Database Develop

Samsung galaxy gear + Note II

Everyone knows I love my Note II, quad core with dedicated GPU on a 5.5 inch 720p screen. But when the galaxy gear smart watch came out it wasn't (and still isn't officially) compatible with anything but the Note III. I decided to see if I could get it to work.
After some digging I found the .apk for the galaxy gear watch manager for the note III and low and behold it installs just fine on my Note 2:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
It's not totally 100% compatible, some things I still have to work on, but it does sync contacts, take photos, show the time etc.
If you have a Samsung galaxy device and wish to get the gear, feel free to try the APK I found:
http://briananim.kicks-ass.net:9000/ftp/droidapps/gearmanager.apk
EDIT:
So I was able to update my adb sideload program I always used to use and install standard .apk files after enabling usb debug:
http://briananim.kicks-ass.net:9000/ftp/droidapps/sideload_apps.zip
Here's some video of me tooling around in minecraft PE:
I didn't keep minecraft on the watch but I wanted to see if the watch could handle it.
Thus far I've installed a small calculator, and an uninstalling application to remove things I don't want to keep. I've also tried other launchers like Nova. Nova worked fine except you can't load widgets and there is no clock on the top right so the device is useless as a watch. I'll be sticking with the standard touchwiz launcher as it has a working app drawer.
I've taken the standard launcher and taken all the home screens out except for time, app drawer, and notifications so it's much more stream lined and I can get to all my apps with just one swipe. The question is, what apps do you think would be good additions to my wrist aside from calc, schedule, phone, and time? .apk links would be great too.
You can't use any apps the require a data connection as the device doesn't have wifi. I tried using pdanet tablet edition & foxfi between this and my phone via Bluetooth but it force closes unfortunately.

Can you get notifications, and which?

Still trying to figre that out. When I go into the gear manager on the phone and click "samsung apps" the manager freezes and I have to force close it.
What I can do right now is make calls, take photos / video, see my call log, tell the time. I can also see upcomming events.
I need to find a copy of the note III's s-voice to be more compatible. Anyone have an .apk? I'm not sure if it's the exact same as the s4's

vectron said:
Can you get notifications, and which?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've done a lot of reading on the gear. It's not worth it at the moment, especially since the CEO himself said the gear is lacking a little "something extra." Also, due to this, they have already started working on the gear 2. Mainly, Samsung knows they screwed up big time and Apple and Google will most likely produce something better. Your meta watch and my pebble are still better at the moment. The problem is battery life is terrible. All notifications from apps other than stock email and messaging show nothing but a notification icon with a number. You have to open up even gmail on your phone because it will not display on the gear. The metawatch and pebble showed all this from day 1 and even improved with each update. Every big tech review site has given the same statement. It looks great but fails everywhere else. Maybe if it was $100, it would be a decent accessory to have until something better comes out. However, $300 is a complete waste for a subpar overly hyped product. I wanted this device, but glad I read all the reviews. Samsung is retarded also for making it only compatible with the note 3 on release. A very stupid and limited form of marketing that will only hinder their progress. Anyway, if anyone bought it, good for you. Trust me it's better to wait as mentioned in many reviews of this device. Then again, it's smart marketing in one way because people will buy it for the cool factor, and then they will upgrade to the gear 2 because it's better. Same concept on cars. Mercedes has this trick with the E class. They've already got a 6-10 year outline of the horsepower and design of each future car. That's why it's the most changed and most bought Mercedes. Think about it before you fall for the gear.

BrianAnim said:
Still trying to figre that out. When I go into the gear manager on the phone and click "samsung apps" the manager freezes and I have to force close it.
What I can do right now is make calls, take photos / video, see my call log, tell the time. I can also see upcomming events.
I need to find a copy of the note III's s-voice to be more compatible. Anyone have an .apk? I'm not sure if it's the exact same as the s4's
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you take photos and videos, does it get stored on local memory only, or can you transfer it to phone memory (select saving destination to N2)?

Dont believe everything you read.The gear is a perfect companion watch for the note 3 and from the post above its not bad on the note 2 and it's not even officially supported for that phone.The reviewers have really got this one wrong I have had it a week and it gets better every day
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app

hhadrian said:
Dont believe everything you read.The gear is a perfect companion watch for the note 3 and from the post above its not bad on the note 2 and it's not even officially supported for that phone.The reviewers have really got this one wrong I have had it a week and it gets better every day
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this your first smart watch? Btw, the gear isn't even waterproof - huge fail. So, the minute you forget it's on your wrist and it's raining or you wash your hands a little past your wrist, you're screwed

opasha said:
Is this your first smart watch? Btw, the gear isn't even waterproof - huge fail. So, the minute you forget it's on your wrist and it's raining or you wash your hands a little past your wrist, you're screwed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Plus most of all it costs $300...ridiculous imo

Hälftebyte said:
Plus most of all it costs $300...ridiculous imo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed...and there are many top tech websites and comments by people like us on xda that agree with you, lol.

T-Mobile already sells it at 25% discount, but I think you have to buy it with N3. Yeah, unfortunately Samsung rushed into this one. It has potential since its based on modified Android 4.2 OS (or whatever 4.x), which means it will get hacked and modified at some point. But the price point of $300 is too high to make it mainstream now. Remember what happened to original Sony SW? Nobody cared about it until they dropped the price to $99 and opened SDK. Boom! It became affordable and open for XDA community to jump in with new app development and support. But with Gear, no matter rootable or not, you still will be limited by poor battery life, proprietary charging cradle (imagine forgetting it to take with you before even a 2 day trip?), and bracelet which is not replaceable and kind of flimsy looking with that camera sticking out asking to be bumped.
About a month ago if someone would have asked me what smart watch to buy at the current moment, I would suggest Pebble only (because of it being mainstream with developers support). Today, this answer would be Sony SW2 because of all the improvements (watersplash resistant, easily accessible standard micro-usb, great touch display where watch face can stay on permanently and you still get a decent multi-day battery life). My personal fav right now is Omate. Don't care about stand-alone phone (will never use it), but the whole idea of portable android device fully waterproof with a camera, micro-sd, and 600 mAh battery, and already released SDK ahead of official availability (and XDA developers already working on it now) - that intrigues me a lot!

Yes the Omate is certainly the most interesting at the moment with full Android 4.2. My only gripe with it is how thick it is. I really don't see me wearing a watch that size at the moment. Maybe in a few years I'll be saying it's too small but right now the SW2 is the largest I'll go.
The SW2 is sleek and does what I need which is be a companion to my phone, allowing me to leave my phone in my pocket a bit more especially with where I'm living at the moment :/. If Google (or anyone else) doesn't beat it by December, the SW2 will be my next gift to myself.

I've enjoyed the watch so far, even it being in my possession for less than 12 hours I'm still having fun with it. I very rarely make expensive purchases on a whim and although I did read a ton of reviews I wanted this watch more for my own curiosity more than anything.
My friends helped kickstart the pebble and if I would have known about it I too would have been on that bandwagon. So far the picture quality has been great, I've yet to take any videos however I can tell you that you can transfer the files from the watch to the phone seamlesly. I belive it does it for you after awhile or you can push them. I took some shots of my parent's dog I was watching today and the photos looks pretty good, especially on this small screen.
I like the fact that I can use multi-touch things like pinch-zoom etc. The audio controls are nice and when 4.3 comes out for the note II there will be even more things I should be able to do with this device. Samsung did say that the marketplace for this device will be open for app devs to make things for it specifically, and it can have a dozen or so apps installed at once.

Great feedback from everyone. I agree that the Sony Smart Watch 2 seems to be the best new option currently. It delivers on battery life, is splash resistant, can open and read notifications, esp with the notification pull down, and has the ability to see multiple apps on each screen similar to android phones and the Omate interface. It's definitely an improvement for the current smartwatch genre. It's actually also thinner than the Gear despite being boxier. I do like the Omate and the Neptune Pine, but they seem way too bulky and geared towards being stand alone devices despite Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity for use with smartphones. I just hope Google does one better.

The gear is the worst deal lol. A waste of $300
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

BrianAnim said:
Still trying to figre that out. When I go into the gear manager on the phone and click "samsung apps" the manager freezes and I have to force close it.
What I can do right now is make calls, take photos / video, see my call log, tell the time. I can also see upcomming events.
I need to find a copy of the note III's s-voice to be more compatible. Anyone have an .apk? I'm not sure if it's the exact same as the s4's
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Note3 s voice apk can be found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45948394
Hit my "THANKS" button! Come on, you can do it!

I'm going to try loading side-loading apps using the usb debug:
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013...real-apps-running-on-the-samsung-galaxy-gear/

Thanks premiatul however I tried that version of s-voice and it is only the BETA (as listed in it's info page) so it won't sync. It looks like I need one taken directly from the note 3 via root or something.

BrianAnim said:
I'm going to try loading side-loading apps using the usb debug:
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013...real-apps-running-on-the-samsung-galaxy-gear/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you try to side load gmail and see if you get emails? I saw that video and dolphin browser won't work due to requiring data connection. I assume gmail would also need data. Thanks!

BrianAnim said:
I'm going to try loading side-loading apps using the usb debug:
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013...real-apps-running-on-the-samsung-galaxy-gear/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I was able to update my adb sideload program I always used to use and install standard .apk files:
http://briananim.kicks-ass.net:9000/ftp/droidapps/sideload_apps.zip
Here's some video of me tooling around in minecraft PE:
I didn't keep minecraft on the watch but I wanted to see if the watch could handle it.
Thus far I've installed a small calculator, and an uninstalling application to remove things I don't want to keep. I've also tried other launchers like Nova. Nova worked fine except you can't load widgets and there is no clock on the top right so the device is useless as a watch. I'll be sticking with the standard touchwiz launcher as it has a working app drawer.
I've taken the standard launcher and taken all the home screens out except for time, app drawer, and notifications so it's much more stream lined and I can get to all my apps with just one swipe. The question is, what apps do you think would be good additions to my wrist aside from calc, schedule, phone, and time? .apk links would be great too.
You can't use any apps the require a data connection as the device doesn't have wifi. I tried using pdanet tablet edition & foxfi between this and my phone via Bluetooth but it force closes unfortunately.

Thanks for the update bro. This thread right here is a big turn off about the Gear. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2477441
I run with my pebble and sweat a lot. Pebble is totally waterproof even in the shower. That's really pathetic on Samsung's part. They clearly didn't do enough testing.

netflix - systemless root - windvine made by garbage for garbage

Hello there,
Netflix refuses to play nice even on a systemless root, the only root app installed is supersu. I tried disabling supersu and that still didn't cut it. Anyone have any suggestions?
I am aware of liboemcrypto.so which if renamed/removed can break drm for other services that don't fall back on alternatives. I am aware of the CM patch for exynos 4 that works for this exynos 5 device.
I'm trying to find out if I'm missing something and if anyone would be willing to share with me how they are using netflix with the described scenario.
SM-T710 5.1.1 BOL6 with TWRP & SuperSU in system-less mode.
Thanks!! :silly:

Have you deleted su/xbin_bind?

ashyx said:
Have you deleted su/xbin_bind?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The act of even flashing TWRP trips the netflix drm, presumably windvine. I think this goes hand and hand with the systemless root identification. This is simply unacceptable.
This kind of abuse is why people circumvent overbearing DRM because it becomes too difficult to get content through appropriate means. Cavemen banging rocks together to fight the tide and punish paying customers.
I'll be writing emails to windvine, google and netflix to explain why this is unacceptable behavior. This is MY $ 400 tablet, I will not be subjected to nanny knows best mode because some pencil pusher thinks that people will steal video content on android. I mean really, there's far better platforms to do that sort of thing on. I don't think so... homie don't play that.
I encourage everyone to also get in touch with them and let them know why truly owning the device you paid for is your right and why they are taking video on demand back into the stone ages.

wirelesskebab said:
Hello there,
Netflix refuses to play nice even on a systemless root, the only root app installed is supersu. I tried disabling supersu and that still didn't cut it. Anyone have any suggestions?
I am aware of liboemcrypto.so which if renamed/removed can break drm for other services that don't fall back on alternatives. I am aware of the CM patch for exynos 4 that works for this exynos 5 device.
I'm trying to find out if I'm missing something and if anyone would be willing to share with me how they are using netflix with the described scenario.
SM-T710 5.1.1 BOL6 with TWRP & SuperSU in system-less mode.
Thanks!! :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you explain more about SuperSU in system-less mode? Is it a setting in SuperSU or you just need to flash latest stable SuperSU with TWRP and you will get that systemless root?

mk89pwnz said:
Can you explain more about SuperSU in system-less mode? Is it a setting in SuperSU or you just need to flash latest stable SuperSU with TWRP and you will get that systemless root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you have 5.1.1 >> and use supersu v2.6x then root will be system less as long as you don't make any modifications to the system partition.

netflix is ok on my rooted t715.
It only plays 720p which is annoying but fine otherwise.
also, .. weirdest non informative post title ever award goes to ...
you.

wirelesskebab said:
......
I'll be writing emails to windvine, google and netflix to explain why this is unacceptable behavior. This is MY $ 400 tablet, I will not be subjected to nanny knows best mode because some pencil pusher thinks that people will steal video content on android. I mean really, there's far better platforms to do that sort of thing on. I don't think so... homie don't play that.
.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So because you own a $400 tablet Netflix should change THEIR policy and make THEIR service work on your tablet?
Entitled much? Don't like Netflix's policy, stop using their service.
Sent from my E6683 using Tapatalk

jarayn said:
netflix is ok on my rooted t715.
It only plays 720p which is annoying but fine otherwise.
also, .. weirdest non informative post title ever award goes to ...
you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad that it works rooted for you, but my thread is not necessarily to be "informative" but to ask the community if they had any alternative solutions to allowing HD netflix content to play despite windvine; barring wiping my tablet. I'm only getting 420p, it was also not okay rooted/custom recovery and was completely disabled if not for workarounds. (This is the true intention of windvine, there is not meant to be a workaround otherwise the functionality wouldn't have been disabled just reduced quality.) Granted my topic title was a manifestation from days of frustration related to trying to find a solution.
_Dennis_ said:
So because you own a $400 tablet Netflix should change THEIR policy and make THEIR service work on your tablet?
Entitled much? Don't like Netflix's policy, stop using their service.
Sent from my E6683 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's interesting that you condone DRM that punishes paying customers. You're entitled to your opinion although I'm not sure why you've decided to make it about your feelings rather than the facts.
Your quote is incomplete; My message is about encouraging everyone to also get in touch with them and let them know why truly owning the device you paid for is your right and why they are taking video on demand back into the stone ages. The more people who contact them the more likely that change can happen.
You should take note that even one of the largest cable operators "XFINITY" or "COMCAST" doesn't even resort to such draconian measures to protect their content and on that note they have some of the newest content, even releasing episodes before they air on TV same day via their web streaming/xfinity tv go app.

wirelesskebab said:
I'm glad that it works rooted for you, but my thread is not necessarily to be "informative" but to ask the community if they had any alternative solutions to allowing HD netflix content to play despite windvine; barring wiping my tablet. I'm only getting 420p, it was also not okay rooted/custom recovery and was completely disabled if not for workarounds. (This is the true intention of windvine, there is not meant to be a workaround otherwise the functionality wouldn't have been disabled just reduced quality.) Granted my topic title was a manifestation from days of frustration related to trying to find a solution.
It's interesting that you condone DRM that punishes paying customers. You're entitled to your opinion although I'm not sure why you've decided to make it about your feelings rather than the facts.
Your quote is incomplete; My message is about encouraging everyone to also get in touch with them and let them know why truly owning the device you paid for is your right and why they are taking video on demand back into the stone ages. The more people who contact them the more likely that change can happen.
You should take note that even one of the largest cable operators "XFINITY" or "COMCAST" doesn't even resort to such draconian measures to protect their content and on that note they have some of the newest content, even releasing episodes before they air on TV same day via their web streaming/xfinity tv go app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my quote was incomplete, notice the ellipse (...) before and after?
You pay ~$9 a month for a service, you paid $400 for a tablet, you root the $400 item, then get mad that the service doesn't work, even though you knew going into rooting it wouldn't work. I'm sorry but you can be mad, you can ask for help, but at the end of the day you have three real options, don't root, root and live with low res, or cancel Netflix.
I'm not trying to be mean, I am trying manage expectations.
If XFINITY doesn't do it, use them (that's how a free market works). I understand the frustration, and the desire to find a way around the restrictions, but to claim Samsung or Netflix owes you something that you knew wasn't going to happen is entitled. You do own your tablet (though if you read the agreement you agreed to when opening the tablet you would know you don't own the software) but you do not own any of the content on Netflix, and so you have no right to demand Netflix comply with your demands. A grassroots effort is cool, though likely not to amount to much since the number of people who will stop service over this is small compared to the sway the content providers have over Netflix.
None of this is my feelings, it's based on facts. You own the hardware, Samsung owns the software, Netflix owns the service (and some of the original content), the content owners own the content.

_Dennis_ said:
my quote was incomplete, notice the ellipse (...) before and after?
You pay ~$9 a month for a service, you paid $400 for a tablet, you root the $400 item, then get mad that the service doesn't work, even though you knew going into rooting it wouldn't work. I'm sorry but you can be mad, you can ask for help, but at the end of the day you have three real options, don't root, root and live with low res, or cancel Netflix.
I'm not trying to be mean, I am trying manage expectations.
If XFINITY doesn't do it, use them (that's how a free market works). I understand the frustration, and the desire to find a way around the restrictions, but to claim Samsung or Netflix owes you something that you knew wasn't going to happen is entitled. You do own your tablet (though if you read the agreement you agreed to when opening the tablet you would know you don't own the software) but you do not own any of the content on Netflix, and so you have no right to demand Netflix comply with your demands. A grassroots effort is cool, though likely not to amount to much since the number of people who will stop service over this is small compared to the sway the content providers have over Netflix.
None of this is my feelings, it's based on facts. You own the hardware, Samsung owns the software, Netflix owns the service (and some of the original content), the content owners own the content.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The purpose of this thread is to ask others if they have any means of accessing HD content via Netflix on their rooted/custom recovery devices. Your replies have not been conducive or relevant to the original post. If you've got something helpful to contribute, please do. Thanks.

Just change device name to SM-T810 using buildprop, worked for me

Exactly which value did you modify? Nothing that I changed to the above suggestion would prompt Netflix to start playback for me.
Sent from my SM-T810

Grobou said:
Just change device name to SM-T810 using buildprop, worked for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
disturbd1 said:
Exactly which value did you modify? Nothing that I changed to the above suggestion would prompt Netflix to start playback for me.
Sent from my SM-T810
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using an SM-T710, I have no modified kernel nor am I using a custom rom. Are you saying you changed the buildprop on your SM-T810 using a custom rom etc?
I cannot get netflix to play with so much as even a custom recovery on my SM-T710 without a workaround which only provides 420p, are you stating you're getting HD content as well?
Eagerly awaiting your reply, thanks. :good:
I tried changing the device name to the model and that didn't make any difference, what did you explicitly change and what rom are you running?/firmware?

Didn't mean to revive a dead thread, but I'd really like some answers regarding this problem, too. I recently rooted my T-710, and installed the neked nook ROM on it. However, Netflix only plays at 480p. I tried several settings suggested to me:
1. modify build.prop
2. delete or rename liboemcrypto
3. modify APK to enable widevine DRM, thus allowing Netflix to stream HD content
None of these solutions have worked. Is this the case for anyone that roots their device?

troyraf said:
Didn't mean to revive a dead thread, but I'd really like some answers regarding this problem, too. I recently rooted my T-710, and installed the neked nook ROM on it. However, Netflix only plays at 480p. I tried several settings suggested to me:
1. modify build.prop
2. delete or rename liboemcrypto
3. modify APK to enable widevine DRM, thus allowing Netflix to stream HD content
None of these solutions have worked. Is this the case for anyone that roots their device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same problem, using a systemless root on my T710, with stock kernel, 5.1.1. and TWRP installed. I can get Netflix to work, but nothing seems to work to get it to HD instead of 480p. I'm wondering if the folks who get HD on rooted T710s are running 5.0.2?

rogerinnyc said:
Same problem, using a systemless root on my T710, with stock kernel, 5.1.1. and TWRP installed. I can get Netflix to work, but nothing seems to work to get it to HD instead of 480p. I'm wondering if the folks who get HD on rooted T710s are running 5.0.2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried this on the stock 5.0.2 ROM, but to no avail. I've exhausted every resource I could find on the subject over the past couple of weeks, and I couldn't find a solution to this. Just removing root doesn't help either, as having even a custom recovery will disallow you from watching HD Netflix. I'm guessing perhaps the issue has something to do with messing around with the bootloader.
I wiped the tablet clean a couple of days ago and went back to stock. The bloatware sucks, but its the price to pay to get Netflix and Google Play videos working in HD again.

troyraf said:
I wiped the tablet clean a couple of days ago and went back to stock. The bloatware sucks, but its the price to pay to get Netflix and Google Play videos working in HD again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow. That IS a heavy price. I can't give up Xposed or GMD Gesture Control, so I guess I'm living with 480p. Sigh. Thanks for your efforts (saving me some of that process!)
Some weird stuff with this device once you flash TWRP and root. Also just found out that Microsoft Office apps, notwithstanding that they come pre-loaded on the device, won't load. Uninstall, wipe data, etc. and go to Play Store to re-install and I get the message that the app (e.g., Word, Excel, Powerpoint) is not compatible with my device! Had to sideload apks from my phone (or you can also change your device ID).
Wonder what else I'll find out in the days ahead?

rogerinnyc said:
Wow. That IS a heavy price. I can't give up Xposed or GMD Gesture Control, so I guess I'm living with 480p. Sigh. Thanks for your efforts (saving me some of that process!)
Some weird stuff with this device once you flash TWRP and root. Also just found out that Microsoft Office apps, notwithstanding that they come pre-loaded on the device, won't load. Uninstall, wipe data, etc. and go to Play Store to re-install and I get the message that the app (e.g., Word, Excel, Powerpoint) is not compatible with my device! Had to sideload apks from my phone (or you can also change your device ID).
Wonder what else I'll find out in the days ahead?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
RE: Office apps, that's the other head scratching thing I happened to come upon when I first got the tablet. Although GPlay Store will say that the apps need updating, it won't actually allow you to do so - this needs to be done via Galaxy Apps. It makes no sense considering the device is listed as compatible for these apps, and the apps come pre-installed. Its definitely an issue if you have a ROM that removes all the bloatware. Its also a bit frustrating because these "Galaxy Apps" are slower to update than their GPlay counterparts.
If you don't mind me asking, what ROM are you currently using? Have you also tried GPlay videos to see if they play in HD?
Also, do bump this thread if you happen to find any fixes. It will be much appreciated.

Sheesh. I hadn't even tried GPlay movies before your post. Upon testing, I can't get them to play in ANY resolution on my rooted tab S2! Renamed liboemcrypt.so without luck. Edited my boot.prop file to identify as a Nexus 10. No go. Tried Root Cloak. Ixnay. Any other thoughts?
I'm on stock 5.11, with systemless root using Su 2.71.
Also particularly bizarre that there is no problem with Google Play Movies on my rooted Tab S 10.5 (running stock 5.0.2) or on my rooted Note 4 (running stock 5.1.1). What's with this new Tab S2?

rogerinnyc said:
Sheesh. I hadn't even tried GPlay movies before your post. Upon testing, I can't get them to play in ANY resolution on my rooted tab S2! Renamed liboemcrypt.so without luck. Edited my boot.prop file to identify as a Nexus 10. No go. Tried Root Cloak. Ixnay. Any other thoughts?
I'm on stock 5.11, with systemless root using Su 2.71.
Also particularly bizarre that there is no problem with Google Play Movies on my rooted Tab S 10.5 (running stock 5.0.2) or on my rooted Note 4 (running stock 5.1.1). What's with this new Tab S2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try deleting liboemcrypto.so, see if that works. Suggest backing a copy up first. Seems like some get GPlay videos to work by renaming the file, and some by deleting it.
I went thru the root process again, and realized these devices already come with the bootloader unlocked, so the issue isn't the bootloader. I'm stumped. Having no root is so limiting.

[need advice] after ~10 yrs kitkat and xposed, what are my options on a samsung note8

Hi all,
I have been a Samsung Note User from day one (and Note1). To keep apps in check, I always used xposed plus xprivacy or LBE. Today, I am totally aware my Note4 is totally outdated but I really got used to being able to deny data and (maybe more importantly) network access to any app at will.
I have been keeping to use my old phone because whenever I looked for viable app-fencing solutions on the current android versions, everything seemed very volatile and unstable. Recently my company gave me a Note8 and although I am not a big friend of the modern "glass brick" design trend at all, it is hard to ignore the advances in terms of hardware power and that my trusty old Note begins to be unable to execute certain new apps.
I presume most of you are using current Android versions. So I'd like to ask you which solutions are you using to prevent unwanted data and privacy drain on your devices. I my dreams I would continue to be able to willingly decide whether any app may be allowed to use either Wifi or mobile networks (bonus prize: depending on if the app is in foreground or not), be able to suppress advertising extensions in apps and deny access to privacy-related data like position, unique IDs and contact database.
Which solutions would I use to achieve as many of these goals as possible on Android 7 or even 8? Maybe even some without rooting?
Thank you very much for you suggestions and input..

Much of that is backed right into nougat and Oreo. Many permissions can be denied (depending on the app developers). Root on the newer samsungs seems to be problematic.

Bitmixer said:
Hi all,
I have been a Samsung Note User from day one (and Note1). To keep apps in check, I always used xposed plus xprivacy or LBE. Today, I am totally aware my Note4 is totally outdated but I really got used to being able to deny data and (maybe more importantly) network access to any app at will.
I have been keeping to use my old phone because whenever I looked for viable app-fencing solutions on the current android versions, everything seemed very volatile and unstable. Recently my company gave me a Note8 and although I am not a big friend of the modern "glass brick" design trend at all, it is hard to ignore the advances in terms of hardware power and that my trusty old Note begins to be unable to execute certain new apps.
I presume most of you are using current Android versions. So I'd like to ask you which solutions are you using to prevent unwanted data and privacy drain on your devices. I my dreams I would continue to be able to willingly decide whether any app may be allowed to use either Wifi or mobile networks (bonus prize: depending on if the app is in foreground or not), be able to suppress advertising extensions in apps and deny access to privacy-related data like position, unique IDs and contact database.
Which solutions would I use to achieve as many of these goals as possible on Android 7 or even 8? Maybe even some without rooting?
Thank you very much for you suggestions and input..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey! We are together in this! I am exactly the same on my Motorola x play! Been using xprivacy and xposed too for ages on all apps, plus a firewall too.
Give a look at f-droid app store and xposed itself, on the download tab. There is the new xprivacy LUA for android 6/7, and it's the successor of the old version. Haven't tested out yet, but seems to be more or less the same, judging by what I read.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/modules/xprivacylua6-0-android-privacy-manager-t3730663
Also... Give a look at a good firewall, to block rogue internet access for all the nasty apps out there.
Anything just give me a shout. It's good to know I am not alone! [emoji108][emoji56]
Sent from my XT1563 using Tapatalk

madbat99 said:
Much of that is backed right into nougat and Oreo. Many permissions can be denied (depending on the app developers). Root on the newer samsungs seems to be problematic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply, madbat.
I have seen the new permission management in oreo. Please understand that to me it is important that not an app developer decides what I can deny but I want to be able to make that decision myself. Moreover, as far as my knowledge goes, android does not allow to deny network access to apps when I deem they shouldn't have any business on my uplink. Most importantly this applies for any Amazon apps and most apps from their store. All of them are trying to phone home every few minutes(!).

Ev0luti0n_ said:
Hey! We are together in this! I am exactly the same on my Motorola x play! Been using xprivacy and xposed too for ages on all apps, plus a firewall too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had hoped I am not alone
Ev0luti0n_ said:
(...) There is the new xprivacy LUA for android 6/7, and it's the successor of the old version. Haven't tested out yet, but seems to be more or less the same, judging by what I read.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have read about that one and to me it appears like it is not quite there. Last time I looked, the developer was about to REMOVE protection of several sensitive data points like IMEI. Also, like madcat mentioned, rooting the latest Samsung devices can be problematic and I might get some problems bricking a $1000 company device
Ev0luti0n_ said:
Also... Give a look at a good firewall, to block rogue internet access for all the nasty apps out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any recommendations here?
kind regards

Oh... I use afwall, which requires root. I did read here on XDA, that there is a good no root firewall here, but I can't remember the name. ..
Also you won't be able to root the device? I am not sure you are going to have much luck... [emoji848]
Sent from my XT1563 using Tapatalk

Ev0luti0n_ said:
Also you won't be able to root the device? I am not sure you are going to have much luck... [emoji848]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I am able to root it, just a little reluctant yet Like, waiting for someone to finally discover a rooting method that does not invalidate knox for the note8

Hey guys, I have a question. What firewall were you talking about for KitKat?

is it worth rooting?

I have the S10 for a month now and really happy with performance and battery. Although I've been a power user of android for too long I didn't feel the need to root my s10 yet, so is it still worth the hassle of rooting for you?

Have a look here and have wonderful day https://forum.xda-developers.com/s10-plus/how-to/root-s10-wait-t3926831
edit: no problem :good: <--
Sent from my SM-G973F using XDA Labs

romanB_SK said:
Have a look here and have wonderful day https://forum.xda-developers.com/s10-plus/how-to/root-s10-wait-t3926831
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the first time I don't root a phone since 2010 with android, and to be honest I don't see the benefits of rooting anymore especially that One UI is great out the box.
As they mentioned in the thread there are some caveats but I can live without the couple of things gained from root.
Thanks for sharing.

I used ADB to be able to debloat entirely what I want. So don't need to root for me.

I rooted mine because I needed to enable the call recorder, other than that you get already have pretty much everything you need without root access.
Adaway dns to block ads, ADB to remove unwanted apps.

Fredzvw said:
I used ADB to be able to debloat entirely what I want. So don't need to root for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used package disabler for that and it works very well for me.
Lebrun213 said:
I rooted mine because I needed to enable the call recorder, other than that you get already have pretty much everything you need without root access.
Adaway dns to block ads, ADB to remove unwanted apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the only thing that irritates me having no root is that I have to deal with vpn ad blockers, other than that everything works just fine.

zaidshb said:
I used package disabler for that and it works very well for me.
Well the only thing that irritates me having no root is that I have to deal with vpn ad blockers, other than that everything works just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use dns instead, you don't lose any bandwidth

Lebrun213 said:
Use dns instead, you don't lose any bandwidth
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried DNS66 but didn't work for me. Maybe I'm doing something wrong.
Update: I found a way to use ad guard dns as a private vpn and it works, thanks.

hell yes .. better sound with viperfx .. debloating and changing cpu settings for better battery (since battery life on s10 is shi*) .. greenify, lspeed, naptime and all of that ..
rooting is always worth it

I don't think you should root now...

I had four main reasons when I used to root my phones back then. Titanium BackUp, Viper4Android, Adaway and the ability to apply dark themes.
-No need to uninstall apps with Titanium backup anymore, I can just disable them.
-Don't need Viper4Android. I bought the Creative Super X-Fi AMP and the sound of my mobile is way better than V4A.
-Adaway was great, but Block this! is good enough and it doesn't require rooting.
-Black and dark themes are everywhere these days, Android Q will support it natively.
I used to love Cyanogenmod and other roms, but Flagships these days have so many exclusive features, that a custom rom cannot support properly, like modern camera systems. S10 is my second unrooted phone and I do not intend to root it.

Melissakis said:
I had four main reasons when I used to root my phones back then. Titanium BackUp, Viper4Android, Adaway and the ability to apply dark themes.
-No need to uninstall apps with Titanium backup anymore, I can just disable them.
-Don't need Viper4Android. I bought the Creative Super X-Fi AMP and the sound of my mobile is way better than V4A.
-Adaway was great, but Block this! is good enough and it doesn't require rooting.
-Black and dark themes are everywhere these days, Android Q will support it natively.
I used to love Cyanogenmod and other roms, but Flagships these days have so many exclusive features, that a custom rom cannot support properly, like modern camera systems. S10 is my second unrooted phone and I do not intend to root it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You've covered almost all the reasons why I used to root phones. It just feels weird using a phone without root for me lol but I'm getting used to it pretty well.

If you want to believe that a bunch of mostly useless apps while rooted will enrich your life and make you the cool guy, then by all means root. If you want a phone that will most likely be free of problems and will be worth something if you ever want to trade up or sell then don't root.

It's mainly that by rooting your device you also introduce all kinds of potential security risks to your device. It's also a big hassle, requires you to manually update your phone when there's an update available (vs just installing an OTA update which is so much easier). The main reason why I used to root my phone was for ad blocking, but now there are many non-root ways of doing so, such as Blokada.
My past 2 phones I haven't rooted and I don't miss it at all. Life is much simpler now. I guess also the newness of smartphones has worn off now. I now just want a phone that works reliably without too much hassle.

Tel864 said:
If you want to believe that a bunch of mostly useless apps while rooted will enrich your life and make you the cool guy, then by all means root. If you want a phone that will most likely be free of problems and will be worth something if you ever want to trade up or sell then don't root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you put it this way it makes sense not to root lol
Sakete said:
It's mainly that by rooting your device you also introduce all kinds of potential security risks to your device. It's also a big hassle, requires you to manually update your phone when there's an update available (vs just installing an OTA update which is so much easier). The main reason why I used to root my phone was for ad blocking, but now there are many non-root ways of doing so, such as Blokada.
My past 2 phones I haven't rooted and I don't miss it at all. Life is much simpler now. I guess also the newness of smartphones has worn off now. I now just want a phone that works reliably without too much hassle.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do agree with you.

I think it's how you use the phone and what you like! I like viper, the record function while calling...
I have my s8 rooted for a year now and it's still better then my s10 cuz of the lack of features....for me that is plus...if you know for a fact your phone is solid...do it!! I'm gonna?

Nope, not worth it, but the kiddies say differently.

Melissakis said:
I had four main reasons when I used to root my phones back then. Titanium BackUp, Viper4Android, Adaway and the ability to apply dark themes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You covered exactly my usage points that justified rooting in the past.
I will also add that Android native backup, and the job samsung is doing for monthly security updates in flagships helped a lot in my decision to not root.
For adblocking I'm satisfied with blokada and for now and I only see the chance to change my mind if I'm still using this phone when samsung drop the monthly updates for it, so then i will probably move to lineage if support is good enough and a descent gcam port is working.

Moved to iOS

I'll probably get a lot of hate for this, but after 10 years of being an avid Android fan and supporter, I have moved back to iOS and the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
All I can say is I don't regret it one bit. I was the first to make fun of iPhone users in the past, but Apple have made such strides, it's a real pleasure to be back. Yes Apple wait years to implement features that have been available on Android for ages and call it new and revolutionary, but what they do, they do better than anyone else. The biggest thing is just the cohesiveness between the hardware and software. Everything works flawlessly together and the user interface looks great.
What has annoyed me with Android are things like manufacturers not having their own email or messaging apps. You're forced to download a third party app which never really feels in tune with the particular phone/skin/version of Android. And yes you can say the Gmail app is the stock Android email app, but not everyone is a fan, including me. I know it's probably unavoidable due to nature of AOSP, but still, there is a clear divide between the hardware and software for the most part compared to iOS.
The other thing that stopped me using (and mocking) iOS is the fact that a lot of things were a pain in the backside to do and the general incompatibility with a lot of platforms. That seems to have changed as well as I had no issues connecting directly to my NAS drive and Windows PC to access all my files, either while on the same LAN or through 5G when I'm not at home. Youtube Vanced (now ReVanced) was another big thing, but you have options in iOS for that as well.
App tracking was another reason I made the switch. You can simply disable app tracking for all apps with one toggle and all newly installed apps will abide by this as well. Yes, no one really knows if it stops all tracking in its entirety, but it's an option that is not available in Android. You can use a third party app like Blokada to achieve the same result, but you cannot run a VPN service at the same time. Now I can run my VPN service and have app tracking blocked at the same time. Not to mention battery life. I am not a super heavy user, but I get three days out of a single charge with 20% battery left. Even with heavy use, you will struggle to kill this thing's battery in a day as you get 10-14 hours of screen on time depending on how you use it. Standby drain is also nonexistent, the bane of so many Android users' lives, mine included. The cameras and especially video recording is also top notch. Possibly a little boring compared to some of the features you get in Android, but as an everyday point and shoot device, it's hard to beat.
Notifications is the one thing where I would say I still prefer the way it's done in Android, but with everything else working so well I can forgive that. Price is another drawback as Apple charge ridiculous amounts for their hardware, so this is the only time in 10 years where I will keep the same phone for more than a year.
I will still keep my Pixel and have it as a backup phone, but for now I am super happy I made the switch. And I will understand it if not many of you agree.

Biggenz said:
And I will understand it if not many of you agree.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not about whether we agree, but whether we care. We don't.

Good luck and let us know when you return....

galaxys said:
Good luck and let us know when you return....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or not. That's OK, too.

Biggenz said:
I'll probably get a lot of hate for this, but after 10 years of being an avid Android fan and supporter, I have moved back to iOS and the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
All I can say is I don't regret it one bit. I was the first to make fun of iPhone users in the past, but Apple have made such strides, it's a real pleasure to be back. Yes Apple wait years to implement features that have been available on Android for ages and call it new and revolutionary, but what they do, they do better than anyone else. The biggest thing is just the cohesiveness between the hardware and software. Everything works flawlessly together and the user interface looks great.
What has annoyed me with Android are things like manufacturers not having their own email or messaging apps. You're forced to download a third party app which never really feels in tune with the particular phone/skin/version of Android. And yes you can say the Gmail app is the stock Android email app, but not everyone is a fan, including me. I know it's probably unavoidable due to nature of AOSP, but still, there is a clear divide between the hardware and software for the most part compared to iOS.
The other thing that stopped me using (and mocking) iOS is the fact that a lot of things were a pain in the backside to do and the general incompatibility with a lot of platforms. That seems to have changed as well as I had no issues connecting directly to my NAS drive and Windows PC to access all my files, either while on the same LAN or through 5G when I'm not at home. Youtube Vanced (now ReVanced) was another big thing, but you have options in iOS for that as well.
App tracking was another reason I made the switch. You can simply disable app tracking for all apps with one toggle and all newly installed apps will abide by this as well. Yes, no one really knows if it stops all tracking in its entirety, but it's an option that is not available in Android. You can use a third party app like Blokada to achieve the same result, but you cannot run a VPN service at the same time. Now I can run my VPN service and have app tracking blocked at the same time. Not to mention battery life. I am not a super heavy user, but I get three days out of a single charge with 20% battery left. Even with heavy use, you will struggle to kill this thing's battery in a day as you get 10-14 hours of screen on time depending on how you use it. Standby drain is also nonexistent, the bane of so many Android users' lives, mine included. The cameras and especially video recording is also top notch. Possibly a little boring compared to some of the features you get in Android, but as an everyday point and shoot device, it's hard to beat.
Notifications is the one thing where I would say I still prefer the way it's done in Android, but with everything else working so well I can forgive that. Price is another drawback as Apple charge ridiculous amounts for their hardware, so this is the only time in 10 years where I will keep the same phone for more than a year.
I will still keep my Pixel and have it as a backup phone, but for now I am super happy I made the switch. And I will understand it if not many of you agree.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most sincere condolences

I agree with you. System IOS showed myself very good thought last years. I think that IOS more stability than Android OS thought it has not so great functionality.

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
It's not about whether we agree, but whether we care. We don't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
It's not about whether we agree, but whether we care. We don't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, that's a rather self-indulgent/pompous comment to assume that "we" don't care. "You" might not care but I'm glad to hear about the experiences of people that have had both Android and Apple products. I've had Windows mobile phones and am now going on my 4th or 5th Android device, but I've never had an Apple product. I'm very much interested in the point of view of somebody that has lived with both products.

TravisBean said:
*useless drivel snipped"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please. At the time this thread was originally posted it was in the Pixel 6 forums...an Android phone. The only reason they made that post was to grab the spotlight. And you fell for it, hook, line, and sinker.

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
Please. At the time this thread was originally posted it was in the Pixel 6 forums...an Android phone. The only reason they made that post was to grab the spotlight. And you fell for it, hook, line, and sinker.
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You're the one with Apple on your face

iPhone 14 Pro Max? are you sure?))

Android is just far better than iOS at this stage, it might be cohesive and all but honestly it still sucks

Jool2637 said:
The good thing about Android for me is F-Droid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And the ability to install any apk.

I promised myself that I would never use IOS. Android is enough for me and for now, I will stick to this position, but maybe someday I will change my mind just like you.