Mounting cifs/samba volume as a directory in android

Make your sure kernel supports SELinux and cifs module

You additionally need SELinuxModeChanger Alternatively type: setenforce Permissive as su in terminal.

A patched version of CIFS manager which uses (mount command) and needs SuperSU from chainfire. You can get this from XDA developers; Patched CIFS manager

Alternatively you can create a cifs mount point from terminal and give IP address and username of your NAS:

su --mount-master -c busybox mount -o username=guest,rw,noperm,iocharset=utf8 -t cifs //192.168.xxx.xxx/cifsshare /path-to-mount-in

change back SElinux mode to enforcing:

setenforce Enforcing

And you're done

Credits

Mounting a network share into the filesystem [ROOT]


Am having multiple issues with Android 4.4.2 tablet

It is probably an issue with the dictionary. It probably has a lot of words in it and is taking time to load before the keyboard is displayed. Clear the dictionary or back it up if possible.


Allowing my rooted Sanyo Zio to work with my Vista 64 computer

Unfortunately rooting your phone won't change a thing, as the problem is on the Windows side.  If Windows doesn't have a way to communicate with the phone (ie, a driver), then it doesn't matter if the phone has a different ROM on it - the hardware is still the same.

However, if you package your apps as APKs you can upload them to the SD card and then click on them to install that way.  In Eclipse: right click on the project > Android Tools > Export Signed Application Package.  Follow the prompts and you're flying.


Each vendor is able to customize Android to suite their whimsy.

I'm using a $250USD Toshiba Thrive (OS 4.0.3), a Curtis KLU MID704 (OS 4.1.1, and one of the Rockchip clones) a Polaroid branded PMID704 and a ZTE phone. Of all these, the Polaroid and Curtis have Ethernet support in the settings. I'm using a Radio Shack Belkin USB-to-Ethernet adapter, which is supported off-the-shelf by Android. (Only the Toshiba Thrive has a full size type-A USB jack. The others need adapters, NOT available at radioshack.) The Polaroid is "broken" in that the Ethernet doesn't work. You click on it in settings and it clicks but does nothing. The crappy $75USD Curtis works, it shows me my IP and MAC address in settings and I can set static IP parameters including IP Address, Gateway, NetMask, and 2 DNS servers.

However, the Android frameworks (in the Java(tm)-like language) are broken. The connection managers only support WiFi and Mobile Data. You can inquire about the Eth0 device but can't open a connection or do anything with it.

So basically, your mileage may vary from mfr to mfr, and tabbly to tabbly.
Good luck!
-dave


Two identical devices, only one offers system update

OTA updates that come directly from Google (such as Nexus devices) are rolled out in waves. An excerpt from Dan Morill's comment states that, specifically:

Rollouts are conducted in phases. Typically they start at 1% of devices for around 24 - 48 hours; we watch the return rates and resulting device checkins and error reports (if any), and make sure nothing looks wrong before sending it to more. Then typically it goes to 25%, 50%, 100% over the course of a week or two.
What the percentages mean is that when your device checks in, it has a 1% chance (for example) of being offered the OTA. If it doesn't (randomly) get an offer, it will never get an offer until the next batch.

Since the Lollipop update for the GSM Nexus 7 just began yesterday, one of your devices was likely chosen for this "wave" and the other was not. If you want to update manually, you could try to find a copy of the OTA and attempt to sideload it or use the proper factory images.


Acer DA241HL - system reset from bootloader

Summing up from the comments:

No "reset" will ever roll back any system updates applied. For that, you would have to re-flash the original ROM.
For the device to show up with adb devices or fastboot devices, you must have your computer configured accordingly. If your computer runs Windows, you will need a special driver (Koush's Universal ADB driver might help you out here, in case you cannot find a specific driver for your devices). If it's Linux, you might wish to consult my answer here, for a Mac it might be similar. Further helpful hints can be found via our adb tag-wiki.
As you have multiple identic devices, some updated and some not, you should be able to utilize dd (see also this wikipedia article for a starter) to clone all partitions of one device and apply that to others. As partition structures are quite device specific, I cannot give you accurate details here; a little research might be helpful especially on sites like XDA Developers. A custom recovery can be used for this as well: check out our nandroid tag and its tag-wiki for details on that.


How to test internet speed using terminal emulator on Android

We can run an script called speedtest.py  localized in Github

python speedtest.py


How do I know when an app was used in Android?

Android allows usage stats to be seen from GUI. Here's how you can see it. (Source, by Kevin Swartz)

In your default dialer, type *#*#4636#*#*. It would open a window named Testing which is a sub-setting of Settings app.
Go to Usage Statistics.

For Lollipop:

Sort the time in Sort by: based on Usage time or  Last time used or  App name.
The order of entries are App, Last time used, and Usage time.

(Click image to enlarge)

For Jelly Bean 4.2.1 to Kitkat 4.4.2:

Sort the time in Sort by: based on Usage time or  Launch count or App name.
The order of entries are App, Count, and Usage time.

(Click image to enlarge)

The usage time in these Android versions is shown in milliseconds (ms). You may do calculation on your own, or try a conversion tool like this to instantly convert them into minutes.

Don't forget ADB

Alternatively, you can directly jump into the Usage Statistics window using adb. Enter this command:

For Android Lollipop:

   adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.UsageStatsActivity

For Android 4.2.1 to 4.4.2:

   adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.UsageStats

See this answer if you're interested in knowing the role of parameters in those commands.

You can also do adb shell dumpsys usagestats (Source, by Jinghao Shi) which for Android 4.2.1 and 4.4.2 didn't give anything more useful than already covered in  screenshots posted above for them.

Lollipop shows more end-user comprehensible output in comparison to its predecessors,

In-memory daily stats
  timeRange="8/29/2015, 8:34 AM â 8/30/2015, 1:41 AM"
    packages
      package=com.android.documentsui totalTime="00:07" lastTime="8/30/2015, 1:35 AM"
      package=com.android.browser totalTime="00:02" lastTime="8/30/2015, 1:35 AM"
      package=com.android.camera2 totalTime="00:05" lastTime="8/30/2015, 1:37 AM"
...
...
events
      time="8/30/2015, 1:34 AM" type=MOVE_TO_BACKGROUND package=com.android.deskclock class=com.android.deskclock.DeskClock
      time="8/30/2015, 1:34 AM" type=MOVE_TO_FOREGROUND package=com.android.dialer class=com.android.incallui.InCallActivity
      time="8/30/2015, 1:34 AM" type=MOVE_TO_FOREGROUND package=com.android.dialer class=com.android.dialer.DialtactsActivity
...
...
In-memory weekly stats
  timeRange="8/27/2015, 5:30 AM â 8/30/2015, 1:41 AM"
    packages
      package=com.android.documentsui totalTime="00:07" lastTime="8/30/2015, 1:35 AM"
      package=com.android.browser totalTime="00:02" lastTime="8/30/2015, 1:35 AM"
      package=com.android.camera2 totalTime="00:05" lastTime="8/30/2015, 1:37 AM"
...
...
In-memory monthly stats
  timeRange="8/9/2015, 8:34 AM â 8/30/2015, 1:41 AM"
    packages
      package=com.android.documentsui totalTime="00:07" lastTime="8/30/2015, 1:35 AM"
      package=com.android.browser totalTime="00:02" lastTime="8/30/2015, 1:35 AM"
      package=com.android.camera2 totalTime="00:05" lastTime="8/30/2015, 1:37 AM"
...
...
In-memory yearly stats
  timeRange="12/21/2014, 5:30 AM â 8/30/2015, 1:41 AM"
    packages
      package=com.android.documentsui totalTime="00:07" lastTime="8/30/2015, 1:35 AM"
      package=com.android.browser totalTime="00:02" lastTime="8/30/2015, 1:35 AM"
      package=com.android.camera2 totalTime="00:05" lastTime="8/30/2015, 1:37 AM"

Now you can browse the list to find Camera and Gallery app, and see their "last time used" value, for Lollipop, that is. Unfortunately, the info in this section wouldn't help the devices running predecessor of Lollipop, unless the device is rooted, or you find an app that can give you package statistics.

Also, in your particular case, all of this info would be helpful only if you've had not launched the Camera, Gallery, or a particular app of your interest after your friend was done using the phone, since the time-stamp for that app gets updated to the new "Last time used", for all Android versions I mentioned.

The following section would work if the device is rooted.

For Jelly Bean (4.2.1) to Kitkat (4.4.2)

Android keeps a log of when  an app (it's component) was last used. You can head down to /data/system/usagestats/ using a file explorer with root access, or using adb.

There would be a file named usage-history.xml and some other files with naming convention as usage-YYMMDD where:

YYYY - Year
MM - Month
DD - Date

E.g. usage-20150729 is the file created on July 29, 2015.

That .xml is a plain XML file, so you should be able to view it in a  text editor. Those usage-YYMMDD are data files (charset=binary) and my text editor Kate couldn't open them in human-readable form. However, cat <FILE> command does the job, so as the Android app QuickEdit, not completely I should add.

The basic template of entries in that .xml file is:

<pkg name="">
  <comp name="" />
  <comp name="" />
  ...
  <comp name="" />
</pkg>

E.g. These are the following entries for the AFWall+ app:

<pkg name="dev.ukanth.ufirewall">
  <comp name="dev.ukanth.ufirewall.MainActivity" lrt="1438134244890" />
  <comp name="dev.ukanth.ufirewall.widget.ToggleWidgetOldActivity" lrt="1435337932669" />
  <comp name="dev.ukanth.ufirewall.HelpActivity" lrt="1416601650972" />
  ...
</pkg>

The lrt against every component (comp) is the Unix time. To make it human readable, use Epoch Converter or anything that can convert Unix time into human readable time.

E.g. 1438134244890 is the Unix time when I accessed the AFWall+'s main activity (it's default view) and the converted time is Wed, 29 Jul 2015 01:44:04 GMT, which is correct.

As for the content in usage-YYMMDD, you'll see activities of the apps you visited on that day. There is no time-stamp there.

For Lollipop

Lollipop has considerable changes in regard to usage statistics collection of an app. See official note by  Google here.

The concept of  usage-history.xml and usage-YYMMDD doesn't apply here. Instead, you get directories named daily, monthly, weekly, yearly. All of them has files which you guessed it right, having numeral names, nothing but Unix Time like 1440374400000.

A typical file under daily has the content:

<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8' standalone='yes' ?>
<usagestats version="1" endTime="66355190">
    <packages>
        <package lastTimeActive="66153798" package="com.android.providers.media" timeActive="2974" lastEvent="2" />
        <package lastTimeActive="66329769" package="net.dinglisch.android.taskerm" timeActive="64172" lastEvent="2" />
        <package lastTimeActive="66150806" package="android" timeActive="1942" lastEvent="2" />
...
...
    <event-log>
        <event time="43080692" package="android" type="5" fs="1065353216" mcc="404" mnc="97" />
        <event time="43087204" package="com.android.launcher3" class="com.android.launcher3.Launcher" type="2" />
        <event time="43087329" package="com.android.settings" class="com.android.settings.Settings" type="1" />

Now this is actually the same thing that we saw in usagestat's  output but the timing is in its raw form. I've no idea how to understand the time here let alone convert it into human-readable form. Developers should be able to do it.

If you what it is and how to convert (as an end-user) then please let me know it or post an answer here.


How can I format a flash drive using terminal emulator?

There are native programs available on Android for creating file systems, and in most cases they reside in a directory below /system (my Motorola Droid 2 e.g. has them in /system/xbin. Depending on the file system you want to create, you can chose between:

mkfs.ext2
mkfs.minix (unlikely you want that -- and it might even be not available with your ROM)
mkfs.vfat

As the latter is probably what you want, some closer explanation on its options here:

mkfs.vfat [-v] [-n LABEL] BLOCKDEV [KBYTES]

What do those options stand for?

-v: Generate verbose output (reporting)
-n Label: Give the file system a name
BLOCKDEV: the file system you want to format
KBYTES: probably the block size (I'm not 100% sure with this)

So the minimal thing to do would be:

mkfs.vfat -v /dev/block/uba1

(provided your drive to format is available as /dev/block/uba1 on your system). One more example, giving the file system a name:

mkfs.vfat -v -n MyNewDisk /dev/block/uba1

It should report success then -- or an error if it failed.

EDIT: On some systems, the mkfs commands seem to be part of the busybox binaries -- which you can recognize with a full directory listing, e.g.

ls -l /system/xbin | grep mkfs

It should show them as "symbolic links" pointing to busybox then. In this case, you can optionally run them via busybox:

busybox mkfs.vfat

should show you the syntax then (thanks to ce4 for pointing this out -- credits to him ;) ).


Yes, you can do this. Here's how:

Note: I'm on Froyo (Android 2.2), so if you're on a different version it may be slightly different.

Go To your home screen.
Choose Settings from the Menu
Choose Language & Keyboard
Choose Android Keyboard
Choose Input Languages
Select the English and German Languages
Exit out by pressing the Home Key

You're now set up for German and English.

Here's how to test it:

Open the browser
Tap the address bar to bring up the keyboard
LONG PRESS the address bar (or text field, whatever you want to call it)
Look at the the space bar: it will have the following: < English >
Now SWIPE/SLIDE your finger over the space bar, you'll see it change to < German >

Once < German > is selected, you're now using the German keyboard.
Swipe again to return to English.

Enjoy.


How do I press "Up" if I do not have an "Up" button?

GO keyboard also has an up button.

You'll just need to launch the editor.


Where does Amazon App Store keep the APKs

they are on the SD card.

The free ones are put here. (I would assume they all get put in the same spot.)

/sdcard/Android/data/com.amazon.venezia/cache

Their names are by no means associated with the app though.


Get rid of Google Now Cards nag from Google Search

It looks like Google has mooted this question by removing the nag.


Why can't I find a CERT.RSA file in my Android APK?

Sometimes the "CERT.RSA" file is called something else. No idea why. I have often found the certificate file to be called something".RSA".

For example, when I decompile the "wp.wattpad" APK, it has its certificate saved as "BNDLTOOL.RSA"

My advice to you would be to find the file in the META-INF folder that has the extension ".RSA". It is probably the certificate.


Unable to open HAXM device: ERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUND

Had the same problem in windows 10, which was solved by disabling Hyper-v and reinstalling HAXM via SDK Manager>SDK Tools>Intel x86 Emulator Accelerator


Root hboot 2.18.0001 without computer (HTC EVO 4G)

There is currently no way to do this. The only way to gain root on HBOOT 2.18 is to use the HTCdev tool to unlock your bootloader which requires a USB cable to work since it uses fastboot commands. Revolutionary and other methods only support HBOOT versions up to 2.16.0001 on the EVO 4G.


Switch between ringer and vibrate based on schedule?

Check out Locale (more expensive, but easier to use) or Tasker (less expensive, more complicated to use/more configurable).


How to reset android phone which is locked and debugging mode is disabled, plus no recovery?

It can be booted in safe mode. Just you have to do is switch off the phone and switch it on while pressing power key + volume down key simultaneously ( checked in micromax a116 ). If you are not able to switch it off, just remove the battery directly.;p
Note : The key combination may vary depends on the mobile brands.


Locked out of Galaxy S Duos - Failed lock pattern

Try all the methods in a similar question on here: Izzy's Answer on Unlocking Android Devices via Google, ADB, and Recovery - Android Enthusiasts

There are almost 10 angles to work from running 3 pages long, it is too much to quote here and all credit goes to Izzy for spending a lot of time working up that answer.

If none of those work, please revise your answer to include any errors you encountered and whether your device is rooted, knowledge of installed Android version, build number, etc.

Hope this helps,


Will an Android phone connect to Wi-Fi and download apps without a subscription?

The equivalent of an iPod in the Android world would be one of these two:

A handset with no telephony at all, this will be WiFi only

An example of this is the Samsung Galaxy Player.

A prepaid handset phone, this will still connect to WiFi, but later on if you wanted, you could connect it to a phone network

An example of this is the LG Optimus V on Virgin Mobile.

As long as the manufacturer supports it (check the product page, but I think most do nowadays), you'll be able to download apps from the Google Play Store.  You will also be able to download from alternate stores depending on the device.  Finally, I think all Android devices can download from the Amazon AppStore.


AC3 Codec for MX Amlogic MX2 Android Media Player Box

AC3 is not by any means the most common file type/format for audio files.
MP3 and Apple's AAC/m4a is do l far more often used especially on mobile devices and on the internet.

Downloading codecs like on PC is not possible. Android has to ship it in it's system or your media player has to support AC3 files.
This is also not very easy because AC3 is patented and licensed so developers have to use free codecs.


Disable all blackground apps when using some apps (possibly with Tasker)

You can do so by forcing the system to limite background processes. Open the Settings > Developers Options > Limite background processes and select No background process.

If Developers Options is not enabled (on Android 4.4.2 and above), enable it at Settings > About phone > Tape 7 times on Build number > Go back to Settings, the option should be on.


You can use unmkbootimg from this thread on XDA Developers.

$ unmkbootimg recovery.img

This should give you two files: initramfs.cpio.gz and zImage (the kernel image). To extract initramfs.cpio.gz use this command:

$ mkdir ramdisk && cd ramdisk
$ gunzip -c ../initramfs.cpio.gz | cpio -i

Check this post for more detailed information.

EDIT:
I just realized I only answered half of the question. To re-pack the image after making changes to the extracted files, use the command that unmkbookimg gave you, e.g.

mkbootimg --kernel zImage --ramdisk initramfs.cpio.gz --base 0x40000000 --cmdline 'console=ttyS0,115200 rw init=/init loglevel=8' -o new_boot.img

According to the article, use this command to create the new initramfs.cpio.gz file (untested):

find . | cpio -o -H newc | gzip > ../newramdisk.cpio.gz


Ringtone and vibration not working on Nexus 5 (Android 5.0.1)

I had this problem and it was so annoying, because I missed all the important call due to this error or setting. I didn't change this setting and only Nexus phone know how it changed this setting.

Please follow the steps below and it will start ringing.

Press Volume Up key on the the phone.
Select the option "Indefinitely"
Select the Settings icon (the wheel icon)
Under "Priority interruptions" section, enable Calls.

Enjoy, no more missing calls


Marshmallow: Apps NOT battery optimized still seem to doze off

Apps are designed how they are designed by each developer. Apps can acquire wakelocks and keep the cpu (for instance) from sleeping thereby allowing the app to stay active: http://developer.android.com/training/scheduling/wakelock.html

A great app will do this as little as possible especially as apps can set alarms to check the internet for updates or an app can wait to receive a push from an internet server.

Apps never sleeping is the wrong way to look at it and will do nothing for you but hasten the battery usage for typically no good reason.

If there's an app that stops working when it should stay working then the developer should be contacted so as to let them know you want it to continue working even after situations where it may have become disabled regardless of what happens.


How do you save a contact onto the home screen?

Found it. There's a Direct dial widget you can add from the Applications/Widgets menu. When you select this, it prompts you to choose a contact.

There are also shortcut widgets for Direct message, Open contact, etc.


Can't send MMS messages (but can receive)

This may help

  i have test Moto G

  1.Open Message

  2.Choose Attach Option on right side Options(Picture,Capture picture,Videos,Capture Video,Audio,Record audio and Slideshow).

  3.Choose Capture Video/Videos,if choose video then we have send small video otherwise its not selected.

  4.Then last Send MMS.


Will a UK Android telephone work in Japan?

Sim-locked phones need to be unlocked for use on other carriers.  Almost every phone you get will be sim-locked.  The most easily unlocked phones I know of are the Galaxy S line.

The only other thing you need to check is the radio frequency bands used by the device and the carrier.  If they match, you're in luck.  "Quad-band" devices should work on every GSM network.


In my old school days, this were trivial because just right behind the projector screen are whiteboards which is sometimes used as a "screen" which can be drawn on with markers.

As more modern alternative, there are also smartboards that provides a virtual whiteboard to draw on with digital annotations. And one of them can be controlled and viewed from an Android tablet.

If you only need video and slides, then you can run your presentation on the computer running smartboard software and connect to the computer with the Android tablet controller. This doesn't actually allow you to draw over arbitrary apps though.


Android apps aren't binaries.  They're .apk's, similar to Java .jar files, and .dex or .odex files when in bytecode form.  They're run in the Dalvik virtual machine, again very similar to a Java VM.

You can launch an app from a shell as follows:

am start -a android.intent.action.MAIN -n <package name>/<activity name>

For example, Angry Birds:

am start -a android.intent.action.MAIN -n com.rovio.angrybirds/com.rovio.ka3d.app

The name of the activity is found in the AndroidManifest.xml file inside the .apk under //manifest/application/activity/@name.  For Google Voice there are quite a few activities, and you may need to use other intents.  I don't have SL4A.

You can also disable apps temporarily with this:

pm disable <package name>

And re-enable:

pm enable <package name>


How to read the data of a SD card configured as "Internal Storage"

You don't... if the SD card was encrypted adopted storage, and you removed it and factory reset the phone then you have lost all possibility of accessing any information on the SD card. You are better off just to reformat the card and start over.

The encryption "key" was stored on the device, but when you factory reset it the encryption key was deleted, it was a random key and cannot be regenerated. You have lost all possibility of accessing this card.

If the card was portable storage, then put it in a PC and try to read it, if it still won't read the card is probably bad or corrupted and should be formatted or replaced.


How to stop display turn on and consuming battery power, when using Headphones remote control or volume button?

I believe it depends upon the music player app. Have you tried using another music player?

In my case, I didn't encounter this issue. I have used Samsung Galaxy 3 with several music players including stock player and also with a Bluetooth headset.

I think the app itself is the cause for this, which is causing screen wake-up on next/previous, and in my opinion is a poor implementation.

I don't know of any apps which allow to change the screen on behavior like this. It may be available in Cyanogen-mod perhaps.


I've found Meridian Player Transcend and it's what I needed. I can play all the mp3 files from a folder (all songs in an album)


This usually happens if multiple instances of adb are running.
Many OEM's sync applications (e.g. HTC sync or droid explorer) runs adb automatically so you will get the error.

Kill all these instances beforehand from task manager and then start an adb server.

Or uninstall these sync application and everything will work fine.

If you want to use the sync application also then download adb fix from this link.


Transform Amazon Fire TV into Nintendo Gaming Console

Just google for bluetooth controllers that FTV supports. I have a Nyko and Ouya controller that I use on mine. You don't need to root in order to play emulators. You just need to side load the apk files. Not all emulators will work and some will work better than others. You will however be limited to the space on your unrooted FTV though. Having a rooted FTV will let you play games from a flash thumb drive or HDD.


Most (pretty much all) USB keyboards and mice support the USB HID protocol. You might not be able to use some special "media keys" or other advanced features, but standard features will work without additional drivers.

As for routing USB Input to standard Android UI events, I suspect they'll do it (they'd be stupid not to) but couldn't find any conclusive information as of yet.


Spotting Cause of Excessive Battery Drain

GSam Battery Monitor is an excellent program that will give you an extremely detailed report of what is using your battery and to what extent.
However, what I believe this may be is the Mobile Radio Active bug. It is one of the most starred Android bugs in existence. Essentially, when apps that use data are turned on (such as Facebook or Skype), the Android system forgets to turn off the radio until the app that asked for the radio in the first place is force stopped. Google has acclaimed that the issue is fixed in Android M, but I do not believe they have plans to fix it for Lollipop. (I am looking for a source of proof and will edit this when I find it)
In the meantime, Greenify will automate the process of force stopping apps when you don't need them, however, you may stop receiving notifications from these apps.


How can I disable the Complete account setup prompt in Google Play Store?

Is the sign always popping up or does it not appear again when u skip once?

Other, just make a paypal acc and link it without actually purchasing anything. If I recall correctly u dont even need a credit card


The apps that requires constant internet connection and cannot be run without it. But they will notify you.


how can I re-link my apps to play store?

If your phone is rooted, then Titanium Backup app has a relevant feature that might work:

Tap the app you want to link from the list of apps on the titanium backup app
switch to the "Special features" tab
You will find "attach to market(forced)"

There's also an XDA thread about this.


Do GApps 4.4.4 work on Cyanogenmod 11 with 4.4.2?

To answer your first question, yes.
May I recommend ParanoidAndroid GApps for a reliable source of current GApps.

To your second question: make sure you do a wipe BEFORE you install your system rom and gapps.

Sidenote, its quite possible there are outstanding bugs in your rom. For this reason I highly recommend following guides on Xda Developers


What is the difference between "Auto focus" and "Macro" modes of focus?

In general , macro photography from wiki says

  ....is extreme close-up photography, usually of very small subjects, in which the size of the subject in the photograph is greater than life size...The ratio of the subject size on the film plane (or sensor plane) to the actual subject size is known as the reproduction ratio. Likewise, a macro lens is classically a lens capable of reproduction ratios of at least 1:1....

From sister stack exchange {photography site](https://photo.stackexchange.com/a/24079)

  Life-size is the typical aim of "full macro" shots, which is to say you are working at a 1:1 reproduction ratio, shooting very small objects at close range. Insects, flower stamens, etc.

Auto Focus by contrast is letting the camera decide the best settings eliminating user intervention - see
How Does Autofocus Actually Work?

While these definitions should be applicable to Android as such, the quality would obviously depend on bunch of things like lens, zoom,megapixel and pre /post photo processing built in


After upgrading to Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), can't send or receive SMS texts?

I had the same problem. I fixed it by doing this:

Go to Settings -> Privacy and Safety -> App permissions -> SMS

Turn off the Messages app and turn it back on.


Facebook Messenger: no notification when offline on Android

Update the app. If doesn't work, update the phone. If doesn't work, switch off and on your phone. If still doesn't work, uninstall and reinstall the app.


There has to be a custom recovery for your device first that will allow you to do a backup of your current stock ROM. Second Lollipop has to be released for your tablet. There could be a custom recovery for the Sunstech TAB 900 from TWRP. Look into it. Go to the Play Store or do a search for custom recovs for your device.


Android device beginning to go out of control when I reboot it

Its a very common thing i have seen with HTC (might be valid for others but i have only used HTC)
You should change your "Charger" and the "Data Cable" used along that charger ... the Data cable does this auto opening of apps and touching of buttons .. try borrowing someones charger and putting it in you will notice it gets fine..


First you have to save his number then see his details in that phone you have blocked him/her and in details you can find block option from their unblock him or download Truecaller and after registered open app find that contact you have block open that contact in app and see in his profile if he is blocked then unblock him else it's blocked from main contact app.

         Or

Steps to block or unblock a phone number on your Samsung Galaxy S series

From the home screen, tap Phone.

Tap MORE.

Tap Settings.

Tap Call blocking.

Tap Block list.

There are three methods for adding a phone number to the block list.

Enter the phone number manually.

Enter the phone number.

Tap the green + icon.

Select a phone number from the call log.

Tap LOG.

Tap the phone number.

Tap the green + icon.

Select a phone number from the contact list.

Tap CONTACTS.

Tap the phone number.

Tap the green + icon.


GSM Arena to the rescue! Note if you just go to the Nexus 5 site you can see the phone specs, and the models available.
The Nexus 5 has a 16 Gb and a 32 Gb model, with no extensible memory. You can expect to lose between 5 - 7 Gb on most modern devices out of the box, as this is partitioned to various tasks, mostly space for Android itself, and any future updates that may be larger size.
It's impossible to say how much you will use, but a 32 Gb model should do you fine for most apps, games and general use.
I have looked at at a Nexus 5 and the /data available to the user is:

26.7 GB for the 32 GB
12.55 GB for the 16 GB

It is theoretically possible to re-partition a device, however, you are far more than likely to brick the device completely, and I would not recommend it to anyone who is not developing custom firmware of their own. And even then with extreme caution.
There are a lot of partitions, but here are the main Nexus 5 ones:
/system 1009.3Mb
/cache 689.8Mb
/persist 15.8Mb
/firmware 64.0Mb

For full details see this XDA thread


First of all, that you shouldn't unzip the file.. cause it is a flashable zip.. next, since you said its cause of google play store..

1) go to settings>apps see if any google product is installed already.. If it does, you need to remove it.. If its installed as a user app.. you can uninstall right away in settings.. If it's system app.. Then you need to root your mobile first and download and install any system apps remover..

Note: If you root mobile, your warrenty will be void.. Since you are using samsung, rooting is against their mobile laws..

2) if the google apps are not installed, search google as "4.2.2 gapps" you will get lot of links.. download anyone you want and flash it in recovery..

Note: it is highly recommended to use custom recovery like clockwork mod, philz touch recovery or twrp to flash files.. google it, you will find one if someone ported it for your device..!


How to share clipboard between BlueStacks & host Windows PC?

Today, I installed Clipper Plus in BlueStacks and I noticed that its already storing clips I copied in Windows. I have also tried to copy a text in BlueStacks and paste in Windows. It has confirmed that clipboard has already been shared between BlueStacks & Windows. Great...

Either this feature has been pushed recently or I didn't notice it without Clipper Plus. I tried to paste using Ctrl+V in BlueStacks which still doesn't work. Do paste with proper method: Long-click & choose Paste from menu.


Gmail: How do I mute ALL coming mail *except* mail from certain senders?

You might try:

whitelist a couple of email-addresses and mark them as important.
On the general tab of gmail settings choose: Important mail notifications on.

Hope this solves your issue.


I resolved the issue and it was because of the reason that I wasn't using SIM card


Stuck in bootloop Neffos X1. No recovery mode

On every android I've had holding down the power button 30-90 second will hard power the phone off. you should be able to enter the bootloader by holding the entry button combination and letting it bootloop


Which A2SD should I use with AOKP VJ 4.2.2 Jelly Bean v2.1 on HTC Desire

Create an ext4 partition with 1Gb space (for example). Then, the first time you enter the ROM, type in terminal emulator:

su
a2sd xdata
y
y

Now, you have 1Gb internal memory.


By default, setting up an exchange email with your job allows its system administrators to run a distant flash of your phone. Unlink your exchange sync if they can't manage it right


Sending a message to all contacts in WhatsApp

Use the broadcast function, see: http://www.whatsapp.com/faq/en/android/23130793

Open WhatsApp
Press the [Menu Button]
Tap [New broadcast]
Type your contacts' names or press the [+] button to choose from your contact
list
Tap [Next]
Type your message and optionally attach media
Tap  the send button


TWRP, Updater processes ended with ERROR: 7

According to this post on XDA

  The reason is clear: You haven't done a factory reset. If you're coming from another rom, you can make a Titanium Backup of your apps and restore it after installing cm11. [...] Either way, you need to do a factory reset/full wipe. You will lose your apps, data, pretty much everything. Make a backup first, do the wipe, then it will install.


Wifi Doesn't connect to internet in my i5801

as i go to setting's advance option i noticed i have checked use static IP address and given some fix ip address ... that's why wifi was not working. removing that everything works


Unable to paste files on sd card on ubuntu

If Linux thinks the card's filesystem may be damaged (i.e., wasn't removed safely/unmounted cleanly) then it will force it to mount in read-only mode.

If you are fairly sure it's OK, you can remove the card from the phone and put it in a card reader, then force it to mount in terminal (assuming it shows up as /dev/sdc1, and you make a folder /mnt/usb for it):

sudo mount -o rw,nonempty /dev/sdc1 /mnt/usb

Try that. If it works for you, be sure to unmount it properly when you are done. Next time you try to access it through your phone you should be fine.

If not, you may want to check that your account has permissions/group memberships to appropriate groups (or cheat and run Nautilus with sudo).

Good luck!


Cant' uninstall app; it shows up on home screen but not app drawer or installed apps list

Is the app in this question the same as the one you're talking about? If so, you might be dealing with malware.

The reason the app might not be showing up in the installed apps list in the Google Play Store is because it was installed outside of the Google Play Store (by a different app). Try finding the app in the installed applications list of Android itself. Do this like so:

Open the Settings app.
Scroll down to Apps.
In the top right corner, click ... and then Show system apps.
Search for the app name in the list, presumably APP Lock, and select it.

Have you found it? Great! Uninstall it by clicking Uninstall.
If this button is greyed out, then the app might have installed itself as a system app and you will need root to remove it with Root Uninstaller, for example.


Sounds like your launcher (home screen) is acting up. Turn on USB Debugging if you haven't (go to Settings from the notification bar), then adb install another launcher from your PC. After that press HOME and select what's installed.

Don't try updating stuff yet - there are ways to recover even if the above fails (though more complicated).


ADB over TCPIP connects, but no command works after connection has been done

After 3-4 days of trial-error I've found what's the source of the issue...

It has something to do with virtualized ethernet adapter hardware. When I switched to Virt IO and I installed the driver in my Windows 7 guest machine, ADB has started to work as expected!

Conclusion: if you want to debug Android apps from a Windows guest to an emulator or device, configure you VirtualBox machine to use VirtIO (paravirtualized) network and you'll be fine!


Tap-to-wake anywhere without activating anything when the screen starts dimming

You can try the sleep option. You can do this by going to settings>display>sleep and then choose an option according to your preference. Some phones(like Redmi or Mi phones) come with a never sleep option whereas others can stay awake for a maximum of 30 minutes.


Check if call is coming from a fixed or mobile phone with tasker

Depending on the set up of your profile use the following:

In the Task step add the If statement: %CNUM ~ 9*/8*
This means that the step will be executed only for number starting with 9 or 8.

Alternatively, set up the whole profile to only activate if the caller's number starts with 8 or 9.
In Event (like Incoming Call) settings: Caller (normally says Optional) specify 9*/8*
This means the profile will be only activated if the number starts with 9 or 8.

Hopefully, this will work for you.

For more info see: http://tasker.dinglisch.net/userguide/en/matching.html


Why is fingerprint lock considered less secure than pattern lock on Nexus 5X?

The weakness is actually in the fingerprints themselves and not the way Nexus 5x implements it.

Fingerprints are less secure because they cannot be changed like a password and cannot be revoked if compromised.

Fingerprints are also left everywhere such as, at a glass. They can then be captured and reproduced. Think about this: Android uses a touch screen. The fingerprints are left on the screen after device's usage.

With a fingerprint it's almost good then it is good enough. Because the way it is touched or if you have a cut. Making fingerprints not hashable. Compared to a pin which has to be perfect every time.

They can be taken without permission. Not only from being left behind but also legally without consent. If a password is in your head it must be given, thereby, also leaving your right to privacy and your right to remain silent.

In the United States a person is also protected from testifying against themselves by the 5th amendment. Legally, fingerprints are considered as physical objects because they exist in the physical world. So they are not protected by the 5th amendment.


Casting Nexus5 Screen to a smart TV without extra hardware

If your smart TV supports the Miracast protocol for wireless displays, then you can cast to it just the same way you would a Chromecast.


You cannot increase touch points as this is related to your hardware (screen) not the software. You would need to purchase a new screen for your device that supports multi-touch features.


Better Russian dictionary for Android's autocorrect?

Install User Dictionary Manager
-(With this you can import/export/delete/edit dictionaries)

*Now after installing User Dictionary Manager Download Russian Dictionary (Ru.zip 2012) From Here

*Unzip Russian Dictionary File

*Import .txt file with User DictionaryManager.

  DONE

Dictionary Source


TWRP for Samsung Galaxy Note 2 N7100 has the official version of TWRP for your device. It also lists out installation steps using

App
Odin
dd method

This you tube link is also helpful http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=a7z8W6b2CrQ

Flashing Stock

I would suggest you go the odin way. Fool proof way is to first flash stock and then TWRP, since you have a SIM issue. Flashing stock should fix that. Flashing TWRP in the present state may/ may not help in getting your SIM recognised, so it is advisable to flash stock first, check SIM is working and then flash TWRP (of course after backing up data)

If you don't have stock with you, you can download from SamMobile after registering. Make sure you download ROM of the region you stay in.

Odin has different versions and some of the versions have options changed. Hence, the description in guides may differ with options available on the tool. This guide has a good pictorial description corresponding to newer version of Odin

http://androidmtk.com/flash-samsung-stock-rom-using-odin

Here is one more link (also having stock ROMs) from XDA


Is it possible to do in-app purchase via play.google.com using my desktop browser?

As far as I know there is no web-based interface for performing in-app purchases.
In-app purchases are only triggered by the app.
The only chance to purchase an in-app item on your computer would be to use an Android emulator with PlayStore installed (Google provides images with PlayStore) assuming that the app you want to purchase items in is available for x86 devices (the emulator is not an ARM device).
In this case you could set-up the emulator with your Google account, download the app, start the app and purchase what you want from inside the app.


Is the Whatsapp backup Feature activated by default?

By default WhatsApp would make a local backup daily (Stored in the phone), but if you wish there is an option to also backup to Google Drive after the local backup finishes, i am not sure if the Google drive backup is set to ON by default but the option is there.


Power saver turns display brighter. Shouldn't it be darker?

Go to your Power Settings and check for the Brightness level. Someone must have changed the default settings


Mute Emergency alert in Google Now (without removing it)

If you go to google now, and then go to settings (the three dot menu button if its a soft key) theres a section that says notifications. That section has a part titled Urgent Updates and has the option to set a ringtone or turn on vibrate. As far as I know this should change the sound for the alert since it says urgent updates include public alerts. Just note, I am using KitKat so if you don't have the latest version of google now it could be different.
EDIT: I just realized this question was asked a year ago so the answer details a newer version


Is it possible to simulate a gyroscope using the camera?

Possibly, but would likely require quite a work-around as the gyroscope is gravity-based and has more physical attributes. You would either need a sort of "reference point" for the app to use like a light source, but then you run into image recognition technology. I'm not much of a programmer, but if I was limited to just a camera, I would have the user calibrate the app first or at least the room they're currently in. It would go something like this:

Center your head, and keep it as stable and forwards as possible.

Now, look up when prompted on screen.

Now left,

Then right,

And down.

Now rotate your body 180° clockwise, or counter-clockwise.

Room calibration is now complete!

The issue you have with this however, would be that this would differ if the room changes, or if the user moves to another room. Something of this magnitude would be akin to taking a panoramic photo like you stated, but instead using the images as a reference for the app to know where the user is looking. This is quite a predicament. I would also take into account the range of quality in mobile cameras, as this will indefinitely have a substantial impact on performance. I also advise including a sort of disclaimer telling the user that their devices camera may not be up-to-par, or limit the apps availability to higher-end devices. Your best alternative would probably be an accelerometer, but it sounds like your aim is for a more common piece of hardware. Hope this is helps.


Updating dd-wrt to the latest build (15778 - D-Link 615 D2) fixed it for me.


Can not install apks from File Manager or browser?

Installing

With the  LineageOS File Manager

It seems that inside the File Manager, there are two discrete things Download a directory, and Downloads some broken nonsense shortcut link:

Does not work: On the left nav, you'll see Images Videos Audio Recent, and then Downloads Documents, and SM-P600. Installing from the Downloads on the right bar, gives this error.
Works: Going into the device at the bottom of the left nav (which is actually just a link to /data/media/0 and then clicking on Download will take you Download which is actually different from Downloads (plural and on the Left Nav). From this you can install the APK.

With the CLI

Enable ADB in the Settings
Run adb shell on the host
Browse to /sdcard/Downloads or /data/media/0/Download with cd. If you're unsure where the apk is located try running

find / -name 'VLC*-ARMv7.apk

Locate the apk and install with pm

pm install ./VLC*-ARMv7.apk

The problem

The problem seems to be that VLC web server answers the request with a response that has content-type: application/octet-stream like this,

$ curl -s -I "https://nightlies.videolan.org/build/android-armv7/VLC-Android-3.0.11-20180618-0249-ARMv7.apk"
HTTP/2 200
server: nginx/1.15.0
date: Tue, 19 Jun 2018 03:16:06 GMT
content-type: application/octet-stream
content-length: 25048251
last-modified: Mon, 18 Jun 2018 06:05:02 GMT
etag: "5b274b8e-17e34bb"
accept-ranges: bytes
x-clacks-overhead: GNU Terry Pratchett
strict-transport-security: max-age=31536000

Rather than application/vnd.android.package-archive. This means that you can't install through the browser, or the Downloads shortcut. This is because APK files are just zip files:

$ file VLC-Android-3.0.11-20180618-0249-ARMv7.apk
VLC-Android-3.0.11-20180618-0249-ARMv7.apk: Zip archive data, at least v2.0 to extract

So what the File Manager and browser are trying to do is open them as such -- and you don't have something that hands Zip archive data 2.0+


Setting/app to route audio input to phone's mic while a wired headset is connected to it

There is no system-wide setting for this, unfortunately. And apps that try to control audio routing are usually hacks that cause problems on their own.

But I have a hardware solution for you -- buy one of those splitter adaptors that convert 4-pin TRRS into 2 3-pin TRS, separating for headphones and microphone, and only plug the headphones jack into your phone. Look for something like this: https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-MUYHSFMM-Headset-Splitter-Adapter/dp/B0058DOWH6 (I'm not recommending this particular adapter, just showing how it should look like).


Judging from the name OS2SD (Operating System TO SD) and from the line that reads OS2SD friendly TWRP recovery, handles partitioning of sd card for OS2SD in this XDA post, it seems that it's a particular flavor of Android that's made to be installed on an appropriately formatted external SD. Aside from that, I was not able to get more info.

Anyone is invited to improve this answer with more info.


Should I update those pre-installed programs that I never use?

You might consider disabling those apps (starting with ICS, that's possible for some but not all) and "delete their updates". This way you'd solve multiple of your issues:

no more update reminders
app becomes unavailable, so it's no longer shown in the app drawer
being disabled, they should also no longer provide an "attack vector"
plus, the updates deleted, you save precious internal storage :)

If that's not possible for some apps via Settings → Applications (check the "All" tab there to see pre-installed apps), and rooting is an option, you can still freeze them with apps like Titanium Backup to achieve the same.

Update: Starting with Lollipop, you can use the pm hide command without root via adb. So in case disabling an app the common way (see previous paragraph) fails, that is still worth a try.


Take it back to wherever you bought it and demand a refund.  Regardless if this is a hardware or software problem, you shouldn't have a problem with the sales staff -- show them the picture you linked to.


Download CWM here: http://www.mediafire.com/download/kf88nz9k9adugqa/A1%2B+recovery.img

Download Mobileuncle tool: http://www.mediafire.com/download/lmd4m939ymahddz/Mobile+uncle+tools%281%29.apk

How to install

Download Recovery.img and Mobileuncle tool from given links
Rename A1+ recovery.img to recovery.img
Copy recovery.img to root of your sd card
Install mobileuncle tool
Open mobileuncle tool. Click flash recovery from sdcard, allow root permission, and click ok. Thats it.

Information found on XDA Forum (source).

Custom ROMs for the Karbonn A1+ are few, but I found this XPERIA Rom forum. More can be found elsewhere. Do your research and you'll find some more.


You don't install system apps, they're automatically detected.  After you move it to /system/app/ just remount system as read-only and reboot.  If your ROM's not deodexed that may not work but that's a whole other can of worms.


MIUI ROM English Version for Samsung Galaxy S

The base MIUI is quite closed source and opaque (there was some brouhaha on XDA about it) I'm sure. There are several spin-offs and/or AOSP merges in different languages on XDA.

These are specific links to current MIUI ROMs (current as at 29 Aug 2011)

I9000: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1118682
SGS2: http://www.galnetmiui.co.uk

However, I'd suggest you monitor the relevant device forum at XDA and see what's out there. Versions change, ROMs come and go, threads are closed/new ones opened etc so the two links above may not be reliable over time

I have a HTC Desire: there were half a dozen MIUI ROMs for this a few months ago. YMMV of course

Edit:

Note also that ROM developers are leaving XDA because of the noise and stupid users. Hence the galtnet MIUI link (which I got from XDA). So you may find less info than you expect on XDA

You said MIUI but I can recommend Oxygen for the SGS2 (I use this on my Desire)


Samsung Knox For Non Pre-Installed Devices?

According to the official KNOX website, Samsung KNOX is tightly integrated into the operating system. It uses hardware support to verify the bootloader integrity, a custom bootloader to verify the OS integrity, and a custom kernel at runtime. It changes the layout of the device's filesystem to add separate encrypted storage for the business-related files. It also relies on hardware support through ARM's TrustZone technology.

Depending on how much of the hardware support already exists on other Samsung devices, it may be possible for Samsung to later backport the KNOX feature for older Samsung phones with a device update, but it's certainly not possible for anyone else to do so, not even by installing a custom ROM. (That wouldn't add the bootloader support to ensure the ROM isn't changed later.)


Help with a phone which shows nothing but the boot screen

The solution would be to flash your phone with a stock ROM. Search for the procedure online or take it to the service centre if you are not confident enough.


You have to wait until Samsung lets out their update with their added components, or flash a custom ROM onto it. I don't know how to do that, so I won't provide a recommendation. Depending on what network you're on, it may be a little while yet.
An article about that.


How to adjust ringer volume while listening to music?

When an app is playing sound, Android will only adjust the volume for what is actively playing the sound (in this case the media volume). You can manually adjust your sound volume under Settings -> Sound -> Volume

If your ROM supports it, you may be able to enable expanded mode for volume under Settings -> Sound -> Volume Panel Style -> Expandable. This will give you a button to the right of the onscreen volume indicator (when you press the volume buttons). Press that and it will show all the adjustable volume levels and you can change it through there.


Can I use my cell phone's internet connection as a VPN?

You can use VPN applications to access restricted websites on any android tablet/phone.
Here are a few of them
Flash VPN
Hot spot shield

But i think you will not get exact 4G speeds while using VPN.


Can't change security settings due to VPN setup

Try this Its an apk that can disable the screen lock. It worked for me on KitKat when I had the same problem.
Install it, select launcher and don't mind the icon.


How to remove/delete files from my shared folder in Google drive?

You should have the Remove options as shown on the first image below. If not (as is your case), then long-press on the file, a menu should appear as seen on the second image. You can then click on the trash/bin to delete the file.

I used version 2.19.392.02.35 of Google Drive.


Incoming call notifications not working - Phone state

I just changed my whole software in REDMI Authorised service center.
I guess the update corrupted my Operating system.


Lollipop: secure lock screen menu options

Short answer: you can't.

There are several bug reports like this one. I'm using Android 5.1.1 right now and this security problem still exists. This "bug" makes the Android Device Manager useless if your device gets stolen.


CyanogenMod is not focussing on user privacy, FOSS or google-less ROMs. See the FSFE Wiki for some info on proprietary parts of CyanogenMod. You may want to take a look on OmniROM as they put a focus on privacy and security - without being to paranoid.

You mentioned that you're using your phone without any Google Applications. I assume that there are no Google Applications installed on your phone - if you install CM without their Installer (flashing zip from recovery), you can skip installing the so called GAPPS. If you install CM with the official installer, you won nothing: Google already re-associated your device by comparing the unique wi-fi mac address, it doesn't matter (from perspective of privacy) if you re-add your account on-device or not.

I'll answer your questions above, assuming that you did not have a single google application installed:

Locating with Wi-Fi/Mobile network on Android KitKat is done using Google Play Services. If it's not installed you can tick or untick this locating feature - it won't do anything.
When using Wi-Fi, the first thing Android does after connecting is to contact google by doing a basic http request to http://google.com/generate_204. This is to measure if the wi-fi is using a captive portal. This request does not contain sensitive information, but you may want disable it anyway.
Beside that, no tracking or scanning comes with the source of Android which is used by CyanogenMod.
Yes they do. As mentioned on the FSFE Wiki, CM uses Google Analytics for tracking their usage on every device by default. This behaviour is opt-out, so you can disable it. If you do not trust this option (the underlying code is not completely open sourced), it's possible to remove Google Analytics using freecyngn.


remove locked by android device manager message

Remove "locked by android device manager" without factory reset.

Here are the steps:

Ask the owner in order to get the passcode or password
(Once you have the passcode or password) Go to settings > Lock screen
Enter passcode or password
Select none or whatever you choose to use
In order to see it, swipe down from the area at the top (Notification panel)
You will see a new (android device manager icon) at the top of your screen. The icon looks like a raindrop (green in color) with a bullseye (white in color) icon inside the circle
Tap and hold the ADM (Android Device Manager) icon
Tap app info
Tap Manage Space
Tap clear all data

Now the icon has been removed.


What do I do when my phone is pitch black due the the dumb brightness system going all the way to 0

Tell whatever voice assistant you have (Google Assistant, Bixby) to set brightness to %50 or such. There's no way to set a minimum brightness.


Icon remains in drawer after removing stock app

Have you restarted your device since removing the app? If you've simply deleted the .apk using Root Explorer then then it won't have performed the 'cleanup' that normally happens when uninstalling an application. Restarting your device should cause the app drawer to re-detect the installed apps and the icon should disappear.

This answer (relevant part quoted below) explains a bit about what happens when uninstalling an app 'properly', this won't have happened if you've simply removed the apk file.

  When you uninstall a package, it also removes other data to do with
  that package: for example, the app's own private data, its data on the
  SD card, your default preferences for that app. It also tells any
  other interested apps that you've removed the app, via an intent
  broadcast. Other apps receiving that broadcast might take further
  action based on that: for example, a launcher (home screen app) would
  remove desktop shortcuts and widgets from that app, since they won't
  work any more.

Also, make sure you have checked /data/app as there may be another apk for Google Drive there if you have updated the app via the Play Store. If you remove the apk from here too (if it exists) then the icon should disappear. A reboot may still be required.


What's a good "if found" wallpaper for Android?

Android OS versions 3.x and above (Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich) actually have a setting that allows you to specify "Owner info" text that will show up when the device is locked.

There are also many 3rd-party locks-creen replacement apps that allow for much greater configuration flexibility than the stock one, including the ability to specify any text on the locks-creen.  Take a look at WidgetLocker or Go Locker, for example.

For the "unlocked" state, you can always modify an image to include the "if found..." text, copy it onto the device's SD Card (or internal storage area), and set that as the wallpaper.  You can use one of the myriad of free image editing software (e.g. Paint.NET) to add the text.


Prevent a particular wi-fi spot from trying to connect automatically

Just long-tap that network on the list and click "Forget network". Android will only autoconnect to networks it has previously connected to and still remembers.


Get notifications with text, badge, no sound

I found out that I can disable notification reminders per app.
There is yet another set of toggles, one toggle per app.

When I enable notification reminder for an app, I can only choose sound or vibration, which is fine because if I want neither, I just disable reminders for that app.


Unable to move apps to SD card after Gingerbread upgrade

Hmm, actually just tried again a few hours later and it works now... Odd!


What does the 'Failed to move application. Not enough memory' error mean when choosing 'Move to SD card'?

This is a known problem with leaked 2.2 Galaxy S Vibrant software (happened to me).  Even if you're not using a Vibrant I would suspect the issue is the same, since the software is mostly the same.

You can fix it using this post at XDA if you have a Vibrant or i9000.  If you have another model just check the subforum for your device (or take a risk and try this anyways).


Apps are disabled in Settings - Apps...

Go to your Settings - Apps and press the 3-dot menu button and Show System, find the app in question and tap it open in the list, then select Disable. If there is no Disable option, then the app is set by the OEM to not be able to be disabled.


I do not have rep to comment, is wifly a serial interface?

Second, this is a good place to ask that, I understood they were inviting developers here.

 Extra, after comment reply

As far as I have found there is no ability for serial from the android phones.

I have found sources where people mod the OS to support USB on the Go. Then you can be a USB host, which would suffice for me as usb to serial adapters are relatively easy to come by.

I am new to android and spend most my time on the Electronics and Robotics SO site, but I was interested in this feature.

 And More!

From prolink007

  Google is looking into adding this
  feature in a firmware release. For the
  time being we are just looking into
  rooting the phone and adding the
  feature that way. Our goal is to not
  have to root a phone for this feature
  to be enabled. If we can figure a way
  around this i will post here as soon
  as possible. I will keep this updated
  as we progress.


what is the difference between Dolphin Browser HD and Mini versions?

I've used Dolphin HD for some time now, but every time I try to compare its features with Dolphin Mini I get frustrated, there is no clear documentation everywhere.

That said, Dolphin Mini is a version of the browser that is optimized for velocity and reduced resources use, so I came to the conclusion that Dolphin HD is the right path to go if you have a terminal with decent resources (700Mhz o more powerfull processor, 512Mb of RAM or More, 800x400 resolution, etc....) while the Mini version is here to that ones that do not have this kind of terminals or that prefer a more faster browser even at the cost of missing some features.

So with the two versions being free I choose Dolphin HD if the terminal is powerfull enough to allow you to maintain 3 or more tabs open an user flash.


What's this option in the AOSPA stock email app?

I believe your assumption is exactly correct.

Google has laid out these settings the same way as they have in Gmail, which has better translations. The bottom one is indeed the per-message notification toggle.

Click to enlarge

You could also try temporarily changing your language to English to see if the description is any better thay way. Or, of course, you could send yourself a couple e-mails with and without the setting checked and see how the notifications behave.


Fastboot oem get_identifier_token - FAILED (remote: unknown command)

I found the answer to my question at last after hours of researching.

We should execute the command from the fastboot mode (FASTBOOT USB) and not from the bootloader mode (HBOOT). This is a non-default option selectable using the volume buttons in bootloader (HBOOT) mode.That's why it was not working for me.


Is there a way to download ALL app updates at once in Amazon App Store?

On the Kindle Fire, on the list of apps to be updated, there is an Update All button at the top right. You can update one-by-one or all-at-once, but there's no facility to update a selected group.


Home screen doesn't use the full screen width

The only thing I can think of is clearing the cache and data for your android launcher. If you go to settings -> application manager and then to all apps, you should eventually find your launcher. I would recommend taking some screenshots of how your home screen is organised before doing this though; this will end up getting rid of your home screen layout.


Why is root access required for a custom ROM?

Short answer:
For security and warranty reasons.
Detailed answer:
This is mostly a precaution taken by most (not all!) device manufacturers to save them from too many service requests from "playing kiddies" (and the sort of people who want to try everything, even if they are not understanding anything). So those manufacturers took special actions to avoid "custom ROMs" (or, more precisely, any ROMs not provided by themselves) to be flashed.
As t0mm13b already pointed out in his comments above, by default you do not get physical access to your devices file system simply by connecting it via USB. Depending on device, Android version, and some more criteria, you get only to see parts. This might be the entire SD card (physical, in UMS mode), or even only "logical" access to parts of it via MTP. Some more privileged access can be gained via ADB when enabling USB Debug -- but with a stock ROM, in none of these cases you gain full access.
Now how are updates accomplished then? One very common practice is the use of a special ZIP file (update.zip). This is placed on the SD card, which is inserted into the device, and the device is booted into a special mode (recovery), where the update.zip can be applied from. BUT: the device checks the integrity of that update.zip -- it must be signed with the manufacturers key. For obvious reasons, that key is not freely available -- so no custom ROM can be installed this way on such a stock system.
All these things can be circumvented only with super-user access to the device -- which means: you must root it.
So that's for the WHY part -- while not handling the HOW part of rooting. Exactly as you asked for :)

Update for even more details
As Liam pointed out in his comment that using fastboot would be a method to flash Custom ROMs without the pre-condition of having the device rooted, I did a little more research to find out about this. I will continue looking into this, but still already wanted to add my first results here.
Up to a certain point, Liam is right with this: It seems not only valid to Samsung devices (as I assumed first), but some other devices (not all) also support this method, without root being involved (aside from the fact that most Custom ROMs will ship rooted, of course -- so you will have root available after installing them). However, there are devices which seem to require root even for fastboot flash (see e.g. TheUnlockr concerning the Iconia A100, quote: You must have rooted your device before doing this procedure. -- and yes, they use fastboot flash recovery recovery.img afterwards).
However, even if fastboot works for your unrooted device, there is one crucial point to consider:

To Flash a ROM for your Android device with fastboot you must have an unlocked bootloader or an engineering bootloader

(Flashing Guide - Android - XDA-Developers)
Which means: If your bootloader is locked, you need to unlock it first, which will wipe (factory-reset) your device. So all data will be gone for good this way -- while with root you could have done a complete backup (Nandroid, Titanium Backup) before this step. However, starting with Android 4.0, this is no longer a real problem -- as you can do a full backup via ADB (see: Full Backup of non-rooted devices)

Summary:
There are devices requiring to be rooted before you can flash a Custom ROM. If your device falls into this category, the reasons for Why is root access required to flash a Custom ROM are those mentioned above.
However: There are also devices which can be flashed using fastboot without being rooted before. If your device falls into that category, the question Why is root access required to flash a Custom ROM becomes invalid (the answer not, as ex falso quodlibet sequitur ("from false can follow anything") you can draw any conclusion from a wrong premise :)
That is: IF rooting is required, the above is WHY.


What about rebooting your device ?

I had the same problem solved like this...

[EDIT] Do you use a widget for the wifi: it can help you to disable it?


HTC One SV: Preditive dictionary turns "I was" into "I WAS" every time. How can I turn this off?

In your keyboard settings there should be a "My dictionary" or "My words" or something similar, in there should be all of the words you have added to AutoCorrect, if "WAS" is there, delete it, if not add "was".


try to disable KNOX by typing pm disable --user 0 com.sec.knox.seandroid in adb shell. When uninstalling KNOX, you are asked if you want to backup your KNOX data


how to ignore folder when using adb push

This sounds like an XY problem as excluding files and directories with adb push isn't what you're really intending to do.

If you're syncing Git repositories, the best option is a Git client. The one I'm currently using is Termux and I do a lot of development on my phone with it.

Download Termux and use its built-in APT package manager to install Git and you'll be able to process your work easily.


Configure Android to save pictures/video to SDCard

You should be able to do this from the settings of the Camera app, rather than the system settings.


I can't access my phone after a factory reset, because the Gboard doesn't work!

install latest platform-tools
download service ROM according to your phone model
connect usb-cable and enter fastboot mode (Vol Dn + Power)
install usb-drivers
flash the common partitions only
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot flash cust cust.img
fastboot flash vendor vendor.img
fastboot flash product product.img
fastboot flash version version.img
fastboot format:ext4 cache
fastboot format:ext4 userdata


Music only plays for a second and then ends?

The most obvious explanation is that the file is incomplete: there's only a small fraction of the file there, or only the first section of the file is readable. Given that the symptoms you report in your other question point to SD card failure, that seems the most likely cause for this too.

If this is a different SD card, it could be that the card itself isn't at fault: rather, whatever you're using to copy files to the card could be corrupting the filesystem, or a dodgy USB connection to a card reader could be interrupting file transfers.


Where are my Apps gone? Not shown under all apps, in my phone

I solved the problem myself. I had a game installed on SD card named, Hambo, I shifted it to phone and all apps, came back to their place, what else change I did earlier was to remove updates of Android market app. So google play was removed and then I did the only change of moving one app. from SD card to phone and my problem was solved. I don't know actual reason of problem but based on what I read some where I think it was may be waiting for some update or change in some installation after the uninstallation of play update. So when I shifted an app to phone, all old things restored at their place.


How can I reset my device without losing images on it?

Factory reset does NOT erase any user data. It just erases system/data/data folder and cache. This is the reason why sometimes problems doesn't get fix after all: Because is not so low level as we'd like.


Add peripheral Hardware where screen was

Not for the screen itself. The connector used for the screen is not for general-purpose input and output. It's connected directly to the framebuffer hardware, so all it can do is stream pixels very fast to the panel.

You might have more luck with the digitizer (touchscreen). It depends which particular interface is exposed. If it's only where the touchscreen "film" connects to the controller, then all you can do is replace it with the same touchscreen, because the signals passing on that connector are only the raw touch positions, which the controller interprets and turns into touch events. On the other hand, if the controller is on the side that's not present any more, it might be that the connector is on a SPI or I2C bus, in which case you can hook another SPI or I2C device, and you'll need to make a kernel driver in order to talk to it.

To go any further in this direction, you'll want to join our sister site, Electrical Engineering Stack Exchange, and ask there. They'll need a lot more details about the connections: photos, pinout diagrams if you have them, part numbers of any components on the downstream side of the connector.


You cannot remove home screen in Moto G as it contains Stock version of android. You can do that with third party launchers like Go Launcher, Nova Launcher


How do you capture video from the command-line on an Android device?

Depending on the recording app installed, that could be done by calling the corresponding activity via the am (activity manager). The syntax for this is explained on the ADB help page:

start [options] <INTENT>

Example given:

am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW

This means, you first have to find the corresponding intent. This can be done using any Manifest browser (there are several apps available), or e.g. using the activity browser integrated with Apex Launcher (long-tap free space on homescreen, select Shortcut, then Activity). The am call then can either be initiated from within a terminal in the way described above, or via ADB by prefixing the call with adb shell, e.g. adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW.

See also: http://en.androidwiki.com/wiki/ADB_Shell_Command_Reference


Why does Android keep APK files of installed apps?

An Android APK usually contains these things.

assets/
lib/
META-INF/
res/
AndroidManifest.xml
classes.dex

Upon installation, the APK file is copied to /data/app, and classes.dex is extracted and "optimized" by running dex2oat on it (on Android 5+ lib/ is also extracted). Result of the optimization is stored in /data/dalvik-cache/ so an app needs to be optimized only once per installation or update. Everything else is kept inside the APK. So the first answer is very clear: Things like assets and res that's required by the app must be provided, and they are inside the APK. The APK file is kept for supporting purposes. If you delete an APK, the app definitely won't start at all. (App: Where's my assets?)

Second, Google Play added support for "Delta Update" very long ago. In the delta update procedure, the difference between the old package and the new package is calculated. Then GP downloads the "Delta" and applies changes to the original APK to yield the updated APK, thus reducing download size.

An APK is always signed. This can prevent malicious modification to the package. You definitely don't want to install a modded app without knowing what is changed, or whether a virus has been injected. The META-INF/ inside the APK works for this purpose. Unofficial changes will result in non matching signature, and the Android system will refuse to install the modded app.

Also, when you update your Android OS, all dex files are "optimized" again so that you don't need to re-install them one by one. As is said above, optimization requires classes.dex file from the original package.


I finally found the soultion with the help of my techie friend

connect the device throgh USB and run the command:

adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.MAIN -c android.intent.category.HOME

a window comes up. select TouchWiz Home and select Always
android home screen will come up. reset the device and there you go... surelock is gone.

Thanks to Léa for this solution.


Alarm is working even when the phone is powered off

That is expected behavior. It allows you to turn the phone off if you need to ensure the battery doesn't drain (or whatever other use-case you can think up) and still have a usable alarm clock. It's not new, many Android devices do something similar, and every iPhone since the first-generation models also had that feature. I can also recall an old Nokia 3310 I had back in the early 2000's which did the exact same thing.

Turning the phone off does shut down the OS, so don't worry about that. Android supports the setting of "hardware alarms", which let the phone boot automatically at a predetermined time. Not every manufacturer included support for them, but yours obviously did.

Edit: The hardware alarm feature has been deprecated by Apple and isn't useable any longer.


How to convert PDF to read on Android Kindle?


Go to Settings > Application Manager > All applications
(in the tabs across the top).
Check in Downloaded, Running and All
Locate and tap the BadgeProvider app.
Tap Clear data to reset the counter.


How to safely root the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 2017 (SM-T380)?

I removed my RMM prenormal with miracle box no box and after finding the twrp tar on xda used it to install a custom zip file i made with superr kitchen and a rom from samfirm .
There are no roms a


Can not uninstall standard Android keyboard or get it back working

Maybe  you can remove manually using adb shell.

adb remount
adb shell
adb su
cd system
cd app
rm yourapkname.apk -> Change to the apk you want to remove
reboot


Check your settings in Settings -> Location and security. If you have a data plan, I'd suggest enabling Use wireless networks, Use GPS satellites and Use sensor aiding for the fastest possible location fix. If you don't want GPS to use your mobile data, deselect Use wireless networks.

Also, you could see what goes on with the GPS with GPS Test (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.chartcross.gpstest).

Does the GPS icon start blinking in the notification bar when some program attempts to use the GPS?


Does the Secure Random bug affect apps besides Bitcoin?

I do not know of any specific apps, but it certainly CAN (on probably does) affect other apps. Read here for Google's notes on the problem, as well as info for developers on how to avoid the bug. They have also issued patches and sent them to their OHA partners, but it is up to each of them to roll out the update.


When I block somebody in Viber can he still see my online status?

From VIBER themselves:

What happens when I block a contact?

When you block a contact, you prevent them from contacting you via one-on-one messages or calls to your mobile device on Viber. You also prevent them from adding you to a group conversation.

A few notes about blocking contacts:

You will not be able to send messages or make phone calls to contacts you have blocked.
Your profile information will be visible to the blocked contact if you were saved in their contact list before the block, but they will not see any changes made to that information. If you were not saved in their contact list at the time of the block, no profile information will be visible.
Your online status will not be visible to a blocked contact
Unblocking a contact will not restore messages or calls they sent while they were blocked.
Calls and push notifications from blocked contacts may still be received on Viber for tablets, Viber for Desktop and Viber for Windows 8.
Blocking a contact will not delete previous message and call history.
Blocking a contact will not prevent you from seeing messages they send in a group you are both participating in.
Blocking a contact will prevent this contact from adding you to a group chat.
Blocked users will see a "Sent" message status for the messages they send you.
The message status will never say "Delivered" or "Seen"


How can an app access Android Pay data on a rooted phone?

By default, only the application itself (and, under some circumstances, the applications written by the same company) can access to its (private) data. So Google Pay can store securely banking-related information.

If you root your phone, however, any application with root access can access to any folder on your file system. Including applications private data. And Google Pay's banking-related information.

I have no idea what Google Pay stores. But there is at least a way to authenticate as yourself. From there, an application with root access could probably do nasty things. Not nasty for Google, but for you: make payments on your behalf.

If you find a way to hide the root from Google Pay (I don't know if it's achievable, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was), and are entirely trusting the applications you give root access to, sure, go ahead. Personally, I would not.


Migrate whatsapp from phone (old expired number) to another one?

If you are concerned about the contacts and not the chat history then backup the contact in your old phone and import in your new phone. Sign in whatsapp with your new number and it will read all the contacts in your new phone and your contact will be updated.

Only downside is you need to send a whatsapp message to all the contacts saying that you changed your number


How to import Contacts from old Sony Ericsson C702 to Xperia X10?

I have no prior experience with Sony Erricsson software, but I think their PC Suite solution (found here) deals with the syncing of Contacts etc.


Your device isn't listed in the list of supported notebooks, so it's not surprising that it doesn't work. You'll have to wait until it's supported.

Remember that the Android-x86 project is made by volunteers, so support for particular hardware depends on someone with the necessary skills having that hardware and an interest in making it work. You might be able to help speed the process along by buying a similar device for the project (that they can test on), or by helping to update documentation or such to help free their time for porting. If you want to help get your device supported faster, in the first instance you should contact their discussion group and ask what you can do to help.


How to receive a notification for each new message in a conversation?

On Android, go to settings, then bundle notifications. There should be a little bell icon next to each category that you want notifications about. This took me forever to realize how to fix, but much better now! Good luck.


Why are there 2 folders SDCard and SDCard2 on a ViewSonic GTablet?

According to this thread /sdcard is the internal storage of your device. It is so named because Android counts on a FAT/FAT32 filesystem at that mountpoint for data storage. The optional external sdcard mounts to /sdcard2 and is evidently not available via USB from the tablet. These are the "user serviceable" locations in Android. To work with files outside these paths you will need to have root access on the device and use a 3rd party file explorer.


Phone is overheating in less than 10 minutes of usage

First of all, find out what is causing the heating issues, the CPU or the battery.

Download CPU-Z from the Play Store and open it up.

In the first tab, ie SOC, check the clock speeds of each core and compare them with your stock clock speed (1.3GHz) and check CPU Load.

If the cores constantly run at 1.3GHz, then as GiantTree said, you have got some background apps that are causing the heating. Go over to Settings -> Apps -> Running to find the apps.

If not, check the Temperature in the Battery tab. Anything above 40 C is harmful. This could be caused by a faulty battery. Try replacing it.
Either way, use during charging is not recommended.


Yes, you will be able to use Whatsapp with another SIM card and your old account, but do not reset or reinstall the app to not provoke number verification.
Source: personal experience; https://faq.whatsapp.com/en/30028016/.


How can I stop Google Play Services from updating automatically?

If you've unlocked root, there's another option. You can move the latest working GMS (10.0.84) to system partition and block auto-updates by creating empty folders with the APK name.

  KitKat (tested):

  · APK goes to /system/priv-app/com.google.android.gms.apk
     · libs go from /data/app-lib/com.google.android.gms-{1, 2}/  to /system/lib/
     · mkdir /data/app/com.google.android.gms-1.apk /data/app/com.google.android.gms-2.apk

  Lollipop+ (presumed):

  · APK goes to /system/priv-app/PrebuiltGmsCore/PrebuiltGmsCore.apk
     · libs go from /data/app-lib/com.google.android.gms-{1, 2, 3, 4}/  to / system/priv-app/PrebuiltGmsCore/lib/arm/
     · mkdir /data/app/com.google.android.gms-1.apk /data/app/com.google.android.gms-2.apk /data/app/com.google.android.gms-3.apk /data/app/com.google.android.gms-4.apk

(posted this on the »Google Play Help Forum« thread earlier)


I ended up using K-9 Mail. I am relatively certain, that making text encoding the default behaviour for the stock Android Email app is not possible.

For this reason and others I am using now K-9 Mail. It has down sides but it solves this problem.


pkg: /data/local/tmp/Superuser.apk Failure [INSTALL_FAILED_ALREADY_EXISTS]

The problem isn't that a file already exists at that path: it's that the app you're trying to install is already installed on the phone. Have you previously tried to install SuperUser as a normal app? You need to uninstall it before you can root the phone. Uninstall it in the usual way from Settings → Apps.

In addition, the Motochopper exploit only works up to the 4.2.2 firmware for the Galaxy S4 (and only S4 variants with the Snapdragon chipset, not Exynos-based ones). If you've already updated to 4.3 or 4.4, this exploit can't work. You need to use another method, for example unlocking the bootloader the conventional way (though if the phone is carrier-branded the carrier probably has disabled unlocking the bootloader).


How to show Touches and Pointer Location on Screen without Developer Mode?

No support for this in Android 6-7 by default without the developer mode.


Can I skip KitKat and flash Lollipop directly from Jelly Bean

If you are flashing a factory image then you can skip KitKat and go straight to Lollipop (Assuming it is available for your device). Factory images will completely wipe your device and install the image, so are not dependent on the previously installed OS.

If you are wanting to use OTA updates then you don't have any choice what updates to install as they will be automatically provided to you.


My device is grayed out on Google Play website

Try installing Titanium Backup and use its "Manage Android ID" function to update your device ID and "Market Doctor" to relink apps to the market


How do you copy a contact from the SIM card to the phone in order to assign a picture to it

Although I still hope that someone else gives me a easier and quicker solution, I have found the following procedure to be a fairly quick method to accomplish what I wanted ( someone else will certainly have another idea regarding this , I'm sure ) :

I send the contact information using the Send via Gmail to my own Gmail account, press Download in the received email and choose Contacts and Phone). Since all information is present in the .vcf file attached to the mail, I can now easily create/duplicate a new contact without having to enter the name and phone number again.


I forgot the Google account name that I used for buying apps on Google Play, can I recover it somehow?

In my opinion you should search for devices that you might had linked that account and check if someone has that email address. Think if you ever sent a email using that account to a close friend, family member or other internet service.

You can also take a look at this forum answer: https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!msg/gmail/ydNElvUjJVU/hNjOMBN0dNYJ


You'll want to Odin a stock (or nearly stock) ROM after a softbrick.  This guide on XDA looks pretty good and includes a pre-rooted but largely stock ROM that should work for you.  If step 4 fails, disconnect and reconnect your phone to the PC; if it still fails, reboot the phone and try again.


If your N7 has been upgraded to Marshmallow (Android 6.0.x), then when connected, look for a notification in the notification dropdown that lets you change USB mode to "file transfer".


Confusion between system/xbin/which and system/xbin in android

/system/xbin/which is the path of a program this script needs to execute (run). /system/xbin/ is a directory, so obviously you can't execute it.

If you've never used the which command on your desktop GNU/Linux system, you might be interested to read its manpage. In this case, the script is using it to find out if the su command exists, and the actual program it will run.


Samsung Note 8 GT-N5110 restarts by itself

Following esQmo's suggestion, I followed the general instructions given at
Install Original Factory Rom on Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 and reinstalled the stock firmware. Never did anything like that before, but to my surprise it worked and the tablet now is behaving itself.


You can try resetting to the factory from the recovery menu. If it doesn't fix the issue, try flashing the ROM from recovery.

Download the  file from here, then boot to recovery select firmware update. (instructions also available from the download page).

If the above doesn't solve your issue, try flashing the phone using ba computer.

Go to this page and download the firmware file for your model.
Go here and download SP Flashtool.
You may also need USB drivers, grab it in the first link (scroll down the page).


Is it possible to get Android 6.0 if you have any Android 5.0 device?

You need to choose carefully, since many vendors and carriers will abandon devices quickly as they release new ones. So no, you cannot guarantee that ANY device running 5.0 will be able to upgrade to 6.0.  However, here are some suggestions to improve your chances:

Get a recent Google Nexus device. These are always the first to get new releases because they are Google's Android showcase devices. Check this page for devices that have 6.0 firmware available.
Get a device that is on this list. CynaogenMod (CM) is a very good alternative firmware that has breathed life into many, many old
devices that have been long-forgotten by the vendors. CM13 is the
version based on Android 6.0 and they are working hard to expand the
number of devices supported.
Take a look at XDA-Developers device
forums and look for devices that have unofficial Marshmallow
builds. Keep in mind that many of the ROMs posted there are
experimental and possible unstable, and this may be especially true of a new 6.0-based ROM.
Get a device that has an upgrade guarantee or a device that the manufacturer has stated will be getting 6.0. This article is a nice recent list that will get you started, and there is also a Community Wiki on this site tracking status.  However, keep in mind that even if you have a device from this list, the carrier may take longer to (or never) push out the update. As an example, I once had a phone where HTC had released an update but my carrier took almost a year to push their branded version to my phone.  If you can't root your device, you may be at the whim of your carrier.


Is there any study on how which services/sensors consume the battery?

If you look at this video from the Google I/O conference and the slides you can see that they show how much WiFi, the CPU, screen, GPS, accelerometer etc. use in a device.

Here is the video and the slides.

A quick summary in case the links go down:

This shows the amount of battery used by the components in milliamps (mA). Another unit needed is milliamp hours (mAh) which is what battery capacity is measured in, a typical smartphone might have 1600mAh capacity. Having just the screen on we can see how long the device may last by dividing the capacity (1600 mAh) by the usage (~100 mA) giving us 16 hours of use with just the LCD screen on.

It's an interesting video if you take the time to watch the whole thing. It discusses wake locks, where an app will wake up the device to update itself, and how they affect battery life which is an aspect I don't usually consider about applications.


Is there a way to preserve my configuration between firmware updates?

By workspace you mean homescreen ?

You could try a custom launcher, like Apex or Nova, which allow you to backup your homescreens.


As pointed out by @user452820, there is a security setting in settings for that.  Go to Settings > Lock screen and security > Other security settings and change the slider on Make passwords visible.

The blue slider should be greyed out to stop it.


Is Google Play rebranded app being pushed to India?

The "Market" to "Play" renaming is just a re-branding of the store.  It won't change any of the underlying availability or features.  You will have to ask Google (good luck!) about if/when additional feature will be made available in India.  So there is nothing to be gained by "upgrading", other than satisfying the Google marketing department.

Here are some details from the Google Play FAQ:

Q: What types of content are available in my country?
* Paid Apps: Available in these countries
* Movies: Available in US, UK, Canada, and Japan
* eBooks: Available in US, UK, Canada, and Australia
* Music: Available in US


Stuck on "verification fail" while Rooting Moto G 3rd gen

It seems Moto G 3rd Gen is very tricky to root. I spent 2 days trying countless things and having countless problems every step of the way. I drove myself insane with it, however at the end, it worked and my Moto G 3rd Gen is rooted now.

For everyone else experiencing problems with rooting this device here is some info on what to do:

1. Bootloader Unlock

This first step of the process is already pretty tricky.

To achive it you need to closely follow the steps on this page:
https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone/bootloader/unlock-your-device-a

Keep in mind:

The instructions on this page are potentionally (perhaps intentionally) misleading as to trip up unexperienced users. Some things to keep in mind:

on Win CMD you don't actually need to type the $ chars displayed in the instructons on this page. Its best to read some basics about handling cmd before doing this, like how to navigate in cmd.
you need to install Android SDK and JAVA and than run the program ADB in CMD prompt using admin. This is the path: C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Android\sdk\platform-tools\adb
You need to install USB drivers. You can find Moto G 3rd Gen Drivers here: https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/88481
You need to enable Developer Options on your device by tapping 9 times on "about this phone" in settings.
You need to enable OEM unlocking in developer options.
You need to enable USB debugging in developer options.
You need to be logged in in Motorolla Care in order to get a key, you will need to unlock bootloader, otherwise the form returns a 500.

2. Installing TWRP

This step is what ultimately tripped me up. The trick here is, that after installation of TWRP the system restores the old recovery program you want to replace and you always return to square one.

In order to make this one work we need to apply a little bit of trickery.

Download TWRP img file and put it somewhere in your windows filesystem
Connect your Moto G with USB and start adb in cmd as admin
execute this command: adb reboot bootloader
When the phone reboots into bootloader mode, execute this: fastboot flash recovery recovery.img make sure to replace "recovery.img" with the path to your file and the right name of the file. After this one is done, the next step is crucial, otherwise all progress will be lost.
Remove your USB cable from the phone
Boot straight into recovery without any reboots. To do use the volume keys to select booting mode, select with power button.
You should boot into TWRP interface, which is a touch interface with rectangles to click on. If you land on "no command" screen or "system recovery" DOS style screen, you probably need to repeat the installation of TWRP and try to avoid it being automatically replaced / restored to default by the system (this seems to be happening on reboot).
In TWRP click Install. Choose SuperSu.zip from your phone file system and install it. Once this is all finished reboot your device, it should be rooted. Use root checker app to check your root status.

Useful tutorial:
http://theunlockr.com/2015/09/09/how-to-root-the-motorola-moto-g-3rd-gen/

Only problem with this tutorial is, it doesn't mention that TWRP will be deleted by the system if you reboot. So you need to adjust that part of the tutorial as described here.


How to automate sending my current battery percentage to PC over the internet every 5 minutes?

I'm using gist by Github (which can be done using gem install gist after installing ruby package) for broadcasting my battery percentage first to a private file,  tried using ix.io but pkg install ix didn't work on Android terminal the config.guess threw and error saying unable to guess system type.

Already had Termux installed on my Android with necessary packages and with pkg install termux-battery-status and installing the Playstore api app : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.termux.api&hl=en_IN using termux-battery-status | grep percentage | grep -oP '\: (.*?)\,' | grep -Eo '[0-9]{1,3}' gave the battery percentage in terminal.

Finally I added permissions using chmod +x bp.sh and set up crontab on Android to do this every minute using crontab -e and adding the line * * * * * ~/bp.sh

EDIT

Have started to make use of jq to parse json ouput, so now the one liner for script is termux-battery-status | jq .percentage | gist -f bp -u gist_id and start the crontab using crond

PS : I've put the entire thing here :  https://github.com/himanshuxd/bp-broadcast


SD cards generally use the FAT file system, which does not allow for filesystem permissions.  This means that the Android OS would have to manage a custom list of files, their permissions, a mapping of apps to files/folders, etc. in order to prevent apps from accessing the whole card.  This would be a terrible mess.  Not only complicated, but it would require a lot of storage space.  And then one day you take out your SD card and remove some pictures, and the entire system breaks.  You get the idea.


Can I downgrade to an earlier version of Android after installing an OTA update?

Yes, it is possible.

One of the advantages of rooting is the ability to control the operating system that resides on your phone.

With that control, you can change the version of Android. There are two ways to go about doing this:

Flash the stock image https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images
Install a custom ROM. If you know what an operating system is on a computer, a ROM is basically an OS for your phone. Just check XDA-developers for some great custom ROMs that offer any Android experience, with additional features!

I know for a fact Cyanogenmod still haven't released a KitKat based version and offer a close to stock (unmodified) experience with features that are actually useful. I would recommend to try them out.

Enjoy the freedom!