text:
AOSP ROMs Video Playback Capability
I have one problem with AOSP roms and I consider this as the biggest one.
I have a Galaxy S3 I9300 running Stock 4.3 deodexed, zipaligned etc.
Now with this ROM I am able to play almost all types of video files...Why is this not possible with AOSP roms?
I have always seen people installing different types of Apps (MX Player, VLC Player etc. etc..) to get all the videos playing...
But TouchWiz plays almost all types of videos out of the box...As of now I don't have any third party video player installed on my phone...
I am a big fan of CM, but refrain from installing it just because of this one reason!
Can someone please explain this to me...would be great !!
And please correct me if i am wrong...
Thanks.

I think it's down to Samsung's vide player being pretty decent at formats, rather than the ROM itself, but afaik Samsung have modified the player to need the TW framework. I'm open to correction though.

It could be that the stock ROM uses some video decode hardware on the phone, which third-party ROMs lack drivers for. Just a guess though.

Related question with my answer: What media formats are supported in Android?

AOSP Video Playback
Samsung's Touchwiz framework includes Samsung's own Video Player for Android. It's a decent player and covers a lot of different video formats.
AOSP (Android Open Source Project) ROMs come with the 'Stock' video player, which does not seem to have the wide array of features that Samsung provide.
Samsung Video Player APK:
I found a link to the apk for Samsung Video Player.  Here is the player
As you said, you would have to install VLC, MX or an alternative player on AOSP to enable more video formats. I think the trade off of downloading an app, vs reinstalling the laggy, bloated Touchwiz is an easy choice, but it depends on what you prefer. It'd personal choice really.

Galaxy S5 Video Player
You can actually install Galaxy S5 apps on your S4/Note 2/3 as well.
This XDA thread has the apk files for Galaxy S5 applications, including Video Player

Added Bonus: Other Samusng Apps:
This XDA thread has Samsung apps you can flash via custom recovery. However, it requires a custom recovery, and the Video player is not listed. Here are the apps you can install, perhapst he Samsung App Store would have the Video Player:
Samsung apps store
Polaris office
Touch Wiz 4 HD Launcher
Touch wiz clock package
Samsung Task Manager
Memo (not S Memo)


text:
Where do i found file manager in SONY Xperia?
I owned SONY Xperia smart phone and i inserted SD card into it with some files but i didn't found those file anywhere in my phone.No file manager in Xperia?
Also when i download anything it goes to phone internal memory, no chance to change it to SD card?

Welcome to Android Enthusiasts. You have two distinct questions here, but this site generally works best for single questions. You might want to move the portion about moving apps to SD card into its own question.

From the Sony Mobile site there doesn't seem to be a file manager included in Sony's ROM.
However, many excellent file managers are available on the Play Store.
I personally use ES File Exploerer for many years now and it is excellent.
Astro file manager is also very popular.
Here's a search for many, many more posibilities

I have Xperia Tipo device in which Astro File Manager was Pre installed in it. But you can also install any other File Managers from Play Store.FileGO

You may want to be careful about recommending Cheetah apps based on a new report out about Cheetah, and Google Play actions against them. See this: https://www.xda-developers.com/google-bans-600-apps-play-store/.

In the Xperia V and Xpera P (LT25i, LT22i) you can use the bundled OfficeSuite as a primitive file browser (set the filter to show all files). It can be used to install other APK packages.

source: Stack Exchange

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

authors: พชร กลีบสุวรรณ

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

sort: votes


text:
X Window with GNURoot
I have installed GNURoot (Fedora flavour) on my Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 10.1 (2014 edition). I am trying to get GUI applications to work (gvim, for starters), but I've been unsuccessful so far.
I've tried several X Window apps, but I don't undersand how to connect to their display (all I found were instructions for the applications started on a Linux PC, not locally under GNURoot) and I tried installing XOrg under GNURoot.
I'm an Android beginner (this is my first "smart" device ever), so I might be missing something obvious or I might be searching in the wrong places. Also, because I am a beginner, I prefer to avoid rooting and installing Linux properly (for now).

If you install Pelya’s XSDL Server from Google Play, you can use X11 aplications. In GNURoot type:
apt-get install xfce4
It will install the XFCE4 Desktop Environment and Xorg with some utilities.
And after several minutes of packages downloading and making configurations, start XSDL and set your favorite display resolution and zoom, and then type in GNUroot:
DISPLAY=127.0.0.1:0.0 startxfce4
Switching to XSDL app, the XFCE4 starts and you can now use the graphical interface.
I found this solution at: http://www.r-ohjelmointi.org/?p=1434
Some other things:
* Change font size as in ordinary Gnome.
* Moving a flat finger is same as click and drag, for resizing etc.
* I have to press the back button on the pad to get the screen keyboard displayed. This overlays lower part of X Window though.
* No terminal emulators seem to work properly. However, GNURoot can be used for that.
* Applications like Gnu Planner, gretl and Gnu Cash work without problems.

This is a great link, thank you. It doesn't work as smoothly as it may sound, but it does work. Xfce nags about server already running, but I just switched back to XSDL and it seems to be working.

I do almost the same as @Birger, but I use openbox, which is lighter to both download and run.
apt-get install openbox
All the same, you also need to use loopback connection to run graphic applications.
env DISPLAY=127.0.0.1:0.0 openbox &
For instance, I'm used to run R over Android, so, after loading openbox, I run
DISPLAY=127.0.0.1:0.0 R --gui=Tk &

Thanks for the tip Vedran! To run GUI program you don't need the full xfce4 desktop install. To save memory and space just use the window manager, xfwm4, it works great on its own.
apt-get install xfwm4

Then run your GUI program as above, e.g. running leafpad text editor:
DISPLAY=127.0.0.1:0.0 leafpad &

Of course you need to first install whichever GUI program you wish to run.

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


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Can't move apps to SD card on Moto E
I recently purchased Moto E with Android 4.4.2 and soon after filled up the internal 4gb with apps.
I installed a 32gb SD card and nothing moves to it. Not even new apps. How can I set the default install location to be the SD card?

YOu would need root, Google have completely stopped External SD card support as of Kitkat 4.4.x

And restored it even better in Marshmallow 6.x.

You need root access for it, so if you are not rooted, you can manually move the apps to the SD card (if that has been allowed by the app developer) in the Settings->Apps->(App to be moved to SD)->Move to SD Card. Or you can use a specialized linking app, such as App 2 SD, Link2SD or similar (if you have root).


text:
Is It Safe To Root A Samsung Galaxy S5 (or other applicable Android devices) using Geohot's Towel Root Method?
A little while ago Geohot released a very simple way to root a Samsung Galaxy S5 (which can be applied to other Android devices as well).
Is it safe or too good to be true ?

It is legitimate. (Or as legitimate as an exploit can be. It isn't malware and if used properly has little chance of doing damage itself.)
Obviously the usual cautions apply with rooting any device. You may void your warranty. Be sure to read through the forums at xda or other guides to be sure how and what can be recovered if something goes wrong because of a change made with root access. You probably don't want to root your brand new phone and then not have any understanding or way to recover if something goes wrong down the road. Just do your research first. It will be worth the time spent.


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How can I get the newer version of android?
My device (Samsung S4 mini i9195) carries a 4.2.2 version. When I ask for a software update manually, it says that the latest version is already installed. How can I force it to accept the actual latest version (4.4.2) as depicted in this page?

To the best of my knowledge you have to wait until your carrier pushes the update. Unless you are on a Google Play edition or Nexus device, your carrier reviews the updated software from the manufacturer and adds what it deems to be necessary additions, applications, etc.

Google Play edition is actually released by the manufacturer not Google. Samsung add the Touchwiz framework support for the S-View Cover, and HTC add Beats Audio, and the rest is stock!

You are not getting update most probably because the new version of OS is not yet released for your REGION. If really want to update(not official) you can install custom ROMS. But at the end of day I would prefer you retain your present OS if its not posing problems.


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Permissions and owners of /system/etc/hosts
Can somebody please tell me what permissions, owner & group I should give to /system/etc/hosts file? My current script is:
#!/system/bin/sh
ln -s /system/etc /etc
touch /etc/hosts
chmod 644 /etc/hosts
chown root:root /etc/hosts
echo "IPADDR DOMAIN" >> /etc/hosts
svc data disable
svc data enable

Can someone help me with the following?
chmod 644 /etc/hosts
chown root:root /etc/hosts

This is from my rooted phone running Cyanogenmod 11: -rw-r--r-- root     root           25 2008-08-01 08:00 hosts

Those are the correct permissions and owner/group for hosts.
Beyond that, you would need to add additional information to your question for further assistance.


text:
Is there any widget for iframing a link/url and make it viewable on homescreen in full or resizable area?
Is there any widget for iframing a link/url and make it view able on home screen in full or re sizable area?

I think this might be what you're looking for:

Meta Widget: Create widgets from almost any website element
Websnap-Web capture,Web widget: take a snapshot of any web page or part of a page and display it on your Android home screen with a refresh interval of your choice

Feel free to search Google Play for related apps.

Thanks. But I also need some images to be displayed as well, like thumbnails, in that case the above widget wont be that useful.

@jitendra Hard to imagine what you are really looking for. What sample website do you want to view on a widget?

I want to view my personalized edition of google news. I mean I have to sign in. The closest is WebSnap, however, I cannot click on the link (headlines). it is just like a viewable newspaper.

Is there any up to date app like these? Both of them dated to 2016 and never updated, both have very low ratings

As geffchang has suggested, there are some widgets that can show a thumbnail/screenshot of the website, but it's not possible to have a fully working, interactive view like you get in a web browser.
Home screen widgets don't run like normal apps: instead, the widget provider tells the home screen app what layout the widget should have, from a set list of GUI elements (text, buttons, images, &c.). It's not possible to include a web browser view in that layout.


text:
Can I download folders from Google Drive to my Android device
I have recently saved a lot of music and pictures onto my google drive and now I would like to save them from there straight onto my SD Card (in my S4). I know if I press on the file for a few seconds it gives me the option to save it but like I said I have a lot on there (roughly 4000 pictures and songs) so to do it all individually will take a lot of time I don't really have...
So my question - is there a way to download everything in a folder at once or is there a "select all" option in google drive?

Similar question: http://android.stackexchange.com/questions/40569/is-there-a-way-to-download-the-files-stored-on-google-drive-to-an-android-device

Worrked for me using Filigree Explorer on Android. Transfered the file to my phone. Hope this helps.

You can alternatively use the browser and go to [drive.google.com/] and run the site in desktop mode. There, you can use the bar that's just under the search bar. Once you have navigated to the desired folder, go back to the bar I mentioned before, and tap your folder's name in the bar. After doing so, you will find a dropdown menu that will have options in it. There should be an option that says "Download", with a down arrow to the left of it. Tap that, and you're off to downloading the folder you had uploaded.
Hope this helps, cheers!

Okay I have found a third party app that lets me copy everything from Google drive in one easy step - Astro File Manager - it's a free app on play store, works brilliantly for this as you can select everything in the drive and simply copy it over to your SD Card.
This app will also work with dropbox and other cloud services.

A plus for Astro File Manager is that it can show you the size of a folder on Google drive

There is no need for a third party app. You can explore your Google drive storage like you can your internal storage from your phone's settings app. There you can then copy even folders to your internal storage

Open Files.
Press on the button to open the side menu.
Select Drive.
Go to the folder you wish to download.
Long press the folder.
Press on the 3 dots button at top right.
Press on Copy to...
Go to where you want to copy it on your phone.
Press on the Copy button at bottom right.

Please explain how will you do. You can use screenshots too.

Can't find any Copy to... button on the app.

Drive doesn't show up in the app (may of done in the past) :(

No Copy too.... Android 10.

Nope. Google Files mysteryously won't show the Drive... resorting to the old fast way of copying to a usb stick and reading on the phone with an adapter - always works.. clunky but works every time.

Google drive for android currently doesn't provide this option !
you could use file manager like 'ES file explorer' for android
you can connect to your google drive from it and easily copy folders

Why is android apps still in the pre-history of file management. I can't understand. I just want to add 10 music files from my google drive to VLC, on my android phone and there isn't a way. I'm switching my music to Dropbox, which I can work with.

I found this quick work around:

Install a small app called "Send to SD card".
In Drive select the file you want to download and click on "send..." > "Send to SD Card".
Now select a folder and copy the file.

this only allows you to send files. the question asks how to send entire folders.


text:
What rights do I have with music purchased through the Play Store?
I was about to buy an album that Google Play recommended, and I thought was good. Just as I'm about to enter my password, I noticed that nowhere does it show what type of music I'm getting. Am I getting DRM-free files, or DRM-enabled files? What are the restrictions? Can I play it in my car through a USB flash drive, if they're MP3 files?
Where can I get information about the usage rights of music purchased through the Play Store?

I'm downvoting because this is literally the first thing that shows up if you click "Help" on https://play.google.com/store/music

I'm sorry, but it kept throwing errors on my tablet when I clicked help. It also doesn't specify if I can load the downloaded music onto another USB flash drive

Albums bought through Google Play show up in the Play Music app by default. The files from the Play Music app can only be played through that app itself, and can't be extracted. However, you can download music from the Google Play web interface as plain MP3 files, either individually or your whole collection in one download.
The official support site gives more details, and instructions on how to download.


text:
When sending a text message to multiple recipients, how does one see the other recipients?
I sent a text message through MightyText to 5 recipients. One of them showed me on his phone it indicates the other people the message was sent to. How is this possible? Does SMS include each recipient in each message?

This is called group messaging. In short, everyone in the group gets replies from all the other group members. You can choose to remove people from the message or isolate specific people to message separately, and for that reason it will list all "participants" in the message.
I am not sure how to view them in your app as I have not used it, but in most messaging apps, when you are in the message thread, there will be an option to view group participants. It may be hidden behind the menu key (3 dots often in upper or lower right, or hardware menu key, if your phone has one). Or it may have its own button. (Tip: in many apps you can find out the purpose of a button by pressing and holding the button)


text:
TF300t bricked, no fastboot, wrong recovery
I've been running CM11 on my Asus TF300t for a while now. A while ago, an (automatic) update broke my rom. From there on, matters have gotten worse. Right now, my tablet is a brick without an OS. Here's what I experience

No OS, tablet automatically boots into recovery.
Wrong recovery. Probably the Teamwin for the TF300Tg? It opens with 'Please enter password', and I can't access most of the features (E: Unable to find partition size for ... / E: Unable to mount ...). I've got a CM11 zip on my SD card, but I can't flash it. The recovery works, but most of the actions fail.
I cannot access FastBoot. If I press volume down + power, it just boots into recovery. Because of this, I can't flash the right recovery .blob.
A physical reset (with a paperclip) didn't change anything.

I'd be really grateful if anybody has anymore ideas / things I could try.
Thanks in advance

Autoupdates brick a lot of Transformers when on CM.  Bad sounding situation, in my opinion.  Fastboot and ADB are the only ways you could recover your device if you have a bad bootloader and recovery.  Have you tried holding Vol-Down while resetting with a paperclip?  That should force fastboot.  If not, we can try adb.
Do you have adb access while your tablet is plugged in to your computer?  Turn on your tablet so it is in recovery, and on your computer, run adb devices to see if your tablet is available. If so, adb -d reboot-bootloader should force your device to reboot into fastboot.  From there, run fastboot erase x where x is:
system
recovery
userdata
boot
misc
cache
and then after that, you can flash your files and/or restore your .blob files.

Thanks, here's two solutions I haven't tried yet and will try as soon as I get home. I recall adb devices working, so here's to hoping. Will report back if these are working.

It was a horribly scary process, but it looks like I've got the stock OS back. The trick was adb -d reboot-bootloader, followed by these instructions. I was beginning to give up on this tablet so I'm very grateful. Thanks again!

I'm glad the method worked for you!!!  :D

This is how i recovered mine sometime ago:
First you need to Download the correct .blob (Firmware) file from the Asus site here.
When you downloaded the correct Firmware unzip it and remember its directory.
Boot it into fastboot mode (when you press volume down on the little android it seems that the tablet is stuck but actually it is in fastboot mode) and then type:
fastboot erase system
fastboot erase recovery
fastboot erase userdata
fastboot erase boot
fastboot erase misc
fastboot erase cache
fastboot -i 0x0B05 flash system path/to/file.blob
fastboot -i 0x0B05 reboot

Cheers, but like I said, I can't access fastboot. There's no little android, alas. I just go straight to the faulty recovery. I'll try the other comment to see if that helps me getting into fastboot, then this.

When you are in recovery try to type adb reboot bootloader, that will get into fastboot hopefully

This answer was 90% correct, but I'm awarding the bounty to IAmTheSquidward, since he answered first and provided the magic trick which appeared to be adb -d reboot-bootloader. Upvoting nonetheless. Thanks.


text:
Phone forgetting networks after turning off wifi
Whenever adding a new wireless network, android seems to forget the network after disabling then re-enabling wifi. I am forced to manually connect to the network and enter the password each time. This also happens with open networks. The problem occurs on any wireless network, at home, work, public networks, etc.
Further inspection on the /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf file shows "disabled=1" added to the end of each network.

click image for larger version
This has been going on for weeks. Any help would be much appreciated.
Phone: Nexus 4
Version: 4.4.4

I have had this problem for almost a year now. I have Nexus 5 and all the latest Android OSs. I had the exact problem, and it was really annoying. Whenever I turn of wifi or phone, it keeps forgetting my home wifi and all newly added...
Solution:

Settings > Wifi > Saved Networks

The list showed over 120 remembered networks....
I travel a lot, and it was mostly hotels, bars etc.
So i didn't need them and I have deleted over 100 networks.

Problem was still there. When i turn off wifi again - the same.

I repeated the step 1. There was again list of over 100 saved networks(different ones)...

Repeat step 1 over 5 times!!!
Now I have only 20 saved networks.  And when I add new network - the device remembers it!!!

I guess that the problem was - when you remember new network - it is there in your phone. When you turn off wifi and back on - it tries to overwrite it on your google backup account ...
However - I am happy again! This was really annoying.
Cheers
Marko

I noticed a similar problem on Dell tablet where it would ask for the wifi password and connect, but forget it every time.
I would have tried checking the wifi system files, but it wasn't rooted, I ended up solving the problem with this tutorial.
The short version for those with adb installed, is:
1) adb backup -apk -shared -all -f ~/mybackup.ab (or wherever you want to save the file). Make sure developer mode and debugging is enabled in tablet settings.
2) Make sure the backup was created, should be about the size of used space on the device. Now do the factory-reset in settings.
3) After doing the initial-setup procedure on tablet, make sure developer mode and debugging is enabled in tablet settings, then on the computer run  adb restore ~/mybackup.ab (or wherever you saved your backup)


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Huawei Ascend P7: Problem with Push Notifications
I've just purchased 2 brand-new Huawei Ascend P7 phones and have problems with both: The Push Notifications do not work properly: messages come in delayed, sometimes only when I enter the corresponding app.
This is not restricted to a specific app, and occurs on both Wifi and mobile data. I have given all apps push notification permissions within the Notification Manager, I have also disabled Smart Power Saving Mode and enabled always-on mobile data (hope that helps keeping the GCM connection alive).
One of my phones already received the new system update to P7-L10V100R001C00B121SP01, the other one is still on L10V100R001C00B116SP3.
I've googled a bit, this seems a common problem with those P7s. Any ideas?

Make sure you've turned on Datasync in Settings
Use https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.andqlimax.pushfixer to set notification heartbeat interval
If nothing helps, factory-reset your phone
Check if the same problem appears on both phones, if yes, try a different telephony company


text:
How to restore Google Search withOUT Google Voice Dialer?
Stack Exchange newbie here.  Please forgive any protocol mistakes.
I'm following a thread, but can't yet comment as a newbie, on a question involving the Google Voice Dialer for Android 4.1x - everyone commenting knows that the prior version worked fine but a new OTA push made it serious junk.  I've followed some instructions that say to disable Google Search so that the system will use Voice Commands instead, and that solution works consistently well.  However, additional instructions state that one should then re-download Google Search to reinstall it. This does not appear possible... when an app is disabled, it indicates this status in the Play Store and one cannot opt to download a fresh copy.  And re-enabling Google Search just puts the crappy Google Voice Dialer back online.
How to restore Google Search withOUT Google Voice Dialer? Comments or answers to this please?  Your help greatly appreciated.  Thanks!
Droid Bionic  4.1.2  System ver  98.72.22.XT875.Verizon.en.US


text:
change amber/weather alert turns
does anyone know how to change the alert tone for weather/amber alerts? I'd like to get them, but I can't stand the ear splitting EAS tone, especially in the middle of the night.
Cyanogenmod 10.2 if it helps, I don't mind overwriting system audio files if possible.

Are these the alerts that are shown via Google Now?

No, the default SMS app.


text:
was my phone hacked?
I look at my dashboard and saw activity in a town 4 hours away from me and everything Google on my phone is acting weird, I think my phone was hacked what can I do? I have it in safe mode now, but I don't know what to do to fix it. Like trying to sign into my gmail account it kept telling me my password was incorrect over and over and I know I was putting the correct password. So it kept asking me to recover my account, and when I will try to click on the link to recover the account the same screen kept popping up saying incorrect password, like over n over n over n over

"everything Google on my phone is acting weird" If you want a useful answer, you'll have to be more specific. You wouldn't expect a doctor to diagnose you from just "everything in my body is acting weird," would you?

@DanHulme everything in my body is acting weird. I think some of the stuff I installed in it today may be causing strange wake locks. Brightness seems broken too. It won't go above 'dim'. Also I seem to vibrate randomly and silent mode doesn't seem to work. Did I mess up the kernel? I was eating popcorn and may have eaten a few kernels as well.

As for being hacked, it is possible, but there could be a simple explanation. When using Mobile data, the actual interconnection point with the Internet or the servers handling the ip address assignment may be in a different physical location than you, resulting in your connections showing from a completely different town. Heck, with Verizon, I would frequently get a different state.
As for the login issue, have you tried logging in on a PC to verify and/or reset your password? You need to isolate if it is the phone or the account first. If it is definitely the phone, you can try clearing app data for all the Google Apps (it will wipe settings for those apps so you will need to reconfigure them later--data will be re-downloaded from Google.
Also, though I haven't seen any reports today, yesterday there were issues accessing some Google services including logging in. Just in case that is the issue.


text:
Galaxy S4 Turning on problem
My lock button was having some problems such as when I clicked it it wouldn't do anything or it would glitch and hold down, so I restarted my phone now nothing is happening, I can't get anything on the screen to work at all
I tried to boot into savemode, and download mode, dev move, nothing is working. I tried taking out the battery then trying, still didn't work. The most I can do is have it show "Samsung Custom" and then turn back off.

I have same problem, and I formatted my mobile, still problem not solved

I suggest to report to nearest Customer Care in case this device is in warranty.

I found out that it was my lock button, I put on my otterbox then banged my lock button against my table fairly hard, but if you don't have a good case I don't recommend that because it would probably crack your phone. use your wrist


text:
samsung galaxy s duos s7562 update is not installing
I have Samsung Galaxy S Duos S7562 and recently received a notification about Software Update so that i proceed to install but update is not installing my mobile.
I tried using Kies also and getting the same result.
Note: I rooted my mobile and i disabled few services.
so i need to know, Is there any service should be running to install updates?

Generally, official over-the-air (OTA) updates from Google/carriers/manufacturers will not install on rooted devices, especially if you've changed something on the /system partition.  The update usually checks if the device is in a given state, and won't proceed with installation if it detects tampering.
If you want to accept the OTA update, you will first need to bring the phone back to its original state.  This means undoing whatever modifications you performed, and un-rooting it.  After updating you should be able to re-root.


text:
Android OS installation to tablet
I have a tablet X touch, But its operating system has been damaged. Now I want to install fresh one to it. How can it be done? Someone help please? Thanks in advance.

What do you mean by "damaged"? Does the tablet boot up? What is the exact problem you are trying to solve here?

@Wajid Ali, I suggest you to report to nearest Customer Care for that device; in case you are not responsible ;)

Find the firmware for your specific model of tablet via this search, then download the firmware image and the tools listed, and follow the instructions to flash the firmware onto the device.

@Dan Hulme's contribution is notable. The asker has not specified whether he is responsible for the bricking or not. If not then he would better report to customer care unless the device has not overpassed the warranty.


text:
How to boot an HTC Cha into Safe Mode
On my HTC ChaCha I've been having problems with the bottom menu keys being periodically flakey and non responsive for which I wanted to try booting into Safe Mode to see if that fixes things.
Does anyone know the key combination  needed to  boot HTC ChaCha into safe mode?
I tried a generic HTC instruction I found online i.e. hold volume down key during reboot. But unfortunately that did not work.
Any other ideas?
Edit:
Android Version 2.3.3
HTC Sense: 2.1
Software number: 1.20.720.1
Kernel: 2.6.35.10-g28523b8

Some instructions say hold Volume Down + Power 5 seconds to open the boot menu. On a ChaCha with software version 1.57.161.3 opens the boot menu immediately; I just hold Volume Down and get the boot menu within a second.
Booting works differently depending on which Android and ROM version you have. Open Settings, About this phone, Software and add in your question which version you have. On another ChaCha with software version 1.54.401.3 I get re reaction at all with holding Volume Down, but maybe the button is physically broken.
Update:
So 2.3.3, and presumably original ROM installed?
HTC did release updates from Android 2.3.3 to 2.3.5 -- see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTC_ChaCha
Which phones got that update was supposedly Carrier-specific. I've seen mixed info on forums and official. On 12th June 2014 I tried (manually) to access the update servers listed in the ChaCha device props files (the ones used for OTA = Over The Air/half-automatic updates), and it is possible that OTA no longer works for ChaCha.
(I've seen the Facebook button start making trouble, and that slows down the phone to almost unusable levels -- and then it needs either repair or if you install a ROM that ignores the Facebook share button.)

Thanks @Simon B! I added my versions. Let me know if I gave the right info. I still get no reaction.

Perhaps my Vol Down key is broken too. Is there a workaround? Any other way to boot into safe mode?

After thinking more on this, since the home button is a semi-softbutton (touch, but below the actual color display area) I guess your digitizer (touch sensors) are starting to loose functionality.
I have a ChaCha with a flakey Facebook (hardware) button that I can't bring into the boot menu, and this same phone has trouble detecting touch on some parts of the left half of the screen + the home button. So maybe this is a common problem with HTC ChaCha when they get more worn down.

B: Would that mean an impending dead phone? Or can a mod, new software etc.possibly fix it?

You could try adding Handy Soft Keys (if ChaCha-compatible, not sure about that) which gives access to Switch/Home/Back buttons as a pull-out menu that you can place somewhere on the screen where it's comfortable and where touch is working well. That should prolong the phone's life a bit.


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How do I run a Google Calendar app on B&N Nook Simple Touch?
How do I run a Google Calendar app on B&N Nook Simple Touch?
I never had a Nook, but I'm interested in buying it to use as a dedicated e-ink wall calendar; I heard it can run Google Calendar; if it indeed does, then all I need is to run it once and leave it alone, given the screensaver is disabled. Making it autorun on startup would be even better.
I have asked about disabling the screensaver elsewhere.

Root it by flashing one of images available on the net. Lifehacker has simewhat old instructions which worked for me. GCal runs fine it seems, but I have pretty annoying graphical glitch which I'm sure is solvable. I used NookManager image IIRC


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Force Android to display in grayscale
Is there a way to force all of Android to display in monochrome(also known as grayscale)?
I'm working with a someone who has ADHD (and I am mildly ADHD myself). The colors are too much for him/her to handle.
EDIT: Ideally I'm looking to create an easy way to toggle such a setting.

Do you have any support material / resources that describe the size (audience) for this 'feature'' requirement? This could be raised to Google/Android or Samsung (etc.)

That link is broken ..

Android 5.0 Lollipop provides this feature by default:

Enable Developer mode (by tapping build number within Settings > About phone multiple times)
Go to Developer Options and turn it on.
Under Hardware accelerated rendering you will see option called Simulate color space, click it and set it to Monochromacy.

Does this have any effect on the battery life?

Yes, there will be an effect on battery life, as it will have more CPU usage. However screen type (LCD vs AMOLED etc.) may also play a role here.

On a rooted phone, is it possible to make a shortcut for Monochromacy toggle, or a terminal command?

A launcher will not put the whole system in grayscale, only your home screen.
The Samsung Galaxy S5 has a true grayscale function you can enable system wide.
If you don't want to buy a Samsung Galaxy S5 then try CF.Lumen https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.chainfire.lumen
It can color the screen to a specific tint. As a side effect the battery life will increase a lot.
If you have a Samsung phone, but not necessarily the S5 then you can use this root app to put everything into true monochrome (grayscale):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mobi.pruss.GalacticNight

I think you need this
Root your phone and install the following app from play store by Famous Developer Chainfire
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.chainfire.cf3d
then change the setting to grayscale

You should also note that the app supports only Froyo and Gingerbread, not any newer versions.

I think Lunar Eclipse Lite is also a good choice for you. it works well on my phone.

Click image(s) for larger version

Does it support pure monochrome/grayscale? Note that there are many screen filter apps such as this, but the questions asks for grayscale specifically.

There's no built-in function that does this on an android phone.
The bast way to achieve this is to install a custom launcher. Check on the Play Store, there are a bunch of them.

Please add additional information.  Maybe link to at least one example.  The way your question is isn't clear.  I'm not looking to just change the home screen icons, but the entire android device to grayscale.

I'm pretty sure you can't change the Setting color scheme, but you can change all the other things. In the play store just search for "launcher" and choose the one you prefer, at that point you should look for the available themes for the launcher you've chosen and install it.

Thank for the response, but I do believe it is clear in the question that I am looking to change the entire operating system.  All APPS will likely stay in color unless I am misunderstanding you.

That's correct, I find it hard to change the entire system color scheme, consider it pretty much impossible. I'm a ROM developer and I can't figure out how this could be achieved. Maybe by editing some driver files or the kernel itself. That's tough, one thing is certain, you must have a rooted device, that's the first thing you should know.

It could be done in a custom ROM by changing the compositor (SurfaceFlinger) to render everything as grayscale regardless of the colors drawn by apps.


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Change Language
My Hummer H5 smartphone came preloaded in Chinese.  I have changed the language setting for the phone itself to English however, the Google search is still operating in Chinese.  I would like to know what steps to take to change this to English.

Based on the basic settings which is available throughout the
Android Devices a phone has to display the default language
throughout the phone through which the user can interact with the
phone with ease.
Well If you have changed the default language to English under the Mobile
Settings properly then it should display the default language for
your phone throughout or else you might have not changed it properly(Chinese language has been categorised into many languages depending on the location like Simplified Chinese as far as I  know).
What I can suggest you is either you checkout with Customer Support
or Check the instruction manual which should be available on the Web or in the Package with which the phone was shipped


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Is there an internet free radio app that can connect to bluetooth speakers
I have an old Samsung galaxy S1 that I would like to use an a radio transmitter and connect to my home entertainment system via bluetooth.
To run the built in app you are required to have head phones connected and you have the option to output the music through the phone speaker.
How can I move this from the phone speaker to the bluetooth option?
Are there any apps that can do this?
The main criteria for this is to be internet free. If the internet is required I can just use the laptop for the music through Spotify or some other app(which i don't want to do)

So you're wanting to use the onboard FM receiver to play music through bluetooth?

Yes that is correct. Either through the default application or if needed i will download another app


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Proprietary software distributed along with Linux kernel
What is the licensing rationale behind distributing proprietary (copyrighted) software within a common smartphone's Android system? I mean software like device drivers (camera, GSM modules etc.) or closed source apps like Google Apps. I thought proprietary software can not be distributed alongside a GPLv2 Linux kernel which Android runs on top of.

I thought proprietary software can not be distributed alongside a GPLv2 Linux kernel which Android runs on top of.

No, the so-called "viral" nature of GPL doesn't apply to things that are merely distributed together: it only comes into play when statically linking GPL and other code into a single binary. Including non-free kernel modules and non-free APKs in a Linux system such as Android is perfectly fine.
If it weren't OK, this would be a problem for desktop Linux distributions as well, which often rely on non-free drivers for certain hardware (most commonly GPUs), and non-free user-space applications (such as Skype).


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How can I view SMTP headers in the Gmail app?
I'd like to view the full SMTP headers of a message in the Gmail app, but I haven't found a way to do so. I've also tried the Web client, but it displays a tablet-specific view, even when I've checked "request desktop site".
How can I view SMTP headers in the Gmail app?
If relevant, the device is an Asus Eee Pad Transformer tablet running on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

Sadly there's no such option in the official Gmail app.
You can try using a third party mail client with more options such as K-9 Mail: https://k9mail.app/

It is not possible to view headers in the Gmail app; you will need to open the Gmail web app in your browser instead.
Using Chrome (mobile, 47.0.xxxx.xx) on Android (5.0.2), for example,

Go to gmail.com.

Use the three vertical dot menu at upper-right > request desktop site (not sure this step is necessary, but I did it, and it worked).

Use the gmail menu (three vertically-stacked horizontal bars) to the left, above the main window.

Scroll to the bottom and choose "View Gmail in ... Desktop"

Open the email message for which you'd like header information.

Click Show Original just above the window containing the message body.

The header info will appear.

Well, yes SMTP headers can be seen over the Gmail apps.

Login to your e-mail account (Which I am sure you are logged in over your Gmail app).
Click over the email you wish to see headers on.
On the upper right portion of the message box, you will see a Reply or Reply-to-All button, with a small downward pointing arrow.
Click the small arrow.
You will see the message sub-menu, and an option for "Show Original"
Click "Show Original"

Is that you are trying to do ?

That's the context OP wants, but from with android gmail app, different from the desktop website.

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


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Possible to restore phone-only contacts from PC backup?
I have a Samsung S4 which I did factory reset on, after backing up my data to my PC via USB.  I grabbed everything off the "phone" and "card" directories and backed up to an external drive on my PC.  I assumed that this would be enough to protect my data, but it looks like the phone-only contacts (not the ones synced with Google) are no longer available. (I didn't have Verizon backup assistant turned on lately enough to catch the contacts.) I've read that there should have been a db file in one of the directories, but I don't see anything like that in what I backed up.  Someone else wrote that I needed "root" to get to those files, but wouldn't those files have come through the USB backup?  Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

Well its possible to restore any contact present on the Personal Computer provided your method of backup was done using a dedicated software like Samsung Kies.
For Samsung Kies follow the below Steps

In Samsung kies it provides two kinds of restore phone only restore
or complete (SIM+ phone).At first after installation of Samsung
kies3
Samsung  kies has currently two versions Samsung kies and Samsung kies 3.Samsung Kies is for basic mobiles as well as smart phones with Android version upto Android 4.1 As yours is Android 4.2 above device kies 3 is suitable for you.
After installation all your backup is to be taken and stored
So whenever you lose data or do a firmware upgrade you will have
your data always with you safely


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Do I need to root ( unlock boot loader) to flash Factory image for Nexus 5
Do I need to unlock boot loader to flash official factory image of Android L Preview ? And will it void warranty? Is it rooting the phone ? I have never rooted phone before and I don't wish to do so. Please provide useful link on how to flash such images.

Yes you need to unlock the bootloader to flash the factory image.
Yes it will void your warranty but you can lock your bootloader again and reset the tamper flag to get the warranty back
No unlocking bootloader is not rooting.
Here is the useful link.

Unlocking bootloader
Flashing factory image

One more question.. Can I roll back to Android 4.4.4 from Android L preview? Just in case its too buggy.. And if yes what is the process to do so..

@abhi yes you can. You can just flash 4.4.4 or other factory image just like the L preview. Between the preview version is laggy

thanks a lot Sammer..can I use Nexus Root Tool to unlock> Flash L> Relock ?

@abhi I never tried Wugfresh tool. I heard few device got into bootloop when using rootkits, so always go with manually typing the command.

I think in the USA it should not void your warranty as it is regulated by law and the manufacturer must prove you actively damaged your phone in the the process (which would be at least funny if you are putting a Google Android Image on a Nexus phone and following the steps Google itself published, for example).
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act states on Title 15 of US Code, Chapter 15 (Consumer Product Warranties), Section 2304 (c) that the manufacturer must prove the damage inflicted by the user to void the warranty, as explained  on this video.
In the European Union there is an equivalent ruling on EU Directive 1999/44/CE


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Point of using 4G enabled Nexus tablet in the USA
As far as I know, the providers (AT&T, Verizon, TMobile) in the USA neither sell nor support mobile connection for Nexus tablets. So what is the point of buying a Nexus tablet with 4G support in the USA?

AT&T and T-Mobile both offer data-only plans. You can even buy the N7 from Google Play with a T-Mobile SIM included. Why are you under the impression that they can't be used? Where did you see any information that makes this claim?

@eldarerathis: In the link below, I do not see any SIM card for Nexus. This is link is for the case when we have the tablet already. http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/byop.html

AT&T's site has various SIMs labelled for popular devices and/or devices they sell themselves on that list, but they're not actually different. The "tablet" section shows 8 SIM cards, but look at the pictures. There are only two varieties there, which can be identified by their shape/size: mini SIM and micro SIM. The N7 takes a micro SIM. The fact that they chose to label their SIMs like that doesn't mean that the network only supports those 8 devices. If you filter the full shop to SIMs you can see them with more generic (accurate) labeling: http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/devices/att.html

For example, here's their "SIM for 4G LTE Android and Windows Phone devices" (i.e a micro SIM): http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/devices/att/att-sim-for-4g-lte-android-windows-devices.html


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Is it possible to install the Google Keyboard on 4.1.1?
I have a HTC Desire X running 4.1.1. I want to use the google keyboard - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.inputmethod.latin - but I get a device incompatibility and the playstore doesn't allow me to install it.
I found an APK here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2312179 - there is a link there to v3.0.19423.1102675a.
I was wondering if there is any harm in trying to install the keyboard through the APK - anyone tried it. Keyboards are the first thing you use to interact with the system - so I am worried if something goes wrong, I may not even be able to uninstall it or something.

My phone is working on 4.1.1 and I downloaded and installed the application, it worked fine. No problems at all. XDA seems to be a reliable source. I used it to type this answer and I'm going to uninstall it as I have paid version of SwiftKey.
I'll post a comment whether it uninstalls or not.

It's very easy to uninstall the application. Just like any other app, go into application manager and uninstall it. But I must say, the keyboard was quicker than SwiftKey and also consumes much less RAM(30-40 MB on SwiftKey vs 16 MB on Google keyboard). I'm going to reinstall it.(from xda)

BTW, SwiftKey is now free. I just installed it today - I am wondering now whether to keep it or to try the Google Keyboard APK from XDA.

Sorry! I meant I have paid themes :P

authors: Димитрије Милешевић


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Make more internal storage available
I'm running a SlimKat ROM on Sony Xperia Z Ultra. Officially the device has 16GB storage installed, but only 11.79GB are available to the user. I know that all the rest is reserved for the OS needs. May be the official Sony ROM really needs 3.5GB of space to function properly, but since SlimKat is a very compact ROM, I'm sure it doesn't need so much storage (am I right?).
So is there any way to make more storage available for the user needs and less for the OS? May be there are some ways to repartition the device memory.
When I tried to google the question, I learned that there are some tricks to make the device treat the external SD card as internal storage, but that's not what I'm looking for now :)

Yes. It is possible to have more space allocated for personal use.
First, I would suggest that your download Terminal Emulator and run the command df in it to get the memory allocated for each partition (ie /system, /data etc).
The space allocated to /data partition is only space you can use. Rest is for system/firmware that you cant use. There are three ways to get out of this problem->
1) Repartition
We will reduce the amount of memory allocated to /system and give that memory to /data. Manufacturers often give /system partition a farily good amount of space for future os upgrades. But when you use custom roms, they are relatively lighter and use much less space, so we can shrink this partition. But unfortunately, there isn't any such method made yet for xperia z ultra as far as I know. So this is a rather difficult (almost impossible, considering working of sony phones, the TA partition etc).
2) Installing as "system app"
You know that /system partition has a lot of unused space. So how to use it? Install apps inside system partition! They will become system apps and you will need special app managers to uninstall them (you can use some app manager to install app and move it to /system partition. Not all apps will support doing this). Downside is that apps will still store their data in /data partition, so again, this isnt a very good option. (You can also just create a random folder inside /system partition and probably store a few things like songs inside that? Ok that might be a stupid idea, even though I do practice this on my Nexus 4, which has relatively even less memory).
3) App2SD
This leaves you with only one efficient option as this. Use some app like
Link2Sd to move apps and their data to external sd card. Hence more space inside internal. Again, not all apps are supported, but most are.

Well u did not specify your Android OS so let's go by the default answer

Basically in Android Device the operating system(jelly bean, Kit Kat)
occupies a lot of space for the phone to operate(drivers for Wi-Fi, HD display etc.) and remind you its pre determined and can also vary after an update.
Due to which the internal memory will decrease after the update takes place.
To increase the internal memory  there's no way without downgrading the operating system of your phone as the storage space of the operating system is reduced.
Another way would be to move all your applications to the SD Card
storage which will boost your speed as well as memory.

Look netimen , i particularly don't know much about Slimkat ROM but what works for other android devices is that if you have a spot for micro sd card then what you do is that you transfer every possibly movable app to your sd card. To do that go to SETTINGS>APP MANAGER. Now choose the apps you want to move and if there is an option for MOVE TO SD CARD click on it. The app had been moved. Now if you want other files also to go to sd card, head over to your FILE MANAGER and simply move the apps. This will make a lot of free space in the internal memory of your device. Hope it helped :D . Thanks is always appreciated.


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unlocking bootloader moto g xt1033
I'm trying to root my MOTO G XT1033 DUAL SIM but in the videos I've seen till date it says that you need unlock the boot loader .I saw solution videos to unlock boot loader but all of them says that by unlocking boot loader you will lose all your data.
So I was wondering that is there any way to unlock the MOTO G's boot loader without losing the data?
If it's not possible then please tell me how to unlock the boot loader without PC (my PC is damaged)

You cannot unlock your bootloader without also wiping your data. Backup your data, either manually or using an app. You also need a computer to perform the unlock process because it is performed while your device is in fastboot mode; before the Android OS is even started.


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Make the notification drawer animation faster
I'm running a SlimKat ROM on Sony Xperia Z Ultra. For me the open animation of the notification drawer is too slow. Is there any way to make it faster or disable at all?

There is a very simple solution to your this wish.Just simply head over to your settings .
After headed, go to DEVELOPER OPTIONS. If you do not have the DEVELOPER OPTIONS then simply go to ABOUT PHONE>BUILD NUMBER and tap the BUILD NUMBER  several times until you see a message that now you are a developer or something like that. Now go to DEVELOPER OPTIONS and Enable it. Now scroll down until you see WINDOW ANIMATION SCALE. Tap it and choose the time you want. You can even disable it(set it to off. Do the same to TRANSITION ANIMATION SCALE and to ANIMATOR DURATION SCALE. You can even set different scale to different animations. And VOILA there you GO!! Hope it helped ;) :D


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How to downgrade from kitkat to jelly bean?
May I know how to downgrade from android 4.4.2 kitkat to jelly bean? There are many problems on my galaxy note 10.1 after upgraded to kitkat. Please help me~ Thank you very much!

If you took a backup of your ROM before updating, then you can restore the backup. Alternatively, if your phone is rooted then you can download a stock Jelly Bean ROM from somewhere like XDA and flash it.

Tread carefully here.  If your Galaxy Note 10.1 has the Knox bootloader (the 2014 edition does), then you won't be able to downgrade the OS even if you have a Nandroid backup or the original Jellybean firmware.  Knox prevents downgrades and you'll likely soft brick your device.  I did this accidentally on by Galaxy S4 by applying an older firmware backup (only a minor patch release) instead of the most current one.


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Nexus 7 (2013) won’t go past Google logo screen, can't enter Recovery mode
I hold down the power button until it starts up, and it gets up to the Google logo screen, but won’t go any further; it just freezes on that screen.
Tried to reset device in Recovery Mode (support.google.com/nexus/answer/4596836?hl=en) using these steps:

If your tablet is on, turn it off.
Press & hold the Volume Down button, then press & hold the Power button simultaneously until the tablet turns on. You'll see the word "Start" with an arrow drawn around it.
Press the Volume Down button twice to highlight Recovery mode.
Press the Power button to start Recovery mode. You'll see an image of an Android robot with a red exclamation mark and the words "No command."
While holding down the Power button, press the Volume Up button.
Use the volume buttons to scroll to "wipe data/factory reset," then press the Power button to select it.
Scroll down to "Yes - erase all user data," then press the Power button to select it.

Points #1-#3 go well, but I can't pass through #4, after pressing the Power button to start Recovery Mode there is no 'image of an Android robot with a red exclamation mark', screen just goes off for 1-3 sec and than there is again Google logo screen, performing actions from #5 gives no result, tablet just goes off if I hold the Power button and the Volume Up button too long.

Are you rooted? I'm guessing not since you're running stock recovery?


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Karbonn a50 mobile automatically reboots when being unlocked
I have karbonn a50 mobile. When I switch on my device then I press unlock screen icon, my mobile automatically restarts. I try hard reset but problem not solved.
What could be the issue here, and what else could I do?

This will remove all data like contacts and images stored in phone memory, apps with their saved data etc. But you'll be able to use you phone.
1) Press volume down key + power key simultaneously keep pressing until android symbol appears ( triangle box).
2) Leave the keys.
3) Press (volume up) button for menu options to appear.
4) Select (wipe data/ reset factory) option.
5) Press power key to select the chosen option.
This will make the phone as it was, when you first took it out from the box.

I try it but noting change.

Are you using a custom ROM? Because hard resetting fixes all problem.

Well, not all (it doesn't fix hardware issues, and it doesn't fill your battery ;) Speaking of which: Is your device fully charged (if not: do it!)? Is there an SDCard inserted (if so, remove it and see if that helps). If none of these helps, bring it back to the service center; I'm afraid there's not much else you can do.


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Send predefined sms/text message to group with a shortcut
I would like to install a "panic button" on my phone's home screen or lock screen that would send a predefined sms/text message to a selected group of people.
I am NOT looking for a group sms app where you first need to wait for the app to start up, then need to select the group, then type a message, then handle various menus/screens/popups/confirmations to send it.
It should be quick and easy (with hopefully only one or two clicks or swipes) to send the predefined message to a group in a life threatening situation.  It should enable me to notify e.g. my neighbours, police, security, family, etc. immediately and simultaneously in a case of emergency.
Is anyone aware of such an app or any way to customized an existing app/feature to get this type of behaviour?

I found an app called Panic Alert Button which does exactly what I was looking for.

Check out WithU app
WithU connects you with your family and friends in any problem. WithU is an emergency App that, at the click of the Start button begins sending out alert messages in every 2 minutes to your contacts that you saved into the app as the receivers or guardians.
Enter Contacts Numbers of People whom you wanna inform whenever you are in Trouble. If you feel Unsafe, Distress, just press Green Start Button, It will send SMS (With your location and Time) to the Saved Numbers.
The message says "I am in Problem. Please help me. My Location is (Your Current Location)". Even if you have not Internet Connectivity , it send SMS to your contacts with message "I am in Problem. Please help me".
You can place the button on your homescreen.

Could you explain how to some the OP's problem with this app?

@MatthewRead edited the answer.

I have tried WithU, but the apps seems very unstable on my Samsung Galaxy S.


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Force closing of apps automatically
On my Android phone, many applications that I open closes right away, returning me to home screen.
Every time I open the application, it force closes.
Now, just recently, the browser is beginning to close, but not immediately like the apps.
I have uninstalled and re-installed apps, done virus scans, and even factory reset. Nothing has helped.

There's not enough information here. What device? What version of the OS? Are you rooted? Are you using a custom ROM?

Also, are just some of the apps crashing, or all of them? If only particular, which ones?

Ok I am really illiterate when it comes to this stuff. My phone is a huawei ascend, and I do believe it is rooted. As far as the OS or ROM I am clueless. Pretty much all of my apps are crashing most right away but like maybe 2 apps will stay open for a little while before crashing. I have removed SD card and factory reset and reinstalled apps to no prevail. And I do not have any idea how to go about the second suggestion

First of all

Remove the SD Card/ Make a Factory Reset (Reset Internal Storage)
Try Installing the applications, if it ok, then scan the SD card and use.

Secondly,

Try re-install the OS
Flash with your stock firmware.

It will solve the issue.


text:
Will rooting through Kingo brick the device?
If you have Knox installed in your Samsung device and you try to root the device using the Kingo root app, will it brick your device?

Root
Rooting won't brick your device unless you did it in the wrong way,

Keep the battery full (greater than 75)
Install appropriate drivers
Make sure you use the official USB driver
Follow the procedure.

Kingo Root
As per documentation

Kingo Android Root has already rooted more than 100,000 devices, and we never met a bricking situation.

Refer to this link.


text:
Are administrative permissions for remote disabling of phone the same as root?
I have a Samsung Galaxy S3 with Android 4.3. If I choose the option for remote disabling the phone if the phone is lost or stolen, it asks for some administrative permissions.
Are these permissions the same as ROOT, i.e. after giving these permissions, will my phone be rooted?

Administrative privileges are not the same as root. They allow for a slightly elevated level of security for controlling things like the lock screen or other tasks that most apps shouldn't have access to. Enabling administrative permission for an app won't void your warranty or anything. Just be careful what you allow to have this access. The security app will need this permission to be able to lock the device and delete data (if the app supports it).


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Rooting Samsung Galaxy S4
I'm trying to root my Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9500 and I'm wondering that is there any way to root it without using PC and without losing any of my data. Currently I am running on Android 4.4.2 and have no custom ROM.
Thanks in advance!

You might want to take a look at Towelroot by geohot. He claims it roots all Android devices and versions within seconds ("should support all phones < jun 3 2014"). Didn't try it myself, no S4 available either, so I cannot tell for sure. No PC needed, just run the app. Don't forget to report back whether it worked :)

Izzy brother, I've tried that but what happens is that after I click make it rain, it automatically reboots which is OK but then when i check whether I have root access or not then it says that you don't have proper root access. Even the SuperSU says that super SU /superuser binary are not installed. What to do?

As I wrote, I've not tried that. You could check for instructions searching e.g. with Google for "towelroot". Or wait until someone else gives a proper answer. Towelroot itself includes neither a su binary (at least I couldn't find that inside the .apk) nor any SuperUser/SuperSU app, so that part might be normal. According to the instructions I've found, you need at least to manually install the latest SuperSU (by chainfire, released a few days ago).

Hey,by the way thanks brother, it was a nice effort but not working for me. I'm unlucky maybe. Thanks again

It wouldn't hurt to try the Kingroot app, will it? Here: http://www.kingroot.net

Errr.. For this rooting problem, I have checked so many informations before. "Rooting" seems a little complicated and technical. However, it's really simple. The most important thing is to find a secure and easy tool for free rooting. Then, find a way to backup the file and data on Samsung Galaxy S4. Actually rooting won't cause data loss, but processes like unlocking bootloader will. So it's still important to backup the data before rooting.
Luckily, Samsung Galaxy S4 doesn't need to unlock bootloader like HTC or Nexus phones. You need focus on one thing: not bricking your device.
You can follow the steps on how to root Samsung Galaxy S4 here. Ensure you have working ADB before continuing. Preferably, install Samsung Kies and the drivers that come with it, and some ADB/fastboot package or the Android SDK from Google.

Download iRoot on your Windows PC.
Connect your phone to your PC.
Detect the device and click on "Root Now".
Done!

Hope you have succeeded now.

Did you read the OP's question properly? It said "way to root it  without using PC". This isn't an answer to the OP's question.

Sorry, my mistake. What I want to put is that rooting with computer has the higher success rate than without computer. Also, the tool in this guide can root the Samsung Galaxy S4 without computer. Last, the backup issue is important in this thread. And I think it's more convenient  to do this on computer. Sorry again that you think my reply is useless.

I rooted my SCH-i545 using Towelroot and it worked fine. Towelroot only works if the S4 is still on KitKat with the NC5 kernel (or earlier). If you're on a later kernel, refer to this XDA tutorial to flash the compatible kernel.

I've just rooted via following the instructions here http://www.android.gs/root-xxufnb8-android-4-4-2-official-rom-for-galaxy-s4-lte-i9505/
I'd strongly recommend that you search for and download Odin and Chainfire from the original sources and not via the links though as they look suspicious. Took about 10 mins in total. Good luck

Welcome to  Android Enthusiasts! Whilst this may theoretically answer the question, it would be preferable to include the essential parts of the answer here, and provide the link for reference. Otherwise, your answer becomes useless in case the link dies.


text:
Is it possible to use Apple Wireless keyboard with Android 4.2.2 tablet?
I have a Kobo Arc 10HD and it runs on Android 4.2.2. I have successfully paired it with an Apple wireless keyboard but I still can't seem to use it. My virtual keyboard pops up and when I type on the Bluetooth keyboard nothing happens. Has anyone used a different keyboard that works? Is it even possible for me to use the Apple keyboard?

I remember using an Apple WK with an Asus Transformer tablet about a couple of years ago. I don't remember exactly which Android version it was, but it worked just fine.

If you're sure the keyboard is properly paired, have you tried using the excellent External Keyboard Helper Pro? I use it with a Microsoft Bluetooth keyboard, and it handles both switching to the external keyboard from the internal one (and back) when needed, but also little chores like nuking the caps lock key.


text:
How safe is it to use Aptoide?
As with the latest update to Google Play one no longer sees the full list of permissions requested by an app on install/update1, I feel my privacy is invaded. Even worse, an app could sneak in additional permissions with an update, and without the user knowing2,3.
So I'm looking towards alternatives.
TL;DR:
I know we've got What are the alternative Android app markets?, but a) that's more or less a listing of other markets (without giving backgrounds)4, and b) it's not even mentioning Aptoide.
I don't want another app that has to run in the background permanently to "check license validity", so things like the Amazon Appstore or AndroidPIT are out. AppBrain is just another front-end to Google Play – so nice as it is, it doesn't solve the issue, as for app installs and updates it just has to re-direct to Google Play – which I'm rather about to "flee".
I've already checked out F-Droid a few days ago, and feel it pretty fitting my needs (follow the link for details) – but with just about 1.200 Apps (as of 6/2014) it leaves too many gaps.
Aptoide on the other end is said to serve more than 120.000 apps currently. As the name suggests, it uses APT style repositories, which I'm used to from Linux (Debian and derivates). It even lets you have your own private repo to share apps between devices (or with friends). All apps are offered for free, so no need for a "license server". But how safe is it for the end-user? I've googled (and ducked) for hours, but could not find any source on this. Instead, I found a lot of links of the type "get paid apps for free", "black market", and other piracy-oriented stuff – which is definitely not what I'm after. I'm more than open to paying for good apps5, so "getting them for free" is not the intention behind my question. Like F-Droid, Aptoide has multiple repositories – but I couldn't figure out whether there's a "trust-able" main repository like with F-Droid.
There is related information available in the package description (e.g. this one) indicating safety measures such as malware scan, signature validation, and third-party validation. But as the corresponding web page shows, this information seems to be at least partly relying on user feedback (which could be faked/manipulated), or is not even presented to the user (the package info e.g. names 3 scanners used to check, I cannot find this info on the web page). While I might be able to look things up via package info, I cannot ask e.g. my 70+ years old parents to do so. On this page, Aptoide also points out how to see the results of their security measures, and explicitly states:

Aptoide Anti-Malware platform analyses applications in run-time and disables potential threats across all stores.

(Emphasis mine) – which suggests malware protection comparable to that of Google Play (how does that go together with those "black market rumors"? Maybe they just don't remove offending apps, but only mark them instead?).
So finally
The question:
Is there a way to safely use Aptoide as a source for apps? If so, how?6 If not, why not?
Bonus points for an "idiot-proof" way which could be recommended to less experienced users.

Footnotes
1 I know it would be possible to open the Google Play Store web page of the app, scroll through it, and click the corresponding link when found – but you can't call that user-friendly, or expect users doing this on every update.
2 e.g. on first install it requested the "unsuspecting" READ_PHONE_STATE with the usual justification. With an update, it could request CALL_PHONE, PROCESS_OUTGOING_CALLS, and others – and the Play app would not bring that up, as they belong to the "same group".
3 To figure out "new permissions", one had to compare those of the installed version with those of the present one. Have fun!
4 I've just edited two answers and added some details on AppBrain and F-Droid to fill those gaps
5 I've bought a lot of apps on Google Play (or donated to the dev directly), and e.g. F-Droid has donation buttons on each app's page to make this possible
6 I could imagine by knowing (and restricting your use to) "safe Aptoide repositories" this could be achieved. But as I wrote, I couldn't figure out which ones to consider "safe". The Aptoide article on Wikipedia suggests there's a "default repo" on install, and more repos need to be added manually; so it might be sticking to that first one is safe.

I think an app store is as safe as your trust for the curators or (in the case of an entirely open app store) the developers who submit apps.  IMHO, for Aptoide, I'd put it in the "just as safe as the app devs" category. But that's because I know nothing about the curators interests here.  I would hope that even though they just made it harder to figure out if an app dev is asking more than s/he was for a previous version, Google has a vested interest in not having malicious apps spread across their ecosystem. Not sure on Aptoid's motives.

Thanks for the comments! As for Google Play, I'm not that much concerned for "malicious apps" in the common sense (though several of them slip through Google's control for a while every now and then as well), but rather for "data collectors" and the like (with Google being one of the biggest). And not being sure about Aptoid is the reason I ask this question :) I don't want to replace a problem with another one. And I want to know for sure what I can recommend others.

You left out an important point - does Aptoide even offer an app upgrade process that notifies you of permission changes?  Given the obvious decrease in security and safety when using a decentralized and piracy-ridden infrastructure, it should offer some benefits besides just being not Google.  If you're worried about sneaky data collection, I'd say you're in more danger when getting apps from a storefront with apps uploaded in bulk and not by the developers (and possibly modified).

@ProjectJourneyman Google Play doesn't give such hints on updating (if new permissions are added to "the same group"). With Aptoide, F-Droid, and others being "3rd party markets", they always have to invoke the "local package installer", which shows you all permissions of the app-to-be-updated/installed before you can proceed to install. Though, unfortunately, not a "diff" to the current version.

Thank you for raising these questions. Here is some information about Aptoide that I hope is useful for you and the Stackexchange/Android community:

Malware is something that we take very seriously. Currently, we have 3 different systems to detect malware as they arrive in any Aptoide-powered app store:

we run 3 different anti-virus in emulators in run-time
we have an in-house system of signatures to detect recurring threats
we have implemented a chain of trust based in the signature of the developer

The task of creating a safe environment to the end user is a moving target. We are working with several universities and research centres and in a recent article (not yet published) we compare well with the other app stores. We also proposed a European research project with 2 anti-virus companies and 3 universities / research centres to deal with this topic. There is a lot of work to be done and the feedback of the community is important.
F-Droid is in fact very similar to Aptoide. They are a fork of Aptoide and they maintain all the concepts we developed, like multiple stores. They have a more centralised approach and a central signature which if of course different from our approach.
At Aptoide we have the "Trusted" stamp. If you see the Trusted stamp in an app, we are 99.99% certain that the app doesn't contain a threat to the end-user.

Best,
Paulo Trezentos (Aptoide co-founder)

Thank you very much for your details, Paulo! Though I expected as much, it's good to have these details first-hand. Is there anything to be said about which repositories are considered "safer"/"main" (like the central one in F-Droid – which besides is IMHO the only one using the central signature you mentioned in 3.), to be recommended to the "more cautious user" – or are they all threated similarly? What about those "black markets" Aptoide is related to so often? And is the "trusted" stamp of 4. somehow coded in the XML I've mentioned (to be e.g. auto-detected by a script)?

@all Missing details have been sent to me by mail, parallel to Paulo's post here. Find them summed-up in my answer to What are the alternative Android app markets?

Malware is something that we take very seriously Really? I reported a potential issue via their web-form and after a week nothing happened. See aptoide-how-to-report-potential-abuse-without-becoming-a-member

Thanks for answering here. Can you additionally explain why the apks have different certificates than the originals and why folders like "facebook", "airbnb" or "smaato.soma" are injected into the apks even if the original had no connection to these applications?
I am talking about "trusted" apps, e.g. WhatsApp.

After Paulo's answer, some more mail exchanges with him, I already wrote a detailed description in my answer to another question – and also in an article on my own site: Android Markets: How safe are alternative sources?
Following that, I kept a close watch on Aptoide ever since then, and still do – so let me add a few more details (including some points already mentioned before, for context):

Aptoide is not a "single area for apps" like Google Play or the Amazon App-Store. It's rather comparable to what Launchpad is for Ubuntu: Everyone and his little sister can open their own repository here, which is presented as a "store" separated from the others. There's a global search (for apps and stores), though.
There's only one repository which is "manually curated" by Aptoide itself, called "Apps". Here the Aptoide team decides what apps are entering the repository. Here I …

didn't find a single "pirated payed app", be it for money or for free
checked the signatures of some apps and found them matching those from Google Play for all I checked
don't remember any app without the "trusted" stamp (meaning, the so marked app has been checked for malware with multiple scanners (including Aptoide's own "bouncer"), signatures have been verified to match those of other markets (mostly Google Play), and more – see my already mentioned other answer for details on this)

So my conclusion is in fact it is pretty safe to use this repository.
However, I've also taken a look at several of the other repositories – where you indeed can find lots of obviously "pirated apps" (payed apps from GPlay "for free" are always a signal for that). At those places, not only was the "trusted" stamp missing often – but instead I frequently found the "untrusted" stamp – which means the app was probably contamined (details differed; most often I found the signature to be the issue: "it was used elsewhere to sign another developers package" is 99% sure to indicate a "hack").

Summed up: A general answer cannot be given here (that would be answering the question whether "the Earth" is a safe place to live). How safe it is to use Aptoide pretty much depends on your choice of the repository. One is known to be manually curated and, I dare say, as safe as Google Play, Amazon App Store, and others. A few can be assumed as pretty safe – especially if you know so about their owners, and stick to apps showing the "trusted" shield.
Avoid apps not being assigned the (currently green) "trusted" shield, especially stay well clear of those showing the (currently yellow) "untrusted" shield, best also stick to the Apps repository alone – and Aptoide should be a safe place for you.

I consider the Apps repository safe enough to link it from my app lists – next to F-Droid and Google Play.

If "trusted" , i.e. green apps are verified using a signature from Google Play, why is it better to only stick to the Apps repository alone ?

@hulkingtickets because that way you don't risk to "accidentally hit a yellow one". We all have our moments where we are distracted (or "someone else" is using our device).

Aptoide is a known piracy site for Android apps. If you think any site that knowingly distributes pirated software is safe, you are being pretty optimistic.

You should not write something you cannot back up by sources. What you write is like saying "Windows always has viruses", "computer users are hackers", and the like. Have you even read the answer of user64756? There's a curated repository, and there are "private repositories". What comes to the first is controlled by staff – which cannot necessarily said for the latter.

Rubbish. Aptoide has been a pirate site since its inception, and continues to profit from the distribution of pirated software. Claiming that the staff cannot be held responsible for that which they enable and profit from, is semantics at best.

What you write is like saying "Piratebay is not a piracy site." :D

You must know. So please name me only 3 "pirate apps" in Aptoide's "Apps" store (note: the Apps store, which is their main and curated repository – not one of the many "private repositories", where you in fact find many "pirated" apps. (Why three? Once is an accident. Twice is coincidence. Three times is an enemy action. Meaning: One might have "slipped through" – that happens on Google Play often enough as well, without you calling that place a "pirate bay"). No accusation without proof, please.

Don't make me laugh. The front page of aptoide openly promotes pirated products. Going "oh, but this little corner of the site is clean"... yeah, we've heard that one before. Same old "oh, but we torrent sites only link to the material, we can't control what gets posted".

But don't worry. The consequence of the piracy enabled by sites like aptoide and its ilk is that developers will move entirely away from the "paid app" business model, and move entirely over to the much hated in-app purchases business model.

I won't argue with you. I had close contact with Paulo for a while, and I've observed Aptoide for about a year now. They have their own repo with almost 50.000 apps currently, which definitely is clean – and offer everybody to open and maintain his/her own repo, where they cannot vouch for the content. You can report "ilk", and it gets removed – but they don't "go hunting" themselves. // As thieves and Mafiosi use bank accounts, I recommend you stay clear of banks as well – as bank clerks also only check if being told so (sorry, couldn't resist ;) Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater ;)

I recently released my Android app Westward Dystopia on the Google Play store ONLY and within days found it being offered on Aptoide.  When I contacted the company to get the content removed, they told me they would not unless I registered for their service first and opened an account with them.
This is NOT the way a legitimate site is run.  I wouldn't trust them as far as I could throw them.  Users beware.

This is the exact wording in the email I received after reporting the theft of my content and hosting of it on your site:
"To remove the requested application, we need to have the exact Aptoide URL where the application stands and it is not sufficient to send us a string.
1.- Submitting a single URL
We then suggest that you to fill in the Abuse Report that you can find here: http://www.aptoide.com/report/abuse
To submit the form, please register yourself with the same Google Play developer's email and don’t forget to activate your account."

I've cleaned up the comments here.  Thanks for relating your experience, regomar; anyone wishing to discuss it with you should invite you to [chat].


text:
Do refunded Google Play purchases show up on credit card bill?
When you purchase an app that costs money on Google Play but then refund it within the 15 minute leniency period, does any record of the purchase and subsequent refund show up on the bill from the credit card you used to make the purchase? If so, what would show up on the bill?

Not on mine anyway. I assume the payment is held until the fifteen minutes has passed.

@RossC Thanks. Can you post this as an answer, and then I'll accept it so we both get reputation? Thanks.

Done and expanded on.

I don't get any refund on my credit card statement. Nor do I get a debit to begin with for the initial purchase.
The payment is probably held for the fifteen minute refund window. Chances are the actual payment run from Google to the financial institution is done in a batch or a few batches throughout the day. The specifics of the transaction run is down to Google and their bank(s).  I'd imagine they send the debit leg of it after the fifteen minutes from your account and credit an internal suspense account and then send out the batch during the day as I said.
That's only a rough guess but I have worked in software testing similar payments in financial institutions for a long time. It may vary in different countries, I'm in Ireland but I would like to see how it works in other regions.
If, hypothetically you did see a refund for any purchase like this you would see a debit for the purchase and a corresponding credit to your account for the refund with some reference to the app, music or whatever you have purchased.


text:
i deleted my sim an i know wont reinstall whatsapp how do i keep my old number
I bought a new phone an I want to transfer my old whatsapp number to my new phone but i dont anymore have that sim card it has been deleted is there any way I can still keep my number?

As far as I know, Whatsapp requires a mobile device with a phone number.   The idea being that your phone number becomes your Whatsapp account id.  Should your phone number change, you get a new account.  Just like if someone needs to call you up,  if someone needs to message you on Whatsapp, they'll need your new phone number.
If, after getting a new cellphone account or switching carriers, you want to retain your Whatsapp account,  you'll need to have ported your phone number through your new wireless carrier.  Although, in some countries, you're entitled to a port, depending on the place, you may have to hefty pay fees, wait varying amounts of time or just be unable to port your number.
In all cases, though, you'll need to arrange the port prior to canceling the old number.
When you think of it,  not much is associated with your account.   It's just:

Undelivered messages.
Your status message.
A bunch of info you don't have access to that the company's no doubt selling to advertisers :-)
Your pending balance, if you paid for the service.

If your concern is your balance,  you may want to contact Whatsapp directly on this. They may have a way to transfer this to a new number.


text:
First smart phone, activating droid incredible question
I just bought a used Droid Incredible off Amazon and would like to play around with it. Its asking me to call a number and activate it. I am hesitant to activate it before I go to the Verizon store to upgrade from my flip phone to this smart phone, using the same phone number. If I activate it will that mess anything up? I know very little about cell phone service.

Wait till till go to the Verizon store. They can set up your number on your new phone while they desk with your phone transfer.

authors: Артур Сафаров


text:
Touch sensitivity problem
I'm using glaxy grand (I9083). I was facing this touch problem. For example, if i touch and hold letter 'e' on my keyboard to enter number 3, it will type bunch of letter e's (eeeeee). First I thought it was some software problem(touch driver). But today I found out that if I remove the back cover and use the phone, problem goes away. Weird right?. Anyone know how to fix this?

Probably not the issue but make sure your hands and the screen are both clean. This happens to me if i get certain substances on my fingers and then subsequently on the screen

Nope that's not it. If I remove the back cover, it perfectly works. And then I put it back on, problem comes again

Tell us more about this cover. What kind is it, and how does it attach?

It's just the battery cover that comes with the phoone (battery cover)

It's a plastic flip cover

It could be they somehow the battery is interfering with the screen when it gets pressed farther into the office by the case. How? I'm really don't know.

Yes that might be the case. When I loosen up the cover it works ok

Try putting a paper shim behind the battery (without blocking the contacts on the phone or battery, of course). That might create enough space to prevent the interference. I've experienced similar symptoms while a phone is charging, but that's a slightly different situation. Maybe your phone has a slight manufacturing defect? It could be the cover, the battery, or an internal component that's not quite properly shielded.

Might be because of static charge accumulated during charging. Use the stock charger if currently not using also there are many tips to remove that static charge off your screen. Try those and tell us.

Ivcode ,this maybe a solution for your problem.
First of all ,try to upgrade your android.
Second,go to settings>my device>display.
There must be an option at bottom named 'Increase touch sensitivity'.
Tick it and you are done!
If it helped then please reply, if not then let me know what happened.


text:
Remove Android status bar gradient
Is it possible to remove the black-to-transparent gradient that, as of Kit Kat, is now behind the status bar and the home button?
I find it to be rather ugly and would rather it be gone.

I have yet to find a way. It is transparent to avoid screen burn, but graded... just because from what I can tell. I guess it stays legible with bright wallpaper. You can't change any of the notification yourself without an alternative ROM or at least something like Xposed, but even in Xposed (or the new Nova Launcer) the gradient is still there. I'm beginning to think it's there to stay.

Setting the status and navigation bars to have the transparent gradient is handled by applications/launchers themselves in stock 4.4. Some apps and launchers provide a setting to turn the gradients on and off.
The AOSP launcher always uses opaque bars, Google Now launcher always uses transparent bars, and certain 3rd party launchers such as Nova give you a toggle. Regardless of the launcher's setting, apps can and will override it.


text:
Busybox installation on emulator[Error:/system/xbin/busybox: not executable: magic 7F45]
I was trying to install busybox on my emulator with the help of section 5.2 in Android Emulator.
My AVD config
Device: Nexus S
Target: Google API(x86 System Image)-API Level 19
CPU/ABI: Intel Atom (x86)
The busybox binary I used is "busybox-x86_64" as my emulator CPU in  is x86.
When I run busybox it throws this error:"/system/bin/sh: /system/xbin/busybox: not executable: magic 7F45"
I tried chmod 777 also but no luck.
Anyone have any suggestions..? Thanks in advance....

You can't run x86_64 binaries on an x86 system, regardless of whether it's real or emulated. You need to install an x86 binary of busybox.

As i said the binary I'm using is busybox-x86_64

Yes. x86_64 is wrong. You need busybox-x86.


text:
Nexus S doesn't start up
I flashed my Nexus S with the 4.1.2 factory image this morning and then relocked the bootloader. Everything was going fine, until I turned it off (it charges faster this way) and it wouldn't turn on again. The battery started getting warmer and the phone doesn't respond at all.
Any ideas?

Can you tell after how much time battery starts to warm? Or getting hot

I would suggest you to flash 4.4.3 and then lock.

I'm unable to physically turn the phone on - no fastboot, no download mode. The battery starts to get warm as soon as its plugged in. My computer doesn't detect the device. The phone was at 30% battery when I powered it off.

Seems voltage issue. Your battery is not supplying voltage as intended. I would suggest you get a replacement. You will get warranty since you said you relocked the device. Good luck, and don't worry you can easily get replacement

tried another battery, same behaviour, seems like the phone processor can't even boot the hardcoded charging code to charge the battery?

Still I would advice going for a repair since a phone should not give such issues in flashing rom


text:
Is it possible to charge phone faster?
I know that going to Airplane mode can be useful
But is there any way to charge phone faster?

Turning it off first. Then there's no possible stuff draining energy while it's charging.
Be sure to charge via AC. Charging via USB is much slower.
There's a small chance that the charger you have doesn't draw power as fast as your phone can take it. A charging brick with a slightly higher mA rating might get you some quicker charges, but I think it's unlikely (especially if you're using the charger that came with the phone).

I saw this a few weeks ago which, if genuine, looks pretty good. I am still sceptical however but would be nice to see if it is successful.

Use DU battery app. By that my phone charges abit quick.I have noticed it alot of times
Link to the app(android) -
http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dianxinos.dxbs&hl=en


text:
Error: insufficient permissions for device, how to add permissions?
On trying to install an app on my Reliance CDMA Tablet, this is what happened.
aneesh@AcerAOD:~$ adb devices
* daemon not running. starting it now on port 5037 *
* daemon started successfully *
List of devices attached
????????????    no permissions

aneesh@AcerAOD:~$ adb devices
List of devices attached
????????????    no permissions

aneesh@AcerAOD:~$ adb install Dropbox/apks/videolan.apk
error: insufficient permissions for device
- waiting for device -

How do I set permissions? I browsed through Development and Security options in Settings application in my tablet. Could someone help me out? Possibly some command line helps! It is a little urgent.
My device runs Android 2.3.3.

Is the option to enable USB debugging on?  It should be in the same Developer Options section of the settings.

This is a problem with the permissions on your Linux system, not Android.

Yes. Debugging was on.

Have you setup the udev rules correctly on your Linux computer? For a reference, see my answer here.


text:
Can't receive text messages; everything else about phone works fine
Starting at exactly 3pm (EST) on Sunday two weeks in a row my phone could not receive SMS text messages.  It could send SMS, send and receive calls, and send and receive MMS (mutli-media messages).  I was using the stock messaging client.  This is on an Samsung Rugby Smart running Android 2.3.6, with AT&T as the carrier.  How do I get text messaging to work again?

Quick Answer:
Put the SIM card in another phone for a few minutes to reset the network registration and then move it back.

Things that I tried that did not fix this problem:

Restarting the phone
Removing and reinserting the sim card
Uninstalling the Skype app
Calling AT&T support (611) and asking for them to reset the network registration of my phone
Restarting my phone in safe mode
Booting my phone into system recovery mode and wiping the cache partition

Full Answer:
AT&T indicated that it was a problem with the network registration, given every piece of my phone's communication worked except for receiving SMS.  This turned out to be true.  The solution was to put the sim card in another phone, which overrode the network registration for my number.  After about a minute, the second phone received all of the texts that the first had not been able to get, and then I could move the sim card back into my regular phone and receive texts as normal.

I encounter this issue every couple months. What always resolves the issue is resetting the radio. You simply enter a code in this format: ##code#.
iPhone radio reset: ##25327#
you might try this first: ##873283#
LG Optimus G radio reset: ##72786#
these codes are likely manufacturer specific so look up your manufacturer radio reset.
These codes were eventually given to me by Sprint after the other things failed. The troubleshoot flow typically is to update PRL, update profile, restart phone (none of which fix the problem) and finally these codes (which always fix the issue).

Where do you enter the code?

I had the same problem of not receiving text messages from some of my contacts. I went to the T-Mobile store and asked for their help. They guided me to enter in to the SPAM area and found that some of my contacts were on the SPAM list. After removing them from the SPAM list, my problem was solved.
Go to your home page; tap on messages; tap on bar setting button lower left corner of phone which will bring up screen with a a spot called "Setting" ;  Tap on "Settings" and scroll down to Spam Settings; This Setting should be unchecked, if checked, check under Spam settings to see if any phone numbers or phrases have been entered. All should be removed, phone numbers and phrases. The section for Spam settings should be unchecked.
Hope this is some help.

This happened to me too and I've just found the answer!  I had accidentally added my daughter's number to spam,  meaning I could text and call her but couldn't receive her text messages in reply.   Open the messages app,  click on left menu key,  Second last option is 'spam messages'.   Opening this will show you all the messages you have missed.   Now long touch on a message and choose 'remove from Spam'.

I had similar experience. Unfortunately, the only way to fix the problem was to clean the whole phone (reset all data / factory reset). I guess some system internal database file was messed up. Before wiping all data I tried to only wipe Messaging app and the SMS storage + rebooting the phone.
If you need to do factory reset, try to backup as much as possible from all apps first. Unfortunately, without rooted phone, the backup will always be partial.

All there is to do is send someone a text who doesn't have an iPhone and it will automatically turn itself back on. This just happened to me.

All you have to do is remove your SIM and put it in another phone with the same carrier. Leave it in the other phone for a minute or 2, then put it back in your phone and it will work again.


text:
Details on Android OS massive data usage
Yesterday Android OS on my Nexus 5 transferred 44,7 GB (!) data over both WiFi (42,2 GB) and mobile data (2,5 GB). I have no idea why the data transfer started, and I have no idea why it stopped after one day, and I have no idea what data was transferred, and to/from where.
I haven't changed or installed anything on the phone.
Is it possible to see exactly what data has been exchanged by the Android OS and why?

Yes, you can - details here: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/why-you-dont-need-third-party-apps-to-manage-background-data-use-in-android-jelly-bean/
From the article:

"To access the Data Usage screen, open your Android phone’s Settings
  screen, and tap Data usage under Wireless & Networks. You’ll see a
  graph displaying how much mobile data all apps on your phone used over
  a period of time. Specify the “Data usage cycle”  time period that
  your carrier uses to determine your monthly data usage and you should
  see the amount of data you’ve used in the past billing cycle."

Hope it helps!

He was talking not about general Android data usage but "Android OS" process data usage


text:
Android 4.4.x - block software access for user
I want to setup as "Admin" the tablet and like to have an "User", who don't has access to the setting and/or Google Play. It means, I want to ban some features and software access.
Maybe for this step I need a setting like multipe user accounts. How can I setup this user group?

What you're looking for is called "restricted profile". See e.g. How do you configure a Nexus 7/10 for family use (Peanut's answer explains it quite nicely), and check our other questions on "restricted profiles" (currently 10, so shouldn't be that hard to do :)