Related
Figured I would consolidate the info into a single thread. I will add to it as new things are discovered.
APP BEHAVIOR / USAGE
Q: My Xoom is showing web pages in mobile format, is there a way to show the full page instead?
A: Yes, type About:debug in the browser's address bar, then under settings go to UAString and select desktop. This will not stay however, but hopefully someone can figure out how to make it stick. It stays in desktop mode on my droid X unless i change it. Some suggest using the Dolphin HD browser as an alternative.
EDIT: Android team has given me some more technical details about what's happening here: In Honeycomb, the browser's default user agent string is "Android"; in previous versions of the OS, it's "Android Mobile." This is meant to serve as a way for Web sites to differentiate between large-screen and small-screen Android devices and then respond appropriately. Thus far, however, most Web developers haven't implemented support for the two strings, which is why both are currently being treated the same.
If you have a site that is still loading into mobile format, then post it in this thread, and everyone should contact that site to tell them to fix it. If we all contact them, then they will fix it quicker.
Q: How do I kill an application in Honeycomb?
A: There is really no need to use a task killer application in Android, but if you need to force stop an app for any reason (just like in the phone version) go to Settings->applications->manage applications and then find the app then hit force stop.
Q: My gallery wont update unless I add something new using the camera, is there any way to remedy this?
A: ZBoater had same issue. He installed SDRescan from Market and says it works great.
SYSTEM / TABLET BEHAVIOR
Q: The Wifi on the Xoom will not connect to wireless a or n, does it have the ability to connect to the 5GHz band?
A: Yes, and here is a post from Motorola that might help some of you:
julienB
- Xoom supports 5GHz A & N.
- It is true that it can not go to 300Mbps rate. I am not aware of any mobile device that can reach this rate. Please let me know if you know one, that would be interesting data.
72Mbps is in the expected range for best N rate.
What may explain why Xoom would not see your 5GHz A or N network (or only use low rate)?
- In WiFi Advanced settings, frequency band setting should be "Auto" or "5GHz only"
- Your router should broadcast its SSID. (If another device that was never connected to your router can see it, it means this is ok)
- Xoom supports only the main channels in 5GHz band: channels are 36 40 44 48 149 153 157 161. Can you try to set your router to one of those channels?
- There has been new requirements from WiFi Alliance: we can not support WEP and WPA-PSK in N-mode.
This means that if your router is set in N-only mode (does not support A mode), you should set its security to open or WPA2-PSK. If your router is set in A & N mixed mode and WEP or WPA-PSK, Xoom will not use N rates and max rate will be 54Mbps.
Please let us know if any of the above helps or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can read the whole thread on the Motorola support forums There are some great resolutions on the page if you are having connectivity issues. The Motorola Reps have been actively helping people through the process.
Q: Am I really only able to see the last 5 apps running?
A: Brotip, turn to portrait, and you should see more. Hopefully they will scroll soon.
Q: OMG my micro SD card isn't working!!! HELP!!11
A: relax, Google is working hard to get this implemented into the Xoom. We have no firm date as of right now, but rest assured I will update you as quickly as I hear the news. I love being an early adopter! Get to watch Honeycomb grow up... How I remember when it was just a G1, now look at him!
Q: How do I stop Honeycomb from automatically creating shortcuts on my homescreen when I download apps from the market?
A: Go to the market app. Then My Apps. Then the top right corner settings menu. Credit: Stinkyjoe
Q: How many points of multi-touch does the Xoom have?
A: According to the Multi-Touch Tester app, there are 10 multi-touch points. Ixobelle has a video posted here of it working. According to the multi-touch visualized app, there are 8 multi-touch points. Someone needs to use their nose, or have a friend help them out using the Multi-Touch Tester app, because there could be 10+ I have no friends...
Q: Can I do wifi tether?
A: Yes, it is built in to Honeycomb, and you do not need root. Also, if you want, you can tether it via bluetooth. There is a topic on it posted here by ixobelle
Q: Why is the charging LED not working when I charge the tablet?
A: It only comes on when the Xoom is powered off and you are charging it.
Q: The LED notification light doesn't turn on when I get a notification.
A: The notification LED is on the right side and will blink only when you receive a notification and the screen is off.
Q: How do I disable 3g service?
A:Settings/Wireless & Networks/Mobile network settings/Data enabled. This will keep your radio on, but if you want to completely disable the radio, put your Xoom into airplane mode and turn on wifi.
Q: I'm trying to copy files from/to my computer, but it isn't finding my Xoom... what ever shall I do?
A: Try unplugging then replugging the Xoom into the computer. Try not to use a usb-hub if you continue to have issues, as this could be the reason.
VIDEO CAPABILITIES
Q: What kind of HD videos can the Xoom play?
A: according to the Motorola forum manager Matt, as long as the bit-rate for the 720p video is 20Mbps or less you should have no issues. The file extensions it is able to play are dependent on which 3rd party apps you use, but the bit-rate needs to be 20Mbps. If you only wish to use the stock video player, check out the official Optimal video settings FAQ
If anyone has good information about the HD capabilities of the Xoom, or experience with some apps working better than others then post it in here, and I will add it in.
ROOTING/FLASHING/HACKING
Q: My Xoom is locked up / stuck on the Fast-boot / Dual Core screen - any ideas?
A: hold the Up Volume + Power button, this will reset the Xoom.
Q: What do I do if my Xoom is bricked? Is there any way to save myself from a very expensive paperweight?
A: If your Xoom is possibly bricked, then grab the SBF file from Multiupload here. To use the file, grab the latest version of RSD Lite (4.9) from Multiupload. Credit goes to LegionTHEFecalExcretion for the SBF File.
Q: Can i unlock my Xoom and flash it?
A: Yes, it is easily unlocked, however it will void your warranty. Here is a great guide on how to unlock your Xoom for flashing.
Q: How do I root my Xoom?
A: here is a great thread that will help you out.
GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE XOOM
Q: What is the size of the battery? How long will it last?
A: According to Motorola the Xoom actually has 2x3250 mAH batteries, and depending on the review it lasts from 8.4-9.5 hours with video running constantly.
Q: Am I eligible for the LTE upgrade if I root my device/not on contract?
A: Yes, just make sure to re-lock your device before you send it in just to be safe. the software they need to install will probably need to wipe the device, that is why they tell you to back up all of your data. It is after all adding a new piece of hardware. I will update this area as soon as more word comes from Motorola.
If you have anything to add, or also have a question then post it in here, and I will incorporate it into this post.
If this helped you out, then hit the thanks button!
On the stuck in fastboot or boatloader its press vol up + vol down + power to force restart
Doesn't it already have the tether and wifi hotspot in wireless settings since it's stock android? I saw it was there but didn't go in and check it out.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Q: My Xoom is showing webpages in mobile format, is there a way to show the full page instead?
A: Yes, type About:debug in the browser's address bar, then under settings go to UAString and select desktop
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It'd be good to note that this isn't permanent, it won't stick around after you close the browser out.
An alternative is to use a browser like Dolphin HD or Dolphin Mini which let's you explicitly set your UAString permanently.
The Xoom has just the one Battery. It is an 3520mAh Unit.
http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Motorola-Xoom-Teardown/4989/1
Pihrana said:
The Xoom has just the one Battery. It is an 3520mAh Unit.
http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Motorola-Xoom-Teardown/4989/1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it is 2x3520 mAH they are just packaged together. there is no way this device could last 10 hours...
I even posted a link to the motorola rep discussing it on the official moto forums. i read the ifixit article also, and I saw the photo. It doesn't say x2 but i doubt an offical motorola rep would intentionally put out bad info.
Pihrana said:
The Xoom has just the one Battery. It is an 3520mAh Unit.
http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Motorola-Xoom-Teardown/4989/1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
generic.imitation said:
it is 2x3520 mAH they are just packaged together. there is no way this device could last 10 hours...
I even posted a link to the motorola rep discussing it on the official moto forums. i read the ifixit article also, and I saw the photo. It doesn't say x2 but i doubt an offical motorola rep would intentionally put out bad info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3250 not 3520
When I was in fastboot I just did power up + power and it rebooted.
Also, if you're hooked up on USB /fastboot just type fastboot reboot
How would one go about disabling the 3g service manually when not in use? Galaxy Tab you can do this by long pressing the power button.
mrksbrd said:
How would one go about disabling the 3g service manually when not in use? Galaxy Tab you can do this by long pressing the power button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Settings/Wireless & Networks/Mobile network settings/Data enabled. You can also try a widget like switchpro.
added some info received about the browser user agent.
Any way to set up Text Messaging on this? Tried setting up an APN with no success, didn't think it would work..but tried it anyways. Honeycomb can obviously handle the Messaging Service. Any ideas on this?
parrotheadmjb said:
Any way to set up Text Messaging on this? Tried setting up an APN with no success, didn't think it would work..but tried it anyways. Honeycomb can obviously handle the Messaging Service. Any ideas on this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait for the official Google Voice app
th0r615 said:
Wait for the official Google Voice app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean directly to the MDN
Q: How do I disable 3g service?
A:Settings/Wireless & Networks/Mobile network settings/Data enabled.
Or you could just put the Xoom in "Airplace Mode" ... will disable all mobile network use and still allow the device to use wifi...
parrotheadmjb said:
Any way to set up Text Messaging on this? Tried setting up an APN with no success, didn't think it would work..but tried it anyways. Honeycomb can obviously handle the Messaging Service. Any ideas on this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am kind of confused over this also, because when I bought mine on vzw.com it offered a texting package to add on. I still don't have mine yet, but why would they offer it if the ability isn't there. Can anyone give some insight into this?
HELP!
I rooted my atrix and am using barnacle as well as two other hotspot applications but my xoom does not recognize any of them does any one have any suggestions? I don't want to return this great device but I think I am going to have to because there's no point in paying for the service when I have a phone that enables a hotspot.
Use wireless Tether (for Root Users) and use the Bluetooth option (in the menu).
Works great for me!
KUKitch said:
Doesn't it already have the tether and wifi hotspot in wireless settings since it's stock android? I saw it was there but didn't go in and check it out.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really strange that no one's picked up on this. I can confirm that this is the case! Completely stock Xoom on my end and I use WiFi Tethering all the time.
michaelyork said:
Really strange that no one's picked up on this. I can confirm that this is the case! Completely stock Xoom on my end and I use WiFi Tethering all the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To transmit or receive?
Gingerbread on Droidx has broken my wifi tether. When attempting to enable wifi tether the default (vzw/moto) 3g tether app comes up in notification area. Anyone have any solutions? If/when I find the solution is will update this post.
Thanks
Sent from my NookColor using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I figured out how to fix it. The Team black hat patcher works.
1. Download the file below (from your phone probably easiest)
2. Launch DROID 2 BOOTSTRAPPER which can also be downloaded from below.
3. Bootstrap recovery
4. Reboot recovery
5. Install zip from SDcard
6. If using the default Android browser, the file will be in /download
7. Install the zip
8. Reboot phone, launch 3g hotspot (Wireless Tether for Root users not necessary)
9. Enable 3g, connect with computer/laptop/nook/tablet
10. Enjoy free 3g!!!
Downloads:
1. Team Black Hat Patcher
2. Team Black Hat Unpatcher
3. Droid 2 Bootstrapper
I take no credit for any of this! I just put it together and followed directions. All thanks goes to Koush, P3Droid, Team Black Hat, etc...
Deleted.
sdf
Anyone else can confirm this working?
Brenardo said:
Anyone else can confirm this working?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I updated the OP. Works great for me!
why does using the stock app make me nervous
faber78 said:
why does using the stock app make me nervous
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL. Probably because VZW is big and scary and their favorite color is red. All they want from their customers is blood!
LOL. More info on how this works can be found here:
http://www.mydroidworld.com/forums/android-hacks/5156-tbh-droid-3g-hotspot-nvram-hack.html
Here's their explanation:
This thread is intended to explain the principles behind tethering and how to use RadioComm to modify the NVM to allow tethering via all methods
on any Motorola Droid device by all users, regardless of whether they are rooted or not.
This is the method we at TeamBlackHat used to create the Tether_Repair patches that were released recently for rooted DX/D2 users in update.zip format
and applied via the Koush bootstrap recovery.
It is based on years old knowledge developed in the early days of CDMA Motorola hacking on the V710/V3c/e815 devices.
All of the information, techniques and software tools to do this are in the public domain already.
What we did is simply take that knowledge and apply it with the latest Service software and methods to the Droid generation devices and packaged it
in a new format for delivery that was never previously available to us before the advent of Android.
We will be releasing the manual method for RadioComm when we have worked through all the details for doing it on Win 7.
Currently the versions of RadioComm available on the net are for Win XP only.
We did it initially as a Proof of Concept of methods for writing to NV items via update.zip using Motorola's own binaries that we have recently developed.
We were not intending to release it at all and all agreed that it would be very controversial and raise many ethical questions as well as attracting the wrong
kind of attention to us as a group at a time when we had just been served a C&D for leaking the 2.3.9 update.zip file.
All of this really came about as a direct result of the examination of the NVM we did investigating nenolod's claims about an Engineering mode "switch"
that unlocked the bootloader on DX/D2. Those claims turned out to be unfounded and false and our work, and in particular MotoCache1's incisive analysis
of the boot process with help from [mbm], was instrumental in revealing that fact.
Not exactly what we had in mind to do but we were among the few who had the tools and wherewithall to determine the validity of what nenolod was claiming,
particularly in the beginning when he had released very little hard data to back up his suggestion that there was such a string hiding in the NVM.
Nonetheless, while revisiting the NVM and exploring methods to dump the memory we came upon this set of NV items that determines how the radio builds the
authentication strings it autowrites at bootup for data services. I was aware of their existence for month's since they were revealed in a thread
I participated in on HoFo for service programming on the original Droid. That thread was directed towards the methods required to get the Droid on
a different carrier like Cricket or Metro.
In any event, I knew what they would do if modified in this way and decided to use that as a test of MotoCache1's work with the update.zip binaries.
I used RadioComm to edit them individually and MotoCache1 did the really brilliant work of turning this very old school hack into a beautiful,
elegantly delivered package. This proved the power of what we were capable of as a team and we still unanimously decided against releasing
a packaged theft of services hack as not the right thing to do.
We have reconsidered now in the light of these other exploits surfacing which utilize various software level tricks for getting "Free" tethering
with the new 3G Mobile Hotspot app included on DX and D2. I had always felt that this was inevitable and that others would soon put the pieces together
in the same way we had done.
This is a fundamentally different modality but accomplishes exactly the same thing as any other exploit designed to subvert VZW's intent
to differentiate between externally routed modem data and internal data use and charge for that service.
This includes all forms of exploits and applications like PDAnet and WMWiFiRouter(WinMo 6.1) and now Barnacle, whose entire business model is to use
software level methods to mask tethered data and have marketed them as such for years.
All of these methods absolutely violate the TOS agreement with VZW.
This method simply alters that behavior at the lowest level possible on the device, the radio NVM.
It works because of the way VZW chose to setup authentication on their network when they released the first EvDO capable phones in late 2004-2005.
The methods and software tools to access the NVM as well as the blocks put in place by Qualcomm and Motorola for protecting these
authentication components have evolved dynamically over the years with advancements in chipset design and software, but the principles
have always remained the same. Hex editing the NVM items via a given tool to make the Tethered NAI(Network Access Identifier) strings
match the NAI strings for internal data.
These are basically your user name on the network and consist of the MIP profile byte, a line length byte and your 10 digit telephone number
followed by either @dun.vzw3g.com for tethered NAI or @vzw3g.com for the NAI. By removing the "dun." from the tethered NAI string
you enable all forms of data use to appear to the network as internal and using the normal NAI string.
The difference between the current technique and former methods is that the items edited for this hack are not those strings themselves,
but actually where the default values are stored that the radio uses to build the full strings that it autowrites to the fixed, protected locations in the NVM
for the authentication components in the MIP(Mobile Internet Protocol) profile itself, which happens at bootup.
This is the means by which they prevented the items from being modified by typical service programming tools like QPST.
But, because we know the location for those hidden partial strings, it actually makes our work much simpler.
After editing these four strings, the phone itself uses those values to autowrite the properly configured MIP profile strings for you.
It couldn't be any easier!
Despite our initial concern about releasing this publicly, we have decided after much discussion to do so anyway.
With all of the recent exploits that are directly targeting the 3g Mobile Hotspot app we feel that revealing the way to do it properly
will level the playing field for everyone as well as giving the community a truer and more complete understanding of how it works.
This way users can make up their own minds as to whether to use any of the available methods of "free" tethering with a clear view
of the ethical and technical issues involved.
Hopefully this thread will generate a healthy discussion about the issues.
We at TeamBlackHat believe in providing the knowledge so users can make their own decisions with the best information available.
Please use your own judgment about whether to use this or any tethering modifications.
Enjoy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So can anyone else confirm this working? Besides snwagner?
Works perfectly.....
Been using TBH's 3G hotspot patch since they released it. Worked fine on Froyo and fine now on GB
Works perfect did it before and after gb leak
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA Premium App
Works for past 4 months no extra on vzw bill either
Beamed from my Gingerbreaded DroidXtreme
Works for me.
Followed the steps, still no go...
I came from Liberty 1.5 and used the wifi tether for root with no problems. I followed the steps and installed the Tether Patcher. My laptop can get an IP address from the phone but I cant do anything more than that. Any Ideas?
I am having the same issue with the tether patch. I get an ip address, but no data comes through (tried on multiple computers). I, however, did not come from liberty - stock rom / (but rooted, obviously).
+++edit to add+++
When I first upgraded to GB, I installed the Android Wifi Tether app (3.0-pre12). That didn't work correctly (both the wifi app and hotspot app icons came on in the tray and it was really buggy), so I uninstalled the wifi app and applied the patch. The patch, as I said, would assign an ip but not transmit any data. So, I just reinstalled the tether app (with the patch still applied) and it works! Now only the stock icon appears in the tray and it works faster than ever. Using it as I type.
wifi tether app: hxxp://code.google.com/p/android-wifi-tether/downloads/detail?name=wifi_tether_v3_0-pre12.apk&can=2&q=
bndggle said:
I am having the same issue with the tether patch. I get an ip address, but no data comes through (tried on multiple computers). I, however, did not come from liberty - stock rom / (but rooted, obviously).
+++edit to add+++
When I first upgraded to GB, I installed the Android Wifi Tether app (3.0-pre12). That didn't work correctly (both the wifi app and hotspot app icons came on in the tray and it was really buggy), so I uninstalled the wifi app and applied the patch. The patch, as I said, would assign an ip but not transmit any data. So, I just reinstalled the tether app (with the patch still applied) and it works! Now only the stock icon appears in the tray and it works faster than ever. Using it as I type.
wifi tether app: hxxp://code.google.com/p/android-wifi-tether/downloads/detail?name=wifi_tether_v3_0-pre12.apk&can=2&q=
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I Installed the Android Wifi Tether app and managed to get it working too. Initially after installing the Wifi Tether, it would get an IP, I could ping the gateway but still couldn't get to the outside world even though the computer said it had internet access. (incidently I would also have both the wifi and builtin app icons in the tray). What worked for me was to enable access control and then disable access control. Now I have just the Wifi Icon in the tray and Im using it flawlessly right now.
After a reboot, I do have both icons in the tray again but it still works without issue. That works for me!
In order to get the stock tethering app working I had to change my dns servers.
I was in the same boat as bndggle. Tryed his fix and nothing happened. The only thing that worked before I tried his fix and after is just leaving the tether running. After a few min I will get a message on my status bar saying that my 3g connection failed. I lose 3g, then it returns and I magically have internet access.
An other thing I noticed is that when I start the tether not only is the host not connected to the internet, the phone is also.
I don't get the point of this when you can just download the wireless tether app from the store for free. What's the difference? OR is the reason that people are using this method because the wireless tether app doesn't work on GB? if that is true, than I'll stay with froyo until that gets fixed in the OTA release of GB.
do you patch , and unpatch???? or just patch... i tried to patch, and the tether still does not work... any suggestions
iammebane said:
do you patch , and unpatch???? or just patch... i tried to patch, and the tether still does not work... any suggestions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uninstall the Android Wifi Tether app (3.0-pre12) and reinstall. Then reboot. Thats what worked for me. I have not removed the patch.
Been a long time since I posted here.
I don't use my Nook as much as I I could or I think I should. I think the main reason is that I haven't been using apps which sync across devices for fear of ruining the very good battery life.
What are some good apps which integrate with say Chrome? What things have you found useful? Do you toggle WiFi on and off? If so do you then need to hit sync or does that partial wakelock reciever for detecting that WiFi is on and off do that for you? Or will this app keep trying to sync even when there is no wifi?
I think if I start using something like ReaditLater again (tap button in chrome, sync and then read on Nook)... I'll probably use it more.
Also, pulling apps off Google Play and installing the apk was better for battery but I can't get the apk extractor websites to work anymore. Did anyone have a workaround for that?
One more thing, I have been using the latest Cyanogenmod and I notice it comes with PrivacyGuard. Now, the interersting thing about that is that PrivacyGuard now has options to block autostart, keep device awake and wake up device. So this could be useful to put in a ROM, or something like it, bearing in mind the nice battery life we get. Or, maybe have 2 modes - one with everything disabled for hikes, and another for use at home where a charger is handy and the auto sync is more useful.
Apologies, didn't search well enough:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1898358
(adbsync)
Yeah, Renate NST's adbsync program is definitely going to be your best (and really only) option that fits your description.
Thinking about it, there's probably more efficient ways to do it.
For example, Evernote, Unified Remote Full, Wiki Encyclopedia Offline. I don't think Pocket (formerly ReaditLater works anymore very unfortunately... that was my favorite thing)
But of course, getting these things working on the older Android now could be difficult. How do I get the apks from play these days now the various website extractors don't work?
And ways to automate adbsync. For example, have it as a schedule in the background along with adb connect to your Nook. But remember to give the Nook a static IP on the WiFi by assigning via MAC on the router.
If you save pages as .pdf and automate the sync that's good but browsing pages as pdf isn't great.
edit to avoid bump:
You can use it as a 2nd monitor.
Windows:
http://superuser.com/questions/62051/is-there-a-way-to-fake-a-dual-second-monitor
(then use VNC to access. My thread has a howto for install) (MaxiVista probably works to if you're prepared to pay or steal)
Also possible on other platforms. The key phrase to use when searching is "Extend desktop"
I don't know why I didn't think of this before but you can access Evernote through the web interface. Probably similar for OneNote too.
A browser I heard is good, possible better than Opera now is NakedBrowser and the apk is available from the authors website.
I found a way to get the apk is to find an old phone to install too and then use an apk extractor app. A desktop extractor would still be better
Edit again;
I'm still not using it like I feel I should. I think this is because it's just not as Easy to pick up and read. The problem with advanced is that I have to wake up the nook, turn on WiFi and then hit my sync script on the desktop. Because of this I only use it if I have a lot to read, like a full book. I envisioned using it for just reading lengthier forum posts and white papers.
A start I think is to disable the screen saver.
Next will be to put enabling WiFi and keep awake while charging, and then disable after a period if the user fails to cancel and it's unplugged.
If you know how to do either of these things please let me know.
edit avoid bump:
I can't install the tasker apk unfortunately... and they're not giving out licenses anymore without Play. Is there an similar alternative is now my search..
Would be really good to enable and disable adb wireless and wifi when plugged in.
Actually there's a fix for tasker asking for a .jar. So it should be possible tonautomate connecting to WiFi and adb WiFi. Just a matter of getting tasker license or something else. AutomateIT won't run.
jago25_98 said:
I'm still not using it like I feel I should. I think this is because it's just not as Easy to pick up and read. The problem with advanced is that I have to wake up the nook, turn on WiFi and then hit my sync script on the desktop. Because of this I only use it if I have a lot to read, like a full book. I envisioned using it for just reading lengthier forum posts and white papers.
A start I think is to disable the screen saver.
Next will be to put enabling WiFi and keep awake while charging, and then disable after a period if the user fails to cancel and it's unplugged.
If you know how to do either of these things please let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Nook is currently out of commission, but I know at one point I had Pocket running (while it was still called ReadItLater), so there might be an old apk floating around that works. Alternatively, you can setup Wallabag, which is the same thing but run on your own server. Between that and a feed reader, I had thousands of articles to pick from whenever I picked up my Nook. It was quite a delight.
Also, there are a couple of wifi saving tools that can be found in F-Droid. If I recall, I used one called Battery Fu to have my Nook connect, force a sync, then disconnect once every few hours. It worked quite well.
thanks FbYAx
I looked up wallabag but when I try to install every version back to 1.6 I get the message 'older SDK'. I guess you had an older version... but I don't know how far back i have to go.
i will have to start archiving and hosting apks that work
edit to try to be a bit more helpful for people who might be trying to do this same:
get android version (mine is 2.1. i think that is normal (kitkat)):
Code:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release
change sdk apk version to see if it was developed without using newer sdk stuff (force it):
http://stackoverflow.com/questions/...on-and-targetsdkversion-specified-both-in-and
I have a Shield TV arriving later today. On my previous Android box I setup a VPN with a kill switch via AFWall+. This involved the installation of the OpenVPN connect application with my VPN provider details, then I used AFWall+ to prevent any data that didn't originate via a VPN connection, effectively making this a kill switch. This involved allowing both the OpenVPN application and Android's VPN api full access. It's the latter I'm enquiring about, does this api exist on the Shield TV? I've heard that native VPN isn't possible as the normal VPN settings aren't present. But does that include the vpn service api itself?
No one?
Beefheart said:
I have a Shield TV arriving later today. On my previous Android box I setup a VPN with a kill switch via AFWall+. This involved the installation of the OpenVPN connect application with my VPN provider details, then I used AFWall+ to prevent any data that didn't originate via a VPN connection, effectively making this a kill switch. This involved allowing both the OpenVPN application and Android's VPN api full access. It's the latter I'm enquiring about, does this api exist on the Shield TV? I've heard that native VPN isn't possible as the normal VPN settings aren't present. But does that include the vpn service api itself?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have the exact same setup on all my devices, including shield tv, although ive only had to allow the openvpn app, wifi/data/vpn access for things to work, ive never had to allow androids vpn ........is their a specific reason you grant android vpn access?does it not work otherwise?
I use the other openvpn app, by the way
I originally set it up on the tutorial in the link below, which mentions that the VPN Networking service needs to have full access. Is that service present on the Shield?
https://www.privateinternetaccess.c...otection-on-android-with-afwall-requires-root
Beefheart said:
I originally set it up on the tutorial in the link below, which mentions that the VPN Networking service needs to have full access. Is that service present on the Shield?
https://www.privateinternetaccess.c...otection-on-android-with-afwall-requires-root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just checked for you, and yes, its there, mind you, im using zulu's full rom, not sure about stock rom but as with all my devices, i havent needed to allow this for vpn to work.
Unless theres a specific reason to do so, try without on your current devices, i suspect, vpn networking may only apply if you use androids inbuilt vpn found in settings
Edit
By the way, i dont know how far you wanna take it, but afwall has tasker plugin support, which i use to apply an afwall profile, i named "secure", that denies everything when screen turns off......aswell as other things in the same vain
Edit
I do it a little differently then what youre link suggests, i only allow the bare minimum of apps, those that i actually need internet for.......if an app has internet capability, but i have no need for that side of it, its denied, i dont whitelist ALL apps for vpn as your link suggests
I also suspect that guide was written for privateinternets method of using vpn on android, so maybe vpn networking applies if using private internet, but as for my openvpn app, its not needed.......neither is "GPS"
Cheers. Everything set up and working perfectly in stock, no DNS leaks. A combination of AFWall+, VPN and Xprivacy has the device locked down pretty well.
And what a device, the speed is in another league compared to other similar boxes and worth the extra money. I'm glad I returned my newly purchased Minix Neo U1, this thing is so much faster and not as restricted as I was lead to believe. With a bit of work the Shield TV, even on stock, can do as much as any other Android based TV box, even one based on vanilla.
Beefheart said:
Cheers. Everything set up and working perfectly in stock, no DNS leaks. A combination of AFWall+, VPN and Xprivacy has the device locked down pretty well.
And what a device, the speed is in another league compared to other similar boxes and worth the extra money. I'm glad I returned my newly purchased Minix Neo U1, this thing is so much faster and not as restricted as I was lead to believe. With a bit of work the Shield TV, even on stock, can do as much as any other Android based TV box, even one based on vanilla.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, ive said it before and ill say it again, the shields an impressive piece of kit for sure
Xprivacy.........snap
We seem to have a very similar setup........believe me, if you wanna take it further at some point in the future.......tasker.........although, fair warning, theres a learning curve
Just some of the more basic things i automate with tasker with plugins like afwalls
When screen goes off, tasker......
Turns off wifi/3g
Turns of bluetooth
Afwall secure profile
Greenify all preselected apps
turn off "unknown sources" for extra measure, as tasker turns this off after it detects an apk install anyway
Turn of "debugging", incase i turn it on one day out of need and forget to turn off
Media volume set to 4 edit:this ones a bit out of place
Aplly afwall profiles depending on what app you happen to be using
Many possibilities with tasker, VERY usefull for many things
Non security related....kinda......... could potentially be used for such if modified
I have a small bluetooth media remote which has the numbers 1 to ten, with tasker and xposed additions module, i fooled around with it, pressing 1 connects the shields bluetooth to the bedroom speakers, long pressing 1 connects to the living room speakers..........i can imagine my self doing some neat stuff with these combination of apps and future accesories
Also, i use it to turn the shields light led to dim to let me now at a glance if the shields on or asleep, without having to change the channel
food for thought for those with similar setups
Edit
By the way, you mention dns leak, i assume you used a test site to check for the leak, any chance of a link? Incase its something very new
This ones the one i use,
https://ipleak.net/
Detects webrtc leaks on the specific browser you happen to be using at the time
Edit
For those interested
More on webrtc here
https://www.privateinternetaccess.c...ome-and-mozilla-firefox-while-using-private-i
If you use firefox or chrome, you can disable manually following this guide
https://www.purevpn.com/blog/disable-webrtc-in-chrome-and-firefox-to-protect-anonymity/
I think there are addons aswell
Edit
"and not as restricted as I was lead to believe"
Yep, i had the same thoughts, just my own assumption really, that android tv was completely different, internally, to "standard" android , pleasantly surprised, no incompatibilities so far............................good to know that stock is like that too :good:
Cheers, I'll read into all that.
One issue I'm finding at the moment is that, on a reboot, AFWall+ doesn't apply as default on the Shield and has to be done manually. This doesn't happen on my Note 3 running Lollipop. I'm sure there is a simple explanation, I'll look into it a bit more.
That website is the one I user to check leaks but there are numerous others too.
Beefheart said:
Cheers, I'll read into all that.
One issue I'm finding at the moment is that, on a reboot, AFWall+ doesn't apply as default on the Shield and has to be done manually. This doesn't happen on my Note 3 running Lollipop. I'm sure there is a simple explanation, I'll look into it a bit more.
That website is the one I user to check leaks but there are numerous others too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im not sure i understand fully, afwall is not enabled? Or, afwall IS enabled, but your prefered profile is not "applied"?
On full android at least, afwall is enabled upon reboot i havent had any issues in that regard, (saw your other post) i dont need init.d script (usefull to have though, if/when possible)
Have you tried reverting all afwalls settings to default, to rule out that likely suspect
Another likely suspect, xprivacy, but that depends if you restrict everything like i do, including system apps , if so, have you checked xprivacies usage data for afwall and global apps?
Another suspect, could be stock firmware, but i have my doubts about that one
Assuming im understanding the issue correctly
Edit
I dont have "fix startup data leak" checked(as we dont have init.d), nor ipv6 support checked as your link described
Edit: WARNING A few reports of AdAway temporarily stopping the service. You could possibly double up with Adguard or a similar connection blocker. But it's not going to be 100%. Router blocking or a Pi-Hole setup is going to be more secure, so only use this as a temporary measure.
---
I have been able to block FireTV updates using the latest AdAway. It still has the normal rooted method for the lucky folks (edit hosts) but now has VPN "emulation" for those without root. This supposedly uses "VPN API but does not connect to a VPN server" like with editing the DNS but all local to the device. It's open source, on XDA, and has been around forever, so I trust it more than the OpenDNS option.
I don't know how well this works and for how long, but update checks are coming back with errors. It also has a request logger and shows softwareupdates.amazon.com is being triggered & denied. No other domains are checked by the updater after that one fails FWIW.
Latest version 5.11.0
[APP][ROOT/NONROOT][OFFICIAL] AdAway v6.1.0
AdAway AdAway is an open source ad blocker for Android using the hosts file. Google Play Store notice According the Google Play Developer Policy, especially the "Device and Network Abuse" section, ad blocker like AdAway violates the "Apps that...
forum.xda-developers.com
TLDR setup: Sideload it, select the VPN option during setup, let it sync their block lists (mine kept going, so I just force closed and restarted after a few min), add the 5 domains under the router block method here: AFTV, ensure it's set to autostart in preferences. I also turned on "monitor connection" and IPv6 support but may not be needed. Restart.
INSTALL / SETUP
Sideload it
Select the VPN option during first run. I had to use my remote w/cursor but may be able to get around this if you just click ok after moving around a bit or force close it and can get it to start up w/out setup.
Let it sync their default block lists. Mine kept going, so I force closed AdAway after a few minutes.
ADDING AMAZON UPDATE DOMAINSOn the main page, select "Blocked" at the top. Add these from the AFTV article then hit APPLY.
d1s31zyz7dcc2d.cloudfront.net
amzdigital-a.akamaihd.net
amzdigitaldownloads.edgesuite.net
softwareupdates.amazon.com
updates.amazon.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If there are any more, please share. This seems to do the trick though, and the built-in logger doesn't show any other connections triggered when softwareupdates.amazon.com fails. If this prevents another app from working, you can add the app to the exclude list in preferences.
PREFERENCES
Go to Preferences (bottom left) -> click VPN based ad blocker
Make sure it's enabled at startup
I also selected monitor connection and IPv6 support but no idea if its needed
You can exclude apps. Useful if something isn't working OR one of the domains they block by default messes with an app.
Restart the device
Once you're back up, check the notifications and there should be a persistent notification for AdAway, showing it is active. Go check for an update in the FireTV settings. It should show a connection error.
OPTIONAL AUTOMATIONIf you're super paranoid and want to get fancy, AdAway also responds to external commands. If you use something like Tasker or Automagic, you can send intents to start & stop the service. Example workflow: periodically test the update URLs, if they come back with a normal response then AdAway isn't blocking and probably isn't active, send start service intent.
Automation
AdAway is a free and open source ad blocker for Android. - AdAway/AdAway
github.com
thank you very much, looks like it worked! now i get the update error.
i hope this method will stay, but i cant see why not. nothing will update on the firetv now so it should stay.
5.11 will not install due to an error that it requires newer SDK version in Fire OS 6.2.8.1.
I tried this method with Blokada and it seems to work the same so for people having trouble with AdAway I recommend this app instead.
l_p_4_7 said:
I tried this method with Blokada and it seems to work the same so for people having trouble with AdAway I recommend this app instead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I have Blokada installed in Nox from a few weeks ago and it works great. I had forgotten about it since I only used it for blocking the VM ads and it didn't occur to me that I could also use it for the FS4K.
l_p_4_7 said:
I tried this method with Blokada and it seems to work the same so for people having trouble with AdAway I recommend this app instead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the info, i tried adaway one my first firetv cube and it works great, but on my second one somehow it adaway doesnt use a VPN. will give blokada a try.
is there anything special to mind when using blokada?
I just added the domains listed above to the blocked hosts list and then excluded a few apps that might be affected by the VPN (I've excluded YouTube, Plex and Kodi). I haven't noticed any other problems so far.
some feedback:
adaway seems to not autostart anymore on my devices, so i switched completely to blockada.
Blockada seems to work fine now and also autostarts.
Time to set up a pihole it seems.
Codiox said:
some feedback:
adaway seems to not autostart anymore on my devices, so i switched completely to blockada.
Blockada seems to work fine now and also autostarts.
Time to set up a pihole it seems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah unfortunately I think it's having problems for me as well. I caught it mid-update today. Got the pihole planned for this weekend. But all this effort just to use the launcher we want... No idea how the devs here stay motivated to stick around.
psymsi said:
Yeah unfortunately I think it's having problems for me as well. I caught it mid-update today. Got the pihole planned for this weekend. But all this effort just to use the launcher we want... No idea how the devs here stay motivated to stick around.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually i just set up the pihole last night, was really easy following a tutorial and it works great.
I recommend using RaspberryOS light without a Desktop. With this the RaspPi only uses about 1-3% CPU and like 5MB RAM while operating.
i used an old RaspPi 1B+ i bought back in 2012.
l_p_4_7 said:
I tried this method with Blokada and it seems to work the same so for people having trouble with AdAway I recommend this app instead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you enter those 5 lines in blocked hosts in Blokada? Or where did you enter them? Someone on another posts mentioned they entered them in the blocked hosts so i did the same but it did not work or block updates.