Database Develop

[Q] How to see app permissions and block privs selectively?

Hello! In view of the recent issues with apps sending sms to premium numbers I have decided to further reconsider the priviliges I grant to my apps. So I have to questions:
1. Is there any way (app or site like appbrain) that will allow me to check the permission status of all my installed apps (possibly with filters such as "show me apps that can cost me money or send personal data" and
2. Is there a way to partially block such permissions (e.g. block the apps attempt to get my fine gps location if I do not consider that necessary).
Any ideas?

Evans_Prophet said:
Hello! In view of the recent issues with apps sending sms to premium numbers I have decided to further reconsider the priviliges I grant to my apps. So I have to questions:
1. Is there any way (app or site like appbrain) that will allow me to check the permission status of all my installed apps (possibly with filters such as "show me apps that can cost me money or send personal data" and
2. Is there a way to partially block such permissions (e.g. block the apps attempt to get my fine gps location if I do not consider that necessary).
Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Permission Watchdog" will let you see the permissions, as far as I know, there is no way to change them.

Evans_Prophet said:
1. Is there any way (app or site like appbrain) that will allow me to check the permission status of all my installed apps (possibly with filters such as "show me apps that can cost me money or send personal data" and
2. Is there a way to partially block such permissions (e.g. block the apps attempt to get my fine gps location if I do not consider that necessary).
Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) android settings (applications) & market will show permissions for each app
2) if you have root you can use the app droidwall to white-/blacklist apps for internet access. other than that, not possible atm and i think it would be very hard and dirty to make a hack for it... in my humble opinion it's best to disable gps per default and only enable it if you really need it. blinds the big brother and is easier on the battery

Selectively allow specific permissions for an application
This thread is in the wrong forum.
See http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=9185822#post9185822

jodue said:
1) android settings (applications) & market will show permissions for each app
2) if you have root you can use the app droidwall to white-/blacklist apps for internet access. other than that, not possible atm and i think it would be very hard and dirty to make a hack for it... in my humble opinion it's best to disable gps per default and only enable it if you really need it. blinds the big brother and is easier on the battery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some simple mods to Zygote should make it easy to create a 'firewall' like app for permissions. Would be really really useful, maybe google will add something like this in a future Android themselves.

Has anyone here checked out the Permission Blocker App yet ?
Here is the link with google translate (German).
Code:
http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=de&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.android-hilfe.de%2Fandroid-apps%2F45583-permission-blocker.html
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}

RyanZA said:
Some simple mods to Zygote should make it easy to create a 'firewall' like app for permissions. Would be really really useful, maybe google will add something like this in a future Android themselves.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At the moment, my app modifies the packages.xml, but changes won't do anything until the device rebooted.
I tried instantiating the PackageManagerService via Reflection, but after scanning /framework and /system/apps it crashes somewhere.

... I just wanted to copy the link. Some how xda app decided to post a quote...
delete my post please.
My Evo made me Swype this from the XDA App.

You can also check: aSpotCat on android market. Its free and it shows permissions.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

[MOD] LCD Density - DIY!

Ok guys, people seem to be having problems using the LCD Density changer app, so I am making this write up to help you out
If you would like to make your Droid X look like this...
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Then follow these steps.
Method 1 - ADB
1. Download LCD Density w/ 2.2 market Fix - This also contains the 2.2 market fix (without the stagefright)
2. Put the build.prop in your android-sdk\tools folder
3. Connect your phone via usb, make sure it shows up with adb devices
4. adb remount
5. adb push build.prop /system/build.prop
6. adb reboot
Method 2 - Root Explorer
1. Copy the build.prop to the root of your SD card
2. Long press on build.prop
3. Select "Copy"
4. Navigate to /system
5. Click R/W in the top right corner
6. Paste, and overwrite
7. Reboot
Your screen will now look like this, giving you much more space. And If using ADW launcher, you can use 6 X 5 rows of icons!!
Now if you really like to do things yourself, in the build.prop..
Change
ro.sf.lcd_density=240
to
ro.sf.lcd_density=200
push, reboot.
If you want to revert back, just push this Stock Build prop back into place.
Credit to the guy who made LCD Density app, but it did not work with Droid X phone and koush's recovery installed. People had to SBF, so this post was necessary.

does this change the resolution ? does it affect any apps from running correctly ?
Looks great, I think I'd like to try it. Just want to make sure it's safe I guess.

JustinD2473 said:
does this change the resolution ? does it affect any apps from running correctly ?
Looks great, I think I'd like to try it. Just want to make sure it's safe I guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its safe, I've tested and ran this in other forums.
You can read others trials here...
http://androidforums.com/droid-x-all-things-root/163974-mod-lcd-density-diy.html

Jacked mine up.. the method works fine, the only problem is that apps are completely screwy now.. the apps only show up in the original size so if your screen is 4 inches the app is only displaying in like 2.5 inches of space and the rest is just black now, also cause some fuzziness with some various icons in the notification bar ( battery etc).. definately gonna revert back

Joe92T said:
Jacked mine up.. the method works fine, the only problem is that apps are completely screwy now.. the apps only show up in the original size so if your screen is 4 inches the app is only displaying in like 2.5 inches of space and the rest is just black now, also cause some fuzziness with some various icons in the notification bar ( battery etc).. definately gonna revert back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Weird. Works perfect for me.

LexusBrian400 said:
Weird. Works perfect for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only seemed to have resolution problems in the root explorer app, all other apps work fine Aside from that, i think 200 is probobly a little on the low side, may try 220 or 230 for a improvement

Yea I love it but a few of my apps are also little now. I'm gonna rock it tonight and see how I feel in the morning.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

Worked well for me as well.
Thanks very much.
FYI
I couldnt adb remount (got an error, not sure why but whatever)
I had to boot into recovery, then do an
Code:
adb shell
then just (assuming your modified build.prop is on the sdcard root)
Code:
mv /sdcard/build.prop /system
exit & reboot!

230 was a good middle ground

Yeah, I like how it looks mostly but some apps don't strech which is kinda annoying. I'll give it a shot for a day or two and see what I think.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

JustinD2473 said:
Yeah, I like how it looks mostly but some apps don't strech which is kinda annoying. I'll give it a shot for a day or two and see what I think.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me know what you think about it.... would Launcher Pro dock items still be the same size???

i recently Download app running 2.2. Changes resolution to 220 and let app reboot phone only to be stuck on Black screen after moto logo.tried rebooting and wiping with no luck. PC wont connect with phone either... i can only get into system recovery> any ideas guys????

jdifiore1 said:
i recently Download app running 2.2. Changes resolution to 220 and let app reboot phone only to be stuck on Black screen after moto logo.tried rebooting and wiping with no luck. PC wont connect with phone either... i can only get into system recovery> any ideas guys????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, dont use that app. That is the whole reason I created this mod. That app is causing problems.
Restore your nandroid backup, assuming u were smart enough to make one before messing with the phone the like that IF not, now you know! always nandroid before a mod!!!

i wasnt smart enough.. i guess that means my phones shot???

jdifiore1 said:
i wasnt smart enough.. i guess that means my phones shot???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. I'll help you out. Do you use Gtalk? if so, PM me your email so we can make this easier.

Change screen density (icon/text sizes)

For anyone who doesn't know, this is a neat and simple trick to make the items on your screen bigger or smaller:
EASY WAY (it will keep the setting until you do a hard reset-- holding the power down for 10 or so seconds until it powers off):
1. Download LCDDensity for Root (free) from Market
2. Change density based on your preferences (higher # = bigger items, lower resolution; lower # = smaller items, higher res)
MORE ADVANCED WAY (if you want the change to survive a hard reboot):
1. In root explorer, navigate to system/ and backup your build.prop file.
2. Set system to r/w
3. Hold down on the original file, and select open in text editor
4. Find the two entries where it says:
ro.sf.lcd_density.xdpi=169.33333
ro.sf.lcd_density.ydpi=169.33333
If you wanted your density to be 250, you'd change them to the following single line:
ro.sf.lcd_density=250
5. Save, reboot, and enjoy your NC's new look.
Here are a couple of my homescreens set at 250:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Now, jacking up your LCD density much above 200 will make your status bar look wonky and cut-off. One solution for this is to set it to 250, like above (by changing build. prop - I think the app I mentioned only allow multiples of 20), which will make it look clean (as long as wifi is on). The only problem there is that you'll lose your status bar clock and Notifications in portrait mode ...
... the solution for THIS is to get two apps: hellostatusbar, and quick launch. Set quick launch to open hellostatusbar on a home-button double press, and it will display your Notifications.
FYI the Galaxy Tab's default is 240

Can this be done w/LCD Density Changer (from market)?

docfreed said:
Can this be done w/LCD Density Changer (from market)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I didn't mention it because it costs a buck. It is an easy, automated way to do it though.

wvcachi said:
Yeah, I didn't mention it because it costs a buck. It is an easy, automated way to do it though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is also a free one.

mob87 said:
There is also a free one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The free one, LCDDensity for Root, doesn't keep the change after doing a full (battery pull) reboot. To me, this is less than ideal, but if you don't mind changing it again, knock yourself out.

A battery pull reboot on a NOOKcolor? Don't you need a screwdriver for that?

RoboRay said:
A battery pull rebooth on a NOOKcolor? Don't you need a screwdriver for that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe he is using the phone example for reference. In the case of the NC, the free option should be a good alternative for those not wanting to modify scripts.

Anyway, thanks for providing the entries to change manually. It's a good tip.

RoboRay said:
A battery pull reboot on a NOOKcolor? Don't you need a screwdriver for that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, good point - not sure if a power-button-long-hold hard reset would be the equivalent on a Nook or not. If it is only a battery pull that would do it, then you would indeed need a screwdriver and a little bit of masochism for that to be a problem.
EDIT: the long power button hold reset DOES make the free app lose the setting

If anyone's interested in getting the density more like the Galaxy Tab's without having an ugly, cut-off looking status bar in portrait mode (with a couple sacrifices), here's a little work-around I came up with (if you're using softkeys mapped to double-tap of home button, this isn't for you):
1. Set density to 250 using the build.prop editing method. Reboot.
2. Get a market app called HelloStatusBar.
3. Get a market app called QuickLaunch. Open it and set home button double-tap to open HelloStatusBar.
You'll lose your status bar clock, and it'll look ugly with wifi off, but with wifi on, it'll be nice and clean like the pic below:
Your Notifications will be gone, but now you can double-tap home to bring them up:

Very useful and thanks for sharing!

I bought the paid version and it does not survive a reboot. Unless I am doing it wrong. Which is highly likely.
Now for the hijack....to the OP Where did you score the sexy rosie mod...ME WANTS!!!
JDP
HTC INC & B&N CN never out of arms reach...

jdposhkus said:
I bought the paid version and it does not survive a reboot. Unless I am doing it wrong. Which is highly likely.
Now for the hijack....to the OP Where did you score the sexy rosie mod...ME WANTS!!!
JDP
HTC INC & B&N CN never out of arms reach...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not familiar with the paid version, so I can't really comment on that.
That's ADW EX launcher, with the browser, email, and app drawer icons from the Galaxy Tab. Not sure if Samsung's launcher icons are open source, so I won't post them (PM'd). . .

So wait the galaxy tab comes stock with the screen virtualized to be a different resolution than it actually is?

adwlauncher ex has adjustable icon sizes. You can adjust so icons are a nice size and not interfere with the dock. As if you needed another reason for ex!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

I am using LCD Density Changer at 190. Works great.

I manually changed mine to 141, an opposite reaction to many. By doing this I can get 4-5 items in the notification area on the right and things are not too small on the screen.

Where is the root explorer program located?

TC93 said:
Where is the root explorer program located?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the Market.

FYI, the free app works fine with CM7, with none of the problems described by OP, so you can use whatever looks right to you.
I am liking 200, because it makes the back arrow easier to press !

Work Around - Make Folders on your homescreen

*Updated
There are a few different apps that will let you put folders on your home screen. I will show you SiMi Folders and Folder Organizer. These apps are used to create folders and to mange their contents, such as apps, bookmarks, etc. The folders are then applied to your homescreen as Widgets.
*Simi Folders have a box that pops up from the folder and will let you scroll through it left to right in a single row. There are not many options for modifying.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
*Folder Organizer has a box that adjusts it's size to the number of items stored. It lets you scroll vertically if you need to. There are many options for modfiying. It comes in a Lite and a paid version. I found this one to be more responsive than Simi.

i prefer app mate. i have over 50 games and the scrolling i would have to do on simfolders would make me go insane

i use a free app called Folder Organizer. It works great and helped me to have a nice clean homescreen (also using Zeam Launcher)

don_ernesto said:
i use a free app called Folder Organizer. It works great and helped me to have a nice clean homescreen (also using Zeam Launcher)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm giving it a try right now. Like it. Thanks for the tip.

Smart Shortcuts is free and also works very well on the NC with Zeam and LP. The key is to add the categories ('tags') to the homescreen as widgets instead of shortcuts.

I've just started using this as well. Is there a way to change the order of applications within the folder? For instance, I want all my emulators to be side by side, but they are all over the place since the names all start with a different letter.

swapdotavi said:
I've just started using this as well. Is there a way to change the order of applications within the folder? For instance, I want all my emulators to be side by side, but they are all over the place since the names all start with a different letter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using Folder Organizer now. I went ahead and paid for the premium version though. I know in that version there is a Folder option to "sort" that will change the order of the apps.

Thanks for this - I have switched my home page to Zeam, with 6 Simi Folders ("Readers", "Games", "Web", "Tools", "Google Apps", "Misc") Very tidy, though I wish it were slightly more customizable: ie. seeing all the text on the popup shortcuts etc.

I find that the folders take a while to show their contents after you click on them if they contain a significant amount of apps. Does this happen to everyone? Is there another folder app that does not have this problem? I have maybe 15 apps in my biggest folder, and it takes about 1.5 or 2 seconds to open after I click it.

swapdotavi said:
I find that the folders take a while to show their contents after you click on them if they contain a significant amount of apps. Does this happen to everyone? Is there another folder app that does not have this problem? I have maybe 15 apps in my biggest folder, and it takes about 1.5 or 2 seconds to open after I click it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm very happy with the Folder Organizer app, seems very responsive.

I have the paid version of Folder Organizer. Is anybody able to change the font color on the NC? The newest version of Folder Organizer gives you this ability under the custom skins option, but the custom skin options window is a bit cut off on the NC and it doesn't show the font setting.
On my NC, the font is blue and difficult to read.

pooh-bah said:
I have the paid version of Folder Organizer. Is anybody able to change the font color on the NC? The newest version of Folder Organizer gives you this ability under the custom skins option, but the custom skin options window is a bit cut off on the NC and it doesn't show the font setting.
On my NC, the font is blue and difficult to read.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The menus on folder organizer can all be accessed on my nook. perhaps your LCD density is higher, i'm using a density of 204.
Sent from my Nookie using XDA app

New Android Market Update 3.1.6

New Android Market Update 3.1.6
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Noticeable Changes:
1. New UI For Tablets
2. Faster / Fixed Download bug
To install:
Move the Vending.apk to /system/app (You need root)
Accept Replace
Download:
MediaFire
(Sorry for the adfly link,, I need to support)

Ah finally this market works, thanks!
Don't forget to uninstall the old market with titanium backup or there will be two market apps.

[edit]
Nevermind. I got the old market running again.
So, all I have to do is drop Vending.apk into the system/app folder, and that's it? Doesn't seem to work at all.
Here's what happens.
1. Download file.
2. Move file into system/app, accept replace.
3. Open Market...Everything is still the same.
4. Click "My Apps"...Get a forceclose for Finsky.
??

Same for me

See if you have 2 markets after replacing vending.apk. Then use titanium backup to uninstall market version 1.0.28. Market 3.1.6 will be the only market left. You should then be able to access my apps in the new market.

This market seems not to be xoom optimized. Especially 'my apps' does not fill landscape screen, reloads when rotating screen, and the little shop icon in apps drawer looks generic.
Doesn't seem it was meant for xoom just yet...

I renamed my original to vendor.bak then dropped this one in, rebooted and it is working fine for me.
Sent from my Xoom using xda premium

Crap. Doesnt work with tiamat 2.2.1

mscott998 said:
Crap. Doesnt work with tiamat 2.2.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you read my posts in this thread?
I'm on tiamat 2.2.1 too and this market works with no problems for me.

musashiken said:
Did you read my posts in this thread?
I'm on tiamat 2.2.1 too and this market works with no problems for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes but it force closes when i click on my apps. So it doesnt work with every one. Dont know why
EDIT: After many times trying i went and installed 3.1.5 and then installed this over top of it and it worked.. dont ask why but it did....
Sent from my Xoom using xda premium

It works great for me, not a fan of the new market widget. Not in the least.
Thank you for sharing. I've had only one force close; however I've been ok these last few times.

Ok I had to reinstall the old market.
For some reason I keep having errors trying to update my paid apps through the new market. Even my phone with the new market has problems too.
The old market works fine on my xoom.
Anyone else experiencing this as well?

Works great for me. Replaced stock app and rebooted. Not one issue yet. And my favorite feature. Screen rotation. I HATED that before the market HAD to be in landscape. It would never go into portrait, which is how I hold the device 90+% of the time. This is great now. XD
Sent from my Xoom using xda premium

instead of installing I just used root explorer to copy the new version into the system/app

try after try, I failed. I gave up. The titanium backup didn't work, putting it in syste,m/app and setting permissions didn't work.

Am I the only one who find this new market hideous? The section "My Apps" doesn't look like it's made to fit on a tablet like the old market. The front page doesn't quite fit on the screen either. Pretty poor job testing their stuff before they release it.