text:
Mirror the Android Tablet Browser to Windows Browser
Is there any way I could mirror the default browser on Android 4.0+ to a web browser/emulator on my Windows PC? When I developed apps on native Android, there was a way through the IDE.
Can I accomplish this with the web browser also?


text:
My screen got broken, how to see on the computer what I'm doing in my device?
My Android device screen got broken and I can't see what I'm doing. That's the only wrong thing with my device, the rest is apparently working OK. Is there any way to send my device screen to my computer?
I don't want to work blindly anymore!

You don't have to continue working blindly, you can use Droid@Screen: it shows the screen of a real or emulated Android device on a computer running Windows, Mac OS or Linux.

Droid@Screen is a stand-alone Java Swing GUI application that shows the screen of an Android device on a computer. Its author says that its typical usage is showing an app demo or during training, but it also fits your case.
In order to use it, you need the following to be installed in your computer:

Java 6 (at least)
Android SDK, installed and configured.
Environment variable ANDROID_HOME (or ANDROID_SDK_HOME) pointing to the Android SDK installation directory. (Optional)
USB driver for the target Android device installed.

Note: USB Debugging must be enabled on your device. (Thanks @JasonC for the heads up)
I have been using it with my Galaxy Nexus and I must say that despite a little lag between what happens in the phone and what is displayed in the computer screen (2-4 s), it does what it says. You don't even need to be rooted for that!
You can download it from the author's site, where you also can watch a complete video and text instructions about its installation and usage.

You have to enable USB debugging for it to work, which means its useless if debugging was disabled when you broke your screen, because the Android folks failed to make the connection that everything you'd want to do with a broken screen requires a working screen to change that one setting.

It is possible to enable developer mode and usb debugging via connecting a USB keyboard with adapter to the phone and sending a carefully planned set of keystrokes. Plan that set of keystrokes with an a phone of the same manufacturer and OS version. For example, down, down, ENTER will get you to the app chooser menu. Use arrow keys to navigate.

If your device has an HDMIport, you can connect that to a display with HDMI port. There are programs, like Droid@Screen, as Dan said, that can cast the device's video output to a PC over the USB connection.

I improved the wording of your answer a bit, Daniel. Hope you don't mind

source: Stack Exchange

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

sort: votes


text:
Transfer a large file from PC to smartphone
I have a Samsung Galaxy S2, and a PC with Windows XP (I do not have WiFi). I want to transfer a 2.1 GB file from the computer to the phone. If I transfer the file as usual, I have the following error:

Failed to copy the selected files. Not enough free space on the
  device.

I think my problem is related to the type of the file system. What is the solution of my problem is there?

Are you copying it to the internal memory? Or the external SD card? Have you also check how much memory you have free?

I don't think your problem is related to the type of file system, because even FAT32 supports files as large as 4GB. Are you sure there is at least 2.1 GB free space available on your phone/SDcard?

@geff_chang, I am copying it to the internal memory. I have approximately 8GB of free memory.

@yrajabi, yes, I'm sure, because this phone is new, and the computer shows that the phone has about 8GB of free memory.

Be aware that though not a limiot of the file system (according to specs), many Android devices have a file size limit of ~2G (see: Does Android have a 2.1GB file size limit?).

@Izzy, I downloaded maps of my city on my local torrent. They weigh approximately 2.1 GB. The installation instructions say that I need to move the cards on the phone. How to do it?

Ask the dev, I cannot tell. If it's not supported on your phone, either the dev makes a "smaller version", or no-go I'd say.

first and foremost you should have your memory more than 2.1GB.
secondly,check the file type i.e FAT32 or not.please check the specs of your mobile.you generally get this message when you transfer a file onto a oc.please go through the link specified

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


text:
Installation of BusyBox on panda board on Android ICS kernel
I am trying to install BusyBox on panda board which has an ICS Android kernel.
I used the steps below:

Download binary file which supports the panda board
Push it into /system/busybox folder
Install the BusyBox command line tools on the target by executing the following commands on booted filesystem:
pc ./adb shell
target$ cd /system/busybox
target$ ./busybox --install .
target$ ./sh  #here i am getting error like ./sh: precmd: not found
Save the original sh executable by renaming it, and then create a soft-link to BusyBox sh:target$ cd /system/bin
target$ mv sh sh.android
target$ ln -s /system/busybox/sh sh
Export
export PATH=$PATH:/system/busybox:/sbin:/vendor/bin:/system/sbin:/system/bin:/system/xbin

Step 3 is to install BusyBox, and step 4 is to make BusyBox shell as default shell. But I am getting an error in the 3rd step. I want to make BusyBox shell as default shell, so I can run scripts on panda board.
I appreciate any type of suggestions or solutions. Thanks in advance.


text:
Skipping audio track using headphones
I have Samsung Galaxy Ace.
I listen to music using headphones. If I press button on headphones, it pauses/plays music. It is really annoying that I need to take phone out of my pocket, unlock the screen, and skip a song.
Is there a way to press a button on headphone, have it skip the current song and move to the next song like on Nokia phones? Is there any music player supporting this?
Thanks in advance.

Have you tried double press? While attempting try with different time gap between each press.

There are plenty of solutions available on the Google Playstore -- just search it for "headset control. Having a Philips headset, I use their Philips Headset and am really satisfied with it: One tap = pause/play, two-tap = forward 1 track, 3 tap = backward 1 track. Long-Tap (hold it) = volume up, tap and then long-tap = volume down... Most of these apps follow that scheme, many also allow to customize it. JAYS Headset Control should be a good option as well, but didn't work to well with my Philips headset; so if one doesn't do as expected, don't give up but try another.

The link to JAYS Headset Control appears dead.

@Firelord it's just an example; the search link should still work. According to Appbrain the app was indeed unpublished in 2017. I could also add the link to my corresponding app list :)

I find plenty of apps that do more than needed and ask for more permissions than I am willing to give :(

Double tapping on the button with two little dots works for me


text:
Can't connect an already booted device to adb
Every time I want to connect my phone to adb via USB I need to turn it off, plug the cable and turn it back on.
Is this the right way to go or am I missing something?
Documentation doesn't seem to explicitly state that.
Some details:

Samsung GT-B5510 Galaxy Y Pro (Android 2.3.6)
Android Debug Bridge version 1.0.29
Debian GNU/Linux 7.0 (wheezy)

Hi cYrus, some more info on make/model and Android version would be helpful. You're right, your phone's behaviour is not standard.

Is USB debugging enabled?

@ce4: Added some more infos.

@LiamW: Sure, as I said, I manage to get it working if I turn on the device with the USB cable plugged.

Ok, as a start you could see if adb is running from within Android. Install terminal emulator and run ps | grep adb (you should see somthing like: shell     2818  1     4496   200   ffffffff 00000000 S /sbin/adbd if it runs). If it does only run after you booted it with usb plugged in, it's a problem with your device. It's probably fixable, but that requires root. Ping me in the chat it's probably faster to discuss there.

This is the real issue cYrus had (we tracked it down via interactive chat):
The phone has obviously some race condition between plugging USB in and USB ready. Plugging in basically gives 2 events:

Power connected event (start charging battery)
USB connected event (enumerate devices etc.)

If the Host system asks for USB enumeration too quickly (before the power-connected event has settled probably), then that operation fails and the device stays invisible.
The workaround is to slowly insert the USB cable.
Reason: USB has 4 pins, the 2 outer ones are +/- and protrude longer than the inner 2 data pins. If inserted slowly, there's a time gap between the power-connected event and the data-connected event

You need to be nice to your phone, hehe. Open a can of jokes now... :-)

I have had similar trouble with a different device.  After you plug you device in try:
adb devices

If your phone is not listed, try restarting ADB:
adb kill-server
adb start-server

Lastly, check if there are any driver updates for your phone.  A good place to start looking for drivers is Google's OEM page and Samsung's support page.  Additional tips might be found on this SO question.

Restarting adb makes no difference, I'll check for driver updates, stay tuned...

Forgot to mention: I'm using Linux.


text:
SD card unexpectedly removed
I have a galaxy S3 with a 32gb class10 sd card.
Unfortunately I experience the SD card unexpectedly removed - Preparing SD card phenomenon all the time. The card works ok as long as it is being used: I watch videos, mp3 etc, even on pc.
I tried formatting a couple of times and I also checked on other S3 phone which presented the same problem. I checked a 16 GB class 10 card on my phone which worked ok!
I read somewhere that this is a JB problem and that I should wait for 4.2 (I'm on 4.1.1 now)
Another solution explained that I should root my phone and do this:

Edit files in the folder /sys/devices/virtual/bd i/179:
  0/read_ahead_kb by pressing and holding the read_ahead_kb then choose
  open in text editor.
Note: Other phones don't have 179:0.. but is ok 179:8   Replace the
  numbers in it from the default (128KB) to 1024 / 2048 / 4096
  (according to taste max = 4096) and then save and exit.

What are your thoughts? is it JB or the Card?
I should also mention that the removing/rescanning my card is killing my battery very fast.

First thoughts: Please improve spelling. I tried to fix most of it already, but for two paragraphs I had no idea what it should like ("Edit files in folder..." and the following). It's not clear to me what those mean. Would you please edit/update that part?

when you formatted the sdcard, did you format it on the device or did you format it from a pc?

i am also not quite sure what the guy meant... im quotinig someone else

My thought: It's the card and/or Samsung's firmware. I personally have a Galaxy S2 with a 32GB card (that runs CyanogenMod aftermarket firmware, i.e. Jelly Bean 4.1, for some days now CM10.1/Jelly Bean 4.2.1). Never experienced that problem here (it's only a class4 card though). Regarding the battery problem on rescanning: Well, depending on the fill level, Android has to sift through a massive amount of files/data.

Sounds like an SD card problem to me. I've experienced similar problems a few times over the course of the years -- a card that has worked ok for some time has started to get "ejected" by itself. Changing the SD card has always solved the problem. .. Hmm. Except once but that phone turned out to be a very problematic case in a number of ways.
So, try out changing the SD card, I would suggest.

That's what I did, after some time, tried another sd card and it worked ok

Glad to hear @krasatos . Now, if you wouldn't mind marking my answer as The Chosen One (or what ever the heck it's called in here) I would appreciate that (as it would give me some reputation points -- and remove some of the dorky limitations of what I can(n't) do in StackExchange.
Thanks.


text:
How to create duplicate bookmarks in Android?
I'm using the stock browser on my new Samsung S3 mini (Jellybean) and am having trouble with the browser. When I go to the bookmarks page it seems to have two sections, one called "My Device" and one for my Google account, which seems to contain my bookmarks from my desktop Chrome browser.
I have 100 or so bookmarks on my desktop browser since I have a mouse and a nice big screen to go along with it but on my phone I don't expect to be able to browse more than a few very often so I'd like to create a set of bookmarks to access from the phone quickly and easily. I don't want to navigate around the complex directory structure that I have for my desktop.
I'm running into a problem though. It seems that the browser won't let you duplicate any bookmarks. When you try to add them it just says "already in use" if the bookmark exists anywhere under "My Devices" or my Google account and no matter where I'm adding the bookmark.
Have you all run into this problem and how have you solved it? Should I resort to stupid tricks like adding a "#" after all the bookmarks for the mobile version simply to convince the browser that it's a different page when it's not really?

What's the S3 mini's stock browser? The old one (known from Gingerbread, etc.) or already Google Chrome?

same as old one

Are you having better luck with Chrome?


text:
Invalid IMEI on HTC One X after factory reset
I performed a factory reset on my phone, and now it says that I have an invalid IMEI. I cannot call anyone or get calls.
Phone model: HTC One X
Android Version: 4.1.5
Baseband Version: 201206010808
Kernel Version: 4.1.5
Build Number: ONE X 4.1.5 HTC
Build version: 4.1.5

How did that happen? A factory reset just wipes the /data and /cache partition, something is missing from this... just saying... were you messing with something there that is omitted from the question?

Related: How to fix “Invalid IMEI ” after Factory reset?, How can I restore IMEI code after factory reset?, How to restore my IMEI?


text:
How can I determine if my device has USB Host Mode (OTG) support?
Some Android devices can act as a USB host, so that you can use other USB devices attached to them. For instance, browse or import the photos stored on a camera from your phone, or copy files onto a USB memory stick attached to your tablet, plug a full-size USB keyboard or mouse into a tablet, or use an external GPS or wifi device.
How can I tell if my device can do this?

On my tablet with OTG, it says it in the specs on the product page online on Amazon. Look at the datasheet. If it says it has it, well there you go. If not... I'd say no. They usually like to "advertise" and "show off" what their products can do. (Even if nobody except electrical engineers read datasheets.)

Is there a definite way to know if my phone supports USB-OTG or not?

To use an attached USB device you need to have:

A USB OTG (USB On-The-Go) cable
USB Host Mode drivers loaded on your device
A version of the Android operating system loaded on that device that supports USB Host Mode
An Android device (eg phone or tablet) that has built-in hardware support for USB Host Mode
And finally there need to be drivers on your device, for whatever USb device you're plugging in.

Operating System
USB Host Mode support was introduced in Android version 3.1 (Honeycomb), so if you have Android 3.1, or newer installed on your device then you should have the necessary support for it in your OS, Android 4 also adds additional USB and OTG support. Also, many third-party ROMs add support for USB Host Mode to phones that have the hardware support, but don't have the necessary OS or driver support in the official operating system release.
Host Mode Drivers
Most devices that have both hardware support and a new enough OS will have the necessary drivers loaded to enable USB Host Mode, but some don't. You can find driver apps on the Play Store for some models that don't have built in drivers. Some models with 3rd party instructions and drivers available are:

Nexus One
HTC Desire
HTC Incredible

Cable
You can't just use a normal USB cable. As these devices can act as both a USB "slave" device (for instance so that you can plug them into a PC and copy music onto your phone, or copy pictures off the phone) and a USB "host" (for example so that you can plug a USB memory stick into your tablet and copy files on or off it) they need some way to tell which they should act as at a given time.
A USB OTG (USB On-The-Go) cable is what is used to tell your device to act as a host, this is like a normal USB cable but it has one of the internal pins connected to Ground at one end to let that device know that it should act as the host (technically pins 4 & 5 are shorted to ground in an OTG cable).
Additionally, as most phones have micro-USB sockets, but most USB dongles have "full-size" USB plugs, as below many OTG cables have a male micro-B USB plug at one end, and a female USB-A plug at the other to convert between the different sized connectors.

The Motorola Camera Connection kit, which is a USB OTG cable
USB OTG cables can be bought fairly cheaply on places like eBay or the Amazon marketplace, as well as many small electronics shops. You may also find that your device's manufacturer sells an official, branded one, often called something like a "Camera Connection Kit" or "USB Memory Stick Connection Cable". If you're brave you can also find various tutorials on the web on how to make your own OTG cable from a standard USB cable.
USB device drivers
When you plug your USB device into your Android phone or tablet it needs to know what that USB device is and what to do with it. For common devices, like USB memory sticks, or cameras that support PPTP or USB Mass Storage, these will often already be built into the OS. For other USB devices, like Wifi, 3G or Bluetooth dongles there may not be drivers pre-built into the OS, or only drivers for certain specific devices.
How to test everything together
There are some apps that can help you test whether you have all of the necessary hardware and software to do this, such as USB Host Diagnostics. Using it to test your device's capabilities is very simple

Install USB Host Diagnostics from the Play Store
Run it
Tap the Start Diagnostics link, and following the directions first ensure that you have nothing plugged into USB on your device and then plug a device (such as a USB flash drive) in when prompted

If everything works you should end up with a summary screen like this, showing firstly a few details about your device and the running OS, then letting you know whether or not your device says that it supports USB Host Mode, and then the all important final Verdict that lets you know whether testing the Host Mode access worked or not:

If everything is working and the app successfully detected your USB device (showing that your USB Host Mode is working) you should have "Yes"s in the ringed sections, and some details showing how much access 3rd party (ie non-built-in) apps have to the device. If not, there should be details there to help you track down where the problem is.
Alternatively, Chainfire, the author of USB Host Diagnostics, has a (long) listing of all the reports that people have submitted after running the test on their devices. You can look your device up in the list and see if people with your device and operating system version have passed all of the tests, or not. Have a look for your device here: http://usbhost.chainfire.eu/

Chainfire also has a listing of all the devices for which information has been submitted by the diagnostics app and the results they got.  Useful if you want to check for support before you buy the device.

Thanks @Compro01 hadn't spotted that, have added a note mentioning that link.

Anybody knows samusng GT-S5830V supports OTG? please ans if you any custom kernal does that!

Does it show which version of USB OTG is supported (e.g. USB3 OTG vs USB 2 OTG)?


text:
What's a good way to read PDF musical scores on Android tablet in rehearsal and performance?
As a chorus and opera singer, I frequently download public-domain scores in PDF form. I would like to read them on an Android tablet during rehearsals. I don't have an Android tablet myself yet, but from my experience with an Android phone (small screen) and iPad tablet, I expect the following flaws:

Some PDF files containing high-resolution scans of the score take a long time to display. The degree of lag is a function of how the PDF file was made. In some scores it seems like the page starts off blurry and comes into focus. (Observed on iPad)
It's difficult to jump to arbitrary points in the score (e.g. director says, "let's skip to page 166", those with books turn easily, I fumble fumble on the device) (Observed on phone and iPad)
It's hard to add bookmarks to PDF files to correspond to rehearsal numbers, to speed up jumping to points in the score. (Observed on phone and iPad)
There's no way I know of to make annotations on the score during a rehearsal, even an "x" to say "review this later". (Observed on phone and iPad)
Other wishes for Android PDF readers, gleaned from about a dozen questions here on Android.SE tagged with pdf

So I'm looking for a good way to read PDF musical scores on Android tablet in rehearsal and performance. I'm looking for characteristics like:

Should read ahead in the PDF file, digesting the next couple of pages of the score, so that when I turn to the next page, the page appears instantly -- for all PDF files, even those with high-resolution scanned images.
Easy ways to jump to page numbers and rehearsal numbers quickly, while rehearsing.
Ways to add bookmarks to scores for rehearsal numbers
Some way of annotating the score.
Displays each musical staff at least 7mm high
Displays the score at least 15cm x 10cm, preferably 20cm x 25cm, and a huge 50cm x 33cm would be even better.
I can think of many features which would make the experience even better.

Can any of you recommend a way to use an Android device as a good PDF musical score reader?
Background: I'm dithering about whether to buy an iPad or Android tablet, and music score reading is an important use case for me. Knowing there's a good way to get the job done will influence my choice.
I have found only one other question in Android.SE, Auto scrolling PDF reader?. They ask only about the auto-scrolling feature, which is one I actually don't find so important.
There is a Music.SE site, but they consider questions like this one out of scope.
Update: rephrased into a "How can I do X?" question per Android.SE meta discussion.

Unfortunately this question is off-topic as asking for recommendations is forbidden, read the [FAQ], thanks! :)

Rephrased into a "How can I do X?" question per Android.SE meta discussion.

The brussels orchestra already does this (using Samsung 10.1 tabs), afaik they have custom apps. Maybe ask them? http://global.samsungtomorrow.com/?p=20238

+1 I've thought about this myself (as an amateur handbell ringer) -- but the ability to mark up the score would be a must-have.

Agreed, I think MobileSheets or the Fakebook (my favourite) is the way to go. Quick browsing in music and (almost) no delay when swiping between pages. Some of the other features between these two varies, so YMMV. Fakebook is at http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.skrivarna.fakebook.android
Hope this helps!

The major problem here is not the app, there's a lot of suitable music readers, but finding a large enough tablet. From my experience, the really large screens tend to be powered by older processors and lack resolution, being manufactured by some of the smaller and lesser known brands. This also means they often run older versions of Android. To put it simply, the main (sole?) selling point is the screen size.
That being said, as recommended by Ulf above, give the Fakebook sheet music reader app a try. It has most of the features mentioned, including pre-loading/pre-parsing for quicker page loading. Still no bookmarking though.
As it's only $2 at Google Play. it won't break the bank (and, as the developer, I can offer you a refund if not completely satisfied).
Have fun playing!

Samsung makes a 12.2" tablet. :)

Correct. But 12.2" is still far from 50cm x 33cm... Actually it is still smaller than the OP preferred 20cm x 25cm or the A4 size often requested by musicians.

I have been using MobileSheets recently and have used it with big band charts that I scanned in as PDF files.  The nice feature I found was the ability to set links (up to 10 per song)  back to a D.S, sign and then from the "to coda" sign jump there using a Airturn 105 pedal. Worked great in a performance where I had the set list set up and could just keep hitting the pedal to go to the next song or section of a song without trying to flip multiple pages in the charts.
I was using my Asus tablet a TF101 which is a little smaller than my Freehand Music pad which I have used for a few years. The Freehand its reaching the end soon and I have been looking for a replacement and the MobileSheets supports PDF, and image files much better so I am thinking the Android will be a good change. I am looking for the right size screen the Asus p1801-t (has battery 5 hours) is a possibility or the Viewsonic VSD221 (no battery). Either of those could display (2) pages I think.


text:
What is the origin and purpose of RS_##.log files?
On my Galaxy S3 (I747, rooted stock ROM, 4.1.1 jellybean), there are a number (currently 66) of files in /data with names following the format RS_##.log, where ## is a 1 or 2 digit number, currently from 0 to 65.
All files are slightly less than 1KB in size and when viewed as text, contain nothing but strings of seemingly random 5 digit numbers, like these.
71608
70944
70096
70376
70944

All files are owned by system and have rw-rw-rw permissions set.
Most of the files have been updated recently (yesterday) and within 1 minute of each other.  The rest were updated just over 2 weeks ago, also all at once.
What exactly is creating these files and what exactly are they logging?

Could RS stand for "Random Seed"?  (Not posting as an Answer because it's pure speculation)

@Josh - I wouldn't think so.  Unless there's something I'm not considering, a random seed would only be written just before a reboot and the file timestamps don't correspond to any times I've rebooted the phone.


text:
Getting "E:Error in /sdcard/.zip (status 7)" while upgrading Android Nexus 4.0.1 to 4.1.x (Jelly bean)
I tried to install Jelly Bean (4.1.1) onto the Nexus S handset following the instructions from here.
Later, I noticed that the Nexus should have at least 4.0.3 to upgrade to 4.1.x.
So I tried to install 4.0.3 following the instruction from here.
But each and every time I'm having the error -

E:Error in /sdcard/filename.zip (Status 7)

How can I fix that?

Please clarify the following: Is the bootloader unlocked? If yes, then Ok, did the first install worked when following the instruction from the first link you've enclosed? What particular model of Nexus do you have? GSM/LTE?

Yes the bootloader is unlocked and it never worked for either of the instruction. And it is a GSM Nexus S phone.

Right, status 7 is a verification error due to one of many, such as build.prop failure check, not enough space, corrupted zip file, etc. You have access to recovery and adb while in recovery? if so, look for recovery.log, and pull it down via adb, and post it here.

Ok.. Here's the log file http://sushi.usask.ca/androidfiles/last_log

The explanation is simple, as I have suspected, there's a verification mis-match in the build.prop, see below,
Starting recovery on Fri Jan  4 20:43:32 2013
can't open /dev/tty0: No such file or directory
framebuffer: fd 3 (480 x 800)
ClockworkMod Recovery v5.0.2.0
recovery filesystem table
=========================
  0 /tmp ramdisk (null) (null)
  1 /sdcard vfat /dev/block/platform/s3c-sdhci.0/by-name/media (null)
  2 /system ext4 /dev/block/platform/s3c-sdhci.0/by-name/system (null)
  3 /cache yaffs2 cache (null)
  4 /data ext4 /dev/block/platform/s3c-sdhci.0/by-name/userdata (null)
  5 /misc mtd misc (null)
  6 /boot mtd boot (null)
  7 /recovery mtd recovery (null)
  8 /bootloader mtd bootloader (null)
  9 /radio mtd radio (null)

W:Unable to get recovery.fstab info for /sd-ext during fstab generation!
I:Completed outputting fstab.
I:Processing arguments.
Fixing execute permissions for /cache
mtd: successfully wrote block at 0
I:Set boot command "boot-recovery"
I:Checking arguments.
I:device_recovery_start()
Command: "/sbin/recovery"

ro.secure=0
ro.allow.mock.location=1
ro.debuggable=1
persist.service.adb.enable=1
ro.build.id=GRJ22
ro.build.display.id=GRJ90
ro.build.version.incremental=121341
ro.build.version.sdk=10
ro.build.version.codename=REL
ro.build.version.release=2.3.5
ro.build.date=Mon Sep  5 11:04:10 PDT 2011
ro.build.date.utc=0
ro.build.type=eng
ro.build.user=koush
ro.build.host=Koushik-Lion.local
ro.build.tags=test-keys
ro.product.model=Nexus S
ro.product.brand=google
ro.product.name=soju
ro.product.device=crespo
ro.product.board=herring
ro.product.cpu.abi=armeabi-v7a
ro.product.cpu.abi2=armeabi
ro.product.manufacturer=samsung
ro.product.locale.language=en
ro.product.locale.region=US
ro.wifi.channels=
ro.board.platform=s5pc110
ro.build.product=crespo
ro.build.description=soju-user 2.3.4 GRJ22 121341 release-keys
ro.build.fingerprint=google/soju/crespo:2.3.4/GRJ22/121341:user/release-keys
rild.libpath=/vendor/lib/libsec-ril.so
rild.libargs=-d /dev/ttyS0
ro.sf.lcd_density=240
keyguard.no_require_sim=true
ro.opengles.version=131072
wifi.interface=eth0
wifi.supplicant_scan_interval=15
dalvik.vm.heapsize=32m
ro.rommanager.developerid=cyanogenmod
ro.url.legal=http://www.google.com/intl/%s/mobile/android/basic/phone-legal.html
ro.url.legal.android_privacy=http://www.google.com/intl/%s/mobile/android/basic/privacy.html
ro.com.google.clientidbase=android-google
ro.com.android.wifi-watchlist=GoogleGuest
ro.setupwizard.enterprise_mode=1
ro.com.android.dateformat=MM-dd-yyyy
ro.com.android.dataroaming=false
ro.config.ringtone=Playa.ogg
ro.config.notification_sound=regulus.ogg
ro.config.alarm_alert=Alarm_Beep_03.ogg
ro.ril.enable.managed.roaming=1
ro.ril.oem.nosim.ecclist=911,112,999,000,08,118,120,122,110,119,995
ro.ril.emc.mode=2
ro.modversion=CyanogenMod-7.1.0-RC1-NS-KANG
ro.kernel.android.checkjni=1
ro.setupwizard.mode=OPTIONAL
dalvik.vm.dexopt-flags=m=y
net.bt.name=Android
net.change=net.bt.name
dalvik.vm.stack-trace-file=/data/anr/traces.txt
ro.factorytest=0
ro.serialno=3334E1630CFF00EC
ro.bootmode=unknown
ro.baseband=I9020XXKI1
ro.carrier=ATT
ro.bootloader=I9020XXKL1
ro.hardware=herring
ro.revision=16
init.svc.recovery=running
init.svc.adbd=running

I:Checking for extendedcommand...
I:Skipping execution of extendedcommand, file not found...
mtd: successfully wrote block at 0
I:Set boot command ""

-- Installing: /sdcard/VQ8PQk_V.zip
mtd: successfully wrote block at 0
I:Set boot command "boot-recovery"
Finding update package...
I:Update location: /sdcard/VQ8PQk_V.zip
Opening update package...
Installing update...
script aborted: assert failed: file_getprop("/system/build.prop", "ro.build.fingerprint") == "google/soju/crespo:2.3.6/GRK39F/189904:user/release-keys" ||
       file_getprop("/system/build.prop", "ro.build.fingerprint") == "google/soju/crespo:4.0.3/IML74K/239410:user/release-keys"
assert failed: file_getprop("/system/build.prop", "ro.build.fingerprint") == "google/soju/crespo:2.3.6/GRK39F/189904:user/release-keys" ||       file_getprop("/system/build.prop", "ro.build.fingerprint") == "google/soju/crespo:4.0.3/IML74K/239410:user/release-keys"
E:Error in /sdcard/VQ8PQk_V.zip
(Status 7)
Installation aborted.
mtd: successfully wrote block at 0
I:Set boot command ""

The ro.build.fingerprint contains this google/soju/crespo:2.3.4/GRJ22/121341:user/release-keys but the update performed a verification check on the fingerprint which resulted in mis-match and there-by producing Error code 7.
Notice the last few lines of the recovery.log, i.e. the update was expecting the handset to have this version of Gingerbread - google/soju/crespo:2.3.6/GRK39F/189904:user/release-keys OR expecting Ice Cream Sandwich google/soju/crespo:4.0.3/IML74K/239410:user/release-keys
This is meaning, that the version of Gingerbread on your handset is too old for the update to work. (Its Gingerbread 2.3.4 that is on it!) am not 100% sure how this recovery is showing the fingerprint as GB 2.3.4 if the OP states in the comments that the handset is running ICS 4.0.1
So to resolve the issue, you need to flash to Gingerbread v 2.3.6 Ice Cream Sandwich v.4.0.3 first, then apply the update and it should work then.
Edit
It transpires the OP is running ICS v. 4.0.1, the update script was performing a check for either 2.3.6 or 4.0.3 which is something that I have missed inadvertently.

But when i check from the system settings of the phone, it shows 4.0.1

Wait what? Hummm... you are on ICS right? You're confusing me now with the enclosing of the recovery log...

Well, I believe, the phone was originally with 2.3.4 when it was bought, but later it was upgraded to ICS ..

ahhh... let me edit the answer again....gotcha! wait, if recovery is saying the build prop's property is claiming to be 2.3.4, yet on your phone is 4.0.1, clearly the verification check is also checking for 4.0.3...

Right, try flashing ICS v 4.0.3 first and then apply the update, it should work then. :)

In my question I mentioned that I tried that too but still had the same issue :(

You are running ICS 4.0.1? right? Grab the build.prop from that - chances are the fingerprint keys don't match!

Here's the build.prop file - http://sushi.usask.ca/androidfiles/build.prop

Join in chat please! :)

Something is not right - you made a statement a while ago, that the phone settings is showing 4.0.1, But when i check from the system settings of the phone, it shows 4.0.1 – Pow 42 mins ago yet the build prop is showing this fingerprint ro.build.fingerprint=google/soju/crespo:2.3.7/GWK74/185293:user/release-keys - what gives there?

ro.build.id=GWK74 is definitely Gingerbread 2.3.7, so either you're being pranked into believing you're running ICS 4.0.1 or that you pulled the build.prop from elsewhere... the truth?

Well, I have no proof that I could show and I'm not very willing to waste my time pulling the build.prop from somewhere else. And I posted here cause I was having issues, if I could understand what's happening then I would have solved myself. Anyways, thanks for your help so far.

The problem is simple, you're not running ICS as you're lead to believe because the property ro.build.display.id=cm_crespo-userdebug 4.0.1 ICS_MR0 eng.koush.20111125.172824 test-keys is conflicting with the following ro.build.fingerprint=google/soju/crespo:2.3.7/GWK74/185293:user/release-keys hence why I am sceptical of what's going on. The fingerprint does not match with the display property. Any explanation for that? One or the other should match, along with the ro.build.id=GWK74

Ok Now I concentrated on that and installed ICS 4.0.3. Now I'm trying to install 4.0.4 and it's giving me the error E:Error in /tmp/sideload/package.zip (Status 7)

Alright, can you confirm that the fingerprint matches? If it does, and you're still getting the Status (7) error code, check if you have enough space?


text:
What are "Manual Updates" in Google Play Store?

Possible Duplicate:
Why do some of my apps show “Update” and some show “Update (manual)”?

I have been using Android for a long time now, updating the apps regularly (but not in the "Allow Automatic Update" mode).
Today, for the first time, I came across this:

So, my question is as to what exactly are these "Manual Updates" and how do they differ from just "Updates"?

It seams that Apps with updates are shown under "Manual Updates" when the update requires more permission that it's previous versions.

A speculative answer to the difference between "Manual Updates" and just "Updates" would be that "Allow Automatic download of updates" does not applies to "Manual Updates".


text:
Click2Call with Google Voice on Android
I have an HSPA+ Galaxy Nexus (Google Nexus 3) with T-Mobile USA online-and-walmart-exclusive 30$/mo 5GB@4G unlimited data plan, and I was disappointed to find out that I cannot use the official Google Voice app to perform Click2Call and make calls by receiving SIP INVITE's through an IPKall DDI number tied to an Internet Call Account within the official/default Phone app.
Why the Click2Call feature is available only in the iOS version of Google Voice, and is missing from Android?
How can I make Click2Call work without having to use any third-party apps or solutions with unclear security clearances?
I thought I could easily create an icon-app from https://www.google.com/voice/m, similarly to how it's done from Safari on iOS with the Add to Home Screen option, but I didn't find any similar options when visiting the web-app in the default Browser app on Android.

If I understand correctly, sounds like this is related to (but not a duplicate of) what I was looking for when asking a recent question of mine.

Absolutely!  So far, both questions can be solved by switching to iPhone/iPad/etc and the official Google Voice app on iOS.  Somehow the Click2Call feature has been on iOS GV for a really long time, but is still missing from the Android version!


text:
Galaxy S3 with 4.1.1 ActivSync contacts not showing
I have connected my S3 to my company's 2007 Exchange server through the native Microsoft ActivSync account settings.
I get mail, calendar and contacts - then at some point, the contacts all disappear.  They still exist in Outlook/Exchange, but will not show on my S3.
This seems to be an issue related to my contacts list: Other users using S3's on the same exchange server aren't seeing the same issue.
Are there any characters that shouldn't be in my contacts that might be causing some corruption or something?
Thanks.


text:
Why the battery need to be loaded before to root?
I read in some tutoriel that for the root to be working, battery needed to be loaded around 70 at at least.
Why is it so?
Does it endanger the phone, or it just prevent the root to be working for some reason?

Simple - if the battery is low, as rooting can be slow depending on handset, and the battery runs out, rooting will fail, but generally, battery must be at least 75% full for flashing, not rooting :)

@t0mm13b is right. Technically there should be no reason that you even need a battery inserted to flash (it's just power, which is already provided by USB here). Some phones however switch off if you remove the battery even if USB power is connected. It would be fatal for those phones if the battery dies before the flash procedure is done. That's why someone imposed the 75% charged battery precaution.

It's a safety factor.  Depending on the exact method, the rooting process can take a hour or more and if you run out of juice in the middle of the process, your phone can wind up bricked.

not exactly bricked - more likely soft bricked...


text:
Remove Device from Market Account?
Hear me out. I know that this has been asked before, but I am hoping that there might be a workaround or some new information.
My boyfriend has a [Phone X] that has been sent in for replacement twice, and he now has two [Phone X] registered to his google account, and neither one of them is his newest phone.
This is the weird part: somebody has one of his old phones and is using it. He can see everything they download and install onto the phone.
What is going ON here? I know it is possible to "hide" that phone, but it just does not seem good enough, from a security standpoint.  His android market account is connected to a google wallet account.
((I am the one asking because I am more interested in tech and more patient about troubleshooting.))

First, I wouldn't be that worried about 'hiding' the phone. I would be worried that if he can see what they download, his account is still attached to that phone. which means they can see EVERYTHING he downloads, emails, chats, etc.
He needs to change the password on the gmail account. Maybe, for extra security, turn on 2 step verification.
You can't, at this time, remove a device from the market. What you can do is go to your Play settings and you can hide the device so they don't show up in the menus.

Thank you! He has changed his password now and added the two-step verification, as you suggested. The stranger has been downloading a lot of apps recently, so I'll watch the old phone for a few days just to make sure the activity stops. I assume that I shouldn't see anything else show up now that the password has been changed.

Not exact but alternate solution is change google account password so it will automatically sign out and ask for new password in device. After that register the device with your username and new password so you are the only user using it. The other is not able to use your account any more as that one doesn't have new password. :)


text:
Do widgets slow down Android phone?
I use a lot of widgets (like Gmail, calender, weather app, Facebook, music, news, etc.) and since I have been using them I feel my mobile has become slower than before.
I don't use a task manager. Watchdog alerts me on Gmail only. My RAM is 512MB.
Are there any studies that reflect Android performance with the use of widgets?

I share my experience and knowledge as an android developer:
Most widgets don't consume (or use just a bit) processor power when they are not visible, but some would consume even if your screen is off and phone is locked. It is based on what task the widget is considered to do, and how developer has written and optimized the code.
As a general rule: more widgets would slow down your launcher (desktop) because your phone has to render UI of the widget every time it is shown to you.
As I see, your phone is a low-end one and surely, it shows some lag when you add more widgets, but keep in mind that smartphones are made to do TASKS, not to just scroll fast and be lag-free. So, if you really use those widgets, keep using them!
And one more thing, if your phone is running on Android ICS 4.0 or newer, you wouldn't need any task manager or task killer. Android itself best manages tasks and you shouldn't worry about background tasks, as long as you haven't installed any malicious app.
killing background apps NEVER improves speed on your phone or battery life.

Actually, as of Android 2.3 and newer a task manager is not needed, and NEVER improves speed or battery life, it would make it worse.

As a developer can you answer this.  Android shows you the estimated battery consumption per app in Battery Usage.  Does this include battery consumption of that app's widgets?  Or does that contribute to the battery consumption of the launcher, or something else like the launcher, or something like "Android System"?

I had a chronic performance (response) problem with my phone.
I suspected widgets as culprits and removed 5 widgets.
After this, it works fast.
So I'd say/conclude that widgets hurt performance.

It boils down to how well widgets are designed in such way not to interfere, use heavy threads, broadcasting too much etc. So not necessarily tarring all widgets with the same brush as your user-experience...


text:
What would it take to turn my Android phone into a full-fledged TV gaming console?
I recently found an app called DroidEmu which basically lets me play any GBA, GBC, GameGear, Genesis, Nes, or Snes game I want on my phone. I also discovered a way to connect PS3 controllers to my device so I can play those games with a physical controller.
This got me thinking; what would it take to turn my Android phone into a full-fledged TV-based gaming console? Is that even feasible right now? I know that's its fairly easy to connect Android devices to TVs using an HDMI adapter so that shouldn't be a problem, but what about native Android games that work with a controller, are there many of those? If so, are there any that support split-screen gaming with multiple controllers or online/lan-based multiplayer? What are the chances of this situation improving in the near future?

Nice idea, now I think about it, too.
I found a little list here (please feel free to edit/add):

GTA3
Muffin Knight
Pool Break
Riptide GP
ShadowGun
Shine Runner
Sonic CD
Soulcraft THD

If I find some time, I will add controller support to my game Orc Genocide. ATM, it's playable head-on-head with multitouch (useless for TV, but awesome for tablets). I will let you know.

So, these are games that work with a controller, right? (which answers one of his many questions)

I didn't tested this games myself but other confirmed they are playable with controller. But I think none of them is playable via splitscreen/LAN.

Started a little social list here http://list.ly/list/8tK-android-games-that-support-xbox-360-controller

Yes, it's perfectly feasible. I know some people who've been doing exactly that with a Samsung Galaxy S II for more than a year: using a Bluetooth game pad to control it and MHL to connect to their living-room TV.
Console emulators tend to support using two controllers for multi-player gaming, but there aren't that many Android games that support it, because it's still a tiny fraction of the Android gaming market. Even so, now there are a few popular Android devices specifically designed for use as a home games console, such as the Ouya, you can expect more and more games designed to be played this way.
You might even find that game designers start to use the support in 4.3 for having different output on the device screen and MHL, to end up with a WiiU-style game with one player playing on the touchscreen itself, and another using the TV screen and a Bluetooth game controller. If Chromecast or Miracast become more popular, they'll make that kind of two-screen play a lot more accessible to users, which also means they're a lot more attractive to developers.

About the Chromecast: I own one, and it has a noticeable lag (about 2s) that makes gaming impractical, to say the least.


text:
How to understand failure cause from Android system recovery?
My phone stopped working(it freezes on Samsung logo when restarting) one day. I'm tring to figure out possible cause using Android system recovery.
That what I see
    MBR checksum Error
Moviinand Checksum Confirmation Fail
lfs pass open fail
update media
E: Can't mount /dev/block/mmblk0p1 (No such file)
E: copy_dbdata_demdia:Can't mount SDCARD
 your storage no prepared yet, please use UI menu for format and reboot

Formating/rebooting wipe data do not help me earthier.
What can cause such sitation?

What device are you referring to?

samsung GT-i9003

How did this happen? Are we missing details here?

Best take it back and get it checked out with your carrier as that's not a good thing for checksum failure  especially on MoviiNAND chip itself... hardware failure am guessing here... :(

It just stopped working without any reason overnight.

The MBR refers to near-equivalent of Windows's MBR aka Master Boot Record, but in the context of PBL(Primary BootLoader) or SBL (Secondary BootLoader) so its high probability that is hardware failure! Take it back to your carrier to get it replaced. Sorry, cannot do more! :(


text:
Read product reviews and find better alternatives by scanning barcode
Is there a way to read product reviews and find alternative products/suggestions by scanning a barcode with my Galaxy Nexus? I found searchreviews, but it was not so good. If not, are there any web services to achieve this?

I use ShopSavvy Barcode Scanner to scan barcodes and check for reviews. It works with Google books and other services. You can also let it search online; it will open your browser and search the barcode.
I'm not sure about alternatives, though. But if it takes you to Amazon, Amazon can give you recommendations.

Flow Powered by Amazon can read barcodes, QR codes, and even does character recognition to read CD, DVD, and book titles, plus some other cool stuff. If you're very much into the Amazon.com ecosystem it's worth a look. (Techcrunch write-up)
Amazon Price Check sticks to just doing Amazon.com price lookups.


text:
Quick NOTETAKING with Android
I often resort to pen and paper for quick notes like telephone-numbers, because I feel using my phone will take to long.
Are there any apps for android that will let me be just as quick (freehand), without beeing "just" a drawing application?
Need to somehow sync into cloud or web.
Ideally it should be possible to quickly open the mick and attach the input
(Like evernote)

There are plenty of note taking apps on the Play Store :

Evernote, its Android Widget and all the official Evernote apps (like Skitch) are available on the Play Store.
If you do not want to use Evernote you have got the same thing with Catch.com. There are its Catch Notes app and all the other on the Play Store.
You can use the official Microsoft OneNote app for Android if you are a Microsoft OneNote user.
If you do not want online sync, you can use Note Everything. It is a free app but there is also a Pro Add-on (€2.99) with more features.
You can also try Scribb.it which is more of a multipurpose note taking app. Its free but you can get a Premium Key (€0.85) to enhance your experience.
Google released Google Keep, its own note taking app too.

If it's possible, and when I'm feeling lazy, I just use my camera.
Otherwise, I use ProDo (it's a task manager). I have a widget on my homescreen, and I just touch it when I want to make a quick and short "note" (or task). Notes or Tasks, it doesn't matter. When I'm done with them, I delete the "note", or move the data to other apps like Evernote or Contacts, if necessary.

Really? A downvote?


text:
What is FxStreamingTexture and why does it fill up my logcat?
My locgat is full of such lines:

01-05 10:46:40.939: D/FxStreamingTexture(3948): BasicFuture_get return m_value = android.graphics.Bitmap@4074d6b8

How can I get rid of them?


text:
How can I make it so that any user can chmod in my fuse-mounted ext4-formatted /sdcard?
I have an ASUS Transformer Pad TF101. I finally got round to rooting it just now.
Important: /sdcard is not FAT32. It's a fuse filesystem based in ext4. So it is capable of using chmod.
So that I can work on it optimally, I'd like to be able to place executables in /mnt/sdcard. (Note that while it is called sdcard it is not, in actual fact, an SD card; it is internal storage.) I'd also like chmod in general to succeed, as it causes problems with certain things in Mercurial when it fails (even when I've patched the things in the main codebase to make it work at all, a few things in Python standard library calls still break).
I presume that the problem is something to do with the mount flags, but I don't know what, so here they are:
$ mount
...
/dev/block/mmcblk0p7 on /data type ext4 (rw,nosuid,nodev,noatime,nodiratime,errors=panic,user_xattr,acl,barrier=1,nodelalloc,data=ordered)
...
/dev/fuse on /mnt/sdcard type fuse (rw,nosuid,nodev,relatime,user_id=1023,group_id=1023,default_permissions,allow_other)
...

I'm not sure what happens with the FUSE stuff, but I know that /sdcard's contents are stored in /data/media.
Here, then, is the baffling thing about it all:

As 10126 (terminal) in /sdcard, I can't chmod.
As 1023 in /sdcard, I can't chmod.
As 0 in /sdcard, I can chmod.
As 10126 in /data/media, I can't chmod.
As 1023 in /data/media, I can chmod.
As 0 in /data/media, I can chmod.

Having applied chmod a+w /data/media, 10126 can then chmod appropriate files in /data/media, but still neither 10126 nor 1023 can chmod in /mnt/sdcard, which is what I ideally want. (Because it sorts out all the rest of the permissions so that you don't end up with fragmented file ownership.)
Also, if I create files in /sdcard, they will be owned by UID/GID 0/1015 (1015 being sdcard_rw), while if I create them in /data/media, they will be owned by the UID/GID of the user (0/0) rather than 1023/1023 in /data/media (they will still be owned by 0/1015 in /sdcard—I don't understand that but am not drastically worried by it).
So then, my question: how can I make it so that any account can successfully chmod in /mnt/sdcard, rather than just root?
I have been using /mnt/sdcard and /sdcard interchangeably in this question; /sdcard is symlinked to /mnt/sdcard.

I suggest that you edit your question so that it states in the title that it's in fact a ext4 formated SD card (e.g. "How can I make it so that any user can chmod in a ext4 formated /sdcard?").

@Flow: thanks, that's a wise suggestion. Done.

It's not implemented, you have to live without it (or patch the fuse implementation yourself)

Chmod will never be supported. That's on purpose according to comments in the source code.
Here's a reference to the FUSE implementation on Github pointing to a comment that says this.
And the original head on Googlesource (a bit harder to navigate than Github).
Even root cannot bypass it:
shell@android: # id
uid=0(root) gid=0(root)
shell@android: # touch /mnt/sdcard/x; ls -l /data/media/0/x
-rw-rw-r-- media_rw     media_rw        0 2013-01-05 17:35 x
shell@android: # chmod 777 /mnt/sdcard/x; ls -l /data/media/0/x
-rw-rw-r-- media_rw     media_rw        0 2013-01-05 17:35 x
shell@android: # chmod 000 /mnt/sdcard/x; ls -l /data/media/0/x
-rw-rw-r-- media_rw     media_rw        0 2013-01-05 17:35 x

Note that ownership is hardcoded to media_rw:media_rw (below /data/media). PS: /data/media is another story, all the regular permissions apply here, it's ext4 and root is allowed to do whatever it wants.

The implementation has a few further shortcomings, e.g. setting time stamps doesn't work either (yet, see bug here: https://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=25460).

How come it works for root, then?

It doesn't work at all in the /mnt/sdcard folder (only in the /data/media folder and that's clear why root may chmod here, it's just the regular stuff). /mnt/sdcard however just lacks the implementation, the calls silently fail.

:-/ Silly me. That's what comes of not actually changing the bits in the chmod call... well then, I guess I'm stuck with working in /data/media if I ever want things +x. Thanks for explaining.

It's dreadful, I know. But it's part of the SD card legacy hell that Google tries to abandon. Let's hope they improve it eventually...

I guess the same's true for symlinks. There, you get "Function not implemented". At least it works in /data/local once again. Actually, hang on—symlinks really aren't implemented, so if you try using one in /sdcard it'll be broken... better not do that, then. :-(


text:
Is the setting OFF/ON of the security flag different from enabling/disabling of fastboot?
I am following the book XDA Developers Android Hackers Toolkit 2012.
 In the beginning chapters , it says that :
The second-stage bootloader checks to see if the security flag is on (S-ON) or off (S-OFF) and depending on that , it checks for the signatures in kernel and OS that is to be loaded . The book says that if the security flag is S-OFF , then the bootloader no longer checks for signatures and also makes the entire system writable .
Now , coming to fastboot :
Fastboot is a protocol that allows low level commands to be sent to a device to do such things as write files to the OS . Most manufacturers , therefore , disable the fastboot protocol at the factory .
Can the security flag be S-OFF and fastboot be disabled ? Can anyone elaborate on the relation between the security flag and fastboot protocol ?

S-OFF is mainly found in HTC devices, and is a separate security mechanism whereas the /system directory cannot be mounted RW across boots.
It also restricts other features.
If S-OFF is enabled, fastboot can't be disabled, as fastboot would have to be enabled to turn S off. As such, fastboot would most likely be enabled, unless it was re-locked in some way (which would in turn lock S to ON).

Does a 'locked' bootloader refer to one with a disabled fastboot or one with S-ON ? Thanks

Locked bootloader = disabled fastboot.


text:
How come I can't install Google Maps in Israel?
Google Maps doesn't seem to be available in the market when I'm in Israel. When I travel to Europe it appears. How come?
(I'm on CyanogenMod 7, but that shouldn't matter right?)
I have more or less the same problem on my iPhone!
UPDATE:
What I meant was that when in Europe I can install Google Maps and then it works great in Israel. Google Maps covers Israel weather you're there or not, the only hurdle is that within Israel you can't install it.

Google probably disables Google Maps in Israel largely for security reasons.
Google Street View in Israel was enabled only some time in 2012. Older news reports say that Google Maps for Israel was totally blank from some areas (especially areas that may attack Israel).
BTW, I can see Israel in Google Maps from my place (Philippines).
Related information:
Why Google Earth Pixelates Israel

See my Update in the question

@Jonathan Maybe Google Maps is not allowed / supported in Israel (and Google can detect that based on your IP address). In my case, although the Philippines has access to Google Maps app, Google Earth app is not supported for our country. BUT, I can still install Google Earth on my PC though.


text:
What is the difference between USB Mass Storage and USB Debug mode?
I am familiar with USB Mass Storage mode .
How exactly is USB Debug mode different from it  ?

An Android device in "Mass Storage" mode behaves just like a USB flash drive: It presents itself as a block device that can be mounted (i.e. "used") by the host PC. Just like a USB stick does.
Additionally "USB Debug Mode" can be enabled, which creates a new USB endpoint for the Android Debug Bridge (adb). This allows a user to get in-deep access to the connected Android device and furthermore it allows the debugging of apps. This is the reason why you should never attach an Android device with Debug Mode enabled to an untrustworthy PC. As USB is able to provide more than one endpoint per USB device, these "services", Mass Storage and adb, can be used simultaneously.

Thanks :) Can you elaborate a little on "endpoints" ? I do not know what they mean (in a technical context) . Does the concept of "USB Debug mode" exist for any USB device (like my ipod nano) ?

Debugging over USB is just a convenient way to do debug embedded devices of all types. But it's up to the device manufacturer how it's done (or if it all). A USB device can provide different "services" by announcing them on different endpoints.

Ohh .. In the Android world , does every device manufacturer provide a "USB Debug Mode" such that it can be accessed with "ADB" ?

USB Debug Mode is used by developers to test their apps. If they connect using USB Debug Mode, they will get debug information about how their app is working on the device.

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


text:
How can I move application user data (user specific settings, savegames, ...) to a different user?
I have a tablet with Android 4.2 and would like to copy/move the application user data (savegames, ...) from one user to another. I have root. Which directory do I need to move/copy. And do I have to care about the permissions?

I cannot say for sure (have yet to dig into the new directory structures with 4.2+). But a good guess comes from where the data are usually stored (/data/data/com.myapp, where com.myapp is the app's package name) and the fact that JB uses numerics (like e.g. /mnt/sdcard0) for user specific stuff: Check if there's something similar, I'd guess it will be something like /data/data0/com.myapp for the first user).

See also: How to migrate 4.1 primary user's app data to new 4.2 secondary user? / How to migrate applications to other user account without downloading the applications again?

I would use the app Titanium Backup.
1. Install Titanium Backup on the first user profile
2. Make a backup of the app or apps from the first user.
3. Install Titanium Backup on the second user profile
4. Restore data only to the second user profile
That should do the trick.
For instructions on how to use Titanium Backup look here: http://www.titaniumtrack.com/kb/titanium-backup-kb/titanium-backup-user-guide.html#backup

I think you can do it by go backup app, use go backup to backup apk+data, than copy the backed up apk +data in folder external storage/go backup, than make a copy to your friend mmc, than install go backup on your friend  phone and restore the app via go backup, i have not try it before, but i think it will work 100%, if you succes with this trick please give a reply


text:
fastboot not working on my Nexus 4
I'm trying to root my N4, and fastboot doesn't seem to work.  Running it on linux, and the fastboot binary seems to run.
'Fastboot devices' produces info on my device, but 'fastboot oem unlock' just echoes '...' and hangs.  I don't get the prompt on the phone about unlocking.  It just hangs there until I restart the bootloader, at which point fastboot echoes "FAILED (command write failed (Cannot send after transport endpoint shutdown)"
Other fastboot commands don't seem to work either.  'fastboot reboot' echoes 'rebooting...' but then nothing happens.
I've tried this with and without usb debugging enabled. Any ideas?
I'm beginning to think the USB port(s) on my machine may be blown.  This morning, the machine didn't recognize an iPod plugged in under Windows on either the front or back USB ports on my machine.  I'm working on the phone under Linux, and /var/adm/messages shows stuff happening when I plug the device in.  I'm guessing 'fastboot devices' doesn't acutally access the device - just looks at the device types detected by the OS when you plugged it in, no?  Is it possible I can read from the usb port but can't write to it?
Well, it looks like it was my USB ports.  I found an old laptop, booted it up to a Ubuntu live CD, and was able to root the phone from there.  Sorry for all the drama.  Odd that my USB ports died just at this moment, but come to think of it, they've been running slow recently - gPodder had been taking minutes to copy podcasts to my iPod.  I guess it was a gradual fail.

Try running fastboot as root (sudo fastboot devices)

Nope, sudo doesn't help.  For what it's worth, I did a tail -f on /var/log/messages when I started the bootloader.  Output below, ending with the SerialNumber, which matches what 'fastboot devices' prints.

The /var/log/messages stuff is too long to be input here.  But it basically tries and fails to detect it as a usb 3-5 device, then tries as usb 2-2 and succeeds.

localhost klogd: usb 2-2: new full speed USB device using ohci_hcd and address 6
localhost klogd: usb 2-2: New USB device found, idVendor=18d1, idProduct=4ee0
localhost klogd: usb 2-2: New USB device strings: Mfr=1, Product=2, SerialNumber=3
localhost klogd: usb 2-2: Product: Android
localhost klogd: usb 2-2: Manufacturer: Google
localhost klogd: usb 2-2: SerialNumber: 006ef4fae094444f

One more (odd?) thing.  I tried to select recovery from the bootloader, and it went to a frozen recovery screen with the message "no command found".  Is that scary?  From there I was able to get back to the bootloader again with the vol-down, power combo.

Is it the latest fastboot binary? Where did you get that fastboot executable from?

Hmmm... is it missing a udev rule for that?

I got the original fastboot from an xda dev nexus 4 rooting procedure site.  I also tried downloading the latest Android SDK, and the version in there behaves the same way.

I think my USB ports have died.  I was able to mount the phone in MTP mode when I first got it.  Now that doesn't work.  The mtpfs command hung for a long time, and finally the fs shows up in df, but ls /media/nexus is not doing anything.

... and when I switched the phone from MTP to camera, the hung ls command finally 'finished', and it listed out a Playlists directory.  USB seems to be sort of working, but super slow.  Time for a new computer?

But I just tried 'adb reboot-bootloader', and it worked.  Too weird.

The clue lies with the comment above But I just tried 'adb reboot bootloader', and it worked. which shows that adb is indeed recognizing the USB connection, but not in fast-boot mode which is where this answer comes in...
Sounds like the udev rule for the fast-boot is absent!
Do this: lsusb with the cable plugged in while the handset is in fast-boot mode.
Typical output should be one similar to this:

Bus 001 Device 012: ID 18d1:d00d Google Inc.
                     ^^^^ ^^^^

The numbers identifier 18d1:d00d corresponds to idVendor : idProduct respectively.
Make note of it, and check your udev rules found in /etc/udev/rules.d/51-android-rules. (Mileage will vary slightly with differing Linux distributions!)
If you do not have this file, then its recommended to create one using root, there may be a few rules that need to be added depending on the mode of the handset, i.e. normal, recovery and boot-loader modes.
Here's an example of mine, that has differing values respectively when handset is in one of these modes. Take this as a template and change the numbers as shown that matches up with idVendor and idProduct respectively to suit your make/model of handset.
SUBSYSTEMS=="usb", ATTRS{idVendor}=="19d2", ATTRS{idProduct}=="1354", MODE="0666" GROUP="androiddev", SYMLINK+="android%n"
SUBSYSTEMS=="usb", ATTRS{idVendor}=="19d2", ATTRS{idProduct}=="1350", MODE="0666" GROUP="androiddev", SYMLINK+="android%n"
SUBSYSTEMS=="usb", ATTRS{idVendor}=="19d2", ATTRS{idProduct}=="1351", MODE="0666" GROUP="androiddev", SYMLINK+="android%n"
SUBSYSTEMS=="usb", ATTRS{idVendor}=="18d1", ATTRS{idProduct}=="d00d", MODE="0666" GROUP="androiddev", SYMLINK+="android%n"

The user id is added to the androiddev group, which was created on previous occasion, in that way I do not have to sudo at all!
To create a group, using root

groupadd androiddev, this creates a group, then to add your
linux's user id to that group...
usermod -a -G androiddev your_user_id; replace your_user_id with your own user id used for logging in).

Then when in fast-boot mode, the fastboot binary should work (bonus! without the necessitating for sudo either!)


text:
How do I turn off Galaxy Tab completely?
I received a Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 (GT-P3113) for the holidays. I recently deduced that since I can install apps from Google Play on my PC to the Tab when it's off, that it's not really turned off. How do I turn it off completely?

I think your deduction is flawed. The fact that you can install an app from the Play Store website when it's off doesn't prove that the tablet is still on. It queues up the install and then sends it the next time you turn it on, just like the way phones receive text messages (how would you feel if any text you got while your phone was off was simply lost forever?). So aside from that, are there any indications that it's not actually powering off?

Another example would be email. People can still send you emails if your computer is turned off - they don't get a message that says "Sorry, the recipient's PC is powered down, try again later". The server just holds them and then sends them over to the PC the next time you turn it on (and open your email client or what have you).

I turn it off, go to my PC & install an app through Google play. I hear the Tab signal that an app & icon have been installed. I turn the Tab on & the app is already setup. Another indication that the Tab isn't completely off is that its wifi connection is constantly active. There's no start up connecting to my router as in a PC when turned on. I read in some forum that holding the power button in the off position for 30 seconds (as opposed to just pushing & releasing as I do normally) turns it completely off. I only read that once & don't know if it's accurate. It was a different issue.

How are you turning it off then? With the "Power Off" menu item (or similar) after holding down the power button briefly? If you're immediately getting the install notification then you're right, it sounds like it's not actually powered off.

Figured it out. Eldarerathis, you hit the nail on the head. What I thought was turning it off was apparently just putting it to sleep (same condition as when it times out from no action)? I just tried holding the power button & then got the Power Off menu which is what I'm looking for.

Figured it out. Eldarerathis, you hit the nail on the head. What I thought was turning it off was apparently just putting it to sleep (same condition as when it times out from no action)? I just tried holding the power button & then got the Power Off menu which is what I'm looking for.


text:
Contact Organizer
I just bought an android phone a few days ago, and I love it. There are a few things that bother me, but most of the time I find that there is a better way to manage things.
What bothers me the most at this point though is that I can't store Email addresses on the People app. I was looking for a one stop place where I'd be able to store all the information about a person including email, date of birth, profile picture etc. I'd receive reminders when their birthday comes up and stuff like that.
Is there a single app that does all that?

What kind of device is it? How are you trying to add the emails? Android's built in People app (unmodified) supports email addresses and birthdates and the like. If you add a Gmail account to a contact it will even show their Google Talk status in your contact list for you.

I don't know which device you are using? But normally every Android phones People app should support the functionality of at least the basic information (meaning the emails, because it is Android ~ Google ~ Gmail). So are you really sure you can't add at least the email address to your contacts?
As mentioned already by eldarerathis, you should normally even see your contacts online status.
Maybe you can test it by logging in on your Gmail account on a pc. Add some email addresses to your contacts via the pc. Make your Android device synchronize the information you just entered (Settings > Accounts&Sync > Sync all; or something like that). Then have a look back at your People app and check if the email addresses are entered. If they are visible on your phone, that probably means that your phone supports this, but you haven't found the good way to add this information via your People app. Maybe you can search the site of the manufacturer for more information (or maybe have a look at something like a Help or Get Started app on your phone).

Well, I added my SIM from the old phone. Exported the contacts to my google account, then I'm trying to edit them by going into their profile and editing them. Can't see the email or birthday option! It's a stock android.

@AbijeetPatro: Do you have an "Add another field" button when editing them? On my Galaxy Nexus it gives me about 10 things to choose from. If not then, as mentioned previously, it may be helpful to know what specific kind of device it is ("a stock android" isn't really descriptive).

On my HTC One X (Sense 4+ People app), the email field is always visible when I edit a contact. Even if that contact hasn't got an email (yet)

It's not fancy shancy phone, its a local brand, one that you have probably never heard off. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0j2xAqMqX0Y
I remember seeing that when adding a new contact.

Yeah when adding a new contact it's there.

If it is there when you add a new contact, then it should be there when editting. Maybe under "Add fields" or something..


text:
What is google's policy regarding the images of the apps?
I want to use the Images of the apps that are shared by the developers for displaying on the Google Play Store (The app/game screenshots).
Am I allowed to use them? Can they be reproduced?

Why? Are you trying to make a clone of play store and rip their images without their consent? You're asking for legal trouble if that's the case!

No no its not like that :)
I am a blogger and writing a post about some Android apps so thats why wanted to know If I can use those images or not.

Best advice - check with the original developer/team of those products you're referring to, the one thing my interpretation in my answer below, is streams that can be referred to what you see on the landing page, to use them without Google's consent would IMHO be a violation also, its the wording "stream" which can apply there as well..

I have tried searching the banner images on Google Play and these images are used in alot of website. So you think all of them are violating ?

No!! :) I meant you taking from the actual play store site, I would guess, not them, the developer/team uploaded screenshots, along with their apk's, Google uses those in the banners... its wise counsel to ask for permission first anyway...

@t0mm13b, I think one could assume when Google states "Capturing of Streams. You may not use Google Play or any Product in conjunction with any stream-ripping, stream capture or similar software to record or create a copy of any Product that is presented to you in streaming format." it means don't rip Google Play Movies, as it is the only product presented in streaming format, AFAIK.

PS: That's the logical assumption, however maybe not a safe assumptions, laws and logic not always go together.

@ruda.almeida possibly yes, and that's true, it can be open to interpretation, i.e. not a safe assumption, because the landing page from desktop PC, shows what resembles a stream of images.... understand... its vague hence why I opined about it :)

I should seek permission of whom Google Play or the Developer who uploaded the screens. Plus it would become quite a tedious task for me.

Please read the terms and conditions of the site, specifically, under sub-heading 6. Rights and Restrictions, and I'll quote:

No Public Performance. You agree not to display content contained in
  Products in whole or in part as part of any public performance or
  display even if no fee is charged (except where such use would not
  constitute a copyright infringement). Use of a tool or feature
  provided as an authorized part of Google Play (for example, “Social
  Recommendations”, as defined in the Music terms below) is permitted,
  provided that as you use the tool or feature as specifically permitted
  and only in the exact manner specified and enabled by Google.
Capturing of Streams. You may not use Google Play or any Product in
  conjunction with any stream-ripping, stream capture or similar
  software to record or create a copy of any Product that is presented
  to you in streaming format.
Sharing. You may not use Products as part of any service for sharing,
  lending or multi-person use, or for the purpose of any other
  institution, except as specifically permitted and only in the exact
  manner specified and enabled by Google (for example, through “Social
  Recommendations”).
Proprietary Notices. You may not remove any watermarks, labels or
  other legal or proprietary notices included in any Product, and you
  may not attempt to modify any Products obtained through Google Play,
  including any modification for the purpose of disguising or changing
  any indications of the ownership or source of a Product.

The italic-ized and bolded heading is my emphasis and thus would lead to OP's intention to be in violation!


text:
Windows 8 driver error with SGS
Got a new computer with Windows 8 64 bit, In the last day, I tried to connect my Samsung Galaxy S (GT-I9000) but get a driver error when I plug it in. I tried looking in the Samsung's web site forums, for it but with no luck. I got no luck in any other forum site.
Any suggestions ? I tried this found here also and it did not help.

Have you tried installing Kies?
Other Solution is,
Windows 8 will take some time to load and install drivers. Please keep you phone connected to Windows 8 in USB mode. It will install the driver.

I tried to follow your advise and install kies - no luck with that too...
I kept my phone connect and I got driver error message from windows so I don't think it is time related.

First check if u have normal google adb drivers, if no then download them , put your device in usb debugging mode (this settings location depends upon your android OS version)
Go to Devices and printers in control panel -> go to properties of your device ( device should be connected) -> Change settings -> update driver -> Let me pick driver from my pc ->
adb interface -> (it will give u list of adb drivers on ur machice) if you find any Samsung driver there click on it and click next or finish. Else choose google adb interface driver and finish.
Your device should be working properly with proper drivers installed :)

how do I check if I have "normal adb drivers" ?

sry for late reply, u have this question means u dont have google normal adb drivers :P .. so search on google for google adb drivers and how to install them on windows..

on the android website it says to go to the manufacture site for the driver download. I couldn't find the GT-I9000 driver in the http://www.samsung.com/us/support/downloads (samsung site). In addition, I search the driver in other site that offer drivers but couldn't find the driver for win8 x64. Any suggestions ?

http://www.androidegis.com/how-to/install-adb-android-debug-bridge-and-device-drivers/
you can follow these steps.. its a hard way.. but can work :)


text:
Secret code not working on my phone when it is working on others?
There is an app that allows you to enter a secret code in the format *#*#(code)#*#*, however it is not working on my phone (Samsung Galaxy SII GT-I9100) running CyanogenMod 10 (Android 4.1.1).
I have managed to confirm that it is working on other devices, so why isn't it working on mine? Logcat reveals nothing.

Just so you know, I made/am making this app. This isn't a developer question however.

Just tested on my Mum's phone running 2.3.7 and it works fine!

possibly it only works on the Samsung's own dialer and not the CM version?

@t0mm13b Secret codes are built into Android, and are part of the dialer. Also, my mum has a SE, and it has worked on the emulator. I can also launch other secret codes (albeit they are all system ones)

Turns out this was a development issue...

Hey, who downvoted!

A lot of the secret codes are either carrier specific or ROM specific. An example, I bought my son an HTC EVO 4G (from swappa) and called sprint to activate it. They had me enter one of the secret codes and it should have launched a window that would ask for a PIN. But it did not.
The reason was because the phone that I bought was running CM7. In order to activate I had to enter this code. But in order to enter the code, I had to have the Stock HTC Sense ROM installed on the device.
I found a flashable version of the Sense ROM, flashed it, called back Sprint and entered the Secret Code. Everything worked as expected. Then after the device was registered with Sprint I flashed CM7 back on the device.

Urgs, is CDMA registration really this dreadful?

@ce4 CDMA? Whats that...

@ce4: there is most probably a platform/device independent way to register the device, perhaps by manually entering some settings, but the customer supports's script probably does not include that since they don't want to support modded devices.

Ok, so I discovered what the issue was...
It seems that it only works if the app is a system app - I have no idea why, as it works normally on my mum's phone running Android 2.3.7.
It must either be an Android 4.1.3 feature, or a CyanogenMod feature. I will investigate further however.
EDIT:
This wasn't actually the issue. It turns out it was a development issue, as apps needed to be opened first (on Android 3.1+) before the receivers would register.

A system app is signed and part of the ROM, you need the keys to sign the app and shove it into /system/app, in nutshell, a system app will have more access to Android's intents that are specific to system. A ordinary app would not have that privilege - for example secure settings..


text:
htc one s android update - how?
I have a new HTC One S, which is now running 4.0.4. Although I understood that HTC released the update to 4.1, when I check for updates (Settings -> About -> Software updates -> Check Now) it returns "There are no updates available for your phone".
Do the guys in HTC push the update in chunks of devices? Can I advance myself in the queue? Can I ask for the update?

Is it an international HTC One S or is a branded one (e.g. AT&T) ? Because when it is a branded one, it can take some more time. Patience is a virtue :-)

@ndsmyter: I got it in Germany without any contract - So I guess it is not branded then, right?

Probably not. A branded phone can be recognized by the brand logos everywhere, so you would've known. And you would have bought it together with a subscription to that brand.

Software updates are released by the mobile network of the device as well as the device manufacturer.
It normally goes like this:

Google release a new Android version.
Manufacturers take this new Android version and modify it to work on their devices.
Manufacturers test the version, and push it out to unlocked devices first via desktop software update and then via OTA update if available.
Mobile networks/Carriers then take the Android version modified by the Manufacturer and modify it themselves to add carrier specific apps/features.
Carriers pass it onto the manufacturer to release to the public [OR] carriers release it to the public via their custom OTA app.

As such, it can take some time to get the update, however I would advise you check using the desktop program if there is one.

I know that a friend already got the update (OTA as far as I know). Anyway, I'll try find a desktop sync program.

@Dror Is your device branded? Make sure it is the official HTC one, as that will give out updates.

How can I verify this? I got it from MediaMarkt, and it is not bounded to any contract. What is meant by "official HTX one"?

Make sure you get the sync software made by HTC, and is the device unlocked? Or is it locked to a network/carrier?

Do you mean the desktop tool? I am now downloading the software (available only for WIN...) My phone is not locked and I can use it through any carrier/network.


text:
App that optimizes images to set as lockscreen?
How can I resize any image I have to 720 x 1280 resolution to set it as a lockscreen for my Xperia T? I tried Wallpaper Wizardrii but for some reason I cannot get the app to enlarge small pictures to entirely fit the screen.
I had an Apple phone they there was an app called "lockscreen" that automatically stretched/resized any image to match the screen resolution without any empty vertical or horizontal bars.
Are there any equivalent solutions for Android?

Please note that questions of the type Is there an app for X are off topic here (see our [FAQ] for details).

I have edited the question to be more about a problem to be solved than about an app to be found.

you can try the Go Locker.....

Would you mind to add a little more information, e.g. at least a link and a short description?

While this link may answer the question, it is better to include the essential parts of the answer here and provide the link for reference.  Link-only answers can become invalid if the linked page changes.

Im sorry, it-s just im new here so i dunno how. and this is the first question that i've answered, well Go locker is an application for android. But I reviewed your question, you said you need an app. automatically resizes any image, you can try to search in google play or play store the app.. 'Photo Resizer' or 'Image shrink'. I hope it can help. sorry

Hey no problem, at all. There's the edit button below your answer to do this. This site is somewhat like a wiki. So it's appreciated to edit, btw. So just hit it and add e.g. the link to the play store + maybe the short description, would be fine.


text:
Android Market gone after emulator reboot on Windows

Possible Duplicate:
Android Market gone after emulator reboot

I am having the same problem as mentioned here. But my specs are as follows:
OS=Windows 7 SP1
SDK Revision = 21.0.1

OS = Windows 7 SP1
SDK Revision = 21.0.1
Android-SDK=3.0(API Level 11)

AVD Details
Name: DemoDevice1
CPU/ABI: ARM(armeabi)
Path: c:\Users\The WABBIT.android\AVD\DemoDevice1.avd
Target: Android 3.0 (API level 11)
Skin: WXGA
SD Card: 2048
hw.lcd.density: 213
vm.heapSize: 32
hw.ramSize: 1024

I have already deleted the SdkSetup.apk from the emulator and then added the GoogleServicesFramework.apk and Vending.apk packages to the emulator.
But, upon reboot everything is reverted back to before changes was made. I am unable to find a updated img file in any temporary directory, or any directory, as outlined in above mentioned post.
Can anyone help me with this?

the /tmp/ directory that is mention, AFAIK, is on the "PC" (linux in this case), not on the file system of the emulator.

Ryan, I totally understood that the answer given in Android Market gone after emulator reboot was more than likely what I needed.  But the location of the temp .img directory and the name of the .img was not found on my Windows 7 PC. What was given there was more than likely for Linux only, or for that specific revision of SDK.

Anyways I found the temp .img directory and the .img file. Again, it does not match anything from the answer in Android Market gone after emulator reboot.  The answer will follow.

now that you have found it on windows, I suggest you post your answer in the original question.

For those that are using the Windows version of the Android SDK the answer given in Android Market gone after emulator reboot stands as the correct thing to do. But the name of the .img file and the temp directory location differ from that given in that post.
The reason for the difference I cannot say, but I suspect it is because of one of the following reasons.

I am using Windows instead of Linux.
I am using a different revision of the SDK, can't really say as there was no mention of the SDK revision in the previous post.
Or it could be both 1 & 2.

Any ways, you will find the temp .img directory in the following location:

SystemDrive\Users\ [username] \AppData\Local\Temp\AndroidEmulator

The file name will be similar to the following:

TMP19AD.tmp

Note:
 - The file name will change every time you run the emulator.
 - That the file size will always be 0bytes will the emulator is running.
 - It is easier to work on one virtual device at a time when accessing the temp .img files. Otherwise it gets confusing which file is for which virtual device.
To make your changes permanent do the following:

Work on one virtual device at a time.
Copy the .tmp from the AndroidEmulator directory to a temporary location before exiting the emulator.
Rename the *.tmp file to system.img.
Copy the system.img file to your virtual device's AVD directory. Overwriting any previous system.img file.

I have created the following batch file to do the copying.
system_copy.bat
@echo off
rem
rem system_copy.bat
rem
rem Command-line reference:
rem     system_copy [drive_letter] [account_username] [virtual_device's_name]
rem

rem
rem check to see if the user entered the parameters needed
rem
rem check for the drive letter
if [%1] == [] goto :error1
rem check for the account username
if [%2] == [] goto error2
rem check for the virtual device's name
if [%3] == [] goto error3

rem
rem set the paths for the tmp_path and main_avd_path
rem to use in the copying process
rem
:SetPaths
rem Grab current directory before we change it
rem this will be directory outside of the virtual device's directory
set main_avd_path="%cd%"

rem set the current location for the temp AVD .img files
set tmp_path=%1:\Users\%2\AppData\Local\Temp\AndroidEmulator

rem now we need to verify a few things

rem verify that the temp_path exist
if not exist %tmp_path% goto error4
rem verify that the temporary .img file exist
if not exist %tmp_path%\*.tmp goto error5

rem now we begin the copying of the system.img file
echo.
echo Copying the *.tmp file to the virtual device's avd directory as system.img.
echo.

copy %tmp_path%\*.tmp %main_avd_path%\%3%.avd\system.img /y >nul

rem check for any errors in copying the file
for %%e in (5 4 3 2 1) do if errorlevel %%e goto copyerror-%%e

if not errorlevel == 0 goto copyerror-0

rem show copy succes message
echo.
echo Copying is complete.
echo.
goto :EOF

rem beginning of the error messages
:error1
    echo.
    echo ERROR: System drive letter not specified.
    echo Please rerun this batch file and specify the system drive letter.
    echo.
    echo Command-line reference:
    echo    system_copy [drive_letter] [account_username] [virtual_device's_name]
    goto :EOF

:error2
    echo.
    echo ERROR: User account name not specified.
    echo Please rerun this batch file and specify the User account name.
    echo.
    echo Command-line reference:
    echo    system_copy [drive_letter] [account_username] [virtual_device's_name]
    goto :EOF

:error3
    echo.
    echo ERROR: Virtual device's name not specified.
    echo Please rerun this batch file and specify the AVD name.
    echo.
    echo Command-line reference:
    echo    system_copy [drive_letter] [account_username] [virtual_device's_name]
    goto :EOF

:error4
    echo.
    echo ERROR: AndroidEmulator folder '%tmp_path%' does not exist.
    echo Please verify that the AndroidEmulator folder has been created at '%tmp_path%' then restart this batch file.
    goto :EOF

:error5
    echo.
    echo ERROR: Temporary .img file does not exist.
    echo Check to see if the virtual device is running, then rerun this batch file.
    echo.
    echo Command-line reference:
    echo    system_copy [drive_letter] [account_username] [virtual_device's_name]
    goto :EOF

:copyerror-0
    echo.
    echo COPY ERROR:  There was an unknown copy error.
    echo.
    goto :EOF

:copyerror-1
    echo.
    echo COPY ERROR:  No files were found to copy.
    echo.
    goto :EOF

:copyerror-2
    echo.
    echo COPY ERROR:  The user pressed CTRL+C to terminate xcopy.
    echo.
    goto :EOF

:copyerror-3
    echo.
    echo COPY ERROR:  Initialization error occurred. There is not enough memory or disk space.
    echo.
    goto :EOF

:copyerror-4
    echo.
    echo COPY ERROR:  Disk write error occurred.
    echo.
    goto :EOF

:copyerror-5
    echo.
    echo COPY ERROR:  No files were found to copy.
    echo.
    goto :EOF

rem EOF

copy and paste the above code into your favorite text editor and save it as system_copy.bat.
Place this batch file in the parent directory for the virtual device's avd directory.
To run it, while the virtual device's avd is running:

Bring up a cmd prompt
Goto the directory that the batch file is in
Execute the batch file with the following command syntax:

system_copy [drive_letter] [account_username] [virtual_device's_name]

example:
 system_copy C "The WABBIT" Nexus_7

That's it. Hope this helps others.

In my case this directory is empty. I use windows 10. Where else can I look for that file?


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Face scanner usage with CM 10.1 on Galaxy s3 i9300
I'm running CyanogenMod 10.1 ( cm-10.1-20130105-NIGHTLY-i9300.zip ) on a Samsung Galaxy S3 i9300, and I want to know if CM 10 supports the face scanner for things like screen on-time and setting passwords. If so, how do I access it?

There's only FaceUnlock (you can enable it the usual way in Settings->Security->Screenlock. Screen-on-time doesn't ring a bell, I assume this is one of the many Samsung addon (vendor specific addons aren't preserved in general with CyanogenMod)


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I need to view the saved WiFi passwords on my non-rooted Android phone
I have an LG Optimus 7 (not-rooted), and all my WiFi passwords are there. I want to view the saved WiFi passwords to transfer thm to my new Samsung Galaxy S3, but I don't know how.
I tried to search on the Internet and Google play for an application that would allow me to view this information, but I can't find one. Is there any way for me to accomplish this?

That's not directly possible without compromising the security (aka. rooting), at least not via an app. Imagine an app to send your wifi passphrases elsewhere (besides showing you them).

(for others finding this via google) On MIUI there is a "tap here to share password" button in the WiFi settings. It shows a QR code that can be scanned with an app on another phone where it then shows the SSID and password.

This is not directly possible (as noted in the comment below your question).
You can let Google save them to their cloud:
Go to: Settings->Privacy and enable those two options:

Back up my data (Back up application data, Wi-Fi passwords, [...])
Automatic restore

Also, say yes when you're prompted if you want to Restore data during the first time set up of your new SGS3. If you've done the first time setup already withouth that option enabled, then maybe the Automatic Restore settings does it afterwards (not tried yet, though).

For an application to access WiFi credentials without root access, that app must be granted the permission android.permission.READ_WIFI_CREDENTIAL. That permission, however, requires an app to be a privileged or system level (part of Android image) app. If an app in your Android satisfies these conditions then you can ask its developer to add the potential functionality of revealing WiFi credentials to primary user through an update, as otherwise, I see no other way to view passwords without superuser access.


text:
Does USB tethering degrade droid batteries?
I want to know if tethering with my Xperia Neo V via USB will affect the battery capacity in any negative manner other than the usual.

No. There's no relation between those two things.
If you connect your phone via the USB it gets charged. It doesn't matter if you don't use the USB connection at all or transfer files or tether your data connection or do any other stuff while it's connected.
The charging circuit doesn't even know that it's connected via USB and that there's data flowing. It just happily charges the phone with the power supplied via USB.
Side note:
The battery (LiIon) degrades over time, if you use it or not. There are however differences in the speed of degradation, depending on usage, storage temperature and charging state (best is around 60-70% charged as far as I know). This is however the usual degradation which you asked not to factor in. And this degradation definitely doesn't change if you tether or not.

I think the phone does not actually charge even if seems to be charging. That is the reason they ask you to have more than 50% battery before you update via USB. Isn't it?

I disagree. Of course does it charge, USB provides 500mA (USB3 and some ports even more). That 50% limit has no reason to exist at all. My old xperia even runs without battery, including the ability to upgrade

just some thoughts. :)

Thanks for the info I was just worried that the constant charge and discharge when tethering might degrade the battery other than anything usual

The charging circuit will stop charging and the phone will be powered over USB (if it doesn't draw more than 500mA), so the battery should ideally be idle as soon as it's charged (i.e. no current flow).

All batteries have some recharging cycle. If you repeatedly use USB that means you are charging repeatedly. This reduces battery life by consuming recharge cycle early.
And contrary to manufactures demand to have 50% battery for updating the software, you can updated it even with 5% if it lasts until your software update is complete. I've done it in my Sony W8. In Sony W8 I've updated in just 10% of battery, even though Sony is worst performer in battery.

yeah it would certainly shorten your battery's life. Every battery has a maximum number of charge-discharge cycles. So when the phone is tethered via USB, battery is charging.
The more FREQUENTLY you charge your battery, the more you shorten its life.  This applies not only to tethering/data transfer, but also to the habit of many of charging phones for a short duration, then again discharging it , then again charging it.
This drastically reduces the battery's lifespan.
The best habit is , Charge the phone to 100% . Then use it till its down to 15-20%. This is the best time when you should plug in your device. Mind that discharging to 0% also has adverse effects on backup of a battery.
So IMO Bluetooth tethering is the best solution for 3G speeds.. It is available since ICS . If you want to utilize full 4G speeds, prefer WiFi tethering. While tethering, when the phone's battery comes down below 20% , consider charging it. It's always handy to carry a spare battery with your Droid.

Any external reference for your claim/statement?

My phone's help section says "Charge your phone often. This will not affect the lifespan of the battery."


text:
Why does my google maps keeps on crashing even though i'm not using it at all?
So, I'm just using my apps. Then sometimes it freezes for a while, and a notice will pop-up and say "Unfortunately, maps has stopped." even though I'm not using it.
What do I have to do?
Samsung Galaxy S 3

what apps have you been using?

It could be that you have enable something like Google Latitude tracking, which goes via the Maps app on your phone. Maybe have a look at the settings in your Maps app to see if there is nothing enabled that works in the background, and prevents the application from stopping.
Maybe you have used the application some time before that error? Because Android will not immediately close applications, so it could be that the Maps app is still open from a couple of hours ago.
Maybe some other application is trying to open the Maps application for you? If you for example click on an address or something like that, most apps will try to open your default Maps application. So maybe you have opened/connected to the Maps app without really knowing?


text:
Motorola Defy + Keeps Rebooting
I bought another Defy + for my daughter. I also have one which is fine.
Hers keeps shutting down and rebooting, especially when it's away from the WiFi. It also has the latest system update. We tried switching batteries, but hers kept rebooting so it's not a battery issue.
Any help out there?

Not enough data to give a thorough answer. Could be a misbehaving app, or something screwed up. Did you try it the hard way (factory reset)?

Its a faulty phone. Take it back and get a new one.
But you can turn off mobile data and it will stop rebooting.
or search google for "Motorola Defy+ Rebooting" for other opinons