Database Users

[Q] Apex - Android Permission Extension - anyone?

Hi,
Anybody seen any actual implementations of a more secure permissions model for Android? That is, patched and compiled a kernel, used it in a custom ROM or anything like that?
A little background information:
The very first time, I tried to install an app from the Market, I was stunned to find the lack of options, in regard to which permissions I wanted to grant a certain app, when installed. It is all or nothing - "That can't be true?!", I said to myself, so I went looking for a way to control, which permissions were granted to an app, only to find out, that it's simply not possible (yes, I know you can hack the .apk, but that's besides the point here, and not very user friendly).
The solution (to be?):
While searching the net on this issue, I came across a paper written by a couple of Software Engineers, which seems quite interesting, and just about the perfect solution for my problem. However, I can't find any actual implementations on this - whether the authors didn't make any, or just didn't release it, I cannot say.
The paper I'm referring to, can be found here:
http://recluze.files.wordpress.com/2007/06/and-usage-nauman10.pdf
And another paper here:
http://www.list.gmu.edu/zhang/pub/asiaccs10-apex.pdf
After reading the papers, I went "OMG, that's freaking awesome! Where can I get that?" - So does anyone know something about this? Anything? Work-in-progress perhaps?
I'm very attracted to Android, being the number one open source mobile operating system, but the lack of security features is holding me back somewhat.
There's already posted an issue about this on Google Code - I urge everyone to go and put up a vote for this issue (login, and scroll to the bottom), in order to put some focus on it.
http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=6266
In the meantime - anybody know of any patches?
Best regards,
Michael

[Q] Tablet apps on market?

Does anyone know whats going on with the Featured Tablet Apps section on the market? I haven't checked the market in a while, so I got on today, and the tablet tab that's usually the first section is gone. Did they remove it? Is there any way to know what apps are optimized for Honeycomb? Apologies in advance if this was already covered. I ran a quick search but only found threads not related to the US.

I noticed they changed the market as we'll.I think it might be so Google will stop getting all the bad press about only having a handfull of apps for there new os.
Go figure

There's always 3 places I look for the tablet apps.
1. Featured Tablet Apps
2. Search "tablet"
3. Search "honeycomb"
They all give great results and frankly, more than what these media junkets report are optimized for Honeycomb. Then again, they never know what happens in the real world anyway.

Yes I agree there are alot of apps that do work and are full screen.but not designed for or use all the real estate of the tablet.even some of the so called optimized for tablet are just ported
but im not complaining its a new is and will grow up quickly as more tablets with honeycomb are pushed to end users

[Debate] Root on Google Nexus Player

I always try on not to be a party p**per but also would like to make this debate as civilized as possible so no need to bash me if you found my doubts in a negative way.
But after spending all this time with the Nexus Player of Google, I found myself with the conclusion, why is worthy my time for any root for the device.
At least I have a goal on showing my step-dad that paying DirecTV (Nothing against DirecTV BTW, just want to save money) is not 24/7 cost-effective versus Google Play Service and popular streaming services.
Heck, I didn't even felt left out in terms that versus Apple TV, the Nexus Player is still short without service like WWE, Amazon, NFL, etc. I was happy with the service available as of the writing of this.
To tell you the truth, the exact moment when I read all the possibility for free TV and streaming needs with Kodi (XBMC), I realized that was exactly why I bought the Google Nexus Player on the first place, beside having an alternate set-top box instead of my lovely Playstation 3 and except for improvement on hardware level for Android TV (reboot capacity WILL BE so WELCOMED!) I don't see how rooting the device can be compared as rooting a Smartphone.
Also some needs that we find regularly on Android Smartphone can be requested to Google either by AOSP or direct feedback (I realize that Google might just ignore anyways) and I am pretty sure that future Android 5.0.x or 5.x version will be synonymous of improvements.
No, this is not ignorance and definitely not naive-ness, perhaps I need another point of view to better understand or see more benefits for rooting the device.
Again, please I created this thread as a informative and debatable spot for this topic, do not flame me and not flame each other if you don't agree with an specific opinion.

TheGeeZus said:
I always try on not to be a party p**per but also would like to make this debate as civilized as possible so no need to bash me if you found my doubts in a negative way.
But after spending all this time with the Nexus Player of Google, I found myself with the conclusion, why is worthy my time for any root for the device.
At least I have a goal on showing my step-dad that paying DirecTV (Nothing against DirecTV BTW, just want to save money) is not 24/7 cost-effective versus Google Play Service and popular streaming services.
Heck, I didn't even felt left out in terms that versus Apple TV, the Nexus Player is still short without service like WWE, Amazon, NFL, etc. I was happy with the service available as of the writing of this.
To tell you the truth, the exact moment when I read all the possibility for free TV and streaming needs with Kodi (XBMC), I realized that was exactly why I bought the Google Nexus Player on the first place, beside having an alternate set-top box instead of my lovely Playstation 3 and except for improvement on hardware level for Android TV (reboot capacity WILL BE so WELCOMED!) I don't see how rooting the device can be compared as rooting a Smartphone.
Also some needs that we find regularly on Android Smartphone can be requested to Google either by AOSP or direct feedback (I realize that Google might just ignore anyways) and I am pretty sure that future Android 5.0.x or 5.x version will be synonymous of improvements.
No, this is not ignorance and definitely not naive-ness, perhaps I need another point of view to better understand or see more benefits for rooting the device.
Again, please I created this thread as a informative and debatable spot for this topic, do not flame me and not flame each other if you don't agree with an specific opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dunno, i rooted mine because i really needed to have expandable storage. So i rooted for chainfires stickmount. So i could have all my movies on my external hard drive run through xbmc natively.

↑This!↑

I have not rooted mine but if i do it will be for the ex-storage as well.. i am at the point of not storing a lot of movies because they are almost all online for a fee or free if you go that way.. We watch a movie once or twice and that is the end of it.. So to add to your debate i don't at this point see why you would root this device.
Would like a reboot function..
Im sure someone will come up with some nice ways to use root.. give them a week or so lol..

The main current use for rooting in my home is support for PS3 & 4 controllers wirelessly, using stick mount & folder mount to store game data and kodi data on an external drive and the ability to modify xml to re-arrange the order of programs in the NP's leanback interface (kodi gets top billing). My daughters now have immediate access to over twenty very large installed games so far thanks to folder mount. I also store all my kodi fanart, cover art, cd art, etc on the external as it takes up so much space internally for my large media collection that kodi accesses from my nas.
There will be future uses for root as well, of course (there always is), but these were my immediate needs.

Elrondolio said:
The main current use for rooting in my home is support for PS3 & 4 controllers wirelessly, using stick mount & folder mount to store game data and kodi data on an external drive and the ability to modify xml to re-arrange the order of programs in the NP's leanback interface (kodi gets top billing).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recently rooted my NP, and I'm completely new to android and rooting. My main desire is to be able to get all of my sideloaded apps into the leanback interface, and to be able to rearrange the order and hide app icons I don't use. I've noticed by default Kodi RC2 appears in the leanback interface.
Do you have any tips for modifying the leanback interface in the way I've described?

kaess said:
I recently rooted my NP, and I'm completely new to android and rooting. My main desire is to be able to get all of my sideloaded apps into the leanback interface, and to be able to rearrange the order and hide app icons I don't use. I've noticed by default Kodi RC2 appears in the leanback interface.
Do you have any tips for modifying the leanback interface in the way I've described?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since things are so new with the leanback launcher there hasn't been much time for any semi-automated tools/apps to be coded to accomplish what you want. Manually, however, is very doable depending on your desired time investment.
You can modify select sideloaded apps to make them show up on the leanback interface by uncompressing its apk, editing its manifest then re-compressing and re-sideloading. See this post: How to sideload XBMC/Kodi on Nexus Player. See also this helpful post from @zlexy : [Q] Launching Netflix From Within Kodi.
You can re-arrange the order of apps listed in the leanback interface by editing leanback launcher's database. See this post by @ariful : [Q] Rearranging Apps on Android TV Nexus Player.
Again, these methods are a bit labour intensive... it'll have to be that way until more devs start/finish coding for this brand new interface/device and/or for Google to release more customizable updates. Good luck.

Elrondolio said:
Since things are so new with the leanback launcher there hasn't been much time for any semi-automated tools/apps to be coded to accomplish what you want. Manually, however, is very doable depending on your desired time investment.
You can modify select sideloaded apps to make them show up on the leanback interface by uncompressing its apk, editing its manifest then re-compressing and re-sideloading. See this post: How to sideload XBMC/Kodi on Nexus Player. See also this helpful post from @zlexy : [Q] Launching Netflix From Within Kodi.
You can re-arrange the order of apps listed in the leanback interface by editing leanback launcher's database. See this post by @ariful : [Q] Rearranging Apps on Android TV Nexus Player.
Again, these methods are a bit labour intensive... it'll have to be that way until more devs start/finish coding for this brand new interface/device and/or for Google to release more customizable updates. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The last thing you said is exactly why I am resisting the temptation.
I am being fair with the fact that this is the first face of Android Tv and there is yet more to see and I am faithful that most feature that needs root for now, Google might have something on their sleeves, but they are waiting to see how many Nexus Player gets sold, specially after the holidays.
My mom and my step-dad were impressed with the Nexus Player so great, that my step-dad sold me the Google Chromecast as he wanted to have an experience on his own and he really didn't find the Cast environment hard but he liked the more controlled environment of the Nexus Player, so we are buying a second one for me and I will let him take the first one after the second arrives.
I think that is another example that rooting (again, my exception is that a proven restart method gets developed) for now is not needed in base of a normal usage and still haven't got the problem of storage (yet, I know the day will come).

[Advice] Developing a 'kiosk' app - which watch / approach for a prototype?

Good evening - I'm a long time lurker at XDA and have gleaned a lot of useful information from this site, so thanks for that.
I have a client who is looking to build prototype for a device containing only one app, for a very young market, which will be the only app runnable on the device (think a smartwatch tamagotchi) - the priorities are that there's bluetooth, wifi and an accelerometer fully accessible to the app, and that the watch be relatively cheap. Now, while I've been a developer and sysadmin for a number of years, this is my first Android or wearable project, so I wanted to see if anyone had any useful tips on approaches to take, and devices to try for this prototype. (Also, I know the idea of locking down a device like this might be an anathema to people posting here. See this as an academic exercise in what's possible.)
As far as the approach goes, it seems to me I have a few options:
- Get a watch already running Android Wear, develop the app using Google's APIs and see if I can the modify the OS to boot into a single app.
- Get a (probably cheaper) watch which I can then flash with a ROM built by someone else, but will still allow me to access the accelerometer, then lock this down
- As above, but build my own ROM, containing only my app.
As far as devices go, we've had a look at some £20 Chinese wonders with MediaTek MT2502 chips, but I couldn't see how I'd get into them to flash a new ROM and I could't find anyone here using the same model. I've been looking at the MOTOACTV, which I see has many fans, but am also quite happy to consider other (particularly cheaper) alternatives, as long as I'll be able to develop something for them, get to the accelerometer and eventually send data to a server.
Sorry for the long post. Any advice?

Post 5.6.2.0 Update: New Super Annoying Background System Process Causing Major Lag

Hello Fire Folk,
I decided to go ahead take the plunge and let my 2017 Fire HD tablets do their thing and update to 5.6.2.0. Well, the too-good-to-be-true advertising lulled me in anyway ("Show Mode!? You mean I can finally use my Fire Tablet for multi-room audio? And I can stop calling half the Alexa devices in the house "Alexa" while I call the others "Computer" and we can all live as one big happy, desegregated family?! And I can play Spotify on any of the devices and make drop in calls until my heart's content!??" Well, we're not quite there yet...
Anyway, the purpose of my post... Is anyone else noticing the annoying "Ghost" notifications (where it's just a blank white bar at the top, popping up regularly, but if you tap on it/long-touch it enough it eventually reveals its true self) appearing more frequently now? I have three HD 8s and one HD 10 and the background app is running rampant on all of them, resulting in super-frustrating and function-impairing crumminess. Fortunately, the 10 has root and on that tablet I can put this resource-gobbling ghost in its place. However, I'm at a loss on the Fire 8s. In the past I've tried various "no root" app freezing applications but I've never really found one that truly is capable of doing what it claims to be able to accomplish. Does anyone have any tips? I know for a while we could run that one script and make magic happen but can no longer use that trick. :-/
The background ghost app is "Tachyon Calling App" and I gather it's part of the messaging system that is supposed to make the Fire, post 5.6.2.0 update, more "Show"-like. But it runs wiiiild. I'll grabbed a few screenshots which tell a little more about this background pest and will include them below. If you've upgraded to the latest OS and haven't noticed this yet, I hope you never do, but I'd be surprised should you not soon become well-acquainted.
Oh also, my tablets all have Play Store et al. installed and I'm using Action Launcher, if that might have any impact on why I'm experiencing this conflict.
Thanks all! I've been lurking in the Fire section for a long time now and decided to finally make a profile, interact, etc. I am very appreciative to many people here for sharing the awesome findings/discoveries/techniques you've brought forward. I am still holding out hope - some day - even if it's 2046 and these tablets are beyond obsolete/somehow still manage to exist in physical form somewhere in the world, that we will get root access on HD 8! ??????
Screenshots w. additional details:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/album.php?albumid=15035

Having this same problem on a Fire 8 that's got the Play Store loaded. Also my model doesn't even have a sim card, does yours?

This is a new one. Never heard of or seen this app in any Amazon tablet I own (and I own several from the Fire 7 all the way to 10). Just from doing a general search, it appears it belongs to tachyon Mobility. At least that's the most likely culprit. For whatever reason it's on a device I have no idea unless you own a Samsung phone or tablet. I've seen other Samsung apps and Hardware configurations on Motorola devices but never on an Amazon device. If you don't mind uploading a copy of the APK, I can decompile it and take a look inside and see what it actually does or at least try. For now disable it by changing the file name to: appname.apk_ because some system apps like that may become useful in the future. By the way if you are rooted on the HD 10 Google 'rooted activity launcher'. Download the APK from the GitHub source. You can use that activity launcher to launch almost every system app that has a user interface. If this application does you can launch it with rooted activity launcher and see what it does.