Database Develop

[Q] Integrating updates of system apps (and/or downloaded apps) into ROM

Okay. I don't have a lot of knowledge on developing/tinkering on Android, but I think I've figured out how to integrate apps into the ROM (updates of system apps and/or downloaded apps). I used:
A stock cricKet 2.2.1 ROM, rooted (of course) w/Universal Androot
Root Explorer, and
ROM Manager (more on this later)
First thing is first, I did a TI backup; don't want to lose anything
I then opened Root Explorer
Mounted R/W, and
did a search for .apk.
Notice that the only directories the actual .apk files for INSTALLED apps should appear in (outside the SD card) are:
/cache
/data/app
/data/app-private (possibly)
/data/FLEX/app
/system/app
Ignore the following:
/cache
/data/FLEX/app
Now, you may already know this, but the system apps you're looking for are located in the /system/app directory, and downloaded apps (for the updated system apps) are located the /data/app directories that aren't being currently ignored (if you're following my instructions). Based on icon, filename, and common sense, I found which .apk files were the updates of already existing system apps (IE Market, Google Maps, Voice Search, etc.) in the /data/app directory, and the corresponding system app they updated in the /system/app directory. I then:
Copied the filename of the system app I was going to replace (rename copy all)
Moved over to the /data/app directory
Located the corresponding updated app
Renamed it what its corresponding system app was renamed (rename, delete existing name, paste)
Hit the 'move' option
Navigated to the /system/app directory
Deleted original system app (you may want to backup this file beforehand)
Pasted the updated system app
Within 30 seconds or so, you should get a (blah.blah.blah has unexpectedly shut down force close/report) popup. Just hit force close and you should be fine (Google Maps seemed to be a recurring FC). If you try to open the app before rebooting, it will force close on you. When you're finished, open ROM Manager. I know you're thinking 'This app is no good on the ZIO'; so stop. Hit 'Fix Permissions'. The reason for this is that it fixes a few rare force close issues. I don't know the mechanics of it, but it works, so I don't question it. Listen to the notification you'll see and reboot your phone after it finishes fixing the permissions. Now go into settings and manage applications, and you'll see that you can no longer uninstall whatever apps you moved to the /system/app directory.
FYI Renaming .apk files doesn't seem to make a bit of difference either way.
(Forgive my horrible perspective descriptions: I/you)
I haven't tested it yet, but I believe unrooting the device should make any apps moved to the /system/app directory that require root access would become non-functional (right?). The reason this thread is a question is that I'm wondering if i did this correctly, and if so, I want to find out if unrooting and factory resetting my phone would somehow delete the apps in the /system/app directory that weren't included in the stock ROM. (I'm not really willing to do that yet; I still have to download the SDK to my new computer so I can do a NANDROID backup.) Any help answering these from a more experienced developer would be great.

If you want to incorporate apps into a rom, the apps have to be free or you must get consent from the developer to include in your rom
Sent from my Zio using XDA Premium App

Only if it is a Public rom. Even free app developers should be credited in a public rom

Mattix724 said:
If you want to incorporate apps into a rom, the apps have to be free or you must get consent from the developer to include in your rom
Sent from my Zio using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm operating under the assumption that you're using Google developed updates of system apps. I suppose I should have said something to that extent up top.
[UPDATE]
Okay, so I did a NAND and then factory reset my phone. Killed everything not in the /system/app directory. I'm sure you knew that would happen, but I guess I'm posting for the noobs. Easier to find, I guess.

Hi,
I've tried to integrate some apps using Titanium Backup but it stuch at 0% for more than 5mins so I cancelled the process. Is it normal that it was that slow? Does Titanium generate odex files too?
I've tried integrating updates for GoogleMaps, StreetView and Youtube using a recovery mode and ADB on my linux machine.
After the backup system data I've deleted original apk and odex files from /system/app/ and moved newer versions from /data/app/ to /system/app/.
I renamed the files from com.google.android.blah.blah.apk to old names (ie. Maps.apk, etc). I haven't generated the odex files.
Rebooted the phone (HTC Desire, 2.2, Orange UK) and these apps were not available. I couldn't run either GoogleMaps or Youtube. They weren't on the "All apps" list, but still were in the system app manager/uninstaller, but couldn't uninstall them as they were in system obviously.
Tried to clear Dalvik cache but no difference.
Then I've copied them with my user backed apk files (it went to /data/app and installed the newest versions) and all is fine - could launch them as usual.
Now using "adb push" method I copied my old system versions of these apps in the /system/app/ and all if fine. I could updated them to newer versions, but this obviously went to /data/app/, so didn't free the phone memory.
Any idea why integrated apps were not visible in the system?
Perhaps I shall just delete the old system apps and copy the ones from /data/app/ without renaming...
Much appreciate it.
Greg
edit:
All went fine now. Just deleted old files in the /system/app and moved newer version without renaming to from /data/app

use titanium backup and choose integrate updates into rom for the app

I don't want to pay for TB premium. I'm poor.
Sent from my Zio using XDA App

TB integrating not working on some phone (including mine) anyway.

New gmail-maps-play store problem

i am currently using the CM 7 rom by kittenlinux.. itz a veryy kool n fantastic Rom..
so comngg to d topicc, i want to knw dat y cant i move the Latest maps n gmail app frm market to my sd card.? dey r using about6-7 mb of my preciouss memory space.. :-/ also cant i move the google play to my sd card?
please help mee sooon.. thnks in advance n alsoo aftr replyy ;-)

you will need root then with titanium backup move them to sdcard

dhlalit11 said:
you will need root then with titanium backup move them to sdcard
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i said m using cyanogenmod 7 rom by kittenlinux.. it iz an custom rom n hence my phone is prerooted.. n when i first installed thru gapps, d files were installed on sd card. hwevr when i uploaded dem thru playstore, d updates r stored on phone memory..

;24743457 said:
If you not have a partitions for extend the internal memory you not can put the maps on sdcard why go in force close (already tried) why the maps not have a support for the sdcard but can only be installed on internal memory, instead the gmail i don't know because i not have tried, however there are 2 solutions:
1. Replace the default maps installed in the system with the upgrade (this is the best solution and i do always in this way).
2. Try to use the application Install Manager that force the moving of all apps on sdcard (also the apps that not support the moving on sdcard) but this app on my device (stock rom froyo 2.2.1) not see the upgrade of the apps of system but maybe on your device with the custom rom cyanogenmod 7 see the upgrade then try, if also in your rom not see the upgrade then the only way and the best is the first writted in up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i tried ur install manager method.. it didnt work bcoz install manager needs pro license to move system apps..

;24757151 said:
Then take a pro version where is the problem? if not put the upgrades in the system manually with one program as es file explorer or root explorer, is very easy trust of me, do a backup of apk of maps (upgrade) then uninstall the upgrade, then rename the backup in Maps.apk, then copy Maps.apk and go in system/app delete the maps preinstalled and then paste Maps.apk, then change the permissions in this mode:
[V][V][0]
[V][0][0]
[V][0][0]
After have changed the permissions exit and reboot the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol.. i changed d rom onlyy. i m tryingg the SONYHD rom..
Sent from my GT-S5570 using XDA

[Q] Help, can't install titanium backup after ics update.

I used to be on stock gb rom and rooted, then i flashed to stock ics rom through pc odin. However after being on ics rom i can't install titanium backup, it says device memory low or full, but i still have about 1gb of free space. All other apps would install without a hitch except titanium backup. Can someone please help?

First you should post exactly what rom you flashed and if you followed instructions if you rooted etc etc etc.
then maybe people can help you better.

- compumasterpr already mentioned it and you’re probably aware of it, anyway, TB of course needs root permissions
- TB stores the backups in /sdcard/TitaniumBackup, so you can copy this directory manually for safety’s sake
- delete /sdcard/data/com.keramidas.TitaniumBackup if it exists
- clear data of TB in settings-> applications
- if that still doesn’t help, have a look here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1722145
http://www.titaniumtrack.com/kb/titanium-backup-kb

When i flashed my Note from gb to ics i also lost root. So i think you should re root it

i already re rooted thru cmw.
update: i read somewhere here that i need to delete a file associated with TB, what i did was installed es file explorer to go thru the system files and deleted the so called file in sys/apps. that seem to did the trick as i can install TB.

bratski said:
i already re rooted thru cmw.
update: i read somewhere here that i need to delete a file associated with TB, what i did was installed es file explorer to go thru the system files and deleted the so called file in sys/apps. that seem to did the trick as i can install TB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what file is this? I have the same error.

Not enough memory

Hallo,
When I try to install an app it say not enough memory. If I check my internal sd there is more than 2 gb free. I have also deleted couple of apps, still the same error.

Seems like You have old .odex of this app on phone, You must delete it from data/app (root is required)

reas0n said:
Seems like You have old .odex of this app on phone, You must delete it from data/app (root is required)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have root but the data folder is empty just like all other folders in /...
Is that normal?
And I still don't know wy the phone is saying there is not enough memory .
Someone????

Open data/app via Root Explorer, it mustn't be empty

Okay I have it now, and I must delete which app? Will that fix the problem?

You must delete these .apk and .odex which You have to install from Google Play, if You won't find it, just write which application You want to install (and it have error) and i'll try to help You

Thanks, its working now

Moving files to system/app folder - help needed

Hello.
I want to move some files to app system folder.I have root and im using root explorer.
I did this other times i moved shazam smart tools, tapatalk.Now i want to move office and titaniumbackup pro.
When i move it from sd card it says operation failed.

U can use Titanium Backup Pro to convert to sytem app.
Open TB, select Backup/Restore, select ur app, scroll to the right to Special features, scroll down to the Convert to system app option.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk

Im sorry i have been using root browser.
Now i installed root explorer and it says that it is not enough free space on that folder.
Is ok to delete some apps i have moved in the past without uninstalling them.
Example. i have shazam encore.Can i delete the apk file from app folder without loosing the app ?

Klitoni said:
Im sorry i have been using root browser.
Now i installed root explorer and it says that it is not enough free space on that folder.
Is ok to delete some apps i have moved in the past without uninstalling them.
Example. i have shazam encore.Can i delete the apk file from app folder without loosing the app ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course not. Android apps are self contained. And why do you need to move stuffs to /system? The cappy have a 1gb data partition, and most data are stored on the SD card, not on the NAND flash like with iPhones(this is not entirely accurate, but close enough)