Database Develop

[Q] bundling system apps into pre-existing custom roms?

I'm wanting to install the current version of the AOKP rom onto my note, but i noticed (after I flashed - boh) that there's an FC problem with the included launchers on that rom.
In the instructions they suggest using ADB to push novalauncher's apk file out to your device, but that seems needlessly complex to me when I could just (in theory) bundle the app into the .zip before I flash.
Is there any reason I can't insert the nova.apk into the AOKP.zip file (in /system/app as i understand it), zip it back up, flash the .zip as per normal AOKP instructions and proceed on my merry way?
Is it that simple? Do I need to mess around with chmodding the apk file or should the fact that it's in /system do that stuff for me?
FWIW I have tried this, but got some problems with having lost root between flashes (stupid ICS root) and that caused me some problems and a lot of high-heartrate moments trying to flash back to a working RocketRom build.
I'd rather do it 'properly' with accurate information about what I'm doing before I try again.
Appreciate the assistance.

I am to faceing the same problem but on other device
Sent from my HTC Glacier using xda premium

sideways86 said:
I'm wanting to install the current version of the AOKP rom onto my note, but i noticed (after I flashed - boh) that there's an FC problem with the included launchers on that rom.
In the instructions they suggest using ADB to push novalauncher's apk file out to your device, but that seems needlessly complex to me when I could just (in theory) bundle the app into the .zip before I flash.
Is there any reason I can't insert the nova.apk into the AOKP.zip file (in /system/app as i understand it), zip it back up, flash the .zip as per normal AOKP instructions and proceed on my merry way?
Is it that simple? Do I need to mess around with chmodding the apk file or should the fact that it's in /system do that stuff for me?
FWIW I have tried this, but got some problems with having lost root between flashes (stupid ICS root) and that caused me some problems and a lot of high-heartrate moments trying to flash back to a working RocketRom build.
I'd rather do it 'properly' with accurate information about what I'm doing before I try again.
Appreciate the assistance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I open the ROM zip up and add .apks to the /system/app/ folder all the time..I also delete the ones I know I can and won't use..
There are some apps that won't work like this but its very uncommon..For example I can never include quickpic I always have to manually install it from the market.

sideways86 said:
I'm wanting to install the current version of the AOKP rom onto my note, but i noticed (after I flashed - boh) that there's an FC problem with the included launchers on that rom.
In the instructions they suggest using ADB to push novalauncher's apk file out to your device, but that seems needlessly complex to me when I could just (in theory) bundle the app into the .zip before I flash.
Is there any reason I can't insert the nova.apk into the AOKP.zip file (in /system/app as i understand it), zip it back up, flash the .zip as per normal AOKP instructions and proceed on my merry way?
Is it that simple? Do I need to mess around with chmodding the apk file or should the fact that it's in /system do that stuff for me?
FWIW I have tried this, but got some problems with having lost root between flashes (stupid ICS root) and that caused me some problems and a lot of high-heartrate moments trying to flash back to a working RocketRom build.
I'd rather do it 'properly' with accurate information about what I'm doing before I try again.
Appreciate the assistance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well my problem is solved
Check the app name of apps ur adding they should not include space in them ( like xda primium.apk) if there r space then remove the space (like xdaprimium.apk) it should work fine
Sent from my HTC Glacier using xda premium

MrDSL said:
I open the ROM zip up and add .apks to the /system/app/ folder all the time..I also delete the ones I know I can and won't use..
There are some apps that won't work like this but its very uncommon..For example I can never include quickpic I always have to manually install it from the market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man.
One more question - as far as launcher apps go, is there any way to set the default launcher in the .zip file?
If I delete the pre-existing launcher app from the rom in question and add nova.apk should it set itself as the default launcher app automatically?

sideways86 said:
Thanks man.
One more question - as far as launcher apps go, is there any way to set the default launcher in the .zip file?
If I delete the pre-existing launcher app from the rom in question and add nova.apk should it set itself as the default launcher app automatically?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no you will prbably need to makea script to get it to work

How can i make the required script??
plz help
---------- Post added at 09:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:37 PM ----------
And ive heard "the TouchWiz launcher included in the rom has hardware acceleration for better graphics performance while the launchers we use like GO LAUNCHER etc depends totally on cpu. They consume cpu power only and no GPU"
IS THAT SO??????????????
that would not mean a good thing
cause GO launcher or n other launcher are way better than Stock TWiz launcher.

I don't want someone to do all the work for me, but if anyone could direct me to some kind of resource with the relevant syntax and such that'd be amazing.

sideways86 said:
If I delete the pre-existing launcher app from the rom in question and add nova.apk should it set itself as the default launcher app automatically?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can delete any launcher in the original zip and replace it with Nova and it will work. You don't need any script to do that, as suggested before.

thanks chasmodo - this worked flawlessly.

[MOD] GS3 SecEmail.apk & Exchange.apk with Exchange Security Disabled

This was cross-posted in the US GS3 forum, but I figured you international guys might want this as well.
Below are the Mail and Exchange apks for the S3 with exchange security disabled. This is for those who use exchange support at work, but who hate entering a pin or password every time they want to unlock their phone. Many of us use low-level security corporate exchanges that don't require a pin, so the apk files below remove that security.
DISCLAIMER: If your place of employment's exchange policy requires the use of a pin, please be advised that use of these apks may be punishable up to termination of employment, as well as other possible legal action. Some companies take their exchange security VERY seriously and this mod is only for those whose policy does not require a pin but are unnecessarily prompted to enter one anyway. Please speak with your IT department before using these files as I will not be held responsible for any mis-use of this app or any collateral damage that may ensue. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. In the event you need to get back to stock, I have also posted stock apks below which will get you back to stock. Download the 'Return to Stock' link, unzip the downloaded file, and then just push them to /system/app/
1) Delete any exchange email accounts from your phone and remove any shortcuts to the mail app from your device
2) If applicable, remove any exchange administrators from Settings -> Security -> Device administrators
3) Download the 'Hacked Mail apks' file linked below. THIS IS NOT A FLASHBLE ZIP. The apk files were just too big for XDA's upload limit and so I had to zip them up and host them online. Once downloaded, unzip and grab out the 2 apk files inside (SecEmail.apk and Exchange.apk)
4) Mount your phone's system as R/W (either using Root Explorer or 'adb remount')
5) Copy the newly downloaded SecEmail.apk and Exchange.apk files to system/app/ via root explorer and overwrite the older file if/when it asks, or you can just push the files to system/app via adb
6) Set permissions on both apks as rw-r--r--
7) Reboot
8) After reboot, create a shortcut if you want and then open up the Email app and set up your corporate account.
7) You will be prompted to enable security policy midway through... this is normal so hit 'OK' and it will not ask you to enable security any further.
As previously mentioned in the disclaimer, you can use the Stock apks to get back to stock if you run into any issues. Just download the 'Return to Stock' link below, extract the 2 apks out, and follow the same process as above.
Donations always appreciated. Enjoy
LINKS:
Hacked Mail apks: http://d-h.st/8xa
Return to Stock apks: http://d-h.st/aAk
I'd prefer you to use the links directly above, but in the event they aren't working or are blocked in your country, try using these instead:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=29011281&postcount=9

Thanks friend
excellent work!

You are the man! I've been waiting for this.
Thank you!
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

Is there an hacked version of the stock google email floating around?

gkaipale said:
You are the man! I've been waiting for this.
Thank you!
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You didn't ask for it, it's included on my custom since my first release .

jhericurls said:
Is there an hacked version of the stock google email floating around?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edit: found it
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1117452

just what I was looking for only problem is the link dont work :crying:

Same here any chance of posting a link that works :fingers-crossed:

Just tested the links and they are working fine for me. Perhaps they are blocked in your county.
That being said, here are some links secondary links via dropbox. I'd prefer everyone to use the links in the OP as flooding the links below can end up blocking my db account, but they're here for others experiencing download issues
Hacked mail apks: http://db.tt/SXwjYCeK
Return to stock: http://db.tt/cGMIbkVJ

Not working for me
I followed the steps but when I open Email app to add account it gives me a FC error...
I m on stock ROM XXBLFB..pls help

wanam said:
You didn't ask for it, it's included on my custom since my first release .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly dear Wanam...
I downloaded your ROM, extracted those 2 apks, all working fine, really very appreciate!

Thanks a lot, this seems to actually work. The strange thing is, i've replaced those 2 apk files on a stock ODEXED rom (!!!), yet it works anyway. I guess none of the other apk/odexes depend on those 2.
Thanks again

InfX said:
Thanks a lot, this seems to actually work. The strange thing is, i've replaced those 2 apk files on a stock ODEXED rom (!!!), yet it works anyway. I guess none of the other apk/odexes depend on those 2.
Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do I need to delete the odex files also after copying these apks? it's not working for me
Sent from my GT-I9300

doesn't quite work like the ones from the HTC forums.
where in you can still choose to do patter lock. after adding an exchange account.
the mod for SIII disables all types of lock aside from Pin and Password after adding an account. although you can add a pattern lock before adding an exchange account and it still works.

kuberchib said:
do I need to delete the odex files also after copying these apks? it's not working for me
Sent from my GT-I9300
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do. Ive renamed the 2 original apk files along with the corresponding odex files, placing the new ones in there instead. Works perfectly ok for me. I am on 4.0.4 XXALF5, stock, odexed. Ill probably switch to deodexed soon, though, but it does work for me right now anyway.

baste07 said:
doesn't quite work like the ones from the HTC forums.
where in you can still choose to do patter lock. after adding an exchange account.
the mod for SIII disables all types of lock aside from Pin and Password after adding an account. although you can add a pattern lock before adding an exchange account and it still works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This mod disables thr EXCHANGE administrating those locks for you, it doed NOT affect your ability to setup a lock on a device on your own, in any possible way. In fact, replacing just the apks mentioned, it technically cannot do anything to affect it.

Thanks a lot for that man. What about jellybean I be seen the exchange.apk became exchange2.apk
Is there a difference?

Working great, just needed to delet odex files

I am running the ATT version, with a CM10 preview.. will these work on my version?

there's a bug or my company admin is just good detecting this. it is able to block it
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk 2

Enabling Facebook Contact Sync In CM10/AOSP ROMs

Many users are frustrated by 4.0.3+ AOSP ROMs, as from Android ICS & JB AOSP ROMs there is no Facebook Contacts SYNC.
Well after much drooling and browsing I finally found a way to enable this.:victory:
As stated on website --> http://niranjanthilak.com/facebook-sync-for-android-ics-devices/
and on --> http://www.modaco.com/page/news/_/a...sync-in-ice-cream-sandwich-r140#commentsStart
So, go on at these websites and try youself.:good:
Here, I'm Attaching a modded "ContactsProvider.apk" file that i used, in my CM10 ROM (dated:20121014)
FYI :: First rename file "root//system/app/ContactsProvider.apk" to "ContactsProvider.bak", then delete or rename "root//data/data/com.android.provider.contacts/databases/contacts2.db". Now copy provided "ContactsProvider.apk" to "root//system/app" folder, change permission to 644 and restart the device wait some time for data to sync.
P.S. :; I'm not responsible for data loss, do this on your gut.
Thnkx
If one doesnt wanna share their info with third party apps like HaxSync or FBcontactsync.
There is a great app and info about how to make it by Recognized Developer Deadknight.
Here is the link --> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1731298

No go for me. How did you modify your apk file? When I baksmali'd mine, I didn't see a res/variables folder at all like was suggested in the original guide on how to do this. Tried adding it, but ended up with the same thing I get from your file - FC's and no contacts

Thanks. I tried both the given file and the steps. No go.

NegativeOne said:
Thanks. I tried both the given file and the steps. No go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha I never tried it but yeah ... You should stay here and wait for OP's reply though .

have you changed the permission to 644 thats -rw-r--r--
Sent from my GT-I9100G

Just to be sure .. before doing above step try switching off wifi and data network, and remember to change permission, thn restart
Sent from my GT-I9100G

so:
1) rename original
2) disable all data (airplane mode)
3) delete contacts2.db
4) paste new file in and set permissions.

Sadly, still no good. get FC's in all my apps that use contacts.

You can't just use the modified apk...instead, using the guide and make the necessary changes...the modded apk was not for every ROM...
Ok...to add some details:
For ContactsProvider APK, the file
in question is res/values/arrays.xml
To gain access to this, you must decompile with apktool, not baksmali...

The file provided was for CM10, was it not? I'm running CM10 - the only difference is I'm actually on a Galaxy S3. I've tried with the guide but have met with similar ends.
Only difference is - when I tried manually I did not set my file permissions to 644.

Working like charm mate ...
Thanks a lot ...
I have GT-I9100G
The contacts synchronized smoothly but their pics and birthday aren't synchronized...
ROM : CodeBox 1.6.0 Official
Kernel : Horsepower 3.1.0-Fuss
If you like my post then please hit the button thanks ...

NegativeOne said:
The file provided was for CM10, was it not? I'm running CM10 - the only difference is I'm actually on a Galaxy S3. I've tried with the guide but have met with similar ends.
Only difference is - when I tried manually I did not set my file permissions to 644.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm...I'm not sure whether all cm system apps will work on any phone...May have certain dependencies...that's why i asked you too mod yourself...did you modify the database (2nd step) or just merely the first step? And by the way, all system apps must have their permissions set to 644 or rw-r--r--...

I thought this one required you to simply delete your contacts2.db instead of modifying it, no?

NegativeOne said:
I thought this one required you to simply delete your contacts2.db instead of modifying it, no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope...the first guide actually taught on how to modify...to me, modifying is better than deleting...

yes thats right
Sent from my GT-I9100G

try doing disassembly through apktool .. and doing whats needed to be done .. wish u luck
http://code.google.com/p/android-apktool/
Sent from my GT-I9100G

for pics .. u can use facebook contact sync app
Sent from my GT-I9100G

s3 system files have different dependencies and so for that u hav to do it yourself.
Sent from my GT-I9100G

well if you .. change the lines in smali codes where columns are first initiated thn thr is no need to modify contacts2.db file
Sent from my GT-I9100G

Thanks guys. I'm going to try this. I've been trying to use the xdaAutoTool wrapper for apktool, and I'm not 100% sure I'm doing it right.
What do I need to do to make sure that it loads the correct framework-res.apk for resource dependencies? I did "install other" and pointed it to the file, but it says "No Framework installed".
If someone could point me to a guide for raw apktool that includes signing the apk (which I understand I must do) and loading a framework dependency, that would work too. Thanks in advance!

Can anyone provide framework-res.apk from 7.4.8 with wallpaper enabled?

Anyone have a working framework-res.apk from the 7.4.8 stock ROM that has wallpapers enabled? (I did try myself in the past but it resulted in a bootloop)
If so would you be able to upload it :good:
Thanks

Odd, the latest version has a lot of safeties to prevent a bootloop. When was the version of my wallpaper fix that you used? Also you will need to know how to use adb if you plan on copying a already modified framework-res because if you copy and paste over it it could go wrong because of permissions sometimes not carrying over or the fact you would be replacing a system file that's in use.
Sent from my LG-P769 using Tapatalk

It was quite a while ago now, guess I could try again but just wanted to see if anyone had one that they had confirmed working to save any issues.

[SPH-L720] [NG2] Original TouchWiz NG2 Bloat

If you accidentally deleted an application that you wanted later or just simply desire the files for development of custom TouchWiz based roms (or any other reason) and don't want to fish for them on a stock device, then here they are
These files are from the unmodified but rooted NG2 software. The only modification was that the device was rooted, so obviously @Chainfire's supersu is not part of the original files.
[sph-l720-system-app.rar - RAR archive] [MD5=(pending)] [File Size: ]
for all files in the /system/app directory: DOWNLOAD HERE
[sph-l720-system-priv-app.rar - RAR archive] [MD5=(pending)] [File Size: ]
for all files in the /system/priv-app directory: DOWNLOAD HERE.
**EDIT **
Note these are NOT flashable ZIPs. These are archives of each directory for cherry-picking the bloat apps.
**EDIT 2014 OCT 25TH***
Will not be making flashable ZIPS. If you so desire to do so, go for it. I now have the S5 and no free time as it is.

typefortytardis said:
If you accidentally deleted an application that you wanted later or just simply desire the files for development of custom TouchWiz based roms (or any other reason) and don't want to fish for them on a stock device, then here they are
These files are from the unmodified but rooted NG2 software. The only modification was that the device was rooted, so obviously @Chainfire's supersu is not part of the original files.
for all files in the /system/app directory: DOWNLOAD HERE
for all files in the /system/priv-app directory: DOWNLOAD HERE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this brother & correct me if I'm wrong, but shouldn't this be in the 'Themes & Apps' section?

Parkourkid93 said:
Thanks for this brother & correct me if I'm wrong, but shouldn't this be in the 'Themes & Apps' section?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know what maybe. I'm sure anyone whom would use this would be for modding and making of TouchWiz based roms, but if this is the wrong place for this I do apologize.

typefortytardis said:
You know what maybe. I'm sure anyone whom would use this would be for modding and making of TouchWiz based roms, but if this is the wrong place for this I do apologize.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No big deal, most likely if it belongs in another section a mod will let inform you that its being moved, I was just curious, just downloaded, going to flash a tw ROM & test a few of these , did you pull these yourself by the way?

Parkourkid93 said:
No big deal, most likely if it belongs in another section a mod will let inform you that its being moved, I was just curious, just downloaded, going to flash a tw ROM & test a few of these , did you pull these yourself by the way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I did. I simply took them from a stock rom. Which I'm sure anyone could do - just I know I never thought to until i'm at a point where I have no choice but to flash back to stock. So now everyone has them handy.
They are simple file copies. It's not a flashable zip. Extract and use adb to push or simply copy to your device. Again these are mainly for those who are building custom TouchWiz based roms and want to include some of the bloat - but can be used by those who need some of the applications for whatever reason. But they aren't flashable and some probably will have to be replaced using adb push.
I will try to work on a flashable zip but that will take me some time. Also a flashable zip file doesn't help those whom say only want Sprint's Zone app for example but don't need the rest of the bloat. Just saying. But will post when I have made flashable zips for all-in-one bloat.

typefortytardis said:
Yes I did. I simply took them from a stock rom. Which I'm sure anyone could do - just I know I never thought to until i'm at a point where I have no choice but to flash back to stock. So now everyone has them handy.
They are simple file copies. It's not a flashable zip. Extract and use adb to push or simply copy to your device. Again these are mainly for those who are building custom TouchWiz based roms and want to include some of the bloat - but can be used by those who need some of the applications for whatever reason. But they aren't flashable and some probably will have to be replaced using adb push.
I will try to work on a flashable zip but that will take me some time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay good, just making sure & I know, I barely use abd plus i'm already laying down, just got done playing Diablo 3, so I'm just going to push em using ES File Explorer lol

Parkourkid93 said:
Okay good, just making sure & I know, I barely use abd plus i'm already laying down, just got done playing Diablo 3, so I'm just going to push em using ES File Explorer lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Someone else chime in here if this is wrong:
but... some of the touchwiz apps will refuse to work thru a simple file copy from within the device. If that happens, some of it - keyword "some" will be fixed by using a custom recovery like philz-touch or CWM or TWRP and clearing both cache and dalvik-cache after doing the file copy - at least that worked on 4.3 and 4.2.2. But KitKat has changed some things so I'm not sure.
If anyone else has dealt with this, please do comment....

When pushing .apks with ES or Root Explorer (my personal favorite) you do need root and need to place in the correct folder (system/app, system/priv_app, or system/lib if it's a lib file) and be able to change permissions - usually to rw, r, r.
... So definitely pay attention where you copy the files from and where ya put 'em.
If not done, they will not work.
Hope this helps someone!

Just wanted to let those of you whom are watching this thread know that due to personal stuff I have no time to make flashable ZIPs anytime soon but if anyone wants to take a stab at it before I get to it then be my guest

Will this zip file work on ASOP rom?
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

axs3543 said:
Will this zip file work on ASOP rom?
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No most of these apps need a TW framework.
Sent from my SPH-L720

Maybe I am missing it, or it's named something funny..but I am not seeing the stock messaging app in either of those zips. I apologize if it's right in front of me, but I don't see it!
Edit: I'm an idiot, I found it. SecMMS.apk. But it wont install, just says "App was not installed." Why would that be?

Did you manually push it to system/priv-app folder, set permissions, and reboot?
Don't try to just click on it and install via context menu
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Free mobile app

Recorded Video Playback
I get "Unable to play video" message when I try to play back a video I recorded (I can play it on my computer)

carefree12 said:
I get "Unable to play video" message when I try to play back a video I recorded (I can play it on my computer)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you using a TW based rom? What file format is the video in? Will it play in another app, such as MX Player (great app btw I prefer it to any stock video app - I delete them)?

mxmr said:
Did you manually push it to system/priv-app folder, set permissions, and reboot?
Don't try to just click on it and install via context menu
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I copied it to the system folder and then tried to install it. What do you mean by set permissions? For arguments sake I gave it rwxrwxrwx permissions and it still will not install.

vadyr56 said:
Yes I copied it to the system folder and then tried to install it. What do you mean by set permissions? For arguments sake I gave it rwxrwxrwx permissions and it still will not install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure you copy it to /system/priv-app folder, and set permissions to rw-r--r-- (644) NOT rwxrwxrwx, otherwise it will not work.
Reboot and you should be good to go.

mxmr said:
Make sure you copy it to /system/priv-app folder, and set permissions to rw-r--r-- (644) NOT rwxrwxrwx, otherwise it will not work.
Reboot and you should be good to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rebooting and trying now, hoping my error with the permissions was the issue. Also, I'm not finding the stock calculator app in these archives. I may be being stupid again though, I apologize if that's the case.
Edit: No luck with the push, permissions, reboot attempt. I don't get what I could be doing wrong. And I'm definitely in the correct folder.

vadyr56 said:
Rebooting and trying now, hoping my error with the permissions was the issue. Also, I'm not finding the stock calculator app in these archives. I may be being stupid again though, I apologize if that's the case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I attached the stock calculator app to this post
Edit: No luck with the push, permissions, reboot attempt. I don't get what I could be doing wrong. And I'm definitely in the correct folder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One more time verify permissions are set correctly..they should match all of the other apps in the folder. Reboot to recovery and wipe cache/dalvik and try rebooting. Hopefully that works.

mxmr said:
I attached the stock calculator app to this post
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh geez yup I'm an idiot again, thank you for providing that. Not sure what I'm doing wrong with the mms app though. Wondering if I should just install the bloated ROM and debloat it myself