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If this isn't in the right place, please move it mods.
Basically I think that the market is a bit incomplete.
There are changes I'd like to be made and i've voiced my concerns with google.
Now I need the community backing to actually see these things implemented.
To read about the suggestions and comment, visit this link
http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Android+Market/thread?tid=3c9422da6b79a597&hl=en
I try and address problems with the market and even underlying Android issues that have yet to be resolved.
Add your input and they'll have to listen.
Good idea... You might also add to the list a way to delete apps from download that won't be used anymore. I have three in my download that I will never install again and can't get them off the list. Imagine a few of those in there and it starts to take up alot of space with apps you aren't interested in anymore.
I posted a reply there as it seems to have gotten some attention there. Some of the issues are already in feature request on android issues, I linked to them. Starring the issues increases chances someone will take care of it.
Suggestion added Jeffro.
Thanks for posting Areinu!
If I could make suggestions for Android Market:
(1) Fix all this missing protected apps for new device / firmware quickly
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=665742
This is silly issue and will only hurt Android platform. This will greatly discourage Android developers for making good apps.
I want to support Android, I want to make it success! I can do this by spending money on Android apps, but I simply cant because of this issue.
And I am afraid this will repeat once new firmware released.
Take a look how long this issue is ... ridiculous
(2) Remove restrictions on countries for purchasing apps
Right now, certain countries like Sweden for example cannot even see the apps!
(3) Add ability to FILTER apps TITLE
I want to "hide" all those WALLPAPERS, SEXY whatnot.
Android is nice, really nice platform. But this Android Market issues are blocking its success.
here in Denmark we can't even see non-free apps in the ma market. because of this, users of ex. iPhone won't even try the platform. its sad really.
Sent from my HTC Legend using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk
Filtering is very much needed. I tend to view the 'just in' apps, but lately its just a list of MMCANDROIDs latest releases of boarderline under age Asian girls. Its really annoying that you cant block out the stuff you have no interest in.
I'm adding them as they come.
Post a comment on the page to make sure Google eventually sees it.
So with being new to the Android community, when you are going to download an app, what are the things to look at to see if it is legit? Is it really taking a judgement call on permissions? Thanks
All the apps in the play store are safe to install (or at least a lot safer than the apps outside the store) and they are as you say "legit". I don't understand what you mean about permissions. Weather apps for example require an internet connection to update. Music apps require permission to read from the sdcard and so on... Before you install any app you can check the permissions and if there is something fishy then don't install! For example if a game wants to sent and receive sms, I'd say it is suspicious... Anyway watch out for cracked apps. These are the most dangerous, because he who cracked them can easily include all kinds of code in it...(ok I am being a little bit dramatic, but nevertheless you should be carefull).
Sent from my amazing 10.1 galaxy tab
I wouldn't trust what Panos said about Play Store or Amazon App Store apps being legit or safer in general. They're just safer than warez apps and that's not saying much.
In general, downloading hacked/stolen apps or any app from anywhere but a store is risky. When downloading from a store I stick with apps made by well known developers, apps that have a lot of installs and have been around a long time or apps that have reviews on major tech sites if they don't meet the other two criteria. So let's say my camera shutter app- it only has 10,000 or so installs but the dev is active and the app has reviews where writers spoke to the dev. That lets me know it probably isn't shady. Then I check permissions to make sure it isn't asking for abilities it doesnt require. Then I run Lookout's ad network app which scans apps for which ad networks they use. Some ad networks are very nasty and intrusive and some arent. Many games have this spyware spam crap in them including some non-free games.
I also make sure to root and download adfree which will update your hosts file (a networking configuration tool in your system) and block domains of ad servers. This will block spam in apps and websites without blocking functionality or your good stuff.
Many people have used picture apps from stores that were spyware and stole user data. Some of those had tons of installs before being removed from stores so you need to be wary. If you download bs apps like naked chinese girl wallpaper apps and crap like that from stores you're more likely to get burned.
Mainly Swype.apk since I decided to delete it and replace it with Swiftkey but it has screen clipping issues when used in landscape mode.
I could also use a complete backup of the system apps folder but that isn't urgently needed, but I will say that a factory reset does not restore the stock apps, it kept apex launcher (which makes sense since I removed the others).
I just ripped the apps from the latest rom on the forum. If anyone has done the same thing I did, just place Swype.apk in system/app and set permissions to rw r r.
You can find the stock rom over in the development section, just extract with 7zip or whatever archive manager you use. You will also have access to all the stock apps to help you revert your kindle to stock, just remember what you installed/removed from the system/app folder.
I would upload it but the max file size here is 8mb and I can't post outside links yet
Titanium Backup - Swipe.apk - Keyboard Issue
RushNY said:
Mainly Swype.apk since I decided to delete it and replace it with Swiftkey but it has screen clipping issues when used in landscape mode.
I could also use a complete backup of the system apps folder but that isn't urgently needed, but I will say that a factory reset does not restore the stock apps, it kept apex launcher (which makes sense since I removed the others).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
RushNY,
There is a great backup application out there, it is called Titanium Backup, you can find it here:
Titanium Backup
Just a note, I would recommend to never delete, instead create a folder on the /sdcard/ named Archive.
Then move any apk's to this folder. You may download the factory Swipe.apk through this link:
Download Link:MOD EDIT: Link Removed
A factory reset leave the /system/app intact, so whatever you delete will not be restored through
a factory reset. Finally, all the keyboard upgrades on the Kindle HD have the Landscape Clipping
issue you noted. This is due to the elaborate Proprietary Kindle Framework that has yet to be
hacked.
prokennexusa said:
RushNY,
There is a great backup application out there, it is called Titanium Backup, you can find it here:
Link removed because XDA severely neuters new user posting privileges.
Just a note, I would recommend to never delete, instead create a folder on the /sdcard/ named Archive.
Then move any apk's to this folder. You may download the factory Swipe.apk through this link:
Download Link:
Link removed because XDA severely neuters new user posting privileges.
A factory reset leave the /system/app intact, so whatever you delete will not be restored through
a factory reset. Finally, all the keyboard upgrades on the Kindle HD have the Landscape Clipping
issue you noted. This is due to the elaborate Proprietary Kindle Framework that has yet to be
hacked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's unfortunate how locked down this device is, it might just be the worst possible gift a power user could have received for Christmas. On top of that the powerfast charger doesn't always work, it starts charging then stops intermittently.
I finally got it to where I wanted to be by rooting and installing Gapps with Apex Launcher but knowing that all of this Amazon garbage is always lurking in the background bothers me. It's like Amazon is taking their shot at being Apple, but it's even worse because they're using Googles OS and locking users from using Googles apps, and most importantly the Play Store. How on earth did they get away with that?
I'd switch to a Nexus 7 but I'd feel bad because this was a gift. If only the developer scene was more active...
RushNY said:
It's unfortunate how locked down this device is, it might just be the worst possible gift a power user could have received for Christmas. On top of that the powerfast charger doesn't always work, it starts charging then stops intermittently.
I finally got it to where I wanted to be by rooting and installing Gapps with Apex Launcher but knowing that all of this Amazon garbage is always lurking in the background bothers me. It's like Amazon is taking their shot at being Apple, but it's even worse because they're using Googles OS and locking users from using Googles apps, and most importantly the Play Store. How on earth did they get away with that?
I'd switch to a Nexus 7 but I'd feel bad because this was a gift. If only the developer scene was more active...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
RushNY,
I feel your frustration and really understand. You may have a defective charger, we have handled several hundred
and have not seen that issue on the charger. They did have an audio issue on the first generation but they
cleared up that hardware issue about 6 months ago. Yes, if Amazon would relax a little, attract rather than
promote, they would have themselves a great product but they would rather force feed everything making
the Kindle an advertising platform. I suspect Amazon has a backdoor deal with Google Play Store, so
this is how they go away with not loading Google Play Store. We have traced direct communication to
Google Play Store when an application is purchased from the so called "Amazon App Store", makes
me say, hmmmm how about that! So if this is the case, it is a Win Win for everyone except the end
user! We use about 30 tablets in our company and find the Kindle to be a really solid device once
you remove the "Bloat". We will be adding more to help end users like yourself, so keep a lookout
as our Noob Series grows. Take Care.
Its swype by the way
Sent from my KFTT using xda premium
Swype Spelling Error
KindleFireGuy said:
Its swype by the way
Sent from my KFTT using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
KindleFireGuy,
Ooops, I should have caught this one. I have only been in this industry since 1982, I must have
been very tired. Thank you, we corrected the spelling error.
It's against XDA policy to distribute paid apk's.
Swype is one of these. Also , the makers of Swype expressly forbid distribution of paid or trial apks. Distributing the APK extracted from the factory device rom cannot be verified as per version number, so XDA does not allow this. It's best to pull the apk yourself from the factory rom in question. Or download the device's "system dump" which I'm sure is available in the Device dev forum.
You also may get the trial version from their web site.
Swype is officially distributed in a limited few device roms. However, including the apk in a custom rom, must be the exact same version that was distributed in the factory rom. This is why CM only includes it in 2 or 3 of their device builds.
I'd like to try setting up my N9005 without Play Store and Google Play Services. Part of the reason is the battery use by Google Apps of various types and the other is the necessity of allowing those apps access to dial the phone, send SMS etc.
I'd like to see if I can make my phone more efficient AND more secure.
So far I'm looking at getjar.com, androidtapp.com and appbrain.com. Which app sites do you use and is it reasonable to find one that provides apps that don't use Google Play functions?
Suggestions welcome and experiences on any alternative sites would be appreciated? Also opinions or experiences in getting rid of the google connection...
I'm currently running @temasek 's cm13 - v 3.5 (more properly @joshndroid 's cm13 now he is building it )
I tried once
Journyman16 said:
I'd like to try setting up my N9005 without Play Store and Google Play Services. Part of the reason is the battery use by Google Apps of various types and the other is the necessity of allowing those apps access to dial the phone, send SMS etc.
I'd like to see if I can make my phone more efficient AND more secure.
So far I'm looking at getjar.com, androidtapp.com and appbrain.com. Which app sites do you use and is it reasonable to find one that provides apps that don't use Google Play functions?
Suggestions welcome and experiences on any alternative sites would be appreciated? Also opinions or experiences in getting rid of the google connection...
I'm currently running @temasek 's cm13 - v 3.5 (more properly @joshndroid 's cm13 now he is building it )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I once tried to use my Nexus 7 without Gapps. and then my Livescore app said it needed GPServices. again a shopping app said it needed GPS to run. then I installed Gapps :|
So we're stuck with Google unless we reduce functionality way down?
Hm... I recall seeing a CM Apps option a while back and I am running AOSP on my N9005 - will have a look for it. Thanks for the Reply.
Journyman16 said:
So we're stuck with Google unless we reduce functionality way down?
Hm... I recall seeing a CM Apps option a while back and I am running AOSP on my N9005 - will have a look for it. Thanks for the Reply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the best thing would be installing Pico or Nano version of GApps. Only Play store, Play Services and Contact Sync come with it.
nijom said:
the best thing would be installing Pico or Nano version of GApps. Only Play store, Play Services and Contact Sync come with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course. That is exactly what he wants. :sly:
nijom said:
the best thing would be installing Pico or Nano version of GApps. Only Play store, Play Services and Contact Sync come with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While that sounds good, those are pretty much exactly the apps that crash the phone if you try to interfere with call/SMS permissions. What I am trying to find out is if it is possible to have a functional and useful phone WITHOUT having Google privy to everything I do.
Just because I am paranoid doesn't mean they're not after me.
You may or may not be interested in this talk by Snowden - think it's about halfway through where he discusses how the various companies have peeled away security for the alphabet agencies.
Journyman16 said:
While that sounds good, those are pretty much exactly the apps that crash the phone if you try to interfere with call/SMS permissions. What I am trying to find out is if it is possible to have a functional and useful phone WITHOUT having Google privy to everything I do.
Just because I am paranoid doesn't mean they're not after me.
You may or may not be interested in this talk by Snowden - think it's about halfway through where he discusses how the various companies have peeled away security for the alphabet agencies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's possible, but it'll depend on your definition of "functional".
I run my phone without gapps, and have calendar and contacts sync with my own server. I use syncthing for file sync, and open source for almost everything (Skype being one exception).
So for me it's fully functional, and the battery life is great. YMMV.
Sent using XDA One
jisoo said:
It's possible, but it'll depend on your definition of "functional".
I run my phone without gapps, and have calendar and contacts sync with my own server. I use syncthing for file sync, and open source for almost everything (Skype being one exception).
So for me it's fully functional, and the battery life is great. YMMV.
Sent using XDA One
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without GApps where do you get your apps? I've been touring sites trying to find a decent one and also discovering apps to replace those with Google links. The issue currently seems to be many good apps still tie back into Play for updates or verification purposes.
For example I have SPenCommand from a Google+ site but updates can usually be manual - i.e. I could DL them on PC and copy them over. The problem would be needing to have a link to the site (I think) to licence check. But that's something I can ask the Dev about.
That sounds pretty close to what I need. Phone, Contacts, Calendar, preferably syncing to Outlook on PC but given I am also thinking of moving to Linux, not wedded to Outlook or MS Products, nor I guess even to live syncing. I WOULD like to have backups in case phone goes away suddenly, but I can learn to use Cloud - something I have been avoiding.
I like playing with ROMs and have just started a course in App development online - my thought was to set up a dual boot with a standard GApps setup for testing as well as an unlinked one for daily driver.
Been looking at Aptoide as a store that maybe i can use without a Google account. Seems to have quite a few categories of apps so i am currently trying to work out what I need versus what I want on my phone. I currently have quite a few apps that i haven't touched in months so I figure they are probably not needed.
Any suggestions on what you consider a must have app or app category?
One possible alternative to play store is Blackmarket. It works great and it has almost all the apps present in the play store. And its best feature is that it provides paid apps for free
AndroiDTechi said:
One possible alternative to play store is Blackmarket. It works great and it has almost all the apps present in the play store. And its best feature is that it provides paid apps for free
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you had better re-read the rules you agreed to in becoming a member here.
Forum Rules
In particular:
6. Do not post or request warez.
If a piece of software requires you to pay to use it, then pay for it. We do not accept warez nor do we permit members to request, post, promote or describe ways in which warez, cracks, serial codes or other means of avoiding payment, can be obtained or used. This is a site of developers, i.e. the sort of people who create such software. When you cheat a software developer, you cheat us as a community.
Regards,
The Merovingian
Forum Moderator
The Merovingian said:
I think you had better re-read the rules you agreed to in becoming a member here.
Forum Rules
In particular:
6. Do not post or request warez.
If a piece of software requires you to pay to use it, then pay for it. We do not accept warez nor do we permit members to request, post, promote or describe ways in which warez, cracks, serial codes or other means of avoiding payment, can be obtained or used. This is a site of developers, i.e. the sort of people who create such software. When you cheat a software developer, you cheat us as a community.
Regards,
The Merovingian
Forum Moderator
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops sorry i forgot about that. My bad. I will remember it now.
Hi.
I'm testing now the following approach.
With Titanium Backup I froze Google Play (not for Google Play Services because I'm testing) and use Aptoide and Uptodown apps to updating.
My issue is Google Play is ALWAYS changing its configs which I've set to "not update automatically" and lots of warnings on screen telling me Google Play or Play Services stopped working.
Also I'm testing whether other apps also stop working.
Aptoide and Uptodown apps obey much better and don't change its configs.
Am I right that all these stuff are related to Google Play, soon I'll be able to return here with a more affirmative answer.
Weapon X said:
I think you had better re-read the rules you agreed to in becoming a member here.
Forum Rules
In particular:
6. Do not post or request warez.
If a piece of software requires you to pay to use it, then pay for it. We do not accept warez nor do we permit members to request, post, promote or describe ways in which warez, cracks, serial codes or other means of avoiding payment, can be obtained or used. This is a site of developers, i.e. the sort of people who create such software. When you cheat a software developer, you cheat us as a community.
Regards,
The Merovingian
Forum Moderator
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why i can't post my question on the main menu? Is cause i don't have the upgrade?
What has your post got to do with this message regarding warez ??
So its summer and I'm getting bored, so i like to download hacked mobile games (modded apk) and play them. problem is almost every game and different versions of it (when I say almost every i mean all except one) keeps crashing upon opening. Those games all require an installation followed by transferring some folder under android/obb or android/data, and then afterwards when I try to open the app, they just crash. I figured it can't be a coincident that it keeps happening to me, so I was wondering if anyone know why this is happening and if there is a solution. Thanks a lot.
at XDA, people don't encourage piracy.
I know how to fix this. If you go to your play store and buy it, it should work.