How it works exactly a system of themes? - Android Themes

Hi, I'm new to the forum.
I wonder exactly how it works in android system themes, I mean as is done programming in Java, because I want to develop one for my app but I'm stuck.
Thank you very much.

download a theme, unzip it, then unzip all the apk files and look through them and learn as you go and if you come to a roadblock use search

Ok, so I have only seen a file that might prove useful, the MANIFEST.MF, which contains a list of all images.
But what I really want to know is, the cycle accurate to use a downloaded theme, I mean, my app decompresses it in SD? Or just list the contents?
I want to know exactly how it is functioning, porq from what I've seen, the themes of the Open Home, at no time pass through the SD
Thx

Related

Theming help for a former iPhone themer.

So, with the iphone it was possible (once jailbroken) to swap out system images (status bar, battery images, fonts and so on) on the fly via a file manger, once you uploaded the images to the device or connected via SSH to your computer of choice. So I'm curios if this is possible with android or is baking it into a custom rom / update and flashing it the only option?
Also wondering if there is anything like winterboard for android? I have toyed around with apps like ahome, pandahome and the likes, but I dont really like the idea of a replacement home screen.
regular way is creating an update file that you flash in recovery with all the mods you done. new way where you can watch videos about.. is kind of cool you do it without the need of update file and mostly without the need to reboot the device to take effect. check it out. thanks to stericson ..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=574556
Smokuevo said:
regular way is creating an update file that you flash in recovery with all the mods you done. new way where you can watch videos about.. is kind of cool you do it without the need of update file and mostly without the need to reboot the device to take effect. check it out. thanks to stericson ..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=574556
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That looks promising. A lot like winterboard for the iphone. Just needs a GUI and more safety checks, but, I'm sure that will come in time. I'll start making packs for it in a week or two hopefully once I figure out all the file names and paths.
Thanks for the tip!

(THEME) Stock Music app not so boring anymore...

Ok so I have been tinkering around for the past few trying to get the Fender Music app on my dream. Well I did it but the app sucks cause it's not FOR my device. And being that I don't know how to make it work right, I decided to go back with the stock app.
Enough rambling, you want the goods...
Backup before doing this cause I take no responsibility.
remove the .zip from the name.
Wouldn't hurt to resign it either...
Put the file in your theme's .zip. In the app folder within the .zip of course.
I don't know how to take screen shots but I will tell you to try it and you will like it. This works on my dream flawlessly. I hope the same for you...
This wasn't really that hard to do. Mostly because I don't know how to modify/make .9's nor these .xml's for that matter. But most of the visuals are what I have modified anyway so I don't see the need...
The one thing I have a problem with is the lack of album art. As soon as I figure that out, things will be nice!
This will be on my theme as soon as I get it out. I have grown to understand how long this takes for you themeer's out there. I thank you all for everything you do. But I would like to thank Binary for helping me understand the basics of things around here!!!
Which brings to my attention, this is based on CM 4.2.13......
screenshot.apk from market...
Thanks much. I was waiting for that actually though.
But that's what I will use when I have everything finished.
Knowing this environment though, I'll never finish...
philosophics said:
Thanks much. I was waiting for that actually though.
But that's what I will use when I have everything finished.
Knowing this environment though, I'll never finish...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can take screenshots even easier with ddms.bat
In revision 4 just go to Device and Screen Capture (or whatever).
Simple.
Ok. Thank you. But I'm still going to wait until I finish my theme before I take screen shots. Until then, you'll just have to dl it to find out what it looks like...
Nice to see you getting so into this. If you want help with .9.pngs, Jairomeo taught me a nice trick that makes it very easy (assuming eclipse is set up).
Eclipse is set up I just don't know how to use it other than to start up a virtual android...
Gonna try it out now. I want to know what it looks like
/edit: here is the signed .apk (Or was it already signed?)
(push to system/app)
ok noob question lol... i downloaded the file but when i try to copy it to system/app folder it says file is read only.. something i missed?
rel500 said:
ok noob question lol... i downloaded the file but when i try to copy it to system/app folder it says file is read only.. something i missed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to root your device...
done that.. phones rooted with Dwang 1.7.1 rom. sd parted etc etc... im just confused, do i have to delete the current music apk and replace with the new one?
rel500 said:
done that.. phones rooted with Dwang 1.7.1 rom. sd parted etc etc... im just confused, do i have to delete the current music apk and replace with the new one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
adb remount
ffff00 said:
adb remount
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea. what he said.
This is outdated. I haven't had the time to work on it lately and I apologize for that. My theme hasn't seen any love for a few days either.
But it works and looks better than stock.
Here's how I install it.
Put music.apk in root sdcard folder. Use a file manager like Astro or And Explorer to navigate to it. Click it and install with package installer.
Enjoy!

[Q] Live Wallpapers unavailable Simplicity 1.5 & TW 4.5

Hi, I wonder if anyone can help. I recently installed Simplicity 1.5 (JVT odexed) on my phone, and also touchwiz 4.5. However, I cannot access live wallpapers at all. Now I know Simplicity rom doesn't include them as default, so I used the add on creator to put in the livewallpaperpicker.apk & .odex via cwm but still no joy (it appeared to unpack the files but I can't add a wallpaper - they either forceclose or say the option isn't available). I then tried pushing both files into the system/app folder on my phone, which it has done successfully, but even after a reboot - still no live wallpapers.
I'm not sure if it's TW4.5 that's causing the problem or simplicity, but I think it may be the former. I've checked in the system/app folder and both files are there, but trying to install the apk via my phone just results in the 'not installed' message. Any assistance would be kindly appreciated.
Thanks!
Well I've removed touchwiz 4.5 and still am not able to install live wallpapers, so it must be something to do with simplicity rom I guess. It's a shame, because it seems to be a really nice rom, and I know from reading the developers thread that other people appeared to have been able to install the live wallpapers via the add on creator so not really sure what I'm doing wrong...
Update: Well installing all of the missing files from Simplicity (linked here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=18268152&postcount=1695) seems to have sorted out the problem. The CWM mentions something about permissions when installing - you don't get that message using the stand alone add on creator created zip so I guess it could be something to do with that. I purposefully didn't go this route because the only thing I wanted to install was the live wallpapers, but hopefully I should just be able to delete the other apps that I don't need.
Thanks for everyone who read, I'm posting my solution in case anyone else stumbles across this problem.
yeh had the same problem with the latest 2.1.0, worked a treat after restoring the missing apps. cheers
I have the same problem.I cant see the live wallpapers menu.
I downloaded the zip file from the link above that contains all the removed apps but it didnt work.
What should I do? I installed the visulizationwallpapers.apk but didnt fix the problem.
The other .odex file cant run.
Any ideas?
thebawp said:
Well I've removed touchwiz 4.5 and still am not able to install live wallpapers, so it must be something to do with simplicity rom I guess. It's a shame, because it seems to be a really nice rom, and I know from reading the developers thread that other people appeared to have been able to install the live wallpapers via the add on creator so not really sure what I'm doing wrong...
Update: Well installing all of the missing files from Simplicity (linked here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=18268152&postcount=1695) seems to have sorted out the problem. The CWM mentions something about permissions when installing - you don't get that message using the stand alone add on creator created zip so I guess it could be something to do with that. I purposefully didn't go this route because the only thing I wanted to install was the live wallpapers, but hopefully I should just be able to delete the other apps that I don't need.
Thanks for everyone who read, I'm posting my solution in case anyone else stumbles across this problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For deleting unwanted apps just open the zip file, navigate to /system/app and wipe out all apks/odex files you don't need.
CWM Recovery have an option to fix permissions - give it a try
Are you using 1.5 or 2.1? Let me know if this works for you.

Installing custom kernel on temp root? (AT&T Vivid)

I'm considering buying a HTC Vivid from AT&T, from what I've read, the bootloader for the AT&T Vivid is locked, but it is possible to temporarily unlock it. I also plan to overclock my phone, I've found custom kernels that can overclock the vivid, they say that the phone needs to be rooted. But is a temp root going to give me enough access to install the overclocking kernel? I have jailbroken consoles and HP Touchpad, but I haven't really played with Android or Linux. So if please excuse me if my terminology is used incorrectly. Thanks.
You can unlock the bootloader through HTC'S dev site and get perm root. Just follow the superguide in the development section and you will be good to go.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
Thanks for the info. I'm new to this, after I rooted the phone, how do I install the app? I have an apk file and I tried using the Android Central SWM, but it doesn't work with my phone. I have also enabled the Applications from Unknown sources. But there's no way for me to install.
Edit: I saw that it installed an app called Superuser, but I can't install any apps through Superuser, do I need to put the apk file in a specific folder in order for Superuser to recognize it? Thanks.
awdrifter said:
Thanks for the info. I'm new to this, after I rooted the phone, how do I install the app? I have an apk file and I tried using the Android Central SWM, but it doesn't work with my phone. I have also enabled the Applications from Unknown sources. But there's no way for me to install.
Edit: I saw that it installed an app called Superuser, but I can't install any apps through Superuser, do I need to put the apk file in a specific folder in order for Superuser to recognize it? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you have some reading to do......
That was helpful. I was just looking for a way to install apps to my phone. So far it seems like maybe I can modify the .bat script from the temp root method to install .apk files that way, but that seems risky and I don't want to mess up my brand new phone.
Seems like this is the wrong site to ask, this is a developer site, so I guess I'll ask this somewhere else.
awdrifter said:
That was helpful. I was just looking for a way to install apps to my phone. So far it seems like maybe I can modify the .bat script from the temp root method to install .apk files that way, but that seems risky and I don't want to mess up my brand new phone.
Seems like this is the wrong site to ask, this is a developer site, so I guess I'll ask this somewhere else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no, you just need to use some logic, and this little thing called SEARCHING
you want to install apps on your phone?
you just put them on your sdcard or download them from the phone itself, open a file manager, browse to the apk file and click on it. it will ask to install..... you are making this out to be way harder than it is. and you did not need root for that to take place. its a function of the OS, you dont need the computer in order to install apps.....this is all basic android stuff you could learn by using GOOGLE....
and you are right, this is a developers site, it is not a hold-my-hand site for noobs.....
awdrifter said:
That was helpful. I was just looking for a way to install apps to my phone. So far it seems like maybe I can modify the .bat script from the temp root method to install .apk files that way, but that seems risky and I don't want to mess up my brand new phone.
Seems like this is the wrong site to ask, this is a developer site, so I guess I'll ask this somewhere else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need to ask anywhere, google is your friend. Installing apps is very easy, and rooting isn't even necessary. As PG already said, it's as easy as using a file explorer, and also checking that box in the settings about unknown sources.
http://maketecheasier.com/install-applications-without-the-market/2011/01/28
Thanks for the link, those methods are definitely easier than what I did. I edited the temp root .bat file to copy the .apk file to the phone's internal memory, then I used Astro brower to browse to that directory, then install it from there.
awdrifter said:
Thanks for the link, those methods are definitely easier than what I did. I edited the temp root .bat file to copy the .apk file to the phone's internal memory, then I used Astro brower to browse to that directory, then install it from there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dude, all you have to do is plug in your phone and when it asks you set it to disk mode...it shows up as another drive on your computer...you dont need to use any kind of bat file....this is all seriously generic and basic android usage. as i stated before:
you have some reading to do......
its not to be mean, but seriously, you are asking stuff like this in the same breath as ROOTING your phone. this type of stuff isnt meant to be taken lightly or without some READING and comprehension. know what you are doing to your phone before you royally screw it up....
at this rate, i have a feeling it wont be long before we see a help thread....
I don't understand either. Why not do it the apk way? That is the easiest method. It takes like twenty second to allow unknown sources, go to file manager, click on the apk and install it.
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using XDA App

[TUTORIAL] Sense 3.6 skins working on Incredible S!! (unrooted stock 4.0.4)

Hi! I found a way to make any Sense 3.6 skins work on Incredible S (4.0.4) and decided to share this with you guys
As you might know, most of the 3.6 skins on the Play Store and xda work only on 4.0.3 and NOT on stock and unrooted Incredible S. And the best part is that the solution I'll give you doesn't require root access or any superior developer skills I don't know if this is obvious for most of you but I hope someone will find some use for this tutorial.
All you need is:
-some existing skin that you can download from the Play Store or this Forum (just search for sense 3.6 skins)
-Virtuous Ten Studio ([search Google, can't post links sorry )
-com.htc.resources.apk from your phone (system/framework) and place it anywhere on your computer
1. After installing and opening the VTS you just have to go to File>Open Settings>Frameworks and add the framework (com.htc.resources.apk). Name it for example "skin". Then Import and OK.
2. Then on VTS selecet File>New Project>Apk-Project and choose a name for project and solution and location where you wanna save it. Then from the left select Import and find the apk of the skin you have downloaded. After that select Apk-Tool and select the framework (the one you named "skin" in step 1.) Then go to M10-Engine and check the box (probably not necessary). Select OK and it starts to decompile the apk.
3. Double click the AndroidManifest.xml in the Solution Explorer. Now the most important part: change the android:versionCode=xyz to 282066944 so that it is "android:versionCode=282066944". Now click the little x on the androidmanifest.xml tab and save changes.
4. Right click your project and choose Reload Project just to make sure your changes are applied.
5. Right click your project and choose Build apk. It automatically recompiles and signs your apk (easy huh?).
6. Click Binary in the Home tab and select your project. It opens up the folder where your new apk is located. Take that apk and move it to your phone and install. The skin should now show up on the skin chooser (Settings/Personalize/Skin). THAT'S IT!
There you go, hope this solution works for you too and you find this tutorial helpful And it's really easy guys, so don't worry if your not a developer (I'm not in any way). Now enjoy your new, fabulous skins on your Incredible S!! :victory:
That's kind of the hard way to do this and you can run into signature issues depending on how the developer signed the file.. Yes the issue with skins from one phone to another with the same version of sense is the Android code listed in the manifest..this is also the reason why we can't post a update to a skin, but instead have to post any new as a whole new app... Most of us with skins in the market try to keep multiple versions of the apps uploaded in play to accommodate all phones..but is a lot of work.. Your phone and the thunderbolt share and have shared before the ICS update the same version code..I'm currently working on a new collection of skins for play that will be including versions for your phone..so within the next few days, there will be options for you without messing with the manifest and risking messing something up that may not know about
Tikruli said:
Hi! I found a way to make any Sense 3.6 skins work on Incredible S (4.0.4) and decided to share this with you guys
As you might know, most of the 3.6 skins on the Play Store and xda work only on 4.0.3 and NOT on stock and unrooted Incredible S. And the best part is that the solution I'll give you doesn't require root access or any superior developer skills I don't know if this is obvious for most of you but I hope someone will find some use for this tutorial.
All you need is:
-some existing skin that you can download from the Play Store or this Forum (just search for sense 3.6 skins)
-Virtuous Ten Studio ([search Google, can't post links sorry )
-com.htc.resources.apk from your phone (system/framework) and place it anywhere on your computer
1. After installing and opening the VTS you just have to go to File>Open Settings>Frameworks and add the framework (com.htc.resources.apk). Name it for example "skin". Then Import and OK.
2. Then on VTS selecet File>New Project>Apk-Project and choose a name for project and solution and location where you wanna save it. Then from the left select Import and find the apk of the skin you have downloaded. After that select Apk-Tool and select the framework (the one you named "skin" in step 1.) Then go to M10-Engine and check the box (probably not necessary). Select OK and it starts to decompile the apk.
3. Double click the AndroidManifest.xml in the Solution Explorer. Now the most important part: change the android:versionCode=xyz to 282066944 so that it is "android:versionCode=282066944". Now click the little x on the androidmanifest.xml tab and save changes.
4. Right click your project and choose Reload Project just to make sure your changes are applied.
5. Right click your project and choose Build apk. It automatically recompiles and signs your apk (easy huh?).
6. Click Binary in the Home tab and select your project. It opens up the folder where your new apk is located. Take that apk and move it to your phone and install. The skin should now show up on the skin chooser (Settings/Personalize/Skin). THAT'S IT!
There you go, hope this solution works for you too and you find this tutorial helpful And it's really easy guys, so don't worry if your not a developer (I'm not in any way). Now enjoy your new, fabulous skins on your Incredible S!! :victory:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
actually, works just perfect! thanks!
great !
Its good to see it.
But I'm not expert like you people.If possible then please provide a video tutorial.
Another thing is that default themes which I've found on google doesn't load in VTS.Request help in this topic.
In order to access system/framework you need root.
Flawed.
Sent from my Nexus 5
LamboBull said:
In order to access system/framework you need root.
Flawed.
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do know that you can browse and copy files from /System without root right?
LiebenGeist said:
You do know that you can browse and copy files from /System without root right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you show me an explorer that will allow you to copy files from /system without root??
Because last time I checked, every explorer that require r/w access to /system and whatnot required root
072665995 said:
Can you show me an explorer that will allow you to copy files from /system without root??
Because last time I checked, every explorer that require r/w access to /system and whatnot required root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FX File Explorer non-root. I did not say WRITE, I said READ/COPY from. Also, you can be less jerky about it or have actually read the post.
LiebenGeist said:
FX File Explorer non-root. I did not say WRITE, I said READ/COPY from. Also, you can be less jerky about it or have actually read the post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could also be less jerky in the fact that:
1. You could have introduced said explorer because I have personally never heard of it and have used ES File Explorer or Root Explorer (which in my opinion is just much cleaner in everything)
2. Are you perfect? Because last time I checked, no 1 person on XDA has had a clean perfect record of not accidentally saying something false and that goes for real-life too.
072665995 said:
You could also be less jerky in the fact that:
1. You could have introduced said explorer because I have personally never heard of it and have used ES File Explorer or Root Explorer (which in my opinion is just much cleaner in everything)
2. Are you perfect? Because last time I checked, no 1 person on XDA has had a clean perfect record of not accidentally saying something false and that goes for real-life too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) I'm not being jerky, you rolled your eyes at my statement which was rude. You could've asked "is that possible?"
2) It doesn't matter if it's a file explorer, browser, whatever, as long as you're not writing to non-user space you don't need root. ANY app that can read the sd card can read /system
3) Who said anything about being perfect? I made a very clear statement that was misconstrued. I didn't persecute you over it.
4) This is XDA Developers, not XDA Debators. If you want to argue, that's what PM is for.

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