How to use the front camera with Tango? Like lots of us, I guess, I discovered Tango today (one the greatest app !)
As I own a Galaxy S, I wonder if we can use the front camera while talking.
I know we can do that using the builtin visiocall app.

Does anybody know the hack ?

http://www.appbrain.com/app/tango-video-calls/com.sgiggle.production

Thanks.

The Recent Changes list for v1.4.4857 (released around 11/11/10) states:

  We added support for front facing cameras on Samsung devices
  We fixed an issue that was causing some HTC EVOs to reboot when launching
  Tango

So it looks like they needed to change something specific in their software to let you use the front facing camera, and they've done that now!


How can I view the timestamp for History items in Firefox Android? I need to view the exact times I visited certain pages in Firefox mobile for Android. Is there a way to do this, or export the data to view it somehow?

Here's an idea:

First, you need to setup Firefox Sync. It's simple, here's one of the many tutorials (got this from first Google result, no affiliation to the site/article).

Once you set that up you will have your history (and bookmarks, tabs, etc.) synced between your android device's Firefox and Firefox on your PC.

On your PC in Firefox open the history (Menu -> History -> Show all history).
In that window's menu bar go to Views -> Show Columns -> Most Recent Visit.

Now you can see the page there in the history with the exact time of the last visit next to it.


How to delete/remove the recent devices in shareit APP? We can delete the history of the devices but we cannot remove the recent devices from Shareit. But in Bluetooth and we can unpair the paired devices and that won't be visible until we again pair the devices.

As of now, there is no way possible to do that. But you can go to the link SHAREit|Google Play and can add a comment in review section and for this functionality in next version.

Meanwhile goto App info and clear data for SHAREit to remove recent devices. But it will remove every data related to SHAREit ie it will also remove your user and you have to again create a user to use Shareit.


How to fix lock screen stuck at "Tap to speak" when entering password? I can’t access my phone. When I try to enter my password to unlock my phone it displays "Tap to speak" with microphone and the word "Google". There is also sign of setting and "X" but they are not responding.

This thing blocks me from using my phone and I don't know how it got into my phone. I am not familiar with it. How do I unlock my phone?

It's not cleared that what lock you used(there are 3rd party and in built 'Voice Lock' which could be found under Security Settings and then one is 'Google Voice Lock').

If it 'Google Voice Lock' say 'Ok Google' & 'Hey Google'. If it is your handset, you would have used Google Voice Search/Google Assistance which only activates by saving your voice.
Same voice is used for 'Google Voice Lock'.

So, if it is this lock. It will unlock as voice matches.

If it is other than this, i found this forum by xda-developers that could help you: Lock Screen stuck at voice lock.


Can any Android device be set to not auto power-off? If I buy any no-name Android tablet from ebay etc, is there a chance it will not allow me to force it to stay on all the time?  In other words, is "never auto sleep" a universal feature of any android device?

If not, how can I tell?

Check out the free StayAwake app

  Simple app to toggle a stay awake mode.

  enables stay awake,

  always
  if plugged in to AC/USB


FeatVPN - Setup Failed I was using Feat VPN, when suddenly it wouldn't connect anymore. I uninstalled the app and wiped its data, then tried to reinstall it and run the set-up. However it stopped and failed on TUN Device Start 2 of 2.

I then checked the log on the app. It showed 'uncaught.exception.java.lang.illegalargumentexception`.

I also checked other forums and tutorials. They said check my /dev/tun file and make sure that its permission is set to rw-rw---- and ownership to uses= system and group=vpn. I did and it was already set to said permissions.

My brother and I have the same phone model. I tried to look for /dev/tun (hoping that I could copy/paste to my phone), but his phone doesn't have a tun file. However, he also uses Feat VPN. Can someone explain to me what is happening? My phone runs on Android ICS 4.0.4.

LOGCAT:
http://pastebin.com/Zd97gecr

Alright...line 5026, is the culprit:

E/FeatVPN ( 7206): [ 4] 2013-07-31 22:56:09 [   7206] [78752] [   Test] Invoking test to front listener
E/FeatVPN ( 7206): [ 5] 2013-07-31 22:56:09 [   7206] [78752] [   Test] Starting test [5]
E/FeatVPN ( 7206): [ 6] 2013-07-31 22:56:09 [   7206] [78752] [   Test] Invoking test start listener
E/FeatVPN ( 7206): [ 7] 2013-07-31 22:56:09 [   7206] [78752] [   Test] Waiting for L2TP tunnel completion (0 s)
E/FeatVPN ( 7206): 2013-07-31 22:56:10 [   7206] [57328] [  Proxy] Uncaught exception
E/FeatVPN ( 7206): java.lang.IllegalArgumentException: Bad address
E/FeatVPN ( 7206):      at android.net.VpnService$Builder.addDnsServer(VpnService.java:392)
E/FeatVPN ( 7206):      at android.net.VpnService$Builder.addDnsServer(VpnService.java:410)
E/FeatVPN ( 7206):      at com.featvpn.sdk.a.createTun2(Unknown Source)
E/FeatVPN ( 7206):      at com.featvpn.sdk.a.createTun(Unknown Source)
E/FeatVPN ( 7206):      at com.featvpn.sdk.Proxy.v(Unknown Source)
E/FeatVPN ( 7206):      at com.featvpn.sdk.Proxy.run(Unknown Source)
E/FeatVPN ( 7206):      at java.lang.Thread.run(Thread.java:856)

Reading this, it looks like the proxy address was set up incorrectly which explained why it crashed. You have it set correctly?

It might be best to log this with FeatVPN's developers as to why its happening when going through the setup procedure. Also noticed in the log, you are running Greenify, would that be clashing or conflicting with FeatVPN.


How do I get the log files on my Optima Smart 220? I want to access the log files of my tablet (Optima Smart 220, running 4.1.1 Jelly Bean).

Also, how do I root this device so I can get the log files?

You don't need root to access log files.

One option is to use the adb tool from the Android SDK. But it's a huge download.

Another option is to use a tool like LogShark.

(disclaimer: I created it)


Error 21 while sending SMS Occasionally, I am unable to send SMS to a phone number and the error message just says "Error 21".

I have read that it may be due to having space character in phone number. But Contacts app itself adds space while saving a number as a contact.

I also suspect that this error comes when I include a HTTP link in the message text.

How to solve this?

If you're:

Using a third-party messaging app, try sending it with a stock one (ie. Messages or Hangouts)
Not using a third-party app, try making a call to the number. If you get a pop-up message of any kind relating to "Call fail, disconnected, etc.." - you have a network connection issue. Pull out the battery and restart your phone.

If neither are the case, try to send a text message to their full [11 digit] number.

I would attempt both number input ways: spaced & ran together (ie. 12345678900 & 1 234 567 8900)

Removing any symbols, signatures, sound(s), pictures, wallpapers, or ringtones from the message can greatly increase your chances of successfully sending it

Try using your device's Common Procedures and check that the Short Message Service Center (SMSC) number is programmed correctly.

HELPFUL TIP: Reprogram the SMSC number, send a text to that number again, and see if the issue is resolved

If all the above fails, contact customer service and see if they can figure it out.


How to block LINE stamp spam In the Android app LINE, since yesterday, I started receiving spam messages like this one (below the advertisment):

The spammer (with the name "LINEスタンプ" in this case) appears in my messages list despite not being my friend.

I have deleted the conversation, but more messages have kept coming yesterday and today.

Is there any way to block or report the spammer?

I would rather not open the message.
The long-press menu does not show any block option, only "Delete" which I tried already.

The "LINEスタンプ" account is automatically added (with your permission nor knowledge) to your friends (in the "Official accounts" tab) when you download any stamp collection:

Long-press it and select "block":

Then delete the conversation. It should not reappear this time.


Selected notification sound overwritten by default How do you make sure your selected notification sound (selected by any App) is not overwritten by the default? No matter how I try, and test the sound within the app (Handcent SMS) successfully, the selected sound is overwritten by the Subtle System Ringtone. Thanks!

Maybe try turning off notifications in the system Messages app, if you can? Or changing them to the sound you want.


N7/4.2 Can't add lock screen widgets? I was pretty excited to hear Android 4.2 brings lock screen widgets. But after updating my Nexus 7 tablet, I'm not able to do that: I just have a clock widget that I can remove (it reappears after sleep/wake), but I can't add any widgets in any way. At first I was able to swipe right and I got a "+" where I presumably could add them, but now that's gone.

Could it be because I have a corporate (i.e. exchange) account configured and because that forces me to have a password? Or is it some glitch? I have tried rebooting it.

I have the same issue, N7 with 4.2 with an Exchange Corporate Account that forces a password/pin.

You are correct that it has to do with corporate account.  I removed my corporate account and was able to add widgets, even with the security still set to "password to unlock".  I also changed to Pin and Slide to unlock and all of them worked as well.

I then re-added my corporate account and the widgets that I added were gone and I was unable to add any others.

That said it's not a huge issue for me as the only Widgets I had the option of adding were Clock, Gmail Inbox, and Calendar.  Clock is already there and I don't want my Email/Calendar displayed without unlocking the tablet.


text message notification interrupting voice calls samsung galaxy s2 Does anyone know how to turn off the notification for text messages that breaks into voice calls on my Sprint Samsung Galaxy s2 (SPH-D710)?

On my S2 (SGH-S959G) the setting is in Settings App > Call > Call Alert > Uncheck Alerts on Call.


Problems rooting a Pandigital Planet 7 tablet I have problems rooting a PanDigital Planet 7 tablet.
I've already tried some instructions (including this one: http://www.the-ebook-reader.com/pandigital-planet-root.html), but there is an error:

mount/media succeed!

--Install /sdcard...
Finding update package...
Opening update package...
Verifying update package...
Installing update...
assert failed: getprop("ro.product.device")=="pandigitalplnt1" || getprop
("ro.build.product")=="pandigitalplnt1"
E: Error in /tnp/sideload/package.zip
(Status 7)
Instalation aborted.

Please, help.

The error message says that the update is for a device with the codename pandigitalplnt1, not the Planet 7. You need to find one for your exact device model.


UMS protocol on Android Tabs I'd like to have a android tablet on ics which allow UMS (usb mass storage)

I saw that some of the current models didn't propose UMS (like galaxy tab 2 or google nexus), only MTP. It sounds like a problem for me because I have to retrieve the file programatically from a c# application.

do you know some models compliant with UMS ? or a way to activate UMS on my already bought Galaxy tab 2 10.1'.

Regards

Instead of trying to get something to work on the tablet, that doesn't by default, I would suggest to look at how to retrieve the file over MTP with C#.

MTP allows the internal storage of these devices to be formatted to a native linux format, like ext4, instead of FAT32. If you were able to get UMS working, chances are you wouldn't be able to mount it in a windows machine because it doesn't know how to handle ext4. This allows the android OS to actually handle how the files are written to the storage.

MTP is also a safer protocol because it doesn't "mount" the device like an actual drive. So there is less of a chance to corrupt files or the disk if you just unplug. Mounting via UMS also makes that storage unavailable to the Android OS which could cause other concerns.

There are lots of models of tablets that still support UMS, but most of the "current" ones support MTP because it is a safer way to handle the storage. IIRC, devices that do not have an slot for external storage will not (should not?) support UMS. And when they do, only the external storage will be mountable from the "Client OS".


How can I find out what app is using my GPS from the background? Possible Duplicate:
  How to check which app uses GPS on Galaxy Nexus?

I saw the location icon at the top while on the home screen of my Galaxy Nexus. There were only two running apps and I cleared both of them, but the location icon was still there. I've discovered that if I turn location off then on again, it will go away, but I'd like to find out which of my apps is using this so I can consider uninstalling it or changing a setting.

Is there a way to do this? I presume maybe an app that detects this or some system thing?

First off, by "clear", what exactly do you mean? Many manufacturers' UI overlays provide ways to remove running apps from quick-access lists, like the one you get with a long press on the home key, but doing that usually doesn't actually close the app. Android, by default, keeps apps running in "background" mode after you back out of them, because they're faster to switch to if they're already in RAM than if you start them "cold".

So, unless you're "force-closing" apps using the Settings view or a "task killer" app, any app you had been running but "cleared out" is still running in "background mode". Most apps do very little in background mode, to economize on CPU and thus battery use, but some will maintain things like GPS access. Any social app that allows you to "check in" somewhere, like Facebook, Foursquare, "footprint" apps, etc is likely to do this, so that you can quickly mark your current location without waiting for the GPS to reacquire satellites and get your location.

If you are force-closing or task-killing apps you think are using GPS, and you're still seeing the GPS icon, it could be one of two things; first, the force-close action is not a "clean" way to shut down applications, and many will not expect to be force-closed, so if you force-close an app that was using GPS it may not clean up things like its connections to phone features such as GPS.

Second, there are some services built into Android, like the E911 service, that use GPS if it's available and that cannot be shut down. So, if you start up GPS for something else, one of those services may ask the OS to keep the acquired signals from the GPS satellites so they can maintain your location just in case you have to call 911, until you manually turn off GPS altogether (at which time the services fall back to less granular location methods, like triangulating from nearby cell towers or known Wi-Fi hotspots).

EDIT: To answer the actual question asked (novel concept, I know), I can't find any apps that will show GPS usage that are available on Google Play and do not require a rooted phone (and/or custom ROM i.e. CyanogenMod etc). The one I did find, Spare Parts Plus PRO, is purported to do so in a roundabout way, by showing battery usage of installed apps with permission to use GPS, but other than one user testimonial here (over a year old) I can't find any evidence it actually does this anymore (the free version does not and none of the documentation specifically says it will), and I'm not gonna spend money to find out just to give you an answer here. Sorry. If you want to try, it's only $1.75; do let the rest of us know.

The only thing I can suggest is to look for an app manager that will list running programs based on the permissions they require. There are several that list apps by permission; aSpotCat, PermissionDog, App Permission Watcher, etc. however I'm not sure which of them will also allow filtering by current running status (PermissionDog pops up a notice when an app starts, showing what it can do).

If you find one, the usage is simple; if it's running, and it needs the GPS, it's a suspect to be the app actually using GPS right now.

Lastly, from a technical standpoint, it's the Android OS actually "using" the phone's GPS. Most apps, especially ones that don't require rooting, cannot directly control any feature of your phone; they instead ask the Android OS to get or set information regarding those features, using the "service managers" that Android exposes in its API. An app that needs your location will simply ask the Android LocationManager service for your current location, optionally requesting "coarse" or "fine" granularity, and Android will then use whatever location services you have told it that it can use (GPS, cell towers, Wi-Fi hotspot location) to find out, returning the location and the method used (or telling the app that the requested level of granularity couldn't be used because you turned it off). Android does not, AFAIK, keep tabs on which apps have made recent requests through the API for its location services (much less which of those requests required the service to spend significant resources to find out); it only knows which apps have permission to do so, and as long as at least one of them is running and has made a request, Android keeps GPS active.

The upshot is that pretty much the best you can do is cross-check running apps with apps that can use GPS, to find out which apps may be using GPS right now. If there's only one running that has the required permission, it's pretty easy to narrow it down. If there are a dozen apps or services with that permission currently "running" (RAM-resident), it's a bit harder (especially because, as I said, some of these may be basic services of the phone that can cause it to crash if you try to force close them).


Display details stored in address book while receiving a call Let's consider a situation where I have lot of people in my contact list named Kumar. Is there a way to display all or some of the details stored in address of a contact while receiving a call? like his company, address, anniversaries, etc,.

True Phone Dialer & Contacts & Call Recorder is a contacts and dialer app that does pretty much what you are looking for except displaying email ID. It's free for 7 days after which you can disable ads by going pro.
Install the app, from 3 dots menu at bottom right → Incoming /Outgoing Calls → disable incoming call notification to see full screen call details.
On my OnePlus 7, Android 10,using the default contact app I filled in details and it displays event date (birthday), address & notes ( Don't be Covidiot- you can replace this by Email address if you badly need that)

(Click to enlarge)
From 3 dots menu at bottom right → Incoming /Outgoing Calls →  additional info, select to show (needs to be manually edited in the contact information using this app)

(Click to enlarge)
I added job information & Nickname manually (my contacts app doesn't have those fields) and now the screen shows

(Click to enlarge)
Eyecon:caller ID, calls and phone contacts is another alternative that harvests caller information and photos from social media and displays - in case, it helps somebody who likes that approach.


Contacts recognized in one app, but not the other? Since the update from yesterday, it seems that the contacts from my Sim card aren't recognized any more in the Phone and SMS app. I double checked the sim card's content with the SIM Card Manager app and they are all there.

So why doesn't the SMS and Phone app recognize them? When I choose 'Show contacts > Sim Card' it shows 0 contacts, which should be more, because as mentioned earlier they are still on the sim card.

I'm using a Medion P4013, which is using Android 4.0.4

Import the contacts from SIM card to the phone memory. My phone also does not support viewing SIM contacts directly. Importing is a simple process. Just tap Contacts>Menu>Import contacts>SIM card>Select all>Import.That's it.


Galaxy Tab 7" - can I install the original Android? any version would do I can't stand Samgsung's bloated customization of Android. It's slow and horrible.

Is there a way to get a custom rom for it? It doesn't have to be honeycomb or icecream sandwich. All I want is the original android system and basic google applications.

Particularly the Calendar and Contacts app are painful to look at. I would like to replace those with the originals, made by Google.

Is this possible? How?

There are quite a few Galaxy Tab roms on the XDA forums, here, most of them with instructions on how to do it.


Ok Google from outside the app After I upgraded my system on my Meizu MX5, I see no option in Google App to turn on Ok Google detection from outside the app (Settings > Voice > "Ok Google" detection > and here I have only From the Google app).

In Google support website I see that "For certain devices, you can also change some settings to turn on "Ok Google" detection outside the Google app".

So what are these "certain devices"? I have Android version 5.1. Why can't I use Ok Google from outside the app although I could use it before updating my system?

edit:

I opened an issue here: OK Google options missing

"certain devices" = devices that meet the requirements (eg. android version)

Now to your problem. It could have many reasons. I assume it's a bug in the Google App. The Samsung Galaxy S6 had the same problem after a system update because of battery saving settings. Google fixed that. I suspect that some battery saving related settings changed with the system update and now the google voice is no longer available outside the google app. I recommend you to contact google support to solve this issue.


Why does Wiko Cink Peax 2 reboot when it receives an SMS containing only '=' (equal sign)? I have a Wiko Cink Peax 2 and when I receive one SMS with the only character '=' (equal sign), my phone reboots the system. How can I fix it?

It seems this is a known bug that affects majority of Wiko phones. Receiving an SMS with '=' (equal sign) as the only content will soft reset the OS.

References (in French):

Quand un simple SMS peut faire redémarrer un téléphone Wiko
Une faille qui fait planter les téléphones Wiko à distance

There is a suggestion from the first site: Use other messaging app, disable the pre-installed messaging app.

Flashing custom ROM doesn't seem to fix the issue. It might be caused by hardware issue, but currently there is no update on the real cause.

If it's still in warranty, then maybe it's possible to ask for replacement and ask them to test this issue first.


Captioning video from mobile I have a Youtube account with videos uploaded. I would like to caption them. I tried to google how, but I found either "go to video manager" (which I canmot find on the android apl) or a suggestion for Caption Tube, which is not on Play Store, and the website linked to in the page that suggested this gives a loading error. So is there a way to caption youtube videos from the app, or from some other Android app? If there is, which is it?

As discussed in the comments above, You can modify the Captions by opening the video in chrome (or Firefox), ticking 'request desktop site' in their menus, and edit as normal.


How to check update log for apps on the phone I am suspecting one of the app update causing a problem on my Galaxy S2 after I did a app update (about 15 apps) through Android Market. Is there a way to find out the app updating history (dates/app names/versions)?

Go to your web browswer - not on the phone - use a desktop or laptop (you might be able to do this via phone but haven't checked - you would probably need desktop mode if you wanted to try) - and go to the Android Market: https://market.android.com/
Log in
Between the Search bar and Android Market you should get the following options Apps, Books, Movies and My Library - click on My Library.
Just under the search option you should see Purchase History. Click on it.
You should find a list of the apps and when they installed. This will help you pick up any apps etc that are new.

To see the most recently updated apps just go to the Market app on your phone, go to my apps (my downloads - depending on the version of your app market) and it will list them in the most recent order of updated/installed - with any requiring an update at the top - scroll past these to see the last ones you updated (if any has an error its possible it might be in the apps to update).


Erronous Low Data Space Error on Droid Incredible I've see this question asked a lot, but I haven't seen any real answers.

I'm getting the low application data space error, but I have 440MB/750MB free on my internal storage.

With more than 50% free how can I be low on space?
Is there any solution to this other than deleting things?  It seems that the error goes away at around 460MB free, but it's ridiculous that I would have to maintain that much free space to now be "low".

Any thoughts on what I can do about this?

This error is not just for the total storage, it is also for specific "mount points" like /data/data, for example, where the applications on the device store their data. If this mount point becomes low on space, because it is not given access to "all the storage", then you will receive that low space message. You can uninstall apps that you no longer need/use or go in to the Settings -> Applications -> Manage Applications and clear the data for apps that are using a lot, or you don't use often.


Whats the difference between the "OK Google" function and the new "Google Assistant"? I've had OK Google on my Galaxy S7 since I bought it. Now I see Google Assistant coming out. Whats the difference?

According to this, Google Assistant is a beefed-up version of Google Now (what you call "OK Google"). Google Assistant allows for better context to your requests and is designed for better integration with other devices.


A better way to take screenshot in Galaxy S 2.2? In Galaxy S with Froyo installed, you can take a screenshot of your phone by holding the back button and tapping the home button. However, this involves the back key, and a lot of application close when you press or hold the back button.

Is there a way to get around this? It's a nice addition, but there is no point really if the only thing you can take screenshot of is the main menu, the desktop, and some very few application that doesn't close when you hold the back button.

See these other two, older questions, about how to take screenshots: taking a screenshot of an android phone? and Can I screenshot my HTC Legend without rooting it?


How to root a LG-E405? I wanted to do this because it's a small phone so moving to the sdcard is a good option to me so... anyone can help me?

I am a linux (OpenSuse) user so if there a solution using the terminal or something it's great!

about the phone:
phone - LG-E404.
Android - 2.3.6
Kernel - 2.6.38.6-perf+
compilation - GRK39F
Software Version - V10f-SEP-14-1012

Ok saddly I have to use a Windows machione to acomplish that. But that was pretty easy after all.

Search for the drivers of your smartphone.I find mine in here:
http://www.mylgphones.com/lg-android-usb-device-drivers
Install a rooter software, searching I found this
http://www.kingoapp.com/android-root.htm
Set you phone in debug mode.
Finally install the drivers, the use the software and there you go
My phone is rooted...


Hotspot connecting and disconnecting pc Am trying to connect my pc to Android hotspot but it connects and disconnects immediately. My pc os is arch Linux. I have been connecting it before until recently.

The problem was with my PC running Archlinux. I just ran nmtui command and was able to connect to hotspot.


Transfer all sms from gingerbread to laptop I want to transfer all my sms from my old phone HTC Explorer with Android OS, v2.3 (Gingerbread) to my laptop. How can i do it?

You Could Try this application. It works on HTC and android, ITcan sync Contacts and backup sms just like Samsung's PC suit.


What is Direct Boot or File Encryption in Android N The title says it all

What is it and how does it help users?

While this is a self answered question, additional inputs especially from hands on experience are welcome

TL;DR In previous Android versions you risked missing notifications, text messages etc, in case your phone rebooted or restarted for some reason when you didn't notice. Reason being, you had to boot in with your password or PIN for the device and apps in it to communicate notifications. In Nougat, this is overcome by allowing the device to boot (without any security risk) without entering PIN or password and access limited functionality such as notifications. You would however need to sign with your PIN or password for complete access of your device

Source

To overcome such problems, in Android Nougat, Google decided to add a new type of system encryption that it calls “File Encryption" This is comprised of two different types of data:

Credential encrypted data: This data is protected and is only accessible once the device has been fully unlocked via PIN, pattern, or password. In practice, this acts similarly to full-disk encryption in terms of user experience.

Device encrypted data: This is what’s new in Nougat. It makes certain non-personal data available to the operating system before the user inputs their unlock info. This includes generic system files needed to get the OS up and running in a usable state, allowing Nougat to boot up to the lock screen without any user interaction.
With this, developers can also push certain files into this encrypted space, allowing things like alarms, phone calls, and notifications to come through before the device has been fully unlocked. That means no accidentally sleeping in because your phone crashed and rebooted in the middle of the night.

When apps are allowed to run in this “device encrypted” state, they can push data to credential encrypted storage, but they can’t read it—it’s a one-way street.

Android’s file-based encryption is also known by a much simpler name: “Direct Boot”. This name, which doesn’t really exist in Android’s menus but was used at Google I/O with the announcement of Nougat.

Related How does Nougat encryption work technically?

Additional Reading: All The New Security Improvements In Android N


Can anyone recommend a good email client? I have found that the email client which came with my device (Droid X, stock motoblur email client) is lacking in several areas.  Some of my gripes are

Limited number of emails shown in the inbox and no way to change this - At any given time, no matter how many emails are in my Exchange inbox, I can only see the most recent 7.
No option for multiple signatures - with two different business email accounts and a personal email account, I want the option to have different signatures
Accessing exchange folders - Items are not shown in the folders viewed on the device even though there are items in these folders

I have tried k9mail in the past, but the last few updates seem to have broken it for my device (I reinstalled twice and I still get errors when sending email and new email is not showing up in a timely manner).  So are there any other options available?

I've been using the TouchDown client for the past month and have been very pleased with how will it works with our Exchange server. Not free, but worth a look imho.


Google Play, can i get past purchases on new tablet? I am halfway through season 3 of Homeland and bought a new galaxy tablet. It was purchased from the Play Store on my old galaxy tab.

Since I have the same Google account associated with both tablets, is there a way to download the show to the new tablet?

When you download a paid or free app on Google Play, the app is connected to your Google Account. This means you can reinstall downloaded apps to new or reset devices without purchasing them again.

source : Reinstall apps & games

This is About Apk apps.but for Download this, if you can download this again in Old Device so you can Copy Downloading Link and Sign In With Purchased Device in New Device.

Also, as this link said : OIT HelpDesk - Knowledge Base

  Your purchases are tied to your Google Account and can be installed an
  unlimited amount of times on any device. So, for example, if you
  remove "My Favorite Game" to save memory, you can reinstall it at a
  later date with no charge by simply visiting My Apps. You can also
  re-install apps from play.google.com from the My Android Apps section.

So, just Sign in With purchased Google Account in New Device, and Find what you want and Downloaded it.

Hope this helps.


selectively make contact groups silent At work , i would prefer to set my phone in such a way that only the calls from my family group will ring , while all other contact calls should be silent. And later i should be able to switch it back to normal.

In general , there are sound profiles for phones, but the profiles are not specific to a contact or a group, i need a work profile which will set Family - Normal Others - Silent . etc

Is there any app in the market that would help me with this??

If you use Tasker, you may be able to create a profile that will silent certain contacts during work hours.  Just a "heads up" - Tasker will require a little work to get it to work the way you would like for more complex tasks, but they have a very good community that will support you if you run into issues.


My Android phone will not boot I have an adroid phone Samsung Trend Lite and it won't boot. It goes off immediately.

Let me explain the situation more clearly.

I got this phone from a cousin and he said that it was broken and he couldn't fix it. I got the phone and tried to power on but it shuts down in the moment it appears the words: Samsung Trend Lite.

I thought it was a battery moment so I plugged it and I let it for sometime. I tried to power on the phone while charging but no luck.

While charging I tried to press the power button and the home button and it showed me the battery that was charging. In beginning I thought it was a circuit fault but after that, I came to a conclusion that it wasn't.

After 1 hour passed I pressed again the Home button and the Power button in an attempt to go to the boot menu. I made it but it showed me an error. A yellow triangle with an exclamation mark.

Though I wasn't able to read the message because it disappeared too fast. I searched on google with the hopes that I could actually find something but I couldn't find anything.

If you know anything that could help me, I would be really happy. Thanks in Advance :)

Your phone bootloops. As I know, the only way to solve this problem is reflashing firmware and most likely you'll lose your data. Possible reason: modifications with root privilegies.


How to toggle wi-fi, gps etc quickly in HTC Sense? Possible Duplicate:
  Can anyone recognize this app (toggles WiFi, GPS, Sync, BT, etc.) in the notification bar?

I am used to from cyanogen mod to be able to toggle on/off wi-fi, gps, data, plane mode etc Also I was able to configure what is going to be available to toggle.

Now in HTC Sense version 4.0 that runs on Android 4.0.3 I cannot find anything like that.

Do I have to install (and probably pay) for a widget or I missed this a must feature in the Sense?

Could you recommend a widget that would allow me to do so?

There are a lot of toggle switches available. Some even come pre-installed -- just check it out:

go to your homescreen
long-press on an empty space
select to add a widget
scroll through the list of available widgets
select the one you want to use

Usually, there are a lot of separate widgets to toggle either Wifi, GPS, ... -- but also a "power-widget" (or "energy-widget") should be available, which is a combination of several widgets.

If you are still not satisfied with what you find there, the playstore is full of alternatives:

Elixir 2 with its Elixir 2 - Widgets being the most famous and high-rated1, and can even be integrated into the notification area
Power Toggles being another alternative2 -- also can be integrated with the notification area

Just to give you two examples -- as said, the playstore has many more. Below you find a screenshot from Elixir1 and Power Toggles2, to give you an idea of what they can do.


Can I get a shortcut to the Downloaded Files folder? When an file or app downloads from a browser (as opposed to installing directly), the downloads open up.

Otherwise, I can't seem to navigate in there.

Is there a way, on a stock, un-rooted Android, to navigate to the download list?

Update: browsing through "File Manager", I see I've been staring at /sdcard/download -- how does this view "normally" open after a file download?

I'm on an HTC Incredible, Froyo 2.2, but I'd expect this to be similar for most, no?

If you want to add a shortcut on your home screen to your Downloads folder or any other folder for that matter get ASTRO File Manager (free).  The app is pretty useful on it's own, but it also adds the option to create a shortcut directly to any folder on the homescreen.  To do this, simply long click on the homescreen, choose "Shortcuts", then choose "ASTRO" then choose the particular folder you want a shortcut to.

I had ASTRO for a while before I realized I could do this because the option is deceiving.  At first look I thought it would create a shortcut to the app, not to a specific folder like it does.

Edit: After reading Keith's comment I realized you are probably talking about market downloads.  In that case do what Al Everett said.


Galaxy Nexus and KitKat Now that Android 4.4 aka KitKat is out, I couldn't find out whether Samsung Galaxy Nexus will get the upgrade or not.

Does anyone have any information on this?

I hope it will get it, this why I bought Nexus device in the first place.

Nope, there will be no official support for Android 4.4 on the Galaxy Nexus. However, you will almost certainly be able to flash custom ROMs that are based on it.

There's some supposition and explanation going on on Android Police. They make a few good points:

The Galaxy Nexus is old and well outside normal support windows.
The CPU Manufacturer doesn't even make CPUs for phones anymore - official kernel support from them would be difficult or impossible.
Google's relationship with Samsung isn't what it used to be. (Supporting 4.4 on the GNex officially would require them to work together again to some degree.)
Google's relationship with Verizon has never been good. Supporting 4.4 on the GNex would also mean the necessity to support it on Verizon's GNex - something that I'm sure neither Google or Verizon would be excited about collaborating on.


How to put Google Nexus 7 securely in my car for use as sat nav? I know this question isn't about Android per-se, but about an Android device no less.

I recently got a new Google Nexus 7 tablet.

Now, I'd like to use it as car sat nav, but I couldn't find a decent holder for my car. I'm using a car power strip that also has two USB sockets acting as power outlets for USB devices. Powering the Nexus is no problem, so I don't need a holder/cradle, that supplies power to the tablet.

I was considering building it myself out of a dock or something, but even that I couldn't find. So, how should I put it in my car then? Should I just build myself a car-dock for it?

You can construct a mount out of something like Sugru.  Your mount will remain stuck to the dashboard and you would have to make it in such a way that the Nexus would slot into it.

For the elimination of doubt: I don't have any association with Sugru.  I use it to mount my iPhone on the dashboard.


How to trigger mouse-over in Android I visit sites where some features like pop-up menus and tooltips are invoked by placing the mouse cursor over an item. I would like to use all the features while using my Android tablet. So, I'm looking for a way to simulate the mouse-over event in Android browser, especially in Android 4.1.2

Long-press the item (to open its context-menu), then hit the "back" key (to leave the menu). Works on most devices. Explained e.g. here, scroll down to "Smartphones".


Computer does not boot when Galaxy 2 in USB port Yesterday Samsung Kies updated my phone to Jelly Beans. After that if I leave my phone plugged in usb port of my Dell Precision, the computer does not boot. It loads the bios, but never goes to the bootloader (Grub) selection screen and the screen remains blank. No hardware beeps or anything. Once I remove the phone, the computer starts fine. The phone did not do that with Ice Cream Sandwich before. This is Rogers version of Jelly Beans. Don't they look the bootloader?
Does somebody know what is the cause?

Change boot sequence of computer from BIOS to make Hard Disk above Removable USB media.


I can not reboot my Glaxy s 9000 I was running CynogenMod 10 successfully on my Galaxy S 9000 till I got an update message which I unfortunately applied. It seems it could not get access to my apps installed to sdcard. Unfortunately, I did not make any backup from the old installed OS. Afterwards, I wanted to install a stable ROM following a guide on Internet, that I have to download the CynoGenMod ROM 9.0 on sdcard and then went to Recovery mode and installed it after pressing "Wide data/facatory reset".

It took hours till the Galaxy turned off. When I turned it on again, the Galaxy could reboot but I was not satisfied with it, so I went to ROM Manager and clicked Update to stable ROM and chose CynogenMod 10 again to install. Once applied it,  the Galaxy tried to reboot, showed the CynogenMOD logo and then went to recovery mode. It shows:

  CWM-based Recovery v6...

  reboot system now  install zip from sdcard

  install zip from sideload

  wipe data/factory reset
   wipe cache..

  backup and restore

  mount and storege

  advanced

Whenever I press "Reboot system now" it tries to reboot, show the CynogenMod logo and goes to Recovery mode again and so on.

As I said, due to the fact I did not backup the old functioning installed OS I can not make use of the feature shown in the menu "Backup and restore".

Any suggestion how to download and install  CynogenMod in this case?

As you have access to the recovery partition, you should find an update zip that you can flash to it.

Most likely you will have one on your SD card still, if you updated using the CyanogenMod updater.

Using the recovery menu, navigate to Install ZIP from SDCard and select it. You will then have to find the update .zip file. It may be in a folder called cmupdater or something similar. If you have a folder like that, find a zip in that folder and select it to flash. Erase your data, and try and reboot the device.

If that doesn't work, then I am afraid I don't have any more ideas sorry.


Issue with Lollipop upgrade on Micromax Yureka: Unable to pick calls Yesterday I got an update to upgrade my Micromax Yureka mobile to CyanogenMod 12 which upgrades the Android version to Lollipop. And from then I am unable to pick calls, as nothing gets displayed/or rather display won't turn on to pick up the call.

I installed a sensor test app and found that the proximity and light sensors are not working. I removed the screen protector as well. Can someone please suggest a fix for it?

Please dial this code: *#*#7769#*#*, and after that click on start. It will automatically resolve the issue.


How can I use the volume buttons for skipping songs? Is there a way to use the volume buttons to change songs on the Nexus One?

When the lock-screen is enabled, Android disallows apps to interact with buttons in the way you ask. However, though it's not an app, but I believe CyanogenMod ROM allows for this. And if that's the case, there will be other ROMs out there that allow for the same.


ICal Events Not Showing Up In Device Calendar I have a Sony Xperia Z with Android 5.1.1, and I'm trying to get events from calendars I subscribed to on Google Calendar's web interface to show up on my stock calendar app. Specifically, some of the calendars I subscribed to don't show up in the app. I tried checking if they were disabled but they aren't even in the calendar list on the sidebar.

Using this app I was able to find that the calendar subscriptions I wanted actually exist on my device but are listed with "0 events," even though their events show up on Google Calendar's web interface.

I have tried rebooting my device, checking that all calendars are enabled both in the stock calendar app and in settings, and manually syncing from settings.

How can I get the calendar events to sync and show up?

I finally managed to fix this.

If anyone else has this problem:

Go to Settings > Apps > All and clear data and cache for Calendar and Calendar Storage
Go to Settings > Accounts > Google, choose the menu and re-sync all
Wait for sync
Open the Calendar app and set it up again


Why do some apps not have to ask for the "Draw over other apps" permission? In Android 6, Apps have to ask the user for the "Draw over other apps" permission, which is

android.permission.SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW

However there are some notable exceptions that get this permission granted on install.
Examples are almost every Google app, like the Photos app. Being a Google OS, this makes makes sense (and they are probably in the /system partition), but the same also applies to Facebook and the FB Messenger apps, downloaded through the store.

How can this be? Does Facebook pay Google to be on some sort of whitelist for the permission? Doesn't this undermine the whole purpose of the permission system?

Where are informations about whitelisted apps stored? Is it by certificate?

Does something similar exist for other permissions, too?

Based on an answer by Mattia Maestrini on Stack Overflow,

It is a new behaviour introduced in Marshmallow 6.0.1.
Every app that requests the SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW permission and that is installed through the Play Store (version 6.0.5 or higher is required), will have granted the permission automatically.
If instead the app is sideloaded, the permission is not automatically granted. You can try to download and install the Evernote APK from apkmirror.com. As you can see you need to manually grant the permission in Settings -> Apps -> Draw over other apps.
These are the commits [1] [2] that allow the Play Store to give the automatic grant of the SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW permission.


Data Vault apps with Unlock Pattern I'm currently using the Wallet app to keep my bank acct#s, CC#s etc. safely on my phone. However, entering the password when I need to unlock the codes is kind of an annoyance. Specially when you wanna look up a number to fill up a form.

So, I'm looking for an alternative that uses unlock patterns instead. I know the pattern is potentially less secure than the password but, it's something I can live with :)

What are the alternatives available?

I use a combination of keepassdroid, wavelauncher and clipstore, which allows me to access my password manager from any app without having to close it, and copy my password to the clipstore before returning to the app I was in. Sounds more complicated than it is!

Alternatively, many like lastpass for automatic password storage and entry.

But if you really want something gesture based, maybe biowallet along with it's separate biowallet browser might be of insterest. You can assign a signature, which is infinitely more secure than point to point gestures.


Yu Yuphoria YU5010 is stuck in "Optimize apps # of #" loop. Need to recover data My wife's phone stuck in an "Optimize apps # of #" loop and we are not able to start it. I need to recover few images related to some insurance claim.

I never made any tweaking with the phone except tried to clean the cache files:

Recovery -> Wipe Cache data -> Reboot

Any help will be appreciated. Pointers needed to recover media files.

My daughter's Wileyfox Swift has the same issue...Wileyfox tech support have informed me that it was caused by an incompatibility between a Facebook update and the cyanogen OS. They have sent me files and instructions on force loading OS updates from CM12 to CM13 and from CM13 to Android 7 by forcing reboot with the files on a microSD card. (one reason why I would think twice about buying a device without additional storage).
 I don't know whether Yu will be equally as accommodating.
Has the phone had USB debugging enabled? If so, then there are several PC apps you might try to get the files you need off. Otherwise, without tech support you stand a good chance that recovering your phone - e.g. using fastboot to flash the apps partition will lose you your user files.


How to replace Cyanogenmod dialer/contacts/messaging(texting) apps? I have a Samsung Galaxy S3 with Verizon. I've recently rooted it and installed Cyanogenmod 10.1.

Of ocurse, when you buy the phone brand new, it comes with all the built-in apps from the manufacturer. With the Samsung Galaxy S3, I prefer their original dialer/contacts/messaging apps vs. the ones that comes with Cyanogenmod.

Is there anyway to get back the original dialer/contacts/messaging apps and replace the ones on Cyanogenmod? Is there anyway to change custom ROMs to your liking? Is there a apk of the original dialer/contacts/messaging S3 apps?

I'm new to the world of custom ROMs and rooting Android, so please, if you could, be specific and detailed as, most likely, I won't know where your coming from.

Thanks!

The problem with most manufacturer specific apps is that they are tied very closely with their specific framework, and will not work on "vanilla" Android OS.

In your example, Samsung's Contacts app relies heavily on features of their TouchWiz UI that ships standard with Galasy SIII, and will not function properly (or perhaps even at all) on custom ROMs that are not based on Samsung firmware.  CyanogenMod is based on AOSP (Android Open Source Project) and none of the TouchWiz apps will work there.  The same holds true for most other manufacturers' apps that ship with their proprietary UI overlays, such as Motorola's BLUR (or whatever they renamed it to,) or HTC's Sense for example.

Even if you manage to find an APK for a given app, installing it onto a system that doesn't have the required framework could potentially cause issues ranging anywhere from force-closes, to even not being able to boot the device.  Always have a backup of your device before attempting any such modifications and/or installations, so that you can restore your device to a working condition should something go wrong.

As an alternative, you can try and find a 3rd-party replacement app that mimics the functionality of a manufacturer-specific app you're interested in.  In most cases, Android will allow you to set the downloaded app as a default instead of the built-in app.  For example, there are a myriad replacement Contacts management, Dialer, and Texting apps available in Google Play Store (both free and paid varieties.)  I'm sure some of those will have features that you like from Samsung's corresponding app.


Download Google Play Apps from Computer? Possible Duplicate:
  How can I download an APK file from the Play Store?

Can I not download the Google Play Android apps first in my computer and then transfer it to my mobile and then install and use it?

Afraid you cannot do that as that is violating the Terms and Conditions of Google Play.

  3.3 You agree not to access (or attempt to access) Google Play by any means other than through the interface that is provided by Google, unless you have been specifically allowed to do so in a separate agreement with Google. You specifically agree not to access (or attempt to access) Google Play through any automated means (including use of scripts, crawlers, or similar technologies) and shall ensure that you comply with the instructions set out in any robots.txt file present on the Google Play website.


Google Voice : Your phone number couldn't be verified After I sign in, i'm asked to set a voicemail PIN, and immediately after that i get the error:

  Your phone number could not be verified. Please try again.

How do I verify my phone for Google Voice usage on my Android?

Note: I'm using Nexus one with the latest 2.3.6 update. I'm not a US citizen. And I can make calls from my PC.

You mentioned that you're not a US citizen, but do you live in the US and have a US phone number? If not, Google voice is not yet available outside US, and you just have to wait for them to expand the service.


Nexus 7 ('13 CM11 Nightly) keeps waking up while charged The tablet has been plugged into the wall and left alone. Every minute the screen turns on, and I have to press the power button to turn it off. This started last night as the tablet was quite warm from being turned on all last night.

What's the best way of detecting why it's turning on so often?

Looking at the running apps I don't see anything asking for permission.

Ah, SuperSU you clever girl! Apparently Greenify was updated and it was constantly asking for root access. The prompt woke up the tablet each time. Boy do I feel silly now!


Conf call passcode repeats in skype application I installed Skype in my andriod mobile to place conf calls. When AV prompts for passcode, after dialling in passcode, the AV reads passcodes as if dialled multiple times. For example 12345#, AV reads out as 112223345# like that. What is going wrong and how to fix this?

I figured out that dial pad in certain mobiles echoes very badly. Workaround was, when I dial in the access code, I have to put on mute. Only then it works. Surprise is, this works fine on other apps like viber, google call. Only skype dial pad is having this issue.


Using an Archos 3G modem with an Acer Iconia tab (Android Honeycomb) I've recently purchased an Acer Iconia tablet with Android 3.1. Then I adquired an Archos G9 3G USB modem, with the intention of having internet connection on my tablet when not around a wifi (90% of the time for me, sadly). I thought using it would be simple, like with a PC: insert the USB modem on the tablet, it recognises it, asks me some questions to configure it and so on.

But no, when I insert the USB modem on my tablet it does absolutely nothing. I've searched on the net for instructions about this but haven't found any. Is this USB modem intended for using only with Archos tablets? Anyone on my situation?

It's plug-and-play on your PC because the industry has an established standard for driver infrastructure in Windows & OSX. Android isn't as friendly to 3rd party drivers. There's some limited success reported with specific models of 3g dongle - you may need to switch devices. Here's a partial list from XDA:

  ZTE MF 639 (might need roaming enabled to get data working)
  Vodafone K3765-H
  Vodafone K3715
  Vodafone K3565 / Huawei E160
  Huawei E169
  Huawai E170
  Huawai E171
  Huawei E173
  Huawei E1550
  Huawei E1692
  Huawei E1750
  Huawei E1752
  Huawei E1820
  HUAWEI K3520
  HUAWEI K3565 -Rev 2


Bluetooth input for video recording : Android 10, One Plus 7 I have seen this question Record video with external bluetooth mic (ie headset) posted 8 years back and app solutions do exist but not with Android 10,so it's not a duplicate of this question or other questions which suggest apps (they don't work for me)

I am helping my wife  record instructional videos on OnePlus 7, running stock Android 10 (not rooted).

I want to use Bluetooth audio input instead of the device mic, as it would provide better flexibility.

I don't find any settings to enable Bluetooth in camera or elsewhere and internet search hasn't helped.
Blogs recommend apps but surprisingly none seem to work reliably with Android 10. BTmono works sometimes and is not a reliable solution, and similar story with Camera fv5

Any suggestions, including apps, accessories are welcome except

Separately recording audio and sync with video, that's too much work
Involving signal processing hardware
Root
Laptop
Accessories like mic (I have asked for accessory advice on SE.Video Production
and hope to get better answers there)

Finally cracked it! Using any Bluetooth headset (even supporting BT 5.0) like Crossbeats
and recording with stock camera app or with Open Camera with audio source set to external doesn't work.

Solution

I had a Bose BT2 Bluetooth headset, which I haven't used in the last 7 years and surprisingly charged up and gives me about an hour of usage time which is more than enough. I wanted to use this to improve the quality of recording since it has excellent noise cancellation. You may as well pick up any recent BT headsets of your choice and of recent vintage. Profiles supported by Bose headset are
HSP, HFP, A2DP - SNK, AVRCP

Download Bluetooth Mono Router. Blogs and YouTube videos recommend BTmono but it hasn't been updated for Android 10 and won't work. Both these apps have the same functionality - they let you play BT audio to those old headsets which only support voice calls and not media. I am not clear as to how this let's you overcome the limitations of recording but it works and asked a question here.You can use either stock camera app or Open Camera (audio as external in settings)

In case you can't record, activate developer options and from Bluetooth settings try AVRCP 1.3 and SBC codec combination (you need to enable Bluetooth to be able to change these settings). These seem promising. In my case I used default.

Tip: Make sure to disconnect Bluetooth when playing back the video, else, you may find no / low audio and think it doesn't work

Permit me  a little rant about One Plus tech support with interactions over several mails. YMMV. Documenting it just in case it helps others.

They do not respond when you ask them how to record using Bluetooth.

Using wired Lavalier solutions need an extra adapter in some cases and even then no guarantees. Reason : Non standard implementation of USB C to audio adapter (Shades of wrong resistance used in early models)
. They claim on mail that TRRS is not supported , being a third party affair and when confronted with standards do not reply


How to change system fonts and Sounds How to change system fonts using adb and also system sounds using adb? I have sucessfully changed system sounds:

adb devices
adb remount
adb shell rm /system/media/audio/ui/Unlock.ogg
adb shell rm /system/media/audio/ui/Lock.ogg
cd %~dp0
adb push Lock.ogg     /system/media/audio/ui/
adb push Unlock.ogg  /system/media/audio/ui/
adb shell sync
pause

but Sound is not heard on camera click, lock and unlock of screen.

Try editing /system/build.prop and change default item to the files you just added. This should fix the no sound issue.


Xiaomi Poco F1 (with Pixel Experience) potentially bricked, this is all it can see. Any help? The text on screen is:
"Þöŵéŕ öƒƒ one two
Ŕéšţåŕţ one two
Ļöçķðöŵñ one two"

if you're able to get into recovery mode then you'll be able to reset your device (if you're fine with losing your data). to do that, shut off your phone and hold power and volume up keys at the same time until you see the xiaomi or poco logo. once you're there, there will be an option to wipe data or reset. if resetting doesn't work, you can connect to ADB using a computer, and i assume if you have pixel experience installed you already have twrp or another custom recovery that lets you flash zip files, so you can either reflash or flash a different rom. good luck!


How accurate is google gps location? How accuate is location data using gps?

My partner went to visit his young daughter at her mother's house, he says he stayed there for 30-40 mins. However, his gps location showed him going to the house, staying there for less than 10 minutes, and then leaving. By pressing the locate button on the device manager I could see the gps recorded location moving in real time. (With his permission to do this btw, his daughter's mother is still in love with him and has no respect for our relationship or our family.)
This matters to me because she wanted him to take her somewhere, but he said he is just going to see his daughter and not running around after her taking her where she wants to go.

So how likely is it that he stayed at her house for 30-40 mins when gps location shows him going up the road, being at the house for around 5 mins and then going back down the road.

I know it can be a bit out because when we are home, it shows a small, dark circle and our house is not within that circle but across the street.

Edit: no its a different issue because he definately was at the location (her house).

The issue is that he says he stayed at the location for 30-40 mins before going on to his next destination and the gps data says otherwise. It says he was there for 4-5 mins and then went to his next destination, which is about 30 minutes away from her house and all the time the location was quite specific, only a couple of cars length and width. So if he really stayed at her house for 30-40 mins then the gps was tracking him going to his next destination when he was still at her house which seems unlikely.

In my personal experience, it's pretty darn accurate. I use Google Location History to help track my time sheets, and I can easily see the exact time I walked out the door at my client and got in my car and drove to lunch, and then from there to my next client, and so on. I'd say the worst it could be is a minute or two off.

The only time I've seen it wildly inaccurate is when I had my tablet also reporting location services from home. Then I saw constant spikes between the two locations throughout the entire day until I disabled it.


Are there any specific advantages to using the Amazon Android App Store over the Google Android Market? Is the new Amazon Android App Store just another marketplace or are there any specific features or benefits that the Google Android Market doesn't have?

There are a number of differences between the two marketplaces and while "Advantages" may be somewhat subjective there are a few specific features that the Amazon App Store has that the Market place does not.

Amazon claims to test each app before making them available for download to ensure that "each app works as outlined in [the] product description, does not impair the functionality of the mobile device or put customer data at risk once installed."
They offer one "paid" app for free each day.
Some apps have a "Test Drive" feature on their website that allows you to try the app in a virtualized Android interface in your browser (although I can't seen to find an app that has this feature yet ).
Amazon is employing their recommendation engine to suggest apps you may like based on your purchase history.

It should be noted that at the moment the Amazon App Store only works in the US (unless you are able to use a US Proxy in another country) and the service is blocked on AT&T devices.


Application Icon Ordering in Main Menu I have Android Lollipop 5.1 running on my Nexus 5 phone. Whenever I install or uninstall an application, the order of all the app icons is re-sorted in alphabetical order. Is there any way in which we can configure this ordering mechanism?

AFAIK the default app drawer on the Nexus 5 always sorts the applications in alphabetical order only. So if you would want to order them in a different manner, you would have to use a 3rd Party launcher app(Go Launcher, Aviate etc.)

Here is a link to 3rd party launchers that are available on the Play Store:
3rd party Launchers


how to run binary on non-rooted android phone? I have cross-compiled a binary on Linux using the arm toochain. I uploaded the binary to a non-rooted andnroid phone.

What do I need to do in order to run this binary on the non-rooted phone ?

EDIT: I tried to run via terminal emulator, but I get the following error.

$ pwd
/mnt/sdcard/external_sd
$ ls -l hello
-rwxrwxr-x system   sdcard_rw     8420 2013-12-31 22:12 hello
$ ./hello
./hello: permission denied
$

You can download termux, copy your binary to the termux home folder and run it

cp /storage/emulated/0/mybinary .
chmod +x mybinary
./mybinary

I haven't actually managed to run something because I don't have an android binary handy and a quick google doesn't bring up any android hello world binaries, but it should work.


Android keeps asking "Sign-in to WiFi network" even if WPA/WPA2 is already authenticated I'm trying to connect to a DLink Router protected with WPA/WPA2. It's our home router and I can connect perfectly to it from laptops and desktops, Linux and Windows alike. But when I connect to it using my Android phone (XPeria Z), I am always notified to "Sign-in to WiFi Network" after I've entered the WPA/WPA2 password. Tapping into the notification loads a 404 page from my router. Then, from my browser, trying to load any website just keeps looping to this 404 page. Other apps that connect to the internet do report connection problems.

Being that I'm not on a data plan and always connect via WiFi, I can't install any diagnostic tools unfortunately. FWIW, I've ensured that the connection to my router does not use WiFi Protected Set-up. I've also tried connecting to the router through an old Samsung Galaxy Y, with Android 2.x to same results.

I wonder if this is a problem with my phones or with my router?

It's a problem with your router. After Android successfully connects to a Wi-Fi network, it tests to see if it can use this network to access the Internet. This is because it's commonplace for Wi-Fi networks to redirect all requests to some kind of login page, until you've logged in. The "Sign-in to Wi-Fi network" notification is nothing to do with authenticating to the network itself: it appears when Android detects that the network is redirecting requests.

Given that you've said any page brings up this 404 error page from your router, that fits perfectly with the fact you're getting the notification. The fact that the router won't give you pages from the Internet is the root problem: it's nothing to do with WPA or anything like that. Does the 404 page tell you anything helpful?

Perhaps the router is set up with a list of devices (by MAC address), and the new device isn't on the list so the router won't give it Internet access.


Can I use the Google Market without syncing other Google data? I have HTC Wildfire phone. I want to access Google Market, but I don't want to import any data from my Google Account.

I don't want contacts or any other data from my Google Account on my phone. Is this possible?

Shut off sync (Settings -> Accounts and sync -> Auto-sync).  You should also click on the actual account (in the same settings menu) and uncheck the various things that can be synced.  Alternatively, you could create a second Google account and keep it free of an extraneous information.


Disable Volume and Power button screenshot Pressing Volume (-Up or -Down) and Power button takes automatic screenshot.
Can I disable this feature?
(I often grab my phone and press those buttons by mistake).

I use OnePlus with OxygenOS 9.

For the moment, you unfortunately can't unless your phone is rooted. A user submitted a suggestion to have Option to disable screenshot using volume down and power button for OnePlus 6T. On the same thread, there are also owners of other OnePlus models asking for the same.

If your phone is rooted, you can disable the package com.oneplus.screenshot although it will introduce the disadvantage of no longer being able to take screentshots.

You can also try to remap the keys as shown here.


Tar.gz not working (Segmentation fault) on ext4 partition I have a strange problem with tar gz compression.

I used to have SD card mounted as a fat32 partition. However, now I changed it so that external sdcard is being mounted under /data/media/0 and is formatted to ext4 (or f2fs - makes no difference, because this error happens on either).

In the old setup, I could run

tar cvzf

on a folder in this partition without any issue.

However, in this new setup if I run it, I get

tar cvzf
Segmentation fault.

I discovered, that if I remove the z parameter, it proceeds just fine. But he resulting tar file is not gz-compressed and hence unfit to my applications.

I confirmed this behaviour on two different ROMs so far: CarbonRom JB 4.3.1 and CarbonRom KK 4.4.4.

Does anyone have any idea what could be amiss here? Is android unable to tar.gz files on non-fat32 partitions, or is it cause by some other problem?

I still have no idea what is causing the problem, but I did find a solution / workaround, which does the same thing.

Instead of directly calling gzip from tar like so:

tar cvzf

I pipe tar's output to gzip like so:

tar -cv directory/ | gzip > archive.tar.gz

and the segmentation fault is no more.


Samsung Galaxy Note 3 : Tried to install TWRP, can't boot into recovery mode now I followed the instructions for the Odin install method here and and installed the twrp-3.2.3-0-ha3g.img.tar using Odin (Reboot in Odin was unticked).

Everything went fine, but when I had to launch recovery mode by holding down Volume Up + Home, and the Power button (which is the combination to boot to recovery mode) it just booted to Download mode (which is accessed by holding down the Volume Down key instead of the Volume Up)

The TWRP site says:

  Note many devices will replace your custom recovery automatically during first boot. To prevent this, use Google to find the proper key combo to enter recovery.

But I haven't been able to find anything that would indicate the key combination to have changed.

Of note is the fact that the normal Download Mode boot has the Warning screen where you have to press Volume Up to continue and says:

ODIN MODE
PRODUCT NAME: SM-N9005
CURRENT BINARY: Custom
SYSTEM STATUS: Custom
REACTIVATION LOCK: OFF
KNOX WARRANTY VOID: 0x1 (4)
QUALCOMM SECUREBOOT: ENABLE (CSB)
RP SWREV: S2, T2, R2, A3, P3
SECURE DOWNLOAD : ENABLE
UDC START

and then just the "Downloading... Do not turn off target !!"

Though when I use the Recovery Mode Boot it skips the Warning screen and it adds this line on top of all the previous lines:

Could not do normal boot.

It can still boot to the normal Android

I'm using a Samsung Galaxy Note 3, Model Number: SM-N905, Android Version 5.0

I had the same problem like you before. But I figured out the solution. We both downloaded and flashed the wrong TWRP version for Note 3 N9005: ha3g.img.tar. The correct one is hlte.img.tar which you can download on this link: https://dl.twrp.me/hlte/

I hope it helps you :)


How do I get my Android to turn on? I have a Motorola Turbo 2 Android. It won't turn on. It just stays on the Power By Android screen. I have tried turning it on by holding the volume up and power buttons. The screen shots up but I get lost at this point. It does not give me any option to start.

Now going from the Powered By Android screen... on and off.

What must I do to turn it on?

Might I be over charging it?

Seems like your phone is soft-bricked. You'll need to hard reset it.

Begin by switching off the device by holding down the Power key for a short while.
In the next step press and hold Volume Down + Power button simultaneously for a few seconds.
Press the Volume Down to select option "Recovery", and press the Power button to confirm.
When the Android bot shows up on the screen, hold down the Volume Up for a couple of seconds.
While holding the Volume Up hold down the Power key and after a short while release all buttons.
Afterwards press Volume Down to choose "wipe data/factory reset", and then push the Power key to confirm.
Select "Yes--delete all user data". Use Volume Down button to scroll and Power key to select.
To restart the tablet, select "reboot system now".

Your phone should boot normally.

Note that after a hard reset, the first boot takes several minutes, so be patient.

Please comment down if something goea wrong.


Who is responsible for locking the bootloader? I was wondering who is in charge of the locking of bootloaders.

I recently chatted with a representative from LG-UK enquiring about the unlocking of bootloaders. I was told that I need to speak to Google about why the bootloader is locked. I suspect this information to be false but just to be sure I wanted to ask on here if anyone knows who is actually responsible for the locking of bootloaders?

The OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or Carriers like verizon, AT&T, etc Lock Bootloaders, Google Devices Like Pixel come with unlockable bootloaders via Fastboot.


I do not wish Gmail contacts to appear on my device I'm using the same Gmail account for Google Play with two cell phones. I do not wish for one of those phones to sync the contacts in my account, but it has done so automatically. How can I fix this?

Go to the device's Settings, under Accounts tap Google, tap the @gmail.com address, uncheck Sync Contacts and Sync People Details.

To remove already synced contacts go the phone Settings menu, Application Manager, go to All applications, then Clear Data for the Contacts and Contacts Storage apps.


Drive for Samsung Galaxy S5 doesn't show in any laptop Samsung Galaxy S5, Model - G900P doesn't shows it drive in laptops.

I tried this on 7-8 laptops with 7-8 USB cables (both full sized and small ones.) The ADB option gave following results but still there is no drive shown. After connection with the phone the phone's screen shows nothing but "No Photos Selected".

I also tried this with KIES but was no good .Here's a screenshot what KIES showed.

(The Phone was purchased from USA and later unlocked.) I have drivers too, all properly installed and my laptop shows other Samsung mobiles easily.

Edit Note: I recently ran the device (as emulator) through android studio(ie it detected the phone and installed through adb smoothly). Amazingly the app got installed and ran fine. I wonder how!

I have the same problem and it is likely related to the device settings on the phone and your version of Android.  I started having a similar issue when I updated from 5 to Android 6.0.1.  When a USB is connected, your phone is likely in Charging only mode so it shows up on the pc but the drives are not visible.  Unlock developer mode and change the USB setting to MTP. See if that helps.

I am able to swipe down from the top screen when connected and change it to MTP since it seems to default to charging only once the screen goes into lock mode.

Hope this helps!
Good luck.


How to separate the two pieces of the AC adapter for Samsung tab 2 7.0 I am trying to separate the two parts of the Samsung tab 2 7.0 AC adapter, since I am traveling to a country with different outlets.

I have tried pulling them but nothing seems to work.

Do you know how they can be separated?

The Samsung Power Supply Unit (PSU) I have (same for: Tab2 7.0, Tab2 10.1, and S3 Mini) just requires a firm pressure, to remove the Australia/New Zealand angle-prong portion.

Push the power-prong element away from the bottom (with CE notice) of PSU. There is no release or catch, to stop this action.

(If this does not exactly match shape/appearance of your PSU, then disregard.)

The alternative approach is to instead obtain a Samsung 30-PIN to micro-USB adapter. This allows you to use ANY standard phone PSU or PC (USB to micro-USB cable) to re-charge the battery.

ebay > Micro USB Female to 30pin for Samsung galaxy tab P1000 .. adapter


ADB connect to device with Python Can I connect to an Android device for the first time with python adb, in USB debug mode, without having to manually allow the connection?
This is my code from python adb library:
signer = sign_cryptography.CryptographySigner(
            op.expanduser('~/.android/adbkey'))
        # Connect to the device
        device = adb_commands.AdbCommands()
        device.ConnectDevice(port_path=None, serial=deviceIP, rsa_keys=[signer])

When I call this piece of code, it opens the pop up message with "Allow USB debugging ..." on the device. Is there a way to go around this pop up?

This popup is there for security reasons and can't be bypassed without system manipulation (root required).
Without that dialog an Android device would be once the user activated ADB wide open to anyone who connects to the device via USB. Therefore since Android 4.2 if I remember correctly Google added the RSA based authentication on ADB level to avoid unauthorized data access via ADB.


how to carry my HTC Desire on me? no bag, no pocket In winter time I used to carry my HTC Desire in my jacket's pocket...

It's summer time now :-) and I have no pocket (I don't want to use my jeans pocket) and I don't carry any bags on me when going to work.

I was thinking of carry my Desire around my neck but how can I do that? What is the safe way to do so?

If the Desire does not have a strap hole, then perhaps you might be able to find a phone case that have an attachment for neck strap.

If there is no such case, you might be able to find a cheap silicone case, and punch a hole in it.

Alternatively, if you wears a belt, some phone cases attaches to your belt.


Application or timetracking Is there any android app to monitor the time you have worked with another app in the android device?
I want to see how many hours I use an app in a day.

You can simply dial *#*#4636#*#* in your native dialer.

You will receive a list of options :

Phone information

Battery information

Usage statistics

Wi-Fi information

Third option is what you might want to choose.
Sort the results by Launch count, and you will receive the list of apps in descending order of usage time.


Accessing the Android Phones SMS and other feature via Data Cable Is there any way by which I can connect my computer to my HTC Wildfire S and access the SMS (read, compose, delete) without touching the phone? I am looking for something similar but no hope yet.

Please help.

There are a lot of possibilities to remotely administrate and use an Android Device from your PC -- including, but not restricted to reading/sending SMS. Take a look at the following apps/links:

Airdroid is simply to be installed on your Android-Device and can then be accessed via a web-browser ("browser-based"). Manages SMS/MMS, Apps, photos, videos, ringtones...
PAW Server has similar features, looks a bit more plain, but adds interesting stuff for developers (you can create your own add-ons, run a webserver with PHP and more)
Remote Web Desktop can be compared with Airdroid (web-based "virtual Desktop")
Phonedeck is another alternative, but utilizes the Cloud
Droid Phonecontrol also involves an "alien server" (routing everything via its authors servers)
LazyDroid Web Desktop seems also worth a look
Remote My Droid is another browser-based management app supporting messaging, browsing the Androids file system, and more
WebControl offers its browser-based services, including messaging, managing contacts and call history
if you run windows, MyPhoneExplorer might be your choice, as it includes all above features plus synchronizing your contacts etc. with your PC, creating backups, and more

I stop here, before the list gets too long -- you see there are plenty of possibilities around :)


System audio files appearing in playlist I wasn't satisfied with the selection of sounds the phone was giving me for the alarm, so I installed ES File Explorer and picked out some ringtone sounds from the phone's system/media/audio folder. Ever since, those sounds have been showing up in the Music Player playlist.

How do I stop them from doing so?

I'm using the default music player on a Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini Pro running Android 2.1.

Add a blank file named .nomedia in the folders containing music that you don't want to be seen in the music player. Media scanner ignores files in the folder with .nomedia file. I have never tried this on Eclair, but I guess it should work.

And yes, you may have to restart the device after this is done.

EDIT:

The restart is to trigger the Media Scanner to do its job. You can also trigger it by unmounting and remounting your SD card (which can be done from Storage Settings or by connecting it to your computer), or by using one of the "trigger-happy-apps" like e.g. SDrescan


LG G5: Nougat: Your device is corrupt. It cannot be trusted and will not boot Stupidly locked boot loader and now device now won't boot.  I didn't realise I was running Nougat so now the verified boot checker prevents device from booting altogether, "Your device is corrupt. It cannot be trusted and will not boot".

All I can do is get get the devices to stock recovery which is pointless as it is not picked up in ADB and I can reset to factory here either.

I don't need to retain any data I just want to get the device working again.  Any tips? Help?

Thanks

xM

Try this:
Turn off your LG G5.
With your LG G5 connected by USB to your computer, push volume down and power button on your phone, then release power button keeping volume down pressed.

It should boot to bootloader directly.
In this state, you might unlock it with your personal unlock.bin file:

fastboot flash unlock unlock.bin

Then check if unlock is granted:

fastboot getvar unlocked

Also, you could flash TWRP recovery from here with:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-whicheverversionfits.img

If this works, please let us know :)


Wifi slow and delays with wifi power save on This is what i get at a device factory reset. Samsung galaxy S7562 . I have tested over 30 different devices with my access point and this doesnt occur - no problems.
The other access point I have has better times and works with this android but gets disconnected after some time and it wont connect again. It will connected after a minute or so.

If i turn wifi  power save off from service mode then it works without any problem. Problem is visible at my app where small chunks of information are sent. When browsing although pings are the same there is just slower loading of page.However it seems that pings get low for 1 or 2 secs while loading a page but still slow.

When i turn power save off it works fine though.

Any idea for permament slution ? Even to turn power save off always

It looks like you've already come across one solution: turning off Wi-Fi power saving. That option puts the Wi-Fi chip into a low-power state sometimes. This reduces power use, but the trade-off is that next time you want to use Wi-Fi, you have to wait a fraction of a second for the chip to power on again.

This page from the official Android documentation explains about Wi-Fi power states. It's targeted at app developers, so they can optimize the usage pattern of their apps to save power. Even so, it's easy to follow, and might be interesting for other users to understand how Android tries to save power.


How can I make persistent changes in root directory (/)? I have to edit my fstab in android 4.4 but the root is mounted in read only.
I've try to remount the root with
mount -o rw,remount /And I can edit the root files but when I reboot the device the changes disappear.
How can I make persistent changes in / without rebuild the kernel?

For that you'd need to edit the corresponding image (see initrd), which is unpacked on each boot.

Alternatively, you could create a script replacing the fstab file, and have this run on each boot e.g. using tasker or a similar app that can execute "stuff" automatically after boot.


How can I make Google Play Services appear in the Play Store Recently after an OTA update I got the "Can't run this unless you update Google Play Services" message (due to the version in the image being older than the one running on the previous image).

Hitting the notification took me to the "Google Play Services" app in the Play Store, and I could see the progress as it was downloaded, as well as see reviews and a change-list (like normal apps).

That was incredibly handy.  However searching the play store or looking at "My Apps" doesn't find "Google Play Services", so I can't get back there.

Does anyone know if there is a configuration option that allows you to find and view Google Play Services in the Play Store normally.  There are a number of times where this would be really handy...

Here you go - Google Play Services
Right click on above-mentioned link to copy the link or left click to head over to app page on Play Store.


MHL only works for a few minutes on Galaxy S4 I picked up an HML-to-HDMI adapter, and an adapter to get it working on my Galaxy S4.  When I first plug it into a TV, everything is great!  I can get a picture and sound on my TV in the expected resolutions.

After a few minutes, TV reports "no signal".  If I unplug the cable from either the TV end or the phone end, the phone reports the HDMI cable disconnected.  Plugging it back in on both ends, the phone reports that the HDMI cable is connected.  However, I still don't see anything on the TV.

Rebooting the phone (via holding the power button and choosing restart) does not resolve the issue.  If I plug the phone into a power source or USB port, and then switch back to the MHL adapter, it starts to work again.

This problem has occurred with multiple TVs.

I have a couple theories:

Some sort of power management shuts off the video output after a few minutes.  (Note that I can be playing video and the phone screen stays on while TV reports no signal.)
An error condition with the interface that requires it to reset.

Any thoughts on how to fix this?  Am I the only one with this problem?  If so, I suppose I could have a funky adapter.

I purchased 3 cheap MHL cables, same problem than you.  This is the red one.  2 cables disconnect all the time, one works perfectly.  The problem is the crappy cable.


Sony Xperia Z1 won't start up again! As you may know, you have to backup the TA-partition before you put a custom ROM on the Sony Xperia Z1. I've backupped the partition with this .bat file:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598&highlight=ta

I've rooted my Z1 succesfully and flashed a custom ROM on it (PACMAN-ROM).
Right after that I've tried to restore the TA-partition with that same program (.bat file), because the camera didn't work well (the camera wouldn't focus and the flash wasn't working).

Everything went well untill the program asked me to reboot the device.
It shutted down and did not boot again.

I've tried to put a boot image (adv-stock-v3.img) on it again with CMD (sdk, platform-tools, ya know) while the Z1 is in fastboot-modus.

But I keep getting the "FAILED "-error.

C:\Users\Teake\Desktop\adt-bundle-windows-x86-20130917\sdk\platform-tools>fastbo
ot flash boot adv-stock-v3.img
sending 'boot' (13254 KB)...
OKAY [  0.454s]
writing 'boot'...
FAILED
finished. total time: 0.458s

How can I get my boot image working again on my Z1?

Try to re-install ROM on your device (here's the newest firmware), that usually helps in similar situations.

If your phone will be still broken that means you have damaged bootloader (boot partition) - then try to re-install boot partition (you can find instructions in internet).

At most you can give your phone to service and tell that your phone has been broken during an update. Repair will be free if you have warranty.


Operating system in a phone having no OS I have sony xperia P and i was trying to install custom ROM in my phone.I copied the boot.img in the boot partition.Now my phone doesn't starts.

There is no external SD card slot in my phone.

How can i install a android OS now.

My phone starts in fastboot and flashmode.

Any help would be appreciated.

And yes i don't have a backup :(

If you can start your phone in fastboot, then use the fastboot utility to load your system.img and boot.img

You have a nice guide here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2277112 but the main thing you need to execute is:

fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot erase system -w
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot reboot

You will need a valid system.img and boot.img for your phone model.


How can I mount or extract TWRP Nandroid backups in Windows? Every so often, I need to extract files from a backup. I'm aware Titanium Backup can do this, and there are no doubt other apps capable of the same, but I want to do it on my PC where the backups actually reside.

Files with the .ext4.win extension are simple enough -- just open in WinRAR or similar -- but .emmc.win files are another story. Are there any tools to extract, or, ideally, mount .emmc.win files in Windows?

ext4.win is a posix tar archive according to the file command.

The only partitions I have in a TWRP backup that are emmc.win are boot recovery and system. Those are basically the same as boot.img, recovery.img, and system.img but renamed.

These are ext partition images and you can read the contents of them with ext2read tool.


How to disable lock pattern/pin on lock screen with new Android 4.3 update? I just did an update on my Galaxy S3 and now it is required that I have a lock on my lock screen. Before the update, I had the simple "Swipe to Unlock."

Now, when I go into
Settings>Lock screen>screen lock, I am unable to select the swipe option. It says "turned off by administrator, encryption policy or credential storage."

Does any one know how to disable any of those so that I can go back to my swipe lock screen? It is really annoying having to type a dumb password in every time i want to get into my phone.

Just select the last option in the Security settings, "Clear Credentials".


How to get spoken instructions from Google Maps while bicycling? I run Google Maps 9.57.1 on Marshmallow.

When I use directions in the "bicycle mode" I don't get any spoken directions. I only get this "ding" sound, without any audible indication as to where I'm supposed to go. This is a major inconvenience, as it's often very difficult to stop in the middle of traffic (losing all my speed, etc.) to take out the phone and look at the display.

When Maps is in "car" mode, spoken instructions work just fine.

Is this by design? Why is Maps like this? How can I get spoken instructions while bicycling?

FWIW, my phone is set to English language. I have had this problem in several countries, but I'm mostly based in Norway.

I'm open to using root access and Xposed Framework to fix this, should that be required.

One of these solutions may help, assuming muting Volume is not the cause

Download Voice Directions by keeping map open and getting directions

  Sometimes voice directions aren’t downloaded or need to be updated on your phone or tablet. When this happens, you’ll hear a chime instead of voice directions.

Solution for same problem from Maps help

Uninstall and reinstall Maps updates
Ditto for play services
Clear Cache of maps before navigation


Is there a way to find out if a given app supports GCM (like APNS)? Is there a way to find out if a given app supports GCM (Google Cloud Messaging)?

(GCM is Google's version of APNS.)

As the developer documentation describes, an app needs the permission com.google.android.c2dm.permission.RECEIVE to receive GCM messages. This shows up in the permissions list as "Receive data from Internet" (which is a little vague, I know).

Of course, the presence of the permission doesn't necessarily mean the app actually will use GCM. Even if it does use GCM, it might not use it for all the uses you think it might use it for: maybe only some kinds of 'refresh' or polling operations can be replaced by GCM uses. And even if it uses GCM fully, in all the ways you'd expect, it's still possible for the app to use more power than it needs to. Using GCM is no guarantee that the app is well-written or efficient.


default_gain.conf not present (for volume) I have been editing my default_gain.conf on my android devices for as ong as I can remember now.

I recently upgraded to the Note 4 (N9100F) and I cant seem to find this file anywhere. My device is rooted BTW.

The location should be /system/etc/default_gain.conf but it isn't there.

I also have a Samsung Galaxy Nexus running CM11 that I have disabled the radio and deleted all of the bloatware on, just so it can be used as a media player and I can't find the file on that device either.

Has the location been changed and I haven't noticed or do I now need to edit some other file to up the volume of my music player without using third-party apps?

I appreciate the help guys, thanks.

Try the app speaker booster on the play store. It claims to increase your volume/loudness by (up to) 30%, and I must say that (after trying it) it's pretty successful, with a handful of devices not getting boosted by it (it made my LG G2 quieter)

Also, it does not need root.


Link2SD proper usage I have a 64 GB micro SD card.
I partitioned 1.2 GB as Ext2 with Mini Partitioner (highest option was about 4 GB).

This is great and all, but from all of the literature I've read, Link2SD seems like it would utilize the entire SD card, not just that second partition.

If what I'm seeing currently is correct, the only thing that Link2SD does, is give you an extra GB via the Ext2 partition, and imposes a dependency so that you're never able to actually remove the card due to the links.

I believe my thinking is wrong so any help is appreciated.

The literature you read was wrong, then. Link2SD only uses the extra partition. The main partition is still mounted under /media/sdcard or somewhere similar.
With Link2SD, you cannot physically remove the SD card, but you can mount the SD card on the computer. The second partition does not get mounted, so the apps are still accessible while the standard partition is mounted on the computer.
If you want more space, you can always repartition your SD card manually on your computer, if your version of ClockWorkMod (CWM) doesn't have the size you desire. GParted on linux is a handy GUI, and there are apps for Mac and Windows as well.
And you can still install apps to your SD card the normal Android way, though the dalvik cache and other data will still use up the internal memory (which is likely limited in your case, as that is the reason to use Link2SD in the first place).
Purpose of Link2SD
Here's an hypothetical example+. You have 180MB free internal memory. You have a standard 16GB SD card.
When you install an app to the SD card, 10%* of the app is actually still on the internal memory. So when you have installed 1.8GB of apps, you run out of internal memory, even though your external SD card could hold a bunch more.
In comes Link2SD. Now, your SD card is actually 12GB standard and 4GB for linking. New apps get Linked, but this time 100% of the app is moved, so you can install 4GB of apps instead of 1.8GB.
You shouldn't be limited to 4GB, either. ClockWorkMod (CWM) may only list 4GB as the maximum size, but you can use a computer to make the linking partition as large as you want.
*Made up percentage. It varies by app.
+Not so hypothetical. With my old Optimus V, this was almost exactly my setup.


Change Gmail account to make in-app purchase? What is the procedure to change email account which you want to use to make in-app purchase?

Take a look at the image.

Click to enlarge the image

I am using 2 Gmail accounts and only 1 has a credit card attached. The primary account has a credit card, the secondary does not. But my secondary account is always in the payment dialogue. The secondary account is also not the account used in Play Store app.

I found no way to change this email.

To do so, you must install the app from the same google account from which you want to make the in-app purchase. Follow these steps,

Uninstall the app on the phone.
Go to the Play Store site in your web browser and find the app. Make sure you're logged into the website with the right account!
Install the app through the Play Store by clicking on ‘Install’ button (and selecting your phone).
Wait a minute until the app is installed on your device.
Make the in-app purchase.


How to prevent systemless Xposed Framework from crashing Play Store? I'm using systemless Xposed Framework module (v90.2 beta 3) of Magisk Framework (v17.1) on a rooted OnePlus 6 running OxygenOS v5.1.8 (Android 8.1.0).

I'm having an issue with Xposed Framework and Play Store. Play Store crashes whenever I try to browse for an app, or install, or update an app. This problem has affected others users as well with no solution from rovo89 or topjohnwu as of yet.

I tried to identify the issue in logcat, just like the user here but miserably failed to understand what caused the crash.

The issue goes away so long as I keep disabled Xposed Framework from Xposed installer or from Magisk Manager.

How do I fix this problem?

The developer of GravityBox Xposed modules, C3C0, suggested to use official and original Xposed Framework (flashes system partition and breaks  Safety Net). They confirmed it working alongside Play Store, but on Android 8.0 though.
Alternatively, one can try Aurora  Store from F-Droid, as an alternative to Play Store and as an interim solution. It fetches apps' updates and new apps directly from Play Store. It also provides sufficient information regarding the app to be installed, such as What's new, permissions, and so on.


does charging the phone with other chargers affect mobile or battery? Actually I used Micromax charger instead of Xolo  charger. I have xolo era x phone. My phone gets switched off if I keep it idle for 4 min.  Why it is happening?

Your phone can be affected by the charger if the wattage and/or the voltage for the phone is not the same for charger. It could also be a hardware issue like: a battery, certain apps, bad part, etc...


Android Stock Browser downloads file immediatelly after start Android 4.4.2 Kitkat Stock Browser
If I start it or open new tab, downloading of apk file (xb_client_blah-blah-blah.apk) from site no.stepfaster.com immediatelly starts instead of opening page which is set as default.
Obviosly some malware fixed Browser's config. Which file and how to fix this?
No root. Browser was stopped and cache cleaned several time. Nothing was installed before this. The mentioned site contains AdSDK apk-files.

I had this today.

I cleared the download manager cache and rebooted, but the problem persisted.

I then re cleared the download manager cache AND the stock browser cache, rebooted and the issue had stopped.


How do you view a long whatsapp profile message Some people on whatsapp have a short profile message like "Hi, I am using Whatsapp". Other people have a long profile message like "An apple a day keeps the doctor away so that the bad things don't come out and play".

But it only shows part of their long message. How do I view the whole of it?

In the contacts list, tap the photo of the contact in question. This pops up a larger version of the photo, with three icons at the bottom: a message, a telephone, and an information 'i'. Tapping the 'i' takes you to a contact information screen, which includes the full status message.