# Question
Title: Where do I start if I want to learn custom modding an android device?
I have some basic knowledge of android phones from a fan's point of view and have had a bit of experience with testing of custom ROMs but I really would like to start with basic development on my own.

I'm no developer, which is why I need some serious advice of where do I start and how do I proceed. What kind of prerequisite knowledge do I require ?

Any kind of tutorial or knowledge database which can help me get started would be very helpful.

# Answer
> 3 votes
XDA is a good resource but not a good starting point. The AOSP is also. But the best idea is always to look how others are creating customs ROMs. For example the CM development for the Kindle Fire:

A good starting point is Jackpoint Calvin's post about how to create a CM update.zip for the Fire from source. It gives a good overview about how the kernel, ASOP, hardware modification and CM play together. And how these are handled with Android's `repo` script.

Forums are a good information resource, but it's hard to find useful information *fast*. IRC channels are the first place to get involved. Join a few rooms to get into contact with developers. Maybe you find a beginners task on which you can start working.

Also you need knowledge about Android/Linux kernels, hw drivers, `C` and some Java.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I second to what @Blundell said.

---

For **Moding,Rooting&Flashing** first try finding a cheap hardware and also checkout the support for Rooting, building cutom kernel, custom system image for your chosen hardware and get going.

There are lots of resources available from

1. XDA
2. Modaco
3. CyanogenMod.

---

for **App developement on Android**

follow this below link to start with installation and configuration of sdks.... http://developer.android.com/index.html

there books avaialable on Amazon. for deigning UI, Android Fundamenttals, professional.... try searching some books which gives you the insight of 'what is what' and 'who made who'

# Answer
> 0 votes
Learn Java (the programming language Android is based on)

Recommended book 'Java in Two Semesters' (ignore that it's based over 2 semesters)

http://eclipsetutorial.sourceforge.net/totalbeginner.html

Then use:

http://developer.android.com/index.html

http://www.xda-developers.com/

http://www.modaco.com/

---
Tags: customization
---


# Question
Title: How to install android 2.2 (froyo) on Nexus One
I have a rooted nexus one with the android 2.1 update1. I have received the OTA notifications for a system update for the 2.2, but it didn't succeed. I must have the phone rooted (for now) so I can have Hebrew on it.

Where can I download the latest android 2.2 (FRF 91) and how should I install it? Dows the upgrade also wipes the contents of the SD card?

# Answer
The easiest way would be to install `ROM Manager` from the Market.

It is a fantastic application written by the guys that created CyanogenMod. From this app, you can download and install vanilla ROMs and custom ROMs with a few clicks. Highly recommended.
> 2 votes

# Answer
If you un-root your phone you should be able to tell it to re-check for updates and then re-apply the update.

Hopefully you used something like a recovery image to backup your phone before you rooted it, if so then you should be able to restore that backup to get yourself back into an un-rooted state. *(depending on the type of backup you took originally, restoring it may or may not overwrite your current user data, make sure you use all the available tools to backup any data you care about before restoring)*

Now you're unrooted you can go through the normal Android process to check for OTA updates:

You can see if there's a pending update by clicking the System Updates option at the top of that screen (this will only show the available updates if your phone already knows about them, it doesn't go back to Google/network).

There is a way to force it to go back the Google/the network if an update you're expecting isn't showing:

* Go to the homescreen.
* Tap on Dialer - to open the dialer screen.
* From the dialer type `*#*#checkin#*#*` (that is `*#*#2432546#*#*`)
* After a few seconds, you will receive an alert notification, accessible from the homescreen window shade "checkin result success".
* Return to the homescreen.
* Press the Menu key.
* Select Settings.
* Scroll down, and select About phone.
* Select System updates.
* If an update is available, you should see the update downloading.
* When the download is complete, you will be prompted to Install (now or later).
* You can now re-root your phone (after backing up again) to get your Hebrew interface back. If applicable you should be able to re-use the tools you backed your data up with to get it back again.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Does this help? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=715799. I remember going down the rabbit hole here some time ago and getting the right binary and installing it on my Nexus One.

Hope this helps.

PS - I'd have left this as a comment if I could (not enough reputation :-()
> 0 votes

# Answer
try to flash Stock android 2.1 update1 ROM on nexus-1 and then dial this code: `*#*#2432546#*#*` in your phone/dialer application to receive system updates via FOTA.

Once you have updated to your desired version then proceed with rooting....
> 0 votes

---
Tags: nexus-one, 2.2-froyo, updates
---


title: Upgrading from Android 1.6 to 2.2

text:
# Question
Title: Upgrading from Android 1.6 to 2.2
> **Possible Duplicate:**
> When will my phone get the Android 2.2 update (FroYo)?

I'm having issues to upgrade my tablet to the 2.2 system. It's a generic tablet, from Kaser, I'm using it to develop a specific application. Now the specs changed, and I need it to run on 2.2. I had a look at their website and there is no info about the upgrading. Is it possible?

Thier page

# Answer
If you have complete kernel sources for your device from the manufacturer, then compile your own kernel and AOSP and flash the device.. I guess this is the only approach if you don't have any alternate solutions
> 2 votes

---
Tags: updates, 2.2-froyo, 1.6-donut
---


# Question
Title: How to have one-button access (on HTC incredible) to do voice dialing or voice commands?
My wife finds her HTC Incredible incredibly difficult to make a quick call without having to look at the screen. She'd like to have a one-button activation of the voice dialing or voice commands "call \< \>" or ""

I thought one option might be to reprogram the optical trackball button.

This is rooted with CyanogenMod.

# Answer
I'm not sure about the optical mouse specifically, but CyanogenMod does give you the option to alter the behavior of the various capacitive/hard buttons on the phone to some extent. In `Settings->CyanogenMod Settings->Input` you can set the long-press behavior of the home and menu buttons, and completely change the behavior of the search button.

What I've typically done is set the search key (or long-pressing the search key) to open up the voice search app. You could substitute the voice dialer or anything else you wanted if you set it up this way, with the trade-off being that you lose the default search functionality (in my case it's okay because I never use the search button).
> 3 votes

# Answer
One solution i found is: if you long-press the search button this brings up the voice command (for me it gave an option of Messaging or vLingo)
> 1 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, htc-droid-incredible, voice-command
---


# Question
Title: Alternative contacts app, faster than Google's with 2000 contacts?
Google's `Contacts` app is very slow to load when I want to quickly get a friend's phone number.

Is there a quicker/lighter contacts app?
I have found nothing fast enough in the Market.

My dream app:

* Loads the list of ~2000 contacts in less than ~3 seconds.
* No need for picture/details in the main list, just name.
* Can import contacts list from vcard or similar.

# Answer
I will recommend Dialer One. I am 99% sure it can show contacts without pictures. It has lots of customization options, t9 search in contacts in slew of different languages. I have 900+ contacts and is really fast, I hope it works that way for 2000 contacts. Be sure to fiddle with the options after giving it a try.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: contacts
---


# Question
Title: Walking between Wi-Fi access points causes network to be disabled
Testing my new Motorola Triumph the last couple of days, I've noticed issues with the Wi-Fi.

Aside from connection attempts to the 802.1x EAP network at school causing reboots (a known problem with the Triumph's software and/or wireless chipset), I've run into a problem where if I walk between buildings, it won't reconnect automatically. When I go into the Wi-Fi settings, the network is "Disabled", presumably because there were issues reconnecting while I was outside on the sidewalk.

My LG Optimus V never had this problem; I used it all semester and it always reconnected within a minute or two of settling into a new room. It occasionally disabled the network, but I can count those occurrences on one hand (in decimal ;-). The Triumph did it half a dozen times in one day. (I change buildings a lot.)

Is this something that can be fixed? Perhaps by rooting and tweaking some system settings file(s)? If I can work out most of the software issues by tweaking the phone myself, I'll live with the few that will undoubtedly be unfixable without an update from Motorola.

Meanwhile I've tested with the insecure campus network. The unauthenticated network reconnected within 30 seconds of my entering a new building. (How fortunate that IT maintains a network that dumb devices can use for Internet access.)

*(Note: I have no desire to use a custom ROM unless it fully supports **all** the features of the phone. That includes HDMI output and the ability to have Wi-Fi & Bluetooth turned on simultaneously without pegging the CPU. Unfortunately that lets out ever using CM7 unless those known issues are fixed.)*

# Answer
This appears to be a bug related to the underlying issues with 802.1x EAP authentication in the Motorola Triumph's software / Wi-Fi firmware or wherever the bug is that causes the reboots I mentioned in my original question.

Short answer: Don't use 802.1x EAP networks. They will cause problems with the Triumph.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Try changing your WiFi sleep settings. While I don't know specifically how Motorola works, if it's anything like Samsung, if you hit the menu button and go to

`Settings -> Wireless and Network -> Wi-Fi settings`

then hit your Menu button and select

`Wi-Fi sleep policy.`

If it isn't on the setting already, change it to

`When screen turns off`.

What I have found is that when I have my sleep policy set to "Never", I have issues when I get home from work. It's almost like the Wi-Fi doesn't know that it should look for a new network, but whenever the Wi-Fi sleeps and comes back up, it will find the network.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 2.2-froyo, wi-fi, motorola-triumph
---


# Question
Title: HTC Incredible - always on soft button lights when screen is on
When I bought my Galaxy Nexus, I gave my dad my HTC Incredible to replace his aging Blackberry curve. His eyesight isn't so great, and he has trouble seeing the soft keys on the Incredible when their backlights are off.

Is there a way to have those backlights remain on as long as the screen is on? Root or no root, it'd be great if someone had a solution.

# Answer
In Cyanogen ROM there are options to tweak the auto brightness levels, including the "Buttons" level. Setting it to 255 for all brightness levels should keep them on all the time. It is also possible to add or remove brightness levels.

http://chromloop.com/2011/06/how-to-optimize-the-automatic-backlight-settings-in-cyanogenmod-7/

Rooting and using a custom ROM may not be an ideal solution, but it should get the job done.
> 1 votes

# Answer
The soft key lighting is tied in with the screen brightness level. Have him set the level to "auto" and see if that works for him. Also, if rooted, there's mods for it as well, but you probably don't wanna implode your Dad's head with rooting.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: htc-droid-incredible, buttons, backlight
---


title: How to schedule shutdown of a phone?

text:
# Question
Title: How to schedule shutdown of a phone?
I want to use my phone as a wireless router. Since I am on a time-based data plan, I want the phone to automatically shutdown after a specified amount of time (or at least close the data connection after a specified amount of time). Basically, I want to prevent to exceed the data limit, and the shutdown is a plus. The phone is running gingerbread but I will probably install cyanogenmod 7.2.

# Answer
There are many 3rd-party apps available on the Market that allow you to set up actions (toggle cell data on/off, for example) at specified triggers (e.g. on a timer.) Tasker and AutomateIt are great examples.

If you have a specific data limit on your plan (e.g. 3GB per billing cycle), a more advanced app like 3G Watchdog would be a better choice. It allows you to set and monitor limits on cell data usage, and disable it when the usage gets to the threshold.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, cyanogenmod, data-connection, wifi-tethering, shutdown
---


# Question
Title: If I install a leaked ROM on my device will I be able to receive OTA updates?
Specifically, I'm interested in flashing a leaked build of Ice Cream Sandwich on my Nexus S 4G. I'd like to get in on the action early, but this is something I'd like to know.

# Answer
If you are installing a custom ROM that is not a "carrier leak" then you probably will no longer receive OTA notifications/updates.

In the custom ROMs they remove the OTA settings that the carriers use. I don't know exactly what is changed/removed, but I can't even tell you the last time I have had an OTA notification.

But if you use tools like ClockWorkMod Rom Manager you can get notifications for updates to the ROM you install if it is added to Rom Manager by the developers. This is how I get my update notifications for CyanogenMod.
> 5 votes

---
Tags: rom-flashing, ota-update
---


# Question
Title: WIFI gets disconnected once the device sleeps
> **Possible Duplicate:**
> How do I keep my wi-fi on in sleep mode

i have samsung galaxy ace, i have created an adhoc network on my laptop and connected through WI-FI on my samsung phone, now the problem is, if the device is kept ideal for 15-20 minutes, the WI-Fi gets disconnected and also does not gets connected, even if i restart wifi, i need to stop the adhoc network and start the network again to start the wifi on my samsung, can anyone tell me what could be causing this issue, is this the default behaviour of samsung mobile or something has went wrong on my device.

# Answer
> 1 votes
if you go in to `Settings -> Wireless & network Settings -> Wi-Fi Settins` then press `Menu -> Advanced` you will see `Wi-Fi Sleep Policy`. Change that to `Never` and wi-fi will stay connected when the device goes to sleep.

---
Tags: wi-fi, connection-issues, samsung-galaxy-ace
---


# Question
Title: Can the Galaxy S2 be rooted without increasing the custom flash counter using adb?
Normally, rooting guides for the S2 involve flashing a kernel to the device to install busybox and su. This xda post suggests a method for doing so via adb (found approximately in the middle of the first post):

```
adb shell mount -o rw,remount /dev/block/mmcblk0p9 /system
adb push busybox /system/xbin/
adb push su /system/xbin/
adb shell chown root.shell /system/xbin/busybox
adb shell chown root.shell /system/xbin/su
adb shell chmod 755 /system/xbin/busybox
adb shell chmod 4755 /system/xbin/su
adb shell /system/xbin/busybox --install -s /system/xbin
adb shell mount -o ro,remount /dev/block/mmcblk0p9 /system

```

This also seems to be the method tools like SuperOneClick use. Now I recently found this blog post indicating the above method does not increment the hardware counter in the S2 that counts flashes of custom firmware. More than that, it can also be used to install ROMs via Mobile Odin, also without increasing the counter, because they come form the device itself and not from a computer via the USB cable.

I fear to try out myself and lose my precious counter value of still 0. Has anyone tried out a method like this before and can confirm that it really does not affect the counter?

# Answer
You can make or buy a USB Jig for Samsung Galaxy S2 i9100. It’s a really simple circuit that involves putting 300K Ohms of resistors between pin 4 and 5 of the microUSB connector.

With a USB Jig you can reset the custom binary counter to zero and also remove the yellow triangle on start up if you have rooted your device.

* Turn off your phone completely and remove the battery for 10-15 seconds
* Put the battery back but don't switch on the device
* Plug the USB Jig into Micro USB port of your phone Wait for around 2-3 seconds
* You phone screen will show "ERASING DOWNLOAD INFORMATION SUCCEEDED" in ODIN mode and Custom Binary Download : No
* Now you can remove the battery and restart the phone.You will also notice that the yellow triangle which comes at start-up is gone now.
> 1 votes

# Answer
A little information for people that may not be aware. The counter in the SGS2 is there for Samsung to tell if you have flashed custom kernel / ROM on your SGS2. Samsung ships these devices with unlocked bootloaders, but being a company and need to protect themselves, if your counter is not 0 and you try to return your device under warranty, they will not honor the warranty.

Even if you can't flash without increasing the counter, there are ways that the counter can be reset. With that said, there is no guarantee that you will be able to reset the counter. Samsung may identify the way that people are using to reset it, and they may "change" it.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: rooting, samsung-galaxy-s-2, adb
---


# Question
Title: Why does my phone vibrate when service is lost?
My phone (Huawei x1) has started vibrating whenever I lose service and is really annoying. Does anyone know of anyway to fix this? Or maybe there is a setting I accidentally changed to allow this

# Answer
> 2 votes
My Droid Bionic (running Android 2.3.4) has a "network lost tone" setting under Settings/Sounds. If you the phone is in silent mode with vibrate enabled, this setting might cause a vibrate, although I have not experienced that particular scenario. Your phone probably has a similar setting.

---
Tags: notifications, vibration
---


# Question
Title: Kindle fire CM7 barebones: how can I get the home screen into portrait mode?
I recently installed the latest (2/9/2012) build of cyanogen mod 7 for my kindle fire. I can't figure out how to get the home screen into a portrait orientation. It defaults to landscape and doesn't respond to the device rotating, although other applications do. I'd appreciate any help.

Unrelated: this rom is awesome!

# Answer
> 3 votes
Aha! As edlarerathis commented, you can change this in AWD settings.

```
settings -> ADW settings -> system preferences -> Home orientation

```

change from landscape to auto/sensor.

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, custom-roms, amazon-kindle-fire, orientation
---


title: Mobile network not available

text:
# Question
Title: Mobile network not available
I have serious problem with my Galaxy S2.

Some guy stole my phone. With help from Samsung Dive, I gained his phone number because he put his Sim card in my phone. Then, with help from police, I got my phone back. Just today, I went to shop for a new Sim card because my old one was lost (thanks to that guy!). First, I did factory reset without any Sim card inserted. Then I put in my new Sim card in it. Here comes the problem - it doesn't recognize my Sim card! First I thought that I did put it in somehow wrong, but after few tries - I think that it isn't the case. I remembered that it asked me something about missing Sim card when i booted up phone after factory reset so I did factory reset again with Sim card in it. Still, problem remains. When I try to call someone it says `Mobile network not available`. When I try to select my network operator under settings, it says `Unable to connect. Try later`.

What could be the problem? Is it possible that my phone is blocked? If so, where can I unblock it?

Thanks for any advice!

P.S. Are there any steps to find **why** I cannot connect to mobile network?

**Edit:**

When turning the phone on, it shows yellow warning icon.

When phone is on, near clock in top bar there is like phone icon.

If that anyhow helps, guys!

# Answer
> 0 votes
Provider did block the IMEI of the phone. Now it's unblocked and all works fine!

Thanks to Matthew Read for clue... :)

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-2, networking, connection-issues, factory-reset, imei
---


# Question
Title: Can I load a ROM from a 7" Galaxy Tab onto a 10" Galaxy Tab?
I have a handful of Galaxy Tab 10.1 (P7510) running Honeycomb, and a customer commercial application which runs beautifully on Froyo and Gingerbread, but has bugs on both Honeycomb and ICS.

Before I chuck thousands of pounds worth of hardware away and settle for running my app on smaller tablets, is there a sane downgrade path to 2.2/2.3 for the P7510? I have some 7" Galaxy Tabs if these would be a useful source of ROM images, for instance.

# Answer
No, the key parts of the ROM would be the kernel and all the drivers for the hardware. The boot image is likely different too. These devices are not the same so you would end up, at the very least, "soft bricking" your device. Even when a device is basically the same, take all of the Galaxy S devices (vibrant, captivate, facinate, epic, i9000), all are basically the same device, but you cannot "cross flash" the ROMs between them. This is because the smallest change in hardware or boot image prevents this.
> 6 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-tab-10, downgrade
---


title: Determine if my Galaxy is 8 GB or 16 GB

text:
# Question
Title: Determine if my Galaxy is 8 GB or 16 GB
I just got my Galaxy from eBay. The auction said it's 16GB, but I am afraid I was a fraud victim; I'm checking at Settings-\>SD card and device storage-\>USB storage, and Total memory says 5.01GB.

Am I missing something?

# Answer
> 4 votes
My Galaxy S Vibrant has 16 GB internal SD storage, and `Settings -> SD card and phone storage` reports 12.78 GB. I would assume the ~3 GB difference is due to the reported size being actually in GiB, not GB, and partitioning (the internal data partition is 1.84 GiB as reported by Titanium Backup) and formatting. The numbers work out, anyways.

Given that 8 - 5.01 is also ~3, I would say that you have an 8 GB model on your hands. Checking with Titanium (requires root) or something else might be a good idea.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s, internal-storage
---


# Question
Title: ClockworkMod Recovery pops up during phone turn on
When I turn on my Galaxy S2 phone, ClockworkMod Recovery v4.0.0.2 pops up with the list of options,

```
1- reboot system now
2- apply update from sdcard
3- wipe  data/factory reset
4- wipe cache partition
5- install zip from sdcard
6- backup and restore
7- mounts and storage
8- advanced
9- power off

```

I am unable to figure out a way to turn on my phone. I am new to this so can you help in suggesting a way to access my phone? Every time I reboot the same ClockworkMod screen pops up.

# Answer
Fixed it by rooting the phone with a different kernel version. Installing in appropriate kernel was the reason for this problem.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-2, reboot, clockworkmod-recovery
---


# Question
Title: How to play already transfered music with 'Music' app?
I just bought Galaxy S2. Its really cool, but I have one serious problem! I transfered few MP3 files using USB and copied those files to *usbStorage/*. When I open 'My files' app on S2, it does show those files.

When I open the 'Music' app, there aren't any clue of new files. Only the default music.

It there any way to somehow add that music to 'Music' app? Maybe I need to get other app to play music?

If relevant, I have a Samsung Galaxy S2 running Android 2.3.3 and my computer has Debian 6.0.2.

# Answer
The answer is **NOT** to copy to the directory named `usbStorage`. Probably, just for Galaxy S2.

Create new directory named `Media` in `/` and move your music in it. Then, reboot (optional).
> 0 votes

# Answer
Remount SD card or even restart will also work or just browse using any file manager type of apps and play using Music app...
> 5 votes

# Answer
Just move your mp3 files to the Media folder on the phone and Music players will see them. You will also be able to assign the files to the contacts from your address book as personal ringtones.
> 3 votes

# Answer
For syncing music to your device I use Songbird and find it throughly good, and a great iTunes alternative. I would suggest you run Songbird, then let it find all your music files, take the original files off your Samsung, and then sync Sonbird with the Galaxy device. Good luck!

Builds can be found here
> 1 votes

# Answer
The easiest way to do this is install winamp on both your computer and your phone. It is a free software and app, so no purchase is necessary. This will do exactly what itunes does with i\* devices.

Winamp will discover your phone on your computer and allow you to literally drag and drop your music files to your phone within winamp. It also imports all your songs from your itunes music folder, so it's a very simple process. It even updates the library if the itunes music folder is updated (songs are deleted or added).
> 0 votes

---
Tags: usb, music, media-player
---


# Question
Title: How can I get ADB to recognize my Spice MI 350?
I want to use my Spice MI 350 for testing an application I'm developing. I have tried following this link, but so far I cannot get it working.

When I run `adb devices` I get `????????` as device name. The Device Chooser which appears just before running the application also displays `???????`.

How do I get my `adb` to recognize my Spice MI 350 (Android 2.3.3) so I can test my application?

**EDIT** I work on Ubuntu 11.10 and Eclipse 3.7.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I work on the Linux 11.10, I solved the problem by researching on various blogs. I particularly found this link very helpful.

Actually the vendor ID in "/etc/udev/rules.d/51-android.rules" was wrong. As I couldn't find the Spice in the Android's developer site.

Executing command `lsusb` gave me the correct vendor id....

```
$ lsusb
Bus 001 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub
Bus 002 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub
Bus 003 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub
Bus 004 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0003 Linux Foundation 3.0 root hub
Bus 001 Device 002: ID 8087:0024 Intel Corp. Integrated Rate Matching Hub
Bus 002 Device 002: ID 8087:0024 Intel Corp. Integrated Rate Matching Hub
Bus 001 Device 003: ID 046d:c31d Logitech, Inc.
Bus 001 Device 004: ID 046d:c05a Logitech, Inc. Optical Mouse M90
Bus 002 Device 004: ID 2006:0c03 (-->2006 is the vendor id for Spice MI 350)

```

Now My /etc/udev/rules.d/51-android.rules file looks like:-

SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTR{idVendor}=="2006", MODE="0666" GROUP="plugdev"

Now after restarting adb services... i.e.

```
su
$ adb kill-server
$ adb start-server
$ adb devices

```

The output is :-

```
List of devices attached
0123456789ABCDEF    device

```

Now when I launch application from eclipse ide it automatically identifies the device....

# Answer
> 2 votes
If you are using a Windows machine, then it sounds like maybe the drivers you are using are not the correct drivers.

Download the drivers from here (at the bottom) and install those drivers on the system.

To install the drivers:

1. connect your phone to your pc with USB debugging mode enabled.
2. Windows will not be able to install drivers on its own. So, go to 'Device Manager'. Under 'Other Devices', you will have your phone's name, Spice Mi-350n/Fly IQ260.
3. Right click and select 'Update Driver Software...' and select 'Browse my computer for driver software' and browse to the location where you extracted the drivers and click 'Next'.

---
Tags: adb, spice-mi-350
---


title: How to protect my Google Account?

text:
# Question
Title: How to protect my Google Account?
I am very concerned with security of my Google account in case I lose the phone (as in: lose it, have it stolen/robbed, etc.). Right now it seems that whoever grabs my phone will also have full access to mail, calendar etc.

I would be perfectly happy to sync manually and/or have a password prompt every time I try to sync, but I don't see this option.

How can I protect my account? Is screen lock any good? How hard is it to bypass it?

The phone is HTC Desire should it matter.

# Answer
Instead of entering a password every time you sync or access your mails - which will also be more insecure, because you enter the password often and in public - think about a **good screen lock** (PIN or Password) and a **remote wipe solution.**

Changing your Google account password is always a good idea in case of a stolen Android device. According to Oleg Ostroumov comment, the device will stay logged in for ~hour and then request a password.
> 13 votes

# Answer
In addition to what Flow says, and I think this is a superior solution:

**Use application-specific passwords**

The idea here is that you can create an application-specific password for any non web-based application that needs your Google credentials (think Android phones, mail clients, IM clients, etc.) You create a credential for each purpose and use this instead of your Google password -- this doesn't require special cooperation by third-party application developers. You can keep track of all issued application-specific passwords, and revoke them on a case-by-case basis if necessary. So if your phone is stolen, you can easily revoke access to your Google account and the attacker will no longer be able to log in as you. Please note that some applications might leave behind contact lists and offline email which will still be on the device even if it's not associated with a valid Google account. You'll need a remote wipe application for this purpose.

You can find this on your Google Account settings page. Look for authorizing applications and sites, and take it from there. See also this video from Google about 2-step authorization and application-specific passwords.

While at it, enable 2-step authorization using your Android device for an extra layer of security when you log in from an unknown computer/device.
> 12 votes

---
Tags: 2.2-froyo, security, google-account, lost-phone
---


# Question
Title: How to connect Galaxy Spica 2.1 to tv using RCA/ Phono cable
I bought an RCA phono cable 3.5mm. Connected it to my phone and to my tv but I only hear the audio that I play. I wanna watch the movies of my phone on the tv. Any help?

# Answer
> 3 votes
According to the specs I was looking at, the Galaxy Spica only supports audio out, not video.

---
Tags: video-out
---


# Question
Title: Screen size and density of Samsung Galaxy Y
I want to know about the screen size and density of the Samsung Galaxy Y. Which category of screen size (small, normal, large,x-large) or density (ldpi, mdpi, hdpi, x-hdpi) is its screen? Any references would be helpful.

# Answer
Using the following diagram from developer.android.com you can see where it falls in the specs:

It's **3 inches** diagonally - it falls in the "small" category.

It's **133ppi** \- which is definitely ldpi.
> 4 votes

---
Tags: screen, samsung-galaxy-y
---


title: Android not syncing anymore

text:
# Question
Title: Android not syncing anymore
My wifi doesn't turn green anymore, just stays grey/white, therefore my google apps do not sync anymore. I have internet. HTC Desire 2.3.7

Any help?

# Answer
> 2 votes
I've had this problem too, but I have found that it is correlated to low internal memory on the phone. Try clearing the cache from some apps and uninstalling the ones you don't use, it helped for me. Nexus One 2.3.7

---
Tags: wi-fi, sync
---


# Question
Title: Why do the "Successfully updated" notifications disappear?
I noticed a weird behavior when updating applications with the newer Gingerbread (2.3.5?) and now Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0.3) builds. It might also be the case with other versions, but I have not seen it with 2.3.3 and lower on my Nexus S. **EDIT:** As Chahk pointed out below, it might not be related to the Android OS version but rather to a recent change in the Market App.

I have a lot of apps installed (currently around 160). Now when I go to the Market after a couple of days there are usually several updates available (say 10).

**The way it used to be:** I hit "Update 10" and let the device download and install the updates. After that I had 10 separate "Successfully updated" notification messages in my notification window.

**The way it is now:** During update installations the "Successfully updated" notifications seem to randomly disappear or not show up at all.

Why is that? Is there a way to get the old behavior back? Otherwise there would be no way to tell which apps have received updates without first making a list of all the apps prior to pressing "Update".

# Answer
This is a new 'feature' in market version 3.x, which got pushed out some time last year to gingerbread devices. If you have a rooted phone and really want the old behaviour back, uninstall the 'market updater' and install android market 2.3.6 Here's an apk of it from my dropbox https://dl.dropbox.com/u/2302883/com.android.vending-5cbc09eeba96ab104fe111e029312f42.apk.gz
> 2 votes

---
Tags: applications, google-play-store, updates, notifications
---


# Question
Title: Epic 4g Touch: Choose to route calls through Google Talk or Sprint
A friend of mine just got the Epic 4g Touch (a.k.a. the Sprint version of the Samsung Galaxy s2). He has installed the Google Voice app on all of his previous Android devices and there has always been an option somewhere to choose whether outgoing calls are routed through Sprint or Google. This also changes which of his numbers shows up. However, on his new phone, all calls come from his Google voice number and neither of us can find where to change it.

Is this a new "feature" intended to simplify the program? Is it some restriction that the Sprint-branded software creates? Or are we missing something?

# Answer
> 0 votes
He had other problems so he has now switched Google Voice to use his Sprint number.

---
Tags: calls, google-voice, samsung-galaxy-s-2
---


# Question
Title: How do I change the Wi-Fi hotspot channel?
Is it possibe to change the channel my phone broadcasts its Wi-Fi hotspot on?

Right now it's using the same channel as my neighbour (6). My router is reporting several unused slots.

# Answer
If you're referring to the one built into Froyo (and I assume Gingerbread), when you're creating your hostspot hit the Menu button and you'll see Advanced options. In there you can select the channel.
> 4 votes

# Answer
I'm reasonably sure that you cannot change the WiFi hotspot channel without firmware modification in standard Android Gingerbread.

I have an Nexus One (Android version 2.3.6) and I have not found any advanced menu accessible from the menu button and I've tried hitting the menu button to no avail in every WiFi tethering page. I've only been able to change SSID, Key & Security mode.
> 4 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi, wifi-hotspot
---


# Question
Title: Where are apps natively stored on a Nook running CM7 off a micro SD
I have a Nook running cm7 off a class 2 4gb sandisk. I've installed a couple of Apps on my device. I've noticed, after going to managing apps, that some apps are actually being installed internally and some apps being installed onto the SD card. I am planning to upgrade to a class 4 16gb sandisk, and I want to completely start fresh, how do I remove pre-existing apps internally? I'm slightly confused. Thanks.

edit:

Actually, so I guess verygreens method splits the SD card into 2. The first "internal (1gb)", second being the "rest of the sd ( total sd - 1gb)". So..to my understanding, apps defaults to installing "internally" or the first partition, how can I make it so it defaults to the larger partition? Or do I need to manually move it after each install of a new application?

# Answer
I would just repartition the SD card so that the first partition is larger. AFAIK the system doesn't rely only the partition size, just the order.

You could, however, run `su` then `pm setInstallLocation 2` in a terminal on the device, or from adb shell, assuming you have root. That will make installs default to the "SD card", your second partition.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Apps are stored in the .android directory of your card. The . means it is hiddden on Unix systems :)
> 0 votes

---
Tags: external-sd, nook-color
---


title: Re-run 'matched contacts suggestion'

text:
# Question
Title: Re-run 'matched contacts suggestion'
I have a hTc Evo 3D, with hTc sense. Sense has a great little tool that matches contacts from different accounts, so that all the details for a particular person are linked. i.e. Facebook, Twitter and Phone number are stored together, under a common entry.

Does anyone know how to force this to do a re-run over all my contacts? I ask because I was in a hurry the first time it ran and only accepted a few of it's suggestions and now I want to match up the remaining contacts.

Thanks!

# Answer
> 2 votes
I don't know the exact answer, but you can always manual link contacts, which is a workaround I use,

1. In Contacts, open one contact, then click the broken clip icon in the top-right corner (I am using Sensation XE).
2. In the pop up screen, choose all contacts
3. Search for the one you want to link to and click it

Then the two contact items are linked if you click Finish. You can click Cancel if you don't want them to be linked.

---
Tags: contacts, htc-sense
---


# Question
Title: How to port a SIM card to an Android phone
The procedure for porting a SIM card from a pay-as-you-go phone to an iPhone 4 is well documented (example 1, example 2, config tool for iOS 5). This is a nice option for people mostly on WiFi who use a small number of minutes (or VoIP), because with AT&T GoPhone plans, you can keep network costs down toward $100/year.

Is there a similar procedure for porting to a high-end Android phone? For example, can you buy a $3 GoPhone from Best Buy, buy an unlocked or AT&T Samsung Galaxy S II off eBay, move the SIM card into the Galaxy, and expect it to work? Other than ensuring the GoPhone plan has a data bundle feature, what other configuration is required?

# Answer
If you have an unlocked phone, I don't think there should be any problem. The SIM card for GoPhone is apparently just a regular prepaid SIM card and is not tied to the phone it is sold with. If the phone doesn't recognize the APN for 3G, just go to `Settings > Wireless and Networks > Mobile Networks > Access point Names` and enter the appropriate access point settings manually.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: sim-card, data-plan, sim-unlocking
---


title: Disappearing/deleted .pls files

text:
# Question
Title: Disappearing/deleted .pls files
I am making application that is using .pls files to read shoutcasts' adresses from them. At one moment I noticed, that sometimes .pls file I was reading data from is disappearing after I have used it.

After lots of testing, I noticed, that if I rename file to .txt, it won't get deleted.

A little more testing, a voila - sometimes, if I read data from one .pls file (pathname provided in String), ALL .pls files on sdcard get deleted! And my doing anything with any of them - they just all get deleted.

I am using HTC Desire Z, Android 2.3.3, not rooted, and I don't remember installing any applications that could be deleting files, especially without my knowledge.

Any ideas? I can provide you with the app code I am using, but I don't really think it is connected in anyway to this problem.

# Answer
Now, I am not 100% that this is the exact issue, as I do know that this is the case with .m3u playlists, but I have not tried using .pls files for a playlist.

The problem sounds like it is with the Media Scanner. When it scans the directory that the .pls file is in, it sees the playlist file (the .pls) but if the directory does not have any other media files in there (like .mp3 for example) then it automatically assumes that the playlist is empty so it deletes it.

You can create a file in the directory called `.nomedia` and the Media Scanner will not even scan the directory, leaving your .pls files alone.

To test this, you could just drop some type of media file in the directory with the .pls and see if it is still deleted (or add the .nomedia file). If it is not deleted, then it is 100% the Media Scanner causing the files to delete. If it is still deleted, then I would check if in your application you are deleting them some how.
> 4 votes

---
Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, shoutcast
---


# Question
Title: Why wait ten minutes after installing some roms?
I notice a lot of custom roms tell you to wait ten minutes after the firstboot before touching anything and was wondering why it is so.

# Answer
> 6 votes
I've never seen that particular caveat, but the most likely things I can think of:

* Caches (dalvik, in particular) being rebuilt
* First-run scripts
* Media scanner running: rebuilding thumbnails and indexes

The worry may be (particularly for first-run scripts) that if you start putting an interactive load on the device, the OS will kill those scripts that are running in the background.

In addition, interactive performance will suffer while all these things are going on. ROM authors would probably much rather have you go have a snack and come back to a phone ready to go rather than have your first interaction involve poor performance until the OS is "warmed up".

---
Tags: custom-roms
---


title: Get charge state remotely

text:
# Question
Title: Get charge state remotely
I want my desktop to check state of the phone and warn me at appropriate time (calculated on my presence at the desktop, phone charge, time of day and other criteria).

Is there a way to get my phone charge state remotely? What software/services should I use?

As programmer, I'd prefer a solution that would allow to script criteria and logic myself. All I need are means to access charge state remotely say through Google API's or web-published information.

I'm asking this question here as I believe there should be a ton of monitoring Android applications publishing state by various means.

# Answer
There's an app here that allows you to do that according to the description (along with many more things): https://market.android.com/details?id=com.androidlost&hl=en

If you want to code your own application then you'll want to check out this Intent and the two Intents below it (ACTION\_BATTERY\_LOW, ACTION\_BATTERY\_OKAY): http://developer.android.com/reference/android/content/Intent.html#ACTION\_BATTERY\_CHANGED

And this class which has what the Intent contains: http://developer.android.com/reference/android/os/BatteryManager.html

You could have your application pick up the ACTION\_BATTERY\_LOW Intent and then send a message to you warning you about the status.

I'm assuming you've done some Android development before, if not then get the basics down before coming back and trying to code your battery app.
> 4 votes

---
Tags: charging, remote-access
---


# Question
Title: Notification Vibration Bug on Galaxy Nexus?
My Galaxy Nexus running 4.0.2 does not vibrate for any notifications while in "vibrate" mode. Haptic feedback works, and the phone vibrates when I receive phone calls, but not for notifications. The global vibrate setting under "Sound" in the menu is set to "Always", and individual apps like Gmail, Messaging, etc. have vibrate set to "Always".

Any help appreciated! Thanks!

# Answer
I took the phone to two different Verizon stores, talked to phone support, and even got a replacement- to no avail. *Finally I installed the Sound Manager app and set it to "Vibrate Whenever Possible".* This fixed the problem!
> 0 votes

# Answer
There is a separate vibrate setting in the menu for sms messaging under Settings.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Try installing the Llama app then removing it. For some reason it fixes this, I had the same problem. There is a issue on the tracker that could help.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: notifications, vibration, samsung-galaxy-nexus
---


# Question
Title: Apply manual update on Xoom without an OTG cable
So the ICS update came out for Xoom and applying it is straight forward enough - pretty much like in any other case. Except, it seems to require the OTG cable.

Would anybody know a way to do that without using such cable? I mean, applying the patch either from the internal memory or from the sd mount?

# Answer
> 3 votes
If you live in non-US country, then you can follow a guide for installing the US-based ICS on you Xoom that I've written up on my blog. The basic procedure is:

> 1. Install Android SDK and Motorola USB drivers on your PC
> 2. Download US honeycomb stock ROM from here
> 3. Extract all files from this ZIP file into platform-tools folder under Android SDK
> 4. Boot the device into fastboot mode.
> 5. Then from command prompt (with current directory ‘sdk/platform-tools’) run following commands-
>     1. fastboot oem unlock (this is red pill, at this point your device warranty voids! welcome to matrix!!)
>     2. fastboot flash boot boot.img
>     3. fastboot flash system system.img
>     4. fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
>     5. fastboot flash userdata userdata.img
>     6. fastboot erase cache
> 6. now reboot the device
> 7. go to settings -\> about -\> update, this will download subsequent ROM update and will install it, and then reboot
> 8. repeat step-7 until all updates are done (will normally need 4-5 update cycles)

Note that it will void your device warranty

# Answer
> 1 votes
Which version of the Xoom do you have? Motorola have so far only released an ICS update for the US Wifi version of the Xoom (the 3G version and the International version use different firmware and haven't had the update yet, applying this update to those models may harm them).

If you do have a US Wifi Xoom then Motorola are already actively pushing this update out and have been doing this in batches since 24th Jan. If your device is regularly connected to the internet and hasn't automatically picked up the update yet, then you can force it to go and check by going into **Settings** -\> **About tablet** and selecting **System updates** it should then go and check for you.

In the future, if you want to have a chance of getting Xoom updates early, you can join the official Motorola Feedback Network, members of that group did reportedly get the ICS update a few weeks earlier than everyone else. Join it by signing up at the Motorola Forums and selecting the "Motorola Feedback Network" option.

If you do want to do this manual update, then you can pick up a USB OTG (aka Host Mode USB cable) very cheaply on eBay, I got one for connecting my camera to the Xoom for a couple of pounds, including postage from Hong Kong!

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, motorola-xoom, usb-host-mode
---


# Question
Title: Samsung Galaxy S heat up a lot, getting restarted and slow start up time
I'm using Samsung galaxy S with O.S. 2.3.3. I'm having the following problems. It is getting heated up a lot. Because of this the battery is drained so faster. That too when it is getting charged if I place butter it melts down. It is also getting restarted whenever there is an exception in the app. I'm having a lot of applications so the start up time is very slow around 3 - 8 minutes to load.

# Answer
Seems like you have a battery drainer App which also heats up the CPU by holding a wakelock and using the CPU the whole time. You need to identify and remove that App.

The Galaxy S has a pretty nice App called "program manager", also using Androids built-in "what caused the most battery consumption" feature should help you to find this App.
> 1 votes

# Answer
You said you have a lot of apps. Are a lot of them running in the background? If so, they could be the cause of your issues. It could be also possible that you have a virus, or you have an anti-virus (which could be eating up a lot of CPU processes).
> 0 votes

# Answer
I have the same problem and found that the problem is the memory card. If I remove the memory card, the phone is good — battery back up and run with out heating up.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s, reboot
---


# Question
Title: where is factory data reset option on Android 2.3.5?
Where is the `Factory Data Reset` option on an HTC ChaCha Android 2.3.5 phone? I haven't been able to find the option anywhere, and it is recommended to free up memory, which is short in this phone.

Could it be that I can't do a "Factory data reset" on this model? I am looking at the Settings -\> Privacy menu, and I only get:

```
Display message text [x]
Back up my settings [x]
Automatic restore [x]

```

nothing more...

# Answer
> 5 votes
Answering myself, it seems in this phone is under: "SD & phone storage \> Factory data reset."

# Answer
> 4 votes
Whilst this doesn't answer the original question, it is useful information to maintain here. For some older phones (including a non-HTC Android 2.3.4 phone) this setting is found at:

Settings -\> Privacy -\> Factory data reset

---
Tags: factory-reset
---


# Question
Title: modify the HTC unlock system on an HTC Android 2.3.5 phone?
My HTC Unlock system comes with "Phone", "Mail", "Camera" and "Messages" options on top of the bubble-thingy that one has to move around to unlock. How can I modify the options in this menu to add new app icons or remove any of these four?

# Answer
Long tap in your main launcher window --\> (Personalize menu pops)--\> click on "Display" --\> Lockscreen --\> Settings.

You can only switch between application, but you cannot have more than 4.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: htc-sense, lock-screens, htc, menu
---


title: Not sure if Kernel Version correct

text:
# Question
Title: Not sure if Kernel Version correct
I recently updated my Samsung GT-S5830 to Gingerbread via Kies. After the update my phone is displaying the kernel version as `2.6.35.7-perf-CL5XXXXX root@DELL 142 #1`. The `X`s are some 5 digit number. Im not sure if this is normal or if theres something wrong (because of the 'root'). Any clues?

# Answer
I can see how you'd be confused by that. It doesn't indicate that your phone is rooted, just that the kernel was compiled by the root user (on a DELL build machine, apparently)! If you look at `/system/build.prop` (probably requires root to look, ha) you'll see some other similar information about the build. Mine says "jaeyoon.yoon@SEP-05" for the same info.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, samsung-galaxy-ace, device-firmware
---


title: ProxyDroid not working

text:
# Question
Title: ProxyDroid not working
I am using connectify + proxy droid, yet only proxydroid seems to connect to the internet, while nothing else works.

Proxydroid connects in the sense that, it loads ads.

Nothing else works.

I'm rooted.

Is there any alternative way to set system wide proxy access? Nothing seems to be working. I tried autoproxy also.

Help.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Hmmm. Did you definitely tick the 'Transparent Proxy' option? That tells it to make everything go through the proxy.

Another thing I have noticed when using it is that it can be quite specific with a proxy - my school uses microsoft tmg, and has the proxy as 'tmg' in browsers, but proxydroid needs the full URL to the system (which is TMG.academy.(myschoolwebsiteurl).co.uk)

---
Tags: proxy
---


# Question
Title: Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc randomly reboots
I realise this might be a repeat question, or discussed at length in some related posts, please don't hesitate to discipline me if I'm being redundant.

I just really want to know not only if anyone else is experiencing random reboots on their Xperia Arcs (or any similar phone), but also if they've successfully resolved the issue? This is driving me completely insane, and I'm really disappointed because I really love my phone!

I've done a hard-reset, deleted everything off the SD card, and updated the phone to the latest available software from Sony Ericsson (Android v2.3.4). I've installed only 1 application, the logcat application mentioned in this answer, but that was after my phone rebooted TWICE today, and I also have no idea what log information I'm looking for...

I've read this post by Zano, as well as this one by ninjaPixel with no avail.

I refuse to believe that 'jimmy-ing' in a piece of paper to make the battery make contact better is the solution - as the battery in my phone is pretty tight already, and I've witnessed my phone reboot while simply lying on the desk - but I've tried that too and will continue to monitor...

ANY help will be greatly appreciated, and I'll continue to research and post back any additional information I find. Thanks in advance!

**UPDATE #1:**

So far so good, no additional apps have been installed, and I've removed the logcat app that was on there as it wasn't helping assess anything. I've also installed a very professional piece of paper between the battery and the outside cover to help keep it more secure than usual. Holding thumbs..!

**UPDATE #2:**

Almost 2 weeks after my previous update, and still no reboot. It seems that although I wouldn't believe it to be as a result of the battery not connecting properly, it didn't mean that it wasn't the battery...I'll make this the last update, and say, in my case, the problem was because the battery wasn't connecting properly and adding a small piece of paper between the battery and the outside cover has done the trick. Thanks all for reading, and for your time and patience!

# Answer
> 2 votes
In my case it didn't seem to have anything to do with any software configuration or combination on my phone and was purely hardware related. This is not to say that in some cases the software you may or may not have on your device would be causing a memory leak / stack overflow and causing your device to reboot as a result.

I couldn't, and wouldn't, believe it, but after adding a small piece of paper between the battery and the phone under the back cover, my Xperia Arc hasn't rebooted for 3 weeks, whereas before it would reboot around twice a day.

Once again, thanks all for the suggestions and comments. I'll continue to monitor my phone, but I don't foresee any future reboots...related to the battery anyway...

# Answer
> 2 votes
You need to update your phone to the latest firmware 4.0.2.A.0.62. I bet yours is 4.0.2.A.0.58

If you can't update the phone over OTA or PC Suite, use WOTAN to update the phone to 4.0.2.A.0.62. The reboot problem occurred on nearly all SE Xperia Models.

# Answer
> 2 votes
I had this problem and even sent my arc to a service centre for repair who said it's fine. I was about to send the battery in for examination when I noticed black marks on the gold contacts. I cleaned the contacts and it's never restarted since (in around 7 months)

---
Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, reboot, sony-xperia-arc
---


# Question
Title: What happened to Lenovo LePhone? Is it on the market? Was it released?
I found a lot of adds, comparisons, and presentations of Lenovo LePhone, mostly from January 2010, but on earth I cannot find any store where to buy it! Was it released at last?

# Answer
It was released, but only in China:

> In May 2010, the company launched its 2,899-yuan LePhone, which China Unicom sold 145,000 units after hitting the market, to compete with Apple's 4,999-yuan iPhone4.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: keyboard
---


# Question
Title: How do I install live wallpapers I get from outside the android market?
I have downloaded lots of Live wall papers from Android market.They work like charm. I was trying to figure out a way to install Third party live wall papers (Non-Android Market Specific) on my Samsung ACE 5830 Phone. Is this possible?

# Answer
Check if on your phone you have the following option: `Menu -> Settings -> Applications -> Unknown sources`. Make sure it's checked to allow non-Market installs.

On older (and newer) Android OS versions this option could be under a different menu, or be absent altogether because some carriers disable this it.

Once the option is enabled and you have some Live Wallpapers downloaded from elsewhere, you should be able to side-load them. Just copy the APK file to your SD Card, then use any one of the free file browser apps from Market to "launch" the APK from the SD Card. This should invoke Android's built-in package installer and complete the installation.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: live-wallpaper
---


title: Guitar recording on Android?

text:
# Question
Title: Guitar recording on Android?
I've tried to plug my electric guitar into Toshiba Thrive tablet and record some music using the default Sound Recorder app.

I found that the tablet recorded sounds as if the guitar is not attached to the tablet, there was a lot of noise and the guitar sound was not clear.

When I plug my guitar to the sound card of the PC the sound produced is similar to what I hear when I plug the guitar to a real guitar amplifier; the sound is **"clean"**. I expected the same when plugging into the tablet.

Is there a method to achieve the same clean sound on my Android tablet?

# Answer
> 2 votes
The info I'm finding suggests that you need a 4-ring TRRS connector to use a mic, and that the bundled Sound Recorder app will ignore this regardless and just use the internal mic, so you'll need a different recording app.

---
Tags: toshiba-ac100, audio-recording
---


title: move micro SD card to another phone

text:
# Question
Title: move micro SD card to another phone
I have recently moved all my applications from my Samsung ACE 5830 to Micro SD card. As a next step i am trying to figure out move all my phon esettings to the SD card. In short, what i am looking at is :

1)I want everything to be stored on the Micro SD card. 2) When i buy a new Samsung or any other Android phone, I just move the Micro SD card to new phone and it should behave like my old phone with aal its settings and applications intact.

Is this possible?

# Answer
> 3 votes
As far as I know there's no way of doing this directly. However you have a few options:

* Enable Google's backup (`Settings -> Privacy`). It will sync your settings and app list to the cloud, as well as any app data for apps that support it.
* If you're rooted, use Titanium Backup. It can save all your apps and data, and you could put the backup on your SD card. You won't want to restore the data for system apps between two different phones though, since they're unlikely to be entirely compatible.

---
Tags: external-sd
---


title: What does Hot Boot mean?

text:
# Question
Title: What does Hot Boot mean?
In Miui ROMs, there are four options for rebooting a phone from the power menu:

What does "Hot Boot" mean, technically speaking? Are there any circumstances where a hot boot could cause harm? Are there any reasons for choosing to hot boot at all?

# Answer
If it works like other "hot boot" apps and functions, then it basically restarts the Android GUI processes/threads. There was an XDA news post a while back after someone made an app for it where the app author described it as such:

> Hot reboot by rebooting only the graphical Android shell.

From what I know it's sort of equivalent to restarting your X server in a Linux environment (like hitting `CTRL` \+ `ALT` \+ `BACKSPACE`, for example). I would definitely doubt that you'd cause any damage by restarting your graphical environment, especially considering other OSes do this pretty easily, but I suppose there's an outside chance if MIUI implements it strangely.

Typically the reason people use a "hot boot" option is if the UI has somehow gotten sluggish and would benefit from a restart but they want to save time by not restarting the whole system (maybe a memory leak in the UI or something of that sort). It could also be useful if you need to restart the UI to apply some sort of change, like a theme perhaps.
> 9 votes

---
Tags: reboot, miui
---


# Question
Title: Music player with labelled regions or time markers
Do you know a music player that allows to add labels to parts of the audio file so later on I can easily find the region and play just that part of the audio file?(Like in Audacity.)

Or at least time-markers?

# Answer
> 1 votes
I found a way: a simple html document using the html5 audio tag opened in the readily available Android Browser is sufficient for my modest needs.

---
Tags: music-player
---


# Question
Title: Security / Privacy concerns regarding custom android ROM
What are the security and privacy concerns surrounding using a custom android ROM like that of cyanogen?

# Answer
I would say the biggest issue with a lot of custom ROMs including Cyanogen's is that the OS and system apps are signed with test keys. These keys are publicly available, meaning that it is possible for someone to write an app that uses "signatureOrSystem" or "signature" level permissions. There are known cases of malware that targets these custom ROMs \[1,2\].

On a more positive note, if you run a rooted devices, you can do things like set up a *host* file to block ads, enable a firewall per application, selectively disable permissions, etc. Custom ROMs often ship with newer kernels, so a lot of security vulnerabilities that are kernel-based are dealt with faster than what Google can do.

\[1\] http://www.cs.ncsu.edu/faculty/jiang/Fjcon/

\[2\] http://blog.mylookout.com/blog/2011/06/15/security-alert-malware-found-targeting-custom-roms-jsmshider/
> 5 votes

# Answer
Well, it is open source so you can look at the code and build it yourself if for any reason you don't trust the binaries that are shared.

I believe the only data they collect is from crash logs, and maybe the number of installs (I can't find a source for this if anyone can help me out here).

Other than that, a lot of people use it as it is probably the most popular rom out there. If there were privacy issues, people would be all over it.
> 4 votes

---
Tags: security, custom-roms, privacy
---


title: move .apk files to Nokia 6303

text:
# Question
Title: move .apk files to Nokia 6303
I have downloaded many Live wall papers on my Samsung Galaxy ACE 5830 Phone .

1) Is there a way to move the these to Nokia 6303 Phone

2) how can i install .APK files on the same Nokia Phone from my PC.

# Answer
> 2 votes
The Nokia 6303 is not an Android phone. You can't use the live wallpapers or .apk files from your Glaxy Ace on the 6303 unless you've somehow managed to install Android on it (which, since you did not specifically note that you did, I assume you have not).

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can't.. Nokia dosen't run Android, and you can only use a apk file on Android devices..

So you need to buy an android phone...

Sorry...

---
Tags: live-wallpaper
---


# Question
Title: How long are older versions of Android supported
Having very recently acquired my first Android phone, I am interested in Apps development. I know this site tries to avoid dev specific questions, but I hope you'll still find my question relevant.

I am wondering whether to learn development for the "upcoming" Android4.0 version or to stick to the "current" 2.3 version. The arguments pro 4.0 are obvious but here are a few advantages about 2.3:

* Documentation is widely more available. Tutorials are easier to find. People in the community are more familiar and more likely to help.
* 2.3 is on my phone (Galaxy SII). 4.0 won't be for some time. I don't want my app to be confined to an emulator or a SDK.

In order to help me make up my mind, I have one specific question to ask:

**How long will the 2.3 version still be around?**

* Are there any upcoming phone scheduled with that version?
* Will Google/manufacturers still provide updates, patches and support?
* Is it likely that (like some notorious open source projects) the 2.x branch will be forked and keep evolving?

Being new to the community, I'm hoping you could provide answers based both on references to official announcements, and past behaviours when Android went from 1.x to 2.x

# Answer
> 2 votes
When you're about to start Android app development, you should not stick to the 'old' Gingerbread version.

Of course you'll still use many things introduced in Android 2.3 and older, so most of the tutorials still work. This is very important, because even if you target API level 15, you need to care about backward compatibility!

As an unexperienced developer, later Android versions help you writing better apps. For example Android 3+ applications forces developers to use AsyncTasks for networking services, so your application does not freeze on network issues.

---
Tags: android-versions
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to force a link to actually become a hyperlink in SMS?
Is there a way to easily send a link to someone that uses a non-standard domain extension `.me`. When I send it, my phone and their phone doesn't auto-linkify it because it doesn't use a common extension. Whenever I've sent links with `.com` before they automatically become links, but using my `.me` domain it appears it gets ignored, even when it has the full `http://` in front of it. Is it possible to identify that part of a message as a hyperlink/URL when sending the message, so it gets shown as a link to the person on the receiving end?

# Answer
> 4 votes
The "linkification" is actually handled by the SMS application on the device, not by anything within the message. If their device is not changing it to a link, then the device is not parsing the links correctly for all top level domains. There is nothing you can do about it really. The only thing that I could think of around this is to use some link shorter that will show as a clickable link and send those, but that is a lot more work because now you need to generate the shortened link first.

---
Tags: sms
---


# Question
Title: Picture always appears on Facebook as "on line"
My picture is constantly being displayed as "on line" in Facebook even when I am not. I have completely uninstalled the Facebook app from my Droid 3 and all related apps yet my picture continues to show me as available on Facebook through mobile. How can I get my picture off. I am already "off line" on the actual Facebook program - I can't see anyone, but everyone can still see me. Please help...

# Answer
> 1 votes
Log out from Facebook app and Facebook messenger app before uninstalling them. I also had similar problem with early version of Facebook messenger.

Also in my case when my friends tried to send me message the chat box had info saying "Message will be sent to Mobile device" or something like this.

---
Tags: motorola-droid, 3g
---


# Question
Title: Move angry birds progress from one device to another (cross-platform)
I was playing angry birds on iPhone, now I am selling my iPhone 3GS on ebay because I got an android (galaxy nexus).

Is there any way to transfer progress in the game over to new phone? I like the game but I don't think I could really be bothered playing all again up to where I was at..

# Answer
I found this thread on xda-developers. If you have jail broken iPhone and rooted Android phone, you can transfer your progress.

Basically you have to copy two files, highscores.lua and settings.lua from /private/var/mobile/Applications/(very long string)/Documents from iPhone and replace them on Android phone in /data/data/com.rovio.angrybirds/files/. You also have to fix permission and make sure you've completed at least 1 level in Android phone before replacing the two files.

If you trust yourself you can also use programs like Angry birds unlock all level in Android and unlock only up to the level you've completed in iPhone. But you won't have exact score and hidden star collections. So though little troublesome the earlier way might be what you want.
> 10 votes

# Answer
No. There is no guarantee that the information is stored in the same format between multiple platforms. But also there isn't a way to browse the data files on ios or access the file system. Unless you are rooted, I don't think you have access to where the data files are stored on android either. Either way, you are sort of stuck.

The game data is stored locally on the devices, not on a remote server. They should store it on a server, especially now that the game is available to play on both Google+ and Facebook as well as the mobile devices.
> 5 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-nexus, ios, angry-birds
---


title: Link2SD working issues

text:
# Question
Title: Link2SD working issues
I have installed the Link2SD application on my Samsung Galaxy Ace, everything is in place, now I dont understand how it works. I have allotted 1GB of space to my second `ext3` partition, I have 2 doubts:

1. Whenever I link my application, those space does not gets deducted from internal memory, I checked in *Settings → Manage Application*
2. When I move the application to SD card, still I have some space occupied in internal memory

I don't understand the exact use of Link2SD: if I allotted 1GB of space for the apps, then why my internal space is being used -- and if Link2SD does work like this only, then I would better use force move application using `adb shell`, which even does not require rooting. Can anyone please clarify my doubts, and let me know how can I use *Link2SD*, so that everything is moved to SD Card and nothing remains in internal memory?

# Answer
An application files consist of apk, dex, lib and data files. Link2sd can only move the first three types of files to your SD card. Program like Google+ has huge data files so even after using link2sd they take up precious space of internal memory.

When you move app to sd, only the apk file(in Android 2.2) and only the apk and lib files (in Android 2.3) are moved.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-ace, partitions, link2sd, ext3
---


# Question
Title: Google+ client that takes up less space?
Has anyone tried a Google+ client that takes up less space than the standard client from Google Inc.? My phone gets full very quickly and right now the Google+ client is one of the largest installed apps I've got. Any suggestions?

The most useful feature of the client compared to using the browser version is that I can do "Share" from any other app, usually Google Reader, directly to Google+ without having to copy+paste the URL I want to share.

EDIT: This is on an HTC ChaCha (Status) which has a pretty tight memory space.

# Answer
The mobile web version of the Google+ can be accessed from the browser. It provides all the basic features, although since it's just a web app there is no integration with the OS (no notification, etc).

Size? 0 kb.
> 5 votes

# Answer
I have searched though the Android Market and it dosen't look like there are any other app's which can do that.

But if you need space you can install a custom ROM on your phone and make an external partition on your sd card.

Then you can get 1 GB ekstra space for apps etc.

But since i don't know which phone you have, i can't point you to a specific guide.

But i would do that or you can try App2SD from the market, which can move some of the apps to your sd card :)
> 0 votes

# Answer
Google+ api does not support many features at the moment. Or i should say the API is readonly at the moment.

Due to this limitation there are hardly any apps for Google+, till that time either stick to google+ app, or the web app.

Since HTC Cha Cha is using Android 2.3 (Ginger Bread), you should be able to move Google+ to the SD card. (Settings -\> Applications -\> Manage Applications -\> Downloaded (tab) -\> Select Google+ -\> Move to SD card)

or the alternate solution is install Apps2SD (lightweight app), and use it to l
> 0 votes

---
Tags: google-plus
---


# Question
Title: need to install gtalk on my HCL X1 tab and also Skype
My tab uses 2.3.3 android version and I need to install Gtalk and Skype. As I read thro threads only after 2.3.4 gtalk is available. But any methods available for Gtalk on 2.3.3? also on skype Please help

# Answer
> 3 votes
Google Talk is available for most Android versions, and in fact is pre-installed on all Google-authorised Android devices that have the Android Market and GMail installed (because both of those apps rely on Talk to do their authentication and communication). It may just be called "Talk" on your device rather than "Google Talk" or "Gtalk".

If you're talking about Google Voice, then that app is available to all devices using Android 1.6 and higher, but you can currently only use the service within the US.

Skype use is blocked by some phone networks, but is generally available otherwise if you're outside the US, see this previous answer for some of the options.

---
Tags: google-talk, skype
---


title: upgarde to 2.2 android OS- X8 mobile

text:
# Question
Title: upgarde to 2.2 android OS- X8 mobile
can anyone provide me the simple steps to upgrade to 2.2 from 2.1 android OS for X8 Xperia mobile. If so, is that fine to do myself without the help of sony erricson departmental store ?

# Answer
There's no official upgrade to 2.2 for X8 Xperia, Wikipedia says. You can install a third-party ROM, though -- it seems the latest Cyanogenmod 7.1 is available for this device. Which is even better, considering that ROM is based on Gingerbread 2.3 instead of Froyo.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: 2.2-froyo, 2.1-eclair, sony-ericsson-xperia-x8
---


# Question
Title: What user agent does Chrome Mobile Beta have?
I don't own any Android device and right now nobody is online that I could ask: What's the user agent of the new Chrome Mobile Beta?

Could someone visit this site http://whatsmyuseragent.com/ with Chrome Mobile and copy it in here? I'm trying to match all mobile browsers with PHP and the user agent string and Chrome Mobile is missing! :)

// I know the user agent will be a little different for every device, so the question title is not exact.

# Answer
> 5 votes
Here is the useragent from chrome beta on my transformer prime

Mozilla/5.0 (Linux; U; Android 4.0.3; en-us; Transformer Prime TF201 Build/IML74K) AppleWebKit/535.7 (KHTML, like Gecko) CrMo/16.0.912.75 Safari/535.7

# Answer
> 3 votes
Mine is:

> Mozilla/5.0 (Linux; U; Android 4.0.2; en-us; Galaxy Nexus Build/ICL53F) AppleWebKit/535.7 (KHTML, like Gecko) CrMo/16.0.912.75 Mobile Safari/535.7

---
Tags: chrome-for-android
---


# Question
Title: How do apps/games become featured in the Android Market?
How do apps/games become featured in the Android Market?

# Answer
> 5 votes
As far as I know, they're simply picked by Google's staff. I'd assume they look for the general indicators of a quality app (good ratings, lots of active installs, etc) but popular or otherwise well-known developers probably have a leg up regardless. Google has never really come out and said "follow these guidelines", possibly to reduce people trying to game the system, similar to how they don't release their full page rank algorithm.

However, I can definitely say that it is not possible to purchase your way into the featured list. Google's Android Market developer help page notes specifically:

> Featured and Editor's Choice apps are chosen by the Android Market editorial team. There is no paid promotional spots or advertisements on Android Market.

Technically speaking, the only restriction I've seen is that your app must have a properly sized "featured" image to be used on the "Featured Apps" area. Aside from that, Google has been very mum about the process.

---
Tags: google-play-store
---


# Question
Title: Show IP and connection info in Minimalistic Text
is it possible to show the phone IP and/or connection info using the Minimalistic Text widget ?

I did not find any field of this kind in the customization menu, but I do know that is possible to supply external variables via other programs: for instance, I use Llama to print my location on the widget.

Maybe there are some programs that can do the same.

# Answer
As of the new and current Minimalistic Text version, it is possible to print the Wifi IP and SSID information if you donate to the developer.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: app-widgets, customization
---


# Question
Title: Connecting Android to Ford Sync via Bluetooth?
I am trying to get Bluetooth audio to work with my Ford Touch. It's has worked but I can't figure out the conditions where it does. It will pair just fine but when I try to play audio it will display a message saying it has disconnected.

I have tried doing some changes to the audio.conf as recommended on a couple of forums. But I don't see a change in behavior.

My phone is a Nexus One running CyanogenMod.

# Answer
This issue is very likely due to the way the Ford Sync system does an initial media connection to the phone. When it connects to the phone, Ford Sync appears to immediately send a "play" command (similar to what a headset play button would do) to the phone. The problem arises when you have more than one app installed that is capable of listening for these bluetooth play events. The OS gets confused and disconnects from Ford Sync.

If you have multiple media players installed (including podcast aggregators), try removing them and re-installing them one by one. Try Ford Sync after you install each one.
> 2 votes

# Answer
I had a very similar issue with **CyanogenMod**, I however broke my phone and got another, I was thinking it was thinking it was and HTC problem at first, but with the standard OS it is working perfectly. I have heard people could get it working by not syncing the address book, however that did not work for me.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, bluetooth
---


title: Adb push does not work

text:
# Question
Title: Adb push does not work
When I run the command

```
adb push file.txt /flash/Data

```

it writes this error message

```
failed to copy 'file.txt' to '/flash/Data': Read-only file system

```

I tried to solve it according to this page http://android-tricks.blogspot.com/2009/01/mount-filesystem-read-write.html but with no success.

Could you navigate me and solve the problem? thank you

# Answer
> 2 votes
You have to have root access to mount the drive as that article is describing (calling su == becoming root).

What are you trying to accomplish? Can you push the file to the sdcard instead (if your device has one)?

# Answer
> 1 votes
You normally have to be rooted to change how the filesystem is mounted.

# Answer
> 1 votes
You can attempt writing to `/data/local/tmp/` as it is writable even by normal users.

---
Tags: adb, file-transfer
---


# Question
Title: How can I embed youtube videos so they play on my HTC Wildfire?
I have created a youtube video and embedded in on this page:

http://tanguay.info/test169.htm

I tried to play it on my HTC Wildfire in the default browser, but it says there is no flash player installed.

However, I know I have played youtube videos before on this device, so it must be possible.

**What do I have to change so that my HTC Wildfire can play embedded youtube vidoes that I produce?**

# Answer
> 1 votes
You can produce videos in the vp8 format. This is Google's answer to HTML5 video and is supported by most of their phones.

You have the option of embedding the video using HTML5 and `<video>` tags, or uploading the mobile friendly version to YouTube and embedding the link in an iFrame like previously suggested.

vp8 is much like H.264 in that they both boast high-quality/low-overhead and both have hardware decoders. WebM is the container format for vp8 and will remain Royalty Free as long as the technology exists, whereas H.264 will require encoders (and possibly decoders) to pay fees for its use.

# Answer
> 0 votes
This question/answer is probably a little "off topic" for this site as it is more of a web development question.

When you embed the youtube video on the page, you have to use the iframe version, as it supports both the "flash" version and the html5 version of the embeded video. The "default" style only supports flash enabled devices, where the iframe style will support both html5 and flash (if needed).

To embed the iframe style you would do this:

`<iframe type="text/html" width="640" height="385" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VIDEO_ID" frameborder="0"></iframe>`

---
Tags: htc-wildfire, youtube
---


# Question
Title: I want to execute shell commands on my pc from my android via USB
I have a linux box, without any network interface, only usb. I have my andorid phone, and the USB cable. I would like to connect from my android device to the linux box,and execute shell commands on the linux box, via usb. there is not wifi, ethernet, oer any other interfaces.

Any idea? I tried ConnectBot, but could not make it work over USB.

# Answer
Reverse USB Tethering

```
adb shell netcfg usb0 up
adb shell netcfg usb0 dhcp
adb shell route add default gw X.X.X.X dev usb0
adb shell setprop ro.kernel.android.ndns 2
adb shell setprop net.dns1 4.2.2.2
adb shell setprop net.dns2 8.8.8.8
adb shell setprop "net.gprs.http-proxy" ""
adb shell setprop net.usb0.dns1 4.2.2.2
adb shell setprop net.usb0.dns2 8.8.8.8

```

*Do not copy and paste these commands.* Read them and see if you can understand what they are accomplishing and modify them to suit your needs. You are **routing** over USB.

```
ifconfig eth0 0.0.0.0
ifconfig usb0 0.0.0.0
brctl addbr br0
brctl addif br0 eth0
brctl addif br0 usb0
ifconfig br0 up
dhclient br0

```

*Do not copy and paste these commands.* Since you don't have network access on your PC, you will not need to make a bridge, but if you ever add a NIC, then you may want to create a **bridge**.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: usb, linux, shell
---


# Question
Title: In general, do Android apps use encrypted connections? If so, is public WiFi safer?
I know that connecting to public WiFi carries risks. I know that much of the risk has to do with sending data over a public connection, allowing it to be intercepted.

So, my question is, do most or all Android apps use SSL or some other secure protocol? Is SSL forced via Android policy or technical limitations? Would I only have to worry about websites in my browser that use http?

If an app uses a secure connection, does that mean it is significantly safer to use on a public WiFi network? I know that people creating their own WiFi network or spoofing others is still a risk, but is there anything else?

# Answer
There's nothing that forces the use of HTTPS for Android applications. Some data may not make sense to transfer over HTTPS, instead relying on other mechanisms (say, GPG key signature checks) to verify the data.
> 4 votes

# Answer
Your concern is very real. Most developers and users don't understand the benefits of using SSL and other forms of encryption.

You can guarantee encryption by using an SSH Tunnel, although it will only ensure the stream is encrypted to the exit point (which would be the server to which you're connected). This is good if you are simply trying to prevent your ISP from spying on you.

Another way would be to use TorProject's Orbot. This has the same idea in mind, except you will not be required to provide your own tunneling server and benefit from being able to change your exit point at will. Orbot also uses multiple proxies to help obfuscate your identity. Of course, you are encouraged to help participate and provide a relay if at all possible.

## In order to have 100% stream encryption, neither of these options are fool-proof, but may help you in your endeavor.

This is why it is important (especially now) to use different passwords for different sites, as some sites/services won't provide the same level of security as another.

SSL on a public WiFi, while still much much more secure than non encrypted streams, does not provide 100% failsafe protection. Unfortunately, Root Certificate Authorities are vulnerable to hacks, and some (Trustwave) have even been caught issuing certificates to companies they knew were not the owners of the website SPECIFICALLY to allow said companies to spy on encrypted connections. It is also easy to strip SSL out in applications that do not require secure connections.

You do, however, have a few options that will provide you with stronger security.

* You can use gpg to encrypt messages and data using your intended target's public key.
* One pass encryption has the highest level of security for certain applications.

## TLDR;

**Your phone is insecure.** It is up to you to decide what conveniences you need, and how they will impact your security. There are many practices in which you can become disciplined that will help minimize your risks, but at the end of the day it is your responsibility to safeguard what you deem private. I would be more worried about the data that each app you have installed is trying to offload to it's servers. Read through the 'Permissions' of each app you install before you download it, and decide if it really needs half of what it says it does.
> 5 votes

---
Tags: applications, wi-fi, security, encryption
---


title: Rootless CLI Utilities

text:
# Question
Title: Rootless CLI Utilities
Do I have to root my android device to install command line utilities? I would really like to run Vim, among other programs on my phone. I have no reason not to root my phone, I just want to know if this is possible.

The Android Scripting seems to possibly have done this. Do I have to write my own Terminal app to be able to do this?

# Answer
> 6 votes
You don't need root. You also don't need a terminal, for an app to use its own private utilities. But if you want vim, Terminal IDE provides that, a number of other utilities (git, ssh, tmux), the ability to use bash or Java as a 'scripting language' at the terminal, and the ability to create and install Android apps on-device. I use Terminal IDE and vim quite a bit, (but with Better Terminal Emulator Pro's terminal, actually.)

# Answer
> 1 votes
Rooting your phone gives you root access (duh!), but that doesn't mean accessing a shell requires you to root your phone. You can use ADB to connect to your device and gain shell access.

You can also use ConnectBot to access your device's shell on the device itself.

This will give you normal access to your device and you will not be able to run `su` to gain root access. You can, however, modify and play with files to which you have access.

`vim` is available without root access, so, so far you still have no reason to root your phone.

---
Tags: applications, terminal, command-line
---


# Question
Title: Xperia Arc shows 3G signal but not connecting to Internet
I have an Xperia Arc L15i about 5 months old, suddenly I have started experiencing problems with my 3G/2G service.

I have the *Access Points properly set up* (confirmed the same also with my service provider) and when I start the Data Service it shows up the 3G signal (full strength) but cannot connect to Internet. Tried with the inbuilt browser, Opera mini and neither is the market accessible.

Network mode is **WCDMA/GSM** and even if try with **Only GSM** still its the same issue with 2G.

Is there anything else I need to look into or could it be a handset issue (not sure since I can see the H symbol). Any idea ?

**EDIT**

It seems i can access the net via WiFi, now i am puzzled (in case some wonder my data plan is valid)

# Answer
> 2 votes
I don't know what was the issue behind it, but i upgraded my Arc to 2.3.4 and surprisingly this made it work.

Just added it as an answer in case someone does come across any such thing.

---
Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, internet, connection-issues, sony-xperia-arc
---


title: App to share a calendar

text:
# Question
Title: App to share a calendar
> **Possible Duplicate:**
> Two phones — Two separate contact lists (me / wife) want to use same account for calendar

Hey does Anyone know of an app that my wife and i could both download, and it would allow us to share and edit one calendar. So that as my schedule and hers changes we would know????

# Answer
> 6 votes
All you need is an Android with **Google Calendar** and two Google accounts for you and your wife (if you don't have those already). The Google Calendar supports sharing of calendars. You can create an calendar that you both can edit and that will show up on both of your phones.

---
Tags: calendar
---


title: View last successful mail check/sync

text:
# Question
Title: View last successful mail check/sync
Is it possible to view the last successful sync of my IMAP and Exchange accounts in the Mail app of an HTC Evo 3D?
I just switched from an iPhone 4 and there it said in the bottom of the mail app when that account was last synchronized.
For me it is quite important, because at work the signal is so weak that the sync often fails. When I am waiting for an important mail it is good to know when the mail accounts were last updated.

# Answer
I do not think you can view a log of some kind in the ui, however you can always manually sync and the icons show if it was successful.

```
Settings > Accounts & sync > Manage accounts > your account > OPTION BUTTON > Sync Now

```
* this is in android gingerbread version

You will see the spinning icons appear then disappear when synced, then you know :)

I think I remember seeing widgets that sync your accounts in one click so it may be worth exploring the app markets.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: email, htc-evo-3d
---


# Question
Title: How do I get rid of the "shut the screen off" animation on Droid 4?
I just want the screen to go black. No fade, no "old style tube tv" animation. Is there a way to make it do this?

# Answer
Try `Settings > Display > Animation`. I turned mine off and did not see the "old style tube tv" animation any more.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, motorola-droid-4
---


# Question
Title: How can I reduce the length and intensity of SMS notification vibrations?
After upgrading my Galaxy GT-i9000 to Gingerbread, the vibration when receiving an SMS is unbelievably long and hard. Before the upgrade (2.1?), the vibration was two short vibrations. How can I customize the vibrations, or get the "normal" vibration? This long vibration is not pleasant.

P.S. The vibration intensity config is only applied for the vibration when hitting a button, not for receiving SMS.

P.S. 2: And the camera is extremly slow when taking picture..it is focusing everytime, and it takes 2-3 seconds to take a photo. Before the upgrade it took like millisecond:/

# Answer
One option is to disable the notfications from the built-in messaging app (in the Messaging app, press `Menu`, select *Settings* and then scroll to the bottom and take the tick out of the *Notifications* box).

You can then use a 3rd party app that gives you full customization of the notification options, like SMS Popup which gives you control over the vibration duration and pattern, as well as a lot of other notification options.
> 2 votes

# Answer
I will assume you use androids default SMS app. Open it, go to settings -\> notification settings -\> vibrate pattern. If you are using a specific SMS app, setting this up might be similar (if the app supports it).
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, sms, vibration
---


# Question
Title: What can I do with DLNA on an android smartphone?
What can I do with DLNA on an android smartphone?

I understand it allows wireless streaming media, but beyond that I have trouble finding details.

Will DLNA enabled smartphones receive data from servers? Will I be able to hit "play" on my smartphone and listen to it on my DLNA enabled stereo?

# Answer
> 2 votes
An Android phone with DLNA should be able to both send and receive. My Galaxy S uses an app called AllShare to manage it, and there are others like 2Player in the Market. I'm sure you could stream to your stereo.

# Answer
> 1 votes
This app from Qualcomm uses DLNA to play your media from your phone: http://www.appbrain.com/app/skifta-beta/com.skifta.android.app

# Answer
> 1 votes
DLNA-enabled TVs, for example, can be used as an external monitor without HDMI or any cables. I want to show my large family my vacation pics on my phone but the screen is too small for all of them to see at once. My TV should be Wi-Fi enabled and DLNA-certified and I should have a wireless router too, obviously.

* Connect my phone and TV\* to the same Wifi network coming from the same router.
* Using the brand appropriate "device media sharing" program\** on my phone and TV I connect them to each other.
* Now I select the video, picture or music file to play and it will be play through my home Wifi network to my TV and maybe vice versa. So everyone can enjoy at once.

*The same can be done with a DLNA enabled music player or anything.

\**Media appropriate app can be found by searching up on Google or Youtube or any other search engine.

---
Tags: dlna
---


# Question
Title: Rooting and updating to Official Updates
I have a S2. I want to root my phone to use the amazing apps out there Not to install custom roms. Can i still get access to the official updates from Samsung ?

# Answer
> 4 votes
I recommend using OTA RootKeeper. From the app description:

> This application makes a backup or a protected backup of your device's root. This device must already be rooted: OTA RootKeeper doesn't have the ability to root devices.

It allows you to temporary un-root your phone for OTA updates and then restore back root.

Before installing please check this XDA thread.

---
Tags: rooting, updates, samsung-galaxy-s-2
---


# Question
Title: Is a PIN lock screen inherently more or less secure than an app lock program?
The two ways I see to secure an Android phone is through a PIN lock screen or through an app lock program (Password is too inconvenient and pattern is insecure for various reasons). The lock screen has the advantage of keeping someone from the phone altogether, but an app lock program can allow me to use basic functionality while locking the apps that I choose such as Email or Package Installer.

Is one option easier to hack/bypass than another? Let's assume that the App Lock program has a helper app that prevents it from being killed (although how well such an app works is worthy of being discussed in an answer - point being it takes a little more work than simply going to task manager and killing it).

I am primarily concerned about data on the phone.

I know that ultimately I cannot rely on either method to secure the phone indefinitely, but to only secure it long enough for me take various actions such as remote wipe, change Google password, Exchange password, etc...

I'm running Gingerbread 2.3.6. For what it's worth it is rooted and has ClockWordMod recovery.

# Answer
> 2 votes
The app locker gives you more access, and is working against the system rather than with it. Almost by definition, it's much less secure.

An app locker might keep out the casual user, but not anyone who knows what they're doing. Unless it blocks new apps by default, sideloading would be a problem. Depending on the device that may be enough to root it (if you're not already) and then they can more or less bypass/remove anything on the device. adb access is a risk in both cases but the ability to interact with the device may provide some other options.

I agree with admartian that encryption is the way to go. Using a lock screen plus an app locker is better than using only one of them, as well.

# Answer
> 3 votes
You could always Encrypt your device.

Depending on what phone you are using will determine the method or even availablity of this function.

It takes time though and you should do it with about 80-90% battery.

Also, I beleive the fact that your phone is rooted, makes it less secure - assuming the thief/person who picked up your phone (assuming that it was to be lost).

As long as they can access the internal/external storage, they can bypass this.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I would use lock screen... It is easy to use bruteforce on any apps which are using a pin code, it is harden with the lock screen, but not impossible.. So don't carry very important documents on your phone...

---
Tags: security, lock-screens
---


# Question
Title: Nexus S ICS update problem restarting by itself
I have a Nexus S (european edition, no super amoled screen), I upgraded to ICS in December but I think it has problem because it restarts itself very often and I don't know what have caused this behavior.

Anyone have similar problem?

Thanks

# Answer
Yes many people experienced problems. Have a look at: http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Google+Mobile/thread?tid=1c21a7e3690388b0&hl=en

where a Google employee is asking for information on the problems people are having and asking them to submit bug reports. Here's the generic bug report link for Nexus S with ICS:
http://support.google.com/mobile/bin/request.py?&contact\_type=android\_bugreport
> 2 votes

---
Tags: updates, samsung-nexus-s, 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich
---