Related
I'm guessing there's a utility, or utilities, running on the Nook that does things like auto updating the firmware, seeing what books are in your library, what page you're reading, other usage stats, etc.. Has there been any work to disable these spies?
Although I mainly wanted the Nook as a tablet, I'd like to buy a few books, and use it to view a few (Legally owned) PDF files. But if B&N is going to mess with my rooting, or decide something isn't legal, or otherwise decide to remove things off my Nook (Remember the Kindle and 1984?), or spam me based on what I'm reading, I'd rather wipe all B&N software from the device, and just have an Android tablet.
BTW, if the above sounds like a complaint, it's aimed at B&N, not the developers here, for which I am most thankful for all their awesome work!
Since there hasn't been an update yet, nobody is sure if the methods used by other devices will work or not. I believe there are a few threads in the development forum that talk about possible ways of preventing it from auto updating, but they haven't been tested yet to see if they work.
Do some looking in the dev forum or do a search and I"m sure you'll find what I'm talking about. It's a standard method of preventing Android from updating, but no telling if it will work.
Edit:
Here is the thread I was referring to:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=860480&highlight=update
Thanks for the response. I checked the link, and was surprised Android has the auto-update functionality built in. Do you know anything about possible spy applications? Has anyone checked it's internet activity? Any strange processes?
What do you mean it hasn't updated. The day you first powered it on and connected to the internet you got an update, at least mine did.
I imagine you could use wireshark and then turn on your radio and see where the nook goes first. It could have a schedule so maybe completely restore the device and then see the first addresses or urls it goes too on it's own. Once you get that then it's just a matter of entering those urls in the host file with an unresolvable address.
I probably will use Wireshark, when I get my nook (Christmas present). I just didn't want to reinvent the wheel, and be all prepared when I finally get it. I'm surprised there isn't more interest in privacy with the nook.
Mine didn't update when I got it. It's version 1.0.0, and until you set up wifi there is no way for it to get an update. Also, there isn't a way to check for updates. The original Nook had an option to check for updates, not with the NC.
Greetings,
This is my first post here, so forgive me for posting in the general forum and not in the dev forums (I have to accumulate 10 posts to use the dev forums). I have a very important and worthwhile project that I'm hoping will interest a few devs here.
I am attempting to build a proof-of-concept for a very large educational institution that is considering implementation of ebook readers. Obviously, stock ebook readers are not up to what we need, and more robust tablets like the Galaxy Tab are cost prohibitive given the goal of distribution of these devices to tens of thousands of K-12 students. I don't want to be stuck with a single book distribution method, so I am looking for some standard Android flavor rather than a Nook-like interface.
So, here's my challenge to you. I would like to use the Nook Color (the $250 price point is perfect) to build a proof-of-concept low-end, semi-restricted Android tablet. I am looking for:
- Android 2.2
- Flash Support
- Ability to run:
- Dolphin Browser
- Regular Nook Android App
- Kindle App
- Google Book Reader App
- Adobe Reader App
- Some (undefined) Calculator App
- Stock Android Calendar App
- Stock Android Mail App
- Google Maps App
- Google Earth App
- Stock Android Gallery App or Equivalent
- Some (undefined) File Manager App
- Some (undefined) Note Taking App
I would also like the ability to load APK files (that we write) without the use of the Android Market. And . . . I need the final installation to *NOT* have root capability.
Anyone have a ROM to start this?
Also, while I'm somewhat familiar with rooting other Android devices, I'm not a developer and not a linux expert. I employ developers that have written a few Android apps, so they can handle the installation if necessary.
Any takers?
You can contact me off-list if you like at Dwayne at leeschools.net.
Thanks,
Dwayne
Wouldn't a $200 netbook be a far more usable tool to a student?
good thing you didn't post this in development.
once nook is updated to 2.2 this will basically all be possible with just root.
supposed to be released soon....
if you want a custom rom those will be around soon as well.
--edit--
i see you want this all without root. i don't believe that is possible. good luck though
There are specific reasons we are not considering netbooks for this project, beyond the scope of this discussion. For the purpose of this POC, we are only looking at touch-based slates.
I can't think of a way to fully disable root without someone being able to add it back. With that said would you be able to just delete the marketplace to make it "locked down" after installing everything? Possible disable super-level access as well?
I've not seen any confirmation that they are going to update to 2.2. I've only seen rumors to that effect. Do you have evidence to the contrary, because that would be great.
Additionally, the reason I'd like to involve the devs is because it is highly unlikely that B&N will release it with anything close to a stock 2.2 install. It will likely still require quite a bit of work to function normally. Hopefully I'm wrong on that account, but based on B&N's business model, I anticipate that they will do their best to prevent it from being used as a full tablet. They want to sell books. I don't think they want to sell devices without books. Not enough margin in the devices.
Perhaps I'm wrong related to their business model. I have approached B&N and requested an NDA to work with the Nook product team to see if they are interested in working together with us on a customized version. My feeling is that if they make very little on the device (with the goal of making the majority of their profit from content), they'll decline this offer.
MattJ951 said:
I can't think of a way to fully disable root without someone being able to add it back. With that said would you be able to just delete the marketplace to make it "locked down" after installing everything? Possible disable super-level access as well?
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Click to collapse
We could remove super user, but I'd also like to prevent users from killing services. I anticipate that we'll need some additional security apps that need to run full-time. One of our big challenges is that, by law, whenever we provide an Internet-capable device for students to take home, we are required to filter Internet. That's a huge task. On a PC, we an lock it down and force traffic through our filters from outside. From an Android device, we don't know how to handle that yet. We have a few approaches. I'm in discussion with M86 regarding an Android equivalent to their mobile client.
But . . . we have a lot more experience locking down a Windows or Mac PC than a phone OS. Most phone OSes are built from the perspective of a consumer, where the user is free to add/remove apps. We need a way to deal with that. Haven't gotten that far yet. The first order of business was to see if we can build our base functionality in a $250 device.
DwayneA said:
I've not seen any confirmation that they are going to update to 2.2. I've only seen rumors to that effect. Do you have evidence to the contrary, because that would be great.
Additionally, the reason I'd like to involve the devs is because it is highly unlikely that B&N will release it with anything close to a stock 2.2 install. It will likely still require quite a bit of work to function normally. Hopefully I'm wrong on that account, but based on B&N's business model, I anticipate that they will do their best to prevent it from being used as a full tablet. They want to sell books. I don't think they want to sell devices without books. Not enough margin in the devices.
Perhaps I'm wrong related to their business model. I have approached B&N and requested an NDA to work with the Nook product team to see if they are interested in working together with us on a customized version. My feeling is that if they make very little on the device (with the goal of making the majority of their profit from content), they'll decline this offer.
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Dude, all of those hings are capable. Have you done any reading in this forum. Just get a nookie froyo 2.2 card set one up the way you want. uninstall super user and market. make lotsa copies of card and stick it in nook. If you really want you can also trash the firmware on the internal memory so it will not even book the stock nook firmware.
enjoy!
Consideration should be taken that rooting technically voids the manufacturer's warranty. Other than that, using the NookColor as a tablet is still a gamble in terms of getting a rock-solid and reliable device. Supporting the devices may be problematic.
Fortunately, the devs here are doing great work and I fully expect (hope) that it will be a rock-solid reliable device very soon.
You will probably also want to avoid booting from the microsd because they are easy to remove.
Filtering could be done with a VPN.
to avoid removal of micro sd, just put a little sugra on the break where the nook opens for the micro sd, sort of lieka warrenty sticker
If you need help. Let me know.
The Nook Color already has a Froyo image that can be installed. DSP currently doesn't work. That is responsible for video decoding not only for local files, but for Flash video as well.
Other than that, Flash will still run, but not on all occasions, and the rest of your requirements have already been accomplished (ie. apks can be installed and already exist on the Market or from the Internet).
You can install the Froyo image (it consists of a boot image and a system image) to your Nook easily, and afterward install all of the "G" apps with a quick copying of a folder.
Check here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=864
- Do a little reading
- Possibly try installing Froyo on your memory card first.
- PM me if you need any guidance. I'm feeling pretty PRO at this after using adb all weekend to work with my Nook.
FYI: You can completely hose your internal installation and still be good (As long as you don't actually corrupt your memory physically). The Nook can always be booted off of a microSD card and restored to a fresh installation.
Edit: I just read some of your other posts. Just a thought: You could uninstall or disable the browser by default, thus not having to worry about Internet filtering. Later, users could still install apks from the sdcard (All that you have to do is tick a box in "Settings"). You can also do all of this without touching the stock rom. Of course you'd want to disable that from booting ever, so... after you were booted into your microSD card OS you could use adb to delete the content of the mmcblk0p1 (boot) partition. But I think that still might go against BN's warranty rules.
I understand the reasoning of wanting to lock it back down but if your students are capable of finding XDA (I'd imagine 1 or 2 of them is, at least) then that person would probably root the systems for anyone who was so inclined. I mean, B&N wasn't able to stop it, it's not likely that you would (without some sort of remote supervision app that could monitor and detect rooting).
gallahad2000 said:
I understand the reasoning of wanting to lock it back down but if your students are capable of finding XDA (I'd imagine 1 or 2 of them is, at least) then that person would probably root the systems for anyone who was so inclined. I mean, B&N wasn't able to stop it, it's not likely that you would (without some sort of remote supervision app that could monitor and detect rooting).
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that was going to be my 2cts. A student would just have to pop in an sd card. And it would be a little unfair not giving student that right? And even then, they could always push something over via adb.
Have you looked at other options like the Archos line of Android tablets?
Otherwise, the SD Card install of Froyo works well - just superglue the opening
Why would any school district buy tablets with no warranty? Doesn't seem that feasible to me.
blackderbyhat said:
Why would any school district buy tablets with no warranty? Doesn't seem that feasible to me.
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Click to collapse
He's only looking for a proof of concept right now, and is trying to work with Barnes and Noble directly.
I forsee many broken nooks in our future.
And searching for them here brings up all kinds of posts that just... blow my mind.
Background:
I rooted my NC a couple days ago using Autonooter 3.0 for 1.1
My questions are:
1. Is there much of a difference between this and Honeycomb? I mean i'm aware of visual differences but does one run better or have any advantages?
2. What are all the different variations on the developer page? Not clockwork recovery but if you click over the entire first page is just a long list of different versions/different ways to root. Any of those better than the other? Or is it just 20 different ways of accomplishing the same thing.
3. Do any of those versions support web video? I know I now have a youtube app but I still can't watch videos on any other sites.
4. Why don't all apps show up in the marketplace? Is there a workaround for this? For example the first time I rooted from 1.0.1 I could access Angry Birds. Now the only one that shows up is the seasonal one...
5. If I go ahead and install the newest version of Froyo (6.6) will I have access to the Market from the start or am I going to have to go into command line and all that other stuff? I'm comfortable with the flashing and installing but as soon as you get into that I might as well be reading Russian...
I know I have more questions but I can't think of them currently. Any and all help is much appreciated.
jrob9583 said:
And searching for them here brings up all kinds of posts that just... blow my mind.
Background:
I rooted my NC a couple days ago using Autonooter 3.0 for 1.1
My questions are:
1. Is there much of a difference between this and Honeycomb? I mean i'm aware of visual differences but does one run better or have any advantages?
2. What are all the different variations on the developer page? Not clockwork recovery but if you click over the entire first page is just a long list of different versions/different ways to root. Any of those better than the other? Or is it just 20 different ways of accomplishing the same thing.
3. Do any of those versions support web video? I know I now have a youtube app but I still can't watch videos on any other sites.
4. Why don't all apps show up in the marketplace? Is there a workaround for this? For example the first time I rooted from 1.0.1 I could access Angry Birds. Now the only one that shows up is the seasonal one...
5. If I go ahead and install the newest version of Froyo (6.6) will I have access to the Market from the start or am I going to have to go into command line and all that other stuff? I'm comfortable with the flashing and installing but as soon as you get into that I might as well be reading Russian...
I know I have more questions but I can't think of them currently. Any and all help is much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I won't be too helpful here but since you have no replies yet...
1. Honeycomb is more functional for tablet devices, it has the notification bar on the bottom with back and menu buttons by default, it has multipane apps and new widgets and other new functions.
2. I am not sure what you are talking about here.
3. Froyo and newer support web video via flash player 10. If you can get it installed, some people have difficulties.
4. It has to do with your device ID. Google for some reason can block apps that they don't think you need on your particular device. It's good for somethings because you don't want to see GPS centric apps on a device with no GPS but it blocks lots of useful apps too. There is a way to fix it by tricking the market into thinking you have a phone like DROID. Not sure why devs don't do it thought.
5. Rom makers aren't putting the market into their roms. Google has a problem with it and has sent Cease and Desist letters to people who do it. You can install the market afterwards.
I'm sorry if this has already been debated elsewhere. I did search and try to locate threads on this already, but didn't come up with anything which (seemed) relevant to this problem.
If anyone has a link handy for another thread which already discusses this, I'll close the thread if that is wanted.
With that said... Here's my issue.
As stated elsewhere, one of the main things which excited me about Gingerbread was the ability to do native SIP dialing. About time, I say! Now I've flashed Gingerbread on my SGS and so far the results has been below underwhelming.
From what I can tell this is how you get SIP/VoIP/Internet calling on your phone using Gingerbread:
1. Sign up for Google Voice.
2. Install Google Voice and sign in.
3. Voila. Your Gingerbread Android-device now has a bunch of SIP settings and options.
This is ofcourse, unless your manufacturer has somehow crippled your phone's software.
That might be the case with Samsung's firmware, but I wouldn't know because the steps outlined above is absolutely impossible for anyone outside the US. You cannot sign up for Google Voice anywhere else. End of story.
So. Is this for real? Did Google release a smartphone OS for worldwide consumption, touting "native SIP", native internet calling as feature and then implement it in a way which means it will only work in one country, all else be damned?
I seriously find this very hard to believe. There has to be a way to get this functionality up and running otherwise. Seriously? The internet maestros at Google implements a core OS-level function tied to (one) geo-location? Is third-party solutions ala Sipdroid the solution for everyone else?
So... Please tell me I am completely mistaken and that there are steps for getting SIP running on my phone, despite me not have an adress of residency ending in "US".
Any hints or links in any direction so that I can actually get to try this out would be über appreciated.
Bump.
I realize posting this while Europa were getting ready for sleep and only US-people were around might have been bad timing.
Just bumping this again to see if there's any more response. I can't seriously be the only one wondering about this.
If bumping is severely against forum policies, let me know and I'll make a note of it and wont do it again.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1043016
Use this zip as an update from CWM recovery, enables the menu "Internet call settings" under "Call settings".
Works on odex and deodex ROMS [I have the same JVB as the OP]
Problem solved
Thanks Vinnie.
Since I already have some framework-res.apk dependent mods, I just pushed the permissions-file as mentioned in that thread, and now I have "Internet calling options" available.
Yes, I realize this will only work while on wifi and SIP over 3G will be disabled, but at least it gives me something to experiment with so that later I will know if handing over my other mods for 3G VoIP/SIP will be worth it.
Thanks for the response and handy link. Now if XDA had better search, I might not have needed to pollute the forums with duplicates like this
Edit: Checked the entire thread and saw that there is an update.zip with eyecandy as well. Will try it out later.
I have used Chroma in the past with minimal issues, but prefer the pure stock over a rom - so my question is; is there any way to use the Chroma Rom Dialer on the stock 5.1.1? (since I know there's several telephony, dialer, phonesky apps/files) I am not sure how I would go about doing that, or what all I would need to change in order to pull it off - if this is even possible at all?
Reason for my question, I like that it has BUILT IN native call blocking ability that the stock dialer doesn't, other than THAT feature it's identical to the stock dialer. I don't care if it's the Chroma dialer, or another rom dialer, I just want the STOCK dialer (or stock-like) to have this ability.
I know there's 3rd party apps for this type of thing, and I've used many of them, but I very much so prefer NOT to have to use a 3rd party app for something that (IMO) should have been built in to begin with.
If you wish to know why this is important to me, read the spoiler:
So, I get ~3-6 calls every day that's just the same BS; Scam calls saying I can lower my CC interest rates and to press 1 to speak to a representative. They always call from a different number, so blocking them individually doesn't work since it's never the same twice (typically - you'll understand after reading below). If you DO press 1 you get a rude person who will cuss at you, call you names, or laugh at you if you ask to be removed from their calling list. Doing that will only make it worse. I've recorded dozens of calls where they say really effed up things to me. Beyond harassment, it's straight up abuse.
I have been getting them for years, I DO NOT own a credit card, never have owned one, and have never even applied for one - plus there's THOUSANDS of pages on Google about these type of calls being a major problem. Even the FCC has a $50,000 bounty for anyone who can legally or illegally stop them - no questions asked (how badass is that!?) - THAT should tell you how hard they are to catch, find, or stop.
After more than 2 years of filing formal complaints/reports with the FCC, Local PD, FBI (as told to by the FCC), USCC, and have seeked legal advice from my lawyer as to getting this stopped via getting a subpoena so uscc has to release the real call origin trace, I'm on the Do Not Call list... - I've been met with ONE solution that has been common on all counts; change my number. That's not really an option, I've had this number since 1997, I'm not about to change it for obvious reasons.
Now, I've tried many apps to get this stopped, ranging from free to paid, and have not found one that ACTUALLY works toward getting it stopped, many are difficult to use or require WAY too much effort and personal information in order to do anything but ask you to donate.
So far I have logged (through Google Voice VM) a growing total of 566 *different* numbers they have called me from - from all over the US and some that are unused anywhere on earth.
In conclusion, Ive logged 566 different numbers that have called me a total of 11,925 times since 2008.
If that isn't justification for this request, then IDK what is. Shy of ditching my phone altogether, I'm out of ideas.
Bumping - I'd really appreciate any help, gents.
iRub1Out said:
Bumping - I'd really appreciate any help, gents.
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Have no idea. If dialer would work would need boh contacts and dialer apk. Have no idea where the code for that mod is and if ASOP dialer will even work on stock. Then you have odex vs deodex to work through.
If it CANT work on stock (which, honestly, I didn't expect it to) given, as you said, the differences are small on the surface but in the actual build they're very different. I understand that, and those are things I considered leading me to wonder.
Can anyone MAKE the stock dialer with that mod added in, or a otherwise stock rom with that?
It seems like a lot to request, I know, but I've been looking for this for months, I've even set up a bounty in a thread on TUSCC, its something that I've really hoped would become a mod thru xposed or "Pure Shamu" rom with it. However, it seems that others don't experience this ridiculous problem, leading to it not being as popular as I wish it was.
Trying to stop an ex from calling is one thing, but trying to stop every call that isn't a contact, I realize that's quite another. Thus is my case, its crazy how many spoofed numbers they use. I'm more amazed that the carrier hasn't done something than I am that it's not a mod. There's tens of thousands of people with this problem and the one solution that requires no effort on the end user isn't available to cell phone users.
I don't know - I'm just at my wits end with these calls. I'd be happy to do it myself if a dev is willing to give me some direction, or ideas to try out.
As a side note, I've recorded several where I just screw with them for as long as I can - then put it on YT after they realize they've been trolled and blow up. It's a small, yet, satisfying "middle finger" I can do.
iRub1Out said:
If it CANT work on stock (which, honestly, I didn't expect it to) given, as you said, the differences are small on the surface but in the actual build they're very different. I understand that, and those are things I considered leading me to wonder.
Can anyone MAKE the stock dialer with that mod added in, or a otherwise stock rom with that?
It seems like a lot to request, I know, but I've been looking for this for months, I've even set up a bounty in a thread on TUSCC, its something that I've really hoped would become a mod thru xposed or "Pure Shamu" rom with it. However, it seems that others don't experience this ridiculous problem, leading to it not being as popular as I wish it was.
Trying to stop an ex from calling is one thing, but trying to stop every call that isn't a contact, I realize that's quite another. Thus is my case, its crazy how many spoofed numbers they use. I'm more amazed that the carrier hasn't done something than I am that it's not a mod. There's tens of thousands of people with this problem and the one solution that requires no effort on the end user isn't available to cell phone users.
I don't know - I'm just at my wits end with these calls. I'd be happy to do it myself if a dev is willing to give me some direction, or ideas to try out.
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If I knew what the mod is it would be possible to port to stock. My guess it is in smali which cannot access on stock odex. Stock Would have to be deodexed to access smali which is also possible in rom form. Nobody I know of is deodexing stock 5.1.1 We have done it and got it working but don't post as we still don't know if everything works. Lollipop is still hard to make fully working rom from stock image. M is even going to be harder. Would still need the code required to enable the mod.
prdog1 said:
If I knew what the mod is it would be possible to port to stock. My guess it is in smali which cannot access on stock odex. Stock Would have to be deodexed to access smali which is also possible in rom form. Nobody I know of is deodexing stock 5.1.1 We have done it and got it working but don't post as we still don't know if everything works. Lollipop is still hard to make fully working rom from stock image. M is even going to be harder. Would still need the code required to enable the mod.
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I concurr, your talking about taking apk's not meant for a certain rom and adding them in to pray it works. Did you look in the market t.o see if there was a KB you liked there? You can't just switch around apk's like that because you could easily get force closes. If you want to try just copy and paste it into a rom. you wont brick doing that, it may work
I know it isn't as easy as swapping apks - I had *hoped* it would be similarly easy, but figured there was no way.
Idk what the mod is, or how Chroma did it - but the dialer looks stock other than the addition of that option under the advanced menu in the dialer settings.
I've looked in the market, used many of them, Mr. Number was my go to for a long time but it is iffy on 5.1 as *sometimes* a call will get through for a couple rings then gets blocked. It would also block known contacts on a rare occasion, I would go a couple days without knowing I had missed a call from a family member because it didn't show up in Mr. Number or the stock dialer - somehow it blocked it and had no record of the call even coming in.
That's why I was hoping to find a way to get this option in the stock dialer - without porting anything or swapping apks, that way it's a native feature to the dialer and I wouldn't have to depend on 3rd party apps to do it.
I've asked Google, but their solution was to add them to one contact and send the calls to VM - while that essentially works, that means I'd have to add all 500+ numbers to a single contact, and they OFTEN call from spoofed numbers I've never seen before - so that really doesn't solve anything.