The Official Android Thread [OP Updated 1-24-12]

Discussion in 'The Mainboard' started by rdoanecu, Jan 6, 2012.

  1. CocknBalls

    CocknBalls SCAR Tissue
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    I edited my first link after looking at the first page I posted. I didn't like the method after looking a little closer. Go with xda that perroh recommended.
     
    Arkadin likes this.
  2. Menelaus

    Menelaus The Red-Haired King
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    hahah I was about to say something about the guys on xda. An interesting bunch to say the least. Incredible resource though.

    Det. Frank Bullitt Synergy looks fucking nice. What themes are those?
     
  3. ruteelrice

    ruteelrice I been rolling in that purple
    TMB OG

    Droid RAZR users say hayyyyyy
     
  4. psk

    psk #1 stunna

    Not even 24 hours yet with my Galaxy Nexus and loving it so far. Going to root later tonight. Just found by looking in my bag that the sales guy accidentally gave me the shitty case he was trying to sell me for free. I was about to be pissed but I checked my receipt and I wasn't charged for it. It is the one that basically only protects the back of the phone. Using it until my otter comes in. I will say that I lost a few calls before or I'd break up like hell before getting a 4g toggle app. Works perfect now (my city hasn't gotten 4g yet but it tries to connect to the low as fuck signal I get from Greenville sometimes and for whatever reason messes up). Spend 90% of my weekends in Columbia and work in Greenville so unless I'm home I'm covered
     
  5. pearroh

    pearroh New'ish Member
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    LOCKSCREEN
    [​IMG]

    HOMESCREEN
    [​IMG]
     
  6. Arkadin

    Arkadin inefficiently efficent and unclearly clear
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    i want screens like those
     
  7. CocknBalls

    CocknBalls SCAR Tissue
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    Otter was way to bulky for my liking. I like the thin rubber back cover, but I love the Zagg screen protector.
     
  8. Det. Frank Bullitt

    Det. Frank Bullitt God Bless Texas
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    Texas LonghornsManchester United

    TBH, its not very themed (if any). there are tweaks but my understaning is that im running pretty much the evo3d software (android 2.3 + sense 2.1) ported to the 3g. those are stock icons and widgets too. I can prob find my wallpapers, i just googled those.

    here is the synergy thread (for evo4g), there is mention of some theme called warm or sprinkles or something like that, but i haven't messed with it.
    http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1144447
     
  9. CocknBalls

    CocknBalls SCAR Tissue
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    Do you use Beautiful Widgets?
     
  10. rdoanecu

    rdoanecu Clemson Tigers, Titans, Grizzlies
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    I'm using an OtterBox Defender. I have to say, for an OtterBox it isn't that thick. About the same thickness as the HTC Rezound. Way thinner than the one I tried (and ultimately returned) on my old Droid X.

    That being said, if the screen on the Nexus didn't scratch so easy I'd be going without a case. The only reason I use the OtterBox is the built in screen protector. Although the screen protector on the OtterBox does distort the screen a tad bit. I'm to OCD to use a wet application screen protector since I always have at least one bubble or piece of dust get under it.

    it's really just a case of what you can live with and what you can live without when it comes to screen protectors.
     
  11. pearroh

    pearroh New'ish Member
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    Los Angeles DodgersOakland RaidersLos Angeles KingsArsenalLos Angeles Galaxy

    I use the paid version of Beautiful Widgets for the weather widgets..
    I use Desktop Visualizer to be able to use pics, custom icons, etc for app buttons like "SMS", "DIAL", etc..
    Thats a custom PANDORA app that gives you unlimited skips. I never update and works perfectly.. hit me up if you want it.
    I use the paid version of Widget Locker to make a custom lockscreen..
    I use the paid version of LauncherPro to make custom homescreen docks and be able to use custom dock icons..
     
  12. Arkadin

    Arkadin inefficiently efficent and unclearly clear
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    i wish you lived next door
     
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  13. CocknBalls

    CocknBalls SCAR Tissue
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    I've heard of everything you have here except Desktop Visualizer. I've bought LauncherPro and Beautiful Widgets already.
     
  14. pearroh

    pearroh New'ish Member
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    Then youre all set mayne..
    I did read that the newer updated version of Desktop Visualizer has removed some features, so I didnt update. I'd search for a previous version online somewhere.

    haaa.. it can seem overwhelming, but its not that bad once you take the time. After that, you'll know your phone so well and changing ROMS/MODS like nothing.
     
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  15. CocknBalls

    CocknBalls SCAR Tissue
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    Joseph Tereshinski Jr and perroh like this.
  16. pearroh

    pearroh New'ish Member
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    nice... i used to have some other app that had access to everything.. forgot what it was called.
     
  17. Lyrtch

    Lyrtch My second favorite meat is hamburger
    Staff Donor

    Android Supremacy itt

    Rockin' my Galaxy Nexus
     
  18. Clubber Lang

    Clubber Lang High Potentate
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    Yeah but could they get the search feature to work?
     
    OB likes this.
  19. CocknBalls

    CocknBalls SCAR Tissue
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    It was probably that thing that lets you connect to the repository.
     
  20. am16401

    am16401 Praise God
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    anyone that gets confused reading the xda forums, you could also hit up youtube. they normally have a video or two showing you how to root your phone. Honestly the only down side to rooting is that you spend so much time flashing new kernels and customizing because there is so much to choose from lol.
     
    CocknBalls and rdoanecu like this.
  21. pearroh

    pearroh New'ish Member
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    what do you mean?
     
  22. CocknBalls

    CocknBalls SCAR Tissue
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  23. Spuds

    Spuds Titanic Struggle
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    Ohio State BuckeyesCincinnati RedsDallas CowboysColumbus Blue JacketsDayton FlyersNational League

    Nice app on Amazon today (Splashtop). Allows you to access your computer remotely from your phone.
     
  24. CocknBalls

    CocknBalls SCAR Tissue
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    I downloaded LogMeIn Ignition paid app from blackdroid and it works good, too. PhoneMyPC isn't bad either.
     
  25. Spuds

    Spuds Titanic Struggle
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    Ohio State BuckeyesCincinnati RedsDallas CowboysColumbus Blue JacketsDayton FlyersNational League

    This may be a dumb question but how exactly do you download apps from here? I click the links in the forums and I just get a file that is 1kb in size, I'm obviously doing something wrong.
     
  26. CocknBalls

    CocknBalls SCAR Tissue
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    I have that problem for anything I download directly from my phone. I have to download apk's to my computer and transfer them over. I've never looked into the problem to much so I don't know what the exact issue is.
     
  27. Det. Frank Bullitt

    Det. Frank Bullitt God Bless Texas
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    Texas LonghornsManchester United

    I pasted my WP on an XOOM frame. I dont have the 3g/4g version.

    [​IMG]
     
  28. Cornelius Suttree

    Cornelius Suttree the smallest crumb can devour us
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    can't imagine why I'd need to root my phone
     
  29. fsck~

    fsck~ ~
    Staff TMB OG

    What it gives you is an APK file, which is an android install file. You can move this to your phone manually to install them, or simply download this: http://www.androidcentral.com/sideload-android-apps-all-you-want-sideload-wonder-machine

    The Sideload Wonder Machine allows you to pick any apk file and install it on a phone attached to your computer.
     
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  30. fsck~

    fsck~ ~
    Staff TMB OG

    Having had root and living the past few months without it, I'll probably go back soon. Best part, adblock. Ads are everywhere. As well, use droidwall to block any apps I don't want using data. My data usage increased a ton when I removed root. Titanium backup, file explorers, and other apps are useful as well.
     
  31. Cornelius Suttree

    Cornelius Suttree the smallest crumb can devour us
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    Indiana HoosiersArizona DiamondbacksWyoming CowboysNorthern Arizona Lumberjacks

    you provide some compelling reasons

    the only app I use that seems to get cluttered with ads is my alarm clock
     
  32. Joshuam2107

    Joshuam2107 SUH DUDE
    Donor

    I wanna know how to take screenshots like those..
     
  33. Damion

    Damion Fan of: Firing Butch Jones
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    Tennessee TitansAtlanta BravesTennessee VolunteersNashville Predators

    I rooted my Galaxy Nexus a couple days ago and my battery seems to last a whole lot longer.

    That alone makes rooting worth it
     
  34. Fargin' Icehole

    Fargin' Icehole 50% soulless
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    Georgia BulldogsAtlanta BravesAtlanta HawksBayern Munich

    I keep getting ads like "You've won a free iPad!" in my notification bar on my GN. Anybody else getting these and how do I stop them? TIA.
     
  35. CocknBalls

    CocknBalls SCAR Tissue
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    Good point. Thanks for reminding me, I completely forgot about this.
     
  36. Menelaus

    Menelaus The Red-Haired King
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    Alabama Crimson TideReal Madrid

    Transformer Prime gets here tomorrow! ICS on thursday :chatzy:
     
  37. rdoanecu

    rdoanecu Clemson Tigers, Titans, Grizzlies
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  38. laxjoe

    laxjoe Well-Known Member
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    San Diego State AztecsSan Diego Padres

    so i rooted my phone on friday and ever since, my battery has been shit. gone down 8% in the hour that i've been at work. anybody ever had this problem?
     
  39. rdoanecu

    rdoanecu Clemson Tigers, Titans, Grizzlies
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    Rooting your phone has no effect on your battery life. All rooting does is allow you to grant apps superuser permissions.
     
    fsck~ likes this.
  40. rdoanecu

    rdoanecu Clemson Tigers, Titans, Grizzlies
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    Here is a great article about what rooting is, the benefits, the possible negatives, and if it is right for you.

    Everyone who is unsure of what rooting is or if they should do it needs to read it.

    http://www.androidcentral.com/rooting-it-me-some-qa

    What, exactly, is rooting?

    Rooting your Android device involves adding in a small Linux application called “su”. It stands for SuperUser, and allows applications and commands to run with elevated permissions. Everything that runs code, whether it’s an application or the user, has a permission level set by the operating system.
    Why Linux? Well the heart of the Android operating system is the Linux kernel. You'll hear a lot of nerdy geek-speak about the Linux kernel, but all you really need to know is that it's what is interfacing Android to your hardware, and ultimately has complete control. When you stray outside the "normal" way of using Android and start entering commands directly, the kernel is who you're talking to.
    The root user is the boss and can do anything (good or bad) on the device. From simple things like clearing the cache from core applications, to more advanced things like wirelesslytethering a laptop or iPod touch through your phone, root can do it. The su program is a sort of gateway that lets applications or users act as root while doing tasks. If you’re the curious type (I know some of you are ;) ) here’s a more in-depth review of root as used in a Linux system by theLinux Information Project .
    [​IMG]
    OK, so why would I want to root my phone?

    Good question! Maybe you don’t. Everything in a Linux system is a file, or is treated as a file. Since Android runs on top of Linux, it acts the same way. Most of the files you will need to access or change are available to you without having elevated permissions. "Most" being the key term here. When you want to do things that affect or change the core software of your device -- like updating the version of Android on your phone, or adding a nice piece of software from another device -- you'll have to do it as root. Dream and Magic users have been running Eclair on their phones for a good while now, and it’s because they have rooted their device. Rooting also gives you access to some handy software that you couldn’t use otherwise. Things like a complete system backup or ad blocking software require you to root your device. Don’t root your phone just for the sake of rooting your phone, but if you come across something you feel you could use or would like to have, then consider it. You'll find that the open source community is usually pretty helpful and encouraging new people to do new things is common. And when you get to the point where you can lend a hand to the new folks,pay it forward.
    So it's like jailbreaking?

    Pretty darn close. Jailbreaking an iPhone or iPod touch opens up things like using applications that aren’t manufacturer-approved or changing the look and feel of the device. Android already allows this to a large extent. The changes behind the scenes are the same way. A lot of what you can do with a jail broken iPhone you can already do with your Android phone, but to really unlock everything you’ll need to root it. The concept itself is identical. You’re allowing things that usually wouldn’t have root permission to have them.
    [​IMG]
    Is it dangerous? Will it break my phone? Will it void my warranty?

    It can be, It might, and Yes. By not allowing access to the superuser account, the manufacturer and your carrier have basically protected you from doing things that change the system and make it unusable. All it takes is one wrong keystroke to turn your shiny new Android phone into a plastic and metal brick with no connection. Most times this is recoverable, but not always. You have to decide how capable you feel you are, and how well written the instructions you’ve found seem to be. Nobody will blame you if you decide against the risk, especially your cell carrier. All major carriers and manufacturers plainly state that altering or using unapproved software voids your warranty, and rooting falls into that category. While that seems a bit harsh, they need to be able to support the products they sell. For that to happen, they need to know exactly what’s running and what it’s doing.
    Apps that run as root need a little further consideration. You need to have a level of trust in the person who wrote the app first and foremost. Does the developer have other software available? Do the user comments (for Market apps) have anything that raises a red flag? Do the requested permissions seem a little odd? These are all questions you need to think about before you allow something to run as root. For a further level of security, think about installing an application that warns you anytime something tries to run as root. SuperUser Whitelist (Android Market link) is a great little app that does exactly that. If you decide to go on and root, ask users with the same device as you for a link to a version of SuperUser Whitelist that works with your firmware. Once installed, anytime something wants to run as root, the app intercepts and asks if you would like to allow it. You’re given the choice to accept, decline, or grant the app in question full privileges each time it runs.
    [​IMG]
    One last thing to touch on here. Many custom ROMs include some sort of SSH server. This can be a wonderful tool, or it can get you in hot water. This is what caused the whole “Rick-Roll” episode with the latest iPhone jailbreak. The server sits and waits for an outside connection, and if that connection provides the right password full control of the device is turned over. In the case of the iPhone, users never bothered to change the default SSH password for root. A clever (or devious) group of users simply scanned for servers listening on the correct port, then attempted to sign in as root with the default password. Lesson learned, but this is easy to prevent. Ask other users of the ROM or firmware you’re thinking of flashing if there is a server listening, and if so how to disable it or change the default password.
    If I root, will I still receive operating system updates from my carrier?

    Maybe. More than likely if you’ve just rooted your phone so you could have access to the full file system and haven’t drastically changed things, the phone will still pass your carrier's checks and upgrade. If you’ve delved deeper and really customized your device, count on not being able to upgrade. Carrier updates were designed to work with the original software, so they need to be sure that’s what the phone is running. Again, this is for your own good. T-Mobile or Verizon can’t offer technical support for things they haven’t trained their technicians on, and if you flash a carrier approved update over custom software it’s probably not going to work.
    The good news is that failing the checks the carrier does during an update won’t cause any damage to your phone. The update will just quit and you’ll be back where you started. Then you can decide if you would like to un-root and upgrade or take another path. The worst case scenario is that the phone passes the carriers checks, updates, and then things get broken. That’s pretty unlikely, but possible. If that would happen, you won’t be alone. Everyone in your situation will scramble to their favorite Android user forum and hopefully a work around can be found.
    Note - a carrier update may also break the ability to root the device and a new method will need to be found. Any discussion of upgrading and root needs this mentioned as well. Most folks who root and decide to install a custom ROM wait for the ROM developer to provide an updatethat includes any bug fixes or new capabilities of the carrier update.
    [​IMG]
    Will I still get application updates?

    Yes. While it’s not being used, the program that allows permissions to be upgraded just sits and does nothing. Normal applications won’t even be aware it’s there, and applications that use it expect it to be there. Application updates, whether they are from the Market or other third parties will still install as normal.
    [​IMG]
    If I decided to 'un-root' my phone, how do I do that?

    It depends on the model of your phone. Some are ridiculously easy to revert, some not so much. This is the most important question you can ask before you dive in and root your phone. Usually the website you found the method to root your phone will also have a discussion about un-rooting and going back to stock firmware. Take the time to find and read this information so you’re aware of just how difficult it’s going to be to go back. Pay close attention and create backups when recommended while you’re rooting your phone, as these may be needed to go back. I’ve not heard of any device that can’t be restored to factory firmware provided the original was backed up properly as recommended during the rooting process. The most important thing to always remember is to ask for help. If you do find yourself stuck without a backup or a working phone and need to roll back, ask for advice. Our forums are full of fine folks from all walks of life, and the majority are more than happy to help. There’s a good chance you’re not the first person in that situation and a solution has already been worked up!
    As you can see it is something that needs a little thought before you dive right in. But if you decide you need root access, consider some of the information we’ve laid out here. The security and other risks are real, but are pretty easy to work with. There’s no reason you can’t safely root and use your phone, just do your homework first!
     
  41. laxjoe

    laxjoe Well-Known Member
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    so it would be the apps that are running or what? something i did in the lasat 48 hours has drastically reduced by battery life.
     
  42. rdoanecu

    rdoanecu Clemson Tigers, Titans, Grizzlies
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    Go to Settings->Battery and see what is eating up a lot of your battery.

    If nothing shows itself there, go ahead and uninstall any apps you installed in the last 48 hours. To help us out a little, what apps have you installed over that time period?
     
  43. Babou

    Babou ocelot
    Donor TMB OG
    South Carolina Gamecocks

    I need to check this out.
    On Nexus hold power and volume down.

    I wan to make my speaker louder. How would I go about doing that? :ohdear:
     
  44. rdoanecu

    rdoanecu Clemson Tigers, Titans, Grizzlies
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    cconn likes this.
  45. CocknBalls

    CocknBalls SCAR Tissue
    Donor TMB OG

    You can try PowerAMP, but you probably won't find anything to make the shitty speaker any better.
     
  46. rdoanecu

    rdoanecu Clemson Tigers, Titans, Grizzlies
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    Try Volume+ (posted links above). Makes the speaker usable in terms of volume...the quality still leaves something to be desired however.
     
  47. CocknBalls

    CocknBalls SCAR Tissue
    Donor TMB OG

    Yeah...I actually have a Motorola Roadster that I use as a speaker when I'm working. It allows me to put the phone in my pocket and have the speaker next to me wherever I'm working. Also doubles as a hands-free talk speaker and FM transmitter.

    [​IMG]
     
  48. laxjoe

    laxjoe Well-Known Member
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    San Diego State AztecsSan Diego Padres

    yeah the only app that i've really installed since rooting that would possibly decrease the battery is cpu tuner (although i stopped running that because i didn't have time to really look into it and understand it enough for it to work) and ad free. as far as what my phone is saying is eating at my battery its 50% display (i've had my phone screen off for all but 5 minutes) and then the rest are a few apps at 5-10% that i've been running for months. had this same problem (horrible battery) when i first got the phone but that turned out to be caused not having good service in my house and my phone was constantly searching for 3g. think i'm gonna uninstall cpu tuner and see if that helps.
     
  49. rdoanecu

    rdoanecu Clemson Tigers, Titans, Grizzlies
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    Do that and make sure your brightness isn't all the way up. Also, under the Settings->Battery menus click on where it says Screen 50% and let us know what the screen on time is. If there is a big discrepancy between the time you've used your phone and the screen on time it means your phone isn't sleeping.
     
  50. laxjoe

    laxjoe Well-Known Member
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    San Diego State AztecsSan Diego Padres

    yeah brightness is still at auto and screen time is 10 mins