In case you didn't know, Google has silently implemented FREE tracking for almost all androids. It also allows you to erase the phone if you feel that it's necessary, all you have to do is enable it as a device admin. I realize there have been apps on the market for a long time now that do this (and more) however Google doesn't require you to install or update any apps to use this service and from my brief testing it seems to work amazingly well right off the bat.
Go here and bookmark: https://www.google.com/android/devicemanager
it's about time they did this. i've hated having to install lookout or avast for decent location and remote wipe. now, that is more. further proof why you don't need an AV on your phone.
The only thing missing that I would like to see in future updates would be the ability to remotely lock the device so that a thief would have a harder time fooling around with the phone before you can track it. I've been using Where's My Droid for a long time but it lost the web interface tracking a while ago and that's been a bummer.
Is there any way to uninstall this useless feature? I never use GPS in my phone (because of the horrible reception, also because I am able to navigate without it), and also do not lose it.
Also, I already encrypted my device, so people can't do anything with it when they find it.
Also, whilst I am at it, I really do not like the way google forces their "content" down the wide opened throat of the community. I did not like the way they went with google services framework, and how you can't do jack sh*t without it, and I do not like the updates and "progression" they make.
Soo, any idea on how to get that off my phone?
Cheers!
PS: Everything I wrote is my own opinion, and if yours differs, at least RESPECT mine. If not, I could not care less about yours and do not get upset if I make fun of it. (Just in case some fanboy tries to attack me )
IRKONIK said:
Is there any way to uninstall this useless feature? I never use GPS in my phone (because of the horrible reception, also because I am able to navigate without it), and also do not lose it.
Also, I already encrypted my device, so people can't do anything with it when they find it.
Also, whilst I am at it, I really do not like the way google forces their "content" down the wide opened throat of the community. I did not like the way they went with google services framework, and how you can't do jack sh*t without it, and I do not like the updates and "progression" they make.
Soo, any idea on how to get that off my phone?
Cheers!
PS: Everything I wrote is my own opinion, and if yours differs, at least RESPECT mine. If not, I could not care less about yours and do not get upset if I make fun of it. (Just in case some fanboy tries to attack me )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can disable the google play services in a custom ROM (i think it's built-in to android 4.2.2) but it'll break the YouTube app, and as you said, you're limited without it. as far as like older ROMs go (ICS, GB, etc.), the app isn't built-in and you can uninstall it.
I personally find google play services somewhat useful (especially now with the ADM), and i use YouTube occasionally so i need it for that, but we all have our own opinions, as you said, and I'd personally like to keep things civil.
and if you hate the services that much, you can actually reflash the ROM you're using without Gapps. it will be a limited experience, but the Play Services won't be there
IRKONIK said:
Is there any way to uninstall this useless feature? I never use GPS in my phone (because of the horrible reception, also because I am able to navigate without it), and also do not lose it.
Also, I already encrypted my device, so people can't do anything with it when they find it.
Also, whilst I am at it, I really do not like the way google forces their "content" down the wide opened throat of the community. I did not like the way they went with google services framework, and how you can't do jack sh*t without it, and I do not like the updates and "progression" they make.
Soo, any idea on how to get that off my phone?
Cheers!
PS: Everything I wrote is my own opinion, and if yours differs, at least RESPECT mine. If not, I could not care less about yours and do not get upset if I make fun of it. (Just in case some fanboy tries to attack me )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Other than what was already said I don't think there's a way to remove it, but just look at it this way... it doesn't take up any space and won't just activate by itself, so it's really not inconveniencing you in any way. I understand you don't want to be force-fed features that you don't want, and I absolutely respect that, but for many (myself included) this was a long overdue feature that will no doubt help many many users. This kinda stuff comes with the territory of owning a 'connected' device like a smartphone, so if you really want to get off the grid, just go back to a dumb-phone (yes they still exist).
Sorry for the "rant", but these updates cost me money, since I don't have a flatrare on my phone. (And Android OS still uses my data, whilst I have it turned off. Which is strange)
I actually do own "a few" dumb phones, one for calling, one for getting called, one for SMS.
So I am off grid, at least a little bit.
I actually never understood that feature. As I stated above, I am not the kind of person that loses stuff (OK, maybe sometimes my manners ) nor did I ever had something stolen from me. People tried, but never succeeded.
I am looking forward to Replicant, so I can finally shove my middle finger up Googles fat back-ends (of the wafer. Also it is somehow connected to the fat file system. Not what you thought )
Some day.. Soon.
IRKONIK said:
Sorry for the "rant", but these updates cost me money, since I don't have a flatrare on my phone. (And Android OS still uses my data, whilst I have it turned off. Which is strange)
I actually do own "a few" dumb phones, one for calling, one for getting called, one for SMS.
So I am off grid, at least a little bit.
I actually never understood that feature. As I stated above, I am not the kind of person that loses stuff (OK, maybe sometimes my manners ) nor did I ever had something stolen from me. People tried, but never succeeded.
I am looking forward to Replicant, so I can finally shove my middle finger up Googles fat back-ends (of the wafer. Also it is somehow connected to the fat file system. Not what you thought )
Some day.. Soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Replicant is available for the galaxysmtd (international galaxy s). it's not fully functional though, because there aren't a ton of open-source libraries and drivers available. if you want replicant on this phone, you gotta learn how to code, and how to build from source.
supernexus is kinda like replicant except it uses a lot of closed-source libraries that make things work. as i said, just don't flash the google apps package. it's basically a clone of the Nexus firmware, as you get all the AOSP components, nothing more or less. oh and also, very minimal google integration without Gapps
How does it work
So does Android Device Manager track the phone or tablet by the hardware signature or by Google account? I ask because I lost my Nexus 7 last Monday and immediately changed my Google Account password. Now when I try to track the Nexus 7 using Android Device Manager it shows that it has not been used since last Monday.
Capt-Capsaicin said:
So does Android Device Manager track the phone or tablet by the hardware signature or by Google account? I ask because I lost my Nexus 7 last Monday and immediately changed my Google Account password. Now when I try to track the Nexus 7 using Android Device Manager it shows that it has not been used since last Monday.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hardware i reckon, when i used this it let's me choose which device I've used with my Google account. It sees phone as different again when I've flashed a new ROM.
Crawshayi said:
In case you didn't know, Google has silently implemented FREE tracking for almost all androids. It also allows you to erase the phone if you feel that it's necessary, all you have to do is enable it as a device admin. I realize there have been apps on the market for a long time now that do this (and more) however Google doesn't require you to install or update any apps to use this service and from my brief testing it seems to work amazingly well right off the bat.
Go here and bookmark: https://www.google.com/android/devicemanager
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CM Team Announces CyanogenMod Account For Remote Device Wipe/Tracking, Dual-Release Branches For Better Security
Posted by Ryan Whitwam in News
http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/0...ng-dual-release-branches-for-better-security/
CM guys still finding ways to 1-up google android :silly:
.
Related
We use apple music family ,bear with me,we like the way it works and the family are used to using it I know there are others etc etc etc...
But there is an issue , every time I reflash a ROM and sign in to apple music itunes logs it as a different device name which is generated by the ROM, but always a variant of one plus 3t ..
There is a limited of 10 devices before being locked out which has happened and I can't delete the devices off iTunes - you have to deactivate the device.each time which I can't now..so I'm in limbo now until apple reset it for me (possibly) .
But this will.keep happening unless there is a way to keep the device name the same regardless of which ROM is flashed - is there a way to do this?
p2daz said:
We use apple music family ,bear with me,we like the way it works and the family are used to using it I know there are others etc etc etc...
But there is an issue , every time I reflash a ROM and sign in to apple music itunes logs it as a different device name which is generated by the ROM, but always a variant of one plus 3t ..
There is a limited of 10 devices before being locked out which has happened and I can't delete the devices off iTunes - you have to deactivate the device.each time which I can't now..so I'm in limbo now until apple reset it for me (possibly) .
But this will.keep happening unless there is a way to keep the device name the same regardless of which ROM is flashed - is there a way to do this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same boat as you, i just called apple support and explained i develop software for android (i don't) and have to wipe my phone a lot and they cleared all the devices straight away for me. Give apple care a call
manor7777 said:
Same boat as you, i just called apple support and explained i develop software for android (i don't) and have to wipe my phone a lot and they cleared all the devices straight away for me. Give apple care a call
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I sent an email stating the same really , got an automated response, I'll give it 24hours before calling them directly .
Its a shame really as it will keep happening and I do.like apple music so.it would be a shame to move onto something else
p2daz said:
I sent an email stating the same really , got an automated response, I'll give it 24hours before calling them directly .
Its a shame really as it will keep happening and I do.like apple music so.it would be a shame to move onto something else
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just called Applecare, super easy, just say your having a problem with Apple music, and when it asks what device (it's an automated voice detection system) just say its not an apple device. They answer very quickly and it saves a bunch of emails to them but I hope you get it sorted none of the less. Apple music ain't bad
manor7777 said:
I just called Applecare, super easy, just say your having a problem with Apple music, and when it asks what device (it's an automated voice detection system) just say its not an apple device. They answer very quickly and it saves a bunch of emails to them but I hope you get it sorted none of the less. Apple music ain't bad
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had an email waiting for me when I got up this morning , all old devices wiped clean, so fair play to apple for sorting out quickly but...
How do we stop it happening again? After we've flash a fresh ROM 10 times we'll be back here again.
Bit of an arse really ..
First, I'm just in shock t here's a phone that can't be rooted. It just blows my mind and really, I'm saddened by it. It totally defeats the original idea behind Android - a device that people can root, voiding their warranty, develop - A lot of Amateur dev'd features have been incorporated into Android as it's grown over the years, and modify. Even the Judicial system said end users have the right to do what they want to their device and void the warranty at their own discretion.
However, even if it does ever actually come out and even if VZW DOES carry it and even if I could afford it, which I doubt, I really like th Z force, from what I've seen and read.
So how are you guys who have always used rooted, mod'd devices living without root??
I guess I can learn to give up most of my root required apps, begrudgingly, but TB?? How could I ever transfer my apps and data (MUST have data transferred too) without root??
What about bloatware? It's like giving up sex for me to give up root. Aaaauuuggghhhhh
HipKat said:
First, I'm just in shock t here's a phone that can't be rooted. It just blows my mind and really, I'm saddened by it. It totally defeats the original idea behind Android - a device that people can root, voiding their warranty, develop - A lot of Amateur dev'd features have been incorporated into Android as it's grown over the years, and modify. Even the Judicial system said end users have the right to do what they want to their device and void the warranty at their own discretion.
However, even if it does ever actually come out and even if VZW DOES carry it and even if I could afford it, which I doubt, I really like th Z force, from what I've seen and read.
So how are you guys who have always used rooted, mod'd devices living without root??
I guess I can learn to give up most of my root required apps, begrudgingly, but TB?? How could I ever transfer my apps and data (MUST have data transferred too) without root??
What about bloatware? It's like giving up sex for me to give up root. Aaaauuuggghhhhh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's several Android devices that cannot be rooted, certainly ones designed for Verizon (Droids)
Sent from my Moto Razr M using Tapatalk
sd_shadow said:
There's several Android devices that cannot be rooted, certainly ones designed for Verizon (Droids)
Sent from my Moto Razr M using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True that, but I'm not interested in those lol
HipKat said:
True that, but I'm not interested in those lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well for me the biggest difference is I used to use Playstation controllers, so I had to switch to a gamesir g3s which is the same size and shape but does not require root. Nothing else I do requires root so Im perfectly fine not having it. I miss mhl far more than root since I used it a lot with a bluetooth keyboard and mouse with chrome remote desktop, but I bought a laptop to eliminate that.
I'm really missing the following apps:
Titanium Backup
Ad Blockers that actually work well (AdAway, MinMinGuard, UnbelovedHosts)
Viper4Android
File Browsers that can access the entire filesystem (allowing me to debloat stock apps, among other things).
I can partially work around the ad blockers thing by spending a few extra bucks to purchase some apps that I don't use often enough to have already warranted a purchase, and using DNS66 for non-secure uses (a less than optimal solution, since I can't trust some random server on the internet which could theoretically hit me with a MITM attack...I turn it off whenever security is a concern).
There really is no good workaround for TiBu, V4A, or root file explorers.
But the benefits are that I can now use Android Pay, and don't need to fight with SnapChat every time I need to log back in.
The negatives far outweigh the benefits, and I don't want to ever buy a non-rootable phone again. GFY Verizon.
sn00gan said:
I'm really missing the following apps:
Titanium Backup
Ad Blockers that actually work well (AdAway, MinMinGuard, UnbelovedHosts)
Viper4Android
File Browsers that can access the entire filesystem (allowing me to debloat stock apps, among other things).
I can partially work around the ad blockers thing by spending a few extra bucks to purchase some apps that I don't use often enough to have already warranted a purchase, and using DNS66 for non-secure uses (a less than optimal solution, since I can't trust some random server on the internet which could theoretically hit me with a MITM attack...I turn it off whenever security is a concern).
There really is no good workaround for TiBu, V4A, or root file explorers.
But the benefits are that I can now use Android Pay, and don't need to fight with SnapChat every time I need to log back in.
The negatives far outweigh the benefits, and I don't want to ever buy a non-rootable phone again. GFY Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I wanted to hear. Guess I'll have to pass on this one. No Backup, or V4A is not acceptable for me
The only complaint that I have is that some of the pre-installed apps are not able to be uninstalled. theres 4? or so that I can't get rid of
This is my first non-rootable phone and I have mixed feelings about that. As a stock platform, the Z Force is a great phone and does almost all that I could ask for from a pocket computer. I love having stock Android and like having WiFi calling, though it's a pain to switch back and forth: go into airplane mode, then switch WiFi on to make WiFi calls. Of course, you have to remember to turn airplane mode off when you get back into service.
I also miss Titanium Backup and the ability to completely remove apps I have no interest in having on my phone. All things being equal, I find that I can live without root on this phone. Battery life is great, it's fast, and it gets frequent and regular updates.
Really, no root?
So I just as well stay with my old rooted Droid Turbo. I came here thinking its time I look for a newer Motorola phone, that I can root.
What if I buy an unlocked Z Force? Can it be rooted then?
It seems that the regular Moto Z can be rooted according to this thread:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-z/how-to/guide-how-to-root-moto-z-supersu-t3551113
So why can the Force not also be rooted?
Stuck with VZW Malware
I'd like to add to my original list of complaints about not having root.
The topic: AppFlash
Verizon now pushes the AppFlash malware onto every Android device. Without root, it can not be removed properly. I tried to disable the app via Settings, and it "uninstalled" an "update" so now AppFlash doesn't appear in the Apps list, but I still get messages that "AppFlash has crashed" multiple times per day. I work in an area with minimal cell service and no GPS service, and I strongly supect that it's AppFlash that's trying to spy on me, which is causing my phone to be constantly seeking location via GPS and draining my battery. It's only the last month or two that I've noticed it being this bad, and that does seem to correspond with the time that people started reporting the latest wave of AppFlash installations.
Make no bones about it, this is spyware, pushed by Verizon, that tracks your location, calls home to report everything ELSE they've spied on you as well, drains battery rapidly, and can not be removed!
This was the final straw, Verizon. I'm going to move back to iPhone (at least VZW can't crap up iOS too badly, like they can with Android) and then convince my wife to finally fire those VZW bums and switch to T-Mobile or Google Fi.
sn00gan said:
I'd like to add to my original list of complaints about not having root.
The topic: AppFlash
Verizon now pushes the AppFlash malware onto every Android device. Without root, it can not be removed properly. I tried to disable the app via Settings, and it "uninstalled" an "update" so now AppFlash doesn't appear in the Apps list, but I still get messages that "AppFlash has crashed" multiple times per day. I work in an area with minimal cell service and no GPS service, and I strongly supect that it's AppFlash that's trying to spy on me, which is causing my phone to be constantly seeking location via GPS and draining my battery. It's only the last month or two that I've noticed it being this bad, and that does seem to correspond with the time that people started reporting the latest wave of AppFlash installations.
Make no bones about it, this is spyware, pushed by Verizon, that tracks your location, calls home to report everything ELSE they've spied on you as well, drains battery rapidly, and can not be removed!
This was the final straw, Verizon. I'm going to move back to iPhone (at least VZW can't crap up iOS too badly, like they can with Android) and then convince my wife to finally fire those VZW bums and switch to T-Mobile or Google Fi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is the iPhone working out on Fi?
htcSlide said:
How is the iPhone working out on Fi?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha, I know, right? Reading comprehension can be hard.
As I said, my plan was to FIRST move back to an iPhone, THEN switch to T-Mobile OR Google Fi (the implication being, that when changing networks, one must obviously either have or obtain compatible hardware). Unfortunately, in my area only VZW has reliable 4G coverage without dead zones in the places where we need service the most. The wife has put her foot down about switching networks for the time being.
At least my iPhone, while older, still has the most recent version of iOS and is unencumbered by Verizon's malware. It's a reasonable compromise at the moment.
Since Z Force seems to be non-rootable, does it mean that camera2 api support level on the phone cannot be improved?
Or is there any way to enable Camera2 API Without Root on this phone?
also, can someone PLEASE help me on this QUERY...
What is Camera2 API support level on Moto Z FORCE
https://forum.xda-developers.com/z-force/themes/camera2-api-support-level-moto-z-force-t3863829
Its so sad not to have root on a very capable device like the Z force
I was running a U1 XAA build of Android 10 2.0 with the
June 1 Security patch that I'd downloaded and flashed
from Sammobile.
Awhile ago I downloaded and flashed the U1 XAA 2.1 update from the same place and noticed that there
are a number of apps I can no longer deny Wifi Control
access to under the Apps Special access area:
DeviceTest
DeviceKeystring
FACM
Gear VR Service
Voice wake-up
being 5 out of the 12 I cant deny access to.
Also I am no longer able to disable Google Play Services
whereas before in 2.0 I could. I'm not even allowed to forcestop Play Services now! Its not just these two changes, there are other things I used to be able to disable but now can't. And I have *two* 'SmartThings'
apps, one is version 10.0.37.0 and the other is version
1.7.50-21 (the-21 is just how its listed.)
I know this all sounds somewhat tame and trivial but I would like to know if this is all normal and can be confirmed by anyone else.
Anyone
-----------------
**Update**
Okay, just wanted to post some info on some sort of resolution to the above, mostly for those who make honest and earnest pleas for help and ask really pertinent questions but are ignored by the knowledgable (or criminal)
peruser.
In short, I was hacked. It doesn't come as a surprise (has happened *many* times with my N9. It *does* make me wonder about that supposed military-grade Knox security)
How do you know if you're hacked?? I just used the Running Services lister under Development Tools. Look
for services that shouldn't be running as often as they do
(Last hack they had Samsung Push which is for delivering notifications related to Samsung apps?? running something as a Service (not sure what it was but as soon as I stopped it, it popped right back up) or things you never use or have deactivated showing up in the cache (ESPECIALLY Aircommand!! Disable this as a Trusted Agent immediately! And keep an eye on it, and always keep the Air Remote feature OFF).
Also, the Google Play Store app. When I flashed the July 2020 Security update I noticed the Play Store was still at the May 2020 version update. I didn't think much of it at the time, but after having to Factory Reset I noticed it now read July 1 2020. So I guess the 'worms' have the May version hacked. Sucks that villany loves working for free breaking stuff, but in order to build something up and protect it, it takes toil and coercion.
Finally (Not sure if this is actually a sign of malware or hacking, but the only reference I could find relating to it
was from a guy who was truly beleaguered by hackers)
theres a User Certificate under Biometrics & Security / Other
Security settings / User Certificates that reads as
'FindMyMobile' and purports to being necessary for VPN security and other applications. Well, I had Find My Mobile
deactivated and uninstalled via ADB and it still showed back up after being deleted numerous times and my VPN seems to work without it. It might be for the Note 9's
built-in Knox android VPN strengthening parameters, but I couldn't find nfo online about it anywhere except in the case I mentioned which seems very odd. Qualifying proof of its malicious intent for me?: After factory resetting it hasn't shown back up.
I dont think my N9 is cleaned or I should say I'll never trust a smart phone fully again, not until the outdated and hacked 40 year old SS7 protocol that runs all cellular communications is updated, not until something more reliably secure than 'somewhat' obsfucatingly complex baseband processors are present in phones and maybe something akin to a hardware firewall in the soc that can interpret and filter non-carrier invalid commands (prob only need to update that damn SS7 protocol!) I'd also love it if Google/Alphabet would dump Android and start over with a new updated mobile OS with security at the forefront (Think, updates delivered via 'Middleware', roms bought initially directly from the manufacturer that can be crytographically flashed up to three times with signed updates with each update burned and locked into the rom via fuses. Each factory reset brings you back to your last update. The roms are only updatable if a hardware dip switch is tripped which moves actual physical leads in the soc which powers the ability to flash this chip. And maybe screw AOSP, I wonder if all this open sourceness has actually given the malware creators more knowledge to
finess the software and the hardware. The so-called white-hat 'Ethical Hackers' (LOL! HOW can breaking into someone's personal space without permission outside of national defense be considered ethical?!? All hackers are criminals. If you want to be considered a 'good' hacker (*snort*) bring to light the measly exploits and software, the slime who make and distribute the same and tell how to protect against them and detect them and disable them. Criminals giving webinars and seminars about how to circumvent protections for devices that billions of people rely on for living should be outlawed FULL-STOP-PERIOD I'd rather have one slime who knows how to get into a system than having that slime be allowed to freely distribute the software and knowledge so that millions of other definately less conscionable scum can make use of his knowledge.)
hackers only care about making their fame and fortune by
beinging to light obscure and unknown exploits that no one has ever used or are likely to use than going after to exoloits that *are* in use and *do* affect those in the here and now. It must give some sense of ease not to be in contention with real criminality and the fear of any reprisals from the 'less-ethically saturated' in the tech community.
Just wanted to get that out somewhere. I know its pointless and no-one will listen. Look at what Edward Snowden sacrificed for people who were/are unworthy of *any* sacrifice by betraying everything bit by bit, battle by battle until it must one day be reclaimed (if it can be) via costly confrontation, disruption and perhaps irrevocable critical loss.
Okay, END RANT. Yeah, a slow day, corona cloud and all.
But seriuosly the Feds need to check all this electronic criminality, its gotten waaay out of hand. TO FEDS: Less hunting terrorists, MORE hunting electronic predators and anarchists!
Hi, @tamdwin,
Even though you believe your phone may have been hacked, DeviceKeystring, DeviceTest, EmergencyManagerService, FACM, IMS Service, IOTHiddenMenu, Samsung MirrorLink 1.1, Settings, Setup Wizard, Wi-Fi Direct & WlanTest are enabled on my Note9 with One UI 2.1, Security patch: 1 July 2020 (w/out Google Play Services/Google Play Store, Bixby, GearVR, DeX...only have Google Services Framework installed).
After downloading the 1 July 2020 Security update, I noticed that these services could no longer be turned off for wi-fi control.
Wish I never downloaded the update for the fancy camera features, lol.
Snowden? Have you read any of his articles on smartphone security? (you may want to throw your phone in a blender after reading...)
Some of the settings, such as disabling "Find My Mobile" from running in the background, reset/enable after you restart the phone.
Snowden? Have you read any of his articles on smartphone security? (you may want to throw your phone in a blender after reading...)
But will it blend!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN9mktgYZJ8
I am worried about these things, so I am looking at developing my own custom ROM.
Sorry for my English I Am brazillian
@P00r ROFL! The Samsung S4 Active shake looks delicious! Thank you for sharing the vid!
silvaBR said:
I am worried about these things, so I am looking at developing my own custom ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds like an excellent plan!
Even the Android Auto for phone screens was retired for Android 12, you can still use it on old Androids 11, 10. A month ago a message appear "Android Auto for phone screens will stop working soon", but still can use it.
Today I tried to start the app and instead appear the Android Auto settings page and no more Android Auto for phone screens. I have Miui 12.5.7 with Android 11 and Android Auto 7.6.621734-release.
Its only me or they kill out AAFPS for good?
For me the same...
Android Auto is now on the scrap heap; in short it will no longer work as a stand-alone.
Google have thrown a kill-switch (2 days ago now) for discrete mode so that now, it can only work in screen-mirroring mode which necessitates a compatible infotainment system/head unit (check the message it opens with).
The official alternative on offer is Driving Mode in the Google Assistant. It's of dubious quality, especially for devices older than Android 10, where it really is just a shortcut to Google Maps.
Alternative apps/launchers are available but they are either expensive or just plain rubbish (and often both).
I'm sorry to hear this is confirmed. So no more Android Auto, I don't have a compatible infotainment system/head unit.
Driving Mode in the Google Assistant is a just simple no-go. Here in Romania we use a lot Waze for police report, traffic jams and bad roads. Also since romanian language is not supported , you can spell some small commands in english, but to convince it to drive you at address or even to call your mom is very difficult.
So now I'm without alternative .
triovi said:
...So no more Android Auto, I don't have a compatible infotainment system/head unit...
...So now I'm without alternative .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed - and you are not alone as many reviews on Google Play confirm.
One other option is to roll-back to an older version. If you don't have a backup then APKMirror might be for you:-
Android Auto on APKMirror
FWIW we have an older, 7/Nougat device running ver 7.4.62094-release and it seems to work still.
If you do try this, then be sure and disable auto-update for it in Google Play...
xanda-escuyer said:
FWIW we have an older, 7/Nougat device running ver 7.4.62094-release and it seems to work still.
If you do try this, then be sure and disable auto-update for it in Google Play...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll give it a try: my Renault Megane is half destroyed and now I have to use (for long time) a Seat Leon without AA enabled!
I've started AA on my old (but still running fine) Motorola Moto G5 and is not working anymore... Problem is that the phone is running Android 8.1 so Drive Assistant is not available (it needs at least Android 9!)
xanda-escuyer said:
FWIW we have an older, 7/Nougat device running ver 7.4.62094-release and it seems to work still.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GCalzo said:
I'll give it a try
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
on my pc I had a few backups, I have removed the current build and installed Android Auto_7.2.620123-release and it worked flawlessly!
I'll look for a more recent build on APKmirror!
Addendum: tried with v7.6 but got the advice. For my Android v8.1 the last working is v7.2!
Thank you for this thread!
This has been nagging me more than usual as AA for Phone Screens was something I've used daily. (strong feedback sent to google, not that it will do any good)
Tried with app version 7.3.620544 on Android 11 and I can launch it a few times, all good and functional. But after a few hours an internal update seems to check the installed and Play store versions, preventing me from starting the application without updating. So reinstall APK again. (a hassle)
Tried creating a re-signed version with Android Studio to block auto-updates, but the re-signed APK install itself is blocked due to signature mismatch - even after uninstalling for user 0. I fear this might be only possible with rooting the phone...
I would very much appreciate any other non-root option to get this functioning again. Curse you google for ruining google.
I also tried to modify the apk.
I was not successful. Therefore I gave up...
Google are literally murderers , besides all the people they have stranded or driven of the road or over ravines with their crappy maps app
they have probably killed thousands in traffic accidents with their garbage software
,this new "driving mode" is no exception , I mean AA was an absolute out of control garbage fire just like GA is but this "driving mode" is over the top
even for the complete morons over at Google.
I can not tell you how many accidents I have almost got into since they removed trusted voice unlock and now that this POS driving mode has replaced AA it has gotten MUCH worse, they should be sued for this dangerous crap they have forced on us, I will NOT be buying another pixel EVER.
fist of all this POS continually turns the screen off and locks the device forcing me to unlock the phone continuously while driving,
they are so S all stupid they didn't even bother to make it rotate to landscape mode and my car mount is for landscape only. (only people who hold their guns sideways would want to use their phones in portrait mode as they always seem to do when taking word star videos)
the "driving mode" is pure trash ,there are no audio controls, you can't use it if you just want to listen to music and for phone calls because it's tied to maps and you have be using navigation to use it.
there is NOTHING here of any value I mean who TF wants to read the New York Slimes, ever and especially WHILE DRIVING, yeah great replacement to music apps and music controls.
There is no way in hell I would ever give these evil bastards my biometric data so here I am trying to unlock my phone with a pattern every 30 seconds while it is mounted landscape and the unlock pattern is in portrait mode, I have to tilt my head or try and figure out my lock pattern adjusted for it being tilted 90 degree off while I'm driving every 30 seconds because the screen keeps turning off and locking the device even though I have "smartlock" (DUMBlock) enabled and my cars bluetooth added as a "trusted device" as well as a smart band, but it just seems to ignore the fact both are connected.
how in the actual F do any of these imbecilic A holes still have jobs, every single last one of them should have been kicked the F out on their arses a long time ago. , maybe we need to get Elon over there.
SOFO888 said:
I also tried to modify the apk.
I was not successful. Therefore I gave up...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
please don't give up and keep trying other wise I am switching back to IOS, I just can't deal with this S
maybe I can throw away my pixel 3a XL and just go back to my old 6p on Nougat
this is not acceptable, what other options are there, I have an echo auto I never set up maybe that will be better.
peetig said:
Thank you for this thread!
This has been nagging me more than usual as AA for Phone Screens was something I've used daily. (strong feedback sent to google, not that it will do any good)
Tried with app version 7.3.620544 on Android 11 and I can launch it a few times, all good and functional. But after a few hours an internal update seems to check the installed and Play store versions, preventing me from starting the application without updating. So reinstall APK again. (a hassle)
Tried creating a re-signed version with Android Studio to block auto-updates, but the re-signed APK install itself is blocked due to signature mismatch - even after uninstalling for user 0. I fear this might be only possible with rooting the phone...
I would very much appreciate any other non-root option to get this functioning again. Curse you google for ruining google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
F it, I am just going to throw away my pixel and go back to IOS
I am F ing done , removal of trusted voice unlock was bad enough but this is the last straw.
My idea is to install an alternative launcher as soon as you are connected to your car's Bluetooth system. I mean a launcher made for driving with big icons and so on.
With tasker you could additionally make a task to increase the display timeout to infinite when connected to your car's Bluetooth system.
gdroid666 said:
F it, I am just going to throw away my pixel and go back to IOS
I am F ing done , removal of trusted voice unlock was bad enough but this is the last straw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Goodbye.
gdroid666 said:
how in the actual F do any of these imbecilic A holes still have jobs,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because they have done exactly what The Chocolate Factory wants.
Android Auto was quite good in the past but then they realised a serious problem: It hurts sales.
So the aim then became to make everybody sick of it by degrees, breaking it a piece at a time until expectations reduce to the point the user base ebbs away.
So what's in it for them? Google are betting that Android's 'popularity' will oblige most of us to seek an alternative - but only if works with their device; that means buying a new infotainment system - one that is either Android Auto or stand-alone Android.
Google and OEMs (JVC, Kenwood, Pioneer etc) now have another major market cornered and if they have done their math right, all of us switching over will mean a windfall of revenue in new hardware sales and licence fees.
As for looking for a launcher, well good luck with that. We've tried several but not one has the ability to switch between driving and phone mode.
These two probably represent the best of what's left but again, neither is properly polished even for the paid versions:-
DashDroid on Google Play
AutoMate on Google Play
Failing that, get a TomTom!
gdroid666 said:
maybe we need to get Elon over there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh please no - anything but that - no no no no....
xanda-escuyer said:
Because they have done exactly what The Chocolate Factory wants.
Android Auto was quite good in the past but then they realised a serious problem: It hurts sales.
So the aim then became to make everybody sick of it by degrees, breaking it a piece at a time until expectations reduce to the point the user base ebbs away.
So what's in it for them? Google are betting that Android's 'popularity' will oblige most of us to seek an alternative - but only if works with their device; that means buying a new infotainment system - one that is either Android Auto or stand-alone Android.
Google and OEMs (JVC, Kenwood, Pioneer etc) now have another major market cornered and if they have done their math right, all of us switching over will mean a windfall of revenue in new hardware sales and licence fees.
As for looking for a launcher, well good luck with that. We've tried several but not one has the ability to switch between driving and phone mode.
These two probably represent the best of what's left but again, neither is properly polished even for the paid versions:-
DashDroid on Google Play
AutoMate on Google Play
Failing that, get a TomTom!
Oh please no - anything but that - no no no no....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thing is most cars don't have it still
the stand alone android units just suck because they don't have any connection method unless they use your phone as a hotspot , unless they have some with sim cards, but now sim cards are being phased out too, and I would not spend more money a month just to keep my head unit connected to GSM
I would buy a head unit if they made one that had wireless android auto baked in but there are none, at least not what I want, I want one for my BMW E46 that looks pretty close to stock, Android head units like that are a dime a dozen for this thing but none of them have AA or wireless AA
,what they should really make is a tablet that has wireless AA built in
or a fire tablet that acts as an echo show auto but with a screen
that you can mount to your dash ,sucks that all the hardware has been there to this for like a decade but because of theese big cancer monopolies we can't use the hardware to its full potential
I have yet to try reloaded yet but I have feeling it will not be good
but here is no reason this can't run on low end tablet like a fire tablet
maybe I will finally get around to trying out my echo auto that I picked up for $20 that has been sitting here not even unboxed for over a year now
thing is that my grom unit is a PITA to pair to my phone , you need to pull 3 different fuses to erase it and repair a new device and then once you do the feature that send the ID4 tags to the display on the radio might not work then you have to pair it all over agian , I am wondering if echo auto will send the track data to the grom and if it will display on the stock radio display like it does with the phone , then maybe I will just ditch GA altogether
its a horrible trash fire anyways , if Amazon made a fire phone again with hands free Alexa baked in I would buy it in hearbeat, anything to get rid of GA
mike.s said:
Goodbye.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah ok ,see ya, I was thinking about buying a 7 pro but not now
F Google , I will NEVER buy another phone from them until they bring back trusted voice unlock and make their phones useable while driving
android is a nothing but a trash fire now, mainly because GA just sucks now
doesn't work while driving , doesn't work with hands free at all not even while using buds, unacceptable trash OS and very dangerous to use while driving people will die in accidents because of Googles moronic decisions and negligence, again F Google I'm out.
gdroid666 said:
Yeah ok ,see ya,..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many of us share your frustration and of course, you are at liberty to try alternatives if you think they are better.
Yet this is primarily a help thread and some would say your 'questions' had been answered before you even posted. So please bear in mind that 'going-off on one' does dilute the thread; making it harder for others to find the help they need as it becomes buried in the noise.
Good luck in your quest...
xanda-escuyer said:
Many of us share your frustration and of course, you are at liberty to try alternatives if you think they are better.
Yet this is primarily a help thread and some would say your 'questions' had been answered before you even posted. So please bear in mind that 'going-off on one' does dilute the thread; making it harder for others to find the help they need as it becomes buried in the noise.
Good luck in your quest...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes everything Google does frustrates me, these people are absolutely obtuse
ok so do you have any suggestions for alternatives?
maybe there is a 3rd party app?
I have a Grom bluetooth unit and they have an app called dashlinq but I have not tried it yet
not sure how it will work with Google assistant
so are there any other 3rd party apps that do essentially the same thing as AA?
not sure if this dashlinq app uses GA or not or if it has it's own voice recognition.
I am surprised that there is not a way to keep using AA though as there is with Google play music ,which you can stil use if you have the right legacy version installed despite its replacement with YT music.
I am still confident there is a way, and also a bit confused
on weather it is going to work on my phone still since I have not updated past Android 11 , guess I will try installing some older .apk's and see if it is only not working anymore on Android 12.
gdroid666 said:
I'm out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You keep saying that.
I have an Tablet A7 ( SM T-505)- With Android 10 UI 2.5.
But after sn failed update from Google Maps ( from 10 something to 11.75.0302)- wich disabled me from charging my tablet propably.
( as I would say ruin my tablet).
Because however what's strange is that I can recharge when I have empty battery( or atleast <5%). Will I charge earlier it just recharge my unit.
And if I cancel before it will be fully recharged I must use up what I have charged.
I myself already tryed to: Put my unit into Safe Mode,and also into dev mode, and also inactivated the app.
Since this app is an rooted app- wich is an part of Googles standard apps ( wich isn't possibel to delete).
So it seems that this update has affected the " register files" in Android.
But since I in the past had experienced trouble to complete the process in the past, mostly due to new updated regulations from both Samsung and Google.
But mostly from Samsung,since they nowdays requires 2 step aut to a nr wich I don't have acess to.
So is there any possibility for me to reset it in an other way?
Since I myself also have heard of Odin- forum.
But it seems that this forum is down- since I don't recive any confirmation mail.
Welcome to XDA
If a reset reset doesn't resolve the issue, flash to the last known working version.
If you're unsure how to flash it, a Samsung Experience center at Best Buys can do, or Samsung Repair. A good repair shop can as well. If all above fail you're looking at a mobo failure; flashing to the last known working version may bypass the hardware damage if that's the cause.
Firmware upgrades and updates can and do break Samsung's. Anytime you flash firmware you take a risk, I trust OTA updates the least. Personally I avoid doing it on Samsung's if the device is running well.
[Edit]:
Well it seems that every time an new update is released from Google causes some sort of conflict( creates bug reports), and that every new update also requires an system update ( OS).
But what's more stange is that Google them selves ignore this,and their standard reply to everyting is Factory Reset.
And in the end that Google don't mention anyting about this.
Since all units wich are sold ( doesn't matter if it's an Tablet or phone ) they always will come with an rooted OS.
Since this type of licence is some special OEM- Software, it's also disabled from doing any changes to the software( non refundable)
So this mean if you already activated it once,it's per default also impossibel to recover( reinstall).
Unleash you create a new account.
Because however I myself had ruined my previous device due to an system update.
Since Samsung call their OS UI.
What many people also is not aware of is the difference between an update and reinstall.
Update= Only adds something new,but don't fix the original problem.
So the conclution is that Google force users to buy the latest equipment.
Wich also mean that I strongly dissuade users to repeat my misstake.
Just find your settings and disable from reciving autoupdates.
But what's more strange is that the new update activates some sort of Safe Mode= an absolut min of charging ( close to values of discarging)
Aprox 0.5A or less.
So this mean that the unit is charging,but very slowly( wich are similar/ close to discharging).
I myself would see an feature of an option where I can manualy Delete( or choose not download) this app.
Because however this is some sort of Momentum 22.
Since what Samsung says about this is that they don't take any responsiblity of 3:rd party apps ( wich are Samsungs policy).
At the other hand what Google do is that they forces me to create an Google accunt- wich is essential.
But the best would if the licens from Samsung would be an traditional OEM- software, wich I could use and reset as many times I find is nessesarly.
Because that's not the case today.
Since when Google has 100% control,they also decide like an push of a button when they should shut down my acess to their software.
Thomasz25 said:
[Edit]:
Well it seems that every time an new update is released from Google causes some sort of conflict( creates bug reports), and that every new update also requires an system update ( OS).
But what's more stange is that Google them selves ignore this,and their standard reply to everyting is Factory Reset.
And in the end that Google don't mention anyting about this.
Since all units wich are sold ( doesn't matter if it's an Tablet or phone ) they always will come with an rooted OS.
Since this type of licence is some special OEM- Software, it's also disabled from doing any changes to the software( non refundable)
So this mean if you already activated it once,it's per default also impossibel to recover( reinstall).
Unleash you create a new account.
Because however I myself had ruined my previous device due to an system update.
Since Samsung call their OS UI.
What many people also is not aware of is the difference between an update and reinstall.
Update= Only adds something new,but don't fix the original problem.
So the conclution is that Google force users to buy the latest equipment.
Wich also mean that I strongly dissuade users to repeat my misstake.
Just find your settings and disable from reciving autoupdates.
But what's more strange is that the new update activates some sort of Safe Mode= an absolut min of charging ( close to values of discarging)
Aprox 0.5A or less.
So this mean that the unit is charging,but very slowly( wich are similar/ close to discharging).
I myself would see an feature of an option where I can manualy Delete( or choose not download) this app.
Because however this is some sort of Momentum 22.
Since what Samsung says about this is that they don't take any responsiblity of 3:rd party apps ( wich are Samsungs policy).
At the other hand what Google do is that they forces me to create an Google accunt- wich is essential.
But the best would if the licens from Samsung would be an traditional OEM- software, wich I could use and reset as many times I find is nessesarly.
Because that's not the case today.
Since when Google has 100% control,they also decide like an push of a button when they should shut down my acess to their software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gookill... had my fill of them. Invariably they either keep screwing with a good product until they dumb it down or discontinue it. Either way you're boned. Typical MS ideology, woke cloud our way or the highway; you'll own nothing and be happy... not.
This N10+ last firmware update was 11/2019, still running on Pie. The current load will be 3 yo this June, still fast, stable with minimal maintenance. Security is not an issue. All OTA updates are disables as is Playstore. Google play Services is temporarily disabled unless needed. Samsung updates are disabled as much as possible; Galaxy store and Good Lock apps requires them. Wearables does not and the newer versions suck. Firmware upgrades for the Buds+ should be blocked if they sound good; use a firewall to lock it down.
These are some of the reasons why this Note runs so well and is so stable.
Rule #1 - if a OS is fulfilling its mission let it be!
Use ApkExport to save time, trouble and to avoid using Playstore for reloads and new setups. For paid Playstore apps, once activated firewall block them and disabled Playstore. Playstore runs a lot in the background and isn't needed.
Most apps should not be updated if nothing else is. This can break them and is a potential security risk.
That's a realistic ( and a bit funny) way of express yourself.
Because however as I remembered old computer programs( the type of license); is that when you bought it once you had it for more of less your lifetime( or untill a new OS was released).
But since the new app based technology; in wich you sign up for a period of time( wich means that you don't own your own copy), so this mean that a company in click of a button decides when and who sholud have acess to their products.
So even if Samsung ( or other brands) put " quality" hardware ( for an example high battery,great screen resolution,a good camera etc),but since a hardware is depending on a stable software- it will be a pile of junk either way.
So it's the same of putting an Volvo BM Tractor engine into a Volvo 740 series.
But now matter of my comical expressions- since I myself is an complete novice in the world of Android( has more experience of Win 98).
As I would say: " Everything above Win 98 is just superfluous"
But however I myself had experienced that there are loads of junk apps in Play store.
Some are released from officaly ( well known/ established) sources, but there are exeptions( mostly from cusom search from Google)- wich are junk( harmfull).
Now matter, what is the attached APK- File? What can I use?
Since I myself found a great site wich has APK- Files ( Google maps).
But this maybe be superfluous, since my main issue is that I need to perform a factory reset ( clean install).
Since I myself had experienced it badly in the past,I don't want to repeat the same again.
Thomasz25 said:
That's a realistic ( and a bit funny) way of express yourself.
Because however as I remembered old computer programs( the type of license); is that when you bought it once you had it for more of less your lifetime( or untill a new OS was released).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, still running W7 and may run XPx64 again as well. No real time limit as long as you use it within it's parameters.
Thomasz25 said:
But since the new app based technology; in wich you sign up for a period of time( wich means that you don't own your own copy), so this mean that a company in click of a button decides when and who sholud have acess to their products.
So even if Samsung ( or other brands) put " quality" hardware ( for an example high battery,great screen resolution,a good camera etc),but since a hardware is depending on a stable software- it will be a pile of junk either way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All Samsung's need to be optimized and need a package disabler or adb edits. A stock Samsung as such can run very good. This N10+ is still running on Pie, current liad will be 3yo this June.
Almost no issues with minimal maintenance.
Thomasz25 said:
So it's the same of putting an Volvo BM Tractor engine into a Volvo 740 series.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those tractor engines ran a lot better with plenty of off the line torque and acceleration. I owned 2 80's 240's before the brand went to hell. You could get half a mil miles out of them. 20 mpg even if stomp down on the accelerator from a stand still in city driving most of the time. You beat the turbos off the line everytime. The air aspirated International diesel on the 90's Ford F-250, E-250's etc were they same way, and fun to drive. Today's junk is well, junk.
Thomasz25 said:
But now matter of my comical expressions- since I myself is an complete novice in the world of Android( has more experience of Win 98).
As I would say: " Everything above Win 98 is just superfluous"
But however I myself had experienced that there are loads of junk apps in Play store.
Some are released from officaly ( well known/ established) sources, but there are exeptions( mostly from cusom search from Google)- wich are junk( harmfull).
Now matter, what is the attached APK- File? What can I use?
Since I myself found a great site wich has APK- Files ( Google maps).
But this maybe be superfluous, since my main issue is that I need to perform a factory reset ( clean install).
Since I myself had experienced it badly in the past,I don't want to repeat the same again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to XDA.
Try using ApkExport to make installable copies of your Android apps...