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.
Looks like 1.1 is confirmed for January and will allow you to sideload apps on the NC in development mode. Not certain when Froyo 2.2 will be available, probably when they launch the store front in Q1, maybe it's in 1.1?
connect.nookdeveloper.com/t5/General-Discussion/Nook-Color-Rooting/td-p/901
Also mention of sideloading apps.
connect.nookdeveloper.com/t5/General-Discussion/Can-you-test-your-apps-on-a-real-hardware-now/m-p/47#M18
Good news!
Josh
I guess I'm the grinch who steals the joy from this news...we can already sideload (heck we have a working Market), and based on the original post I seriously doubt Froyo is coming for the ride with the 1.1 update. I think Froyo is much bigger news, and will get it's own announcement.
Not sure what development mode adds, since rooted users already have the goodies. Tell me I missed something...
-Matt
If that is all they added in the update ill be disappointed. Sounds like all they are gonna do is enable adb. Which is easy enough to enable anyways.
Send from my NookColor
Of course it's not big news here!!! You have to consider that it is for those who haven't rooted their unit. You knew it was coming, so why all the negativity?
Cheers,
kev
No negativity here. I probably should have added a few smiles and winks to make it clear that I was (mostly) teasing (i.e,. the grinch comment). I'm a pretty happy owner, and will gobble up whatever news I can find. I think recent developments with Bluetooth and Nookie Froyo are definitely things to celebrate. Maybe 1.1 has something special that we don't see yet.
-Matt
Yeah, apart from froyo, most of the news from B&N will likely not be as exciting as anything from the developers here.
I am curious what this 1.1 update means for the integrity of my currently nootered NC. Should I be concerned when B&N pushes this update my way?
Kev
It's good news to see sideloading for those that do not wish to root..
-CC
Question regarding upcoming Froyo update (packed with v1.1, or otherwise):
If B&N officially updates to 2.2, they open up development mode for app sideloading, and they also allow for the unrestricted use of normal Froyo home screens (and launchers?), will there be any reason remaining to actually "root" the device at that point?
Or, is B&N talking about a severely restricted "development mode" when they say they're going to open it up?
I'm confused...
(I'm new to Android rooting, so please forgive me if this is a dumb question...)
I haven't rooted... yet. Holding out to see what happens w/ 1.1. I'd prefer not to root and just get some basic apps on the device and not lose access to the B&N store. If I can side load a few key apps w/ 1.1, that will hold me off until the B&N Market place is launched Q1. Otherwise I will most likely root.
Am I missing something? I didn't see them say January anywhere in those threads. All I saw was them saying Q1 of 2011.
And this quote makes it sound like the update won't be useful to the average user.
"Within NOOKcolor 1.1 update, we have added "Developer Mode". This enabled approved 3rd party developers to use the Android SDK to test and develop applications on their NOOKcolor devices."
Approved 3rd Party Develepors. Sounds like the only people side loading apps may be those that are approved by B&N.
supersoulfly said:
"Within NOOKcolor 1.1 update, we have added "Developer Mode". This enabled approved 3rd party developers to use the Android SDK to test and develop applications on their NOOKcolor devices."
Approved 3rd Party Develepors. Sounds like the only people side loading apps may be those that are approved by B&N.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And us.
12345678
I must have missed it but where in that thread is there any mention or confirmation that 1.1 is this month?
I see nothing of the sort.
In regards to January, it looks like Ted_Patrick went back and edited his original response.
Re: Nook Color Rooting[ Edited ] 01-05-2011 10:24 AM - last edited on 01-05-2011 07:12 PM
It originally read:
"Within NOOKcolor 1.1. update(January), we have added...."
Now other responses on the subject of 1.1 by him have an "official" response of
"We cannot comment on OS update features or framework support at this time. When we have information to share, we will be very clear and set expectations clearly."
Looks like he may of spilled the beans a bit or been more forth coming w/ info than B&N liked.
jwigginton said:
I haven't rooted... yet. Holding out to see what happens w/ 1.1. I'd prefer not to root and just get some basic apps on the device and not lose access to the B&N store. If I can side load a few key apps w/ 1.1, that will hold me off until the B&N Market place is launched Q1. Otherwise I will most likely root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know who's been scaring you with witchcraft and vodoo, but here are a few facts:
(1) Rooting is very easy. If you're the kind of person who is OK with opening a command prompt and doing things like "listing directories" and "renaming/moving files" it's quick and painless. It also takes less than 5 minutes (probably about 2) to take your device back to stock.
(2) Rooting does very little to the device. The key is that it allows the user to change system files, something that B&N would prefer we didn't do. Several users root their NookColor (NC) and then scratch their heads because they see no obvious change.
(3) Package mods like autonooter only make a few system changes (aside from the several nice system apps they add), in particular, they allow you to sideload apps. Once you do that, you can reorganize the way your NC looks and performs, so that it handles like a vanilla Android device.
(4) Most importantly, ROOTING DOES VIRTUALLY NOTHING TO CHANGE THE B&N INTERFACE. All--I repeat--ALL the things your NC does out of the box, it still does after rooting. Same eReader. Same storefront. Same file browser. Same everything. And I'm all but certain the NC doesn't phone home and complain that it's been rooted. And if it did--since the bootloader isn't locked--I seriously doubt B&N would try to deny you a service. (The more likely scenario is that an OTA update would try to remove root.)
EDIT: several rooted users have lost access to 1-hour free reading in-store (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=860830). So it's not true that nothing is lost. Sorry for overgeneralizing.
I can all but guarantee you that you'll be disappointed by the B&N store. I predict it will have very few developers, and very few "good" free apps. A better way of saying it is this: within 1 or 2 weeks of the B&N app store launching, most users will look at the Android Market, and say "Forget it, I want apps from the Market, not B&N."
-Matt
gadgetrants said:
I don't know who's been scaring you with witchcraft and vodoo, but here are a few facts:
(1) Rooting is very easy. If you're the kind of person who is OK with opening a command prompt and doing things like "listing directories" and "renaming/moving files" it's quick and painless. It also takes less than 5 minutes (probably about 2) to take your device back to stock.
(2) Rooting does very little to the device. The key is that it allows the user to change system files, something that B&N would prefer we didn't do. Several users root their NookColor (NC) and then scratch their heads because they see no obvious change.
(3) Package mods like autonooter only make a few system changes (aside from the several nice system apps they add), in particular, they allow you to sideload apps. Once you do that, you can reorganize the way your NC looks and performs, so that it handles like a vanilla Android device.
(4) Most importantly, ROOTING DOES VIRTUALLY NOTHING TO CHANGE THE B&N INTERFACE. All--I repeat--ALL the things your NC does out of the box, it still does after rooting. Same eReader. Same storefront. Same file browser. Same everything. And I'm all but certain the NC doesn't phone home and complain that it's been rooted. And if it did--since the bootloader isn't locked--I seriously doubt B&N would try to deny you a service. (The more likely scenario
is that an OTA update would try to remove root.)
I can all but guarantee you that you'll be disappointed by the B&N store. I predict it will have very few developers, and very few "good" free apps. A better way of saying it is this: within 1 or 2 weeks of the B&N app store launching, most users will look at the Android Market, and say "Forget it, I want apps from the Market, not B&N."
-Matt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still, if you aren't comfortable then don't root. Things can still go wrong. Things can be fixed but you have to have the patience and not freak out when your device goes into a bootloop or just freezes, which I'm not saying it will but there is always that chance.
lopezpm said:
Still, if you aren't comfortable then don't root. Things can still go wrong. Things can be fixed but you have to have the patience and not freak out when your device goes into a bootloop or just freezes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know, I'm sorry for taking a bull-in-the-china-shop approach. Clearly I would never make it at a technical help desk. You're absolutely right and I should have noted that there's a minimum comfort level...the subtle comment about "OK with command-line editing" probably didn't get the point across.
-Matt
Not everything it does out of the box works after rooting...
gadgetrants said:
I don't know who's been scaring you with witchcraft and vodoo, but here are a few facts:
(1) Rooting is very easy. If you're the kind of person who is OK with opening a command prompt and doing things like "listing directories" and "renaming/moving files" it's quick and painless. It also takes less than 5 minutes (probably about 2) to take your device back to stock.
(2) Rooting does very little to the device. The key is that it allows the user to change system files, something that B&N would prefer we didn't do. Several users root their NookColor (NC) and then scratch their heads because they see no obvious change.
(3) Package mods like autonooter only make a few system changes (aside from the several nice system apps they add), in particular, they allow you to sideload apps. Once you do that, you can reorganize the way your NC looks and performs, so that it handles like a vanilla Android device.
(4) Most importantly, ROOTING DOES VIRTUALLY NOTHING TO CHANGE THE B&N INTERFACE. All--I repeat--ALL the things your NC does out of the box, it still does after rooting. Same eReader. Same storefront. Same file browser. Same everything. And I'm all but certain the NC doesn't phone home and complain that it's been rooted. And if it did--since the bootloader isn't locked--I seriously doubt B&N would try to deny you a service. (The more likely scenario
is that an OTA update would try to remove root.)
I can all but guarantee you that you'll be disappointed by the B&N store. I predict it will have very few developers, and very few "good" free apps. A better way of saying it is this: within 1 or 2 weeks of the B&N app store launching, most users will look at the Android Market, and say "Forget it, I want apps from the Market, not B&N."
-Matt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The entire reason I have waited to root at this point is the loss of the 1 hour free reading in store, and the instore promotions. None of these are available after you root.
It also seems as if only a couple of people are actively trying to address this, so I continue to wait to root.
rlkelley said:
The entire reason I have waited to root at this point is the loss of the 1 hour free reading in store, and the instore promotions. None of these are available after you root.
It also seems as if only a couple of people are actively trying to address this, so I continue to wait to root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the pointer. Didn't know that (will revise my post). My wife may kill me.
I read the first 4 pages of the thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=860830), then skipped to the last. My naive impression is it affecting about 6 out of 10 owners. There are definitely several who are rooted, and not having a problem. I can totally understand not wanting to take the risk.
-Matt
notinterested said:
I must have missed it but where in that thread is there any mention or confirmation that 1.1 is this month?
I see nothing of the sort.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He tweeted about January as well (@__ted__):
"A serious bug in WiFi, a memory leak in browser, and overall tune-ups. 1.1 is coming up later in Jan! "
It was my understanding that you could not buy from the B&N store via your B&N account post-rooting. I'm not sure if I would be authorized to read the books I've purchased due to DRM on them. I've purchased some expensive reference books and don't want to lose access to them, or access to buy more.
I'm also uncertain these things work post-root:
Sharing, Quotes, etc
Lending books.
I'm may root at some point, very comfortable technically. No fear of rooting, just my preference at this point. If I had a microsd and reader, I'd probably done it by now just to experiment.
From reading through the threads, in regards to loading all the "extra stuff" it seems like a lot of... this works, but you need to go an change this or that, change the pixel density to display properly, youtube working, not working, gmail contacts syncing not syncing, this works, but.... you need to use this and then edit this, etc... maybe not everyone's user experience, but defintely some.
So to me, the device is working fine and not having to fiddle with anything to get it working properly. I know myself and if I root, I'll be loading launchers, applications, troubleshooting why this or that doesn't work properly and sounds a bit time consuming and hacking around a bit. I'm not looking for a new "hobby" of figuring out how to get things to run properly and smoothly as I expect from a finished product. I'm using a e-reader and would like some extra social, productivity, and games to pass the time.
Rooting, not rooting... not wrong, just different.
treat me like an idiot if these are obvious..
I want to put Samsung stock nougat on my rooted SM-T810, and I have some general questions. if all this info is gathered somewhere else, please point me there. maybe I used bad search terms?
1) for US, I use the XNZ country code, correct?
if there's an update thread already, consider this an apology for wasting your time. please stop reading now and point me to it. otherwise:
2) Use Odin 3.12, correct?
3) Can I just use twrp to update?
4) will I lose root?
5) if yes to above, could you please point me to a rooting guide (SM T810)
6) other than the ROM itself, what do I need?
yeah - so i'm an idiot. I see the 'no questions' posting now. guess I jumped the gun
Is your current s2 Tab working smoothly? If so, why risking an update?
why not? I like to play around and keep current. Besides, IMHO, Android s**** as an OS, still unable to do things Windows was doing in the early 90s. I keep hoping someday it will grow up... I know Android and Windows have different purposes, but until I can network at the OS rather than app level (built in), and until it is fully 'self-contained' and doesn't require a PC for changing OS versions (w/o 3rd party apps), etc., I'm going to consider it 'not ready for prime time'. Just my opinion.
"Keep it current" what does this mean?
You do realize that the lastest software versions often come with the most current bugs and issues at hand.
If you need to network, install Kali Linux, I'd suggest.
'keep it current' = keep all apps and the os to the most recent version possible
bugs: yeah, but it also comes with the latest features
Linux: on the tablet? there's a version? but that's sort of beside the point - Android lacks a functionality that's been in every other OS on the planet since at least the early 90s. it may be by intent, but it still ain't there, and it would sure make my life easier if I could map a drive from my nas and have it's contents available to all apps: music player, movie player, ebook reader. for work, I've used it to process data in the field using Octave. Getting the data on and off is always a pain - better if I could map a share and go from there.
not trying to argue - you asked, i'm elaborating. too much, maybe.
Keep all apps and the os to the most recent version possible. But what for?
Why trying desperately to fix a working car?
Updates eat storage and in most cases performance. Worse, introduce new bugs and so on.
I do not get this: update mania. Sure, it certainly assures that the Superclass can easily spy on every single user but besides that.. it makes no sense IMO.
Certainly, Android is Linux based after all. So yes, you could root your Tab and install Linux.
Drive access. That's already possible. You can connect an external SSD drive or HD drive via USB. Or NAS,
http://www.techrepublic.com/google-...o-help-you-connect-to-network-storage/?espv=1
I feel you. No arguing here either, just trying to understand your viewpoint.
just want a fully functional 'computer' where I can access files without having to use one app to copy the files over from the nas and another to use them. step one is the OS's responsibility, IMO. want access to network drives and otg drives to be identical to access I get on the internal memory.
and if you really want to get me going, start up on selinux, the "god i'm so afraid to go outside" solution. yeah - let's punish everyone because that guy over there is being bad. and lack of automatic root access? these are children's toys? unfortunately, my favorite ebook reader is only on android. as is the best music player I've found.
fun discussion, but I gotta get some work done
Msamp said:
just want a fully functional 'computer' where I can access files without having to use one app to copy the files over from the nas and another to use them. step one is the OS's responsibility, IMO. want access to network drives and otg drives to be identical to access I get on the internal memory.
and if you really want to get me going, start up on selinux, the "god i'm so afraid to go outside" solution. yeah - let's punish everyone because that guy over there is being bad. and lack of automatic root access? these are children's toys? unfortunately, my favorite ebook reader is only on android. as is the best music player I've found.
fun discussion, but I gotta get some work done
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess you are not really understanding the role smartphones and tablets play in the computing world. They are more communications terminals designed to be usable without mice and keyboards rather than stand alone computers. Your recurring references to what computers could do in 1990 is a little off. All you had (at most) was windows 3.0. That did not include networking out of the box, but relied on device-specific drivers and utilities (i.e. Novell) to access a thin-net ethernet coax cable or IBM token ring network. If you want to get online, be prepared to use a serial terminal and a But I digress...
Android is not Windows. It is a cut down and specialized version Linux. Linux/Android is not a single monolithic OS like Windows. It does not do SMB out of the box, but needs a Samba client to do SMB to your windows-ish NAS. It does not try to be all things to all people, but rather gives you the basics and lets you, Joe User, add on the things to make it do what you want. In short they don't bloat it down with stuff only 10% of users will want to use.
To access your NAS, there are Samba (SMB) and ftp clients that let you do it. In fact I have a couple Android streamer boxes on my TVs around the house. They connect directly to my NAS video libraries and pull movies and other videos directly from there using a variety of protocols. Do I need to do that on my phone? No, but hey, I can install KODI on that phone and do just that. I can also put KODI on my windows box and do the same thing. But if I want to disconnect, I can copy these movies to my Tablet/Phone and play them any time I want off line. This is all things I would challenge you to do using Windows 3.0 in 1990 (don't even think of doing full touch screen support with Windows 3.x).
But well, if you really want your phone or tablet to work like Windows, you should run Windows on it
not '1990' - 'early nineties'. big difference. Win 3.1 (or WFW?) had an add-on, but still OS level tcp/ip stack
paragraph 2: I don't count real networking as an option. I should be able to access my ebooks on my nas usung ebookdroid, not have to move trhem to the tab using ESfilemanager THEN read them. I have a HUGE library of pdfs, movies, music, more than will fit on my 128 gig sd card (or a 256 g card for that matter), and i'd like access to the WHOLE THING from any appropriate app I choose. all the smb apps suck green worms, by the way.
I don't want to have to install a freakin client - it should be part of the os. imho, of course
btw: this discussion has become pointless. I have my preferences, you have yours. that's the way it should be. and as far as their 'role' goes: give them a bigger one - they're capable.
'bye
I totally understand your gripe. And I do wholeheartedly agree there should be a *root* toggle in the **Developer Option**.
But here is the thing, how are greedy conglomerates, and the gov puppets, supposed to spy on each and every single citizen if they just uninstall all spyware?
Moreover, most consumers are just too *untechy* and they would probably lose all their bank account, credit card and online shopping data to third parties and eventually blame the OEM. I smell lawsuits of the retard.
Auto updates are there for a reason. Control.
For instance, Samsung's new high-tech TVs record audio 24/7. Same for all these assistant devices.. Amazon Echo, Google Home etc. Seriously, 1984 isn't that far away anymore.
Msamp said:
treat me like an idiot if these are obvious..
I want to put Samsung stock nougat on my rooted SM-T810, and I have some general questions. if all this info is gathered somewhere else, please point me there. maybe I used bad search terms?
1) for US, I use the XNZ country code, correct?
if there's an update thread already, consider this an apology for wasting your time. please stop reading now and point me to it. otherwise:
2) Use Odin 3.12, correct?
3) Can I just use twrp to update?
4) will I lose root?
5) if yes to above, could you please point me to a rooting guide (SM T810)
6) other than the ROM itself, what do I need?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use Odin AND the rom... i think you will lose root but you can always go back in twrp to install supersu.
I did something similar, i used Samsung Smart Switch to do an emergency reset on mine and it installed the latest firmware (nougat).
That will unroot and remove twrp.
I wouldn't (and didn't) reflash TWRP and root because you lose OTA updates, and right now there's some bugs in Nougat that , for me, were fixed in an OTA update. But once you flash with Smart Switch, you could always re-install TWRP and root again if you want.
Don't mind Niii4, he ranted about the same things in my thread and to others too...
So here is a short Huawei Mate 10 Pro guide. It might work for other Huawei's as well. If so pls let me know.
How to kill ads on Huawei Mate 10 Pro without Rooting the phone
What does the good people of XDA think is the way to go to kill ads without rooting?
NB: These tips and tricks are not my brain work. It is a collection of problems, issues and solutions to things I've experienced with the Mate 10 Pro, and the solutions are the great work of this forum and various contributors. My only contribution is to try to gather them all here in post one so people don't need to read the whole thread. In particular i would like to thank Pretoriano80 for his contributions in this thread. He made my life easier. Thank you.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recap:
Remove Ads from browsers:
This solution worked well for removing ads from browsers, so I bought it from playstore to show my support. Thx to Pretoriano80 for resolving most of my ad problems.
This solution also takes care of the in-apps ads!
Pretoriano80 said:
Hi mate, i also hate aggressive ads, so after many trials and errors, i finally found the best (and also free and no Root) solution.
I'm using an app called "Virtual Hosts" which is blocking ADS by creating a local VPN and loading a host file.
The app is open source and you can get the apk for free, downloading it from here - > https://github.com/x-falcon/Virtual-Hosts/releases < - or from Playstore by paying it (both versions are identical).
Once installed, you can downloaded and use the "host" file from here - >
http://adblock.mahakala.is/ <- or use another one of your choice (i got the file from this thread - >
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1916098 )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Youtube without ads:
A youtube version that is slightly altered to filter out ads. Works on non rooted devices and can be installed alongside the original youtube. Notice the modified MicroG apk on the second quote for using this modified youtube with your google account.
Pretoriano80 said:
Yes, you can try the latest x64 version from here - > https://androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=236411 - > it doesn't need root and can be installed alongside YouTube, as a secondary YouTube. [emoji6]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretoriano80 said:
Yeah, in-app ads are also gone. [emoji16]
BTW, if you want to use your Google account with the modified YT app, then you will also need a modified MicroG apk, which is specifically designed for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How to root Huawei Mate 10 Pro:
Some of you looking into this thread might wanna have full control over your Mate 10 Pro by rooting. There are various ways but the MAGISK seems really nice, and you can choose which apps shall see root or not. Read more here; https://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/magisk
A short video of Magisk; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFJVoIjKZJw
Pretoriano80 said:
Rooting with Magisk is possible on Mate 10 pro, so you can use banking app or any other app that requires a "stock" device. As long as you pass SafetyNET verification and you hide root from the eyes of those apps, than you can use them with Root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huawei Mate 10 Pro apps loosing 4G and Wifi connection
When I first started to use the Huawei Mate 10 Pro I noticed that every once on a while an app would not work when I tried to restart the app. Suddenly I got an error saying their was no data connection, meaning no 4G or wifi. It was faulty error because I could use data in other apps. For me typically the problem was related to Spotify and Audible. The only fix I could find right away was a full reboot. It always took care of the problem and apps would work properly. Reboots are not welcome in a busy day. So I've looked around and found that I could manually control the power saving management for each app in >setting>battery>Launch. By taking back the control apps worked flawless once again.
A few weeks ago we had a yet another firmware update. And behold, once again the problem started. Only this time even in manual mode in >Launch the apps would still loose their 4G connection randomly, or even wifi if at home. It seemed like a reboot was the only choice to get things working. Until I by pure luck tried to enable the Ultra Battery Saver from the pull down menu. Enable it, then exiting it somehow resolves any power saving issues. Apps they work fine, they get their data connection, both 4G and wifi. The quick fix takes only seconds to complete, and there is no need to do a full reboot in order to have apps fully working.
I'm using adguard. To avoid some popup that coming from browser. And in the same time, if the apps have ads and i use the app continuesly, I'll purchased it, as im supporting the developer.
joppy said:
So I got a new phone, after years with a LG G3 it finally tanked. Today the replacement came. Huawei Mate 10 Pro.
And what a strange experience it was to fire up the unrooted phone. So much ads. Everywhere. Overwhelming.
I've been on a custom ROM rooted G3 for the past 4 years or so. I forgot about the ads.
The plan was to keep this phone stock, no root. In order to comply with all the crazy folks that try to force us to not use rooted devices. But as many of you have seen too, there are so many services that we use daily that will not work with rooted phones. I've worked around that before and have been happy.
But for now I am not ready to use a custom Rom or to root.
how can I kill ads? Ad guard, DNS66 or maybe block-this?
Maybe I am getting old, have a touch of paranoia or are just not brave anymore. But adding APK from sources I don't know much about feels well not good. There are so many scams and ****ware floating around. I would hate to end up with crapware for trying to get some peaceful surf time without ads. Apps are for the most part OK, because I pay for almost all those apps I use, and by paying I support and avoid ads. But even using a browser to read news I get littered in ads. Man ads really take the fun out of internet. I would easily pay good money as yearly fee to avoid ads. IS there anything out there that will work as a paid app?
What does the good people of XDA think is the way to go to kill ads without rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi mate, i also hate aggressive ads, so after many trials and errors, i finally found the best (and also free and no Root) solution.
I'm using an app called "Virtual Hosts" which is blocking ADS by creating a local VPN and loading a host file.
The app is open source and you can get the apk for free, downloading it from here - > https://github.com/x-falcon/Virtual-Hosts/releases < - or from Playstore by paying it (both versions are identical).
Once installed, you can downloaded and use the "host" file from here - >
http://adblock.mahakala.is/ <- or use another one of your choice (i got the file from this thread - >
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1916098 )
P. S : Let me know how it works for you. Here is working perfectly and with almost no battery drain.
In regards to browsers. I used to use Dolphin browser, which has a good ad blocker, but, ever since Oreo, it crashes when I enable the ad blocker. Anyone have luck using Dolphin? Firefox also has a pretty good ad blocker but I find it slow.
A while back I had to send the much beloved Lg G3 to change screen, and the week it took before it was returned I had a loaner phone, a G5. Phone was not rooted so I added a adblock by DNS can't remember the name of it, but that thing ate battery as well as cpu. One could feel phone starting to bog down while surfing. That being said, I didn't put any time and effort into the loaner phone so I didn't try to tweak anything so the sluggish result could be my mistake also.
As soon as I have made a complete backup I will start trying these, and the virtual host one by one and put a small review here in this thread. I just learned that twrp should now also work for unrooted devices. That makes me very happy as it is familiar to use. Got to check out to see if maybe even Titanium now will work for unrooted phones as well. That would be really sweet.
Forgot how much work it is to get a new phone. Nothing is the same, and every brand UI got their own take on small bits and pieces just so we get our heart rate going
If others have other suggestions for anti-ad apps I will make time to try those as well. Thx you all for your input. Much obliged.
I'm using adclear. Helps a lot.
joppy said:
A while back I had to send the much beloved Lg G3 to change screen, and the week it took before it was returned I had a loaner phone, a G5. Phone was not rooted so I added a adblock by DNS can't remember the name of it, but that thing ate battery as well as cpu. One could feel phone starting to bog down while surfing. That being said, I didn't put any time and effort into the loaner phone so I didn't try to tweak anything so the sluggish result could be my mistake also.
As soon as I have made a complete backup I will start trying these, and the virtual host one by one and put a small review here in this thread. I just learned that twrp should now also work for unrooted devices. That makes me very happy as it is familiar to use. Got to check out to see if maybe even Titanium now will work for unrooted phones as well. That would be really sweet.
Forgot how much work it is to get a new phone. Nothing is the same, and every brand UI got their own take on small bits and pieces just so we get our heart rate going
If others have other suggestions for anti-ad apps I will make time to try those as well. Thx you all for your input. Much obliged.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root was never required for TWRP to work, only unlocked bootloader. Anyway, there's no TWRP available yet for Mate 10 Pro.
Titanium Backup will never work without root cause is the only way it can write on the /data partition.
Oh ok I thought that no-root-needed was a new feature for twrp. I guess as Titanium will not work with un rooted phones neither will any other apps similar to Titanium?
Is there any apps similar to twrp that will work with Huawei Mate 10 Pro?
No matter what I guess I just have to start testing adblockers this weekend. Because I can't take all the ads I struggle with now. Too bad I didn't start out with the new phone by testing, before I sat up the phone they way it is now, with all apps, settings etc. Cos now if I would like a fresh start after testing various adblockers I will need to do the whole process of installing and tweaking all over again unless I find something like twrp for the Mate Pro 10.
Btw the xda app named my device BLA-L29, is that a name that is widely used for the Mate 10 Pro? Never seen this name before.
joppy said:
Oh ok I thought that no-root-needed was a new feature for twrp. I guess as Titanium will not work with un rooted phones neither will any other apps similar to Titanium?
Is there any apps similar to twrp that will work with Huawei Mate 10 Pro?
No matter what I guess I just have to start testing adblockers this weekend. Because I can't take all the ads I struggle with now. Too bad I didn't start out with the new phone by testing, before I sat up the phone they way it is now, with all apps, settings etc. Cos now if I would like a fresh start after testing various adblockers I will need to do the whole process of installing and tweaking all over again unless I find something like twrp for the Mate Pro 10.
Btw the xda app named my device BLA-L29, is that a name that is widely used for the Mate 10 Pro? Never seen this name before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Installing the app i recommended has no risk, you don't need to backup anything. If it works and you like it, then you keep it, if not, just uninstall the app simple as that.
That app is open source, so no bloatware or any hidden stuff, it doesn't use DNS to circumvent ads and doesn't track anything, all it does is pointing Internet traffic to your "host" file, it's nothing like AdGuard and similar apps that also sell your data to third parties.
It only takes 5 minutes to test and decide, without any harm. [emoji6]
@Pretoriano80 thx a lot. That worked great, so great I had to support by buying the app.
Next step is to make youtube clutter free.
joppy said:
@Pretoriano80 thx a lot. That worked great, so great I had to support by buying the app.
Next step is to make youtube clutter free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem, i knew it would work perfectly. Battery drain is also low and it doesn't throttle net performance.
I think that for YouTube the only alternative with no root is to use a modified version (look here on XDA if interested).
@Pretoriano80 Not sure I follow you, modified youtube? Search came up blank.
Is that an app/apk to replace the default youtube app? Because when I try to uninstall youtube from phone I get an error msg saying "system app can not be uninstalled". Should I just overwrite?
joppy said:
@Pretoriano80 Not sure I follow you, modified youtube? Search came up blank.
Is that an app/apk to replace the default youtube app? Because when I try to uninstall youtube from phone I get an error msg saying "system app can not be uninstalled". Should I just overwrite?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be able to deactivate the app and install the modded apk.
Ok, will retry. Seems that iYTBP - injected YouTube Background Playback might be a solution worth trying?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/app-iytbp-injected-youtube-background-t3560900
If you have tried other ones that works well for you feel free to share and recommend.
joppy said:
Ok, will retry. Seems that iYTBP - injected YouTube Background Playback might be a solution worth trying?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/app-iytbp-injected-youtube-background-t3560900
If you have tried other ones that works well for you feel free to share and recommend.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can try the latest x64 version from here - > https://androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=236411 - > it doesn't need root and can be installed alongside YouTube, as a secondary YouTube. [emoji6]
joppy said:
Ok, will retry. Seems that iYTBP - injected YouTube Background Playback might be a solution worth trying?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/app-iytbp-injected-youtube-background-t3560900
If you have tried other ones that works well for you feel free to share and recommend.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You Can use newpipe. You Can download it for free on f droid open source market. Works very well
Thx again @Pretoriano80. Now I got a phone that is very usable and responsive and it is still not rooted. I will quote your ad free youtube solution in the first post so others find what they need easily.
Now lets hope all them crazy people out there stops with the root discriminating behavior, so that people in the future damn well self decide to root or not without being locked out from using services, apps or whatever.
joppy said:
Thx again @Pretoriano80. Now I got a phone that is very usable and responsive and it is still not rooted. I will quote your ad free youtube solution in the first post so others find what they need easily.
Now lets hope all them crazy people out there stops with the root discriminating behavior, so that people in the future damn well self decide to root or not without being locked out from using services, apps or whatever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, in-app ads are also gone. [emoji16]
BTW, if you want to use your Google account with the modified YT app, then you will also need a modified MicroG apk, which is specifically designed for it.
One more thing to get sorted, and that is a backup. I would prefer to find a custom recovery image that works with Huawei Mate 10 Pro, and that will also work well for non-rooted devices.
I have only used twrp myself, but twrp will not work with Mate 10 Pro. I also know about cwm recovery, have not tried it yet but that one will only work for rooted devices. So neither twrp or cwm will work for the BLA-L29/Mate 10 Pro.
Any suggestions?
joppy said:
One more thing to get sorted, and that is a backup. I would prefer to find a custom recovery image that works with Huawei Mate 10 Pro, and that will also work well for non-rooted devices.
I have only used twrp myself, but twrp will not work with Mate 10 Pro. I also know about cwm recovery, have not tried it yet but that one will only work for rooted devices. So neither twrp or cwm will work for the BLA-L29/Mate 10 Pro.
Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For backup use Huawei Backup on your phone, or HiSuite on PC... works just fine.
Hey folks,
I just bought 3 Moto X4 Android One phones directly from Google Fi for my wife & kids to replace their aging Samsung J3 phones (2016). I'm prepping their phones now before wrapping (screen protector, bumper cases, Micro SD cards stuffed with music, charging the batteries, etc). I couldn't find the latest factory image to flash directly, so I've been installing the updates one by one (6 hours & counting, sheesh!)
The question I'm asking is: should I updated them to the latest version of Oreo (OPWS28.3.5), then root with Magisk & disable OTA (by removing the update app with a root uninstaller)? Once I hand over the phones, I will probably never be able to do any maintenance on them (one of my girls is in college, the other is a teen and needs her privacy). The main reason for rooting is to install AdAway. However, I don't want them to have issues with apps that detect root (such as Netflix, Pokemon Go, banking apps, etc).
Or I can hand over the phones as-is and they will have to deal with ads.
I want them to have the latest security updates, however I also want them to have a pleasant browsing experience like I have on my rooted Pixel 2.
Thoughts?
Same question here.
Retail version.
Wondering if I should root now or wait for pie. I've never owned a phone this long without rooting it (2 months! Lol). But been happy with it so far.
I just miss the customization features.
And losing space on internal fast (from a/b I've read).
So wait or go for it now?
Blokada is a good alternative to AdAway, it routes the whole wifi and mobile traffic through a hosts file like a vpn but without connecting to another server. Just whitelist Play Store and Google Drive (if it's used), in my blacklist is only MVPS enabled.. and yeah it works really great
https://blokada.org/
stovo06 said:
And losing space on internal fast (from a/b I've read).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't know about this...after looking it up, I found it's called Seamless Updates, and its a real pain for ROM developers. I was wondering why the ROM scene on the Pixel 2 was so small as compared to, say the Nexus 5. Well, its a good thing I got them 32GB micro SD cards, they will need it for the insane amount of photos they take lol
Zokhii said:
Blokada is a good alternative to AdAway, it routes the whole wifi and mobile traffic through a hosts file like a vpn but without connecting to another server. Just whitelist Play Store and Google Drive (if it's used), in my blacklist is only MVPS enabled.. and yeah it works really great
https://blokada.org/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great tip!!! Thanks, I'm going to go try it out now.
To get the latest OTA update on a rooted X4, I flashed the most recent available firmware (from Sept or Oct I believe; it doesn't have to be the absolute latest as updates are inclusive, but a full Android version change is probably another story), let the OTA come in, then re-pushed recovery and root. All in, it took under an hour. If your kids do not quite have the technical prowess to do this, I would suggest leaving them un-rooted. They will get very annoyed at the "OTA update available!" notification that never goes away.
Hopefully the alternative ad blocker Zokhii suggested works out for you.
booting into TWRP will break the ota update
Installing adblocker is a pretty stupid reason to root if you're going to hand the phone to some people that have never even heard of XDA before. I've been on this site for... what? At least 6 years now. I *program* on the six phones that I have. And *I* haven't rooted my phone because I haven't needed to. I just use the Brave Browser that has adblock built-in. That's a wrap.
Just hand them the phones with a bow on top and hope nobody gave you a tie.
Brave Browser doesn't block in-app banner ads, which can be a security risk on par with "handing a rooted device over to a novice" because there are plenty of malicious ads using socially-targeted messages designed to trick the user into giving up personal or account information. And although it can be argued that it's best to just teach people to not click on ads, I'd rather spend the time teaching them other things like how to be a responsible
administrator.
How does that meme go with the Joker? " Give someone a Windows laptop with adminstrative privileges & no one bats an eye, give someone a rooted Android device & everyone loses their mind".
I ended up installing Blokada & it seems to do a great job of blocking most ads ( doesn't block Facebook Messenger ads, but then neither does Adaway).
Don't do it..once you unlock the bootloader it can't be relocked.
The only reason I unlock a bootloader and root are for custom ROMs. There simply isn't enough development for this phone to justify the hassle IMO.
A30N said:
Brave Browser doesn't block in-app banner ads, which can be a security risk on par with "handing a rooted device over to a novice" because there are plenty of malicious ads using socially-targeted messages designed to trick the user into giving up personal or account information. And although it can be argued that it's best to just teach people to not click on ads, I'd rather spend the time teaching them other things like how to be a responsible
administrator.
How does that meme go with the Joker? " Give someone a Windows laptop with adminstrative privileges & no one bats an eye, give someone a rooted Android device & everyone loses their mind".
I ended up installing Blokada & it seems to do a great job of blocking most ads ( doesn't block Facebook Messenger ads, but then neither does Adaway).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do believe... for your family... a warranty would be FAR more useful than an adblocker...
And have you actually USED Brave lately? I use it everyday... (in fact... I'm using it right now) and *I* haven't seen any banner ads. I think it does a pretty good job.
A30N said:
Didn't know about this...after looking it up, I found it's called Seamless Updates, and its a real pain for ROM developers. I was wondering why the ROM scene on the Pixel 2 was so small as compared to, say the Nexus 5. Well, its a good thing I got them 32GB micro SD cards, they will need it for the insane amount of photos they take lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not a dev, however, I thought this a good thing.
Yes it eats Data. Yes, it's different and most likely scares people (developers) off (it sure scared me before I began reading about it).
But it can really save your ass from what I've read. Any issues and you can jump back to the previous ROM. I am guessing this is what gives us Project Treble support (unofficial I think but still have it).
Plus I have a 128 gig external and they are super cheap. And I am reading about the next falgships having 1Tb of storage?
A30N said:
Hey folks,
I just bought 3 Moto X4 Android One phones directly from Google Fi for my wife & kids to replace their aging Samsung J3 phones (2016). I'm prepping their phones now before wrapping (screen protector, bumper cases, Micro SD cards stuffed with music, charging the batteries, etc). I couldn't find the latest factory image to flash directly, so I've been installing the updates one by one (6 hours & counting, sheesh!)
The question I'm asking is: should I updated them to the latest version of Oreo (OPWS28.3.5), then root with Magisk & disable OTA (by removing the update app with a root uninstaller)? Once I hand over the phones, I will probably never be able to do any maintenance on them (one of my girls is in college, the other is a teen and needs her privacy). The main reason for rooting is to install AdAway. However, I don't want them to have issues with apps that detect root (such as Netflix, Pokemon Go, banking apps, etc).
Or I can hand over the phones as-is and they will have to deal with ads.
I want them to have the latest security updates, however I also want them to have a pleasant browsing experience like I have on my rooted Pixel 2.
Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In pie update u can easily block ads by changing default dns with adguard dns. No need for root and third party app :fingers-crossed::fingers-crossed:
Definitely read the FAQs thread for one stop shop info. You can flash latest Android Pie image with locked bootloader and once you unlock bootloader, twrp can be installed along with Magisk anytime no matter which version of firmware you're on.
But to your original question, rooting is up to you. We're a small audience compared to the mass phone users that just need a phone. I'm a must have root. Once your unlocked bootloader, install twrp, and root, it breaks official OTAs. You'll have to wait for full image to become available to flash minus the "erase userdata" to update and keep all internal data.