ways (just a feature request atm): UMS support for LuksManager and of course a kernel that supports it.


text:
skullcandy earbuds with mic
My skullcandy earbuds with built-in mic only partially work with my Maxx.  The earbuds do their part broadcasting sound, but I have to talk directly into the phone's mic to be heard.  The earbud's mic, which I assume is opposite its volume control, does/perceives nothing. Any clues?

Is Maxx your Android device? Can you elaborate its name?

@ejej is most likely referring to the Motorola Razor Maxx.

You might need an adapter. I know that when I bought a couple of ear plugs with a mic once, I got an adapter with them that stated the adapter was for Samsung, among other brands. On the surface it looked like a "3,5 mm > 3,5 mm" adapter so I wasn't sure what the difference was, but upon inspecting it I noticed the plug had three "lines" where it usually only has two (I think). Don't quote me on this, but it obviously had a point since they included it.
So in short, it might be that your Skullcandy earbuds are made to work with iPhones for example, but the designers did not consider how the plugs are made for Samsung or other Android devices. If you have a working pair, try comparing the plugs.
To fix it, I guess you would need an adapter. In the future this could be good to know as well, so you can adapt your purchase after what product supports your phone.

You will need an male to female adapter that switches the ground and mic connectors. See the image below:

More details


text:
How to use a logical disk partition as an SD card in Android-x86
Android-x86 4.0.4 (ICS) runs beautifully on my netbook and it can even mount USB sticks as SD cards, but now I would like to use an available hard disk space (logical partition, /dev/sda7) as a permanent SD card.
Is this possible?

According to this thread, this is possible and it is as easy as adding the following line to /etc/vold.fstab:
dev_mount sdcard /mnt/sdcard auto SDCARD=/dev/sda7

But I haven't tried it myself.

Thanks. This is the first clue that this may be possible. But I just tried this and it didn't work for me. There is a mention there that another step is necessary: Changing MAX_PARTITIONS from 4 to 8 in DirectVolume.h but my system has no trace of a file named DirectVolume.h.

FYI: As soon as I tried this, the touch pad stopped working... Turns out switching back from Android's shell (Alt+F7) is very close to disabling the touchpad on this netbook (Fn+F7). No cause for alarm.


text:
Lenovo Ideapad A1 , dead, not working, no charge led
I was flashing the Lenovo A1 ideapad tablet following the steps here :
http://www.artiss.co.uk/2012/04/installing-cyanogenmod-on-a-lenovo-ideapad-a1
, and I was able to flash the clockwork Mod (and I did a nandroid backup), and then modified bootloader, but after flashing the CM7 , all I would see was the lenovo logo on boot.
I was still able to go boot into recovery, so I tried to restore from the earlier mentioned backup, nothing, and the fastboot was not working anymore (modifed bootloader), so I reinstalled it from clockwork, and the A1 died.
Now it won't show any signs of life, except when I plug it into the computer, I would hear the USB ding (device connect )sound, and then 2 seconds, I hear the USB duh-ding (device disconnected) sound.
The charge LED doesn't light on when plugged in,
Here's what I tried so far (And I ran out of ideas ) :
- Hold the power button for 45 seconds (tried 60, and 120 as well), and then tried to power on
- All other possible button combinations
- One forum mentioned to touch the home button while holding the power button down
- Putting an update.zip on a micro SD , and boot with holding (volume - and power )
- Disconnected and reconnected the battery pack.
- left it overnight (as others recommended until the battery dies, but I can't tell whether the battery was fully drained)

Solved! Found the solution in Lenovo's forum, A1 and A1107 Unbrick fix/full factory restore:

There have been several instances of people having problems with A1 and A1107 devices. This guide explains how to fix any software issue, including those that "brick" the device, or stop it booting up at all, by restoring the tablet to a completely stock factory state. It can also be used to safely upgrade a Gingerbread A1 to Ice Cream Sandwich, by using the A1107 image that corresponds to the storage space that your device has.


text:
Arabic support for my Android device
I've got a new phone (Samsung galaxy SII) with Android 4 on it.  I would like to be able to add Arabic support on it.  Is there a simple way to do so ?
I'm a newbie with Android related subjects, so I'm not able to handle complicated processes.

And by the way, ICS does support Arabic

Possible duplicate: http://android.stackexchange.com/questions/9757/help-getting-arabic-on-android

ICS supports arabic, and you can add keyboard languages from the settings of the device

If you have android 4, Arabic is already supported. You need only to get to setting then language system wide and change it to Arabic or any other language. Unfortunately you can't have the option of Arabic with arabic-western numerals 123. They only have the stupid option: Arabic with hindy numerals.

Some of Samsung devices doesn't support Arabic even if it have ICS (Android 4), this usually happens if you ordered your device from outside (like from amazon), if you want to add Arabic, you'll have to flash a ROM that supports Arabic (like the official UAE ROM), if you bought the phone from an Arabic country, talk to the salesman.
For the keyboard just install any other keyboard from Google Play (e.g Go Keyboard, Swiftkey ...etc)


text:
Set your own contact photo on huawei ascend 2?
I've tried everything. Saving myself as a contact, and changed the picture. Didn't work. Synced all my google accounts. Didn't work. I'm not even automatically saved in my contacts. I had to save my number, just to get to my voicemail.

OWN CONTACT AVATAR
To have your own contact avatar appearing, this varies a bit, due to the device being used or the app being used.
What is recommend and should work on any case is that you need to identify yourself to your phone:

Tap your device "menu" button;

Tap "Settings";

Scroll your way to "About phone" and tap it;

Tap "Status":
Where it reads "My phone number", you should read your own and up-to-date phone number there, otherwise the phone doesn't know who you are and cannot use any avatar.

A solution to allow you to apply your up-to-date phone number at the mentioned menu, or a solution to have your contact being retrieved from Google with an avatar, has already been mentioned here concerning the Avatar for the SMS conversation, but equally applies to your situation:
How to show own photo in SMS conversation?, specially the answer from Protron.

CONTACTS AVATAR
Usually the contact photo is the user's avatar, if the contact has a Google Account.
To apply a photo or change the existing one, you have to:

Open the "Contacts" app;
Scroll your way to the desired contact and long tap it;
Tap over "Edit Contact" from the popup menu;
Tap over the existent picture or over the picture square that if empty shows a + sign;
Select either "Take photo" or "Select photo from Gallery" to apply the new photo;
After selected, tap "Done" to actually save the changes.

By now your contact should have the new photo applied to it.

Official Android Support Page for Contacts Management:

Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) - Editing contact details

Can I do that for my OWN contact? I don't even have an option for myself...

@Patrice Sorry, I misread your question at first. Added information at the top of my answer concerning the "own contact avatar" situation.


text:
Do Samsung tablets have the same USB connector as Apple's iPad?
It seems that the USB cable for the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (and other Samsung tablets) looks like the one used for Apple's iPad or iPhone.
Is it the same?

No.
Apple's older iOS lineup and Samsung's Android tablets have a similar looking but different connector.
You can't interchange them.
And besides this: Apple's new ligthning plug clearly only works with iOS devices (iPhone 5 and iPad 4/mini and better). The available lightning-adapters also only work with iOS devices.


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How to zoom in a web browser on an Android TV?
I have a TV that runs Android 2.2. It can take a USB mouse and keyboard, and I'm running the Dolphin web browser on an auto-refreshed page for digital signage.
Only thing is, I can't get it to zoom in or out - there is no touch (so multitouch doesn't work) and there are no +/- buttons as there are on some stock browsers.
The stock browser doesn't work on the site in questions, and Firefox won't load onto the device (it has a MIPS processor, so any app using the native SDK won't work). Any ideas?

Purchase a mouse which supports multitouch gestures (using which you zoom in or out). e.g. PadKite
If you don't want to purchase anything, just go to Dolphin's Settings, tap Lab and turn ON pinch-Zoom Button. Then, you'll find +/- clickable buttons to zoom in or out.

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