title: Accept e-mail calendar requests?

text:
# Question
Title: Accept e-mail calendar requests?
Is there a way (app, configuration, etc) that will allow me to accept e-mail calendar requests sent to a POP3 account? The request could be iCal or could originate from Exchange or Outlook. Once accepted, I would like them to be added to my calendar.

# Answer
> 3 votes
Yes, support for this is native in Android.

I have an Exchange account added to my phone (Settings \> Accounts & Sync \> Add account). Once I snyc'd email and calendar I was able to receive meeting requests through the Mail application, accept them, and then see them show up in my calendar with a different color. The way Google handles Exchange is really sweet.

Update:

So I played around a bit and here is what I found. From the gmail app on the phone you cannot accept appts. But, not sure how it works with iCal and such, I just sent myself a meeting notice from my Exchange Outlook calendar to my gmail account. I signed into Gmail from my computer, got the invite, I clicked yes I am attending, and it now shows on my calendar.

So from the gamil app it appears we cannot accept invites but from a computer we can. :(

# Answer
> -2 votes
From giztech.in How to Accept or Reject Events with Exchange Email in Galaxy S or any Android mobile?

# Answer
> -2 votes
It's a known problem in Android system. You should use a third party app. I know (and recommend ןא!) the 'ics 2 android' application. You can download it from google market: ics 2 android

---
Tags: email, calendar
---


# Question
Title: Images are getting deleted from "camera shots" once sent in a text message
I have an HTC Desire Z, Andorid 2.3.3 with HTC sense version 2.1.

If i take a photo and text it, that photo is getting deleted from my Gallery/camera shots.

How can I fix this so the photos are never deleted once taken without my permission?

**Edit**

I noticed some of my photos are still saved in the folder, but the gallery isn't displaying them, nor they accessible by the image applications. I can only see the pictures if I connect my sd card to my computer

# Answer
> 0 votes
With later updates to the system, it seems that the issue has resolved itself.

# Answer
> 0 votes
The first solution that springs to me is to install Tasker (it is paid app, and quite cheap, but it is worth every cent). Setup task that copies the last picture that was created into your SMS folder back to your DCIM (camera folder) folder. There are probably other solutions as well. If you cannot get the hang of Tasker, I will be more specific when I have more time.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Check to see if there is a .nomedia file in the folder. It could be what is causing the files to not display. A work around would be to install QuickPic for the Play store, it allows you to show hidden files on the device.

---
Tags: sms, htc-desire, photos
---


# Question
Title: Get original xperia play content back on device after removing it
I've rooted my phone a while ago, deleted random apps I didn't really need that were pre installed. But now there's a potential buyer so I'd like to restore to the way it was the second I've brought it from the shop. Default factory reset didn't help as I've deleted games and stuff. So, is there a way to get everything back?

# Answer
> 2 votes
You can use their official update software, it has been called "PC Companion" the last time I used it:

This is mostly for modding, so it won't be that useful to you:
You can also flash a .ftf file of your choice (official or a custom mod) with FlashTool, note however that you need to unlock the bootloader before your phone will boot a mod with an unoriginal kernel. I have however no idea where to find an original firmware image for your Xperia Play/R800i, you might need to google for that yourself.

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Tags: restore, operating-system, sony-ericsson-xperia-play
---


# Question
Title: No root permission after installation of ClockworkModRecovery kernel
My smartphone is the Samsung Galaxy Ace 5380 running Android 2.3.6 and I want to flush it with the CyanogenMod 7.2

I'm performing the steps from this guide: http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/wiki/Samsung\_Galaxy\_Ace:\_Full\_Update\_Guide

I have done the "Installing the **ClockworkMod** Recovery" steps and performed a backup of my current ROM. Now I want to run a backup with **Titanium** but it says that I have no root permissions.

I thought the ClockworkMod Recovery kernel brings the root permission, because it sounds so by the guide mentioned above.

*Is there any other thing I have to do now to activate the root permission or must I root my phone additionally with some other guide*? If so, I read that after the root-procedure I have to "wipe data factory reset" and that would delete the things I want to update, but for the update itself, I need root permissions.

# Answer
The root permission exists inside the `recovery`, but not in the normal `system`, you need to root it in there.

There is usually, two partitions `recovery` and `system`, as the OP indicated, was booted into the CWM Recovery which resides on `recovery` hence is rooted, but not the normal Android system.
> 1 votes

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Tags: rooting, cyanogenmod, clockworkmod-recovery, samsung-galaxy-ace
---


# Question
Title: Icon keeps disappearing from app drawer in CM9
I installed Cyanogenmod 9.0.0 mango on my Xperia mini pro. Everything works fine...except for the built-in launcher's app drawer. What happens is that every time I reboot the phone, the rightmost app shortcut / widget / icon that I place in the app drawer keeps disappearing.

I can replace the icon and it stays there, but only as long as I don't reboot the phone. Why is this happening and / or how can I solve it?

# Answer
It seems there is a further update to the Xperia Mini Pro, probably 9.1 is way to go, might fix up that known issue. Check on the CyanogenMod page for Xperia Mini Pro.
> 1 votes

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Tags: cyanogenmod, sony-xperia-mini-pro, adw.launcher
---


# Question
Title: ghost key and unpressable keys issue on android HTC desire Z
On my screen the area where the letters "w e r" and "a s d" seems to press itself on its own, to a point most of my apps are inaccessible. If I have to write a text message or dial a number, I have to be really creative to achieve that desired goal. Also, the letters "e" and "d" are not pressable, as in when I press them, I get any of the letters surrounding it but not that specific one.

I cleaned my screen, recalibrated my screen, and reconfigured my keyboard, and have tried to google the issue. Are there any fixes or workarounds?

# Answer
> 0 votes
As per the OP's comment above, well, *once or twice*, meaning, yes it was exposed to water!

Rain **is** water. Could have gone in between the bezel of the handset or moisture residue got built up.

Get it checked out hardware wise... would not be surprised if the moisture build up is interfering with the touchscreen's recognition of touch.

---
Tags: htc-desire, hardware, screen, troubleshooting
---


title: Link2SD not working completely

text:
# Question
Title: Link2SD not working completely
My Link2SD doesn't seem to be fully working. I noticed this when updating the Facebook application. Google Play prompted me of insufficient storage. I first uninstalled some apps but I got curious so I checked Link2SD's storage info, I got this:

(Click image to enlarge)

As you can see, the internal storage only has mere 70mb left. What's peculiar is, these are the only apps I have NOT linked:

(Click image to enlarge)

I tried moving one linked app (Amazing Alex) to the sd card (normal Android way) and sure enough, the free space on my internal storage got bigger by about an additional 20mb-ish.

Why is this happening? Why isn't Link2SD moving the data to my sdext2? How do I solve it?

# Answer
I have encountered this problem with link2sd multiple times already. You can try to recreate your mount script via link2sd, reboot and then relink all your application files, lib files, and dalvik-cache.. hope this solves your problem.
> 4 votes

# Answer
Many people have that kind of problem and I have the same one. moving apps to SD card just delays a bit the problem because something else fills up the internal storage. I finally figured out and it works great. I have a Galaxy Tab 7 but many android devices will experience that. There are 2 important folders. The one called /data is actually not really just data but it is where Android install the application apk and some of the data related to it. If you force the apk to install on SD card, it will still use some of the /data space (small amount) for some data.

the problem I discovered is in /data/tombstone, you will find 10 files named tombstone\_0#. These are debugging info collected by android. These files build up over time. You don't need that for a normal user. Delete all of them. These 4 files were using 1.4GB of my 1.89GB internal tablet storage.

To do so, you will need to root your device. Yes, you must. And it won't explode don't worry, I've done it and many others too! Then get a program like "Root Explorer" to browse and delete the junk. It will request and be granted root privilege if you rooted your device before and you will be able to do whatever you want.

To root your device, just google "root android my device model" and you should find quickly how to root your device.

This problem is a design flaw. When there is a low internal storage, Android should start a background task to clean up that junk.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Often the system recreates some of the files that were previously linked to sdext2. This often happens with libraries, but can affect other components (apk, dex) as well.

For libraries, Link2SD has a “Relink all library files” command in its menu. There's also an option to do this each time the system boots.

You can also look at your linked apps and see which components are still linked (symbolized with a little arrow -\> in the app list) and manually relink components if necessary.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, internal-storage, insufficient-memory, link2sd
---


# Question
Title: Android "Internal Storage" used but not reported
As an owner of a Nexus One running Gingerbread, I'm continually fighting to keep free space in my phone's Internal Storage. Today, I noticed something odd.

The bottom of Andorid's "Manage applications" screen shows a bar graph that reports the phone's "Internal storage" (I have 29M free). When I click into an app, I can see storage for the "Application", and for the app's "Data". The application, in most cases, is stored on the SD Card. The application's "data" is stored on the phone (I presume).

What I'm finding is that I'm not seeing the whole picture of what is taking up Internal Storage. For example, I have 29M free in Internal Storage. The Angry Birds app, which is stored on the SD card, is 3.14M. It's Data is 4.0K. I then delete the Angry Birds (gasp!), and my free Internal Storage jumps up to 31M. So it looks like it's freed up 2M, when I only would have expected it to free up 4.0K. Any idea what's going on here?

# Answer
The free space difference can be accounted by three relevant factors that may end up giving you some misleading information about the real space available on your internal storage:

1. **The Free space reported**

The free space reported at the end of the "Manage Applications" screen is rounded to MB, and it gives you a general free space estimation based on the moment you opened said screen, and it gets updated from time to time (by my tests about every minute).

I've mentioned "rounded" because if you access the "Storage Settings" panel, you'll get a clear picture regarding the free space available, down to KB.
2. **The App Allocation**

As already mentioned by t0mm13b, an application may be entirely moved to the SDCard or leave a portion behind, this issue is more related with the development of the application itself and there's no standard rules to follow.

I've performed an exercise with "Angry Birds", and while the download mentioned 20MB, after installed it consumed 24MB. After moving it to the SDCard using the option for this end under "Manage Applications" screen, 1.85MB were left behind on the Internal Storage, plus 4KB of data.
3. **Temporary System Files from other applications or running services**

While I was writing this answer, the free space reported varied between 2MB, this tells us that the OS is constantly creating and freeing up space depending on the stuff running.

There may exist other factors that concern the ext4 File System specifications used by Gingerbread , but I don't believe they better account for the 2MB difference.

---

By the three points mentioned above, while performing an exercise with the application you've mentioned using a device with a stock Gingerbread ROM, I've managed to account for 2MB of difference, just like the space you've mentioned.

# Determine Internal and External Space Occupied

Following up on the comments, regarding a way to accurately know how much an app occupies on the device, and being able to view it by external or internal storage, the most accurate application I'm currently using is SanDisk Memory Zone by SanDisk Corp. available for free from Google Play Store.

1. Open the application
2. Select the desired storage
3. Check the details about it
> 4 votes

# Answer
Checking around, I just found a few useful apps which reveal where the storage goes.

For one, there's DiskUsage. Though the screenshot shows the sdcard here, the video on the apps playstore page makes clear it can be used on internal storage as well -- and even links to the apps page you usually find via *Menu -\> Applications -\> Manage Applications*. You can walk and zoom in/out each area, as the annotations on the screenshot show.

My second candidate is Folder Size Chart, which comes with a different design and, as seen in the screenshot, can also deal with internal storage.

These two may definitly help to identify "storage hogs". There are many others found in the playstore which follow this concept, but most are limited to the sdcard or require root access.
> 3 votes

# Answer
As the N1 is closely related to the HTC Incredible you might be running into the same low storage space issue that plagues Incredible users (like myself). I asked a related question when I started experiencing apps force-closing due to a lack of partition space and later consolidated my understanding of the data partitions in an answer to a question about False “low on space” (internal storage) warning on HTC Incredible:

> ...my app settings screen shows me what must be the `/data` usage (never close to full, numbers match `/data` size reported by DiskUsage) even though my apps are actually constrained by the much smaller `/data/data` (where I run out of room often)...

I found that the number reported as "Internal Storage" was reporting something entirely unhelpful and was, by all accounts, useless in helping me actually manage app storage. I concur with Izzy in his recommendation of DiskUsage, I found it very helpful especially when rooted (with root permissions it can display `/data/data` partition usage). Using terminal emulator to investigate usage was also helpful in diagnosing my problem. When you take a look at your `/data` and `/data/data` partitions, do you see the same discrepancies?
> 3 votes

# Answer
This sounds like you are using Apps2SD or equivalent whereby, moving the app onto the SDCard, only a portion of the app is stored in the internal storage and the rest on the SDCard.

For verification, check your SDCard and see if the app's data is still there, this should be present in `/sdcard/Android/data/` followed by the package name of the installed application.

That is a normal mechanism of the Apps2SD.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Many people have that kind of problem and I have the same one. Moving apps to SD card just delays a bit the problem because something else fills up the internal storage. I finally figured out and it works great.

I have a Galaxy Tab 7 but many android devices will experience that. The one called `/data` is actually not really just data but it is where Android install the application apk and some of the data related to it. If you force the apk to install on SD card, it will still use some of the `/data` space (small amount) for some data.

The problem I discovered is in `/data/tombstone`, you will find 10 files named `tombstone_0#`. These are constant/non-stop debugging info collected by android. These files build up over time. You don't need that for a normal user. Delete all of them. These 4 files were using 1.4GB of my 1.89GB internal tablet storage.

To do so, you will need to root your device. Yes, you must. And it won't explode don't worry, I've done it and many others too! Then get a program like "Root Explorer" to browse and delete the junk. It will request and be granted root privilege if you rooted your device before and you will be able to do whatever you want.

To root your device, just google "root android \[my device model\]" and you should find quickly how to root your device.

This problem is a design flaw. When there is a low internal storage, Android should start a background task to clean up that junk.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, internal-storage
---


# Question
Title: Why do I get phone storage is getting low when I've un-installed almost all apps?
I keep getting "phone storage is getting low" constantly even though I've removed almost all the apps I've installed. Is there a way to look in the phone storage to see what are the contents?

Google Talk and Facebook fail to function because of this.

I have a Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc running Android 2.3 (Build 4.0.2.A.0.62)

# Answer
Maybe because you haven't removed only the small apps that doesn't take significant space.

Go to settings -\> Apps -\> Select "All" on apps tab -\> Click menu and click sort by size.

You'll see the apps sorted by the size it takes on your phone. Check if the top apps in this list are taking most of your space.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Go see my answer to that similar question: Space problem in Samsung Galaxy Pocket GT-S5300

It solved all my problem. Samsung told me to reset my device to factory firmware. I did not want to have to reinstall everything and now I know it will always happen after a while. Follow the procedure at that link and you might have to do it once or twice per year to keep it clean but you will not have to reset your device.
> 1 votes

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Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, internal-storage
---


# Question
Title: BSNL Penta TPad 701C Android ICS - Play store closes immediately after opening.
When I got the tablet, new version of play store was pre-installed and was working fine. Initially my 3G dongle was not connecting to Internet. After complaining to customer care, I was provided a firmware with which I updated my tablet. Then onwards, I could connect to Internet but Play store was gone. I managed to download it and installed it on tablet but now it opens and closes without any error message.

I have already tried:

1. Re installing the given ROM
2. Done factory reset
3. Tried to install different versions (v3.5.19, v3.7.16, etc) of Play Store app.

None of the above solved the probelm. Please help.

# Answer
The ROM that BSNL customer care provided might not have GApps installed. You can download a relevant version of GApps from goo.im/gapps. Based on the information you had provided, you can use gapps-ics-20120429-signed.zip.

Download that ZIP file and place it in your SD card. Install ROMManager from their site. Once installed, choose install ZIP option and select the ZIP file.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: applications, 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, google-play-store, updates
---


title: HTC Wildfire S digitizer replacement

text:
# Question
Title: HTC Wildfire S digitizer replacement
I've just replaced the digitizer of my HTC Wildfire S because the old one was broken. The thing is that since the replacement, the new digitizer has become totally unresponsive. LCD is working fine though.

Just some small questions to rule things out;

1. Should I try to perform a calibration on the digitizer to make it work? I can't use the screen so I'm planning on making a Gold Card to perform calibration.

(The new digitizer is totally unresponsive. Checked all connections, didn't clean them though but I guess this isn't causing the problem.)
2. Any other thoughts on what might be causing the problem? Could it be that the digitizer was already faulty at the beginning? Does this happen a lot? Bought one from Amazon.

# Answer
If its totally un responsive then you need verify once your harware whether its an exact replacement or not as HTC Wildfire S digitizer comes in two variants

1. With Chip
2. Without Chip

So match it with old damaged one and if they are same then the hardware will be faulty and you will need one more replacement.
> 4 votes

# Answer
Finally managed to fix this problem. Seems like performing the calibration with the use of a Goldcard solved it.

I'll leave the link to the instruction here for anyone who may have the same issue.

Please leave a message if you encounter any problems when going through the instructions provided in the link above.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: screen, touchscreen, htc-wildfire-s, calibration
---


title: X3D format viewer for Android

text:
# Question
Title: X3D format viewer for Android
Is there any X3D format viewer for Android platform ?

# Answer
> 1 votes
# Answer:

You can use FreeX3D: VRML, X3D, STL viewer by John Alexander Stewart available from Google Play Store:

> **FreeX3D is a 3D VRML/X3D and STL viewer for Android.**
>
> *NEW* \- Anaglyph rendering option for 3D viewing of your 3D files!
>
> FreeX3D allows the user to browse local STL, VRML 97 and X3D files, and to view these files on their Android GLES-2 capable device. You can rotate or zoom STL files; X3D files you can walk, or examine, as defined by the spec. Use one finger to rotate or walk, two to zoom or move in +-Z, depending on navigation mode set.
>
> This version works on Android 2.2 and above. It **requires OpenGL ES-2.0**, which is available in all modern phones/tablets, and most released over the last couple of years.

---

# Related curiosity:

There's also an interesting project that worth mentioning, called X3DOM for free on Android devices that support WebGL:

> X3DOM (pronounced X-Freedom) is an experimental open source framework and runtime to support the ongoing discussion in the Web3D and W3C communities how an integration of HTML5 and declarative 3D content could look like. It tries to fulfill the current HTML5 specification for declarative 3D content and allows including X3D elements as part of any HTML5 DOM tree.

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Tags: graphics
---


# Question
Title: Google Calendar events created on the phone won't sync
In my 2.3.7 Android phone, when I use the Google Calendar application, I can see all the events that are listed in my Google account, as I would see them in the browser in my computer, but when I create a new event using the phone -- it shows as 'PC Sync', the new item won't sync up to the calendar as I see it in the browser. I have tried cleaning the cache and data for the 'Calendar' and 'Calendar Storage' application, and manually re-syncing the Google account from the phone, but it still won't show up. Any ideas?

EDIT: If the event is under 'PC Sync', where should they appear in Google Calendar?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Answering my question after the comments, it turns out only 'PC Sync' would show when creating an event by tapping on a specific day/time, but when using the 'Add event' option, the other calendars would show as an option. Once this is used the first time, then tapping on the day/time shows the other options. All good.

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Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, sync, calendar
---


# Question
Title: How to display comments from devices that I don't own?
It is now possible to filter the comments in the Google Play Store using the devices you own as filter. Is it possible in some way to filter comments by devices that I don't own?

I am trying to check how some apps behave on my device because it is not so popular, and I would like to try instead check comments with other devices with similar hardware specs.

# Answer
When you specify one of your devices (to narrow down the comments), the web page sends an AJAX query to google. It passes a GET variable, specifying the device; it also passes some POST variables, one of which is a token (so you can't simply browse to the page).

You could write something that requests a different device to get the comments. The only problem is that google has their own definitions for device models. You would have to find out the model id used by google for the device(s) you wish to browse.

Here is a starting point for your code. I grabbed my token value by using Tamper Data.

```
app_id = "com.rovio.angrybirds";
token_id = "FIND_YOUR_OWN_TOKEN";
device_id = encodeURI("LGE LG-VM670"); //this is sent as a GET, so encode
page_number = 0;

$.ajax({
  type: "POST",
  url: "https://play.google.com/store/getreviews?id="+app_id+"&reviewSortOrder=2&reviewType=1&fn="+device_id+"&pageNum="+page_number,
  data: { xhr: "1", token: token_id},
  dataType: "json",
  success: function(json) {
    parse_reviews(json);
  },
  error: function(json) {
    // it seems like the standard behavior from this url call is a response 'code' of ")]}'", instead of a 200 or other standard code
    parse_reviews(json);
  }
})

function parse_reviews(json_object){
  //this should extract the comments to a readable format
}

```

Here's a starting point for your list of devices. My two devices are the

* Optimus V: "LGE LG-VM670"
* Nook Simple Touch: "BarnesAndNoble NOOK"

**Readers**: Feel free to add your device in the comments.
> 2 votes

# Answer
No, this is not possible.

Unfortunately, Google have not implemented this feature into Google Play as of yet.
> 0 votes

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


# Question
Title: Youmail visual voicemail in a foreign country?
Youmail is one of my favorite apps to get voicemail to download onto my phone. However, I am now in Israel for the year, but I would still like to be able to use it.

The way it seems to work right now, is it changes the forwarding number and the number to retrieve voicemails from. This makes it difficult to use in a foreign country because the country codes are required, and they vary based on phone service.

**Is there a way to get youmail to work even in a foreign country?**

# Answer
> 1 votes
No, this isn't feasable.

I take it you now have an Israel cell phone now, and you are trying to get Youmail on that. Youmail is a U.S. based service, so even if you got forwarding to work for voicemail, it would eat up into your balance like nothing else. It would be the same as you calling the U.S. based number every time someone left a voicemail; I'm sure Israel to U.S. calls are not free.

However, if your U.S. friends still call your old U.S. cell phone, those will still get directed to youmail (assuming the cell phone account is still active). You would simply check the messages via the internet.

---
Tags: geolocation, voicemail
---


# Question
Title: Sync between two Android devices without Internet connection
Is it possible to sync between two Android devices directly when there is no Internet connection (like a remote location or an outage at the Internet provider)?

Using a direct wireless connection between just these two Android devices (without using a PC or a WiFi router)

I need to sync all data (contacts, calendar, photos, ...)

I asked the same question for iOS devices: https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/35515/sync-between-an-iphone-and-ipad-without-internet-connection

# Answer
> 5 votes
I'm afraid this isn't possible, at least with the builtin apps. All of the sync profiles are client-side, and can't act as sync servers. Furthermore, normal Android phones don't support ad-hoc wifi connection, so you'd need to connect through a router or possibly with bluetooth.

Some of these can be achieved manually over bluetooth, such as sending photos and contacts, but you'd have to manually select which files to send. For photos, go to `Gallery`, select the photos you want to send, and tap the `Share` icon and select `Bluetooth`. After this you need to select the other device, assuming it's paired. A similar menu should be found in your `Contacts` app.

# Answer
> -1 votes
There is an `Android` app called Bump in the market, that can do what you asked for. You need to make sure that the receiver has the app on his phone as well, and then you're good to go!. It's an app based on `NFC` and it can used for transferring contacts, photos and even web pages. Hope this helps.

# Answer
> -1 votes
Have a look at http://www.fjsoft.at/en/ I gave found it works well, and its easy

---
Tags: sync
---


title: SMS and Gmail notification volume

text:
# Question
Title: SMS and Gmail notification volume
Is there an app that can control the volume of notifications for separate apps like SMS and Gmail? I searched around and found a number of old threads that says it's not possible. There was an app called WhoIsIt that did what I was looking for but it seems to have been discontinued.

Otherwise I guess I'll have to make a custom ringtone that's louder than normal and use different ringtones for SMS and Gmail.

I'm on Android 2.3 btw.

# Answer
# Quick Answer

Volume control is managed system wide. The Android OS doesn't support independent control per application, only per stream type.

# Technical

The AudioManager Class only provides developers a way to adjust the audio volume per Stream type, not per application running.

This means that when setting the volume for a specific stream, will affect the entire system.

Currently available streams:

Most of this screams exists since the API level 1, and continue to act the same way on the current API level 16.
> 2 votes

# Answer
My Sprint Store Assistant Manager loaded MP3 Ringtone Maker from Google Play. He used that for the SMS text notification sound. I'm delighted since I now can hear when a text massage comes in. The result can be volume adjusted.

Sadly Google Reader and Google Gmail are almost whisper quiet despite his efforts.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: sms, audio, notifications, gmail, volume-control
---


# Question
Title: How to switch between personal page and Brand Page in the G+ Android app?
In Google Plus, I am able switch between my personal page and Brand Pages. (As described here.)

How do I do the same using the Android app version of G+?

# Answer
The process has changed as of version 4.1. You no longer have to sign out and sign back in.

To switch:

* Open the menu by swiping right or tapping the icon in the upper left
* Tap the down arrow next to your name (or your Page's name)
* If necessary, tap "Switch Google+ page"
* Tap the name of the Page you want to switch to

The process is the same to go back to your regular account.

---

This is how to do it with versions 3.2 (or the version updated 11th October depending on your device) to 4.0.x.

To switch:

* Sign out
* Choose your user account (if you have more than one)
    + If you've recently updated the app you may need to go through a few settings screens
* Choose to sign in as yourself or one of your pages
> 7 votes

---
Tags: google-plus
---


# Question
Title: Neo V with 4.0 ICS update -- battery problem
My Sony Xperia Neo V battery performance has gone down very badly after upgrading to ICS.

It mainly happens when I have my mobile data/internet turned on. How can I improve the battery performance?

# Answer
Well you can try managing battery life with JuiceDefender, which does a great job at disconnecting data connections when not needed and turning it back on when needed. I can personally attest to this fact although I use gingerbread on my Xperia Neo V. Give it a shot and see
> 0 votes

---
Tags: updates, battery-life, internet, data-connection, sony-xperia-neo-v
---


# Question
Title: Sony Xperia Tipo not recognizing SD memory card
I have installed an 8GB SD memory card in my Sony Xperia Tipo, but the memory card is not being recognized. Has anyone else had this problem with the Sony Xperia Tipo? If so, how did you solve it?

# Answer
> 3 votes
sony unfortunately divided the phone into two drives BEFORE the microsd slot. So the internal drive and the sd drive are already assigned. the external card then formats itself as "ext\_card" on the root folder.

i managed to redirect some folders from the internal to the external card via the program "directory bind" (search for it on google, it is not available on the play store). for this to work you need a ROOTED phone. the phone is fairly easy to root via a script (windows). you need to install adb drivers first (if you install sony compagnion, this will install the adb drivers and you have to enable usb debug mode on your tipo before you run the script to root your tipo).

overall this is a little complicated, so i advise you to be an expert user to try this, especially the configuration of "directory bind" is tricky. it would be best if sony "bundled both cards that are installed on the device internally to be just one and then the microsdcard slot would work as desired and could be used to install programs and other stuff much easier.

links: directory bind: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1410262 root tool for tipo: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1886460

# Answer
> 3 votes
I have the same phone, I didn't have any problems.

A few possibilities:

* Make sure the card is completely inside the SD card slot.
* Format the card.
* Turn off the phone, take out the battery and pull the SD card out, turn on the phone without the SD card (wait for it to completely load), again turn off the phone, put the SD card back in, turn on the phone (wait for it to completely load).
* Remove any widgets that access the card on boot (like gallery widget, etc), reboot phone.
* Try another SD card.

---
Tags: external-sd, sony-xperia-tipo
---


title: What is safe mode?

text:
# Question
Title: What is safe mode?
My USC "Desire" locked up the other day. I have Android 2.2 installed. It just kept rebooting to the splash screen over and over and over again. Being an old Mac user I thought some "key command" might get it to stop. So I tried holding the HOME key as it booted, brought it to "safe mode". Ane more reboot and it was running again.

Is there a log I can look at to see what the issue may have been? What else can one do in "safe mode"?

# Answer
> 11 votes
I'm not sure about logging but, safe mode disables many system services during boot. On some systems it can bypass the security pattern or pin. I haven't found any additional features. It seems to be more for reducing features for the sake of diagnostics. Windows has a similar feature.

I've posted a link on starting safe mode on a variety of devices for others to use; however, it probably won't show up until I gain a bit of rep.

Safe mode for Android

# Answer
> 1 votes
Found this in a Sony Xperia manual:

> Safe Mode temporarily disables all applications that have been installed via the Android Market. Performing this troubleshooting step is necessary to determine whether a 3rd party application is the cause of an Operating System / Application issue. Safe Mode should always be performed prior to a hard (factory) reset.

The safe mode is there to provide repair in case one of the applications causes the phone to behave strangely or misbehave.

The phone has to be rebooted into safe mode, which can be done by pressing the power button and holding one of the keys.

The second key in some phones:

```
 - volume down/up button
 - menu button
 - home button
 - back button
 - other type of button

```

When you enter safe mode there is a label "Safe Mode" at the bottom of the screen (left or right corner).

In some phones the debugging menu has more options in safe mode, all related to application management.

---
Tags: 2.2-froyo, htc-desire, reboot, safe-mode
---


title: Android Estimate Battery Capacity

text:
# Question
Title: Android Estimate Battery Capacity
I have a phone with 3.7v, 1500 mAH genuine battery.

This being said, the maximum power that this battery can hold can be calculated easily:

3.7 v \*1500 mAH = 5550 mV.

I'm trying to see what battery actually tells the Android when it's charged by %100 by using Nema's very known battery calibration app and it, unfortunately, says only about 4800 when charged %100 (I'll provide a definitive screenshot soon)

So,

Here is my question: Is it possible, that the battery never charges to it's maximum and leaving about %10-%20 uncharged at each charge? And If so, is there any way to tell the system to charge the battery until it reaches 5550 mV?

I'd also want to know if people can observe their battery-stated power limit when their Android device charged %100.

I'm talking about this battery http://www.batteryforum.org/t1356-alcatel-ot-995-battery-tli5baa on Alcatel OT-995.

# Answer
I highly doubt you can tell nor force the system to charge to its maximum as that is the SoC that is handling the battery current, in which the kernel is periodically polling to measure the battery charge.

(*You could in theory mess with the values of the threshold within the kernel's specific battery module, but that could have unintended consequences, possibly damage to the battery long term!*)

Observing battery state power limit is subjective and debatable as to each and their own, depends on what they are using on their handset - you're not going to get a concrete answer out of that. :)
> 2 votes

---
Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, battery, charging
---


title: Stop a force reboot

text:
# Question
Title: Stop a force reboot
Today I was prompted to install (firmware?) updates from ATT on my HTC Vivid. My phone is rooted and this apparently breaks the update process. The phone shut down and went to the red exclamation point / dead Android image.

The phone restarts normally and runs for ~30 seconds. It then gives me a "your phone will restart in 5 seconds" message and force shuts down.

Is there any way that I can stop the restart from happening automatically?

UPDATE: Problem solved. I cleared the cache. To do this I restarted the phone into the bootloader by pressing and holding the power button and down volume key. I then selected RECOVERY. From the next screen I selected wipe cache partition.

# Answer
Problem solved. I cleared the cache. To do this I restarted the phone into the bootloader by pressing and holding the power button and down volume key. I then selected RECOVERY. From the next screen I selected wipe cache partition.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: updates, reboot, ota-update
---


# Question
Title: How do I run an application on my phone from my PC?
I have a phone with a touch-screen malfunction, I want to run applications on it from my computer, connected by USB. Is that possible?

I've tried applications like http://mymobiler.com, but that has failed me (I can see the screen, it's not responsive).

Sadly, I have ADB turned off, so I cannot use applications like the android screencast, or DroidExplorer.

# Answer
> -2 votes
LogMeIn Ignition may work for what you want to do. It really remote controls the pc but to truly run a PC app it would have to be on a PC.

# Answer
> -2 votes
If you are a developer, you can install apps directly from your PC by accessing and enabling:

```
Settings → Applications → Development → USB Debugging option.

```

---
Tags: applications, usb
---


# Question
Title: Can an android app cause my phone to reboot?
I have a Samsung Galaxy S (i500) running Android 2.3.5 Lately it has been rebooting randomly. Sitting on my desk and it just reboots, sometimes when I'm on the phone, etc.

Does Android protect itself from installed apps? I thought the security sandbox apps run in was supposed to prevent an app from causing the entire phone to reboot.

My phone provider wants to blame apps for the phone reboots. I just want to know if this is legitimate, or if the reboots should ultimately be attributed to an android or handset manufacturer problem.

# Answer
An app can certainly deliberately reboot the phone, depending on the permissions for the app in question and whether it has root privileges.

An app can also force you phone to reboot if it bombs out and takes Android down with it, particularly apps that interact with phone functionality (volume adjustors, automatic task killers - which are a bad idea in general, location aware apps, etc) If an app has the right permissions this can happen quite easily.

So to sum up, yes, it's quite possible that an app could be causing the system to die and your phone to reboot. If you want to troubleshoot, you can use Titanium Backup to freeze one app at a time to see if that alleviates the issue, or you can just uninstall and then reinstall later on.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Yes, an application can lead to a phone reboot, usually by combining a badly designed application and a bug in the framework. Exemple: an application that registers an `Account` but no `ContentHandler` issue 5009
> 1 votes

# Answer
Yes apps can reboot if giver permission, search for "public void reboot" on http://developer.android.com/reference/android/os/PowerManager.html
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, reboot, crashes
---


# Question
Title: Space problem in Samsung Galaxy Pocket GT-S5300
I've seen many questions on this site asking about the famous space problems in Android phones. None of those I've seen helped me and since none of them asked about my phone, I'd like to present a new case.

I have three memories, and this is a table showing the usage:

What's most bothering is how an advanced phone like this would have such basic problems. I've tried:

* setting the default installing path to the SD card: **No such setting**.
* moving apps to the SD Card using apps like App2SD: **Some cannot be moved**.

I really don't know what else to do. Am I really forced to delete apps? I don't want to delete any of those I've installed (they are 14), why should I do that with **over 9 GB of free space available**? I'm just hoping there's an option I missed.

# Answer
I have solved my own problem today and I'd like to provide the solution for others that might encounter it. The actual Internal memory for this phone should amount to exactly 0,96 GB or close to that. I got aware of this comparing my phone to another one from the same model. I first tried formatting the Flash memory (or Mass memory) on my phone, but to no avail. So I tried doing a reset and it solved the issue.

To do this:

1. Go to **Settings**.
2. Choose **Privacy**.
3. Select **Factory data reset** or the corresponding example in your native language.
4. Wait for the phone to do its thing. You should see some code/script running on the screen. Now wait.
5. When everything is loaded and you configured the minimum settings, open the application **Task Manager**. You should be able to see the correct size.
> 1 votes

# Answer
Many people have that kind of problem and I have the same one. I finally figured out and it works great. I have a Galaxy Tab 7 but many android devices will experience that.

There are 2 important folders. the `/system` has a lot of system stuff. The one called `/data` is actually not really just data but it is where Android install the application apk and some of the data related to it. If you force the apk to install on SD card, it will still use some of the `/data` space (small amount) for some data.

Be aware that there is a confusing "sdcard" name usage. Most Android devices have a "sdcard" that is an internal flash configured like an SD card but the real external SD card is often named external\_sd or something along those line.

The problem I discovered is in `/data/tombstone`, you will find 10 files named tombstone\_0#. These are debugging info collected by android or at least that's what I found googling it. You want that if you want to debug applications and need longer information than "logcat". But, you don't need that for a normal user. Delete all of them. These 4 files were using 1.4GB of my 1.89GB internal tablet storage.

To do so, you will need to root your device. Yes, you must. And it won't explode don't worry, I've done it and many others too! Then get a program like "Root Explorer" to browse and delete the junk. It will request and be granted root privilege if you rooted your device before and you will be able to do whatever you want.

To root your device, just google "root android my device model" and you should find quickly how to root your device.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: internal-storage
---


# Question
Title: How do Google Play app updates work? Are they free?
Let's say I paid for an app, and after some time there is an update for this app.

* Is this update free? Will all future updates be free?
* Or do I have to pay some fixed % of the current price of the app?
* If it can be either, is it up to the developer?

# Answer
> 11 votes
According to the Google Play Business and Program Policies, you may re-install any app you have purchased, unlimited. (also if the app has been updated since you bought it).

Based on my experience it works like that indeed: I have updated and re-installed paid apps without any issue. Please note that the re-install/update also works on any other android device that uses the same Google account.

# Answer
> 6 votes
When you download an app (whether free or paid), it is tied to your Google account, so you can get all updates for this app as long as the developer is maintaining it.

Every app has a package name. This can be something like

```
com.touchtype.swiftkey

```

This is the package name for SwiftKey. If you buy it*, the app is tied to your Google account. You can download it any time on any number of devices that are linked to your Google account, and as I said above, all updates are free. In case of SwiftKey, we already received two major updates (X and 3). If the guys at Touchtype decided that they wanted more money from us, **they couldn't make us pay for updates for this app**. There are, however, two options that they could take: make new features available as in-app purchases, or release a new app with a different package name.

* You should. It's awesome.

---
Tags: google-play-store, updates, paid-apps
---


# Question
Title: Does Android USB host mode depend on an OTG cable?
In order to take advantage of USB host Mode on the Nexus 7 (Android 4.1.1) is it necessary to have an OTG cable? Can I do it using the standard micro to male cable, then use a female to female adapter?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Yes, you need a specific OTG cable, or you need to modify your cable. An OTG cable has pins 4 and 5 shorted, which is how Android knows it needs to switch over to host mode. You can manually short (cross) the wires on a standard cable, then use a f-f adapter.

For my Nook Simple Touch, a kernel patch is needed to be able to use OTG. I also need to manually activate Host mode while using a OTG cable, so I know the grounding of pins 4 and 5 do more than simply tell Android to go into host mode.

---
Tags: 4.1-jelly-bean, usb-host-mode, usb-on-the-go
---


# Question
Title: How can I choose which contacts to sync from Facebook to my HTC Desire HD?
In relation to this question, I asked if there is a way to choose which contacts get synced and got a suggestion to post this as a new question.

So here it is. How can I manually choose which Facebook contacts should be synced with my Android ones?

# Answer
The Facebook app doesn't have an option for it, so basically: You can't. Facebook also provides no way to easily export contact information, so you'd have to do it manually (or with some crazy script/app that scrapes the info from the website).
> 3 votes

# Answer
Download Facebook Contact Sync. I had this same problem and found this tool. Its not foolproof as the name in your contacts has to pretty much exactly match what they have in FB as their name. So people using weird names so they can't be found will not allow them to sync. Otherwise it works well.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: contacts, sync, facebook, htc-desire-hd
---


# Question
Title: Custom ringtones don't work on Cyanogenmod 9
I'm running Cyanogenmod 9 on my S3, and want to set an mp3 file as the ringtone. As this wiki page suggests, I've created the directory '/sdcard/media/ringtones\` and put the sound files in there.

Just to be sure, I put both an mp3 file and an ogg file (of different songs) there. They're world-readable. The ogg file does not show up in the "choose ringtone" dialogue. The mp3 file does show up. However, when I choose it, there's no preview sound, as there is with the other ringtones that came with CM9.

What could I be doing wrong?

# Answer
> 4 votes
Before you wipe your phone, consider using a free app like Ringdroid to assign contacts with specific ringtones or even to just make a custom ringtone out of an mp3 track of choice.

# Answer
> 1 votes
This was an issue which has been carried over from gingerbread. Although it has been long since it was fixed and merged into gingerbread too. It should work out of the box. Also could you mention as to whether you are using the latest CM9 build for your device. My friend's S3 with CM9 doesn't have this problem. Why don't you try wiping your sdcard along with your system once for a clean install.

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, ringtone
---


# Question
Title: Why is my 16GB SD card not being read in my Samsung Galaxy S?
Why is my 16GB SD card not being read in my Samsung Galaxy S?

I've tried to format it several times but nothing happens.

# Answer
Start by reading:

xda developers \>. \[Help\] Changing Around Mountpoints for sdcard and extSdCard?

> **Excerpt:** *Some previous Samsung devices had no external storage at all but still mapped the biggest flash partition to /mnt/sdcard. The Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 has a Micro SD card slot on it (one of the reasons I bought the thing!), but I guess for compatibility they still mount an internal flash storage partition to /sdcard. The actual micro SD card gets mounted to freaking /mnt/extSdCard.*

---

First you need to find out **where** it is being mounted (on Galaxy S), and whether the command you are using is for **internal** flash OR the **microSD** card ..
> 1 votes

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


title: How does goomanager work?

text:
# Question
Title: How does goomanager work?
I want to install custom ROM on my HTC One XL. I have unlocked (not rooted) the phone following the unlock process on www.htcdev.com. Now I installed goomanager which supposed to let me install TWRP recovery.

I already downloaded `openrecovery-twrp-2.3.0.0-evita.img` and copied the file to my mobile but it doesn't seem to me that I can use this downloaded file.

More over it seems to me that I can directly use goomanager to install custom ROM and not to do it via TWRP as I read somewhere.

**Q1)** Can I install files that I downloaded using my computer and copied over to my mobile or goomanager will always download them for me?

**Q2)** Do I have to install TWRP to install custom ROM (cm10)?

**Q3)** Can I use goomanager to install custom ROM?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Though I wouldn't usually recommend device specific websites but since i'm not a One XL user I cannot verify its authenticity. Next time when you ask questions about custom roms please mention whether you are already rooted, locked or unlocked bootloader(htcdev.com only unlocks your bootloader without giving you s-off). Try this to just get an idea of one of the methods to install a rom.

http://onexroot.com/one-x-roms/how-to-install-custom-rom-on-rooted-att-htc-one-xxl/

goomanager is a service used by developers to upload their roms into one location and users can check for available newer versions of existing roms. Follow the regular clockworkmod / twrp procedures to flash your rom.

You can always copy roms that you downloaded with your computer onto your phone.

---
Tags: custom-roms
---


# Question
Title: Problem Sync'ing/Downloading from Google Play
Android Enthusiasts

I've been having problems when trying to download apps from Google Play. I'm relatively new to the Android Scene. Whenever I try to download and install from Google Play, I get a (-101) error, telling me it couldn't be downloaded and installed. On a related note, since I can't get the apps to sync via wifi, I've been trying to sync via USB, which doesn't work well either. Doesn't even show up on my external devices. Is there anyone who can lend a hand?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Go to

> Settings\>Apps\>All\>Google Play Store\>Clear Cache & Clear Data
>
> Settings\>Apps\>All\>Downloads\>Clear Cache & Clear Data
>
> Settings\>Apps\>All\>Download Manager\>Clear Cache & Clear Data

If you're rooted I would suggest wiping cache & dalvik-cache from your recovery. Also you could try installing the latest version of google play application using the apk.

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


title: How do I enter twrp recovery?

text:
# Question
Title: How do I enter twrp recovery?
I unlocked (not rooted) my HTC One XL using official HTC method. Then I install goomanger and installed latest open recovery script TWRP 2.3.0.0 evita. goomanager said that it was installed. Then I tried to boot into recovery from goomanger (there was a note that root access will be acquired and if this doesn't happen I have to go to recovery manually). Nothing happened I was still in goomanager.

From TWRP website --\>`You must be S-OFF or have taken HTC's unlock to use a recovery on your device!`

So I booted into fastboot and then selected recovery and pressed power button. See the screenshot for what happened. I got the 'briliant' screen then black screen with mobile and green something above it and then black screen with mobile and red triangle. The red one stays there for 2-3 minutes and then mobile restarts into normal mode.

I want to run twrp to install cm10

# Answer
> 3 votes
### Installing a recovery and flashing your rom

1. Download your recovery.img or wahtever the name is to your fastboot folder.
2. adb reboot bootloader
3. fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
4. fastboot reboot recovery
5. Now use your recovery to flash your rom.

At this point you may not be able boot into your rom if you do not have S-OFF.But give it a try. If it works then forget the next few lines.

1. Copy the boot.img file from inside your rom and copy it to your fasboot folder.
2. adb reboot bootloader
3. fastboot flash boot boot.img.

Now you can reboot to boot into your rom.

---
Tags: recovery-mode, htc-one-xl, twrp
---


# Question
Title: How to remove all of default speed dials of Opera Mobile?
Opera Mobile comes with some pre-loaded speed dials which annoy me. So, I remove them all leaving speed dials added by me. But, whenever I restart Opera Mobile after that, those default speed dials are restored. How to counter this?

# Answer
> 1 votes
The problem is gone after a fresh install. Now, there's no need to answer.

---
Tags: browser, opera-browser
---


title: Android full support offline map

text:
# Question
Title: Android full support offline map
> **Possible Duplicate:**
> Is there an offline maps application for Android?

I've been using google offline maps, however there is an issue that we cannot search. Is there any application for Android that gives you full support for offline map, support like searching, GPS or more. I currently have a google nexus 7.

# Answer
> 2 votes
You might want to take a look at Locus Pro. Not sure about the free version, but at least the full version's app decription includes *Search (by adress, coordinates, contact)*. It has full offline maps support (downloable directly from within the app), supports location via network as well as GPS, and comes with a lot of useful addons.

There might be other offline map apps available in the Playstore, so you might want to search there. Also, the Mapsaurus app (or its website) might help you find a similar app.

---
Tags: offline-map
---


# Question
Title: How do I export display to Android native X server?
I downloaded Ubuntu precise with Complete Linux Installer which uses VNC by default. Then I found a native X server on Google Play and I'd like to try it. I read somewhere I must export display, but I don't know how to.

# Answer
```
export DISPLAY=:0

```

when you type "xterm" a terminal should appear inside X

But doesn't work very well, because some x11-Features are not implemented in this Android-Xserver.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: linux
---


# Question
Title: How can I make the stock browser continue running while the screen is off?
I am running a JavaScript compliance test in the Android stock browser which takes quite a long time. How can I prevent the browser from pausing when the screen goes off?

Meanwhile, I am using the "Stay Awake" debugging option, but I would rather avoid this because it may burn my screen.

I am looking for a solution that allows the screen to go off while preventing the device to go into sleep mode and thus allowing the browser to continue doing its computations.

Device: SGS3 running CM9

# Answer
I don't believe there is any way to get it to keep running while the display is off, though I could be wrong.

What you could do is turn the screen brightness down all the way, and then use an app like Screen Filter to make the screen even darker. At it's minimum setting, this will almost have the effect of turning the screen off, while letting everything still run.

I'm not sure modern screens even still suffer from burn in though. Some do suffer from ghosting, but that goes away fairly quickly. Burn in like on old CRT monitors was permanent.
> 1 votes

# Answer
The issue is with your cpu going to sleep once the screen turns off. This behavior is different on different phones (some do it, some keep it active), but it can be changed with a special app such as these:

Since you're using cyanogenmod, I assume you know what you're doing, but it bears saying: pay attention to the warnings.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tegrak.overclock

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=it.sineo.android.noFrillsCPU

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mhuang.overclocking
> 0 votes

---
Tags: stock-browser, standby
---


# Question
Title: why does my GPS not work in Italy without WiFi?
Currently travelling at the moment with my Asus Transformer tf300tg.

I don't have a sim card in it, but whenever I have WIFI access, I'll download the Google Offline maps and this is convenient cause when I need it, I can just load up the maps and use GPS to pinpoint exactly where I am.

This is at least what I've been doing in Slovenia and Croatia which has worked fine.

However, I've recently entered Italy and for some reason, although my Offline Maps are still there, I cannot use GPS to pinpoint my location anymore. It just keeps saying my location cannot be resolved.

Why is this? How exactly was my tablet resolving my GPS in the first place? It had no sim card and I was in some fairly remote places so it's safe to say that I wasn't using any mobile towers to detect my location. If that's true, then it's using pure GPS from the satellites, then if that's true, why has it suddenly stopped working once we've entered Italy?

# Answer
> 3 votes
The GPS should eventually work without wifi, the further you are in distance and time from the last GPS sync, the longer the startup time will be. Perhaps in Slovenia and Croatia you used it enough that the startup time was reasonable. (Wifi access can shortcut the process by giving the GPS a hint as to your probably location).

I would suggest putting the tablet somewhere stationary with a clear view of the sky and giving it a good while to sync, it will probably eventually sync up.

---
Tags: gps, asus-eee-pad-transformer
---


# Question
Title: Formatting (or reinstalling) Samsung Galaxy S2
I have some experience about Android phones (but i'm not an expert) .

I have problems with my Samsung Galaxy S2 (GT-I9100) . Its battery heating too much, there are a lots of applications, sometimes phone freezing and not responsing, it's battery consumption is too much and it's a little slow. And **sometimes restarting itself.**

In shortly, i'm using it for long time, i installed too many apps and uninstall some of them. Now i want to clear everything (except SD card datas) , delete all datas / apps . And start from origin, again. I'll my (really needed) applications from Google Play, later.

In computer knowledge, it's mean *format* , i think.

But for mobile phones, I'm not sure, it's called as "formatting" or "firmware reinstalling" .

I plugged my phone to computer and launch Samsung Kies but there isn't *reinstall firmware* option.

**Notes**

1. Android version : 4.0.3
2. My phone isn't rooted. (and i won't do that)
3. I'm worring about warranty. So, please just *legal* methods.
4. I don't want to lose my datas (music, etc) on my SD CARD.
5. I don't want to send my phone to technical service for this. It'll take at least 4-5 days.

# Answer
> 8 votes
What you are most likely look for is called "factory reset". As the name suggests, a "factory reset" is supposed to reset the device to its original state, as it was delivered by the factory. What in fact is done by a factory reset is to wipe all user-installed apps and all user data (for the latter, except data stored on sdcard).

This can be done either from within the system menu (look for the entry with the "fence" symbol, it's labeled something with "Privacy") -- or using the hardware buttons, as described at Hard-Reset.Com:

1. switch off your phone
2. press and hold `volume-up` and `home` buttons
3. press the `power` button for 2-3 seconds
4. release only `power` button, but KEEP pressing `Volume up` \+ `Home` Buttons
5. with `Volume down` select *wipe data/factory reset* (3rd) \> Press `Power`

There's no need to re-install any firmware. The system resides on its own (read-only) partition, which is not touched by this process. Having followed above steps, your phone should then boot in a clean state. Don't worry if the first boot after that takes a bit longer -- that is fully normal. Also this does not void your warranty, as these steps would also be recommended by the service hotline if your device went nuts, and they want to eliminate the cause of misconfiguration or misbehaving (user-installed) apps.

For a reference, you might also want to take a look at the question Do a total wipe of my device.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-2, samsung-kies, system-freeze, formatting
---


# Question
Title: What is a "Top Developer" in Google Play?
When I see "Top Developer" in Google Play, what does that mean exactly?

# Answer
That is decided by Google, more precisely by the Google Play Team.

> Google today announced Editor's Choice for Android Market, aimed to help you find the best applications on the Android Market. Google's also going to begin awarding the "Top Developer Badge" to help show users who are the best, and most trustworthy apps. For consumers, it's a way to help find new apps. For developers, it's another way of promotion and to monetize.
> 15 votes

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


# Question
Title: How do I expand my Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray internal storage?
> **Possible Duplicate:**
> My internal storage capacity is running low, what can I do?

I want to install many apps on my Android phone, but the internal storage is small. How do I expand my Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray internal storage?

# Answer
I am sorry, but you can't expend the internal storage; all you can do is move on SD card every application that accept that.

To do that, you can go in **Settings -\> Apps -\> On SD card**, and see that all the apps in that list are checked.

If any app is un-checked, click on it, and chose **Move to SD card** on its info page.

Also, if you root your phone, you can have complete control over the apps installed on internal memory, delete those that came pre-installed that you are not using, and maybe move more on SD card.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: internal-storage, sony-ericsson-xperia-ray
---


# Question
Title: Will an Android phone connect to Wi-Fi and download apps without a subscription?
I wanted to get an iPod, but hate Apple and like Google. I was told that the android equivalent of an iPod is any phone without a subscription.

Would an Android phone without a subscription be able to connect to Wi-Fi and download apps anyway? If not, what would be a real equivalent?

# Answer
> 2 votes
The equivalent of an iPod in the Android world would be one of these two:

1. A handset with no telephony at all, this will be WiFi only
    * An example of this is the Samsung Galaxy Player.
2. A prepaid handset phone, this will still connect to WiFi, but later on if you wanted, you could connect it to a phone network
    * An example of this is the LG Optimus V on Virgin Mobile.

As long as the manufacturer supports it (check the product page, but I think most do nowadays), you'll be able to download apps from the Google Play Store. You will also be able to download from alternate stores depending on the device. Finally, I think all Android devices can download from the Amazon AppStore.

---
Tags: applications, wi-fi
---


# Question
Title: How to avoid looping the album/playlist automatic?
I use the default "Play Music" music player app (v4.3.605.398337) for listening to music. Whenever it gets to the end of an album/playlist it automatically replays it.

I would like to avoid that behaviour but I can't find where/how to: does anybody know?

If relevant, my device is Galaxy Nexus.

# Answer
> 3 votes
You could try clicking the bottom right "repeat" icon, i.e, if you haven't tried that already.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-nexus, google-play-music
---


# Question
Title: How to reinstall Android on my HTC Explorer using a different language?
I have just moved back to England from China where I bought a HTC Explorer.

It has issues with Google Play, and its market place is a Chinese version so I want to reinstall the OS to an English version.

What is the best way to go about doing this?

# Answer
You could try changing your system language and then see if play store takes the cue. But if the system language has been coded into the build.prop then it would be of no use as your play store would still show Chinese version and apps specific to China. The only alternative you have is try to flash a European/WWE RUU for your phone. Read up on what RUU is else you could possibly brick your phone.

You problem is similar to this. Try this thread on XDA
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, languages
---


title: Voice announcement of phone calls?

text:
# Question
Title: Voice announcement of phone calls?
When my phone gets a call it announces either the number or contact of caller. Where can I turn this off or on? I am using Galaxy S3 / Android 4.0.4.

# Answer
> 1 votes
This happens when you have Driving Mode enabled on the S3. Pull down the notifications bar, scroll to the right, and disable Driving mode.

That being said, on my S3, when I reboot with driving mode on, it comes back with it still enabled though the menu says it's not. Just enable it and disable it to make it go away then.

---
Tags: calls, caller-id
---


# Question
Title: automatically turning on usb mass storage when usb is connected
Majority if not all times when I plug in my USB I want to use the USB Mass Storage functionality thus I was wondering there is a way to enable USB Mass Storage once a USB is connected.

# Answer
Auto Mount Your SD Card should do that for you:

> Automatically mount your SD card. Quit manually mounting your SD card every time you plug your phone into your computer.

I used that one one of my phones when I still connected it frequently via USB, and it did its job wonderfully. The app is available for free on the playstore, so nothing to lose :)
> 2 votes

---
Tags: usb-mass-storage
---


title: Are hotspots sold inside phones?

text:
# Question
Title: Are hotspots sold inside phones?
My idea is this: It would be really convenient if i could buy a smartphone with an integrated mobile hotspot so i dont have to carry around a separate device. So is this sold? if so, by whom and approximately how expensive can this get? (assume carrier is irrelevant, i can easily switch to another if Verizon doesn't work)

# Answer
Some SmartPhones like the Samsung Galaxy S2 lets you create a Wi-Fi hotspot. Unfortunately, this would decrease the phone's battery life, which is why having a separate device would be better option.
> 2 votes

# Answer
This feature is called **WiFI Tethering**, it comes with most modern Android devices. You can read more about it on our wifi-tether tag.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: wifi-hotspot, carriers
---


# Question
Title: How did I get my Nexus 7 homescreen into landscape?
I was playing around on my Nexus 7 today and somehow ended up in a landscape version of the homescreen. I haven't downloaded any apps that mess with it like Ultimate Rotation Control, or rooted it or anything. Somehow though, it was in landscape and I thought it looked pretty cool. As soon as I switched into a different app and came back it was stuck in portrait again though.

Does anybody know how that would have happened? I'd like to at least mess around with it in landscape, especially since it seems to be built in.

EDIT: It looks like if you open mVideoPlayer and lock the screen, then it will open up to the landscaped homescreen when you unlock. However it rotates back. It doesn't look like the orientation being in landscape messes up anything, so why would it be locked in portrait?

EDIT: The above method worked the first three times but doesn't seem to do it at all anymore.

# Answer
> 5 votes
More of a status update than an answer: Jelly Bean 4.1.2 allows a landscape rotation on small screens.

I previously had the same experience (accidentally changed the rotation but could not reproduce it) -- I received the system update yesterday and was pleasantly surprised after the reboot :-)

---
Tags: 4.1-jelly-bean, home-screen, nexus-7, orientation
---


# Question
Title: Is there an application / ROM that allows me to set the phone to "Guest" mode which I can configure?
I would like to be able to set my phone into `Guest` mode so people using it will not be able to "abuse" it while I give it to them.

Example of usage:

* Child mode - prevent editing settings, making calls, installing applications etc.
* Friend mode - prevent viewing text/email messages etc.
* etc.

I have the MIUI ROM which has a pre-defined `Guest` mode - I'm looking for something which is fully/partially configurable - is there something like that?

# Answer
> 5 votes
You might want to check for "app lockers" like e.g. App Lock, which allow you to password-protect apps, or use even more restrictive child protection apps like e.g. Child App Protector, which can sandbox an environment (also called "Kiosk mode").

A somehow "special" solution would be App Locker II: Fake Crash, which in "protected mode" displays a fake force-close message so people do not get the idea you protected something.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Maybe Access control is a solution?

1. Guard Mode: calls, notes, gallery, text messages will be hidden and launcher editing is disabled
2. Access control: Choose what applications are password protected to run

---
Tags: applications, settings, custom-roms, privacy, kiosk-mode
---


# Question
Title: Samsung Galaxy R - No files in default music player
I own a Samsung Galaxy R. Recently, I could not find any files in default music player after I installed PowerAMP. How do I bring back the files in the default music player? I've checked by uninstalling PowerAMP... that didn't help!

# Answer
I sometimes have problems with the media indexer ("Media Storage" Service), then I just do the following to let it rescan and rebuild all media files on the phone:

* Settings \> Apps \> All Apps \> "Default music player" \> Force stop, Clear data, Clear cache
* Settings \> Apps \> ALl Apps \> "Media Storage" \> Force stop, Clear data, Clear cache
* Reboot phone
* Unlock your phone and wait 10-20 minutes, don't do anything, don't open your Music App, don't care if it locks again just let it be for at least 10-20 min.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: music-player
---


# Question
Title: Can I use my Nexus7 charger to charge my Android phone?
The Nexus charger has an OP Amp rating of 2A. The charger that comes with the phone has an OP Amp rating of 1A. Both have the same voltage. IP voltage is 100-250 V for both.

I googled and came across various posts saying how Li-ion batteries are smarter and how the phone will only draw as much power as it needs, and not more.

So essentially, the phone takes what it needs, and the charger is capable, but doesnt force its rated voltage on the device. Is this correct way of putting it?

Will it damage the battery in anyway? Or the charging circuit?

# Answer
In short: yes, you can use your Nexus7 charger to charge your Android phone. If the connectors are compatible, it will work without problems.

I always use a single 2A USB charger for every phone, tablet and ereader that I have at home, and also for the Raspberry PI.
> 8 votes

# Answer
Charging my Samsung Galaxy Note 1 (GT-N7000) since 2 Months with my Nexus 7 charger without problems. The Nexus 7 charger provides enough output and the phone manages this.

But vice versa: Most phone chargers have less output (1A) so it needs longer to charge your Nexus 7 tablet.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: battery, charging
---


# Question
Title: Is a 16gb class 4 micro sd card enough for hd gaming on Xperia Neo V GB?
I want to expand my storage to 16gb primarily for HD gaming (which the Neo V does so well). I have been offered a great deal for a SanDisk 16GB card Class 4 and wanted to clarify if it is enough for HD gaming, classwise. I am using Android 2.3.

# Answer
> 2 votes
According to the specifications your phone has 512MB Memory, which is quite close to the lower limit for actual 3D games like N.O.V.A.3. Because the OS must read the game data into the allocated RAM for the game-process (a lot less than 512MB). The game-data is propably bigger than the total allocated RAM space so Android starts to cache the stuff internally (Internal Flash space, not SD Card).

So after loading the game the SD-Card class/speed isn't the most important part. A faster SD-Card will probably just speed up the loading progress but not the gaming experience itself.

---
Tags: external-sd, performance
---


# Question
Title: Why I can't sync contacts with Twitter/Facebook accounts in Jelly Bean 4.1.1?
With my Samsung Galaxy Nexus I can't sync my contacts (from Google Contacts) with those from Twitter/Facebook.

My accounts are up and running, but when i tap "Sync Now" nothing happens. It says "Last sync on ..." but contacts are not updated.

Am I'm missing something?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Because Google disabled it for marketing reasons (pushing Google+ maybe?) Technically it's just not in the whitelist in an xml file to allow synchronization

According to niranjanthilak here is his detailed explanation:

* Facebook application can sync its contacts with the Contacts ( Through ContactsProvider ) only when its whitelisted ( or, in other words , given an escalated permission set ) in the ROM.
* For this , You have to edit the ContactsProvider.apk and add the whitelisted permission.
* For editing the ContactsProvider.apk ( Which resides in the /system/app/ directory) ,You will need smali ( An assembler/disassembler for Android’s dex format ).
* After disassembling the ContactsProvider.apk using smali , Go to the res/values/ folder ( in the disassembled source ) , and add the file ( arrays.xml ) containing the following content:

> ```
> <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
> <resources>
>     <string-array name="unrestricted_packages">
>         <item>com.facebook.katana</item>
>     </string-array>
> </resources>
>
> ```

* The com.facebook.katana is the application of facebook. So after adding the arrays.xml file to the /res/values/ folder, Assemble the ContactsProvider using the smali into an unsigned apk file.
* Now , Since ICS , Android 4.0 , Google has disabled this provision of whitelisting applications natively , hence they have obfuscated certain fields from the database.
* Add the column named

> ```
> is_restricted
>
> ```

to the raw\_contacts table inside contacts2.db ( stored in /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/database/ ) \- If you have sqlite enabled ( along with busybox ) in your kernel you can use this command for altering the database and adding the necessary field by running it under ADB Shell:

> ```
> sqlite3 /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db
>  'ALTER TABLE raw_contacts ADD COLUMN is_restricted VARCHAR';
>
> ```

* After adding the column, all the facebook accounts added will be provided with Sync Prompt and they will appear under contacts.

---
Tags: contacts, sync, samsung-galaxy-nexus, 4.1-jelly-bean
---


# Question
Title: Can I make my phone recognize numbers in both international and local forms as equal?
In an earlier question, I asked how to handle international phone book entries while traveling internationally. The simple answer was simply to store phone numbers in their international form, which works like a charm, except for one thing.

Incoming text messages don't always get assigned to the proper contact.

I may send a text to contact Bob, who's phone number is `+52 333 555 12 12` (a Mexican number). He gets the text just fine, but when he replies, the message appears to come from simply `333 555 12 12`. As a result, I end up with two conversations, one to 'Bob', and one to `333 555 12 12`, which isn't associated with any of my contacts.

Is there a way to make my phone recognize these numbers as the same (without creating duplicate entries for all of my contacts--one with the +52 and one without)?

# Answer
Propably not an easy and fast solution:

If MIUI supports your Phone, then install MIUI which is not like the many roms (unstable, cluttered, for "freaks"). If it doesn't support your phone, you could still search for an unofficial version here or on XDA-Developers.

You have the possibility to go into the Dialer-Settings and set a default country-prefix. If you stay in Mexico you just set the default prefix to +52 and the incoming SMS should have the +52 assigned. If your next stay is in Krungthep Mahanakhon (=Bangkok) then you just set it to +66. This works for me.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: sms, roaming, international-prefix
---


# Question
Title: How to sync contact photos from phone back to google contacts?
I have updated my contact photos in my phone and then I wanted to update my google contacts. The sync of contact data is working fine, but the photos aren't being synced.

Is there anyway I can fix this?

I have Samsung Galaxy S3 with ICS 4.0.4

# Answer
> 1 votes
Sorry, I don't have enough rep to comment, so I just ask you here:

Can you please try to:

1. Create a contact on your phone
2. Log in to http://contacts.google.com/ with your computer
3. see if it get's on the contacts website after you've created the contact on your phone
4. Change something in the contact on your phone (phone number)
5. See if it updates in the contacts website

If it doesn't update you have a contact sync issue.

Go to:

```
Settings > Accounts & Sync > (your google account) > Sync contacts

```

This must be enabled.

Check the last sync time, is it recent?

If this all doesn't help. As a workaround try to add a contact picture from the contacts website and check if it gets updatet into your phone. I manage all my contacts there as it is easier.

---
Tags: 4.0-ice-cream-sandwich, contacts, sync, samsung-galaxy-s-3, photos
---


title: How to hide events in Google Calendar

text:
# Question
Title: How to hide events in Google Calendar
The company I work for likes for us to use Outlook to schedule everything. If we aren't going to be at work at a specific time, they ask us to create an event spanning that time, and mark it as "Out Of Office". That way, if anyone attempts to schedule a meeting with you, or checks your schedule, it will inform them that you won't be there.

I am working part-time to fit a schedule around my school schedule; as a result, I have a lot of blocked off events on my calendar. Basically, all the times I'm in class are blocked off. I am syncing my Outlook and Google Calendar to my Android phone.

Now, all of those blocked off time slots are rather annoying to me because it causes everything else during those times to be scrunched up. It's hard to just look at my calendar on my phone and tell what is going on next. Basically, I want the "Out Of Office" events removed from my Android's Calendar display, without removing them from Outlook.

So far, I have tried to delete the event from my phone, but that syncs with Outlook, and causes it to be deleted from my Outlook account. I then tried to create a new calendar in Outlook called "Out Of Office" and add all of the events to that, then hide that on my phone. However, when I do that, it won't block people from scheduling meetings with me. I guess Outlook only uses your main calendar for that.

Hiding the whole calendar from my phone isn't really an option; I still need to see the other events on my phone, such as when I have to be in meetings.

Basically, my question is: How may I hide select events on my Outlook Calendar from my Android Calendar?

# Answer
Propably this could give you a hint:

we have 3 accounts:

1. company@gmail.com
2. buddy1@gmail.com
3. buddy2@gmail.com

buddy1 and buddy2 added company@gmail.com's calendar as an external calendar (granted by company@gmail.com)

* buddy1 adds an event and sets it as "Private" & "Available" --\> company & buddy2 see nothing!
* buddy1 adds an event and sets it as "Private" & "Busy" --\> company & buddy2 see the appointment but can't read it's title or content, buddy1 of course can see his own appointment!
> 1 votes

# Answer
You can go inside the Google calendar , either through a PC or a Mobile and click 'Display Calendars' above settings, and then choose which one(s) to show. If it is unchecked, it means you are going to hide the specific calendar.
> -3 votes

---
Tags: google-calendar, outlook
---


# Question
Title: listen to radio on xperia ray with wireless headset
Does anyone know how I can still listen to the radio on my Xperia ray even with my Novero Rockaway Stereo Bluetooth Headset. I tried inserting a handsfree while connected to the bluetooth headset but it ignores the bluetooth handset alltogether and if there is no wired headset the radio won't start.
I know I can listen to online radio but I don't want that I want FM.

Thank you.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Most of phones (including Xperia series) does not have an internal FM radio antenna, so they need a wired headset to be inserted, in order to use its wire as antenna.

You cannot use FM radio until you plug a wired headset to the phone.

---
Tags: headset, fm-radio
---


# Question
Title: Is it safe to restore the phone.apk from a stock Samsung ROM to CM9?
I was using the stock Samsung ROM on my Samsung S2 i9100. Changed over to Siyah Kernel and then made the leap to CyanogenMod 9.

Although I prefer and appreciate the myriad settings and usability of CM, there are a couple of issues where I preferred the functionality of the stock ROM:

1. The phone.apk - not just the dialer, but the incoming call screen and the large size buttons to answer a call or to bring up the keypad etc. I know I can use an alternate dialer like DialerOne or dwContacts but that doesn't help me to change the incoming call screen.
2. Pressing the physical home button to answer a call. There are times when it's exceedingly difficult to use the onscreen slider and a press to answer the call is far easier.
3. FM Radio - although Spirit Radio works as an alternative.

For items 1&2, can I overwrite the existing phone.apk and contacts.apk with the previous ones that I have backed up using Titanium Backup to return this functionality?

# Answer
The answer is usually "No." The framework changes introduced with manufacturers' UI overlays (Samsung's TouchWiz in the case of your Galaxy S II) most likely make the stock apps like Phone, Contacts, Calendar, etc. incompatible with custom ROMs like CyanogenMod ROM that are based on AOSP (Android Open Source Project).
> 3 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, samsung-galaxy-s-2, restore, titanium-backup
---


# Question
Title: Installing a Boot Animation without using Root Explorer
I rooted my HTC Inspire, currently running JellyTime. I want to change my boot animation but the process requires me to access a system folder that is not visible using my current file explorer (ES File Explorer). Is there a way I can change my boot animation without using the app "Root Explorer"?

# Answer
> 0 votes
ES can read/write to protected folders, you just have to enable it in your settings. Open the settings menu (press the menu button, then select "Settings") and find the "Root Settings" item, then enable "Root Explorer" (operate with root permission) and "Mount File System" (allow writing to `/system`).

Alternatively, many devices/Android versions should allow you to simply put the bootanimation.zip file into `/data/local` instead of `/system/media`. You won't need a root explorer for this since `/data/local` is world writable. This doesn't work on all ROMs, though.

Screenshots for the ES settings:

---
Tags: boot-animation
---


# Question
Title: Android 4.04: Default Silent Mode to Mute
I just upgraded Galaxy S2 (Epic 4G Touch) to Android 4.04. In the previous version, I could change the Default Silent Mode to Mute instead of Vibrate in the Sound settings. I believe this was under Vibrate settings; this could be changed to Never.

In this version, if I hold down the power button and choose Silent Mode it always goes to Vibrate mode instead of Mute. I can change the setting to Mute by going into the Sound settings, but it is much faster to hold down the power button (particularly when the phone is locked).

Any thoughts?

# Answer
> 1 votes
It's not possible using the power button long press for the Device Options menu in 4.0.4 on SG2. It always reverts back to "Vibrate" when changing Silent mode, albeit it is possible to press the volume down until it goes into vibrate, and then press volume down again. This takes a bit of time, though, and doesn't work unless you're past the screen lock. IMO, in a perfect world, this should only take one action.

**Conclusion**

Wait for a version update above 4.0.4 and hope they fix this BS. (Also, I friggin' hate people who think their phone is silent during meetings or seminars, and their phone just keeps buzzing and buzzing and buzzing. It's #\*@!ing Android trolling!)

**Hack**

The only hack I've found to make it work with the power button long press is going to Setting \> Sound \> Vibration intensity and setting ringtone vibration to zero. However, I'm pretty sure that turns off vibration globally, and you'll still see that annoying icon for "silence with vibration" when you use Silent mode trough the power button. :(

**Fastest way to mute**

Wipe off the screen lock. Flip down the curtain of the notificaions menu, then double tap the sound icon. That will bring you from sound to vibrate, and finally to mute. Or get a widget for muting.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I own a Xperia phone with ICS 4.0.4, and have no problems going into silent mode (mute).

Quick ways to go into silent mode (muting the phone):

* holding the volume down until vibrate mode, then releasing the volume down and pressing it again once more until silent mode (mute)
* holding the power/lock button until a screen appears, then selecting silent mode (mute)

Other ways of muting the phone:

* going into the `Settings > Sound` and selecting `Silent Mode > Mute`
* going into the `Settings > Volumes` and completely sliding down the volume bar for calls via `Ringtone & notifications`

# Answer
> 0 votes
if you scroll down the menu bar you can switch from sound to vibrate to silent to sound. THis is easy enough for me, isn't it? Andreas

---
Tags: volume-control, mute
---


# Question
Title: How do you root the Samsung Galaxy Player?
How can I root my Samsung Galaxy Player 5.0?

# Answer
After enabling the `USB Debugging` option, SuperOneClick can be used to root both Samsung Galaxy Player 4.0 and 5.0 handsets. Download the latest version from here, and the walkthrough is here.

In terms of updated OS versions, your best bet is custom ROMs that can be found on various forums like XDA-developers.
> 3 votes

# Answer
This is going to take some work and some intense reading.

Check out this XDA Dev forum

The fastest way to root Samsung devices (IMHO) is superoneclick.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: rooting, samsung-galaxy-player
---


# Question
Title: Does a carrier know I am tethering via Wifi Hotspot?
I am using my phone's built in Wifi Hotspot to share wifi with my laptop and my other devices. I am using android 2.3 (Gingerbread), and the phone I have is the HTC Desire Z.

**Questions**

Is it possible for a carrier to detect that I am using "Wifi Hotspot" and sharing my mobile data connection with other devices?

Furthermore, is Wifi Hotspot a feature that most android devices have? and is it a feature that can be disabled by the carrier (on a phone-by-phone basis)?

# Answer
It is not detectable, **but using tethering on Android with an second device leaves a lot of traces:**

* User-Agent Headers within HTTP that come from non-mobile browser
* Increased Traffic consumption
* Connection to services that are not available on Android/Smartphone devices (e.g. World of Warcraft)

and many more I can't think of atm.

But I have never heard of a carrier that goes for a trial, even if it's a violation of services from most carrier contracts. IMHO Mobile carriers have other problems at the moment, like overall increased mobile data traffic because of the smartphone boom. These is currently handled by soft limits of data traffic, that when reached only allow traffic over 2G connections. Or, to answer your second question, if you buy a smartphone from some carriers, the build in tethering function is locked and not usable.
> 24 votes

# Answer
While your carrier wouldn't be able to directly detect you are using WiFi hotspot, they might notice that you are using a lot of data. This is often a red flag in their systems, and might get you a phone call and/or your bandwidth throttled/capped.

WiFi hotspot is *not* available on all devices. For instance, my og Droid with stock ROM doesn't offer this due to limitations artificially imposed by Verizon.

While a carrier cannot disable WiFi hotspot on a phone by phone basis, they most certainly can limit your bandwidth and/or cap it at a certain amount (for instance, I get full bandwith until I hit 2GB total, at which point it slows WAY down).
> 2 votes

# Answer
I just got off the phone with T-Mobile because I am being throttled and I was upset. He said I was not using tethering even though I had been so it appears that no, they can not see that you are tethering.
> -1 votes

# Answer
Maybe I'm wrong on this, but I thought tethering worked by setting up NAT traversal and forwarding packets from your tethered device through your mobile device. This would leave a trace in the IP packets since the NATed ports need to be embedded in the communication for NAT to work. Since your IP packets aren't encrypted the carrier should easily be able to determine if you're tethering just by observing your data stream.
> -2 votes

---
Tags: wifi-tethering, carriers
---


title: Replace default battery status icon

text:
# Question
Title: Replace default battery status icon
Is there any way to replace the default battery status icon with percentage values to indicate battery status?

For example as I saw in a screen shot

# Answer
This XDA forums thread sounds like what you are looking for. Note that the **apk** has only been tested on Froyo by the author.

Personally i use Battery Indicator Pro, it can also tell you how much time is left on the battery for various usage scenarios.
> 3 votes

# Answer
you would need a custom ROM to change the battery in the notification bar. That information, IIRC, is in android.jar and the images are in framework-res.apk. CyanogenMod, for example, lets you remove the battery image for just the % of the battery remaining. The "other methods" are just "hacks" that change the image at every percentage level, and there has to be an image for each level. So it would need ~120 images (to include the charging states).

From the look of the picture you posted, you are already running a ROM that has a battery mod. You would just now need to create the images you want, and modify the framework-res.apk with the new images.

You may also want to go back through your older questions and mark them as answered. 25% accept rate will turn people away from even answering your question.
> 3 votes

# Answer
I had the same question, and found this app: Battery Changer.

A couple of problems (that I can overlook) are:

1. It doesn't show while the phone is locked
2. It doesn't hide when another app is in full-screen mode
> 2 votes

---
Tags: battery, notification-bar
---


# Question
Title: Can't get Google Play after flashing firmware
I've recently rooted my phone in pursuit of freeing up the internal memory from system apps. I then tried uninstalling Gmail by deleting the file and then trying to reinstall it from the play store but the apk deletion seemed to put it in a strange state where it disappeared from the phone (after a while when the icon was first removed and replaced by the default android app icon and then once after resetting the phone, it didn't exist any more; but still the play store considers it as installed). I tried flashing my phone to the same firmware as I had earlier (XSG), and now I cant get Google play (only the outdated Google market, which doesn't allow any installs from the play store online).

My phone runs on Android 2.2 Froyo. Any idea what to do?

Thanks

# Answer
> 2 votes
> I then tried uninstalling Gmail by deleting the file and then trying to reinstall it from the play store

You can't install it from the Play Store, you can only update an existing version. This is to prevent phones that haven't met Google's official criteria from getting the core Google apps, though there are workarounds (see below).

> the apk deletion seemed to put it in a strange state where it disappeared from the phone ... but still the play store considers it as installed

Deleting the .apk is akin to deleting `acrobat.exe` from Windows without uninstalling Adobe Acrobat. It won't run since it doesn't exist, but the system still thinks it's installed and there may be other junk left behind.

To fix this you'd need to flash the Google Apps package; this question might help with that. Since you're only suffering from the Market not auto-updating right now, you can either try to trigger the update or manually install the new version; see this question for that.

In the future don't delete apps you want! Or at least back them up :P

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Tags: google-play-store, gmail, device-firmware
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# Question
Title: Are there any issues if buying a Samsung Galaxy S3 without memory?
If I buy a phone without memory or minimal memory, can I change to a memory card that I buy somewhere else? I was thinking of a class 10 32gb or 64gb.

Are there any concerns with doing it this way?

# Answer
Are you talking about removable storage (microSDXC)? It's not required, and it's expandable up to 64GB.

Without removable storage, you will be using the built-in storage which can be either 16GB or 32GB.

Source
> 2 votes

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Tags: samsung-galaxy-s-3, external-sd
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# Question
Title: How can I get my MK808 mini Android PC to output to my TV?
I had this mini pc from a friend. But I cannot power it up.

When I connect it to TV with HDMI cable, the light is blue, but I got nothing show on the TV screen. I've tried some different HDMI cables, but it will not put a picture out to the TV.

Can anyone suggest what the problem might be?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Its the resolution setting. That or your tv/monitor doesn't support the default setting. I was switching mine to all the different sizes and switched it to one my monitor didn't support. Was a total pain to switch back as I flipped it to some off size. Just try every tv/monitor you can find until it comes up. I have noted on a few occasions, it doesn't seem like its booting up right away, I had to unplug and wait a minute, then retry.

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Tags: hdmi, android-mini-pc
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title: Modify file without creating a copy

text:
# Question
Title: Modify file without creating a copy
Is it technically possible to edit a file directly and don't create a copy inside the application directory ?

I want to annotate an image or a PDF directly but every application saves a copy instead of modify my file.

# Answer
There is nothing which would prevent apps from modifying data files in-place. If they don't do so, then it's because the app developer decided so.
> 0 votes

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Tags: permissions, files, storage, editing
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# Question
Title: Do apps included in the gApps zip get updated via Google Play?
While using alternative ROMs like CyanogenMod 9(as i currently am), one flashes an additional zip file called gApps which contains apps provided by Google.

As Google releases newer versions of applications, will the newer versions be updated via Google Play or do I need to manually flash a newer version of the gapps.zip?

I'm asking because an update to the Google Play market app was recently released (which includes the ability to remove apps from the ALL MY APPS section) but I still haven't seen my market app updating itself.

# Answer
> 5 votes
Short answer: Gapps *will* be updatable via Play Store. You can set them to update automatically if you will (personally, I don't. I always try to find a free wifi hotspot to do updates ;)

More specific answer: The Play Store app updates itself silently in the background; you will never be asked for an update.

Longer answer: Gapps must be installed separately because the apps in the Gapps set are *not* open-source. It was a compromise reached between Google and ROM devs. In essence, ROM devs are free to create their own version of ROM as long as they exclude Gapps, but Google then went further to provide an installable Gapps.

That is why Gapps' updatezip are rarely updated; after all, Gapps still have the ability to be upgraded via Play Store.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Gapps are not included in CyanogenMod by default. You have to flash them separately through recovery. These apps will will show update notifications automatically when connected to the internet. In the case of the play store app you will not see it updating in the foreground. It downloads and updates without any notification. In case it hasn't updated you can search in google for the latest apk and install it.

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Tags: cyanogenmod, updates, google-apps
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