Database Develop

which apps so far have disappointed you?

which apps so far have disappointed you?
For me so far its Opera Mini, Meebo, and Palringo
Opera Mini was just a direct port with little tweaking for the Android OS
Meebo just needs a few more bugs fixed and a few UI improvements and more settings, even without the last 2 it'd be great if it simply kept you signed in.
And Palringo is in the same boat as Meebo.
What about you?

i personally cant believe there are so many different fart apps.. even paid ones..
but as far as things ive tried that have disappointed me, meebo was a disappoint with the logging off.. it logs off and locks up as much as the actual aim im prog that came on the phone..
theres also been a couple of games that ive opened and they were just garbage, i cant remember any of them atm except battleship though

I have the same complaints about Skype as you do about Opera Mini. Skype Lite can't make free skype-to-skype calls and there is no integration with Android OS whatsoever. So if I want to see if I have received any new messages, I have to switch to the app and check it manually.
Also the game called eggs was disappointing. The beginning was good, but the author completely ignored users' comments.
My BackUp Pro was also a waste of money. I thought it did more than just copy apk files to SD card and zip it.

I just was disappointed with the introduction of paid apps. As much as I love many of the apps I have paid for, it destroyed the market. There are now thousands of horrible apps, and apps that once were free that now cost money.
Many apps deserved support and donations, but not forced. Apps like Power Manager. Works great, and I would have no problem donating to them, but to turn their app into a trial, forcing people to update to their now paid version is just wrong. Android was all about Open Source, helping fellow users. When a dev puts hours, days, weeks, even months into developing an app, most certainly should he be rewarded for his efforts. Charging $5 for a fart soundboard is ridiculous. The dev couldn't have spent more than 5 minutes on it and expects users to pay for a joke of an app.

tehseano said:
I just was disappointed with the introduction of paid apps. As much as I love many of the apps I have paid for, it destroyed the market. There are now thousands of horrible apps, and apps that once were free that now cost money.
Many apps deserved support and donations, but not forced. Apps like Power Manager. Works great, and I would have no problem donating to them, but to turn their app into a trial, forcing people to update to their now paid version is just wrong. Android was all about Open Source, helping fellow users. When a dev puts hours, days, weeks, even months into developing an app, most certainly should he be rewarded for his efforts. Charging $5 for a fart soundboard is ridiculous. The dev couldn't have spent more than 5 minutes on it and expects users to pay for a joke of an app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I have to agree with you. I was hoping paid apps will give more incentive for developers to create good stuff, but instead all it did was make free apps paid.

Also the game called eggs was disappointing. The beginning was good, but the author completely ignored users' comments.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to agree with you on that one... I just played it on Iphone and it's light years ahead of Androids version. It has sound, pause/resume option. It really bugs me when dev. puts out a game and doesn't bother to port it properly, even for a game as simple as that one.
I am also very disappointed in the apps that used to be completely free and now have been turned into trials and demos.
So far... the only app I don't regret paying for is BetterCut, everything else was junk.

Remote (RDP client) disappointed me so much, it continues to have connection issues.
Opera Mini was pure crap, I can't see why Opera didn't make an effort to port (truly) Opera Mobile instead. I might have paid for that if it was any good. Now I just wait for Fennec to be ported.
Barcode scanner for non-QR codes is disappointing. Other scanners, like SnapTell, can do so much more. All Barcode scanner can do is look it up on Google. I can do that myself by typing in the numbers below the barcode. The QR code reader is the only reason I keep that program.
FBook is disappointing. The interface has been mangled and it's more focused on uploading pictures than it is giving users the full Facebook experience. It's little more than a web-view portal for Mobile Facebook, and sometimes slower than using the browser.

jordanjay29 said:
Barcode scanner for non-QR codes is disappointing. Other scanners, like SnapTell, can do so much more. All Barcode scanner can do is look it up on Google. I can do that myself by typing in the numbers below the barcode. The QR code reader is the only reason I keep that program.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you would like to try this usage: I'm developing an free online service to log purchases and see statistics. Also, I've implemented a shopping list feature I use all the time (my girlfriend too). The goal is to integrate it with Barcorama and use the barcodes to quickly log the purchases, e.g. right after returning from the supermarket.
So perhaps you want to start logging stuff with costpad.com
sorry for the offtopic post...
have fun,
hypest

Karolis said:
I have the same complaints about Skype as you do about Opera Mini. Skype Lite can't make free skype-to-skype calls and there is no integration with Android OS whatsoever. So if I want to see if I have received any new messages, I have to switch to the app and check it manually.
Also the game called eggs was disappointing. The beginning was good, but the author completely ignored users' comments.
My BackUp Pro was also a waste of money. I thought it did more than just copy apk files to SD card and zip it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mybackup Pro also backs up AK Notepad, your call logs, your system settings, text messages, and something else I'm forgetting.
I don't use it to back up apps at all, just data.

My Backup Pro limitation (???)
thecolorifix said:
Mybackup Pro also backs up AK Notepad, your call logs, your system settings, text messages, and something else I'm forgetting.
I don't use it to back up apps at all, just data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YEAH - it's great to backup & restore call logs, MMS, SMS's and phone setting and homepages (although the widgets for some reason does not load during recovery!)
But before I forget. You cannot save a backup filename that contains the character '-' ...How weird is that?
When I contacted the app-dev, this was the response:
"These characters are not allwed due to file system"
On Tuesday, February 23, 2010, i wrote:
> Hi
> When I try to save a data backup file with a filename that contains a '-', this '-' gets removed. Can this please be fixed. Like : LastBackup-phone gets saved as LastBackupphone.
> Thank you
Weird huh? I think it's a lazy dev!

I find it hard to be disappointed by free apps, but of the apps I've paid for the biggest disappointment has been the Mediafly app. When I first downloaded this app, I used the free version regularly and daily to subscribe and listen to all my favorite podcasts. I used it so much that I decided to purchase the app and within a week the app was completely broken.
It still downloads podcasts fine, but it makes it impossible to actually listen to the downloaded files. The streaming only works about half the time. It won't resume playing a file in the middle (I was once amazed at how I could resume playing a streaming podcast flawlessly upon initial release - no more; it doesn't resume anything now.) It will seemingly randomly delete podcasts that I haven't even listened to for no reason, even though I have it set to never delete anything. Bottom line, what was once the perfect app is now junk.

[Q] Looking to switch

hi people,
I'm looking to switch to WinPhone.
I've got a few quite good features on Android that I'd like to make sure I can have/reproduce on WinPhone too. May you help me with those ?
- Have ringer/notifications volume to get adjusted to ambient noise and/or calendar events automatically
- have a car mode
- have an event/place actions system (like Tasker or OnX)
Many many thanks
Fabio

- for ambient no...
- all this (car mode, task manager with close X) is available with upcoming GDR3 update or today for developer or via WP AppStudio...
notice: car connection with BT for hands free calls and audio reproduction is available long time ago in WP but with upcoming GDR3 come additional settings

I'd say it depends on what type of android user you are. If you just user the phone, sms, browsing and occasional app then you're fine. If you're a power user then you'll just get annoyed and frustrated at simple things that you use yo be able to do but now can't.
As I've said in the windows 1520 thread, its undoubtedly a gorgeous piece of hardware and is the prime drive for me to keep looking into windows phone. Dare I say it and definitely not trying to be a troll, but if it did run android, I'm sure myself and others would buy it in a flash.
Sticking with realities though, I don't think WP8 is quite there yet for the advanced android user. I'm still very concerned that without DPI settings/apps with phablet UI, that the 1520 is just going to be running blown up phone apps, like first gen android tablets, which is not ideal.
File browser is key and offers so much flexibility. Copying and sharing photos off your DSLR, sending whatever file you want through gmail, deleting downloaded files etc. Skydrive is not a suitable replacement, especially if you're not always on wifi/limited 4G data plans.
Apps is becoming less of an issue with most of the core apps there in some shape and using 3rd party official apps is not something I worry about. It is still an issue however for niche apps. Eg Niche medical apps, a reliable CHM file reader (reference text books), advanced pdf reader/editor with the ability to underline/comment/draw in.... I can go on. Even office 365 functionality that is supposedly a huge selling point is largely replaceable with Kingsoft office which is superb sans the synching (you just need the extra step of google drive).
Then there are the core google services which have really exploded in functionality to become more than just gimmicks in the past 12 months. – Chrome browser with its desktop session synching, google now with its local contextual searches, automatic G+ photo uploader (full size backups with auto enhancement unlike dropbox).
Lets not mention 3rd party accessory compatibility with Windows Phone...ie. there APIs are so closed that no BT keyboards work with it for example.
There's a lot which is being fixed and is "promised" to be fixed in upcoming updates from MS – unfortunately thats always been the story with WP as they play catchup, which I understand being a new OS. However, 12 months on, even basic things like notification centre, screen rotation lock, separate notification ringtones, separate notification/system volumes are still yet to be fixed/only being patched now.
In terms of positives of the windows phone os, to be honest there isn't anything that appeals to me that I'm not already experiencing in android. Metro UI I don't mind but can be hit and miss with no notification centre and when you're relying on 3rd party live tiles which don't always update frequently enough for your liking (and wit no option to change). Simplicity is always touted as a windows phone advantage, but to be honest I find android simple enough if you know what you're doing and the appeal is more for perhaps people new to smartphones. As an android user, the simplicity actually feels limiting as I can't get things to work exactly how I want it to. In short it's a matter of how much I can compromise when coming from Android to wp on the software side unfortunately.
Having said all this I'd still keep looking at WP due to Nokia's hardware and their general nailing of the camera (which android hasn't accomplished fully yet), but there needs to be a lot of improvement on the software side from MS and 3rd party developers before I can fully see myself changing platforms. As good as the hardware and camera may be, my smartphone is my mobile computer replacement and the OS needs to be able to function like that.
Perhaps when RT merges with 8.1 and a few more MS and Nokia updates roll out it'll get more capable and phablet friendly. But until that time I'm keep jealously watching and admiring in awe at the camera and hardware but deep down knowing I just can't do what I want to do on it right now.
YMMV.
Good luck!

Something like Tasker or automatic volume adjustment will require homebrew, or at least an OEM app; third-party apps aren't allowed to run continuously in the background (it's bad for performance and battery life) on WP.

thank to you all so far
is it possible to have voice driving directions in car (thinking of Here Drive) AND listen to music from another app at the same time ? Or view a Youtube video ? Is WP8 really multitask these days ?

chareos12 said:
thank to you all so far
is it possible to have voice driving directions in car (thinking of Here Drive) AND listen to music from another app at the same time ? Or view a Youtube video ? Is WP8 really multitask these days ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes you can listen music and working here drive+ navigation in same time... music temporally get lower and pause when navigation give voice direction

dxdy said:
yes you can listen music and working here drive+ navigation in same time... music temporally get lower and pause when navigation give voice direction
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Youtube too ?
Man, I'm getting really impatient to make the switch

chareos12 said:
Youtube too ?
Man, I'm getting really impatient to make the switch
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
youtube no, because when you switch to start screen or other app automatically stop playing (but only tried in official YT app and SuperTube)

Here Drive will run fully in the background (battery warning: don't forget to stop it if you take a break somewhere short of your destination!) and will override other audio playback to give directions. Start Here Drive, enter directions and start navigation, then hit Start (or press-and-hold Back) and go to your media player app. You should continue getting turn-by-turn prompts. It doesn't actually pause the audio, which is annoying - you'll miss bits of songs or audiobooks, for example - but it works.

Very 1st Things to do After Activation?

Hi everyone, just got my N3 last night and I am pretty excited about it.
I am a long time Mac Rumors member and my past phones have been ...... JB 3g, JB 3gs, JB 4, JB 4s
I am very upset with the tiny screens on my iphones and I refuse to wait another year for the 6 to come out.
So now I am a 1st time Android user and what to really check out the Android scene.
What are the first things I should do with the phone, what should I install right away? (different keyboards, apps, etc)
Is there a thread around here with tutes instructing how to transfer my contacts etc?
I surely will appreciate all replies, so thanks in advance. I really wanna get the very MOST out of this device.
edit: does Google Play offer any rebates/coupons/freebies for newly purchased devices?

Hey I would use smart switch to get your things from iPhone to your new phone but that is after you have it activated
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using xda app-developers app

XiphoneUzer said:
Hi everyone, just got my N3 last night and I am pretty excited about it.
I am a long time Mac Rumors member and my past phones have been ...... JB 3g, JB 3gs, JB 4, JB 4s
I am very upset with the tiny screens on my iphones and I refuse to wait another year for the 6 to come out.
So now I am a 1st time Android user and what to really check out the Android scene.
My N3 arrived Wednesday evening, and it's STILL not activated, (and its killing me).
The reason being, I wanna know if there is anything I should do BEFORE I call ATT and activate it.
(I do NOT want to close any windows, so is there is anything you folks recommend I do before I activate it)?
Once activated, what are the first things I should do with the phone, what should I install right away?
Is there a thread around here with tutes instructing how to transfer my contacts etc?
I surely will appreciate all replies, so thanks in advance. I really wanna get the very MOST out of this device.
edit: does Google Play offer any rebates/coupons/freebies for newly purchased devices?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by call ATT and activate it? All you have to do is put your SIM card in and it is ready to go with a few account setups. After that it is up to you except for rooting and modding. Cant be done right now without voiding your warranty.

First thing you do is scratch off the att emblem since they locked the bootloader
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

XiphoneUzer said:
Once activated, what are the first things I should do with the phone, what should I install right away?
Is there a thread around here with tutes instructing how to transfer my contacts etc?
I surely will appreciate all replies, so thanks in advance. I really wanna get the very MOST out of this device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello?
Looking for some help here. This keyboard is way different than iphone, is it something you get used to, or should I install something else?
Please tell me what are some of the things I should change/install right away, (there's got to be some "must haves" no?)

XiphoneUzer said:
Hello?
Looking for some help here. This keyboard is way different than iphone, is it something you get used to, or should I install something else?
Please tell me what are some of the things I should change/install right away, (there's got to be some "must haves" no?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the keyboard, i prefer the google keyboard over the samsung one. It provides functionality similar to the iphone and is easy to switch between the iphone and android if you use them both in daily life.
As for apps, here is a small list of apps i like to have on all of my devices.
GOOGLE CHROME. Its much better than the built in browser and is able to synchronize with my desktop browsers favorites, etc.
Skype: Perfect for if you are travelling over seas at all with your device.
Google Hangouts: A good replacement for the built in SMS app.
Facebook & Twitter: If you need an explanation, you shouldn't be useing these apps.
Battery Doctor by KS Mobile: Simple app, but is helpful to save battery life and know exactly how much you have left.
Google Music: I have most of my library stored on google so it makes my life easy to have this.
Google Books: The book equivalent of my music library. Syncronizes what i have read across devices and browsers.
Kindle for Android: For the ebooks you buy on amazon.
Google Keep: Great for taking quick notes and having them on all your devices.
Dropbox: Great cloud file storage. Comes with free storage and you can pay to get more.
Google Drive: Google version of dropbox.
MX Player: This video player will play any video format you throw at it.
Google Maps: A must have for all smartphone users.
Zedge: While its quality has gone down a fair bit from what it once was, its still a great place to find ringtones and notification sounds for your android device.
GPS Status: Great for calibrating your devices sensors and ensuring that it works properly.
Now for the ROOT ONLY apps.
Titanium backup
SuperSU
Triangle Away
Hopefully this is a useful list to get you started. I have all these plus many more installed on my devices, and I find I use them all fairly regularly.

djdelusional said:
Skype: Perfect for if you are travelling over seas at all with your device.
Google Hangouts: A good replacement for the built in SMS app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I prefer Hangouts to Skype because Hangouts features free video multi-chat.
But I use Google Voice for SMS because it provides free unlimited texting. Hangouts insists on using the phone's native number rather than your Google Voice number, so you have to pay extra for a text plan or for individual messages.

Doesn't anyone else have any advice for a first time Android user?

XiphoneUzer said:
Doesn't anyone else have any advice for a first time Android user?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your new to android I'd stay away from root for a while.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I467 using Tapatalk 4

XiphoneUzer said:
Hello?
Looking for some help here. This keyboard is way different than iphone, is it something you get used to, or should I install something else?
Please tell me what are some of the things I should change/install right away, (there's got to be some "must haves" no?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel like for every-day typical phone use cases, there aren't that many gaps that stand out as needing to be filled by a third party app. You'll probably need a new music player, the defaults are crapola - but I can't be much help here; I keep my music as folders full of MP3 files (like God intended!) and play with Music Folder Player, and shun the dirty S&M ("sync and manage") apps.
There's a big list of stuff that I did when I first got the phone to get it to where I'm happy with it, but all of this was root required stuff. There are apps that come pre-loaded on android devices and can't be removed or disabled without root. Also, customizing stuff that can't be customized without root. I couldn't abide by some of the not-changable-without-root defaults. Getting rid of the "screen turns on so you can unlock it when you hit the home key" behavior is probably the most glaring example for me; my ass* was unlocking it constantly - but coming from iPhone, you probably view that as the Right Thing for home button to do.
I think most people use a custom keyboard. Swiftkey and Swype are the most popular. The phone comes with Swype, but it's an ancient version with limited support for changing the dictionary, you want the newest one.
I use Hangouts for gchat, but not for SMS. I actually prefer default app for SMS..
Settings:
Pull down status bar, long press on wifi, WiFi -> menu -> advanced settings, uncheck auto connect to AT&T hotspots (unless they don't suck where you are. Around here, they often don't have internet behind them, and just break your connectivity for the 30 seconds or so it takes for the phone to connect to them, determine that the wifi is no good, and fall back to 4G. At least this phone does that; Original note would just sit there like a fool trying to use non-functional wifi... I've also yet to find a hotspot that performs better than the 4G does. But I live in a city, so the situation may be different elsewhere).
Pull down status bar, long press on GPS. Uncheck "Use wireless networks" - on newer versions of android, this drains battery while idle; the damned thing wakes the phone periodically to check the networks around it - if the phone is nearly idle, this can halve battery life (!!!)
Pull down status bar, swipe to the left along the options at the top (woah, did you know you could do that?), tap multiwindow to enable multiwindow (this was a headline feature for the note 3, but comes disabled by default). If I long-press back button, that makes the multiwindow tab hide or unhide (once it's enabled), but I don't remember if I had to do something to get this behavior.
General must-have things:
AppOps Starter (to kill permissions from apps that request permissions you don't want to give them)
Battery Monitor Widget (gives you a realtime readout of battery usage)
ES File Explorer
If you want to pretty-ize clock + weather widgets:
DigiClock
Eye in Sky
If you work in IT or have need of these (if you aren't sure what these mean, you don't need them ):
ConnectBot (telnet/ssh client)
AndFTP (ftp/sftp client, supports scp if you pay)
RDP Client (remote desktop and VNC client)
FEAT VPN (OpenVPN client)
Hacker's Keyboard (you'll tear your hair out trying to use swype/swiftkey for terminal sessions or RDP)
If you want to root the phone:
Root it, then immediately install titanium backup and "freeze" AT&T software update, so it won't update your phone (breaking root) while you're not looking
Titanium Backup - freeze all the useless bloatware that AT&T and Samsung included (there's a list of what apps you can freeze here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AmzC8GFarItSdGpOZzBfWlR4MC03aDMyZ1BDUFNqU0E - not my work)
Root Explorer
Pen Window Manager for adding apps to the pen window feature
Xposed Framework
Wanam - general huge amount of customization, including selecting apps for multiwindow.
Keyboard Manager (almost a necessity if you use ConnectBot/RDP frequently - keyboards designed for messaging and such are garbage for doing administration of non-phone systems, while hacker's keyboard is garbage for messaging and everyday phone stuff)
Terminal Emulator (gives you a command prompt on phone. Doesn't require root, but there are very few use cases for terminal on android that don't also need root)
*Well, I keep it in my front pocket, so technically it wasn't my /ass/ unlocking the phone....

Questions before purchase

Hey guys,
I'm looking at getting a G2N in the next few days (if I can find a shop that has them in stock!)
I just have a couple of questions...
1. Does it show WhatsApp messages? I tried YouTube but the ones that talk about WhatsApp is in German.
2. Does it show the weather forecast?
3. How accurate is the S Voice on it?
I'm using a Galaxy Note 2 (DN3 RC2 on 4.4.2).
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I don't use whatsapp messenger so I can't answer the first question, but I do use it to receive Facebook, espn, and other notifications. I'm site if you choose to see those it will display them. It also has a ten day forecast. And as far as s voice I think it's pretty spot on, I've been using it for a week and only once have I had to re-say what I meant. I have it paired with an s5 to for what it's worth
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

kdogguk said:
Hey guys, I'm looking at getting a G2N in the next few days (if I can find a shop that has them in stock!) //
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Does it show WhatsApp messages?
I don't use WhatsApp, but *all* the apps that I have used with the watch DO show notifications clearly.
(GoogleNow, Business Calendar, Feedly, a couple of others/ etc.)
2. Does it show the weather forecast?
Yes, it even has a watch face with time and a weather logo that show the temperature and a current weather
symbol (clouds, clear, rainy). If you push the logo, you get a scrolling weather forecast in more detail (for several
days). It works well -but the fastest/most current updates in settings is hourly (I'd like 15 minutes!). I also use WeatherBug
and it pushed weather to the watch --turned it off since I was getting multiple weather more or less the same times!
3. How accurate is the S Voice on it?
- S Voice does work, and I use it to respond to text messages. (So, if you get a text message on your watch -you can read the whole thing, and there is a menu to reply (settings: either 3-4 stock "canned" messages, or using a "free form" reply with S Voice. I used S Voice, but to do so you need to a) be in a reasonably quiet location (outdoors on a windy street does not work well, riding in a car with the window open and music playing does not work well...etc.).
- Secondly, I found I needed to think through the reply completely in advance and then say it slowly. Whenever I tried to create and speak and pause and continue to speak, S voice just caught a portion of the reply and offered "here is your reply shall I send it"? (no no no! delete!). However, when I knew exactly what I wanted to say, and said it slowly but clearly, S voice did well. I would NOT recommend it for LONG message replies on the watch, (Send several short replies -that works!) However, S Voice does not seem to be as good at dictation as Google's voice keyboard, or Swype/Dragon's voice type. It is pretty good at searches.

We are very close to Android Wear devices being released. Are you prepared to possibly feel remorse after dropping money on one of these and then just a few months later, new devices will be out that may eclipse them in function and app ecosystem? I bought and kept my Neo with the knowledge that its a stopgap for a few months and I'll most probably ditch it for Android Wear this summer. There's still a lot of missing functionality that the older Gears and even Pebble watches can do that need to be caught up because Samsung decided to ditch the old platform for Tizen. So it's pretty much like a gen 1 device again instead of building on the existing ecosystem from the original Gear, which means waiting on features, apps and stability/bug fixes.
Because I love the IR blaster and mic, I kept my Neo in the chance that devs can come through and fix/add the software/apps to address my problems with it. I don't know if an Android Wear device will come out that has the IR blaster, so I'm keeping the Neo for now. Even though the WatchOn app sucks right now, because it's very limited in what devices it can control.
You must be willing to gamble on whether those apps/software features will ever come around, because those of us who buy Samsung devices regularly, know that if you don't buy one of their devices that have decent developer support, you're kind of screwed due to their penchant to release so many new devices and subsequently forget about supporting their last-gen products with updates. We'll see if the decision to go Tizen will help or hurt this product. So far the app store is pretty thin and I expected there would be a bounty of awesome apps by now since one of the advantages of Tizen promoted was that it's so easy to develop on this platform compared to android. Given that, the only reason for the lack of apps I would think is lack of developer interest.

Removing 170 system apps for fun and profit

Long time ago, in the mid-2000s, there was such a fabulous concept as "PDA". Unfortunately, Microsoft let it slip and the concept went downhill.
Now for me it was the idea of a device that is not a phone (hence the existence of a separate "smartphone") and that is rarely online. It's bigger than "phone" and you use it to do serious stuff, not reading Twitter and ranting on Facebook.
I understand this concept is not very popular these days but this thread is for those of you security paranoids who are not risking putting your precious data online at all. But even if you are not so extreme you can safely get rid of more than 100 apps, you'll just have to experiment a little given my lists here.
Below are the apps I have removed to make my Note Edge run as smooth as ever, with battery lasting days on average use. I have been experimenting with this, gathering info about each problematic app from the internets; details and links are included below where I could find them.
What is removed: cellular/phone/messages/Qualcomm support, Samsung-only sharing/device features (quick share, direct share, beacon, TV, battery sharing, etc.), location services, Google/Samsung stuff, Dropbox/Evernote/Flipboard/other bundled stuff, backup/sync/cloud, tracking/remote management/locking (it had lots of this stuff), wearable stuff, environment sound detecting, payment/checkout, Chrome/Chromecast, Play/Samsung stores (install apps offline by APK), Car Mode, private mode, Knox, printing, S Finder, S Voice, Emergency Mode, SIM support, weather, Safety info, wizard appearing when you hard-reset the device (so all settings are set to defaults, you can customize them later anyway), Smart Remote, talkback, default video player, editing and trimming.
What is kept: all legit core functionality: external SD card, Internet (for offline browsing), Wi-Fi (but didn't try it), Bluetooth, NFC, camera and photo studio, Edge panel (Cocktailbar) features, S Pen including direct input, notes, snippets, etc., voice recorder/other tools, Easy Mode including reduced screen and side panel, Night Clock, S Health (tested pedometer, heart rate), service menus (e.g. *#0*#), ART/Dalvik runtimes work (instead of 300+ apps to optimize you get 143), USB features including MTP/debugging/adb, most native Samsung apps like Gallery and S Planner that are good. Dialing 911 seems to work which is surprising given all removed phone components.
After using this unbloated version of Kitkat 4.4.4 all apps still work fine except for some games that need Google Services Framework (however, it'll need other Google components, not just that - experiment). Not all though - Heroes 3 HD work just fine. Also note that if GSF is removed (partially or fully) while setup wizards are not you won't be able to get past the first run wizard as it will crash due to missing GSF. So either remove both or none.
I used this app to remove things. But you can probably freeze them with Titanium Backup with the same effect (except wasted disk space).
Removed apps (in alphabetic order):
Adapt Sound
AirWakeUp - this gesture drains battery like crazy, 10-15% per hour in sleep mode
AllShare FileShare Service - for playing content on other devices: http://www.shouldiremoveit.com/Samsung-AllShare-12424-program.aspx
ANT HAL Service - wearable support
ANT Radio Service
ANT+ Plugins Service
Automation Test - some say it can freeze the device, some say it's safe to remove: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s2/general/jelly-bean-xxlsj-solution-to-battery-t2016419
AutoPreconfig - cellular stuff: http://www.w0lfdroid.com/2013/08/change-csc-samsung-galaxy-devices-s4.html
Backup
Basic Daydreams - appear when the device is locked like a screensaver (photos, etc.) instead of clock, etc.
BeaconManager
Beaming Service
Blurb Checkout
Briefing
CapabilityManagerService - Popups when headphone jack used: http://forums.androidcentral.com/sp...ng-galaxy-s3-sprint-version-stock-rooted.html
CarMode
CarModeRemote
CatchFavorites - Yahoo/Twitter stuff: http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-edge/general/themers-paradise-useful-information-t2946943
Chrome
ChromecastServerService
CloudAgent
com.android.backupconfirm
com.android.provider.partnerbookmarks
com.android.sharedstoragebackup
com.qualcom.qcom_qmi - cellular protocol: https://sigquit.wordpress.com/2012/08/20/an-introduction-to-libqmi/
com.qualcomm.interfacepermissions - seems to be safe to remove
com.sec.android.app.chromecustomizations
com.sec.android.app.sbrowsertry - probably safe to remove: http://techspooler.com/guides/remove-bloatware-apps/1868
com.sec.android.app.wfdbroker - All Share related: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1910885&page=2
com.sec.android.chromecastservice
com.sec.android.mimage.expressme
com.sec.android.minimode.res - there are no mini apps in Note, probably safe to remove
com.sec.android.pagebuddynotisvc
com.sec.android.SamsungDrmProvider
com.sec.bcservice - probably safe to remove, deals with system status (rooted, etc.): http://androidforums.com/threads/li...-de-bloat-your-boost-mobile-galaxy-s3.778877/ - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2285894&page=2
com.sec.chromecast.remoteplayer
com.sec.enterprise.knox.attestation - this and other 4 apps are safe to remove
ConfigUpdater - Automatically updates certificates, firewall config, sms list, timezone info, said to be safe to remove: http://blog.burrowsapps.com/2014/03/what-android-apps-are-safe-to-remove.html, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2727541
CSC - cellular stuff: https://spreadsheets.google.com/spr...1gdDJRekl4QmkyNmIzUmRvX2h3UDVkQXc&output=html, http://www.w0lfdroid.com/2013/08/change-csc-samsung-galaxy-devices-s4.html
DCMProvider - communicates with other Samsung devices: http://forums.androidcentral.com/samsung-galaxy-s5/380456-dcmprovider-what.html
DeviceTest (com.sec.factory) - service codes: http://androidforums.com/threads/all-bloatware-detailed-complet-list.871115/
DirectShareManager
Drive
Dropbox
DSMLawmo - Dedicated Security Management to remotely lock/reset/etc. the device: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s2/help/dsmlawmo-t1863011
ELM Agent - multi-user support: http://androidforums.com/threads/elm-agent.825065/
Email
EmergencyManagerService
EmergencyProvider
Enterprise Sim Pin Service
EpsonPrintService
Evernote
Exchange Services
Favorite Contacts
Filter Installer
Filter Manager
FilterProvider
FixmoISA - some DoD stuff: http://gcn.com/articles/2013/05/29/breakdown-dod-security-controls--ios-android.aspx
Flipboard
Fused Location - location-related: https://developers.google.com/andro...android/gms/location/FusedLocationProviderApi
FWUpgrade - Upgrade client for AllShare app: http://forums.androidcentral.com/sp...ng-galaxy-s3-sprint-version-stock-rooted.html
GALAXY Apps Widget
Gmail
Google Backup Transport
Google Calendar Sync
Google Contacts Sync
Google Partner Setup
Google Play Books
Google Play Games
Google Play Movies & TV
Google Play Music
Google Play Newsstand
Google Play Services
Google Search
Google Services Framework - needed for Google apps
Google Text-to-speech Engine
Google+
Hangouts
HP Print Service Plugin
InCallUI
IndexService - S Finder-related, causes problems: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2461958
Intelligence Service - spying, Carrier IQ: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/help/kill-com-samsung-android-t2811304
Keyguard wallpaper updator
KeyguardTestActivity
Kies Application BnR
KLMS Agent
Live weather
LocalFOTA
LocationServices
Maps
Market Feedback Agent
MDMApp - some remote management: http://www.samsung.com/global/business/mobile/solution/security/mobile-device-management
Mobile print
Mobile Tracker
MobilePrintSvc_CUPS
MobilePrintSvc_CUPS_Backend
My interests
My Places
Nearby devices
Nearby Service
OMACP - SMS-related: https://spreadsheets.google.com/spr...1gdDJRekl4QmkyNmIzUmRvX2h3UDVkQXc&output=html
PacProcessor - claimed to be safe to remove: http://blog.burrowsapps.com/2014/03/what-android-apps-are-safe-to-remove.html
Pay with PayPal
PEN.UP
Perso - call sound personalization: http://androidforums.com/threads/all-bloatware-detailed-complet-list.871115/
Post_T_Promo - Dropbox stuff
Power Sharing - transfer power to another Samsung device: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.samsung.android.app.powersharing&hl=en
Preconfig - cellular stuff: http://www.w0lfdroid.com/2013/08/change-csc-samsung-galaxy-devices-s4.html
Print Spooler
Private Mode Service
Quick call contacts
Quick Connect
Quick Connect Interaction Service
RCPComponents - remote control: http://forums.androidcentral.com/samsung-galaxy-s5/396488-galaxy-s5-battery-life-getting-bad.html
Remote Controls - com.fmm.dm
Remote Controls - com.fmm.ds
Remote Controls - com.sec.pcw.device
RilNotifier - Radio interface layer: http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...rom-v9-available-changelog-op-t2037363/page93
ringtonebackup
RootPA - looks like junk: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2523379&page=4
S Finder
S Voice
Safety Assistance
Safety Information
Samsung Account
Samsung Billing
Samsung Calendar SyncAdapter
Samsung Cloud Data Relay
Samsung Cloud Quota
Samsung Contact SyncAdapter
Samsung Content Agent
Samsung Galaxy
Samsung Link Platform - communication with other devices: http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/1...sier-share-media-across-devices-computers-tv/
Samsung Link Platform Connectivity
Samsung Memo SyncAdapter
Samsung Print Service Plugin
Samsung Push Service - notifications for ChanON, etc.: http://forums.androidcentral.com/verizon-galaxy-note-2/279259-samsung-push-service-what.html, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sec.spp.push
Samsung SBrowser SyncAdapter
Samsung setup wizard
Samsung Syncadapters
Secure UI Service - since it's from Qualcomm it's probably safe to remove
Security policy updates - automatic network updates for threat detection: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.policydm&hl=en
Service Mode RIL
Setup Wizard - since it's Google must be safe to remove
SilentLogging - some surveillance stuff: http://mobilesyrup.com/2011/10/03/s...-phone-numbers-gps-data-email-addresses-more/
SIM Toolkit
SLLibrary
Smart Remote
SmartcardManager - SIM-related, 3rd party: https://code.google.com/p/seek-for-android/wiki/SmartcardAPI
SmartcardService
SnsImageCache - social networking: https://android.stackexchange.com/questions/12265/what-is-sns-app
Software update
Software Update
Sound detectors
SoundAlive - music playback effects
Street View
SysScope - tracks system status (rooted/official/etc.)
Talkback
Tap and pay
TcpdumpService
Travel wallpaper
Trim
Video
Video clip studio
Video Player
Video Trimmer
Weather
WlanTest - said to be safe to remove
WlucTest - said to be safe to remove
wssyncmlnps
YouTube
Apps you should leave alone and why:
3DTourViewer - some camera feature: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2790808&page=231
com.android.keyguard - screen lock (PIN, pattern, etc.): https://stackoverflow.com/questions/17689842/what-the-heck-is-the-keyguard-in-android
com.qualcomm.timeservice - network date/time sync, if removed clock will be screwed on each restart
com.samsung.android.app.catchme - breaks Night Clock if removed (someone says it's Yahoo/Twitter stuff: http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-edge/general/themers-paradise-useful-information-t2946943)
Easy Settings
EasyBottomPanel
EasyOneHand
EasySidePanel - if this and/or other Easy* is removed Side Panel and Reduce Screen no more works
FlashAnnotateSvc - S Pen/screenshot related: http://www.sammobile.com/2012/11/28/n7000xxlsa-–-galaxy-note-android-4-1-2-jelly-bean-test-firmware/
Heatlh Service - S Health doesn't start w/o it
HwModuleTest - probably what appears when dialing *#0*#
LogsProvider
MyScript ResourceManager - S Pen stuff: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2469681
QuickTool - Edge ruler, flashlight, etc.: http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-edge/general/themers-paradise-useful-information-t2946943
RootPa - might be causing problems if deleted
SapaMonitor - probably okay, audio input/jack monitor: http://forums.androidcentral.com/samsung-galaxy-note-3/360445-sapamonitor-jammonitorservice.html
Service Mode - internal info window: https://stackoverflow.com/questions/20248195/open-servicemode-menu-programatically-in-android
Service mode - may be related to service menu (*#0*#): http://forum.cyanogenmod.org/topic/30459-service-mode-servicemodeappapk-on-sgs/
Tags - NFC tags
Touchwiz Easy Home - if deleted Night Clock won't show up
Wi-Fi Direct
Wi-Fi Direct share
Attached are lists of safe-to-remove apps authored by different people that I've collected from various places in general for Samsung devices (I only used this as a reference, don't know how valid it is).
There's also a screenshot with installed apps in the standard launcher - just one incomplete page.
.
Update from me 1 year after: how was the experience?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=67600207&postcount=38

Great post. Thanks

so you've bought a Note Edge, disabled everything of use, and carry a separate device for calls, texts and web browsing? I'm not getting this!
Don't you use the interweb at all?? If you need a diary, just get a little black book.
I find that I can encrypt my device, use secure passwords and maintain all of the above securely in one package. Photos on SD which can be backed up to my NAS if I didnt want to keep images on google...
Sorry - really not trying to be rude but why?

bonerp said:
and carry a separate device for calls, texts and web browsing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't. I own a cheap Philips cellphone that can only call and read/send SMS. I don't browse web while I'm away from my laptop - I read books, watch movies, play games, think about projects taking notes and making mind maps, etc. Then since you have BT you can easily share/receive stuff. GPS is also working - you just use offline maps which are better than Google's anyway (you can get routes, etc. without paying for traffic and even in the countryside).
Don't you use the interweb at all?? If you need a diary, just get a little black book.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, and do you use your phone only for web surfing? I don't think so. There's so much you can do even without being online.
I find that I can encrypt my device, use secure passwords and maintain all of the above securely in one package.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's useless in most cases. Even secure passwords are challenging - can you really type 20 symbols or more that are sufficiently random using just soft keyboard? Won't it drive you mad after a couple dozen of times?
Besides, stock ROM includes loads of spyware. And it's not just Samsung - read about Lenovo's recent spyware "Superfish" that read all user's communications (even encrypted).

fundaprob said:
That's useless in most cases. Even secure passwords are challenging - can you really type 20 symbols or more that are sufficiently random using just soft keyboard? Won't it drive you mad after a couple dozen of times?
Besides, stock ROM includes loads of spyware. And it's not just Samsung - read about Lenovo's recent spyware "Superfish" that read all user's communications (even encrypted).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But google/the device remembers passwords. If you happen to lose it, android device manager allows you to remotely wipe it. I'm not worried about this, but if you are, doesn't knox help to further secure your use? I've never really used it.
Good on you if it worries you that much regarding keeping your life secure, but there are ways without staying offline and disconnecting yourself from the outside world.
20 yrs ago we never had all this, but now I couldn't manage my life without it.:good:

bonerp said:
But google/the device remembers passwords. If you happen to lose it, android device manager allows you to remotely wipe it. I'm not worried about this, but if you are, doesn't knox help to further secure your use? I've never really used it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Losing the device doesn't trouble me that much; what troubles me is that treats to mobile OSes are much bigger than to desktop because you have much less control over what goes in and out. Not just bad guys trying to trojan you but also manufacturers, ISPs, app writers - this is beyond the reasonable point. It's best to just keep the mobile device offline IMO. As an added benefit you see no more ads
Good on you if it worries you that much regarding keeping your life secure, but there are ways without staying offline and disconnecting yourself from the outside world.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not disconnecting myself, I'm disconnecting my smartphone only for the reasons explained above. I'm still perfectly online but only when I want it.

This is fantastic. I have a large percent of these apps frozen in TB, and you are 100% correct, not just about phones being preloaded with various degrees of spyware, but freaking redundant spyware. Of all the potential things that could affect the performance of my phone, just "no" on SO many level.
One thing I've often wondered about re: debloating. Does AdaptSound have an effect on call audio quality? I've kind of always thought that it did to some degree, and gone through the test to set it up, and keep in installed alongside Viper (of course...). What I do for battery is have a shortcut straight to sound settings on my home screen (thank you kindly Nova Prime), and switch my mixer to Viper (with the Super Quality drivers, since I do this), then when I'm not listening to music, like 97% of the time, I just switch the mixer back to AdaptSound with the shortcut and two additional taps.
Thoughts on the above strategy / any value whatsoever to AdaptSound?
Edit: I probably meant SoundAlive at least half of the time I referred to AdaptSound above.. I suppose my question appilies to both...

this is insanity. why even bother with a smartphone if youre going to remove the smarts from it and not even use it as a phone.
none of that stuff is spyware. youre removing API libraries and interconnection stuff which is necessary to actually use the phone as a smartphone.
and ironically youre removing the security layer completely which is knox. that means your phone cant isolate your private data from apps installed on it.

zurkx said:
this is insanity. why even bother with a smartphone if youre going to remove the smarts from it and not even use it as a phone.
none of that stuff is spyware. youre removing API libraries and interconnection stuff which is necessary to actually use the phone as a smartphone.
and ironically youre removing the security layer completely which is knox. that means your phone cant isolate your private data from apps installed on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What he/she said.
Just get off the grid completely if you're that paranoid.

A bit extreme but great resource, thanks! I'll pick what to do. Good stuff.
Sent from my SM-N910H using XDA Premium HD app

If what OP did is not your cup of tea, why flame him? Just take it as a resource you can use incase you missed out any 'bloat' to remove.
Hes not telling you to do it, not that you guys will listen either.
Good info @fundaprob

but freaking redundant spyware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's right, they're not comfortable with just one or two, they want a few dozens just in case. Like FixmoISA from what I have read is aimed at DoD compliance. But why on Earth it is preinstalled at my device?! What if I buy this outside of USA at all? Do you think it's removed from foreign firmware? It's surely not. And that's just one example - there's also a bunch of SilentLogging, SLLLogging, marketing, tracker apps that are running in background. Even if you're fine with giving away your personal data to whoever is there on the other side of the wire then think about your battery life at least. Running this mess doesn't add to it you know.
Does AdaptSound have an effect on call audio quality?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since I'm not using Edge as a phone I can't tell how it affects the mic. However, I haven't noticed any ill effect on audio/video playback. I suspect that AdaptSound is constantly running as a background service - just like any other sensor it drains the battery even when you're not using that specific feature (audio). Unlike adaptive brightness this doesn't look too useful to me so I've got rid of it.
and switch my mixer to Viper (with the Super Quality drivers, since I do this)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This may work but I wanted to avoid having to do any special actions to concerve the battery on the dialy basis. With your approach I'll be in and out switching the mixer several times a day. Not good
Besides, like I've said I see no effect of AdaptSound. Especially since 90% of the time I'm using headphones, it can hardly have any use for this.
About SoundAlive I'm not sure, I also have seen no effect of it.
if youre going to remove the smarts from it and not even use it as a phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If they would still produce PDAs I would buy them in bulk. But since they don't I'm happy to turn a smartphone into one. Seriously, have you never ended up with smartphone's battery completely drained when you most needed it?
It's not my fault that manufacturers suddenly decided that devices with screens of 3-4-5+ inches also qualify as the "phones".
none of that stuff is spyware. youre removing API libraries and interconnection stuff which is necessary to actually use the phone as a smartphone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, really. You'd do better by reading the links I've left in the list. Besides, 2/3 of the stuff has no purpose if you don't own devices that use it or features that you need, like remote locking. Otherwise there's no explanation why I am able to use every single app I have tried normally, with more than 50% of preinstalled stuff gone.
AirWakeUp - this is meant for the gesture that does drain 10-15% of the battery in sleep mode. What for do you need it if not using it?
ANT - this is meant to communicate with other devices (http://www.thisisant.com/directory/ant-radio-service). Since I have none, why do I need it?
BeaconManager, Beaming, QuickConnect, DirectShare, DCMProvider, Power Sharing - these all are meant for sharing stuff but mostly with other Samsung devices. Since I don't have any and since I can as well use Bluetooth - why do I need these?
Blurb Checkout, Pay with Paypal, Tap and Pay - these are completely off the wall for me. I'm not going to use my device as a wallet. There exist credit cards.
CarMode - I don't use it hence don't need it.
Chromecast - I don't have any TV that supports it. If at friend's I can always stick a USB drive which won't even drain the battery.
KNOX - I'm not in corporate environment, my KNOX counter is tripped and I see no use for this. Why keep it?
DSMLawmo (http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s2/help/dsmlawmo-t1863011), FixmoISA (http://gcn.com/articles/2013/05/29/breakdown-dod-security-controls--ios-android.aspx), Intelligence Service (http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/help/kill-com-samsung-android-t2811304), MDMApp (http://www.samsung.com/global/business/mobile/solution/security/mobile-device-management), RCPComponents (http://forums.androidcentral.com/samsung-galaxy-s5/396488-galaxy-s5-battery-life-getting-bad.html) - these are stuff to remotely mess up with your device. Whether it's you or not you can't even be sure. I'm not going to trade potential one time use of these for the possibility of spying on me 24/7.
Printing drivers - I don't even have a printer.
the list goes on
and ironically youre removing the security layer completely which is knox. that means your phone cant isolate your private data from apps installed on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny thing is that these days even malware doesn't run without active Internet connection. Okay, let's say it grabs all my passwords, photos and documents. Now what? It will disappear the next time I do hard reset, with all the traces and stuff it has collected. Have you seen malware that bricks device on purpose? I think 99% of it nowadays is meant for extracting profit. Even if we take cryptolockers (which serve exactly this purpose) they only start working after obtaining the public key from the server. No connection - no key.
There's more to it than you think at first.
Just take it as a resource you can use incase you missed out any 'bloat' to remove.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. I'm not suggesting everyone follows my steps. I'm only suggesting that you look through the lists and see that you can remove a number of obvious bloatware that you can identify after a bit of googling (which I did for you). There are also a few lists of other people I've collected that I've updated the post with.

There's no need to criticize him for doing what he wants with his phone. He just shows that it's possible, and if others want to do the same, they can. He even provided a list of all apps he could remove without breaking anything he didn't want, which is awesome.
I for instance rarely use ROMs with a lot of tweaks and extras, as I like it as stock as possible. I rarely use custom kernels, except when they're superior and minimal compared to stock. I don't lash out against those who choose to use the ROMs and kernels with more features.
If everyone were to complain about everything that didn't fit their preferences, this forum would be a mess.
zurkx said:
this is insanity. why even bother with a smartphone if youre going to remove the smarts from it and not even use it as a phone.
none of that stuff is spyware. youre removing API libraries and interconnection stuff which is necessary to actually use the phone as a smartphone.
and ironically youre removing the security layer completely which is knox. that means your phone cant isolate your private data from apps installed on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha, good one.

Archiimonde said:
There's no need to criticize him for doing what he wants with his phone. He just shows that it's possible, and if others want to do the same, they can. He even provided a list of all apps he could remove without breaking anything he didn't want, which is awesome.
I for instance rarely use ROMs with a lot of tweaks and extras, as I like it as stock as possible. I rarely use custom kernels, except when they're superior and minimal compared to stock. I don't lash out against those who choose to use the ROMs and kernels with more features.
If everyone were to complain about everything that didn't fit their preferences, this forum would be a mess.
Haha, good one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh please. lets not enable paranoia - and illogical paranoia at that. do you really think OPs crippled phone with "spyware" removed is secure ?
While removing all the actually useful features his phone has also been stripped of basic security. he does not have a knox encrypted container which means his phone data can be accessed using the modem baseband processor and all the data copied off it. Since his phone is no longer a phone he wouldnt even see the activity. Removing "location services" APIs do nothing since the phone is going to ping the towers anyway regardless of whether it has a SIM or not and since it has no SIM it will ping *all* the towers instead of the ones it is registered to. So everyone with a basic stingray can track his location at all times. Removing the cellular control protocol disables modem control using flight mode so even in flight mode the phone would be pinging everything in sight. bravo. awesome "security". and how does OP make it even more secure ? I know .. lets strip out the basic modem key loading so your baseband modem is now open completely to anyone with a spoofed cell tower with zero encryption keys loaded on it in default factory config! woo! home run.
He might as well buy an etch a sketch instead of a phone at this point since he converted his $900 smartphone into an insecure brick. there is nothing useful to be gained by stripping out functionality while reducing security in the name of "hiding from the man" when the "man" can easily get access to anything on your phone anyway and its kept there unencrypted for easier access. My stock 910U with encrypted knox container, DoD CAC enabled and switched to flight mode is waay more secure than his stripped down insecure brick.

I think that android is perfect for those people that want to customize their phones the way they like it. that's what we're all here for and that's what the dude have done. *however* I can't feel that this wasn't done properly as the OP took the smart out of the phone. to the OP- you just own a 1990's phone now. maybe thats the way you like it but frankly I don't get why getting a 700$ phone for only calls/sms. if that's what you want i'd just get an actual old yearly 2000's phone that doesn't even have 3g, or the cheapest smartphone available today and do the same thing- just there it would make more sense(as all of the smart features are slow anyway). and as much as I agree regarding the lack of privacy these days- I'm also realistic. there are a few billions of people around the world and even more mobile phones. yes, google can locate you when you use location services. so what? if you are not a terorrist, not the NSA or anybody else gives a damn about it. there is no privacy today, and it's not necessarily worst thing possible.

OK, so we've established that different people use their devices in different ways. Moving on... take a look at the system apps on your phone. What percent percentage of them perform a function that you're aware of? How many of them provide the exact same function as other (in many cases system) apps? If either question is difficult to answer some research can be VERY illuminating.
Rather than jumping all over the OP for removing certain things due to personal preference, consider mine. I recently had 301 system apps on my phone (have begun uninstalling certain things I've just had frozen before). Of those 301 apps, I had 104 frozen. Determining the purpose of an app before ditching it, I've lost ZERO featues / functionality and hardly ever see an OOM error which happened somewhat often before debloating.
The fact is that there are pre-installed apps on your phone that are very likely just taking up space, or doing things that you would explicitly prohibit if you were aware / able to. OP has provided an excellent resource for determining to some extent what these apps are doing. What he's personally chosen to remove is a matter that's really of no concern to anyone but himself.

zurkx said:
While removing all the actually useful features his phone has also been stripped of basic security.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now we're talking. What you are saying makes sense but to be completely sure you should provide some links or other proof that it is exactly as you describe. Because I am not sure that the following is true:
zurkx said:
Removing the cellular control protocol disables modem control using flight mode so even in flight mode the phone would be pinging everything in sight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have just tried this: enable flight mode (side note: it's permanently on for me), go to Phone, dial 911 and then observe the screen saying "enabling radio, please wait". If what you are saying is true - i.e. if I have removed cellular controls - then (1) how it would be enabling, if no control interface is present? (2) how would it actually call the number (by this I mean that I could hear the other guy)?
Something is wrong here.
Then, you are missing another point. For some reason you are assuming that whatever I have done was done for "security". But it was not. Sure, I am eager to strip off unwanted spyware (please, don't object that Fixmo and co. produces something useful for us). But I am as well eager to remove unnecessary processes to conserve the battery and make the device run smoother. This actually happens. Attached is screenshot of the battery stats - 20 hours on battery with about 5-6 hours of active usage (1.5 hours of gaming) and limited charging while transferring stuff via USB. It virtually doesn't use the battery in sleep mode as you can see. 39% remains, that's given that the device was charged up to 60% or so in the beginning. Sounds good to me unless I interpret it wrong.
(You can also see short Mobile signal spikes - that's my 911 calls. Doesn't look like the device no more controls what happens with its cellular module, does it?)
And to be clear: I understand that it's possible to spy on probably everyone depending on who does that. But stock "spyware" spies on everyone just in case. It's not targeted, it's common. That's what I am against. Targeted spying is completely another story and not my case (bad guys use another means to get rid of it, I'm sure).
zurkx said:
My stock 910U with encrypted knox container, DoD CAC enabled and switched to flight mode is waay more secure than his stripped down insecure brick.
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I think it is but is it faster and has better battery life? Also, what happens once you switch off flight mode? It happily pours all the sniffed data to the other side. When you have data going not only in but out (online) you are always in catching-up position because patching broken defence by definition takes time after the breach happens (virus, etc.) and before the patch is on your device. Since defences are studied beforehand it doesn't matter how good they are because otherwise there would be no viruses whatsoever.
Now, zurkx, I don't want to offend you or anything but you sound angry and not very constructive. Try this: think of all the features I have removed/lost with my modification and write them down on one side of a piece of paper. Now think of all that remain and write on the other side. I am sure that the left list would be cluttered with "Chromecast", "Clever house", "Fitness clocks", "Mobile printing" and things like that. The other side will stay with "Awesome camera", "1080p video", "Extreme games that don't even heat up the device", etc.
Obviously, the latter is more important to me. I have no use in devices I will never own. It is imprudent to just leave them consuming CPU cycles and battery life.
tal123 said:
you just own a 1990's phone now. maybe thats the way you like it but frankly I don't get why getting a 700$ phone for only calls/sms.
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Guys! I have ONLY removed cellular connectivity and various wireless stuff. I have NOT taken out the CPU, NFC, GPS or whatever. I can still watch video, use regular apps, play games and whatnot.
I do own a cellphone that can only send/receive calls and SMS and has no 3G but it costs $39, not $900. Mind you. I charge it once a month and happy with that.
No, seriously, I can't get it. Can you play World of Tanks on Nokia 3310? What are you saying man? The life doesn't end with LTE!
jazzmachine said:
What percent percentage of them perform a function that you're aware of?
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True and that also doesn't mean that you should just leave the obvious garbage take its place. Because then you can as well abandon HTTPS when using online banking, or turn off WPA2 encryption just because if they wanted to spy on you that wouldn't stop them, so why bother? Also, you never know if your laptop is not preinstalled with another "Superfish" that works around TLS so all that is useless anyway.
Hopefully it's clear that I'm ironizing.
jazzmachine said:
Determining the purpose of an app before ditching it, I've lost ZERO featues / functionality and hardly ever see an OOM error which happened somewhat often before debloating.
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Oh heaven, somebody has got his senses. I thought something was wrong with me. Hurray.

question- so if you have a phone just for calls/texts and all you wanted is a device just for games, etc- and that's why you stripped everything from your note 4 and made it just for offline apps- why not just get an ipod touch?

This is a very comprehensive list on which apps are safe to remove and which are not. And to get the list from a person who is willing to strip off this much is even better as they will tell you all the apps that are sefe to remove because they were not afraid to take them off.
Thank you for this list I am going to go through it and remove the apps that make sense for me to remove.
One question though, How much space did you free up by uninstalling all of these apps? It might be good to add the weight of each app next to them as well for easy refrence. Just a thought. Great job by the way!

zurkx said:
oh please. lets not enable paranoia - and illogical paranoia at that. do you really think OPs crippled phone with "spyware" removed is secure ?
While removing all the actually useful features his phone has also been stripped of basic security. he does not have a knox encrypted container which means his phone data can be accessed using the modem baseband processor and all the data copied off it. Since his phone is no longer a phone he wouldnt even see the activity. Removing "location services" APIs do nothing since the phone is going to ping the towers anyway regardless of whether it has a SIM or not and since it has no SIM it will ping *all* the towers instead of the ones it is registered to. So everyone with a basic stingray can track his location at all times. Removing the cellular control protocol disables modem control using flight mode so even in flight mode the phone would be pinging everything in sight. bravo. awesome "security". and how does OP make it even more secure ? I know .. lets strip out the basic modem key loading so your baseband modem is now open completely to anyone with a spoofed cell tower with zero encryption keys loaded on it in default factory config! woo! home run.
He might as well buy an etch a sketch instead of a phone at this point since he converted his $900 smartphone into an insecure brick. there is nothing useful to be gained by stripping out functionality while reducing security in the name of "hiding from the man" when the "man" can easily get access to anything on your phone anyway and its kept there unencrypted for easier access. My stock 910U with encrypted knox container, DoD CAC enabled and switched to flight mode is waay more secure than his stripped down insecure brick.
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There's no need to rant. I never said the phone was more secure. You claimed that nothing of what he removed was spyware, which is wrong. I'm sure your phone is more secure. I agree with OP though that you statements make sense, but I'd also like to see some sources.
And to be clear: I understand that it's possible to spy on probably everyone depending on who does that. But stock "spyware" spies on everyone just in case. It's not targeted, it's common. That's what I am against. Targeted spying is completely another story and not my case (bad guys use another means to get rid of it, I'm sure).
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This is what I meant.