# Question
Title: Is it possible to dual-boot my TF201 with Windows RT?
I'm really liking the look of Windows 8 / Windows RT, and I'd like to try ditching my PC entirely by getting Windows onto my Transformer Prime. I'm aware that there are a few issues around things like not having the windows key, but I can't find much conclusive information around the dual-booting situation. Most of what I've found is a from much earlier this year, and a lot of the information seems to be based on supposition rather than "*I've tried this and it did / didn't work*".

Is it, or is it not, *actually possible* to get Windows RT running well on the TF201?

As a follow-up, will Windows recognise the keyboard, or will it be ignored because it's not the Touch Cover?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Windows RT is based on entirely different system altogether - right from the *bootloader* up to user interface.

Also, Windows RT is proprietary so there is a fat chance that the code would be available to make it work.

What about:

* booting mechanism
* kernel
* drivers for the chip-set support

There's far too many to mention, and quite possibly would require a re-write for it to adapt to the Asus TF02! :)

This is equivalent to asking if Apple iOS can be loaded on a Android handset and vice versa, in plain simple word, the answer is No - nigh on impossible and there would be so much hackery to get it to work, let alone boot.

# Answer
> 0 votes
no, it is not. A Windows RT bootloader would have to be leaked and customised for the TF201, would like to see it as well though ;-)

---
Tags: asus-eee-pad-transformer, windows, operating-system, dual-boot
---


# Question
Title: I keep getting storage errors but I have plenty of free space, what is safe to remove from internal storage?
I keep getting these errors:

Screenshot #1: install errors (click image to enlarge)

But according to the storage settings I should have plenty of free space:

Screenshot #2: free space (click image to enlarge)

I'm assuming, from reading similar questions, that it needs more space to perform the install even though I've moved every app possible to the sd card. I have cleared the browser cache and went through and cleared the cache of every other app, bringing me up to ~15MB. I used Ti to integrate 2 updates into the ROM, and that freed up enough space to update Dropbox. I installed the DiskUsage app, and this is what it looks like:

Screenshot #3: disk usage (click image to enlarge)

Is there anything else that I can do ~~about the 160+MiB of Data or 80+MiB of Applications~~? (I misunderstood how the app works, it looks like the data for Dialer Storage is 12.7MiB and Browser is 11.9MiB, *what would I lose by deleting those?*)

**Update:** Here's a screenshot from App2SD:

Screenshot #4: app2sd (click image to enlarge)

**Update #2:** here are screenshots showing the Browser app and its caches cleared:

Screenshot #5: browser cache: cleared, #6: settings: browser cache cleared (click images to enlarge)

**Update #3:** As a long term update, I think this is partially a permissions issue with apps that I've moved to the SD card. I can move an app at a time back to the phone, and the update will succeed and then I can move it back to SD. Is there some sort of recursive `chmod` I can run to allow it? Here's a snippet of the ddms log when updating an app:

```
01-29 10:50:18.420: I/PackageHelper(16890): Size of container 2 MB 400941 bytes
01-29 10:50:18.428: D/VoldCmdListener(1156): asec create smdl2tmp1 2 fat {} 10096
01-29 10:50:18.428: E/Vold(1156): ASEC file '/mnt/secure/asec/smdl2tmp1.asec' currently exists - destroy it first! (No such device or address)
01-29 10:50:18.428: W/Vold(1156): Returning OperationFailed - no handler for errno 98
01-29 10:50:18.436: E/PackageHelper(16890): Failed to create secure container smdl2tmp1
01-29 10:50:18.436: E/DefContainer(16890): Failed to create container smdl2tmp1
01-29 10:50:18.631: D/dalvikvm(1298): GC_EXPLICIT freed 15097 objects / 741152 bytes in 173ms
01-29 10:50:18.662: D/Finsky(16687): [25] 1.packageInstalled: Package install status for "null" is -18
01-29 10:50:18.694: D/Finsky(16687): [1] InstallerTask.cancelCleanup: Cancel running installation of jackpal.androidterm

```

**Update #4:** After going through a somewhat tedious process of partitioning the SD for Link2SD, then moving items to phone, and linking them to the new SD partition, the Google Play store was finally able to update the apps. I'm still really low on space though, I'll have to try clearing the browser data and the MMS messages again.

# Answer
> 1 votes
If you already have APP2SD and it says there's no app to move then there's no more app to move. I get this problem also when my I update and install new apps. I assume you are not rooted so you have less options. The only things you can do are:

* Clear cache (install cache cleaner app)
* Clear data of non-critical apps like Browser, Games, etc. (Manage Applications \> Select Application \> Clear Data)
* Uninstall apps you rarely use, install them only when needed (e.g., I rarely Skype on my phone so I just uninstalled it)
* Try a hack which will extend/squeeze the capability of APP2SD: http://www.bongizmo.com/blog/moving-all-android-apps-to-sdcard-apps2sd-froyo/ (this works well if you are rooted, if not there's still a few apps it can move).

# Answer
> 1 votes
> ### Available space
>
> 11.61 MB

You're correct that that's the problem. The Market uses internal storage when installing apps (even if it's installing to the SD card) so you need to free up some internal storage. IMB's suggestions are good for that. I also recommend using Titanium Backup to incorporate system app updates into your ROM, which should free up some space by getting rid of the second version of any system apps (the original version is kept by default). You ought to have more than 2 to integrate?

# Answer
> 0 votes
I assume you haven't rooted? If you have, SD Maid is a great app to clean up system partition.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can clear your dalvik, either through recovery or straight from Titanium. Through Titanium, it will tell you what needs to be removed and how much space it will clear.

---
Tags: 2.2-froyo, sd-card, internal-storage, motorola-flipside
---


title: Connect to Ubuntu Linux VPN

text:
# Question
Title: Connect to Ubuntu Linux VPN
How can I connect my Android devices (2.3.3 and 4.0) to VPN setup in Ubuntu Linux?

# Answer
Look under Settings \> Wireless & Networks. You should see a VPN option. Assuming you already have a VPN server running on your Ubuntu machine, it should be pretty self-explanatory from there
> 1 votes

---
Tags: linux, vpn
---


# Question
Title: Small clock icon above AM/PM on 4x2 clock widget
Just received JellyBean 4.1.2 on my Sprint Samsung Galaxy S3. I have always used the 4x2 digital clock widget and I noticed a small icon that looks like a clock appearing just above the AM/PM. This also appears when displaying the weather for the various cities. What does it mean?

# Answer
> 3 votes
Going by your description, you're referring to the object circled in this screenshot

That thing indicates that the city the time is being shown for is currently running on daylight savings time. In this screenshot, we see that New York is observing daylight savings time, and Phoenix isn't.

---
Tags: samsung, app-widgets
---


# Question
Title: Power button not working. Phone wont boot?
I have a Samsung Galaxy Ace GTS 5830i.

I somehow messed up the power button of my phone and now after the battery drained completely, It will not start.

I tried looking up online for going into recovery mode (without using the power button) i.e keeping home key pressed while inserting the charging but nothing works. Finally, I thought I must have an option to boot up my phone through Eclipse DDMS but I cant find any option there either (See screenshot)

Please help.

---

EDIT : Thanks to the answer by Sparx, I have solved this problem. Connect the phone via USB to your computer. If you have installed the Android SDK, go in the android-tools folder and execute adb devices (if on a mac, run ./adb devices)

If your devices shows up in the list run ./adb reboot

# Answer
Have you tried plugging in the charger? or else plugging in the charger and while plugged in, remove and then re-insert battery. Some phones tend to start up in that manner.

Also if you can connect via adb (even if your phone is powered down), the `adb devices` followed by `adb reboot` ought to start your phone. If you're rooted, there are apps like Quick Reboot that allow you to reboot to Recovery or Download mode with a tap, provided you have CWM.
> 3 votes

# Answer
You need to first plug your phone then insert the battery. I have followed this on my HTC Desire phone.
> -1 votes

---
Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, samsung-galaxy-ace, recovery-mode
---


# Question
Title: How to enable USB connection mode on Samsung Galaxy Fit?
How to enable USB connection mode in Samsung Galaxy Fit mobile?

When I connect my mobile to laptop via a data cable, I am unable to transfer data between PC-mobile and mobile-PC.

The option "USB settings" under Settings tab is missing in my mobile. I have enabled USB Debugging mode under Applications tab in my mobile.

I tried all the viable options but still am unable to select the mode as Charge mode/USB mode etc on my mobile.

What could I have missed?

# Answer
> -2 votes
Hi try clicking Notification Scroll down to find 'USB Connected' like option... press go navigate

---
Tags: usb-connection-mode
---


# Question
Title: Copy Directory to SMB Share Through Terminal
On Rooted Android 4.1, I have it set up to be able to make NAndroid backups through terminal emulator.

What I hope to do is schedule a Tasker job to create a NAndroid backup and then copy/move it across wifi to my PC, so I can schedule it to run once a week in the middle of the night.

I know MV will move files/directories, but I'm not sure how to specify the network share as the destination.

I'll keep looking into it, but if anyone has already solved this one I would love to hear about it!

# Answer
To gain that possibility, you would need to mount the remote (PC) drive on your Android device. This could e.g. be done using CifsManager or Mount Manager. The latter even offers a *Tasker* plugin, which would fit your wanted feature of being able to handle things directly from *Tasker*. And if you have trouble with it, you'll find its author/dev here at ASE, I'd say from the name :)
> 0 votes

---
Tags: tasker, terminal, nandroid
---


# Question
Title: Problem with Play Store on Samsung Galaxy Note II: Play Store does not open
I was a regular Galaxy SII user, recently moved to Galaxy Note-2 - so far so good, but since today, I am finding my Play Store application, is not working on Note-2 \[*it was, earlier*\], even from the PC, when I am trying to download an app via Google Play application, it says 'Installed', but actually nothing happens.

I click Play Store, the Home-screen comes back, Play Store is not activated.

Other than that, all are fine, Facebook, LinkedIn, SMS, Phone are healthy!!!

Can someone guide me please?

BTW the firmware as per KIES is "PDA:MB3 / PHONE:LL1 / CSC:MC1 (STS) and android is 4.1.2

# Answer
> 2 votes
I had same problem. I tried this, and it worked: `Settings > Application manager > All > Options > Reset the application preferences`.

---
Tags: google-play-store, samsung-galaxy-note-2
---


# Question
Title: Samsung Galaxy S3 notification bar style changes
I currently have Android 4.1.2 on my galaxy s3 from Verizon and I am having issues with the notification bar. Seemingly at random it changes how the notification bar works. I had recently updated the gmail app to allow messages to be archived from the notification bar. However later the bar changed back to the old style where it no longer showed snippets of the email in the notification bar and I can no longer take actions for new email. At the same time I noticed new notifications are tacked on to the right side of the list instead of the left side when the new features where working.

Has anyone else experienced this issue or figured out a solution for it?

This is still happening after I upgraded to Android 4.3

# Answer
I had the same problem and couldn't find the answer anywhere. Via the technique, commonly known as 'mucking about with my phone', I found that the new actions can be revealed by swiping down on the notification with two fingers. Likewise they can be hidden again by swiping upwards with two fingers.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Do a restart. That fixed mine when I had the same issue
> -2 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, notification-bar
---


# Question
Title: no sound on playing videos using vlc beta on nexus 4
I have nexus4 . i installed vlc beta from this link as default player couldn't play all formats.while playing videos on phone, it showed only video , no audio. video is alright.

# Answer
Try another player for the device of try the same video file in a different format if possible.

This will determin if the the video or not.

It's most likely that the vlc player doesn't support that file format as well.

Your best chance is to t another player like MX Player or BSPlayer (googled that).

Video players for mobiles are more limited on what formats they can play.

Reference/guide for you: http://www.real.com/resources/mobile-video-player
> 0 votes

---
Tags: vlc
---


# Question
Title: How to Install Android Apps to the SD Card by Default
I am following this tutorial for moving apps to sd card.

How to Install Android Apps to the SD Card by Default

But My Default Location is not changing. And My Phone Memory is full and unable to install new apps.

# Answer
After Android Tools Update command `adb shell pm setInstallLocation 2` has been changed to `adb shell pm set-Install-Location 2`

Updated Tutorial can be founded here.
> 4 votes

---
Tags: adb, app2sd
---


title: Booting to recovery

text:
# Question
Title: Booting to recovery
I have Xperia mini pro (4.1.B.0.587 Stock ram), and my bootloader is unlocked. But I could not boot to recovery mode by pulsing volume down button. I press it after phnoe shakes and before displaying "SONY".

What is wrong?

Update: Whene I install stock ROMs (using .ftf) files The recovery mode is wiped.

# Answer
It is not clear whether you had flashed CWM's recovery (through boot image). If you had done, you have to press vol up and down while powering on. If not, you do not have a recovery mode at all. You have to flash it using fastboot as described in CyanogenMod's How to install CM in Sony Xperia Mini Pro.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I think You 1st Press volume button then power it up keep pressing voulme button untill it shakes.. In My Galaxy Gio I do this for bootinh to recovery mode.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: recovery-mode, bootloader, sony-xperia-mini-pro
---


# Question
Title: Will bootloader unlocking provide access to all the apps in the Play Store?
My flyer doesn't allow few apps to be installed from the Play Store as it shows "This app is not compatible with your device" and this incompatibility is not due to OS. If I get the apk of this app from a forum, I can install it but few apps don't have apks outside Play Store.

I don't want to root my device, but simply unlock the bootloader so that I can access all of the apps on the Play Store without country/device restrictions. I read somewhere that it is mandatory to flash the device while unlocking the bootloader.

If I unlock the bootloader of my Flyer will I be able to install all OS compatible apps from the Play Store?

# Answer
No. Unlocking the bootloader will do nothing for Google Play. Even rooting won't do anything by itself as far as phone compatibility goes.

To get access to the apps without *device* restrictions, you must have a rooted phone. You then must edit the build.prop file to change your phone model to one that can install the app in question. See this android.se question.

To get access to the apps without *country* restrictions, no root is needed. You must instead have a proxy whos IP address is inside the particular country desired (generally the U.S.). Or you could create an account via a U.S. proxy on your desktop, then push the apps to your linked device despite it's out-of-country location (see this explanation). Alternatively, you could have a rooted phone and download Market Enabler.
> 3 votes

# Answer
Unlocking the bootloader will have no affect on the Play Store and what apps you have access to there. The main benefit of unlocking the bootloader is to be able to flash a new kernel and/or ROM to your phone.

In the past I have seen people post modified versions of the Play Store that have the country restrictions removed from the app itself. I am unable to find a current one at this time.

As far as device restrictions go, they are set by the developer. A developer can specify certain device parameters for the app to work on within the code itself or can specify it from the Google Play Store Developer console. This is why you may find apps outside of the Play Store that may say in the Play Store that they are not compatible with your device, but that will still install and run from a sideloaded apk.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: bootloader, bootloader-lock, htc-flyer
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to use adb backup in order to make a clone of a tablet?
Is it possible to use adb backup in order to make a copy of tablet? In fact I want to recover the contents of a tablet using adb backup and then install it on the tablet that have the same type with the same version of Android using adb restore backup.ab.

# Answer
We already had this question as part of Restoring an ADB backup onto a different phone of the same model?. It should be possible, at least theoretically, and at least when all devices are of the same brand and model as well as share the same Android version.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: backup, adb, restore
---


title: Flash Custom Rom on china tablet

text:
# Question
Title: Flash Custom Rom on china tablet
I have a chinese tablet with the allwinner a13 chip, that I want to flash a custom rom to. Rom Manager doesn't recognize the device, so I can't install clockworkmod recovery...

So how can I go about flashing a custom rom to this tablet?

same specs as seen here http://www.slatedroid.com/topic/51050-quantex-9-kb901/

# Answer
Micromax Funbook is a clone of AllWinner A10 chipset based tablet. I once had to flash a ROM and asked this question.

The link that I had used to flash the ROM including the ROM itself are available in the answer. You could try that flash tool to install a ROM of your choice - but there is a pretty good chance for you to be in trouble if you flash an incompatible ROM.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I recently bought a Trio Stealth Pro 7c, which uses the Allwinner a13 chip. In order to flash a rom, you must use LiveSuit, which is a Chinese-made, Windows-only program. You boot your tablet into recovery mode, and LiveSuit will flash the rom you provide.

The rom must be in a specific format, so if you want to create a custom rom to distribute, you have to go through a lot of steps. For more details see this forum or this post\*.

There are a number of pre-built roms for A10, but A13 roms are more difficult to find (if only for the fact that most people don't realize there is a difference).

You can install ClockWorkMod on your tablet, if you want, but you probably won't be using it to flash roms. I did, but I am still unable to simply flash a rom properly. You can still to full nandroid backup and restores.

\*Full disclosure: I wrote this post. Actually, your question caused me to finish my rough draft and post the finalized version.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Follow the 5 steps

1. Root Your Android phone

To Know how to root it just type \[model\] root in google & follow it

1. Install the free app Rom Manager From clockworkmod in google play
2. Download the rom You want to try in sd card

4 Flash it

5 Reboot
> -3 votes

---
Tags: custom-roms, rom-flashing, clockworkmod-recovery
---


# Question
Title: Google Talk not working over Corporate Wifi. What can I do?
Whenever I'm connected to our corporate wifi, google chat goes offline (i.e. the contact list fades to grey).

I think this is due to a port setting. As far as I know only 80 (http), 443 (ssl) and ftp (21) are allowed from inside my company.

The problem is, that my android device automatically turns off the 3g connection as soon as wifi is available.

I tried to find a setting for the Access Point, but couldn't find one. Likewise, I don't know if there is any setting in Google chat.

Android 2.2, LG-P500, Firmware V10-OCT-01-2010, Kernel 2.6.32.9

Do you have any suggestions?

# Answer
> 4 votes
> The problem is, that my android device automatically turns off the 3g connection as soon as wifi is available.

Why don't you shut off Wi-Fi?

Since you can't control port forwarding or anything at work, there's not much else you can do. Although, you could just ask and see whether they'd consider opening the Google Talk ports (443/5222/5223).

# Answer
> 1 votes
According to this thread Google Talk will attempt to connect over port 80 if it's other ports are blocked.

> Google Talk will work over port 80. If you are using the official client, it will even switch to trying 80 if the normal port (5222) is blocked.
>
> That said, if your employer is blocking talk.google.com instead of port 5222, you'll probably find yourself up a creek. :)

Sounds like your best bet is to stop using their Wi-Fi and use 3G for connection to Google Talk.

# Answer
> 1 votes
A lot of corporate networks block the 5XXX ports. I'm not entirely sure what Google Talk uses as I've read 5222 and 5228.

The Google Talk client for windows falls back to port 443 if the connection using port 5XXX is unsuccessful.

However the Android client does not do this. It only tries on port 5XXX.

Unfortunately at the moment the only solution is to contact your corporate IT and ask them to allow access using the 5XXX port.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Google talk on the android phone only tries port 5222 and if it fails it will not try port 80 (as the specification requires).

But there is another answer: IMO (available on Google Play) works over port 80, so it will work behind a corporate firewall. And it is a really good app.

---
Tags: wi-fi, 3g, google-talk
---


title: Pandora pauses randomly?

text:
# Question
Title: Pandora pauses randomly?
I find that Pandora often will pause the current song for no apparent reason. Any idea what I might check to see what the cause is?

(HTC Droid Incredible)

# Answer
Make sure you have a full signal. Try running it with nothing else running. The resources might be getting used by another app and makes pandora freak out. I know on my droid x2 i have a problem with it skipping songs on me.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I was (still am?) having a similar issue. Pandora will load but not play songs. Or sometimes if it does manage to load and play a song, it will skip to the next song prematurely. I 'restarted' the phone and that didn't fix the issue. I should have shut it down completely and then tried again as a test but instead I reseated the SD card securely after shutting down and it seems to have fixed it. So my solution that worked was either shutting down completely or else reseating the card. We'll see how long it lasts.

Update: Today (the next day) my phone is having issues again. Going into `Task Manager > Ram > Clear memory` seems to have fixed it this time although I don't think it fixed it yesterday. Very peculiar problem.

It seems that my problem might be different than yours but I found that having Twitter installed can cause problems with YouTube, Pandora, etc. I uninstalled and it seems to be helping with my specific issues.
> 1 votes

# Answer
It could be that you are using a battery saver app. I use Juice Defender and I think that's causing the issue. Juice Defender tries to save battery by killing the 3g signal after you turn off the screen for a bit. So you can just deactivate it when you are using pandora.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I had this same problem on my dinc a while ago. At least for me, I narrowed it down to song buffering. When just about anything happened that changed my data connectivity (received SMS, briefly lost 3G signal) Pandora wouldn't be able to keep up; the song I was listening to would play through as much of it as Pandora had buffered before the network interruption then would stop abruptly and switch to a new song. Very annoying! Even when my data connection was strong, as you mention yours was, Pandora was very picky.

Since that time my listening habits have changed but I've also found Pandora to be more stable over the intervening updates.
> 0 votes

# Answer
I had this same problem. I just figured out what was causing it on my system. It turns out that I was using **yahoo mail client** on my android phone and everytime I got an email, pandora would pause for a second. It does not appear that there is a way to change the frequency with which the yahoo client checks email from continuous to some lesser frequency (such as every two hours). This, unfortunately leaves me with the difficult choice between yahoo mail and pandora. Pandora will win this battle for sure.
> 0 votes

# Answer
While solid coverage is definitely required for solid playback from Pandora, assuming that is the case (and it's not caused by the way Pandora inserts advertisements), the pauses are most likely related to a low memory condition as a result of memory leaks caused by applications that address contexts in a certain manner. In other words, it's a flaw in the Android OS that even allows this to be an issue, IMO.

While you could remove the offending apps (if you knew which ones they were), another way this can be dealt with is by getting a task killer that automatically closes unused apps.

Then again, you could load another ROM, doing away with the bloated default apps from the telco and solve the remaining problems with scripts or a task-killer of your own.
> -3 votes

---
Tags: pandora
---


title: Trace stolen android mobile

text:
# Question
Title: Trace stolen android mobile
I lost my mobile on 26th March, 2013. I didn't install any tracking apps and they removed my sim card from my mobile. Is possible to track my mobile using the device ID? Is there any Unique ID for android mobiles? Is my device id logged with my associated Google account? contacting Google support works? if yes then how to contact.

OS: android 4.0.4 ICS Model: Micromax A110 \[canvas 2\]

Thanks, Haridharan. R

# Answer
You can remotely install an app like Plan B or AndroidLost from the Play Store website to try to recover the device's location. Your device has to be un-wiped for this to work, i.e., your Google Account has to be active on the device and it needs to be registered with the Play Store.

Other than that you are likely out of luck unless you have Google Latitude enabled or some other security software. If you know your IMEI or other device identifiers you could try giving that to law enforcement or the the phone companies in your area, but in many areas there is no sort of coordinated effort to keep stolen phones from being re-used.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: lost-phone
---


# Question
Title: Android sync with calendar works only one-way
I have a Phone with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and I am trying to synchronize my calendar with my Google account. The problem is, that sync only works one-way. Data from Google are transferred to my phone, but events from my mobile calendar don't upload to Google account. I tried various settings but I am obviously missing something.

How can I fix this?

# Answer
I fixed by giving the mobile calendar the same name as its called on Google...
> 0 votes

---
Tags: sync, google-calendar
---


# Question
Title: How to change message vibration type on s2?
How can I change message vibration type on galaxy s2? After jb update it vibrates the same (basic call). In settings I changed for example into heartbeat, but it doesnt vibrate this type when I receiving message. And in message settings is only enable or disablle vibration... Thanks.

# Answer
On my Galaxy S III at least, you can only change settings for call vibration. However, I believe if you use a 3rd party SMS program (eg: Handcent SMS, or any other (mostly free) apps on the market), then you are usually able to set custom vibration themes.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-2, sms, vibration
---


# Question
Title: Xbox Smartglass does not install for another user
I installed Xbox Smartglass from Google Play for one user. Afterwards, I tried to install it for another user, but I got this error:

> you cannot install this app because another user has already installed an incompatible version on this device

The installed version is 1.0. How can I install for more than one user?

# Answer
Some apps cannot install for multiple users. Searching the developer forums, the only suggested solution is to contact the app developer (Microsoft) and ask them to test and enable multi-user support.

Technically, it is likely only a small issue like hard-coding where user-data should be stored and accessed instead of using the system provided path variables. Very trivial to fix once the developer is aware of the issue. If the app as open-source you could probably have done it yourself.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: google-play-store, nexus-7, 4.2-jelly-bean
---


# Question
Title: How do i use a lockscreen from another rom
I want to use only the lock screen from another rom for the same phone. I own Micromax A52.

And I am using Xzoom v3 as my rom with Dark Angel theme.(to be precise if anyone knows and if it matters :P)

But i want to use the lock screen from another rom 'SuperStock52' which is also a rom for the same device.

How can i port that lock screen to my rom?

# Answer
Unless the lock screen is some kind of 3rd party app (like GO Locker), then I believe you would have to modify the ROM yourself, and port the lock screen over manually, into your 'new' ROM. - In which case you might be better off asking for advice over at XDA, or another developer forum.

If it is some kind of 3rd party app, chances are you can download & install it from the Play store, or download the APK online from the developer's website.

**EDIT:** Rereading your question it's occured to me you might actually be asking *how* to port over the lock screen (IE: which files to modify in the ROM) - in which case, you should probably go to XDA (see above link) and ask for advice.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: lock-screens, custom-roms, rom, customization
---


# Question
Title: Does Google provide a global games achievements system like Game Center? or Xbox LIVE?
Does Google Play offer an achievement tracking system similar to Apple Game Center, Xbox LIVE, and Steam? For keeping track of achievements, game progress, time spent in a game, what your friends are playing, etc.

Are there any other third-party alternative tracking system? with a huge base of supported games? I am thinking of something like Raptr for Desktop systems.

# Answer
Just announced 24 July 2013 is **Google Play Games**.

> The Play Games platform was first announced at Google I/O back in May, but until now, there wasn’t a dedicated app; you could see your achievements and online leaderboards inside your apps, but there was nothing that brought that all together.
>
> The Play Games app changes that. It shows you all of your Play Games compatible titles, as well as those your friends are playing. And if you don’t yet have any Play Games friends, the built-in suggestion feature will help you find some.
>
> Asphalt 8 Airborne, Riptide GP2, and Prince of Persia: The Shadow and the Flame are just a few of the titles that support Google Play Games, and you’ll find hundreds more in Google Play.

That's not to say that individual developers or partnerships might not aggregate their own games in their own "game center". For instance Mobage, OpenFeint (recently killed), and the new Rovio Accounts.
> 4 votes

---
Tags: google-play-store, google-play-games
---


# Question
Title: Nexus 4 auto dialing extension does not work
I used to own a T-Mobile Mytouch 4g before, which had the pause character before extension otherwise '*p*' on that handset and it was working fine.

Now, I own and use a Nexus 4 and I understood that the pause character on the Nexus 4 is '*,*' (*a comma*).

I replaced all the contact entries that had a '*p*' with '*,*' (*a comma*) in my contacts. And now it is not working, basically, what happens is when I make the call using that contact's number, the number gets called but the extension is not dialled automatically.

Anyone would know how to fix my issue?

# Answer
> 0 votes
I had the same problem. I changed in the google voice settings to only use it for international calls, which fixed the problem. When dialing out using Google Voice, I can't get the auto extension feature to work, unfortunately

# Answer
> 0 votes
I had the same issue. I'm with Telus and had a v1 sim card. After cutting it into a micro sim everything seemed to work. except auto dial for extensions.

eg. 1-555-556-7899,,123

I replace the sim with a v3. Issue resolved. Sim card was to old strangely enough.

---
Tags: calls, automation, phone-app, nexus-4, people-app
---


title: Download any Android apps on SD card

text:
# Question
Title: Download any Android apps on SD card
How can we download the files directly to SD card rather than phone memory on Android phones? Is it possible?

# Answer
Let's say: without rooting the device, it's quite unlikely to be possible.

On a rooted device, one could symlink the download folder to a folder located on the SDCard, and thus trick the system to directly download to the card (the way Link2SD works with installing apps on SDCard).
> 1 votes

# Answer
It is not possible AFAIK

Look at those two links:

http://forums.androidcentral.com/android-applications/246277-download-install-apps-sd-card.html

http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-precedent/620201-there-way-download-apps-straight-sd-card.html

but you can download it and move to sd card. For that see this link
> 0 votes

---
Tags: downloading
---


title: How do I root Micromax Canvas 2 A110?

text:
# Question
Title: How do I root Micromax Canvas 2 A110?
I want to root Micromax Canvas 2 A110 having Android ICS 4.0.4. How do I root it?

# Answer
> 2 votes
The following instructions are from androidforums.com site.

The summary of the rooting procedure (*just copied and pasted* \- credit goes to **sagarwep** the poster of the procedure) is as below:

1. Enable USB debugging on your device. To do that, go to Settings \> Development \> USB debugging.
2. Connect your device to any PC/laptop. The drivers will be installed automatically.
3. Download Bin4ry for Root A110 By sagarwep.7z and unzip.
4. Run `RunMe.bat` from the extracted location.
5.
6. A command prompt with weird green letters will pop-up on your screen. Follow the onscreen instructions carefully. To start off, you willl need to type in a "1" and press enter. \[Note: If you ever want to Unroot your Micromax A110, follow the above steps till you reach this one and then, instead of typing "1", type "x" and hit enter. Follow the instructions that appear on the command prompt after that.\]
7. Your device will reboot during the process after which Bin4ry will copy some files to your device.
8. With RootChecker you can verify whether the phone is rooted or not.

---
Tags: rooting, micromax-a110
---


title: how to acces to apk using backup?

text:
# Question
Title: how to acces to apk using backup?
I want to use adb backup restore, but I'd like to know if possible to know the contents back up file if yes so how. is it possible to have access only to apk. to install on other devices. i don't want to use adb backup -apk.

# Answer
Dan is correct with his comment on the question, see especially my answer there on how to convert an `.ab` file to a `.tar` and then access the contents.

`.apk` files (if backed up, of course) are stored in `apps/com.app.name/a/` then. But if `adb backup` was used without `-apk`: no `.apk` files then (your question is a bit confusing: "I want to use it...I don't want to use it" :)

If your goal is just to get hold of the `.apk` files of installed apps, you might also want to take a look at solutions like e.g. AppMonster, which allow you to get a copy of each installed app's `.apk` file to your SDCard (with the Pro-Version even in Batch Mode, and automatically on each app install). You could then use e.g. `adb pull` to copy the entire backup directory to your PC, and `adb push` to restore it to other devices for installation with e.g. `adb shell pm install`.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: backup, adb, restore
---


# Question
Title: Phone favorite - remove picture icon due to screen real estate
Using a new Nexus 4 with OS 4.2.2.

I've pulled my contacts onto the phone (from Exchange/OL using Companion Link) and they are synchronized to the phone's Contacts (people?) app. I can see them from both the Google People app and from the phone app.

I have over 3000 contacts, and am trying to set up my favorites for people I call regularly (a list of about 20 contacts.) This was very easy to do on my last Android phone, and the favorites would show me a list of contacts.

On this 4.2.2 phone, the favorites area is displayed with the contacts' pictures as a huge tile, with the contact names at the bottom of the tile. I do not maintain pictures for my contacts, so I do not want to take up all of this screen real estate for non-existent pictures. And, even if I had pictures, I wouldn't want them to appear as these huge tiles when I'm trying to look at a list of contacts.

How can I do one of the following things?

1. Force the phone/people apps to not show the picture tiles in lists.
2. Remove the picture tiles altogether.
3. Ensure that the picture tiles do not appear when there is no picture.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Beneath those tiles will be a simple list labeled "Frequently Contacted", and they're listed with a much smaller photo (if one exists). So, as you use the phone, it will automatically build that list up for you of the people you contact the most.

Otherwise, there's not a way to change the layout of the app. Even if you were to create a contact group for those contacts, the group contact display uses the same sort of large photos.

Your other option would be a third-party app.

---
Tags: people-app, contact-photo
---


# Question
Title: How to help Android users with reduced ability to see
What can we do in Android phone to help users whose ability to see is reduced?

To be clear they are not blind persons, they are just 55+ years old and with age they have reduced ability to see.

When my father has seen Xperia with 4.0 inch display he thought that his troubles with using the phone were over. Trouble came again when he realized that font size is still small because of large resolution.

Most of them are just simple users and they have needs only for seeing time, date, contacts, missed calls, incoming caller id, and dialer. They're not even using SMS.

What can I do to increase size of these functions on display, and make it simplified to access as it can be?

Is there any app or theme or something similar already made for helping "older" people using phone?

# Answer
You could try using LCD Density Changer to decrease the density (effectively increase the size of everything on-screen). This will probably result in the bottom and right side of screens being cut off, however.

There are also (limited) accessibility options in Settings -\> Accessibility. I think it might be limited to a screen reader.

If the problem is really just things on-screen being too small, may I suggest eyeglasses?
> 2 votes

# Answer
You can make text larger by going to the Settings app and clicking on **Display** and then **Font size**. Unfortunately, not all developers test their apps with different font size settings, so you may find some apps look bad or have their buttons in the wrong place. If you find an app like this you should always complain to the developer.

Newer Android devices have more options for vision-impaired users, found in **Accessibility** in the Settings app (find it in the **System** section, near the bottom of the list). There you can find an additional **Large text** setting, as well as an option to read out on-screen text and describe GUI elements, as Matthew describes. You can also change how long a long-tap is: your father might find this useful if he has arthritis and sometimes long-taps by accident.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: customization, fonts, accessibility
---


# Question
Title: Gmail Notification stopped working on Nexus 4
I have to press the refresh option in Gmail just to get new messages.

I have checked the application and the notification setting is on. I stopped it and then again started it but still it is not working. Is anyone else facing such issue? Android version is 4.2.1

In my accounts it is showing that "Sync is OFF". Has this something to do with this? I always see this option like this and have to go inside it to change Gmail, Currents, Photos, etc. to sync.

# Answer
> 2 votes
On stock Android 4.2.2 on my Galaxy Nexus I had the same problem of gmail notifications not working. I checked that in Settings\>Data Usage "Auto Sync" was turned on.

Then I went to Settings\>Accounts\>Google, hit the email address and you see everything that is being synced or not.

Weirdly for me it Gmail sync was inactive after I had recently updated my rom.

This should take care of this problem.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I recently ran into this issue with my phone after downloading a Battery Saver app that I noticed had turned sync off after I had uninstalled the app.

I read through all the comment answers above and no one came close to the Stock ROM 4.2's data sync setup. In the (current at time of post) latest Version of Android the `"Accounts & Sync"` has been removed and all accounts are inline in the Settings `ListView`.

Individual Accounts will only let you `sync now`, there is no option to `"Turn Sync on"` or `"Auto Sync"`

**My setup:**

> Verizon Galaxy Nexus
> Android 4.2.2 Stock ROM
> Build Number: JDQ39

**What I did to resolve:**

Go to *Settings*-\>*Data Usage*-\>*Menu*-\>Click *Auto-sync data*

---
Tags: notifications, gmail, nexus-4
---


title: Upload PDF file to Gmail

text:
# Question
Title: Upload PDF file to Gmail
After downloading a PDF file from Gmail with the help of ASTRO File Manager in my Samsung Galaxy S III, I tried to find the PDF file to attach in the email (Gmail). Unfortunately, only images get attached, but none of the PDF files.

How can I do that? Where exactly am I going wrong in the process?

# Answer
> 1 votes
You can attach files with the gmail app. Just click attach image, select Astro to browse and select the PDF you wish to attach

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, gmail, pdf
---


# Question
Title: Can you send texts from iMessage to someone who has Android and uses Handcent?
Can you send texts from iMessage to someone who has Android and uses Handcent? And if yes does the iPhone user need to have Handcent?

# Answer
If you are wondering if the text will be received through Handcent: yes. If you are wondering if you will get the group text styled messaging from iMessage while using Handcent: no, I don't think you will.

There are several other SMS options that do support group messaging though. Android 4.2+ offers group messaging built into the native Messaging app, so if you are on 4.2+ then you probably just need to enable the settting in Messaging app. If you are on something before 4.2 then you could use GoSMS. That is what I used until I was updated to 4.2 and it does a great job. It's not perfect, because Apple likes their iOS exclusivity with iMessage, but it will do the trick.

Again, I am assuming you're looking for a group text solution. If you are not, disregard my advice. If you are wondering if Handcent can receive an iMessage, it should, but you wont have a group text to reply to.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: sms, handcent-sms
---


# Question
Title: How to restore my IMEI on Galaxy S if I don't have a backup of /efs?
I installed CyanogenMod 10 Nightlies on my Galaxy S1, coming from CyanogenMod 9.
On every reboot I get the message:

> **Warning!** A problem was detected with your device. Your device IMEI number is invalid. And invalid IMEI number could cause network issues including the inability to call emergency numbers.

Sometimes I have network issues and my handy just won't connect to the Internet(even though it shows E/H Connection)

I once made a backup of my `/efs/` partition, I already restored it but the message still appears.

# Answer
# FYI

The CyanogenMod 10 is the first update with the code to detect an invalid IMEI.
You could already have an invalid IMEI and don't know about it.

The issue with an invalid IMEI is that you may have emergency calling problems (inability to do emergency calls).

# Confirm IMEI

Does the IMEI reported match the number under your battery?

Dial `*#06#` and the IMEI will be presented on your screen.

# Possible Solution

From this code.google.com thread, the user at comment 5 managed to solve the issue:

> Steps I took to solve the problem:
>
> 1. Flash my phone by Odin to version 2.2.1
> 2. Update to CM9 using Recovery with stabile version od CM9 http://download.cyanogenmod.com/get/jenkins/5805/cm-9.0.0-galaxysmtd.zip
> 3. Update to CM10 using last version of kernel.
> I used cm-10-20120822-NIGHTLY-galaxysmtd.
>
> Between steps I did wipe data/factory reset and wipe cache partition. Now my IMEI is correct.
>
> After cleaning the phone and updates do CM10 I recommend installing gapps-jb-20120726-signed, because your phone will be clean as a baby after birth.
> 6 votes

# Answer
This is usually caused by a wrong/corrupted/replaced `/efs/nv_data.bin`.

# If you have a backup of /efs

It is likely, that some ROM installer created one for you.

If you have a backup of the `/efs` folder on your SD-Card then it's safe to simply copy the files from the backup to `/efs`:

```
adb shell              # open a shell
su                     # become root
cd /sdcard/backup/efs  # change directory to the backup
cp -r * /efs           # copy the backup to /efs

```

This should restore your IMEI back to the factory value.

# If you don't have a backup of /efs

Then you have to go with Zuul's answer.
> 3 votes

# Answer
Just flash your device with official firmware. It may be a problem with the CyanogenMod 10 nightly builds, not your device.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, samsung-galaxy-s, partitions, imei
---


# Question
Title: Undo "marked as spam" on Facebook Messenger
I was texting with my friend, but I didn't lock my keyboard. I marked her as spam. Do you know how I can get back notifications from her messages?

# Answer
> 1 votes
I'm not exactly sure what you mean by 'marked as spam' since I can't see this option in either the Facebook app or the Facebook Messenger app. I'm assuming you mean you turned off notifications for her messages since you mention you want to get them back. I'll explain how to turn them back on.

**Facebook Messenger**

* Open up the conversation with person
* Press the 'i' in the circle in the top right
* Click on `Notications` and set to 'On'.

**Facebook App**

* Go to your messages and open up the conversation with the person.
* Click on the gear icon in the top right
* In the `Settings` tab make sure 'Alerts On' is selected.

---
Tags: facebook-messenger, spam
---


# Question
Title: How do you "Share via" email & wifi option from gallery ? It's missing
I recently upgraded to ICS (4.1.2) and have lost the ability to share photos from the gallery via email and wifi. The option was there before the upgrade. But not now. Is this a bug ?

# Answer
After some mucking around, I discovered Google (un-intuitively) changed the way you can share photos in the gallery for email and wifi. You now need to do this

Open Gallery \> Select Menu button \> select "Select Items" \> select the share button at the top of screen. All the icons should appear now in the share dialog window.
> 4 votes

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, email, gallery, share-menu
---


# Question
Title: Distinguishing between placed received and non-received calls
On my Android phone, under the list of all phone calls, there are several distinct icons to distinguish between:

* outgoing calls (a green arrow pointing away from the phone)
* missed calls (a red arrow bouncing off the phone)
* received calls (a blue arrow pointing into the phone)

However, the user interface does not distinguish between placed calls which were answered on the other end and calls which were not answered on the other end.

Does anyone have a user interface which distinguishes between these two scenarios or does anyone know of an upgrade I may perform in the user interface (perhaps even by going as far as installing CyanogenMod) so as to account for this difference in the user interface?

I am running Android 2.3.4 (GingerBread) on an LG Optimus Net P690.

# Answer
You can use a new dialer which supports this. I have tried Swipe Dialer Free and it does this (You get the same icon for all outgoing calls whether they were answered or not but for the un-answered call, you will have "Not Answered" mentioned"

P.S. - If your dialer shows the duration of call then I think for Non-Answered outgoing calls, it will show "0m 0s". All other calls will have different durations. So, you can differentiate between them (if this is what your purpose is).
> 2 votes

---
Tags: lg-optimus-one, user-interface, call-history
---


title: Google Currents vs Google Reader

text:
# Question
Title: Google Currents vs Google Reader
They appear to perform the same functionality... only difference I see is that Currents layout is more like a magazine. And I can import my Reader subscriptions to Currents.

What's the difference between the two? Is there any reason to use one over the other? Does Currents replace Reader?

# Answer
> 8 votes
Google Reader is a cloud-based feed reader *service*. On top of this service, there are many apps as a front-end to user. E.g.- Official Google Reader apps (Web, Android), Feedly (Firefox, Android) etc.

Google Currents is a front-end digital magazine/ newspaper delivery app (with cloud sync) available to Android and iOS (no web interface yet). Google Currents can read feeds, but it wasn't designed for that. Google has a vision attached with it: Real digital magazine/ newspaper delivery which is beyond normal feed reading! See the differences:

* Feed publishers don't have control of content display in end app, but Currents publishers do have. They can divide their currents in sections, sub-sections. They can decide the layout of this digital magazine etc. Its not just nice looking magazine interface.. its more than that. Feedly, which sync with Google Reader, also provides magazine interface, but its not really a magazine. Think about your real-world magazine reading experience.
* Currents can be premium. Current publishers can charge you which is not possible with Google Reader. While there's a concept of premium feeds (which is rare), Google Reader can only subscribe it. But, Google Currents can be marketplace for that.

Google Currents can't replace Google Reader because its different thing. If you don't have special interest in those hand-created digital publications, go for Google Reader. You can use it on web, Windows, Mac, Ubuntu etc along with tablets and smartphones (all in sync for read/unread status, starred items). You can have thousands of interface choices thanks to Google Reader API. And yes, you can always mix feeds in Google Reader to create your own feed DJ (which is not possible with Google Currents).

# Answer
> 7 votes
# **Google Reader**

Google Reader is a Web-based tool for gathering, reading, and sharing all the interesting blogs and websites you read on the web.

It was released by Google on October 7, 2005 and graduated from beta status on September 17, 2007. Is available on any modern web browser with JavaScript enabled.

**For further information visit:**

---

# **Google Currents**

Google Currents is an APP that delivers beautiful magazine-like editions to your tablet and smartphone for high speed and offline reading.

It was released by Google in December 2011 is currently available for Android and iOS devices.

**For further information visit:**

---

# **To answer your questions**

> What's the difference between the two?

**R:** The major difference is that Google Currents is an APP to be installed on your tablet or smartphone, while the Google Reader is a web-based application.

> Is there any reason to use one over the other?

**R:** The major reason is that Google Current is currently available for tablet and smartphones, while the Google Reader, being a web-based application can be used on every device with an JavaScript ready web browser.

> Does Currents replace Reader?

**R:** Haven't found any indication that Google Currents came to replace Google Reader. Actually the opposite seems to be happening, as the Google Currents can accept your feeds from your Google Reader account. Think of Google Currents as a more flexible way of reading feeds without the need of a web browser.

---

# **Reader APP vs Currents APP**

You've mentioned on the comment for this answer that there's a Currents app and a Reader app. Yes, it does exists and I didn't know about it.

Just installed to compare the differences:

* **Reader APP:**

Continues to be a plain old fashioned RSS feed, just with a new "face".

From Differences between the mobile and standard web interface (Google Support)

> The mobile interface accesses the same subscriptions as the standard web interface, and items read on your mobile device will be marked as read in the standard interface as well. Similarly, items read on the web will be marked as read in the mobile interface. The only difference is that you can't set up subscriptions from your mobile device.
* **Currents app:**

Instead of adding direct RSS feeds, you can add featured sites from well over 150 publishers that Google has partnered with. They include Forbes, TechCrunch, AllThingsD, The Huffington Post, ABC News, Al Jazeera, and The Guardian.

You can choose sites from other featured topics including Business, Design, Science & Tech, Sports, and your RSS feeds from your Google Reader account.

Additionally, you can be a Google Producer and add your own content to Google Currents.

# Answer
> 0 votes
One other important thing to add about Google Currents is that depending on how many things you subscribe to, it can add on tons of megabytes to your phone's memory. I have a Samsung Galaxy S3 and I noticed that with my subscriptions and feeds, the Currents app is currently eating up 180 mb of memory on my phone. If that is not a problem for you, then Currents is a nice format to read info that you receive from your Google reader or maybe check out some magazines even. I myself can go without the frills to save that space on my phone. I believe in the end, it all just boils down to personal preference .

---
Tags: google-reader, reading, google-currents
---


# Question
Title: Will a higher class SD card reduce the risk of crashing my Galaxy Ace?
I was using my class 4 32GB SD card in my Samsung Galaxy Ace quite happily until I filled it up to a certain point (which point, exactly I'm afraid I can't find out and don't know). Once the SD card reached a certain percentage of its capacity (Somewhere in the \>20GB used area) it started going into the "Sleep of death" bug, where it cannot be woken up after going into lock.

I then deleted some non-essential stuff, and the phone worked with the card quite happily for about 20 minutes, when the card died. I haven't been able to revive the card on my PC or phone.

My theory is that the processor in the Ace couldn't handle that much data on such a low-speed card, which would explain the sleep of death, but not the card failure. Is there any merit in this idea? Would a better class 32GB card have a chance of avoiding the sleep of death, or am I indulging in some wishful thinking?

Apparently the problem is very widespread in Galaxy Aces (according to the manager of a phoneshop I brought it in to), and it seems to happen the Nexus One aswell.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Its because of you are using Max amount SDCard that an Ace can support. Ace supports 32Gb Maximum, and you are using the same. But Its fact that Ace supports 32Gb ,but it may cause problems mounting that much higher amount.

You can try 16GB class 10, it may be accurate.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-ace, external-sd
---


# Question
Title: Is there an offline maps application for Android?
Google Maps is great, but unless you have an unlimited data plan, it's going to cost a lot downloading all that data all the time.

Do you know of any (preferably free) good offline map application for Android? Ideally one that can do navigation (preferably with voice) and in my location (Sydney, Australia).

# Answer
> 13 votes
Yah, there is a terrific one, called Maverick Lite.

Off-road GPS navigator with *OSM, Google and Bing maps*. Support for offline maps & multi-touch. Build-in compass, timer and trip computer. Share your current or planned location. Record and upload tracks to GPSies.com. FourSquare support.

And it's free. the paid version costs about $4

# Answer
> 10 votes
There are quite a few that use openstreetmap data. This is a review of MapDroyd and BigPlanet and the openstreetmap wiki has a comparison of android clients \- look in the first column and look for "online + offline".

# Answer
> 7 votes
In the near future Google Maps for Mobile 5.0 will be released, whose new features include offline storage of area you visit frequently.

# Answer
> 5 votes
There is a hack for Google Maps that allows for cached offline maps. It can only do navigation in the normal way while connected to the Internet though.

Brut Google Maps

# Answer
> 5 votes
I like Waze. It is free, works offline (synchs when you're connected to the internet in some way other than 3G).

Its main advantage is feedback from users. It provides live traffic updates from other Waze users.

You can find it here:

http://www.waze.com/download/android\_download/

# Answer
> 2 votes
You can created offline version of Google Maps with on your PC and use it with RMaps application on Android. Works very well for me.

You can download RMaps from Market: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.robert.maps&hl=en

And here is a guide on creating offline maps: http://xslab.com/2011/03/rmaps-offline-navigation-tool-for-android/

# Answer
> 2 votes
Recently, there is a new option: Sygic. This is one of the most important companies in the development of navigation software for mobiles. TomTom has also announced that will launch an Android application in the next months.

# Answer
> 2 votes
NavFree is free and allows you to download maps for offline navigation.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I use Custom Maps a lot myself, but you need to put a map image on your mobile yourself and match a few points up with Google Maps to make it work off-line. I often grab screenshots off NZ Topo Map for taking bush with me using Custom Maps.

# Answer
> 0 votes
OsmAnd is free popular Offline maps for Android.

* Unlike other apps, OsmAnd uses Vector based (not pixel) maps, which allows it to have crisp and clear viewing at ANY zoom level.
* Includes POIs (points of interest), so you can search and locate the nearest restaurant, gas station, or recreational park.
* Point to any location on the map and save it as a favorite.
* Offline directional navigation to: POIs, favorites, or road intersections.
* Optional extra app for voice navigation that speaks to you.
* While navigating to a destination, it displays: your speed, remaining distance, and estimated time of arrival.
* Alerts for speed limits and speed cameras.
* Ability to avoid: toll roads, ferries, unpaved roads, motorways.
* Supports Car, Bicycle, and Walking modes.
* Supports dark color night viewing.
* Automatic zoom based on speed.
* Have the map stationary with north up, rotate with the compass, or have it rotate in the direction you are traveling.
* Record (track) a path on the map with GPX routes.
* A plugin to save where you parked your car, and alert you when your parking time is about to expire.
* A growing number of free Plugins that are being contributed by the community every day.
* Supports Many languages. Here are just a few: English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Vietnamese.

**The best part is OsmAnd is GPL Open Source.**

You can help support this project buy purchasing the OsmAnd+ version. This gives you access to download an unlimited number of maps, and access to Wikipedia sight seeing POIs. This app is well worth over double the price they are asking.

OsmAnd

# Answer
> 0 votes
A very good navigator is MapFactor Navigator Free. As the name suggests, it's free (as in "free beer", not "free speech") and it uses Open Street Maps (free as in "free speech and beer"), directly downloadable by the application menu.

As of today it's still in beta, but I tried it and it works well, comparable to if not better than Sygic, which I was using before.

MapFactor Navigator is on Google play.

---
Tags: offline, maps
---


# Question
Title: How to make "Navigator" my default mapping app?
Right now if I click a maps link my phone asks if I want to open in

* Dolphin
* Google Maps (Standard/classic interface)
* Web

I prefer using the Google "Navigation" application for its features, such as voice guidance and input.

How do I get "Navigation" to appear in the list of available apps, or even better make it the default for any map link I click?

# Answer
Select `Google Maps` as default and then you only need to select `Navigation` to open `Google Navigation`.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: default-applications, google-maps-navigation
---


# Question
Title: Is there a way I could sync my Facbook galleries with my Android Gallery?
Is there a way that allows me to sync my Facebook galleries to my Android phone if possible? I use HaxSync but that only seems to handle the calendar and the contacts, and the Facebook app doesn't have any such functionality.

# Answer
Photosync is set as "ON" by default IMO. Anyways read this
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, sync, facebook, gallery
---


# Question
Title: My SGS3 is recognised but does not connect or transfer files, not even a backup!
My SGS3 is recognised -- but it does not connect or transfer files, not even a backup!

I have tried everything from numerous cables to different PCs & even a Mac (because I'm a Mac user). I've used a PC to satisfy myself that it's not my Mac and nothing has worked.

Any suggestions? Should I contact samsung and say "Give me a new one"? But what good is that when all my files photos and music are on this that won't back up!!

# Answer
I've had this issue with my S3 sometimes. Alternatively, what you could try is download and install the drivers from here: link. Or you could also try changing the USB mode from MTP mode to camera mode (from the notifications). Don't forget to restart after installing!
> 1 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, usb-connection-mode
---


title: How do I root my Samsung Galaxy Ace?

text:
# Question
Title: How do I root my Samsung Galaxy Ace?
I want to root my Galaxy Ace but don't want to install Custom ROM or CWM!

Just only root so that, I can run some apps which requires root.

# Answer
Everything you need to know about rooting and installing custom ROM on your phone.

a. Rooting for 2.2.1:

```
Turn on your phone
Enable Debugging at Apliccations>Programming
Connect your phone into PC via cable
Launch Super One Click 2.3.3
Click "Root"
Wait until the program will root your phone
When the process is complete turn off SOC and unplug your phone
Reboot
Now you have root!

```

Db. Rooting for 2.3.x (NEW METHOD!):

```
Download file called universal_gb_root_v25.zip and copy it to your sdcard
Turn off your phone
Press POWER+HOME BUTTON
Select update from sdcard, select the file universal_gb_root_v25.zip
After the update completed - reboot
Now you have rooted S5830

```

OPTIONAL Unrooting for 2.3.x:

```
Download file called universal_gb_unroot_v9.zip and copy it to your sdcard
Turn off your phone
Press POWER+HOME BUTTON
Select update from sdcard, select the file universal_gb_unroot_v9.zip
After the update completed - reboot
Now you have unrooted S5830[/QUOTE]

```

ps: its best you read the first link.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: rooting, samsung-galaxy-ace
---


# Question
Title: Will a "standard" "Made for iPhone" headset's remote control button work with a Samsung Galaxy Mini S5570?
Running either latest stock Gingerbread or custom CyanogenMod Jelly Bean?

By *will the button work* I mean either by the operating system or by a 3rd party app from our nice selection: See Izzy's answer on How can I control both volume and track skip on my Android device from my headphones?

I need proper music support on this device, skip track, fast forward and rewind (for podcasts).

# Answer
> 2 votes
It should work IMO. I have used a standard Galaxy Nexus earphone on my iPod Touch; it could do everything from skipping to record voice etc.

---
Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, 4.2-jelly-bean, remote-control, headset, samsung-galaxy-mini
---


# Question
Title: Atrix 4G update via OTA with unlocked bootloader?
I am running 4.5.91 currently on a rooted and unlocked Atrix.

Will I brick my phone by updating to 4.5.141 from OTA source?

Can I re-lock the boot-loader if that is the issue?

# Answer
> 2 votes
I don't think it's possible to re-lock the bootloader of a Atrix 4G. You should read this too

---
Tags: bootloader, ota-update, bootloader-lock, motorola-atrix-4g
---


# Question
Title: Android OS update with out active service
I have an HTC device which we use for development currently running Android 2.2.1. While trying to update it from:

```
Settings > Software update > Check new

```

it shows the following for quite some time and then goes to an error message:

> **Software Update**
>
> Checking for new Software available now.

This phone doesn't have active service right now though I am connected to WiFi. Does this matter? Does Android prevent you from updating the OS if your device is not activated on a cellular carrier?

# Answer
> 1 votes
No Android doesn't block if you are not on a cellular network. Did a OTA update of my Galaxy Nexus a couple of weeks back without inserting a SIM.

I think HTC has released no more newer builds for your phone hence you don't see it.

---
Tags: htc, ota-update
---


# Question
Title: How to convert .img to .tar to flash using Samsung odin tool?
I have downloaded touch recovery from clockworkmod website. How do I flash downloaded .img file using Odin / Mobile Odin tool?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Quoting the answer from XDA Forum.

In linux or windows with cygwin.

```
$ tar -H ustar -c recovery.img > recovery.tar
$ md5sum -t recovery.tar >> recovery.tar
$ mv recovery.tar recovery.tar.md5

```

---
Tags: recovery-mode, samsung, odin
---


title: SGS3 in app screen restarts

text:
# Question
Title: SGS3 in app screen restarts
I am having a problem with my Samsung Galaxy S3. I bought this last year. No damage so far. I usually download apps/games in Play store when all of a sudden I noticed my screen blacks out for a millisecond then restarts.

This usually happens in app/games when I play Smurfs and Sims, and even when I am using my camera and when I view the gallery. Does anybody know how to fix this?

Your assistance will be very much appreciated.

# Answer
What you're experiencing is probably the "sudden death" issue experienced by several users. You could try updating your firmware to the latest firmware released by Samsung or flash a custom rom to fix the issue.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, samsung-galaxy-s-3, screen, reboot
---


# Question
Title: Syncing Opera Mobile/Mini with Desktop Firefox
I prefer Opera on Android but Firefox on the Desktop. Is there any way to sync these two?

# Answer
Apparently not.

(Having questions without accepted answers just bothers me)
> 0 votes

---
Tags: sync, firefox-for-android, opera-browser
---


title: How to get my tablet listed by adt

text:
# Question
Title: How to get my tablet listed by adt
When I run `adb devices` from my Windows XP machine there is nothing listed. The tablet's Vendor ID is **18D1** and the Product ID is **DEED**. It gets enumerated as a USB device with a name **MID**. When I enable "USB storage" on the tablet, I can see the tablet's files in the Windows File Explorer as drive `G:` and the SD card on the tablet as drive `H:` -- however the Computer Management shows a big yellow question mark next to a device named "MID".

I searched for a suitable driver but all I could find was a list of drivers for well known brands. My tablet is a no-name version of the Hyundai A7 Art.

I've been struggling with this for quite a few days. My purpose is to collect a logcat to document another problem that I posted here. I hope you can help me out.

# Answer
> -1 votes
Try to re-install the USB device driver for that specific tab, and try it once again.

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, adb, usb-drivers
---


title: Samsung Galaxy S3 won't push emails

text:
# Question
Title: Samsung Galaxy S3 won't push emails
I can only get new emails by manually doing a refresh.

I want instant access to emails, like in Blackberries.

I have both the Gmail and the Red Envelope emails with the same emails.

P.S. Is this a sync issue?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Have you checked to see if sync is on? On ICS+ go to `Settings-Data Usage` and press the menu button, and ensure 'Auto Sync Data' is checked.

Then go to `Account-><select your account>` and ensure gmail, or email is selected.

Bear in mind that the email app can't push emails - it can only poll the server at a minimum of every 5 minutes.

If you're on less than ICS, then go to `System Settings->Accounts and Sync` and ensure sync is turned on. Select the account, and make sure gmail is checked.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Try going to the Application Manager. Find Gmail and make sure that `show notifications` is checked. That fixed all of my problems.

---
Tags: email, samsung-galaxy-s-3
---


# Question
Title: Will Dropbox re-upload a changed file if I don't access it from within the app?
I know that when I edit a file from within Dropbox (using an external application), after I close said file Dropbox uploads the updated version. Does this also work if, once I have accessed the file from within Dropbox once, I open the file from within the editor app (e.g. using a "recent files" menu?)

If this is not the case, I'd be looking for a way to achieve this effect.

# Answer
> 2 votes
For Dropbox and OfficeSuite (if you edit from the recent files), they seem to sync.

I'm not sure with other apps. In any case, if you need a two-way sync, you can always use DropSpace. See this similar question: How do I sync with DropBox?

# Answer
> 1 votes
I don't know if the Dropbox app does this or not - last time I looked (shortly after it came out), Dropbox's app wasn't really doing sync on Android, it was more of a nice version of the web interface.

I use Dropsync to achieve this effect - you can even set how aggressive it is on downloading/uploading vs. battery status. I use it to keep my KeePass database synced across devices, so I have it set to upload right away if it notices changes, but only download when things are good, battery wise.

# Answer
> 1 votes
There's an important distinction that needs to be made: Accessing a file vs Downloading/exporting a file...

The Dropbox app and other 3rd party apps that use the Dropbox API allow you to "Access" files in their cloud location. Everything you do to this file is synced (assuming the app is well made and working correctly). Essentially the file is being downloaded in the background so you can open and work on the file and then reuploaded in the background when you are done (ie syncing). I use apps like Estrong File Explorer and several note taking apps that use the Dropbox API and every change I make to a file is synced when I save the file.

Downloading/exporting the file is different. In the Dropbox app you can "Export" a file which means download it to a local directory on your device. Apps like DocsToGo don't support the Dropbox API so there is no way to directly access Dropbox files from within the app. In cases like this you have to download the file to your device to access it with this app. This downloaded file is not monitored by or synced by Dropbox so you'd need to upload it or sync it manually somehow. There are third party apps that do this, I use DropSync.

**TL;DR:** If you are editing a file directly in an app that has built in access to Dropbox you don't need to worry syncing, it will happen on it's own. If you are downloading a file from Dropbox to edit it in an app that doesn't access Dropbox directly, like DocsToGo, you'll need to use a 3rd party syncing app like DropSync.

**EDIT:** I think this is the scenario that you have... You open a file "example.txt" through Dropbox and it opens a dialog that lets you choose the default app and you choose "XYZyadayada" app and the file opens in that app. You make changes and save them, Dropbox will detect this and will sync the changes. If you skip Dropbox next time and just open up XYZyadayada and see example.txt in the "recent files" list, that is probably a locally cached file. If XYZyadayada truly doesn't communicate with a Dropbox API then that file is saved locally, probably in it's own directory and opening and editing that file will not be detected or synced by Dropbox because it's a copy of the cloud file that is saved locally on your device.

---
Tags: sync, dropbox, editing
---


# Question
Title: How to avoid application autostart when a usbdrive is plugged to tablet
When I plug a USB drive to my Samsung tablet (using USB connection kit), my Android 4.0.4 automatically starts the Archive application, in order to see which is the content of the pen drive. The same happens with an application that I wrote, Android popup a message to match plugged device with my application. Is it possible to avoid this autostart? How? Thanks

# Answer
## Why are there any apps starting when the drive is attached?

First you need some background information what's going on there. Many things on Android are "event-based". That is, when "something" happens, the system issues a "broadcast" saying so. Some well-known and easy-to-understand events include

* boot completed
* storage (un)mounted (usually sdcard removed/inserted, or some external drive)
* battery low
* network changed

Apps can register "listeners" for specific broadcast-events (intents), so they get started/awakened/informed then. Again some examples:

* media-scanner wants to know when a new storage "entity" got attached, to check for music/pictures/videos to insert into its internal database
* location service wants to know about network changes: if there's a new network, it might be interesting to determine the current location
* several apps (far too many) want to start at boot

So obviously, your Archive app has registered a listener for the storage broadcast, and similarly your app.

## How to get rid of that?

For your own app, you could adjust its code correspondingly. But that's no task for us here, but if needed, you can discuss that at our sister-site stackoverflow.com.

For all other apps (the following is applicable to other combinations as well), you will need your device to be rooted (details can be found in the tag-wiki). Then go to the playstore and get yourself an app like e.g. Autorun Manager PRO (yes, for the following you will need the Pro if you decide for this app. I chose it nevertheless, as it turned out to be the best in my tests a while ago):

AutoRun Manager (click image to enlarge)

As you can see in the screenshot, *AutoRun Manager* permits you to disable each listener an app may have registered separately. And their names are (in most cases) quite descriptive. So use ARM, go into its "Advanced Mode", look up the Archive app, and check what listeners it has registered. Disable the one sounding reasonable -- and your issue should be solved.

You can change that anytime you want. Whenever the modified app is updated, you will have to do that again. You also can simply revert all changes with two taps, as ARM has a specific "restore" feature for that.

---

PS: As you have tagged your question , you could have hovered your mouse over that tag, and select the "info" link. This will bring you to the tag wiki, where you can find most of what I just wrote (and maybe even some additional information) -- so I recommend reading that as well. Furthermore, take it as hint for the future: **Many of our tag-wikis contain first-aid.** And in many cases that might already be enough to solve an issue :)
> 2 votes

---
Tags: usb, auto-start, disk-drive
---


# Question
Title: Configure Play Store to download temporary files to SD Card
I find that every time I start to update an application using Google Play, my phone's internal memory starts to run out (i.e. the Play app downloads temporary files to internal memory). In a number of cases, the size of the update is quite large and I end up with less than 10% free space left which corrupts the installers and I end up with no update. :(

Is it possible to in any way instruct Google Play to use my SD card (which has over 10GB free space) as the temporary location instead of the space-constrained internal memory? As much as possible, I'd like to do this *without* having to root my device.

# Answer
Unfortunately, there is (currently) no way to do so on a non-rooted device, at least not to my knowledge.

The Play Store app always downloads to `/data/local` as far as I know. So if your device is rooted, you could create a directory wherever you like, and symlink it here. This could be done either from a terminal app, via a file explorer supporting the creation of symlinks (and root), or via `adb shell`. For the terminal/adb-shell variant it could look like that, assuming your sdcard being mounted at `/sdcard`:

```
$ su
# mkdir /sdcard/playstore-temp
# cp -r /data/local/* /sdcard/playstore-temp
# rm -rf /data/local
# ln -s /sdcard/playstore-temp /data/local

```

Explaining the commands:

1. get root access
2. create the new "temporary storage directory"
3. copy all current content (recursively) to the new location
4. remove the old location
5. create a symlink from the new location to "fake" the original

I didn't try this, but it should work. Like with *Link2SD* (which uses the same principle for installing apps on SDCards), for the Playstore app this should be "transparent", i.e. it should be fooled into thinking it still works the same way as before :)
> 5 votes

---
Tags: google-play-store, updates, insufficient-memory, temp-files
---


title: What Tasker tasks require root access?

text:
# Question
Title: What Tasker tasks require root access?
I'm thinking of installing Tasker on my phone, but I don't want to root it. Is it worth my while?

What Tasker tasks require root access? What can it do without root access?

**Edit:**

Here are some examples:

* I would like to turn on the GPS whenever I start certain apps (various driving directions apps, for instance), and turn it off when I exit them. I understand that apps can't turn on the GPS (otherwise the apps in question would do it themselves instead of directing me to the settings). Tasker claims to be able to do that. *Does it need root for that?*
* I remember seeing somewhere (lifehacker maybe?) that Tasker can disable the lock screen based on location, such as when I get home, and turn it off when I leave. Can it do that? Does it need root access for that?

# Answer
The simple answer is that it requires root to do things that would require root if they weren't automated by Tasker and you were doing them manually. Tasker is irrelevant.

**Edit:** Turning on/off GPS does not require root. Apps must be able to do it, because Power Widget can. As for the lock screen, I think what you read must have actually referred to the keyguard (the "swype to unlock" screen). The phone is not locked the same way as it is with a pattern/password when the keyguard is on; it's just to prevent accidentally keypresses, not for security. Tasker can disable the keyguard.
> 6 votes

# Answer
I'm not sure what you're talking about, Tasker does not require root for any of its features.

From their website:

> This simple concept profoundly extends your control of your Android device and it's capabilities, without the need for 'root' or a special home screen.
> 5 votes

# Answer
I was in the same boat as you. Wanted tasker, didn't want to root my app.

After downloading it, I did it find it fairly limiting without a root because as Matthew Read said, it basically only allows you to do the things that any other app could do. So unless your requirement are some niche thing that you wanted, there's probably an app that does it for you anyway.

Some of the things that can't be done without a root include

* Turning GPS on / off
* Toggling 3g on / off
* Setting CPU speed
* DPAD (allows you to script the phone like it was being used)
* turn the screen on
* reboot the phone

I mainly got Tasker as I thought I could optimize the battery life on my phone but without those settings, there's not that much I can really do.

Still worth the 2 bucks though, been great learning playing with it. And maybe down the line, I will go and root my phone.

EDIT - this answer is only for ICS and above. Not sure what it'd be if you were still on Gingerbread
> 5 votes

---
Tags: tasker, root-access
---


title: CM9 shuts off itself on SGS2?

text:
# Question
Title: CM9 shuts off itself on SGS2?
I'm facing a very weird problem on my SGS2, using CM9 9.1.0 stable making me crazy. My device go to in deep sleep in 12-24 hrs once when I'm using Siyah kernel while CM9 stock kernel do it once or twice in a day. :'(

I have Googled for it and got this thread where the problem is same. Cm9 Phone Shuts Off By Itself, phone actually doesn't switch off it just go to in deep sleep and start to eat battery like a crazy nut, also I can call on my ohone and caller can hear up the ring but there is no life sighn at that moment in my phone.

How can I resolve this, I have did a clean install but no success, also battery of my phone is just new.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Well I have got a workaround but not a permanent fix for this problem.

I did a clean re-install and then don't restore any backed up data through **Go Backup/Titanium Backup** app. Then I don't get that suspicious shutdown every time in a day, but after 2-3 days yes you will. :(

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, shutdown
---


# Question
Title: How can I get my phone to find contacts by name *or* company name?
I have an HTC Droid Incredible running Android 2.2 (Froyo). I keep my contacts in GMail, and they are automatically synced to my phone. The problem is, my phone's "Search People" app seems to search by business name/organization *only* if no contact name has been entered.

Is there any way to trick the phone into searching by either name *or* business name/organization when both of these fields are in use?

Alternatively, is there a better app for looking up contacts than the "Search People" app that came with the phone?

# Answer
> 2 votes
try using google search, works flawlesly on my magic to look for contacts in any way i like , you might need to update latest version from the market

# Answer
> -1 votes
Go for Truecaller app. It's the best app for finding name by phone number.

---
Tags: contacts
---


# Question
Title: How to push website links from phone to chrome/other browser?
I can't seem to find an app for this. I have a Samsung Galaxy S3.

# Answer
You could click the overflow button (menu) and choose to share the page. Then using an app like Evernote or Catch, sync the data to your desktop PC.

Alternatively, if you use Chrome as your desktop browser - use Phone 2 Google Chrome which uses the above concept. Also, take a look at Android2Cloud which has similar functionality.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: applications, browser
---


# Question
Title: How to remove pre-installed apps from Xperia E?
I recently bought a Xperia E and since I am not a Facebook user I'd like to remove it from my phone. That also applies for Google+ and other stuff which is installed on my phone by default but I am realy not going to use it so it just consumes my memory and battery.

I tried to go for example to Settings-\>Apps-\>Google+ but there is only disable option, not unistall like with manually installed apps.

# Answer
> 2 votes
If it came pre-installed with your phone then its a system app. You cannot uninstall it (unless you have your phone rooted, which i think you don't have). Best option for you is to disable the app. In this case, the app won't run and won't consume any CPU or battery (if that's your problem). If you are concerned about storage space running out then this won't solve the storage problem.

---
Tags: bloatware, sony-xperia
---


title: Using speech-to-text in text messages

text:
# Question
Title: Using speech-to-text in text messages
I've got an Android P690. When I go to compose text in a text message I would like to input it via the microphone by using Google's networked speech recognition engine. However when I hold down the search hardware button and speak, and finish speaking, Android opens up a web browser and performs a web search with the spoken text instead of inserting the text in the SMS text box. And when I press the back button the text I spoke is not in the text box either. So my question is, how do I use the microphone to compose an SMS's body?

# Answer
Sorry, now I see the small microphone icon and globe icon for setting the speech language (keeping the globe pressed allows you to choose which languages to toggle back and forth between) on the soft keyboard that comes up.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: sms, voice-recognition
---


title: Security lock pattern

text:
# Question
Title: Security lock pattern
My son playing with my phone used up the number of times the lock pattern allows. Now my phone is locked. I use a Gionee Dual sim phone with 4.1 Jelly Bean. Any suggestion???

# Answer
if you have USB debugging enabled already you could disable the lockscreen with:

```
adb shell
cd /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases
sqlite3 settings.db
update system set value=0 where name='lock_pattern_autolock';
update system set value=0 where name='lockscreen.lockedoutpermanently';
.quit

```

Reboot, and then:

```
adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key

```

Reboot one more time.

**If you don't have USB debugging already enabled there is no way to use this.**

Source
> 0 votes

---
Tags: locked-out, pattern-lock
---


# Question
Title: GPS and icons on the Android notification bar
I've read that the phone can use GPS, and if not Wi-Fi, and if not cellular triangulation to determine your location. How do I check what the phone thinks my location is?

Also, how come I am not seeing the image of the GPS satellite on the notifications slideout bar at the top of the phone alongside the signal, the Wi-Fi icon, and the circle with four line segments in the shape of a target (which I have yet to figure out what it stands for). Does it mean GPS reception is bad in my city or do I have to somehow enable GPS in some way?

# Answer
> 2 votes
To see what the device thinks is your current location, you can simply open the pre-installed maps/navigation app (if there is any; usually Google Maps comes pre-installed). If there is none pre-installed, simply install one from the playstore. Or check another GPS tool like e.g. GPS Status & Toolbox if you don't need a full-fledged "maps & navigation" app.

As for the status icon: this will only show when GPS is *used* (and not only "available"), i.e. when some app is accessing GPS to determine your current location. It has nothing to do with reception quality -- which, in case of GPS, is rarely location-dependent, but rather depends on other conditions such as clouds, trees, high buildings (all things which hinder the free view to the satellites).

---
Tags: gps, notification-bar
---


title: fastboot flashall -w Halts

text:
# Question
Title: fastboot flashall -w Halts
I have a Samsung Nexus S. I have erased `recovery` and `boot` pertitions using `fastboot erase <partition>` and when I do `fastboot flashall -w` it stops on

`sending 'boot' (XXXX KB)...`

What might be wrong?

**UPDATE:**

I successfully managed to flashed my NS back to stock ROM. Please refer to my own answer below.

Regards,

# Answer
> NOTE: attempting `fastboot flash` on ur device may cost you your data. So be careful

I figured out that I had an outdated Android SDK. I downloaded the latest one, and did:

`fastboot flash boot`

`fastboot flash recovery`

`fastboot flash userdata`

and in a couple of minutes I had the stock ROM up and running.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: samsung-nexus-s, fastboot
---


# Question
Title: Why does the new Chrome update want the permission to use my camera and audio recording?
Seriously, it specifically states that it can use the camera and audio recording **any time it wants, whether or not I wish it to**. Why is Chrome on Android requesting those permissions?

Should I be concerned?

(Emphasis my own.)

# Answer
The Chrome page in the app store says this about the new permissions:

> This version requests two new permissions, Camera and Modify Audio Settings, to support WebRTC, an experimental feature under development.

WebRTC itself is designed to expose your camera and mic to the browser, so that web-apps can implement video-conferencing and other multimedia solutions in-browser.

The WebRTC people have at least nominally considered the privacy implications, by adding an info-bar to Chrome:

Chrome on Windows is said to have access to your camera and mic. So if you use Chrome on Windows (and soon Firefox too) then you are implicitly trusting the vendor of those programs to not take pictures of you when you don't authorize it. The same is true for Android. One hopes that they don't introduce security flaws that allow unauthorized access to the camera/mic by malicious websites.

As to what you can do about it, on a rooted phone you can uninstall Chrome or install a permissions-control app that denies permissions to installed apps. You can switch to a different browser that doesn't support WebRTC. Otherwise you're stuck with what Android provides. If you decide that you trust Microsoft or Apple more than Google, you can switch. Or maybe you trust an open-source Android variant like Cyanogenmod. For myself I consider the fact that Google already has a bunch of apps on my phone which have access to my camera and mic, so if Google wanted to spy on me they already can. Heck, they could build that right into the OS and just not tell anyone.

Google Apps that can access the camera/mic:

Not to mention the camera app which is built-in to the phone.

**Edit:** The question was updated with a screenshot of what the phone shows when you are prompted to update the app. Unfortunately at this time there doesn't seem to be a way for app developers to document why they need particular permissions, except in external sources. For example, this Chrome update states why it needs the permission in the "What's New" page. However, if you don't look there and just see the scary warning, you are left wondering what is going on. As an app developer I wish we could add help text to the permissions page to explain to the user why we need the permissions and how the privacy policy protects the user. Google could certainly make this more usable and less scary.
> 25 votes

---
Tags: permissions, privacy, chrome-for-android
---


title: Rooting Desire permanently

text:
# Question
Title: Rooting Desire permanently
If I root my Desire permanently can I reset it to default manufacturers settings by installing official android version?

# Answer
Whenever you root your device, you are adding root access to the current OS. If you just perform the Factory Reset, it will retain root (as this just deletes user data), but if you restore the stock image, it will completely wipe the OS and will put the system back as HTC intended it (which would remove root). You would then need to re-root the device.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: rooting
---


# Question
Title: How can I take a screenshot on my Samsung Galaxy Fit?
I can't find how to take screen shot on my Samsung Galaxy Fit device. I noticed that it took some screenshots and I do not know how it happened. By installing third party app it works, but I do not want to do this because they run their services in the background.

Any help in this regard would be highly appreciated.

# Answer
Home + Power

--or--

Home + Back
> 0 votes

---
Tags: screenshots, samsung-galaxy-fit
---


# Question
Title: Setting "phone ringing" sound for outgoing calls
When I place a call I hear the traditional rotary dial phone ringing sound until the person at the other end, whose ringtone most likely is completely different, answers. What I was wondering is, can I set a ringtone for the person placing the call to hear until the other party answers? If so, can such "ringtone" be set differently for every person called?

# Answer
The sound someone hears when they call a phone is dependent on the person they are calling. This is why, no matter where in the world you are, when you call a US number, you get the US "ringing" tone, whereas if you call a European number, you get the European "ringing".

The providers of the person you are calling are what provides the ringing tone. Some carriers, like Verizon, offer the ability for you to set tones for others to hear, usually for an added monthly fee. Verizon would essentially answer the call and play the music while it continues to try and reach you. Once you answer (or it is sent to voicemail), then the music would end and Verizon would connect the call on their end. This might be manageable on the phoen via an app from Verizon, but you would be changing their settings for your phone number that is stored on their servers.

Nothing locally on the phone is capable of changing what the incoming caller will hear for a ringtone.
> 2 votes

# Answer
I believe what you're asking about are similar to the Verizon ringback tones, right? Ringback tones are not set from a phone level, they are a feature added and managed by the carrier. Your wireless carrier could probably change it for you, but there is no way you could manage it all from your phone. I know Verizon offers ringback tones, if that's the feature you're looking for you could ask about that.

Would be a cool feature, if it were possible.
> 4 votes

---
Tags: calls, ringtone
---


title: Using Tasker to block a specific number

text:
# Question
Title: Using Tasker to block a specific number
I was wondering if someone could help me with setting up a tasker profile to block an incoming call from a particular number. I've seen tutorials on how to block unknown callers or callers not in my contacts list, but I'd like to be able to specify a small group of numbers that would be blocked. Preferably I'd like to be able to just hang up on these callers, but sending to voicemail would be ok. I don't want the phone to ring or notify me at all of the incoming call. Thanks!

# Answer
Per this link you can create a profile that defaults to phone silence and changes the ringer to not silent when someone you want to take a call from or is not a person you blocked and then when someone you have blocked calls it will answer the call and hangup.

Here is a summary

1. Create new profile Allow Calls
2. Add context --\> State --\> Incoming Call

* Specify who to allow calls from (ex. C:FAV (for favorites) or !)
    * "!" reverses logic (such as is not contact) and 0 can be used for anyone calling from a restricted or unknown number
3. Add Task --\> Audio --\> Ringer Volume

* select ringer level (7 is highest)
4. Add Exit Task --\> Audio --\> Ringer Volume

* select ringer level 0 (to silence the ringer once the phone call is done)
5. Create new profile Blocked calls
6. Add context --\> State --\> Incoming Call

* Specify who to block (ex. !C:FAV (is not on favorites) "0")
7. Add Task --\> Phone --\> Take Call
8. Add Task --\> Phone --\> End Call

This should allow your phone to ring when a favorite is calling and pickup and hang up on someone you wish not to talk to without you even knowing.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: tasker, call-screening
---


title: Cyanogenmod 9 stuck in boot loop

text:
# Question
Title: Cyanogenmod 9 stuck in boot loop
Let me start off by saying that I have a Verizon Galaxy Nexus.

I flashed cyanogenmod 10.1 last night and was having some issues so I decided to go back to 9. Unfortunately clockworkmod wasn't able to use my recovery data due to the new profile feature in Android 4.2.2. So instead, I flashed CyanogenMod 9 once again. Not when I boot it, it just stays on the blue loading screen. I can't even get to recovery mode because when I boot in Odin I get the message "Downloading... do not turn off target"

Is there anything I can do to fix this?

# Answer
> 0 votes
You should be able to get into fastboot mode (which bypasses the download mode you are currently in) by pressing and holding the Volume Up and Down buttons while turning on the phone. This should get you into fastboot. From there, you can enter recovery by pressing volume up twice and power to confirm

Once you are in recovery, you will need to perform a Factory Reset/Data Wipe.

If your recovery somehow got hosed, you can download the recovery image from CM's wiki page and then get into fastboot mode and use fastboot to flash the recovery.

```
fastboot flash recovery "c:\location\to\recovery.img"

```

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, boot-loop
---