What's the security implication of having an unlocked boot loader?

A permanently unlocked boot loader (BL) on a Nexus device is a big security risk.
It's only recommended for a pure developer phone.

An insecure BL enables all sorts of fastboot commands that can be used for e.g. doing the following:

Conduct a cold boot attack to recover the key for Android's full disk encryption
Make a copy of the device
E.g. by booting a custom image (adb boot boot.img), then copying partition dumps
Erase data  using fastboot erase
Flash arbitrary Android firmware, recovery images or radio firmware
fastboot flash radio|recovery|boot|...
Install a root kit (boot custom recovery, then modify system files)
Steal Google/Facebook/whatever accounts stored on the phone
etc.

In case someone has their device encrypted, full access is not immediately possible. However there exists cracking software to brute force the used encryption PIN/passphrase. Altering the firmware is always possible (i.e. an evil maid attack, aka. installing a rootkit/password logger/etc.)

This is the normal process of modding a Nexus device:

unlock the bootloader (fastboot oem unlock)
boot/install insecure/open custom recovery
install custom firmware

To secure your modded device you should do this afterwards:

install a safe recovery image again (custom recoveries like TWRP/CWM are unsafe)
use the extracted recovery.img from Google's factory firmware file, available here
relock the bootloader (fastboot oem lock)

This breaks the usual update mechanisms like RomManager. In case you need to upgrade, you can run flash_image recovery recovery.img (as root on the regular Android OS, it bypasses the BL lock) to install a temporary custom recovery again and use this once to upgrade the firmware and then remove the custom recovery again by doing a flash_image recovery stock.img. I know, this is not very user friendly right now, but let's hope the situation improves at the custom recovery front.

Some background on what's possible: http://hak5.org/episodes/hak5-1205 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uM2_CpuzQ0o


Nexus 4 speaker no longer playing any audio

First thing to do is to check the device's settings. It might very well be you just "silenced" your phone one way or the others. There are different places to look for:

Open the notification area. On many (recent) devices, it holds some shortcuts to frequently used stuff as toggling WiFi, airplane mode, and also mute (i.e. switch between "complete mute", "vibration only", and "normal noise").
Check all your stuff in the Settings menu. Different manufacturers/devices/ROMs have different settings in different places which might cause this
If you use some "automation tool" like Tasker, Llama, or the like, check whether it could be one of its profiles

If the above still didn't solve the issue, make a good backup and then factory-reset your device. If the device still stays mute after that, it's unlikely to be resolved on a software level, but rather a hardware failure. So in that case, you should contact the service; if the device is still under warranty, they should fix it for free.


Disable notification sounds but keep SMS Sounds

A partial solution is to create a silent notification sound and use it as default, and then set custom notification sounds in each of the apps you use, assuming that the apps allow you to choose your notification sound. Most stock SMS apps and WhatsApp allow this, but the latest version of Skype does not.


"Android is upgrading... Starting Apps" on boot

I seem to have found the solution for my issue.

After posting the initial question I started noticing every so often I was getting a message saying that Aces Bubble Popper has stopped responding.

I have not used this game in a very long time and haven't updated it in an even longer time.

Apparently this app has permission to run at start-up (why a game needs that permission, I do not know and wish I could disable).

After updating the app, I am no longer getting the messages that the app stopped responding, and I am no longer getting the "Android is Upgrading... Starting Apps" when my phone boots.


Can a thief unlock or otherwise access the data on my stolen Android device?

If you used full-disk encryption, then your data will be accessible until the device unmounted the encrypted disk (e.g. by rebooting) and discarded the decryption key. If you store your sensitive data in encrypted container, then your data will be accessible until the application closes the container and discarded the decryption key.

If you don't use any encryption, then your data is naked in the wild. Many thiefs are simply interested to sell the phone to make a quick buck and so will simply reformat the phone; but if the thief has a specific intent to steal your data (e.g. corporate espionage, identity thief, etc), then you can assume that they can read all your unencrypted data.

If your phone uses SD card (instead of internal memory), then getting to your data in the SD card is trivial. Getting data in internal memory took a little bit more effort, but is still relatively easy. A turned off device with full-disk-encryption is -- for all practical purpose -- a useless brick for your adversary.


fastboot responds, except that it won't flash my recovery image

Fastboot is so unpredictable, ouch. Try the following steps.

Check if your cable is the stock one. If not, at least make sure it supports file transfer in fastboot mode.
Check that USB drivers are installed properly
Try to rename the recovery file to just "recovery.img", I know it looks stupid, but it did the trick for me.

Finally,

* the device won't finish booting (gets stuck)
* recovery mode is gone. If I try to boot into recovery, the Mi logo stays there forever

yeah, obviously it doesn't boot, you erased the recovery partition.

Also, I think for fastboot flashing isn't really needed to erase the partition you are going to flash.


How can I transfer photos from my Android Jelly Bean device to laptop while preserving the original timestamp?

The easiest way to get your photos transferred to your laptop is directly using USB cable to copy and paste them there.


Okay, here's how to do it using Tasker:

Install Tasker
Create a new Task called lock screen, add an action to it as via

Display → System Lock

Create a profile and add as context to it all games in the apps list it provides, or as you need it.
Link the lock screen task to this profile.

Your device should lock up now if you try to open any marked app.

Note: Tasker is a paid app. Also, the trigger system lock functionality needs you to allow Tasker as a device administrator.

Edit:

I figured out how to do this using MacroDroid, which is free for a limited feature set.

Install MacroDroid and open it.
Tap on create new macro
Select Application launched/closed from the trigger list.
Select application launched from the popup
Choose the required apps from the list.
Choose the action as screen on/off.
Choose screen off from the popup
Press the tick button.
On the constraints page, leave it at none and press the tick button.
Enter a relevant name for the macro and press OK in the resulting popup.

This worked for me. Again, this needs the app to be a device administrator, which will be indicated to you as you select the screen off action, for similar reasons as above.


27 MB + 4.2 MB = 28 MB? Where'd my space go?

From what I can make out from your scenario, it seems the culprit is the android's Dalvik Cache.
Quote from a thread in xda forums:-

  When Android starts up, the DalvikVM
  looks thru all of your applications
  (.apk files) and frameworks, and
  builds a tree of dependencies. It uses
  this dependency tree to optimize the
  bytecode for every application and
  stores it in the Dalvik cache. The
  applications are then run using the
  optimized bytecode. This is why when
  you install a new ROM, sometimes it
  takes a very long time to boot for the
  first time. Any time an application
  (or framework library) changes, it's
  reoptimized and the cache is updated.

and it seems that each time you reboot, the dalvik cache reoptimizes.


Backup your data and reset the phone.

I had the exact same problem, the way I fixed it is by doing a factory reset. To nail down the problem, I booted up the phone into safe mode (Long press the 'Power Off' on your power menu). There, it was better, so I decided to wipe my phone and recover my data afterwards using TWRP. Also, you should note that 5.0.1 sort of improved the speakers - both of them, the earpiece and the actual speaker.


This question is probably off topic as some programming is involved. Look at Android USB Accessory Mode if you are trying to connect an Arduino with Android.

Related videos from Google IO when they were showing it off:

http://youtu.be/s7szcpXf2rE

http://youtu.be/ZUaKSs3utrs


Launcher disappeared, how do I restore it?

You should be able to go to Settings -> Applications -> Manage applications, find the launcher, and Clear Data for it.  Hopefully that will restore it to default.


How to let phone calls from a specific number bypass 'Do Not Disturb'?

You should be able to set an exception rule to allow calls and texts from certain people (All/Contacts/Favorites).
Different manufacturers will have different set ups but you should be able to get to this setting by going

Settings > Sound & notification > Do Not Disturb > Exceptions

You may need to turn on Do Not Disturb to alter these settings.


I found a work-around using the Telegram app and the data encoded as a QR code: open Telegram app → tap the Hamburger icon → Settings → Devices → Scan QR Code.


You need a custom launcher to see all of your apps. A launcher is what displays your home screen and everything on it.

Method 1 (recommended):

Go to the Play Store, and search "launcher"
Pick one you like, and download it (I recommend Nova)
When you press home, it will ask you to select an app. Choose Nova Launcher, then click always.
To see all of the apps, click the icon that looks something like this:

Method 2:

Search Google, "android launcher apk"
Choose from any of them, and open the link.
Click download. Be careful, sometimes there are advertisements that look like a download button
It will start downloading. To see the progress, open the notifications
When it is done, click on the notification
A screen comes up that tells you the details of the app and it's permissions. Click install
When it is done, press the home button
It will ask you to select an app. Choose Nova Launcher, then click always.
To see all of the apps, click the icon that looks something like the icon above


Open attachment that contains forwarded email (MIME type message/rfc822)

Gmail cannot support this as I understand from FairEmail discussion on XDA (outlook mail client has related limitations).
There is a workaround, in case one is willing to have the forwarded email as text and not attachment.
OP had set mime_forward because they wanted to forward attachments per default
. If this is unset as per mutt documentation (to ask-no or ask-yes), the forwarded email is just text (not a message/rfc822) and the stock email app shows it fine as confirmed by them.


Unfortunately the ADBD (adb daemon) is not enabled on any current Google TV hardware, so adb connectivity is not possible via USB, Ethernet, or any other means.

However, a few crafty tinkerers from GTVhacker site managed to hack the Logitech Revue unit to enable this functionality.  Keep in mind that this is a hardware hack and includes physically opening up the Revue box and soldering connections on the motherboard.  You can read more on this mod here.  Needless to say, this hack is not for everyone, and carries even more risk of bricking the STB as a plain software hack.


Clockworkmod doesn't find the update files

For future Visitors: just install the TWRP recovery on your phone(I used the Flashify appfrom the Play Store to install). Look for the folders there. I found what I looked for in /sdcard. With TWRP, it should be very easy to install the update.


Can KingRoot Brick my Nexus 9 and HTC One

As usual, the answer is:  any attempt to modify O.S. files can brick your phone. But you can try to root your phones.  Just make sure you made a full backup of your phone software (not only /data), including boot.img and other sensitive parts of O.S.(system.img and so), and keep those files safe saved on your computer (so you can reflash your phone in case something goes wrong). Before attempt to root your device, the oem boot loader must be unlocked. The apk of KingRoot in itself does not produce to much harm on O.S. It just install a necessary su  binary to allow getting root access to system, and also some other files. The primary scope of any rooting tool is indeed, placing su somewhere in /system/bin and symlink it (maybe) in /sbin. If you don't know about flashing your device, don't ever try to do things you actually don't master.


How do I export & import files between Android devices and Windows OS?

You can connect the device to the PC with a USB cable and access it via Explorer in the same way that you would a thumb drive.  In addition, I like using Dropbox to sync files in a wireless fashion.  I find this to be much easier and does not restrict movement of handset.


Error when trying to use adb shell in recovery mode


Why to create and use a Samsung account (on a brand-new S4 mini)?

As well as getting access to Samsung's sync and backup service, creating a Samsung account also gets you access to Samsung's app store. It's not as extensive as the main Play Store, but it has a good selection of apps.

Whether you think that's a "real benefit" or not is entirely up to you.


How I enable my Google drive which show disable in my personal mi phone?

Seems like there is an issue with Android Nougat. Some of the discussions in Forums like here suggest the issue would be fixed by September 21. You can also email the Google Team regarding the same. I don't believe hard reset will also help you.


Can you limit data for a number of apps and leave others unlimited?

There are multiple approaches you could take:

You could restrict background-data for selected apps. That way they can only use your data plan when you're running them in foreground. See: How does “Restrict background data” work?
You could use a Firewall app to block selected apps completely from accessing the internet. Usually those apps distinguish between mobile data and WiFi, so you will have no restrictions on WiFi if you don't want to. Though most of these solutions require a rooted device, there are also several solutions for non-rooted devices, e.g. NoRoot Firewall.

Setting up a "cumulative limit for selected apps" has no easy solution AFAIK. I won't say it's not possible – but still, I know of no such solution.


If the quality is set to Auto, the video quality is dependent on the internet speed (faster connectivity better resolution, slower connectivity lower resolution), screen resolution, quality of the original uploaded video.

You can choose in the settings a resolution of your liking (240p, 360p, etc).
However, be aware that only resolutions that your phone or tablet can handle will be shown. For example, you will not see 1080p or 1440p if your screen can handle only resolutions up to 720p,

Source: Change the quality of your video


Lost some data (specifically my voice recordings

It depends on what application you record your voice with. But maybe it save the voices in a folder which is hidden. (the folders which have dots at the first of their names.)


For starters, call forwarding happens at your service provider, not at your phone. For most services, to forward calls that you don’t answer, first dial *71+the 10-digit number to forward calls to. To turn off call forwarding dial *73.

Now, step two. Do a search on the play store for “white list”. There are a number of apps that will only allow the numbers that you have entered into the white list. In theory, all others will get forwarded. I haven’t tested it but it should work. Good Luck.


Is there any way to change App source on Android?

The solution is as simple as a few (s)hell commands. Requires root and BusyBox.

Open a terminal or an adb shell and type

su
sed -i 's/installer="[A-Za-z0-9._-]*"/installer="com.android.vending"/g' /data/system/packages.xml

If the command prompt tells you sed: not found, install BusyBox correctly and prepend busybox before sed.

Be aware that this is a highly dangerous action. It is strongly recommended that you backup the file before attempting to modify it. Also in some cases the file permission may get messed up, fix it by

chmod 0660 /data/system/packages.list
chown 1000.1000 /data/system/packages.list


Android Decrypt SD Card after Factory Reset

Yes just go to encrypt sdcard and select encrypt but dont apply it then you can select decrypt and use your password


Which music-ID app uses less data? Soundhound or Shazam?

Only one way to find out. Recognize 10 songs with each and compare results. No way the data traffic results are the same. You'll need some population (more than 1 tests and take average) in order to get some results.

Ideally you would test with the same data but that is just impossible. Unless you have 2 devices checking the same sound at the exact same time... Still I guess you would be able to make a good comparison with different fragments of the same song on a single device, alternating soundhound and shazam.

What you really want is an app that stores the recorded sound to analyze later on when you're on a free (or at least much cheaper) wifi network. Only reason for this question is you have to watch your data traffic, no?


What happens to the battery during bootloader/recovery?

Charging control is done via hardware to prevent ruining the battery in case of software errors. That is why (most?) devices charge even when powered off. The status display that is then shown is just a "minimal OS" that queries the current status from the battery charger hardware.


Set up alarm clock in llama based on location

Sure, you can create a simple alarm clock with Llama.

First, you need to learn the cell tower ID of the location(s) you want to use. Llama uses cell towers instead of GPS (by default, at least) because GPS is much more battery intensive. As long as each location is more than a few miles apart, you should be fine.

Second, you set up an event. For each location, you set up two events, one for entering and one for leaving. I suggest simply setting a Llama variable when you enter, for example a variable called Location gets set to the name of the area when you enter, and gets cleared when you leave.

Next, set up your alarm events. You create an event, and have two conditions. The first one will check that variable to see if we are in the right place. The second condition will be based on the time, called Time Between. Set the time-frame to be one minute. If you also want to care about the Day of Week, you can do that as a third condition.

If both (or all three) conditions are met, then the action will be run. Add an action to Play a Sound, Speak, Vibrate, or do whatever you want for your actual alarm.

Once you have your first alarm event created, you can long-press on it to copy it and make as many alarms as you want.


See if this helps. I am not sure though:

  Settings >> Sound >> Volumes

If this doesn't help try this Bluetooth Volume app. This should do it.

And you are on Android 4.2?! WHAT??! AFAIK as of now 4.1 Jelly Bean is the latest... And 4.2 was supposed to launch in tomorrow's Google event. (The event is apparently cancelled) How come you are already on 4.2?


Jorte sync NationalHolidayCalendar with Google Calendar

From the Jorte help pages:

Select menu → Settings → Data Syncronization

If "Select synsapplication" is not checked, tap on "Select synsapplication" and have it checked.
When the "Calendar" item is checked,
synchronizing will start immediately.


Gmail app only shows "Archive" button for one account

Everything seems to be working fine now.  Even before the upgrade, it worked intermittently.  But since the upgrade, it seems to be solid.  Running version 2.3.2.


On my Samsung device it is:

  Home >> Menu >> Settings >> Voice input and output >> Text-to-speech settings >> Driving mode


How to use two Android smartphones as lavalier microphone transmitter and receiver?

I've come up with what is hopefully a better solution. Use the app here. Install the app on both devices. There are many similar apps to this so if this one doesn't work perhaps try another one. The app listed works over Bluetooth rather than WiFi. I hope this is OK and it should avoid latency. I'm not sure why I didn't make the link in my head that what you needed was a voice communication app. The old solution is below:

There certainly seems to be a gap in the market here because I can't see why this would be impossible (actually, thinking about it, capturing all device audio might be an issue [although you would only need to capture audio input which wouldn't be...]). I have a solution but it's a rather hacky one and will require root, I'm afraid.

NOTE: I haven't used any of these apps myself. Be careful when installing unknown applications.

Host a WiFi hotspot on one device and join the hotspot on the other. Make sure to turn off data before doing this. This way, the devices won't have an Internet connection but they will have a network connection.

Install AirAudio on the device that you wish to stream from.

Install Microphone on the device that you wish to stream from (this app may have some latency but hopefully not).

Install UPnPlay on the device that you wish to stream to.

Turn on the Microphone application so it starts recording everything and then set AirAudio to stream all device audio over DLNA and then use UPnPlay on the other device to recieve this stream.

I don't think this will work well in practice but it may be worth a try.

Hope this solves your issue.


Simple Resolution / Answer

I had this same problem with my Nexus 5X, using Android M.  I also went ahead & turned all the permissions off, except for Twilight, the suspected culprit.  I still had the problem.  So I went ahead and also turned over the overlay for Twilight, and I did not have the problem.

So, Twilight is the "problem", in my case and in the case shown above.  (I put problem in quotes because it seems to me like Twilight should not be to blame in this case.  Instead, multiple overlays should be possible.)

Where is This Setting??

For those who had this problem, or want to understand what we're talking about, here are the steps to get to this "hidden" setting, within Android M:

Open settings (the nut / gear).
Scroll down to Apps.
From within the Apps portion of settings, again choose the settings gear / nut.
Choose Draw over other apps.
(Optional) Click on the additional menu (the 3 dots), then choose Show system to get at all of the apps that are asking to draw over others, including system apps like Phone Services.

What's Really Going On?

Last little tidbit:  I am not 100% certain about this, but from what I know of Android, it seems things work as follows in Mashmallow:

Permissions are not asked / required upon app installation, but rather upon when the app needs that permission.  Similarly, some permissions can be granted or rejected... the app will work to the best of its capability, if the permission is rejected.
Since this is the case, any time an app asks for permission to a particular thing, such as drawing over other apps, the user's yes or no response is recorded.

As the user, you can change your response later, which is the essence of what that pop-up window is asking:  the window is saying, "I cannot do what I need to do, unless you change your answer to that earlier problem".  (However, without highlighting which app is the actual problem, the error seems fairly useless, IMHO.)


I need to reinstall (OS? and gapps) after a part-wipe of internal memory of Manta, 5.1

In order to avoid a bricking, what is the safest option?

You're not going to brick the device by installing stock or cyanogenmod.

Should/Can I transfer the Android stock to the nexus and install that?

This is the safest option but will wipe all your data. You don't need to "un tgz" it. This will take you back to 5.1.1 that was updated earlier this year
See https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images for instructions

Be brave and install the Cyanogenmod 13 and Gapps?

If you are going for a 6 custom version of android also look at the early AOSP builds or OmniROM. I'd recommend a factory reset in recovery, flash SuperSu  (if you want root) & GApps then flash the ROM. OmniROM have started doing v7 builds

CyanogenMod deals with SU for you.


Exchange calendar syncs to Android, but not to Google

Share the ICS URL of your Exchange to Google Calendar.

From an Oregon State University HOWTO:

Click on Calendar in the lower left corner
You should see all your calendars in front of you. On the left side of the window, you should see the list of calendars and their names. Under My Calendars, right click the one you wish to add to your Google account.
After right clicking your chosen calendar, right click, go Share > Publish This Calendar (Publish This Calendar to the Internet)
A new window will pop up. Select the options for which best suit you.
When complete, press Start Publishing in the lower right corner.
A couple of urls will show up for you to copy. Find the one that ends in .ics and copy that whole url.
Go to Google Calendar
When logged in to view your calendar, go find Other Calendars on the left side of the window
After finding Other Calendars, there should be a box with a triangle in it to the right of the text. Click that box and find Add by URL.
A popup will show up. In this popup, you want insert the .ics URL from your Outlook here.
Press Add Calendar below.


Running MX Player on a Nexus 10 to access an ext4 USB Flash drive

Usually Android can use only FAT32 because of permissions in ext file systems. If you have a terminal emulator installed + root + busybox you can do it like that:

Open terminal;
Type su to get root;
Insert cable and flash drive;
Type dmesg to get device name;
Make a folder using your file manager;
Try to: mount -t ext4 /dev/(device name) (path to folder you make);
Enter the folder: cd (path to folder);
Change the file permissons: chmod 777 (your file);
Go to that folder with file manager and play.

Or you could just use StickMount.


Remove built-in search-engines in Firefox Nightly

In the current Firefox 28 the issue is solved by setting browser.search.loadFromJars to false in about:config. Then only the search engines I added myself are shown.


Android's multipath TCP networking layer is only able to use WiFi and Cellular concurrently and can't use multiple of the same connections at once (as far as I know).

However. You can use a mobile WiFi Router from Huawei for example. To get a seamless LTE and WiFi over LTE connection. The Huawei router is very fast and as big as my phone so very easy to carry. It offers about 8 hours of coverage but they have models that are slightly bigger that offer 20 hours.

This way you can use for example Samsung's download boost to use LTE and Wifi at the same time to get double the speeds/reliability. I would suggest you get sim cards from 2 major different providers for extra reliability so if one is under maintenance/has low coverage you can rely on the other.

I hope this helped if you have more questions feel free to ask.

*If you want to double your speed you might also want to look into NIC teaming I think this only works on windows / pc's though


How do I check if my nexus 7 is from 2012 or 2013?

If it has a rear facing camera along with a front facing camera, it's the 2013 version; else if it just has a (single) front facing camera it's 2012.

Simplest test.


Unable to transfer files on android 8.0 TV box to the USB

Have you tried TotalCommander?  Its possible that the USB drive is mounted as read-only.  In TotalCommander, If you copy to the USB drive and the USB drive is mounted as read-only: TotalCommander will automatically ask if you want to remount the drive as read-write, which is what you want.  Say 'Yes', then it copies whatever files you want to your USB.


When to know it's time to replace the Nexus One battery?

It is very difficult to put a number on the estimated battery life of the N1, mainly because there isn't really a standard "typical use".

But since it seems that you are looking for a number, this thread may help.

Since at least 2 people reported at least 2 days in a single charge (given certain conditions), I would say that if your N1 battery doesn't hold more than 10 hours, it is time to start shopping for a new battery.


Auto-sync data turns itself off randomly

I don't have an answer to that. I do have a workaround for it though.

Download this app from the play store called AutomateIt. It's an app that allows you to make the phones to respond to certain situations.

You could make a rule for the phone to follow, maybe something like: turn auto sync ON when screen is turned on.

Hope this helps.


Automate Charging cycles for always connected devices to wall outlet

If you have Magisk installed, this module Magic Charging Switch (MCS) can automate charging with certain conditions.

I didn't try it but according to the XDA post it's a decent option.


Why can't I use my Fitbit for Smart Lock?

Bluetooth Low Energy devices can be used for Smart Lock, but they need to be paired at OS level and it seems that the Fitbit uses some kind of pseudo-pairing at app level. From the Fitbit manual:

  Unlike standard Bluetooth devices, like headsets, your Fitbit tracker will be set up directly through the Fitbit app and not through your Android device's Bluetooth pairing settings.


If you really want to downgrade your moto e to Kitkat. Then there are two option, one is install stock kitkat rom by this method and another one is flash a custom recovery like CWM or TWRP in your phone and then flash a zip distribution of a ROM that you like. But i'll recommend to follow second option because if you go for first option, then as you already mentioned that your current OS is Lollipop which updates the bootloader accordingly and if you go for kitkat then the bootloader may cause problem not always but there are chances and I have bricked my phone this way.Assuming you have moto e first gen. follow this link to install TWRP custom recovery.You can find your phone's flashable firmware from here. Do it with caution, hope you get your phone alive again.


If by 'tone' you mean colour, then you sure can: Go to Messages Tab -> (Contact) -> Press the  in the top right corner -> Scroll down until you see 'colour', enjoy the colours.
-Daniel ✓


Notification icon text background has changed

This setting is called "Show button shapes" and you can turn it off from the "Settings > Accessibility > Visibility enhancements" menu.


What apps are prevented from Amazon Fire tablet

Its Android, so most apps should work by sideloading. The only way to know if the app is incompatible is physically testing the apps on the device. If they turn out not to work you can simply flash a custom rom and problem solved.


Google Maps now shows addresses for some of my contacts

As mentioned on Izzy's comment, Google Maps can read the addresses from your Google Contacts. The feature was added on April 27, 2016 (v9.25.1). From AndroidPolice,

Contacts Appear in Your Places and Maps
One of the biggest complaints about using Google Maps for navigation to a friend's house is that the address had to be manually saved or searched; otherwise, the only way to pull it up was through a contacts app. Forget those days because all of your friends' addresses are now listed under the LABELED page on the Your places screen.
Previously, this list contained standard entries for Home and Work, plus any locations with manually added labels. Those items are now followed by a list of addresses pulled from the contacts database. There doesn't appear to be any fast way to sift through them, so there are probably going to be a few more changes to this screen in future releases.
Each entry has an overflow menu with the option to hide the contact from Maps so it won't show up in this list or anywhere else in Maps, and another to remove the address from the contact entirely.
The contacts will also appear as landmarks while looking at maps. You'll have to be zoomed in reasonably close to see them, but they appear like any small business.

One important thing is, Google doesn't publicly show your address to everyone (exception: Google+). It's only taken from the contact info (whether it's right or wrong address), and only shown to you.


Google Play vanished after uninstalling updates from Samsung Galaxy Note 2

Try getting an apk of Google Play store for your android version (Available here) and install it as you normally do.

Note: If you have never installed an app outside from the google play store then you have to enable Install from unknown sources in the settings. After installing the app, turn this setting off.


Revert an Android phone to vanilla rom from Google

A real vanilla ROM is not possible because you need drivers for the hardware in your mobile. This drivers depend on the manufacturer.

The nearest thing you can get is a custom ROM like CyanogenMod.


Opera Mini has options to enable loading images and also to specify the quality of images, if they are loaded.

If you are rooted:

Installing a firewall(like DroidWall) helps to prevent unwanted apps to access the network.

Installing an adblocker(like AdAway) will prevent ads from loading, and in turn reduce network usage.


Can I install the Android M Developer Preview on HTC One?

The M Preview images are for nexuses only so it wont work on any other device, although if you really wanted to try out Android M there is a possibility that a developer somewhere takes interest in developing one for your phone as soon as source code is released but you will have to wait though. You should be able to remove the ROM from MultiROM but its always advisable to take a backup when changing ROMs.


Unable to copy files to Nexus 7 / Android KitKat

I was in the same boat as you for a while. I guess you could use FTP but I was looking for something more.

I now use AirDroid to transfer files over Wi-Fi. I have transferred files as big as 10GB and have no complaints. Plus it saves messing around with the cable and drivers.


What is the technology used in the phones which reduces blur in the photos even if they are zoomed?

Are you referring to autofocus?

  An autofocus (or AF) optical system uses a sensor, a control system
  and a motor to focus fully automatic or on a manually selected point
  or area.


Like what you said, wiping /data is equivalent to factory reset - you will lose installed apps, system settings, etc. - basically all you've done to the phone since the last reset - BUT minus internal storage contents (i.e. music, video, whatever you can see when you connect your phone to the computer). Unless the recovery explicitly states "wipe /data/media", it should never wipe internal storage.

Also, wiping /data will not touch /system, therefore the OS is preserved. You can choose to manually format it should the need comes up. However, when you flash a new custom ROM, /system will be altered. The default behaviour in older custom ROMs is adding what's in the custom ROM package to /system (stuff from the prior ROM will remain), but as of now the norm is just fully overwriting /system with the new package, which is faster and saves you a step of wiping /system.


How to find IP addresses of nearby Wi-Fi networks?

No. To find out the IP addresses you'd have to be able to connect to the DHCP server that handles giving out the IP addresses for that subnet, get and IP address and a subnet mask, and then scan the subnet for active IPs. To do this, you'll have to be connected to the access point.


How to play/stream/cast sound and video separately to different devices

Possible with android 5. Using zenfone 2 videocast to WiDi and audio to JBL Charge 3.
It is not possible with android 6


No, you shouldn't have to buy the app again.  If you bought the app, you should have a receipt in your e-mail inbox or a folder you put them in.  E-mail the support team of the app in question by going to the app page on the Play Store, scrolling down, and click on "Send email", attach your receipt so they know you paid and they should either refund your money so you can buy it again, or make it so you don't have to pay again.  Just a word of warning though, some support teams aren't the best depending on what app it is, so there is an outside chance you might have to pay for it again if they don't respond.


send fake accelerometer or multitouch signal to an application on Android x86

Solved, this can be done using app WIFI ADB - Debug Over Air installed in the device, after establishing a connection sending the command

  adb shell input keyevent 82

to shake the device.
Another solution I found was using app Tasker to send a shake.


Power empty android (Samsung) - cannot charge

Disconnect it from the charger. Press the power button for 60 seconds and let go. Now connect the charger. Again press the power button for 30 seconds. This way usually works with tabs.


Netflix shows 5.2 error on Samsung when trying to watch series and movies

I recommend you contact netflix directly. There is an old APK that they will provide to circumvent this problem. its a temporary fix but it works


You could use WidgetLocker to add your favorite World clock widget to the lock screen. You can find these widgets by searching the Play Store.


Possibility of Hard brick with unlocking boot-loader and installing Custom ROM

First of all your phone isn't Hard Bricked.. Hard Brick is something in which you can't go into OS or even in recovery or fastboot. Thats called Hard Bricked Phone.. As from your question, it's just a device specific problem..

Before going into answer, you need to know feww things,

1) Root/Unroot: Rooting and Unrooting are OS specific. Which means you can root or unroot any phone with supported android version.

2) Bootloader: However unlike root/unroot, Bootloader is Device Specific. If you think your bootloader is locked, then you need to find a way to unlock based on your manufacturer or device model.

2-1) Check If Bootloader is Unlocked :

Open ADB Terminal
Type "adb reboot bootloader"
After it reboots
Type "fastboot oem get-bootinfo"
If it says your bootloader is unlocked you can proceed
To reboot back type "fastboot reboot"

if the info retrieved says your bootloader is locked, then you need to find tools and files to unlock your device specific bootloader.. either your manufacturer released it or any other developer released it.. if you cant find anything.. then im sorry, you can unlock..!

3) Custom Recovery and ROM - as like bootloader, custom recovery and custom rom is depend on your device specific.. you cant flash other devices custom recovery or rom.. you may end up hard bricking your device for real if you did.. so beware..! may be the device's recovery you want flash may have the same chipset, but that doesnt mean it will work on you too..! cause a custom recovery or custom rom doesnt just based on chipset, it also based the device specific configuration and system files..! so beware..!


"Allow USB debugging" keeps on popping evene when "Always allow from this computer" is checked in automation testing

In my case, I was continually getting prompted with one fingerprint. I revoked all debugging permissions and next time the dialog popped up, I noticed the fingerprint had changed. So far I haven't been prompted again.

So: try revoking all debug permissions and then allowing USB debugging again.


Is It Possible To Backup Settings And All Customized Stuff I Made On Android Cellphone?

Use Titanium Backup, it'll fit your needs.


In most phones, when you are using a Messaging or SMS app, that button changes to the smiley button by default.

You can long press that button and swipe up (or left - differs from keyboard to keyboard) in order to access the Enter button quickly.

Try using your keyboard in some other apps. If the problem persists, you may need to change your keyboard app.


In previous versions of Android (mine is 2.3.7) you can set this setting in the Additional call settings. In Android 4.0 the Additional call settings screen is located here:

Open the Phone app -> [Menu] -> Settings -> Additional settings.

I have not verified this on a physical device yet.


As Al says, Settings > Applications > Manage Applications, go to app and press Clear cache seems to do the trick.


How to know which apk correspond to a shortcut?

-Close all apps

-Open the app by clicking on the shortcut

-Navigate to multitasking screen

-This will show the currently cached/running apps

-Locate the app name which corresponds to the app opened by the shortcut

-You have now found the app.


help on asus fonepad 8 os system fastboot flash

I have been faced with a similar isuue.
what you do is go to this address and download your correct firmware.

https://www.asus.com/support/Download/28/7/0/11/lu33bRUQAkh5xmHg/32/

Don't worry, it's from ASUS.
Copy the image to your SD card or your internal storage and flash it from your DEFAULT_RECOVERY.

to enter recovery, just press and hold power and vol UP.

hope this helps.
toodles
~c3


Your Android phone may sync photos on Google +, Dropbox, Google Drive and Facebook.
 On Google + got to https://plus.google.com/photos/search/%23AutoBackup (Photos> AutoBackup), here are photos whose automatically synced through your android phone. How to Enable/ Disable auto sync on Android

Next is Dropbox, check this article for dropbox sync enabled www.dropbox.com/help/82/en

Next is Google Drive which may auto sync your photos & data to server.

& Facebook is also sync photos in private folder in your albums folder.

But in my opinion your photos are being synced by Google + in Auto Backup section.


Toggling the setting in Developer Options does nothing but allow the bootloader to be unlocked, however actually unlocking the bootloader will wipe all data, just toggling the setting in Developer Options will not. It would be more proper to call the setting "OEM Unlocking is Allowed".

Otherwise here might be a good place to start looking for more information.


Maximize battery life while recording video

Secret Eye can help the drain from screen. It allows to record even after the screen is switched off. There are lots of similar apps. Find the best one.

Inorder to save more battery,

You can root the phone and use an cpu governor to run the processor at lower clock cycle.
Freeze unwanted apps.
Turn off radio


Where are android drivers located in the system?

They're most of the time baked right into the monolithic Linux kernel (or sometimes available as loadable .ko kernel modules located in /system/lib/modules/). Note: Linux kernel modules are build-specific and cannot be interchanged across devices, different firmware versions.

See the Wikipedia entry for Linux kernel modules


Should I do the factory reset? If yes, what will I lose?

Doing a factory reset will not modify the SD card in any way. Only the data on the phone will be deleted. Contacts that are set up to sync with your Google account will restore, but everything else will be gone.

If you have applications installed on the SD card, I would start there. Uninstall them, or move them back to the device storage. You say that it only crashes when it is in your phone, and not any other Android phone. This would make me think there is probably an app installed on the SD card for your phone. You also said that it doesn't reboot when a different card is in your phone, again leading me to believe that there could be an app that is installed to the SD card that is causing problems.

If you think there is something in your data that is causing the issue, then backing up the data with Titanium Backup will just restore any "issue" that there is.

If you think the problem is with the data on the SD card, then you can format it under storage in settings.

I would also consider the SD card itself could have issues. The SD cards that come with the devices are very cheap cards and usually one of the slower class type of SD card. I have had a few of them last only a couple of months before. I suggest getting a better SD card, one that is at least a class 6. If you have a slower class card, this could also potentially cause issues with some applications.


Check your purchase history in Google Play Store. If your apps dont show up your using the wrong account


Why am I not able to select VLC player from inside the BubbleUPnP app?

If the issue is not fixed yet, try installing "App Picker Classic" and click on Clear defaults in the app menu. It should fix the issue. At least It worked for me.

A


Change your wifi password. Even better, hide the access point and use mac address filtering.
Factory reset your nexus 7. If it was rooted, restore from the factory image available at Google's website.
Delete all the profiles in your desktop browsers and use new ones. This is to prevent the history from syncing with the stalker.


TWRP and CWM unable to mount Nexus 7 filesystem

On TWRP (not sure bout CWM), only Data is mounted by default. You have to mount it with the mount option. Be sure to enable MTP (mount point) just in case


Free Alternatives to "Titanium Backup Pro"

I'm not aware of a full-blown replacement for Titanium Backup, but there are solutions for the specific functions you're after:

Recent versions of Link2SD can convert user apps to system apps and vice versa (available on Google Play).

SwitchMe offers a solution for switching among multiple user profiles (available on Google Play). The free version is limited to two profiles and "no security features".


I think they changed the name of the stock Clock app during one of the Android OS upgrades.

In 2.1 I think it was called "Desk Clock".  In 2.2 it's just called "Clock".


Cant install a APK of an pre-installed app (Samsung galaxy a5)

The best way is for you to uninstall the pre-installed Spotify first. You will likely need to "root" your phone. This site has some apps that you can use to root the Samsung A5.


It's very unlikely that you can control the sensitivity. Most of these magnetic switches are simple reed switches: the magnet pulls two contacts together, closing the switch. The software simply gets an on/off signal, not a quantity it can filter.

It might be possible to add the delay solution you suggest in a custom-rom, but I don't know of any with this functionality.


How to manage forwarding email from smartphone?

If you want to forward an email open the email, click the three dots in the corner of the message and tap the forward button. If you want to forward all of your emails to another address, there is no option in the app. You can do this via the web with the following instructions: https://support.google.com/mail/answer/10957?hl=en. If you need to set this up over mobile for some reason you can achieve this by selecting the "request desktop site" option.


Use of the -i argument in fastboot command-line?

-i <vendor id> is used to specify a custom USB vendor id

according to the fastboot --help page

usage: fastboot [ <option> ] <command>

commands:
  update <filename>                        reflash device from update.zip
  flashall                                 flash boot, system, vendor and if found,
                                           recovery
  flash <partition> [ <filename> ]         write a file to a flash partition
  erase <partition>                        erase a flash partition
  format[:[<fs type>][:[<size>]] <partition> format a flash partition.
                                           Can override the fs type and/or
                                           size the bootloader reports.
  getvar <variable>                        display a bootloader variable
  boot <kernel> [ <ramdisk> [ <second> ] ] download and boot kernel
  flash:raw boot <kernel> [ <ramdisk> [ <second> ] ] create bootimage and
                                           flash it
  devices                                  list all connected devices
  continue                                 continue with autoboot
  reboot                                   reboot device normally
  reboot-bootloader                        reboot device into bootloader
  help                                     show this help message

options:
  -w                                       erase userdata and cache (and format
                                           if supported by partition type)
  -u                                       do not first erase partition before
                                           formatting
  -s <specific device>                     specify device serial number
                                           or path to device port
  -l                                       with "devices", lists device paths
  -p <product>                             specify product name
  -c <cmdline>                             override kernel commandline
  -i <vendor id>                           specify a custom USB vendor id
  -b <base_addr>                           specify a custom kernel base address.
                                           default: 0x10000000
  -n <page size>                           specify the nand page size.
                                           default: 2048
  -S <size>[K|M|G]                         automatically sparse files greater
                                           than size.  0 to disable

As for usage, I've never had to use it, but this suggests that it's for getting fastboot to work with unrecognized devices:

  As you've already know, you can force fastboot to work with a device, even if the vendor ID is unknown by fastboot binary, by -i parameter: -i <vendor id> specify a custom USB vendor id


Clock off by 4 min even if "use network value" is on (probably due to an app)

Try disabling network time and set the clock manually. Network time relies on your mobile operator setting their clocks correctly, while it is usually a good bet, some misconfiguration on their side could mean that their clock is returning incorrect time. Another possibility is an issue in the database of time offsets in the device (this controls corrections for leap second, etc).

Try checking your time with http://time.is/.


Well, regardless if it was removed you can alway use apps like kernel adiutor: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.grarak.kerneladiutor&hl=en
This app and similar ones will let you control CPU/GPU governors and much more, presumably you have root access and have compatible SoC that can be controlled by the app.


I was not aware that version 7 was officially supported on this device , only Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) , according to gsm-arena at least.
I do have one of these a 5044Y myself although I have broken it by accidental removal of the proinfo and preloader, despite putting them back it's dead.
Back to your update question don't use the inbuilt  phone updater try the PC Suite instead from Alcatel, this is different software to the regular " manage your photos and stuff " one.
Look here and if the newest one does not work try an older version:
https://www.alcatelmobile.com/support/software-drivers/
You may find this could well update it.


Google Play services and the Market (ie Play Store) should update themselves as long as you have a valid Google account on your device and there is sufficient space on the device. Try going here first to update Google Play Services manually and click Install/Installed button and select your device press Install. After it is successfully installed, reboot and open the Market app, it should open but don't do anything but close it, wait about 15 minutes and it should auto update to the Play Store and you are good to update/install apps.


HTC One model c525c, errors downloading from Play Store (491, 905, 915, and insufficient space)

Try to download SD maid in your device clear your phone cache and reebot you device i think that should work, if works don't forget to download anti virus in your device like avira..


Samsung Android device is listed as modem under Windows, but want it as mass storage device

You should have an USB icon in the notification bar. If you expand the notification bar and click on the USB item you should be able to configure the connection mode you want.


Show Play Music's 'now playing' notification on Windows PC

First, make sure you have Google Chrome Chrome on your computer and
  add the Cast button to your toolbar.

  Then, follow these steps:

  Open Chrome
  Connect your computer and Chromecast to the same
  wireless network
  Go to Google Play Music (play.google.com/music)
  using Chrome. You can also add the Play Music chrome extension and
  cast from here instead
  Click a song, album, or playlist
  Click the play icon
  Near the bottom of the screen, click the cast icon. It will be next to the playback controls
  Under "Connect to a device", select your Chromecast from the device list.

  To disconnect:
  Near the top right of your browser, touch the cast icon Cast > Stop
  casting.

  Playback controls: You can use the playback controls on Google Play
  Music, near the bottom of the screen.

  Note: You may want to keep the music player open when casting music
  from your computer. Playback controls can't be used after the music
  player has been closed, the computer has been turned off, or an
  Internet connection has been lost.

Source: Use Google Play Music with Chromecast


iFixit has a Teardown that shows the Wi-Fi antenna is on the back. Interestingly, when I took it off and looked I saw that it was nicely labeled too. Also, the Wi-Fi reception seems much better after reattaching the cover. Maybe my Antenna wasn't connected very well.

It appears a simple mod could be done to attach an external Wi-Fi antenna if I needed to do that. A mod may be in my future.


Internet is not working on Moto G2 Sim B

This is because Only Sim A has the 3G support , Sim B is not 3G supporting for Moto G2. However you can use 2G in your Sim B


I've asked a similar question about my browser.  The consensus seems to be that these apps are normally pretty dormant when in the background, and my browser was behaving strangely.  Android's designed so that you don't need to exit apps (the system manages suspending and killing them); so, unless you notice an app consuming an abnormal amount of CPU time while in the background, it should be safe to leave them be.


How do I prevent unauthorized accession of my data when my phone is connected to the internet ?

Yes, just like for any Linux PC, you can install a Firewall to block wifi/mobile internet accesses and XPosed to keep track of all access attempts made to you device from programs. But unlike what Google and Samsung want to make you believe. Rooting your device is essential to allow you to have far better control of leaked data and unauthorized access. I highly recommend using apps like:

AFWall+ (The firewall to control internet access.)
XPrivacy
(Uses the
XPosed
framework for fine-grained access control.)
App Quarantine ROOT/FREEZE (Temporarily disable unruly apps.)

These are just a few fundamental steps to take to better protect your privacy, to mention a few. In addition you should also know that Google AOS/API often circumvents iptables based firewall settings on many devices. This is especially true for mobile carrier provided phones. See for example, Android betrays tethering data.

Finally, Anti Virus, is almost useless in the mobile device world, as there are so many other attack vectors that can be far more easily exploited, than what's detectable by signature based heuristics.


Why Have Some of My Widgets Disappeared After Switching Launchers?

The widgets referred to in the question are TouchWiz-specific widgets. They will only show up in TouchWiz because they don't use the standard Android widget interface. I've found some references to Samsung releasing a TouchWiz SDK to develop such widgets, but those articles are from 2009 and the links they contain now lead to Samsung's developer home page, rather than to a specific page. I've also seen references to some of the widgets being ported to work on any Android phone, but I can't confirm as XDA seems to be down at the moment.


Do hotels send out wifi signals that place you there?

Yes, WiFi is a major part of location services and is used to locate Android devices. It provides a coarser location fix much more quickly than GPS. It's accuracy is usually ~50m or better, but there are examples of it not working properly, so take the entire history into account and not single location fixes.

If you drive by a hotel while you are supposed to be somewhere else and your phone locates itself using the hotel WiFi, you were still at or near the hotel. WiFi signals by design do not travel very far, unless you specifically setup special directional antennas, which definitely do not come with Android phones.


How to access Android APKs without rooting

You can use an app like App Backup & Restore. It allows you to select which apps you want to backup and it copies them to your SD card.


Someone posted a how-to recently to do exactly what you're asking for.

  You'll need a few tools to get started here, and luckily they are
  available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. This method uses Dropbox and
  Picasa3 to keep things synced up, and a side benefit is that photos
  are available from anywhere -- not just the device that took them.

  To get started, you need to install the Dropbox client on your home
  computer. If you already have a Dropbox account, you can use the same
  login and you'll find that having Dropbox installed on your computer
  is a good thing anyway. Just visit this link and download the correct
  version for your computer platform. Install it, and you're done with
  the first step.

  Next, you'll need to install the Picasa3 program from Google. It's a
  pretty good photo organizer and viewer, but what we're interested in
  is the way it can sync a folder to your Google+ photos. This is where
  the magic will happen. Visit this link and download the appropriate
  version, and install it. Windows and Mac users have it easy, but if
  you're running Linux you'll need to install Wine 1.3 or higher, and
  use winetools to install the bits from ie6 to get the account Oauth
  working. There's plenty of tutorials on the net for this, and if you
  hit a snag, holler at me.

  Got those installed? Good. You're just about finished. The next step
  is to visit Instadrop and setup the Instagram to Dropbox sync.
  Instadrop is a web-app, running on Google's appspot engine, and is
  what makes this all work. You'll link the Instadrop app to both your
  Instagram account and your Dropbox account, and anytime you post a
  picture to Instagram it will get copied to a folder named "Instagram
  photos". All you need to do is link your accounts, and the app does
  the rest. You can do that here, and if you're the suspicious type, you
  can inspect the source code on Github and see exactly what's going on.

  A couple final steps setting up Picasa and your Google+ album. Open
  the Picasa program, and click File > Add folder to Picasa. In your
  Dropbox folder, find the Instagram photo directory (if it's not there,
  upload a picture to Instagram to create it) in the tree and mark it to
  "Scan Always" (the blue circular arrow). This means that Picasa will
  hit that folder each time it scans for new content, and automagically
  import any pictures it finds. Click the OK button.

  Now in the Picasa program, look in the upper right. You'll see a spot
  to sign-in with your Google account. Do that, and make sure the Sync
  to Web switch for the Instagram photos folder is set to on. Open your
  Google+ page, and make sure the Instagram photos album is set up to be
  shared with the folks you want to share it with, and that's it.

  What's happening is that anytime you post a picture to your Instagram
  stream, the Instadrop web-app pushes it to the Instagram photos folder
  in your Dropbox. When your computer is on, Picasa uploads it to your
  Google+ album. Is it perfect? Not by a long shot. But it's a way to
  get that content merged without waiting for Google to have a public
  API for content posting and sharing on G+ from third party apps.

  Note that these pictures aren't shared to your Google+ stream be
  default. Until we get some sort of G+ API from Google, that's not
  going to happen (at least not easily). But if you share your album,
  people can visit and check them out, and of course you can easily
  share a photo from the album yourself. Click on it and hit the Share
  button in the bottom right.


That symbol represents that the data saver is on.

Data saver prevents apps from using data in the background (when you are on a mobile network, not WiFi), saving you mobile data and battery. Go to quick settings and toggle the data saver switch if you want to turn it off.


Failure upgrading a rooted stock Nexus One to Android 2.2.1

Installing the stock Android 2.2 FRF91 or newer unroots the phone. I had this same problem.

You can downgrade and root using the directions here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=717870


How can I configure Android to prevent the apparition of epilepsy-prone flashing displays?

From what I just checked on a couple Android devices, the Android developers have provided multiple settings to help those with various health conditions, but I see none that will likely help those with epilepsy not suffer from consequences of the well-known flashing screen trigger.
It's definitely something that could be handled at the OS level, but from what I've seen, it has unfortunately not been prioritized by the Android developers or their for-profit corporate overlords.
BTW, Gammy is an open-source project for Linux, FreeBSD, and Windows (not Android) that implements techniques that could potentially be modified to help those with epilepsy.  Converting it to a proof-of-concept that software can be written to help persons with epilepsy would not be too difficult.


"Internet not available" error while trying to connect to wifi

Seems DHCP is not enabled on WIFI router, you may need to ask others to obtain DNS
address, to connect to internet, DNS info is required as well


Fix Broken Launcher on Soft-Bricked Device

Solved my own question, thanks for the help.

To get into recovery mode on my Moto G2, I first went into the bootloader by force shutting down the bootlooping device (hold power until it turns off) and then pressing Power and Volume Down at the same time for 2-5 seconds. I then selected 'Recovery', which came up with the boot animation and then a dead android with the words 'No Command' written above. I then pressed Power for 5-6 seconds and tapped the Volume Down button, which took me to the recovery mode menu.

I then selected the option 'Wipe data/factory reset' and selected 'Userdata only'. Once it wiped that, I rebooted and waited ~10mins at the booting animation before it took me through the Android setup wizard. All of my data was restored through Google Drive and Google Photos, even stuff like the order in which apps were displayed on my homescreen.


Android keyboard behaviour changed after updated to Jelly Bean

This new feature is called Next word prediction. You can easily disable it to restore the ICS behavior but it's a bit hidden:

Go to Settings > Language & input
Tap on the setting icon beside Android keyboard under the Keyboard & input methods section
At the bottom you'll find Advanced settings, tap it
There you'll find Next word prediction, uncheck it:

After that, typing I followed by space will bring up the punctuation again instead of predicted words.


Is it possible to update from Android 4.2 to 4.4 without disturbing the bootloader?

KitKat has introduced SELinux therefore you can't just update by changing out some system apps and/or libraries.
Nevertheless, while this is a broad statement you may succeed for updating single apk files.


What information is available to an application?

Their is plenty of information available to your application without using any permissions whatsoever, it wouldn't be possible to write every single file that your application has access to in this answer but i can give you a rough idea.

Applications usually require some useless permissions like checking for network availability, this can be done in several way without using the permission, let's say that you had a simple WebView that accessed a website, Instead of using the permission to check for an active connection, we could just try to open the website and capture the errors, if the error show's that the page couldn't be loaded because of a DNS issue or a network not available message, then most likely your device isn't connected to the internet and you then have the network status without using the permission.

I made an application that collects partition information for building scatter files without using any root access by reading system configuration files and collecting the information MTK Scatter Builder You should get a good idea on what's available by using the crawl for information button inside the application.

As for your contacts, their is probably a way around using the permission.


I have this issue too! I have not found a slight work around for my particular application by using tasker. While I know this is not a perfect solution, perhaps it can get you by until we know what the correct solution is.


How can I know if newly released phone will be developer friendly?

A good starting point would be reading up on how cooperative the manufacturer of the SoC in the device has been with the (open source) Android community in the past. For example some GPU vendors have a bad reputation when it comes to providing information and the sources of the drivers for their products. If the developers/porters of ROMs have to go through hell to get stuff working, chances are it won't be very popular with the modding/custom ROM community, unless there are other very good reasons to persist (for example if the device is very high-profile, think Galaxy S or Nexus series).


Which country's market was my phone meant for?

It is not meant for any specific country as per their website.

3G and 4G details show that clearly by mentioning North America and ROW (Rest of World). No mention is made of product variations for different regions/ countries, so it's tough for you to find out where it was sold

AFAIK there is no way to determine where the phone is meant to be sold, IMEI gives country of origin (exception is Samsung, which assigns different codes to countries/ regions)

Edit: OEM website specifically has a flyer saying that s40 is meant for US markets. Absence of any such indicator for s50 strengthens the case for "no specific market"


Conflicted internal SD card because of casing/capitalization?

I have a dirty fix but I still want a better solution.

Just delete the unwanted variant and re-create it, then both names would be mapped to the other (desired) one. However, this needs to be done once per reboot.


When I send or receive a call, the person on the other side can't hear me

Check the microphone of the device. On the S3 I believe it is the little hole on the right side of the charging port.  I have seen this issue numerous times and on occasion, it's a clogged or semi clogged mic port. If the issue is intermittent, the aforementioned possibility is less likely. Other times it is network related, app related or, worst case, a failing microphone.


Android logs are stored in an internal ring buffer.  As such, I don't see how even the overly verbose apps could slow the system down purely through logging.


Recovering internal memory on SGS2 (CWM, not root, boot to recovery only)

I initially installed CWM v5 (as zip from CWM site), but that appears mount the internal sd card memory with root permissions only. I finally tried CWM 6.0.4.5 (again as zip, not from cwm site). The zip failed verification, so I couldn't install it. However, in v5, there's an option to ignore that, so I was able to run v6. It seems to run fine so far, and the storage is mounted correctly, and I can now pull with adb!

So - solution:
- Boot into stock recovery
- Install CWM v5 (from cwm site) from sd card (as zip)
- Use that to install CWM v6 from sd card (as zip)
- Then use adb to pull /storage/sdcard0. (adb will not preserve time stamps, but you can do a "ls -laRe" if you want particular file stamps

So in this way I was able to retrieve the contents of the internal sd card. Full details
http://www.sciencemedianetwork.org/Blog/20140304_Samsung_Galaxy_S2_data_recovery

However, after factory reset, the phone still doesn't boot. Follow up question here:
Complete reset of SGS2 (factory reset not sufficient)


Only notifications from text messages are being shown

It sounds like you've gone into the developer options and turned on "limit background processes", which stops apps running in the background to do all these things. The fact that they work normally when you open the app by hand suggests that app is still getting the information it needs, just not until it's in the foreground. The fact it's the whole behaviour of the app (e.g. Play Store downloading updates), not just the appearance of the notification tells me it's not just a problem with notifications.


"Too many files specified; only takes APK file and verifier file" problem


Adjust/personalize auto-correction on Android

Add the word to your personal dictionary.If you are using Gboard:

Go to its settings then Dictionary.
Click on Personal dictionary
Select a language or All languages if you want to add the word for every language.
Click the + button.
On "Type a word", enter ie.. Press the arrow to go back to the previous screen. (You can enter a shortcut for the word if you want but with your word being so short I don't think it is necessary).

For now on ie. will appear when you type and will not be auto-corrected.


Connecting Android phone to OSX mac computer

I should note that I have no idea why this worked, but it did.

I made a partition in my computer's memory. Then I installed a separate version of OSX. When I booted to that partition the Robin connected flawlessly. I thought that it would only work in the partition I created, however, when I booted back to the default partition, the Robin connected.

For perspective, here is a list of the things I tried before I got it to work:

Fast booting the Robin.
Rebooting the Robin.
Wiping the cache of the Robin.
Restarting my computer.
Clearing the SMC and NVRAM of the computer.
Turning on usb debugging.
Switching between usb modes in developer options.
Probing the usb ports in my computer (software).
Disconnecting and connecting the usb several times out of pure frustration.
Connecting the Robin to another computer (it connected).
Uninstalling Android file transfer and reinstalling it.

Hopefully one of these things will work, if someone has this problem in the future.


Home shortcut on Apple bluetooth keyboard

I found out which shortcut key corresponds to Home. It is cmd + return. It seems that the cmd key corresponds to the search key in the list of shortcuts available in the Physical keyboard settings.


What android icon app is this? Please advise

This is the icon of Google Sheet file. It is visible in Google Drive for Google Sheet files. Google Sheet is an alternative to Microsoft Excel.


Samsung Galaxy Grand Duos: Odin flashed the custom Recovery but device boots into stock Recovery

Before you flash the recovery, untick the Auto Reboot option in ODIN. Then flash the recovery. After flashing in done, reboot your device directly to recovery mode from download mode bu pressing Vol up + Power + Home button together. Now you will see the CWM recovery is booted in your device. Now you can reboot normally and your CWM will be installed.


You can reach the Google voice settings by going to Apps -> Google Settings -> Search & Now -> Voice -> Ok Google hot word detection and turning the switch to "On" Google hot word detection only works from the home page where the Google search box is located.  If you don't have a Google search box, you can get one from your widgets which is accessible by touching and holding the home page with your finger.


Restore WhatsApp media from Google photos

Downloading the photos, keeping the names the same and putting them back in the

/storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/Media/WhatsApp Images/

folder will work for most of them. Some photos might have been resized or other meta data changed during the upload to google photos and so it might not work for all.

If you are talking about a large number of photos, then you can download ALL your google photos from here (could take a while):

https://takeout.google.com/settings/takeout#

to your PC, and then select all the ones with a WhatsApp-style name, e.g:

IMG-20160913-WA0000.jpg

If you have set up google drive backup (Settings -> Chats -> Chat backup), then you might stand a chance by uninstalling WhatsApp, deleting the local backup from the phone, and allowing WhatsApp to retrive the backup from Google Drive. Before going to all that effort however, it is probably worth checking the size of the backup listed under (Settings -> Chats -> Chat backup). If it is large then it might contain all your photos. If it is small then it is unlikely to be worth the effort.


What's the difference between uTorrent and BitTorrent apps from the same developer?

Effectively nothing. The two desktop torrent clients, uTorrent and BitTorrent used to be developed by two separate groups. Late 2006, µTorrent was purchased by BitTorrent Inc. Since then, they started shipping BitTorrent as a re-branded uTorrent, but also kept uTorrent around. Wikipedia

Because of this, they maintain one program, but have two versions separated only by name, and it seems as though they carried this over to their Android apps as well.


Copy Album Art from One Song to Rest of Album

Easy!
1. Select album with missing or incorrect cover art
2. Goto iTunes or other music app that contains that album with your desired cover, select or right click edit, select cover and drag to your desktop (or copy and paste on desktop)
3. Go back to google album with missing cover, right click and select edit, in the edit screen select the up arrow in the cover section and select the cover you placed on desktop, then save edit screen and voila: the cover is where it belongs, hurray!
4. This way associates all tracks with the same cover, easy!
Cheers


What does "hand with small restricted icon" status icon represent?

It means you have interruptions disabled. When your device is in this mode, you will not receive any visual, audible, or vibration notifications except for alarms you've explicitly configured to be allowed.

On vanilla/Google Android, this setting can be found in the "Sound & notifiation" category, but ASUS may have moved it elsewhere. Alternatively, if you press the volume button up when not in a media app (music player, video, etc) it should display the ringtone/notification volume overlay, and you can use that to adjust your interruption settings.


How can I find out if my device uses FBE or FDE?

There are three ways to identify which encryption type is used:

Identification by device behavior

As a user you should be able to identify what encryption scheme is used by the behavior of your device when it boots (e.g. because you restarted it).

If the classic Full Disk Encryption is active your device will boot for some time and then present a special password enter dialog. If you enter the correct password and confirm it the device will continue to boot which will take some seconds. Then after some time Android will be started and ask again for your password or PIN using the common dialog you should already know when you unlock your device.

If you don't get such a password request in the middle of the boot process you have most likely File Based Encryption (or no encryption at all).

Read property via Termux

The terminal app Termux provides a command-line you can use for identifying which encryption mode your device uses.

Start Termux and enter the following command: getprop ro.crypto.type

If the output is file your device uses File Based Encryption and block if it uses Full Disk Encryption.

Read property via Android Debug Bridge (ADB)

If you have activated the development and ADB mode on your device you can connect it to your PC via USB and use the following command on your PC:

adb shell getprop ro.crypto.type

If it returns file your device uses File Based Encryption and block if it uses Full Disk Encryption.


Will WhatsApp verification delete my contacts & messages?

I don't think verification will delete anything, usually it's just an SMS verification code that has to be entered into the app. 2FA ( Two Factor Authentication )


Disable Pattern lock with usb debugging or Login to WiFI network

This method will only work if you have an sd-card slot on your device and it's rooted.

You mentioned that you can't download any apps to bypass screenlock as you don't have an internet connection. But what you can do is:

Download any similar app on your PC (as an apk from the internet)
Create a recovery-flashable zip out of it, ie, make an update.zip package from the apk and save it onto your sd-card (using a card reader or a different device)
Insert the sd-card into your device boot it into recovery mode
Install the package (update.zip) from recovery

The app should take care of the rest.

If your device isn't rooted or your device does't have an external card slot, follow this link to learn how to factory reset your device from it's locked state, but it would wipe your device's data, so proceed cautiously.


Others contains all files that will not come under the app/pic/doc/zip/audio and video.

It occupies 7.* gb.

So, either click on other or go to file manager and check your custom folders for such heavy data files.


"Low on storage space" But I have 1.7GB free space

I believe that most phones seem to like a certain amount of space free, to keep things  running smoothly. If you try to downloaded something that would leave too little space free, it won't let you. Kind of like how Apple IOS system updates can required 4GB of free space though it may need less than 1GB in reality.

In any case,  your phone is capable of using a removable microSD card, and with the piddly 4GB of internal storage- of which only 2.5GB are available to the end user, that is exactly what the phone makers are encouraging you to do. You should invest in a microSD they are available in large sizes- 32gb is the largest without needed to format the card.


How Can I Root My GS4 Without Bricking It Again

You cannot really root a bricked phone. However, assuming your phone is not currently bricked, there's a very straightforward tutorial by wwjoshdew that you can follow.


sluggish performance due to mmcqd CPU usage

Yes, when you see mmcqd on the top-3 processes most of the time you can assure there is a bottleneck created on any storage/flash. You can check that fact easily at the developer options in Android (how to get it), by enabling view CPU usage, the blue color represents I/O operations (more info).

My scenario was more general than the one of the original question: the tablet was already cleared factory-reset, no new apps at-all except chrome and netflix, even re-flashed the stock image but it still was desperately laggy (FYI - Nexus 7 model 2012 with 5.1.1). This is specially true when connected to WiFi or CellData, so before proceeding it's better to enable plane mode for a faster operation.

I found the following fixes to be sufficient:

[optional but recommended] IF you are root OR have custom
recovery (any), you can manually trim the storage for a boost of
performance (how to). This is specially true since the last
time it was used years ago apparently worked well but apps or reflash might have filled space without a chance to trim (more info).
[optional but recommended] The newer versions of the Google Play
store include more services and functions (even API and sync), which I found
specially heavy for those older flash storage. Uninstall unused new Google Play items (such as music, books, news, films) and then go ahead to the sync
menu and disable most of the items (how to). You will surely
find there an item in error, but anyway it's better to clear most of them.
All these are background I/O (instead of foreground I/O) lagging
your device as soon as you connect to network (WiFi/cell).
[optional but recommended] On the above mentioned developer options menu, scroll down at the bottom to find limit background process and select no process for a radical approach. That will eliminate background apps I/O adding up.

These general actions totally solved the I/O issue of the old Android (constant mmcqd). However obviously it is not perfect and there might still be other additional problems, because still modern apps take a small lag to react (for CPU and disk read), and first-boot-up of the system needs some patience (all this is expected). Newer apps and google services do expect newer devices speed.


Paid Apps are tied to an Google account. But this is because of the Google Framework and not because of Android. No one needs to "remove DRM from Android" because there is no DRM within Android. Only support for it. If you install free (as in beer) Apps, everyone can use them.

There is only one imitative that goes one step further then being DRM-less: Android FOSS Apps @ http://f-droid.org/


How can I restore a deleted file that I should not have deleted?

There's a free app on the play store called Undeleter that may help once you can root your device again. It sounds like you erased your Google play services, Google framework, and possibly your Google+ /data when you wiped it. Which is normal. Titanium backup's /data is stored on your sd card, or even internally sometimes in a different directory that is most often protected by root even when you factory reset it.

Boot into recovery using the button press sequence, factory wipe it, and the Dalvik cache, adb push a stockROM.zip file from the manufacturer or just Google search it.

Reboot back to recovery and flash the Gapps file, which also is a .zip file, for your specific Android device, and reboot one more time.

Wait five or ten minutes while it loads the first time. Mine have taken 30 minutes before just after flashing a new ROM, so just have patience. Then you can link it to Wi-Fi and reload your Google account info.


Offline map app capable of using Garmin Custom Maps / KMZ?

You might want to take a look at Locus Maps: It not only can import KMZ files (I guess the ones you mean keep to the Keyhole standard, so they should work). You can even have media (pictures) embedded within, and use them in offline mode. Maps also can be downloaded right from within the app, so you can be prepared for your off-road trip.

It also supports a bunch of different map formats (including vector maps), so I would wonder if you were unable to get your mentioned material loaded with Locus.

Besides: excellent support, active forum, and much more... Definitely worth a look.

And no, I'm not the developer placing my ad here :)


How to permanently delete stored images in /data

Perhaps the reason why your old photos survive flashes is because there may be a secondary internal flash memory that is separate from both the memory used for the OS (root) and the removable microSD slot. (I know my phone is like this.) Not sure why they would still be there after a factory reset though. Have you tried removing them using a file manager app like ES File Explorer, ASTRO, etc?

Another suggestion would be to verify that the photos aren't owned by root. If they are you could try removing them using the Android Terminal EmulatorAndroid Terminal Emulator app with root privileges, or try connecting your phone to your computer and delete them using the Android Debug Bridge.


Why is my microSD card not being reconized in Samsung Galaxy S Plus?

If its connected to your computer and the USB connection mode is "Mass Storage", the SD card cannot be used by the phone.
You may like to change the connection mode by pulling the notification bar from top and selecting "Charge only" so that it does not mounts the SD card and it remains usable by the phone while it is connected to PC.


downgrade resolution of nexus 5 to improve battery

No, it wouldn't make a lot of difference to the battery life, and it's just as likely to increase power consumption as to decrease it. The screen would still draw the same amount of power. All that you'd be saving is that the GPU wouldn't have to do as much work to shade pixels (i.e. determine the colour of each individual pixel) - but that would come at the cost of having to scale up each 720p frame to the 1080p physical resolution of the screen itself.

You'd only get a net benefit from that in certain kinds of game where pixel shading is very expensive. Such games often do this already - they render expensive parts at a lower resolution and upscale - to keep within the 16ms budget for rendering each frame. At all other times, the upscaling would be unnecessarily costing you power.


I would try updating the device, latest software will put Android Pie on the device, so if the issue is linked to Android 8, you should find it resolved.


You might do Hard Reset that will help you. Sometimes Normal Reset Does not work.

First of all switch off the device by pressing the Power button.
In the next step hold down Volume Up + Power button for about 10 seconds.
You can release held keys when you see the Android Robot.
To enter the Recovery Mode hold down the Power key for a short while.
From the menu choose "Wipe Data/Factory Reset" by using Volume buttons to scroll and Power button to select options.
Tap "yes" to confirm the operation if you are certain you want to clear all your data.
Use the Power button to accept the option "reboot system now".
Well done!

This will surely help you. otherwise, your hard disk might get somehow corrupted.


The post you link says that a more recent OTA update fixes the problem. If you're not comfortable rooting the phone, I suggest you wait a few days and apply that update when your phone offers.

To answer your other queries about rooting: yes, you can unroot again (and lock the bootloader) once you've changed whatever settings you like. While the phone is unrooted, OTA updates will not apply. Applying an OTA update afterwards may undo the settings you've change: we can only guess whether they will or not. In this case, since the next OTA update fixes the problem, it probably will change the tethering flag.

FWIW, the problem you're seeing isn't that the phone doesn't have the ability to tether any more. KitKat adds new tethering features, and it seems (from the descriptions online) that the update had the accidental side-effect of making T-Mobile (and some other carriers) think that your plan doesn't allow tethering when it should.

Whether tethering is allowed is a matter between you and your carrier, not Android. If tethering is disallowed in your contract with the carrier, and you try to do it anyway, they have every right to stop you. Many carriers have other means to detect and block it that don't rely on the phone. It seems to be an accident that users on some carriers are being blocked when they shouldn't be, and that's what the work-around (and the official update) avoids.


Bricked Moto G2 XT1068 with a Cynogenmod with low battery.Need some help :)

Try connecting the phone to pc, then entering bootloader(press all buttons)
Let it charge for a couple minutes, then reboot to recovery... or just reboot to recovery.
had this issue about half a year ago.


Payment deducted but app was not downloaded

Whenever a transaction is initiated online it has 2 parts ...

The vendor(merchant side - in this case will be google) side
The Bank side(the bank whose Credit Card/Debit Card/Net Banking one would use)

The part that routes from the Vendor side to the respective gateway(for credit cards) and Banking portal(for Net Banking) is a normal redirection. The next process is where the actual transaction takes place ... This is the process where the Credit/Debit cards/Net Banking Accounts are debited(which involves authenticating the OTP) ... ONCE this process is completed, what lies ahead is the MOST IMPORTANT part ... the part where the Successful transaction part has to be clearly transmitted back(redirected) to the vendor side(portal) for the finality of the process.

The Issue described above is the place where the last(and the most important) part has failed ... the communication of the successful transaction back to the vendor portal which initiated this whole process ... this occurs in probability due to a request time-out ...

In such cases the vendor has no information with regard to the success(approval) of the transaction as a result they have no information of the transaction except the request time-out information. But as the transaction was successfully completed on the side of the bank with the debit and the OTP authentication leaves the funds in a suspense account waiting for the vendor to raise a credit for the same. As the Vendor has no information with regard to the success of the transaction they will not seek a credit for the same ... the bank who had moved the debit to a suspense account which holds the funds until a claim is raised will not know what to do ... except lie in wait that they may be presented with a claim any time.

Net outcome of this above situation ... is that our funds from this stale transaction will continue to rot in this suspense !!!

The only way this stands to be resolved is from the side of the Bank as the success of the transaction was fully recorded on their side.

ALL WE NEED TO DO IS ... contact the bank and raise a complaint with them of this "request time-out" issue one has faced ... They'll raise a ticket ... and investigate the same ... they'll wait for a specific time to see if any claim gets raised for this transaction with the said date, time and transaction nos. ... and even after this waiting period they do not get any claim for that particular transaction they'll finally decide that this was a case of a request time-out and subsequently issue a reversal of this transaction ... This whole exercise could take a minimum of 10 days and could differ from bank to bank.

Hope this information helps cases of request time-out get sorted out better.


Delete free apps from Play Store library

I suggest you use both a PC and your mobile for this solution.

Using your PC, visit your Play Store's order history. It would list only those apps you have bought so far. Now, in your Play Store app, go to Account (rightwards swipe from the left edge) → Library.

Compare the two lists. The ones which would not match would be the free ones.

This is not user-friendly but should get the job done nonetheless.


For Android 5.0.x Lollipop:

Either on "Recents" or "Call History", tap the entry you want to see. It will open a mini-menu under the entry with options "Call back" and "Details".
Select "Details" to see the call details.
From here, you can see the time when you receive/miss a call, and also the duration of the call.

Click the image for larger variant


None on the internet however I did get this information  while searching here's the link

http://www.tomsguide.com/forum/id-1818822/galaxy-note.html

download and install the suitable USB drivers for your device, you can download Samsung KIES for verifying if the suitable drivers are installed on your PC.
Secondly, download the Official Jelly Bean 4.1.2 XXLT6 Firmware file and save it in your PC.
Now, download Odin app and save it in your computer, after the download is done extract the ODIN archive on your desktop folder PC and install the ODIN app.
Extract the downloaded update file on your PC.
Open Odin.
Power off your Note N7000 device.
Boot it into Download Mode, for entering into Download Mode for Galaxy Note N7000 device, you have to press and keep holding the Power + Volume Down + Home buttons on the same time.
Now, with your device booted into Download Mode, connect the device using its USB cord.
Verify into ODIN app and make sure there is a notified “added” message and the ID:COM zone colored on yellow or blue color.
In case there isn’t the added message or is different, you will have to safe remove the USB cable from the PC and to change the USB port for connection to the PC and also re-install the drivers on your computer; After you have done all these operations repeat the steps from the starting.
Now, from the Odin app select “PDA”.
Browse and select the update file from your PC.
Important: make sure that the Re-partition option is unchecked and also don’t perform any other change into ODIN interface.
Next, when you want to beginning the installation process, press the “Start” button from ODIN app, now the flashing process will start, and you need to wait.
After ODIN app will say “pass” message you can disconnect your device from the PC.
Reboot your device.


How do I manipulate the filesystem of my Android smartphone from PC without restrictions? Can I do it on an non-rooted phone?

To access app data you must be rooted.
When rooted you can access the /data folder with adb. You do adb shell.
Then su to access superuser rights and then you can access /data.


Can I put an HTC flip clock on the lock screen?

Install WidgetLocker Lockscreen. It allows to add homescreen widgets on lockscreen.

Update:
HTC widgets can't be added to WidgetLocker, but third-party general widgets can be. So, install Beautiful Widgets app, first. It has exact HTC flip-clock alternative.


How can I install APK file on Bluestacks app player?

Save as app name.apk and right click on that file and open with HD-apk handler.exe which is located in C:\Program Files (x86)\BlueStacks.


try this if you haven't figured it out yet..

https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/nexus/HRALDucgBq4

Wiping the System Cache Partition
Wiping the system cache partition will not delete any files or data but always remember to backup anything important on a regular basis, ie/ photographs, music or document files.

If your device is switched on, power it off.

.
.
You'll see an image of an Android robot with a red exclamation mark

While holding the Power button, tap and release the Volume Up button - a menu should appear. (Do not hold the Volume Up button down as this will reboot the device).
Use the volume buttons to scroll to "wipe cache partition" and press the Power button to select it.


XIAOMI Redmi 6: how to change or remove the pin of the sim?

Go to Settings -> Additional Settings -> Privacy.
Find SIM Lock section, select the SIM you want to change the pin, then click on "Change SIM PIN".


Links from Gmail all open in same Chrome tab

Q: Is there a workaround?
A: Open a link from the Gmail app (goes into Chrome), open a new tab and leave it empty, then go back to Gmail and click another link, it does not replace the first one in Chrome. You end up with two non-empty tabs open. Is that a satisfactory workaround?


Might not be ideal, but you can save the webpage to a pdf which you can read anytime:

  Menu > Print > PDF > Save

Now you can read your articles anytime, if you have a PDF reader installed.
The problem with this off course is that the page won't open in Chrome and that the way the page is displayed could depend on your choice of PDF reader. I use Adobe Reader, and it keeps any links intact.


Helium (carbon) won't recognize backup files

It's because the files within the com.koushikdutta.backup/files are deleted whenever

You uninstall Helium Backup, or
The phone has been factory reset

If those files are missing, Helium Backup will fail to recognize any of your backups, even if they exist and is easily restorable.
Requiring those files to exist in order to restore backups is honestly quite a retarded system.


This is definitely being caused by the drivers. You have to uninstall everything related to your phone from your computer. The drivers, and anything else it installed. Remove all of that, then re-download the drivers for your phone off of google. Install these drivers, then plug the phone in. It should download anything missing now and hopefully recognize the device.

You could even try reinstalling the USB device's drivers itself.
On my phone, I can specify whether to host the android device as media storage, image, or charge-only. Try switching between these (if your device allows) and see if that makes a difference.

EDIT: Using DriveDroid, creating an image and hosting that image as a USB flash device would be an appropriate workaround.


How can I get the Unknown Sources option on my Dell Streak?

Depending on your firmware version, you might be able to abuse the ability turn-on engineering mode. Taken from StreakSmart:

Dial *#*#307#*#* on your Streak. Other than a quick flash on the screen, it will look like nothing has happened.
Go to your app drawer/program menu and tap a new icon labeled EMList. If the icon is not there, turn off the Streak. It should be there when you turn it on again.
Scroll to the bottom and tap app_security.
Tap update unknown resource property to enable it.

This will be the only way without installing a custom rom (Google StreakDroid)


Android is replacing some of my app icons with alternative ones. How do I stop this

I was using the stock launcher 'Launcher3' which was overriding the Google Maps icon (and others).  A different launcher doesn't have this problem, and looks much better.  User 'beeshyams' suggested 'Nova Launcher' but I installed the 'Google Now Launcher'

Thanks 'beeshyams' for the answer.


Try going under apps in the settings. Find the touchwiz launcher in the list. There should be an option to clear defaults. This should fix your problem. If the problem persists, try reinstalling Nova.


When in the message window, "long press" the image (hold your finger down on the image for a second or two) and a menu should pop up giving you the option to download or save the attachment.

When you go to your gallery you'll usually see attachments you've downloaded in a folder called "Downloads" or "Messaging."


Where did all these photos and videos come from?

It sounds like your facebook app is keeping a cache somewhere on your phone. Using an app like SD Maid, or any other phone cleaning application that searches for and deletes cache files such as this should solve this.