Database Users

[MOD][HOWTO] Common Sense Modifications

So every custom ROM seems to have a couple mods in common...
This thread is to (hopefully) help anyone looking to learn to do them
and yet after doing a ton of searching, the only thing I have found is links to prebuilt files without much direction on how to do this myself. What if I don't want your red themed market? (No offense) What if all I want is a stock ROM that I customized with these generic modifications? What happens when a new build of Android is leaked and only two people know how to do the modifications manually and one releases a version claiming they are done when they aren't and the other appears to have used it as a base and then has to go back and manually do the edits and re-release? (Not saying it happened...)
How to Compile a Kernel
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1039854
More in-depth guide here:
http://forum.androidcentral.com/htc...how-build-your-own-kernel-package-source.html
How to Deodex a ROM
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1082749
Advanced Power Options
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1023960
(No Howto - but there are edits in android.policy.jar)
Remove GPS Reticle
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1001838
(No Howto - but there are edits in services.jar)
(Gingerbread edits are in the systemui.apk)
6 Bar Service Indicator
No direct download
(No Howto - but there are edits in services.jar)
(Gingerbread edits are in the systemui.apk)
Power Control Widgets
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1024220
(No Howto - prebuilt package with other edits already made)
Radio Info in Settings
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1018159
(Contains instructions on doing modification - Kudos!)
Wake on Volume Keys
/system/usr/keylayout/mecha-keypad.kl
Add "WAKE" to desired key down values:
key 114 VOLUME_DOWN WAKE
key 115 VOLUME_DOWN WAKE
Remove the "WAKE" to disable again.
Disable End Call Button
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1058072
(No Howto - prebuilt modification package)
Increase Max Alarms in HtcClock
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1052843
(No Howto - prebuilt modification package)
Install Ubuntu to Sdcard Ext Partition
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1104983
Install Ubuntu to Loop Device Image File:
http://code.google.com/p/android-cruft/wiki/LucidWithAndroid
(Loop device support for the common method is included in most kernels, but does not seem to support the process)
I am not asking anyone to write out explicit instructions on how to do each and every one of these modifications, but any help that can be offered is appreciated. Even if I can track down the original instructions for another phone, it will help those with the ability to do these things to help get them out there.

its a great idea, but some of them, the advanced power controls one for example -that one was a ***** to do lemme tell ya- require an in depth knowledge of how and why things work the way they do. many how-tos would just be passed right over.
I wrote a massive write up on how to work out the sensation resizing issues, and a few people did actually read it, though nobody actually did anything with it.
and smali is so difficult to begin with...geesh
great idea though, and if you want to write a how to of your own for some of them, i would be more than happy to get you started and answer what questions you run into.

r2DoesInc said:
its a great idea, but some of them, the advanced power controls one for example -that one was a ***** to do lemme tell ya- require an in depth knowledge of how and why things work the way they do. many how-tos would just be passed right over.
I wrote a massive write up on how to work out the sensation resizing issues, and a few people did actually read it, though nobody actually did anything with it.
and smali is so difficult to begin with...geesh
great idea though, and if you want to write a how to of your own for some of them, i would be more than happy to get you started and answer what questions you run into.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know a lot will pass them over, and honestly it is like i explained to the gf today. Everyone who started with Android had a G1, some of us moved to myTouch, some of us moved to Droid, some of us moved to Thunderbolt. With each move, we brought our mods, but in the process left behind how we did them and just DID them. When I wrote kernels, I used a script on AndroidWiki that is now a 404 error. Instead I ended up with some preconfigured gui and a bunch of premade update.zip files.
It isnt really about whether anyone reads it in my opinion, its knowing the information is there for that one person that does. I appreciate the offer. The main thing is anymore if you want a mod, you have to take the theme, additions, removals, ect of the modder.
Sent from my DROID2 using Tapatalk

I have to agree. It's been a while since I have posted anywhere regarding Android, but the whole purpose of this forum (any android forum) as far as I am concerned is for developers to share not just the finished product (and the betas, alphas, pre-alphas, etc) but also the details of how they did what they did.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk

Thanks
I was actually looking for some of these MODS
I like to stay stock rooted, but their are some MODS that are too tempting to pass up.

I would love to have a how-to for the power controls.
I'm gonna try to pull it apart, it's the last one I haven't done by hand.
I didn't make any sort of docs about what I did though, just diffing stock from the provided package.
But that one is big.
Anyway, good list to have in any case.
D

Very handy. I would also love to learn how to create a 5 row icon app drawer. Thats the only thing im missing in my current rom im using. Any tutorials, then I could do it myself?

dukins said:
Very handy. I would also love to learn how to create a 5 row icon app drawer. Thats the only thing im missing in my current rom im using. Any tutorials, then I could do it myself?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is done with a layout modification in the home app. That is from way back in G1 days and I know there is documentation somewhere. I'll look for it.
What I am trying to accomplish is something like http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=13969789&postcount=585 without having to dig for parts. Often it is harder to find working parts than to simply modify the ones that are already running.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk

I for one would love to learn how to create themes and eventually my own roms. I found a theming guide in these forums that had a lot of information in it, but felt it was missing a lot of whys's for example when you can just modify a PNG to produce a particular look and when do you have to edit XML files. Be nice if some documented maybe there creation of a rom/theme and explaned everything along the way. Then someone could build the same rom/theme and learn by doing. I know when I got my active directory Certifications I learned at home on my own and used some training videos. I built the network right along with the training videos in Vmware. Best way to learn in my opinion is by doing.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App

twistedumbrella said:
That is done with a layout modification in the home app. That is from way back in G1 days and I know there is documentation somewhere. I'll look for it.
I will be releasing a Jane Bamf Ginger ROM later that is semi stock. It has extended power options, bamf toolkit, removed gps icon, 3.0 weather, 6 bar, Google talk with video, but stock theme, animations, sounds, and the weather will be optional.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can we remove the Gps icon? So at I've only seen it being hidden. Thanks.

Is there any instructions, or is anyone willing to send me instructions, on how to do the 6 bar modifications myself? Also trying to find the information for the accurate/smooth battery indicator but coming up empty handed.

thanks for posting twisted

Thank you for the thread!
I would really love a write up of manual removal of 5 row app drawer back to 4. That is the main reason I'm not trying any themed stuff right now because everyone has it and I'm not a fan. It must be similar to the lead that was said about adding 5 rows a few posts back...
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

I agree completely. JCase had promised us in the Fascinate forum a step by step on how to mod an .apk (specifically, a Car Dock one that Adrynalyne had made) to customize it. Then, alas, our beloved Thunderbolt came out, and he became preoccupied...
The HOW is deff needed for those up and coming devs and those that just like to tinker.

New kernel making guide added
Testing and finishing a guide on ubuntu for android without loop support
Working on some other guides
Sent from my DROID2 using Tapatalk

[Q] How to make an app theme-able by another app?

Before you start saying that I'm posting in the wrong section, hear me out, I'm not asking about how to make themes or how to alter existing themes
I want to know how to write an app that is completely self contained application but can have its visual appearance and behavior altered when other apps are also installed on the same phone.
I'm pretty sure this functionality can be achieved b/c there are soo many theme apps in the market for ADW Launcher.
Does anyone know how to do this, and where I can find documentation about this kind of functionality?

I'm curious about this too. My best guess at the moment though is to make sure all of your UI controls are drawables, not just stock spinners / sliders / etc. Use drawables for the graphics in the UI, and when you publish your apk, those resources should be not only visible but changeable by others. Then again, I'm not 100% sure, so don't quote me on that lol.

parabola949 said:
I'm curious about this too. My best guess at the moment though is to make sure all of your UI controls are drawables, not just stock spinners / sliders / etc. Use drawables for the graphics in the UI, and when you publish your apk, those resources should be not only visible but changeable by others. Then again, I'm not 100% sure, so don't quote me on that lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops i quoted you... i think you are right though. It'll be links to different drawable resources
From something awesome

[PROJECT][WIP][ROM] Entity (CM7 based)

I have looked into some stuff, and I'm getting an idea of what my ROM is going to look like.
ROM details
Name: Entity
Theme: Entity white/blue (white/blue [very] minimalistic theme)
Based on: Cyanogenmod 7.1.0 (Android 2.3.4) - will be changed to a stable version as soon as available
Kernel: Jame Bond sabai dee 1.5.9
Features
- Revamped homescreen. I will use ADW Launcher for that.
- New pre-installed apps. I'm planning to include paid apps, but if I do, I won't be able to upload it here anymore. Haven't found a solution
- Heavily themed. EVERYTHING is themed, even all the pre-installed apps
- Revamped settings menu. New layout, removed settings I never use anyway, and added new settings. I will also change the settings menus of pre-installed apps
- Voodoo Sound
- BLN
- No ads
- More theme colors in the future!
Details
I want my ROM to be perfect for me. It resembles what I want. The reason that my theme has the same name, is because the theme is the biggest part of the ROM. My goal is to create a fresh-looking ROM. All pre-installed apps will look the same, making it more of an entity, hence the name. It will also be much clearer than stock ROM or CM7.
Because I'm making this ROM for myself, it is possible that I deleted some things you might not want me to delete. I'm sorry, but I can't do anything about that. I'm planning on uploading my ROM, but that's all. I will not take requests. What I will do, is include a list of all the things I've changed compared to CM7, so you can check if you want my ROM. If you have my taste, you will like my ROM. If not, that's not a big deal. I'm not uploading it because I want many people to use my ROM. I'm uploading it because... why not? Maybe people like it. Who knows.
I'll upload three files:
- The whole ROM, excluding Google Apps (don't know why CM and I can't include Gapps, but NSCollab can...?) and paid apps.
- The themed Gapps. Can't upload the themed paid apps.
- The theme
It might be possible with Theme Chooser to theme the paid apps. That way you can just download/buy the paid apps, and the Theme Chooser will theme them. That's something for the future though.

Cool man, im pretty much doing the same thing as you except im making a kernel
Wish you luck, ill be following this thread

Get it
Uncle Jimmy says hello

Igotsanevo4g said:
Cool man, im pretty much doing the same thing as you except im making a kernel
Wish you luck, ill be following this thread
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, good luck to you too!
It looks like you are more experienced. I have no experience at all except for some rooting experience. I'm still suprised that I managed to root my device without much help . Other than that I installed some custom ROMs but that isn't difficult.
I saw you have experience with making some basic ROMs. Regarding the ROM making, this is what I will do:
- Experiment with the HTC Android Kitchen
- Change the settings menu (+ settings menus on pre-installed apps):
Change the text on buttons
Change the order in which the buttons are shown
Remove some buttons that I don't use anyway
Move buttons from one section to another
Add some settings (the hardest one probably). For example I would like to add the voodoo settings in the settings menu
- That's about it I guess, don't really know what I could change with my knowledge.
The thing is, I'm mainly after changing the looks and experience. My goal is to make it look like nothing you've seen before. I want it to be clean, fresh, and it must look like it's one whole. And because I'm mainly after changing the looks, what else is there to change other than settings on pre-installed apps and some things HTC Android Kitchen can do?
So that's what I wanted to ask you: what is something you did when making basic ROMs?

Updated the first post. I'm kind of getting an idea of what I want.

Androyed said:
Cool, good luck to you too!
It looks like you are more experienced. I have no experience at all except for some rooting experience. I'm still suprised that I managed to root my device without much help . Other than that I installed some custom ROMs but that isn't difficult.
I saw you have experience with making some basic ROMs. Regarding the ROM making, this is what I will do:
- Experiment with the HTC Android Kitchen
- Change the settings menu (+ settings menus on pre-installed apps):
Change the text on buttons
Change the order in which the buttons are shown
Remove some buttons that I don't use anyway
Move buttons from one section to another
Add some settings (the hardest one probably). For example I would like to add the voodoo settings in the settings menu
- That's about it I guess, don't really know what I could change with my knowledge.
The thing is, I'm mainly after changing the looks and experience. My goal is to make it look like nothing you've seen before. I want it to be clean, fresh, and it must look like it's one whole. And because I'm mainly after changing the looks, what else is there to change other than settings on pre-installed apps and some things HTC Android Kitchen can do?
So that's what I wanted to ask you: what is something you did when making basic ROMs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all i'll start by saying that putting paid apps on there and releasing it in any form is a major no-no. Do NOT do that.
Most of the stuff ive messed with is sense roms back on my Evo. Things like removing sense, zip aline on boot, deodexing, re-directing the path of some apps, and playing with some status bar mods and other stuff im probably forgetting.
Im not sure what you mean by "buttons" which buttons are you talking about? Menu buttons? As for adding apps in the settings menu, i dont think it will be to complicated. For a start you can look at a stock CM7 build and track down how they link ADW to the settings menu.
Dont worry about making a masterpiece of a rom, we all gotta start somewhere and im not much more versed in this than you
Needless to say, dont hesitate to Gtalk/G+ me [[email protected]] and ill *try* to help you out

Igotsanevo4g said:
First of all i'll start by saying that putting paid apps on there and releasing it in any form is a major no-no. Do NOT do that.
Most of the stuff ive messed with is sense roms back on my Evo. Things like removing sense, zip aline on boot, deodexing, re-directing the path of some apps, and playing with some status bar mods and other stuff im probably forgetting.
Im not sure what you mean by "buttons" which buttons are you talking about? Menu buttons? As for adding apps in the settings menu, i dont think it will be to complicated. For a start you can look at a stock CM7 build and track down how they link ADW to the settings menu.
Dont worry about making a masterpiece of a rom, we all gotta start somewhere and im not much more versed in this than you
Needless to say, dont hesitate to Gtalk/G+ me [[email protected]] and ill *try* to help you out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already thought paid apps wouldn't be a good idea. I'll do that only for myself then (since I already paid for them).
With buttons I mean the buttons in the settings apk. Like the button to turn on/off WiFi. But it looks you already know what I mean. Tracking down how they added ADW is an awesome idea, thanks a lot for that! That will probably also help me with the other things I want to add/change/remove in the settings apk.
I'm really excited about it, and playing around with the HTC Android ROM kitchen today gave me good hopes. When I encounter a problem, I'll contact you.
Thanks!

Updated the first post. I think the ROM name is going to be Entity.

[Q]ICS!?!?

So i havent hit these forums in a while. The other day i checked out the forum just to see if anything ICS related has happened, and well it did. I got to reading, and it seems that i cant make heads or tails on how to get it on my tab.
Anyway, right now im running 3.2, and i have Clockwork mod 5 installed. Can i just download a rom and flash it, or is it going to be more complicated than that?

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1517181
That's what I use. Just download, flash, and enjoy.

Am i going to have to use that weird gold ring ****? (id rather not...)

It's a button on the taskbar. You don't need to tap on it if you don't want to. Besides, there are alternative looks for it further down if you want to change it.

Oskiee said:
Am i going to have to use that weird gold ring ****? (id rather not...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't want to use it at all, just disable it in the settings.
If you want it to look different, flash one of the numerous alternate themes provided.
If you still don't like the look, pull the needed apks from the tablet, decompile them, edit the graphics to suit your needs, recompile them, resign them, push them back to your tablet.

Who's going to miss using Xposed on Lollipop?

Are you waiting out on updating for next weeks Tmobile update? At this current moment, w/ Xposed 3.0 Alpha3, we still don't know if we will ever get support (as the dev said). I currently have the phone setup pretty much dependent on Xposed. Not sure how I will setup the phone again without some of the stuff Xposed has to offer.
List of modules:
Complete Action Plus - Used because Samsung's Complete Action feature is a bit gimmickly and this one allows you to properly setup which apps you want by default.
GravityBox - This is used because I want to change/remap my "recent key" to "menu" instead.
Greenify - no need to explain
Network Speed Indicator is perfect for the Notification Box. Yes this can be replaced.
PerAppFonts - Used to change the apps in my chat app... No replacement w/out Xposed
Samsung Camera Fix - Now I can launch Quickpic directly from Camera App
Screen Filter - Used with tasker to kill bluescreen that hurts your eyes
Secure Setting - Paired w/ Tasker since it can control GPS, Radios, Power Saving, and etc
Wanam - too many functions here
XHangouts - To edit Hangout settings
Youtube Adaway - blocks youtube ads
YourTube - Used for automatically selecting 4k stream and changing display menu at launch of Youtube App
God I wish this list wasn't so long that I became dependent.

Nope. I bought the device because I liked it. Not because I liked it and it could run xposed.

MajorTom_ said:
Nope. I bought the device because I liked it. Not because I liked it and it could run xposed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using this phone since launch. What i'm trying to say is... will you be holding out on the Lollipop update because Xposed isn't supported..

Dont think anyone will miss it really. You can always go back to kitkat and use xpose so it is not really a thing to "miss"
That is the joy of choices...new update because it got pretty colors and new lockscreen/notification settings? or stay with the old that does EVERYTHING you require from it?

mgbotoe said:
Dont think anyone will miss it really. You can always go back to kitkat and use xpose so it is not really a thing to "miss"
That is the joy of choices...new update because it got pretty colors and new lockscreen/notification settings? or stay with the old that does EVERYTHING you require from it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL hard choices!

twe90kid said:
LOL hard choices!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to remember...we have several developers who are not lazy to actually modify the roms...check out some of the few lollipop roms laying to see what i mean if you haven't already ...granted, they do not do any of what you listed LMAO!

twe90kid said:
I've been using this phone since launch. What i'm trying to say is... will you be holding out on the Lollipop update because Xposed isn't supported..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need to hold out. Xposed is a luxury to me.

mgbotoe said:
You have to remember...we have several developers who are not lazy to actually modify the roms...check out some of the few lollipop roms laying to see what i mean if you haven't already ...granted, they do not do any of what you listed LMAO!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've already tried one and flashed back to kitkat.
I'm trying to see if there's replacements to kill off that xposed list.

Not me. Never used it and don't think I ever will
BAD ASS NOTE 4

Actually most of those mods have been manually added into some Lollipop Roms already. So no I won't miss xposed. It's better to have it as a built in for stability purposes

VeNuMuS said:
Actually most of those mods have been manually added into some Lollipop Roms already. So no I won't miss xposed. It's better to have it as a built in for stability purposes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just flashed to Lollipop TEKXodus N4 URv1.6
One thing that I use is Greenify GCM push. Seems like you can't use GCM push when Xposed doesn't work.

The only thing I really care about is YouTube adaway and mw manager. I hate youtube ads, and I love that I can shrink any app by sliding from the corner.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app

without Xprivacy, the android ecosystem is useless to me personally.
without the ability to keep my data, MY data, I would rather go get a iphone.
I do wish another option was available, a ton of usable mods are being hampered due to one add on (albeit a major one)
certainly not complaining since I can't code, Ill just stick with 4.4.4 and wait.

What about if you update and install dual Boot and run cm12 in the second ROM with xposed and that's it!!

VeNuMuS said:
Actually most of those mods have been manually added into some Lollipop Roms already. So no I won't miss xposed. It's better to have it as a built in for stability purposes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks buddy, very good to know Regarding stability, no question that your statement is fact. Shines some bright light on this news, posted by @rovo89 today along with news of a new LP alpha...
Regarding Samsung ROMs: No progress. No ETA. No promise that it will be supported, although I don't exclude it either. It's simply unclear what further differences between their and AOSP's ART variant come up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will personally miss the ability to use Xposed mainly due to the vast amount of customization options that it offers to users. While it is certainly preferable that various mods are baked into ROMs, there are some incredibly powerful modules that either can't or are highly unlikely to be included in any custom ROMs. I decided to go through the modules that I'm using and (attempt) to evaluate the likelihood/possibility that their effects could/would be included in a custom ROM (or replicated by non-xposed dependent apps). Here's my take, would love to hear the thoughts of others :good:
Amplify: Surely. Most ROMs improve battery life vs. stock anyway. Wakelocks/services/alarms can be "tamed" by other means.
CPU Freq in Statusbar: Maybe not in the statusbar, but Dynamic (Kat at least, have yet to try Pop) has it as well as the CPU gov in the notification panel. Better than "good enough"
Coolify: A newer module that I don't think many people are aware of... but absolutely should be! Giving it a look in the Play store will give you a better idea of what it does than a brief description. Really a fantastic app/module... frequently updated and each new version works better than the last! I also like that it shows the battery temp in the status bar. If I were crazy greedy, would prefer that it showed CPU core 0 temp, but I'm not, so happy to keep an eye on the battery I doubt that the full effect would be implemented in a ROM, but I'd think that it could be to some degree.
Greenify: Similar effect built into a ROM? Sounds like a TON of work... will be missed.
No lock home: Was very happy to learn that this is built into LP itself... good call!
PlayPermissionsXposed: A module I consider quite important but wouldn't expect to see it in a ROM. AppOps (already baked into ROMs) is far more useful though anyway.
UnbelovedHosts (paid version): Similar to AdAway, and KILLER as an addition to it. It's very rare that I see an ad of any kind on my phone. The unlock key allows to blocked hosts lists to be auto-updated. Will be missed.
Unicon: Purely cosmetic but I love this module. IMO it's the ultimate "UI consistency" tool. Along with my icon pack of choice (Velur, hands down) my (Nova Prime backed) UI looks... appealing Too "specialized" to be baked into a ROM I would imagine. Will really miss this one.
Xposed Additions (pro): Please tell me that there are LP ROMS that enable key remapping... PLEASE! (Can't handle menu key = recents. It's WRONG I tells ya! WRONG!!!)
XuiMod: Another strictly cosmetic effect, but SO SWEET! Allows you to use animations from various ROMs, so.... yeah.
Huge thanks @VeNuMuS for allowing me to view to inability to use Xposed in a different light. LP, here I come :good:

@jazzmachine
Not having Greenify paid options is going to suck bad. Especially GCM push

If you guys miss Screen Filter you could always download Twighlight from the play store

I do not plan on moving off my current setup until/if Xposed is fully up & functional with TouchWiz & Lollipop.
Unless T-Mobile is making Lollipop make my phone have secks w/ me... Nope, nah ah. Can't live without Xposed! :silly:

Don't use exposed. Don't see the value. Never have, never will
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app

jazzmachine said:
Xposed Additions (pro): Please tell me that there are LP ROMS that enable key remapping... PLEASE! (Can't handle menu key = recents. It's WRONG I tells
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Found out how to change this..
You can use Root Explorer:
Make sure you grant root and Mount R/W
Then go to /system/usr/keylayout
Modify file Generic.kl
Look for "Key 254"
Change it to Menu, Save, exit, and reboot.
Now I need to figure out how to change double press home to launch recent apps.