Hello there. I'm not new to the Android rooting scene but am brand new to Nook. My Nook came Wednesday night and it was rooted Thursday night. My main goal of root was to install an app (Moon+ Reader) that would give me reading statistics such as time till end of chapter and till end of book. My wifes Kindle has this feature and I want it now .
So Moon+ Reader has a min-SDK version of 8 (Android 2.2). I decompiled and built it using APKTool 1.5.2 changing the min-SDK version to 7; but the app will not install on my phone or the Nook. My next step is to modify build.prop setting 'ro.build.version.sdk=8.' Now, I've modified other parameters in build.prop, but never the sdk version. Will this have any adverse reactions for the Nook? In my mind it will be fine and if the app installs and doesn't function I can uninstall the app and restore the backup of build.prop. Am I crazy here, is there another app that keeps track of statisticts? I've tried Kindle, but it did not work.
--
Mooney
JMooney5115 said:
... the app will not install on my phone or the Nook.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, why don't you find out what the problem is?
What does your logcat say?
Changing build.prop doesn't make much sense.
I may have misrepresented myself in my OP. The problem in question here is not the install of the modified APK, rather the modifying of the build.prop and the troubles (if any) associated with changing the min-SDK. Sorry I posted a thread on this because I have moved past getting this app working.
JMooney5115 said:
I may have misrepresented myself in my OP. The problem in question here is not the install of the modified APK, rather the modifying of the build.prop and the troubles (if any) associated with changing the min-SDK. Sorry I posted a thread on this because I have moved past getting this app working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just tried changing the minsdk in build.prop on my HTC One to try and install an 'incompatible app' and now I'm in a bootloop. Need to wait til I get home from work now to fix it.
Doh!
Android checks for incompatibilities between system version and app minimal required version.
Obviously, to make these congruent you can change either one.
The thing is, this will only have any utility if the app maker overestimated the level of API that they are using.
If an app is using Jellybean introduced API features no amount of lying is going to get that app to work.
So if you still want to play with lying about versions, do yourself a favor and modify the app, not the system.
{CLOSED} [TUT] 1/11/2014 HDX8.9 Working Play Store, GAPPS & PARTIAL Amz Services...
I am no longer updating this thread. Currently, you best bet for everything working is SafeStrap, rom slot, Hashcode's Stock Fire Rom, Xposed module & the flashable gapps from Cpasjuste. I currently have a work load that precludes me from investigating anything further. Not too mention it seems other have the time & a better grasp on everything than I do. I will continue to help those stuck in bootloops or with issues as time permits. I recommend starting anew with your device, restoring the factory firmware, & then using safestrap & the other items mentioned above to get Play Store & Amazon working together.
Edited on 1/11/2014 - Added a fixed version of wget to the hdx.7z file to correct the gapps download rename issue.
READ ME FIRST OR YOUR DEVICE WILL EXPLODE, SCORCHING YOUR EYEBALLS!
If you have never modified an Android Device, if you have no idea what ADB is, how it is used & nearly every command memorized because you have been participating at xda for years or lurking for half a decade, if you do not know what the SDK, ANT, IDE or Ubuntu is, if you cannot afford to possibly throw away $300 to $600, then do yourself a favor & leave your Kindle alone. This is not a simple process, nor does it seem to work the same for everyone. I am NOT a developer. I also have a family & a career, which is very time consuming. I lost over a week in vacation days this past year because I rarely have time for myself, so that should tell you about how much time I am going to have for you if you break something. Sure, I will try to help WHEN I HAVE TIME, but if you are messing with things & then sending me a one line PM saying "I brick it" without any specifics about EVERYTHING you have done, well, I am not even going to respond. So, now you know, if you still want to mess around & possibly break some stuff, go right ahead.
EDIT: It seems if some Amazon services do fail to work for most people. books work fine for me, but not most others & the Amazon App store is not working 100% either. I am working on a fix.
Okay, firstly, I have to thank @Ptiwee who was the first to really bring all of the scattered data & info together, discovering the location in the Java/Smali, where the issue in getting Play Store to function correctly resided.
You will also find a lost pf tips & fixes in post #2. I will add to it as developments arise.
This is a step by step guide for the newer member that wants to learn. I have tried to be as precise as possible & list out every step, along with a few tips on getting your Android adventure started successfully. There are no dumb questions, except for those you should have asked. So ask away & we'll try to get you an answer you'll understand.
Now, we must thank @CrashThump who took Ptiwee's solution & instead of relying on the notoriously unreliable apktool & dependecies, he took the time to recompile a fixed binary in the form of new services.odex. This is exactly what I had been looking to do, but I have been having some troubles with aapt & apktool & he just probably knows a lot more than I do. Either way, it's here now & it works.
Be sure to hit thanks to those guys, for without there help, you would still be bootlooping & cursing Amazon under your breath.
This is NOT an easy or clean way to install GAPPS package, but it works perfectly & I for one have NOT lost a single Amazon service. It is relatively low risk if you follow directions & test that things are working before jumping in head first.
Here is what you need to do to install the Play Store & GAPPS (for now), until I or another member has the time to properly compile everything into an easy to use utility. The root & signature verification parts of this tool work well. The install GAPPS script can fail occasionally, but it will not hurt anything.
This guide is for use on windows, though I will later also present a terminal command version for Linux & possibly Mac. It will be a manual version for now & I will not get to it until later. Feel free to take the data here & compile it into whatever tool or utility you want. I don't think anyone would have an issue with that, just be sure to thank everyone mentioned in this post. you can also easily open the script & just manually do everything in the script for linux. Just make sure you also grabbed the tools like SED from Ptiwee's original script tool.
For this to work, you must be rooted & have busybox installed, along with completing the steps & requirements listed below. The script from CrashDump in the HDX.7z file can root your device, as well as install gapps, fix for signature checking & the wallpaper issue. I recommend downloading everything ahead of time, including the attached busybox installer. If you are already rooted, you can skip some steps, otherwise follow the directions closely.
1. Download the Windows batch file & the necessary scripts & binary from CrashDump named hdx.7z. It can be found below in the attachments.
EDIT (1/11/2014) - Added a different version of wget to fix the download rename issue..
Download & install a BusyBox installer on your device.
2. Ensure you have the latest Java SDK installed. The JDK can be found here: http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jdk7-downloads-1880260.html
Make certain you install the version for your operating System, i.e. 32-bit or 64-bit.
For 32-bit (x86), the JDK you want is titled: jdk-7u45-windows-i586.exe
For 64-bit (x64), the JDK you want is titled: jdk-7u45-windows-x64.exe
I recommend installing it to the default directory.
Once you have this installed, make sure to add it to you PATH in Environmental Variables.
To do this, hit the Windows button (like you are going to open an app), or launch the file explorer & RIGHT CLICK on "Computer" & select "Properties".
.Go to "Advanced System Settings" & select the "Advanced" tab.
Select the "Environmental Variables" button towards the bottom right side of the window.
In the second window, "System Variables", scroll to "Path" & select edit.
Add your systems path to the recently installed version of the Java SDK (JDK) to "Variable Value:", it should look something like this:
C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.6.0_33\bin; (make sure yours reflects your correct version & path to the JDK Bin directory. DO NOT JUST COPY/PASTE MINE). Also take care to have a semi-colon ( both before & after your path & DO NOT ALTER ANY OF THE OTHER VALUES.
I also recommend you add these file types to the entry below, called (PATHEXT):
.BAT;.CMD;.JS;.JSE;.SH
These two steps allow you to use these tools from any directory, telling tools & applications where to find the resources they need.
After installing the Java SDK (JDK), make sure you also have a "System Variable" entry called "JAVA_HOME" with a value that is the same as your environmental variable, pointing to your Java SDK Bin directory. Mine is "C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.6.0_33\bin" (again, you need to have YOUR installed location, not mine, so do not copy/paste from here).
3. Ensure you have installed the Android SDK. You do NOT need Eclipse, just the SDK. It can be found here: http://dl.google.com/android/installer_r22.3-windows.exe
Install the SDK somewhere simple & avoid spaces in directory names. My SDK (when I bother to use Windows anymore, is C:/Android/
I use Eclipse, so for me, my directury tree is "C:/Android/sdk & C:/Android/eclipse" this is where all the important Android tools live, like ADP & AAPT & Fastboot, in /sdk/tools & /sdk/platform-tools.
4. The script & utilities used by CrashDump need several Linux based tools, like SED & a few others. Fortunately, the GnuWin32 package exists & can be downloaded here: http://sourceforge.net/projects/getgnuwin32/files/
This is a set of packages designed to work with Windows, It will download an executable & you will open it, paying attention to where it is downloading & extracting the packages. Once it is finished, you will go to what ever directory you selected for the "GetGnuWin32" folder & you will click on a script batch file named "download.bat. This will download all the GnuWin32 packages. Follow the instructions & let it download the updates as it goes.
Once this is complete, you will then go back into your "GetGnuWin32" folder. Now you will double click (execute/run) the script batch file named "install.bat".
This process takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on your machine & your download speed.
5. Connect your device to the USB port & give it time to install the proper drivers. Next, open a cmd window & enter: adb devices
If successful, you should see your device serial number listed, similar to this:
C:\Users\gleon>adb devices
List of devices attached
B0xxxxxxxxxSH device
If your device was recognized & you see something similar to the above, congratulations, you have installed the SDK successfully & are now ready for some action. If not, you may need to install the HDX adb drivers. If you are here, you have most likely already done most of the steps above anyways.
7. Extract the file HDX.7z to somewhere simple like C:/ or in your Android SDK directory.
Double click on the "HDX.bat" script & a terminal window will open with the following data:
Only for Kindle Fire HDX 8.9
WARNING ! All the manipulations here are dangerous.
Your tablet may become unstable or unusable.
Nobody except you will be considered as responsible.
What do you wanna do ?
1. Root my Kindle Fire HDX 8.9
2. Remove Amazon ads on lockscreen and some Amazon applications
3. Remove signature check (Requisite for Google Apps)
4. Install Google Apps
5. Fix wallpaper
6. Quit
Choice :
Select option #1 if you are NOT yet rooted. Once you root, open up the Superuser app & give it a minute. Make sure it is working & then install the attached busybox installer on your device & make sure to open it & install busybox & the applets. I suggest using the "Smart Install" feature. It will take a minute or two for it to load & install busybox, but please wait & ensure it installs successfully.
To install busybox, you can transfer it to your device & use a file explorer to navigate to the apk, OR you can use your newly installed SDK & open a cmd prompt in the folder you downloaded or extracted the bb installer & issue the following command (just the part in quotes, WITHOUT the quotes of course): c:\Android> "adb install busybox.apk"
It will say "successful" once busybox is installed. Open the app & let it setup. Then click on the "install" button & let it do its thing.
Once you are rooted, have busybox & Superuser installed, or If you are already rooted with both installed, you can move to the script tool's option # 3, "Remove signature check <Requisite for Google Apps>
This is going to replace the services.odex file from your devices /system/framework directory. It will restart the SystemUI, which means it will look like it has reboot, but do not panic, it will not boot loop your device, it will resume normally in a moment.
Once it is has restarted the SystemUI & the screen comes back on, you can now use option #4 "Install Google Apps".
Congratulations, you now have an Amazon HDX 8.9 with fully functioning GAPPS, including Play Store & you have all Amazon Services working.
Take wht you have learned & pass it along. This is a forum about sharing ideas & knowledge. Pay it forward.
I know this is written fairly simply, but I do this so that nobody will misunderstand. i know many of you know what you are doing, but there are new users & members here every day. I will do whatever I can to help you if you have issues & as you have seen, I have already been able to fix 2 types of soft bricks, so your risk is much more limited than even a few weeks ago.
Fixes, Tips & Tricks
Tips & Fixes:
1. For all of your Google Play installed app to show up in the app drawer, please delete versions in the "Cloud" tab of the App Drawer. (This only applies to the Stock Amazon launcher/app drawer).
2. Currently, all apps & Amazon Service work EXCEPT Amazon App store. A work around is listed below.
3. There is a work around for the Amazon App Store crash. It will work if you remove the existing app, delete the dalvik cache & then install the generic Amazon App Store for Android from here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/mas/get/android/ref=mas_rw_ldg
You will need an app like Titanium Backup Pro, which can remove unnecessary Dalvik files. This work around functions, however, the Amz App will crash occasionally. Also be sure you are uninstalling the App Store, not the IntentProxy, which also show as Apps in TB.
4. I have not thoroughly tested this, however from short testing, it appears that Kindle Free Time does indeed work. It will launch, allow password to be set & rules & times to be selected.
5. If you have any issues & want to return to 100% stock, I will be uploading a fixed build.prop, along with a script to download & ready the latest update. This will erase all changes in the device System partition, without removing installed apps in the user land, aka /data/app.
I'm looking forward to trying this when I get home! Thank you all for you hard work!!
Does this require root?
cbtk18 said:
Does this require root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Steps 1-6 is PC preparation to run step #7, for Kindle modification. You need 'option #1 - root' for any other option to work.
---------- Post added at 05:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:28 PM ----------
GSLEON3 said:
Tips & Fixes:
2. Currently, all apps & Amazon Service work EXCEPT Amazon App store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With Amazon App store not working, does this also include functionality of downloading of content locally in Freetime, Kindle, MP3, Video?
I've tried all known methods (except ptiwee/crashdump/yours) and I still haven't gotten a working App Store + content sync... All content requests show 'queued' indefinitely...
Thanks,
Alex
I can play, download & watch movies, music & books without issue. Only the Amazon app store has issues for me. Being one of the worst curated Android Markets around, I could care less, though I do plan on comparing it to the HD 8.9 DL manager, which functions 100% for everything.
My household all have tablets & my youngest is a teen, so no idea on Free time, but I'll check for you when I get everything back in place. I'm bricked again (on purpose & not from this, so don't worry) I'm trying to find a fix for another user with issues.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium HD app
Can we use the wallpaper fix? There was another thread saying wallpaper fix bricked their device (8.9). Is it ok to do here?
Amazon Appstore
will you find a way to get the amazon appstore to work
Now if only this could be ported to 7 ...great job
Sent from my KFTHWI using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
So I went ahead and applied the wallpaper fix built in this tool. It was fine. Although I did have a black screen for awhile, basically seemed dead for a couple minutes, which concerned me. Next step... how to get live wallpapers? I love this. Makes the 8.9 better than the 7" now. Functionally that is, minus the live wallpaper that is working with thor-gapps rom for the 7".
Yes no Amazon apps work at all on 7 but 1 person claims all is working on his but I don't see how with Thor gapps rom
Sent from my KFTHWI using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
davekaz said:
Now if only this could be ported to 7 ...great job
Sent from my KFTHWI using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nobody said step 7,options 2+ won't work on 7, it just hasn't been tested..... I would go back to ptiwee's original script to test, and as it modifies files from the device and doesn't rely on potentially device specific modified binaries...
Sent from my AT100 using Tapatalk 4
Thanks for a very good jobb, which give us all users of HDX 8.9 get a fantastic tablet. I do not understan what you mean with this lines, "For all of your Google Play installed app to show up in the app drawer, please delete versions in the "Cloud" tab of the App Drawer."? Where do I find "Cloud Tab?"
I use Nova launcher so mabe it´s not for me?
Thanks
lasset said:
Thanks for a very good jobb, which give us all users of HDX 8.9 get a fantastic tablet. I do not understan what you mean with this lines, "For all of your Google Play installed app to show up in the app drawer, please delete versions in the "Cloud" tab of the App Drawer."? Where do I find "Cloud Tab?"
I use Nova launcher so mabe it´s not for me?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're using Nova Launcher, then you're right, you likely won't care.
GSLEON3 is pointing out for those who choose to use the stock launcher app carousel and you're wondering why play store apps aren't showing up, it's due to a conflict between the existence of the app in Amazon App Cloud and the Google Play store. To resolve this, he's recommending you remove this from Amazon App Cloud...
Ok, thanks I understand and I stay in Nova.
Thanks and A Happy New Year from Sweden!
---------- Post added at 12:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:30 PM ----------
davekaz said:
Yes no Amazon apps work at all on 7 but 1 person claims all is working on his but I don't see how with Thor gapps rom
Sent from my KFTHWI using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has anyone tried using the Amazon store app from the Google play store?
improvius said:
Has anyone tried using the Amazon store app from the Google play store?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great Idea. This may work. I'll have a try after morning coffee.
Has anyone tested this on the 7 inch HDX?
Is there any reason why this would/should not work on this model?
Thanks!
Guys, I am about 99% sure that you do not need the GnuWin32 packages for this to work. Duh... I forgot we are using a binary, not an on the fly rebuild like Ptiwee.
I'll test & modify instructions accordingly.
Sent from my KFAPWI using XDA Premium HD app
GSLEON3 said:
Guys, I am about 99% sure that you do not need the GnuWin32 packages for this to work. Duh... I forgot we are using a binary, not an on the fly rebuild like Ptiwee.
I'll test & modify instructions accordingly.
Sent from my KFAPWI using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks again for the all the hard work and persistence..
xda is about sharing and learning and "a man only owns what he knows"..
thanks again..great job!!
question though.. can i go ahead and try this on my kindle fire hdx 8.9 LTE 64GB?
I'm having a hard time with the android N apps.
I either can get them open and shut or they fail to be compiled. Decompile hasn't given me any problems
Systemui is my main focus right now.. I need to make some heavy changes to the existing code to activate my mods..
Unfortunately every time I repack and re flash the systemui is no good. Fc constantly or it won't even get installed and activate...
I seen apktool has had some issues but Changelog indicated it was able to handle n based apps as long as sources where installed.. Witch I've done with all 3 framework files the LG uses.
What am I missing here? Do I need to move my modded apk info from my new signed app back into the signed one or can it be used signed with a testkey or private key?
Why even when I successfully d and b a apk on android N is it always fc and not working even with 0 mods being done.
I know this isn't the best place but its holding me back from releasing any additional updates for my rom/device.
I understand the process and commands I'm just not getting it right.. My works been pre mm/n so I'm just not aware of the bugs and tricks to get it going. I understand apktool and how to decompile and I dont need my hand held.. Just a push to the right plaxe.
Anyone willing to try some of my modded apks I'm willing to send and test with you also. Again mostly systemui is my focus so its not a easy test for some and each try is a pain if it didn't work lol.. If anything I'd send over my edited arrays and values files for the apk and have you open close the apk for now I'd be content but truly I should be learning this so I can continue on working on this static monster
Team DevDigitel said:
I'm having a hard time with the android N apps.
I either can get them open and shut or they fail to be compiled. Decompile hasn't given me any problems
Systemui is my main focus right now.. I need to make some heavy changes to the existing code to activate my mods..
Unfortunately every time I repack and re flash the systemui is no good. Fc constantly or it won't even get installed and activate...
I seen apktool has had some issues but Changelog indicated it was able to handle n based apps as long as sources where installed.. Witch I've done with all 3 framework files the LG uses.
What am I missing here? Do I need to move my modded apk info from my new signed app back into the signed one or can it be used signed with a testkey or private key?
Why even when I successfully d and b a apk on android N is it always fc and not working even with 0 mods being done.
I know this isn't the best place but its holding me back from releasing any additional updates for my rom/device.
I understand the process and commands I'm just not getting it right.. My works been pre mm/n so I'm just not aware of the bugs and tricks to get it going. I understand apktool and how to decompile and I dont need my hand held.. Just a push to the right plaxe.
Anyone willing to try some of my modded apks I'm willing to send and test with you also. Again mostly systemui is my focus so its not a easy test for some and each try is a pain if it didn't work lol.. If anything I'd send over my edited arrays and values files for the apk and have you open close the apk for now I'd be content but truly I should be learning this so I can continue on working on this static monster
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had issues with mm due to java.. Had to revert to an older version. Don't know if that's your issue, but the only one. I ever had.
Swizzle82 said:
I had issues with mm due to java.. Had to revert to an older version. Don't know if that's your issue, but the only one. I ever had.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i belive it needs to be jre7 or greater.. i even tried with the apk editor app from playstore, it opened and closed it fine, but same thing, fc hell once it was installed. even google messanger was doing it... i got it fully themed and bam, fc heaven,, sad thing is it would work long enough for me to see the themes looked good and fc lol
like andoid n just hates me.. couldnt get the rom deodexed now the apps.. like sheesh, shoulda got me a lolipop device and id be set smh
Team DevDigitel said:
i belive it needs to be jre7 or greater.. i even tried with the apk editor app from playstore, it opened and closed it fine, but same thing, fc hell once it was installed. even google messanger was doing it... i got it fully themed and bam, fc heaven,, sad thing is it would work long enough for me to see the themes looked good and fc lol
like andoid n just hates me.. couldnt get the rom deodexed now the apps.. like sheesh, shoulda got me a lolipop device and id be set smh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try using vts.