Database Users

Replacing System apps- topic changed for obvious reasons

People are probably going to flame this thread for me saying this but what the heck.....
there have been countless threads about how to remove, replace, and/or delete system apps and their functions. And with a little searching you will find there are many answers.
At the least I should say, is that system apps can be removed, however; there are certain ones that should not be removed because it will break your system....that's been established already, duh?, yes I know...but here is what my point is to cover:
The system apps that were known to be removed with no problem are calendar, clock, IM, mail, work email, and other little third party apps added to the system by whatever Dev made the rom,
and the ones recommended that SHOULD NOT be removed are main phone functioning apps such as..Mms, Music, Dialer, Contacts, Camera and so on ad so forth,
Well that is correct. Those can't be removed, but yes they can be replaced and no it will not break the system.
I use Handcent sms as my default Mms, the original system version is removed.
I use Meridian music player as my default Music app, the original system version is removed,
I use Camera zoom Pro, as my original Camera app, the original system version is removed.
So in a nutshell, I basically chose all the stable 3rd party phone functioning apps that I use daily and made them replacements to the default system versions, so I don't have two music apps, two message apps, two camera apps and so on.
Did it break my stability?, Crash my phone?, Cause crazy reboots? Screw with the incoming and outgoing calls,tex, and mms?
The answer is no, no, no, and NO. Everything is fine. I have been doing this for a long time now, so this is not some new technique that I have only tested once, on one rom.
I have replaced every system app except dialer, there is really no replacement for that in my opinion that is worthy. Contacts I have replaced before with a 3rd party app called phone book. It worked. But it crashed, because Contact and Dialer go hand in hand, so to successfully replace one you would have to replace the other...my recommendation, don't screw around with those. Besides, Devs implement constant updates and new features to those in every build anyway.
I will more than happily share my method of replacement in a new thread over in the the apps forum if anyone is interested, but feel free to share your opinions, experiences, and your own personal methods here.....
and if enough users request, I will create a "How to" for everyone later.

What's your point?

lbcoder said:
What's your point?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's yours?

My point is that your "discovery" is one of the VERY BIGGEST defining design features of the android platform. This is nothing new and nothing that even lacks understanding. WE ALREADY KNOW ALL THIS!!!
I suggest that you go and read all the platform documentation. Its all there.

lbcoder said:
My point is that your "discovery" is one of the VERY BIGGEST defining design features of the android platform. This is nothing new and nothing that even lacks understanding. WE ALREADY KNOW ALL THIS!!!
I suggest that you go and read all the platform documentation. Its all there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
links please?....have a few of my own, but Im interested to know if there is something I haven't seen

lbcoder said:
My point is that your "discovery" is one of the VERY BIGGEST defining design features of the android platform. This is nothing new and nothing that even lacks understanding. WE ALREADY KNOW ALL THIS!!!
I suggest that you go and read all the platform documentation. Its all there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, but quite a lot of people don't know this and would be scared to delete mms.apk. jesus christ, do you EVER think outside the box? please, please, please, get rid of that narrow mind of yours and expand your train of thought.

@ lbcoder
also did you see this:
Quote from my original post above:
that's been established already, duh?, yes I know....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

A tut would benefit us noobs..

Umm a tut like this?
http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php/Barebones

Klyentel said:
links please?....have a few of my own, but Im interested to know if there is something I haven't seen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why don't we start with the most obvious:
http://developer.android.com/guide/basics/what-is-android.html

lbcoder said:
Why don't we start with the most obvious:
http://developer.android.com/guide/basics/what-is-android.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope...still doesn't explain my method, I have a much easier...more understandable way of doing this (for noobs)...I will post later.

Sleeepy2 said:
Umm a tut like this?
http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php/Barebones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats a great link by the way^^ but still only explains how to delete, it doesn't state how to successfully replace system apps.

Couldn't you just replace the files (/system/app) in any ROM and resign and flash?
that seems easiest to me.

cal3thousand said:
Couldn't you just replace the files (/system/app) in any ROM and resign and flash?
that seems easiest to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BINGO!^^ that's exact same way I do it, however there is another method I'd like to share, just don't have the time to type it up,
note to those who don't know when replacing the apps, rename the apk the same as the original, so if you want GDE for your home replacement, remove the original Launcher.apk then drop in GDE and rename it Launcher.apk....very important step, you will get unstoppable reboots and freezing.

Its called Terminal Emulator.
mount system and remove the apps in the system/app directory. virtually everyone knows this. There was a post on how to do this in the general section. fin.

Macrophage001 said:
Its called Terminal Emulator.
mount system and remove the apps in the system/app directory. virtually everyone knows this. There was a post on how to do this in the general section. fin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dude read the topic, Im talking about replacing not removing, so if you're going to post commands then put one up on how to replace an app already running from data partition to system/data replacing the one already there I.E. handcent(data partition) replaces Mms.(system/data)....otherwise you're not helping, No sh**t, I know everyone knows that but dont know this....so
for those who don't give a dam for codes and commands, or screwing with zips and resigning...patiently wait and I will post easiest method- you can do it right from your phone, without even rebooting!
I'll try to have it up later today.

ehh basically the same thing only you would push the apk's to the system/app directory.
Or you can just put em in the data/app directory and delete the apk in the system/app directory. still not that hard =/ a lot of people already know how to do this as well.
There are a lot of easy methods. sorry if I came out rude and sarcastic its my nature =/

just let him write his tut
then you can
say he has reinvented the wheel
call him a plagiarist
give him a pat on the back for making it nice and easy for noobs to understand

Well I wasn't assuming that I had re-invented something or made an all new discovery...Im pretty sure everything around here has had atleast a dozen how to threads, and everyone, after a little research should pretty much know how to do everything, I admit
So I don't want to come off as some obnoxious asshole that think he knows everything, because Im not, I just wanted to share my opinion, the whole reason I became a member of xda,
So those of you who already know how to do this, then ease off, don't jump down my back just because you know of other threads and topics in relation, or you have easier methods and how to's or whatever, I'm not starting a conspiracy here...geez, I make one topic that's been seen before, and now it's like I can't express my freedom of discussion just because someone else did first. That's a load of crap and you guys know so.
Anyway here is my tut:
For those of ya with some type of root explorer this would be the preferable procedure for you
go to the /data/apps directory select the apk that you would like to use for replacement, such as Meridian music player, rename it to music.apk
then copy
navigate to system/data/apps directory, paste...it should say it already exist and would you like to replace click yes.
Done. Do the same for any other system app, by renaming it as original, copy and replace.
Be sure to put system in Read/Write or this won't work.
That's it. Simple, brief, and no problem.
For those who also put their input into this thread I thank you for your time..your knowledge is noted and appreciated.

Sleeepy2 said:
Umm a tut like this?
http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php/Barebones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well good link... i dont follow cyanogen and i know how to delete apps. what i am after is replacing the sys apps with third party apps... i am sure it is more involved than pushing to /system/app... hence i asked for a tut
well thats it?!! rename the replacement app to the app itss replacing in system! wow thanks for the tidbit... ill try the resigning thing also. thanks!

Autokiller in Fresh Toast?

Do you guys still use Autokiller in the new Fresh Toast?

I use it. Dont really want to go and use the task killer so i let the auto killer do it. I set it to aggressive. Keeps my phone fast.

Many people use it. The only reason flipz stopped including it because he noticed it was reporting your location to the dev. The dev since then has removed it from the app.
ALSO THERE IS A SECTION CALLED.. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Please post in the right section from now on. The only thing that belongs in Development is something that you provide to others to use for your computer, phone or others means of developing towards "android" or "htc hero"

yes, i have flurry analytics included to better understand the usage of my application, and it also collected location information, but i have disabled this feature a few weeks ago...

Mod edit: not dev related, moved to general

ratson said:
yes, i have flurry analytics included to better understand the usage of my application, and it also collected location information, but i have disabled this feature a few weeks ago...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why would u need location info and dont give me that "to better understand your clientele" crap.... thats why i dont use it anymore i dont want flurry analytics or location info being recorded

I have already reported to the creator of autokiller that the app doesn't seem to function anymore on most of the 2.1 roms ive tired. It's a shame as it used to be a really useful app.

[Q] [noob] Wheee I rooted! Now what!?

A proud Android noob has just rooted the Tab! Now what???
Stuff I can do? Apps to install?
My main goal is to be able to install apps that I can't get through Market (my country is allowed to see only free apps, can't get the payed ones). Any tips and advices are much appreciated!

Now you should read, read threads. On everything.
"post your home screens" <--- good place to find apps and widgets
"themes, etc" <--- good place to find GUI's you like using and different launchers
"Android Dev" <--- good place for ROMs and such (also, instructions on how to flash them). BAD PLACE FOR QUESTIONS LIKE THIS
"General Chat" <--- the home for random discussions like this.
Also, different phones forums will reveal different answers to you.
Also Also, WTF did you ask this question? This isn't your first pony ride by the looks of your user information.

Boushh said:
Now you should read, read threads. On everything.
"post your home screens" <--- good place to find apps and widgets
"themes, etc" <--- good place to find GUI's you like using and different launchers
"Android Dev" <--- good place for ROMs and such (also, instructions on how to flash them). BAD PLACE FOR QUESTIONS LIKE THIS
"General Chat" <--- the home for random discussions like this.
Also, different phones forums will reveal different answers to you.
Also Also, WTF did you ask this question? This isn't your first pony ride by the looks of your user information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I just figured someone would share some tips, that's all... It's not my first venture into tinkering with mobile devices, ofc, but it is my first with Android. I've gone through Windows Mobile and iPhone, so this is all new to me

It might not work, but try Googling 'Market Enabler' or search the Android market. If it works, itll enable paid apps on your Tab
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App

Just because you can't see the apps doesn't give you the right to not have to pay for them, I hope that's not the intention.
The most useful root-required app is Titanium Backup. You could also probably try MarketEnabler to trick it into thinking you're in a country that _does_ have access to paid apps.

Apps to install immediately:
Titanium Backup (just what it says, also allows you to remove bloatware)
AdFree (will remove all in-app adds by blocking connections to a blacklist just like adblock in your browser)
Root Explorer (or something like it in order to fiddle with system files without using adb - eg, edit build.prop to permanently change lcd density)
CacheMate (or something like it to get rid of old cache)
DroidWall (if youre in tinsel hat or limited 3g mode)

Rozenthal said:
A proud Android noob has just rooted the Tab! Now what???
Stuff I can do? Apps to install?
My main goal is to be able to install apps that I can't get through Market (my country is allowed to see only free apps, can't get the payed ones). Any tips and advices are much appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
download "My Market" from the android market and u can install all paid apps u want

Listables

Just thought I'd let you guys know that Listables works great on Xoom. I figure that most people have probably manually installed a lot of the apps on their phones using apks and since we can't nandroid yet, this would be a good way to keep a list of all the apps you currently have on your device. Just check off your apps in the list, email/dropbox/bluetooth as html file(w/ QR codes,links to market,etc.),xml, or plain text. It can do a few more things as well. Anyway, check it out!
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.alostpacket.listables
Edit: Hmm...maybe this should have been put in the Themes and Apps subforum. Sorry about that!!

[Q] Cloning Facebook APK for use with multiple accounts?

Greetings, all!
I would like to preface my question the way I always do when posting here: I am a fairly recently blind individual, and my visual aid software does NOT "play nice" with the XDA Forum search feature at ALL; due to this, sometimes I don't catch previously asked questions, though I do my best to check for them.
All that aside, I have a question that has been plaguing me for quite some time. I am what I would consider to be an intermediate(ish) Android user. I am dipping my toes into the pool of app modification and scripting, but I am afraid this is beyond my knowledge.
I am currently using a rooted "vanilla" Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (SM-N910T), running 4.4.4. I am expecting a barrage of "why?" and "what for?" comments, but I use two separate Facebook accounts. I am a part of a rather...underground subculture, and I prefer to keep that part of my identity separate. Due to this fact -- as well as my needs as a blind individual -- the usual suspects: browser windows, Seesmic, SocialCamp, Friendster, etc., do not work with my visual impairment modifications on my device. I have done extensive research on the subject and thus, I am searching desperately for assistance in cloning the Facebook app itself. I am thinking of cloning the Facebook APK file manually in order to run my two separate accounts. I know there are other apps that are frequently cloned, such as Instagram or WhatsApp, where the general consensus is to use the "APK Editor" app, but I am concerned about the implications that would have on future app updates and the app's signature and integration with normal Facebook features and other apps that connect to Facebook.
I have combed the web exhaustively in order to glean whatever info I could on this subject, but there is literally almost NOTHING regarding the Facebook app specifically. I do not wish to clone the app for sharing or to build upon it for a "new and improved" app of my own devise -- I simply wish to modify this for my own personal use ONLY.
I really appreciate any and all tips, hints, and shared knowledge in general that this community so generously provides. I will try whatever it takes! Thanks in advance!

XRivetGirlX said:
Greetings, all!
I would like to preface my question the way I always do when posting here: I am a fairly recently blind individual, and my visual aid software does NOT "play nice" with the XDA Forum search feature at ALL; due to this, sometimes I don't catch previously asked questions, though I do my best to check for them.
All that aside, I have a question that has been plaguing me for quite some time. I am what I would consider to be an intermediate(ish) Android user. I am dipping my toes into the pool of app modification and scripting, but I am afraid this is beyond my knowledge.
I am currently using a rooted "vanilla" Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (SM-N910T), running 4.4.4. I am expecting a barrage of "why?" and "what for?" comments, but I use two separate Facebook accounts. I am a part of a rather...underground subculture, and I prefer to keep that part of my identity separate. Due to this fact -- as well as my needs as a blind individual -- the usual suspects: browser windows, Seesmic, SocialCamp, Friendster, etc., do not work with my visual impairment modifications on my device. I have done extensive research on the subject and thus, I am searching desperately for assistance in cloning the Facebook app itself. I am thinking of cloning the Facebook APK file manually in order to run my two separate accounts. I know there are other apps that are frequently cloned, such as Instagram or WhatsApp, where the general consensus is to use the "APK Editor" app, but I am concerned about the implications that would have on future app updates and the app's signature and integration with normal Facebook features and other apps that connect to Facebook.
I have combed the web exhaustively in order to glean whatever info I could on this subject, but there is literally almost NOTHING regarding the Facebook app specifically. I do not wish to clone the app for sharing or to build upon it for a "new and improved" app of my own devise -- I simply wish to modify this for my own personal use ONLY.
I really appreciate any and all tips, hints, and shared knowledge in general that this community so generously provides. I will try whatever it takes! Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try using Facebook and a Facebook clone app like Klyph. I haven't used Klyph myself, but it should do everything Facebook does.
I'd use the official Facebook app with the account you use most often. Then Klyph with the account you use less often. But that's just me.
I really hope this works for you! Good luck!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.abewy.klyph_beta

spexwood said:
Try using Facebook and a Facebook clone app like Klyph. I haven't used Klyph myself, but it should do everything Facebook does.
I'd use the official Facebook app with the account you use most often. Then Klyph with the account you use less often. But that's just me.
I really hope this works for you! Good luck!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.abewy.klyph_beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much for your input. I will give it a shot and report the results.
Sent from my Samsung SM-N910T using XDA mobile app.

To bad u r rooted, otherwise setting up Knox would be anything you could wish for @XRivetGirlX. With Knox setup you could run multiple facebook identity's and switch very easy between the 2
regards

Thanks for the input I am afraid that I am a little too "root-happy" and could never refrain!
Sent from my Samsung SM-N910T using XDA mobile app.

marleyb said:
To bad u r rooted, otherwise setting up Knox would be anything you could wish for @XRivetGirlX. With Knox setup you could run multiple facebook identity's and switch very easy between the 2
regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting prevents installing knox?
Sent from my mobile device

bat0nas said:
Rooting prevents installing knox?
Sent from my mobile device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@bat0nas
Yup , I'm afraid so , no knox and root!:angel:

Not sure if the OP found a solution or not, but I can suggest one.
As you are rooted, may be you can try the profiles feature of Titanium backup Pro (paid version only).
You can create several profiles. And add apps to those profiles, when you switch from one profile to the other (via simple widget), the app data is switched as if you are changing to another user or another phone. So you can still use the same original FB app, but with different user for each Titanium profile.
I hope this helps.

Used to you could decompile the apk in APK-Tool and then change the package name in AndroidManifest.xml, then finally recompile/sign/install. That doesn't even work for me anymore. I get "packaged can not be parsed" or "application not installed"

I need a clone for PayTm app's latest version. You could please help me
I need a clone for PayTm app's latest version. You could please help me