Related
Update 5/26/10The screen on my winmo phone broke about 2 weeks ago, and since then also one of the buttons on the front came off. I wasn't sure I wanted to continue with Windows Mobile considering their lack of support for older versions in Windows 7 phone, so I got an Android phone, a used G1. I'm not sure I'll continue to develop for Winmo.
So far I'm very impressed with what I see from the G1, but of course there are some apps missing, so my first priority will probably be to get some of my Winmo programs ported to Android. Sorry
HomeScreen++ Configuration Application
Version 0.30 Jan 9, 2009
In addition to some bug fixes, the following has been implemented:
-Creating a new file.
-Adding new elements and attributes: Items can only be chosen that are allowed according to the schema file. (However items can still be edited on the main page without validation.)
-Clicking the help button gives shows help for the chosen attribute.
-Application paths can be chosen from a filedialog box.
-Today plugins can be chosen from your registry.
-Comments can be saved as nodes with a # infront.
There are still the occassional crash of the program when saving the file, but
I have been unable to figure out the causes of the crashes. Please let me know if anyone figure out a pattern to the crashes.
Version 0.20 Dec. 18, 2008
This version includes the schema file, and will list the possible attributes and values for the different elements.
I have also included Attributes.xml, a file that in xml format describes all the elements, attributes and values.
My ultimate goal is to make the editing based on the schema file directly, and not via a text box.
However, programming has been slow due to computer breakdown and Christmas preparations. Maybe next year!
But if someone has any ideas/wishes how to proceed further, please let me know.
I'm still working on having comments included, and as far as I know, the program will read a file with
comments, but will crash if trying to save, so be careful.
Version 0.10 11/24/08
I got tired of editing the xml settings file for Homescreen++ (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=270751) on my phone, so I decided to make a program to simplify the process. It's possible it can be used as a general editor for xml files that only has elements and attributes (this has NOT been tested).
This is a very early version, but I thought I might post it here, to get some feedback before continuing the development.
What it does:
The app wil load a Homescreen++ settings file (.xml) into a treeview.
Items can be edited, added, copied, deleted and moved around.
Installation:
The attached file can be unzipped to any folder of your choice.
Limitations:
Make sure that the attributes are listed before the elements for the respective nodes.
Danger:
Since this is such an early version, when the program asks you to save, ALWAYS save to a new file. I also suggest saving it frequently, so you don't loose any changes, should the program crash.
I don't take any responsibility for the problems this program might cause on your device, but it seems to work for me on a smartphone running Microsoft Mobile 6.
Saying that, I've already found it to be quite time saving when changing where I want elements, heigths, widths etc.
I hope it can be useful for others too.
Future improvements:
Edit: using same screen as for adding new items
validate file against schema before saving.
??
thanx mate, i love HomeScreen++
good idea, I will give it a try
cool excellent idea
looks good, gonna keep an eye on this. thanks in advance.
What a superb idea !
I've give up further versions of "Battery Status" because of the complexity of skins coding (XML and syntax...)
If your tool will be able to interface settings, and why not, present them in a more friendly way, this will be a killer tool...
Congrats !
wow, it may be useful tool.
this what I was thinking of !!!
HS++ users deserve this programe.
Its a useful prog , & will lead 4 more simplisity of using it.
of course,its a long way to acheave the goal ; but; keep the hard wourk & progressing,& be sure that every HS++ lover will support your work in this idea.
good luck , & may GOD bless you.
Great App!!!
A big Thaaaaanx....!!! for this great tool.I've tested this app with not only 'HS++ xmls' but also with the 'Manila2D xmls'.And everything is working fine upto now.Once again Thank You very much...
great app! but hs++ does not work with manila2d,so...
mecal said:
great app! but hs++ does not work with manila2d,so...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
..so JUST LOL @ manila htc social club nightmare..
New version
Updated with a few more features. See first post.
HomeScreen++ Configuration Application Version 0.3
New version in first post.
Version 0.30 Jan 9, 2009
In addition to some bug fixes, the following has been implemented:
-Creating a new file.
-Adding new elements and attributes: Items can only be chosen that are allowed according to the schema file. (However items can still be edited on the main page without validation.)
-Clicking the help button gives shows help for the chosen attribute.
-Application paths can be chosen from a filedialog box.
-Today plugins can be chosen from your registry.
-Comments can be saved as nodes with a # infront.
There are still the occassional crash of the program when saving the file, but
I have been unable to figure out the causes of the crashes. Please let me know if anyone figure out a pattern to the crashes.
Thank you.
Great idea.
I'll try it when possible.
Cheers
great job, I hope many good skins will come out with the help of this tool, thanks.
thankyou
very good app.
Very nice app
Bug
Thanks for the nice words!
Since there weren't many comments, I wasn't sure anyone was using it, so I stopped development on it (even though it has a lot of downloads!)
I'm also surprised noone has said anything about a bug for the tplug. I don't know if I'm the only one experiencing it, but it seems that the name of another today plugin disappears when the file is opened. If I see that people are actually using it (?), I should fix it.
mecal said:
great app! but hs++ does not work with manila2d,so...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So good,thanks
Update 5/26/10The screen on my winmo phone broke about 2 weeks ago, and since then also one of the buttons on the front came off. I wasn't sure I wanted to continue with Windows Mobile considering their lack of support for older versions in Windows 7 phone, so I got an Android phone, a used G1. I'm not sure I'll continue to develop for Winmo.
So far I'm very impressed with what I see from the G1, but of course there are some apps missing, so my first priority will probably be to get some of my Winmo programs ported to Android. Sorry
This is a program to organize todo's/tasks in a treeview form.
It's a mobile version of the ToDoList program found at http://www.codeproject.com/KB/applications/todolist2.aspx
and http://www.abstractspoon.com/index.htm
Features:
Views based on grouping by date, folder etc.
Filter out completed task
Items can be Flagged so they stand out
Have priority and risk attached
Can be recurring
Can be exported to Pocket outlook
Can have status and categories
Can have completion percentage
Can have estimated time attached
++
If the list files are kept in the My Documents folder, they will be synchronized between the desktop and the mobile version.
In order to add categories and status options, you enter settings from the file menu. There you can also set whether you want to show the details or the comments (notes) for the item.
If the field is too short, it can be adjusted by dragging the divider line between the field and the list.
There is a shortcut toolbar that can be shown by clicking on the ^, next to Filter on the toolbar.
To edit an item, tap and hold to get the menu.
This is still being developed as a hobby, and is not a final version (in particular "filter", "group by" and list view need more work). It is being developed as I see fit, have time and am interested in doing it. THERE IS NO WARRANTY THAT THIS PROGRAM WILL WORK ON YOUR Pocket PC / Mobile phone. I TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE IT MAY CAUSE.
That being said, it seems to be quite stable on my HTC T-Mobile Wing, Mobile 6.1 and an old Dell Axim, Pocket PC 2003.
I have used it for a couple of years and maybe someone else finds it useful.
This program was developed based on the source code found on http://sourceforge.net/projects/tdl-wm5/
Since the original desktop version of this program is constantly being developed, some of the features available on the desktop might not work on the Pocket PC version.
Installation:
After unzipping the files, copy the "TdlToDo" directory to "\My Documents" on your Pocket PC.
The program file itself, "ToDoList.exe", can be anywhere on your Phone/Pocket PC (on a storage card if you want).
Uninstall:
Delete the "TdlToDo" dirctory in "\My Documents".
Delete "ToDoList.exe"
Delete "ToDoList" directory under "\Application Data" directory.
thx pal this is awesome.
throw in a Finger Friendly interface and then we have a great app...
Hi, I've been working on a similar project, are you releasing the source for yours? It looks like it could be more complete although I would like to integrate some of my features if its open source...
http://code.google.com/p/todolistmobile/
foz1284 said:
Hi, I've been working on a similar project, are you releasing the source for yours? It looks like it could be more complete although I would like to integrate some of my features if its open source...
http://code.google.com/p/todolistmobile/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't decided on releasing the source code yet. I probably should....
I looked at your project with the listed features currently and in the road map. My program already have all those features you listed there. What other features were you thinking of?
ajige said:
I haven't decided on releasing the source code yet. I probably should....
I looked at your project with the listed features currently and in the road map. My program already have all those features you listed there. What other features were you thinking of?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fair comment although I have actually been working on a large button menu and the ability to focus the task list on a particular task also I was working on syncronisation with outlook appointments, not just export. I could really do with doing another release and updating the homepage as there have been several changes since it was last done.
foz1284 said:
Fair comment although I have actually been working on a large button menu and the ability to focus the task list on a particular task also I was working on syncronisation with outlook appointments, not just export. I could really do with doing another release and updating the homepage as there have been several changes since it was last done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, but I didn't mean my criticize.
As for large button menu, do you mean to make it more finger friendly like the commenter above was asking?
And synchronizing could be a good idea. So would you then be able to turn it on or off, considering you don't want all the lists/items synchronized? Synchronize individual tasks? Based on categories?
I haven't looked at the code in a long, long time, so if I release it, I need to clean it up a bit.
ajige said:
Sorry, but I didn't mean my criticize.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dont worry about it, I realise you didnt mean it maliciously, I feel a bit like I've been re-inventing the wheel for the last few months
ajige said:
As for large button menu, do you mean to make it more finger friendly like the commenter above was asking?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep, essentially what I've done is place a load of large buttons on the screen that are visible as neccesary, nothing fancy but I think it works well
ajige said:
And synchronizing could be a good idea. So would you then be able to turn it on or off, considering you don't want all the lists/items synchronized? Synchronize individual tasks? Based on categories?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its just like you say on individual tasks although not based on categories, I've added two extra attributes to the XML one for enable/disable and one for the OutlookID.
ajige said:
I haven't looked at the code in a long, long time, so if I release it, I need to clean it up a bit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure my code wouldnt be much better and I wouldnt judge you on it, I've taken andy aspell-clarke's code and extended on it for my version, I'm not dissing his code at all but Its certainly not using coding standards that I would so I'm adaptable with it and would love to add to your code if you're interested?
BTW are you using C# or unmanaged code? my source is in C# and I'm not that familiar with C++(but would certainly have ago!)
this post keep grow intresting.
keep up the good work
foz1284 said:
yep, essentially what I've done is place a load of large buttons on the screen that are visible as neccesary, nothing fancy but I think it works well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have a screenshot?
Its just like you say on individual tasks although not based on categories, I've added two extra attributes to the XML one for enable/disable and one for the OutlookID.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it then still compatible with the desktop version?
BTW are you using C# or unmanaged code? my source is in C# and I'm not that familiar with C++(but would certainly have ago!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it's C#.
bear in mind the menu is still in private testing(although in full use)
the outlook integration has not been fully implemented yet and was a few months ago since I have done any work on it, although it was creating new appointments and updating them both ways on the mobile device,
IIRC the appointments transfer correctly to desktop outlook although there is no support in Dan.g's desktop todolist
BTW how are you handling the xml?
the source I started with is using xmlreaders and writers although I am currently in the process of converting the whole thing to XMLDOC as I find it more straightforward to work with.
foz1284 said:
bear in mind the menu is still in private testing(although in full use)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used a modified KList (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1546662&postcount=1) in my hgAgenda and hgToday programs. Take a look, that might be something to use. It can be scrolled, so it could be long if necessary.
the outlook integration has not been fully implemented yet and was a few months ago since I have done any work on it, although it was creating new appointments and updating them both ways on the mobile device,
IIRC the appointments transfer correctly to desktop outlook although there is no support in Dan.g's desktop todolist
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I know it's not supported in the desktop program, but if you open a list in the desktop program, will it mess up the info for the outlook integration, or is that info kept intact?
foz1284 said:
BTW how are you handling the xml?
the source I started with is using xmlreaders and writers although I am currently in the process of converting the whole thing to XMLDOC as I find it more straightforward to work with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's using XMLDoc, and that's not my code. As mentioned, the base code is taken from an open source project.
Support for hgtdlToDo
I just found this program, and WOW!
I have been using happyjackroad IdeaLibrary, which while a great program is "abandonware" and hasn't been updated in years. It also doesn't have any meaningful desktop support. So I recently went looking for a useful hierarchical list manager, with sync to desktop, and freeware versions for both PPC and PC. Print would be a plus as well. ToDoList fits the bill!
There are at least two ports from the PC to the PPC, and this one looks really good. I've been using it for a couple of days, and like it.
Three questions:
* It is at version .1 -- while the product is stable, that indicates to me that there have been exactly one public version, and it's not even a "final" version. While it be developed more?
* Is there a forum where it is discussed? This thread on XDA-Developers is about the only thing that Google found. It'd be great to find a forum.
* And, the reason I'm here. I installed it, and it works well. However, it will only open the last file saved (basically, auto-open on start). I can't get ANY files to show in the file open screen. Any thoughts? It's a HP HX2490b flashed to a custom WM 6.1 Classic ROM.
Thanks -- and keep it up!
Harry
HarryK said:
I just found this program, and WOW!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
I have been using happyjackroad IdeaLibrary, which while a great program is "abandonware" and hasn't been updated in years. It also doesn't have any meaningful desktop support. So I recently went looking for a useful hierarchical list manager, with sync to desktop, and freeware versions for both PPC and PC. Print would be a plus as well. ToDoList fits the bill!
There are at least two ports from the PC to the PPC, and this one looks really good. I've been using it for a couple of days, and like it.
Three questions:
* It is at version .1 -- while the product is stable, that indicates to me that there have been exactly one public version, and it's not even a "final" version. While it be developed more?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's working well for me, but I'm open to suggestions. However, there aren't many comments on the usability, so I assumed that people are either happy with the program as it is, or they downloaded it to try, but are not using it.
* Is there a forum where it is discussed? This thread on XDA-Developers is about the only thing that Google found. It'd be great to find a forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a web page http://sites.google.com/site/ajiget/programs/home for the program, but otherwise this is the only place I know of that has any activity for my program. From what I understand, the program has been downloaded quite a lot, but not many people has any comments, so I think this would be the closest to a forum you'll get.
* And, the reason I'm here. I installed it, and it works well. However, it will only open the last file saved (basically, auto-open on start). I can't get ANY files to show in the file open screen. Any thoughts? It's a HP HX2490b flashed to a custom WM 6.1 Classic ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I'm not happy with the file manager part. This is how it was originally (not my code). So when you open up the program and you want another file, the program should go back to the program's file manager. There you have to add the tdl files, that you want the program to open. So are you saying that when you click file, and close that it doesn't go to the filemanager, or that you can only see one file there?
Thanks -- and keep it up!
Harry
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without comments, I haven't been inspired to work on the program, but let me know what you think, and maybe I'll do something again.
Sorry, I dropped my post and ran! But I'm back.
I don't have any real comments on the usability, so your reasons for not updating seem fair enough. I'm learning more, and it is making more sense. Actually, I'm using the desktop version VERY heavily, and printing out hardcopy lists, and so the PPC version is becoming more of a handy reference for when I don't happen to have my list. Still, very helpful.
But with regard to the file manager, I figured it out, and it works fine. The file manager is not simply a list of compatible files, it is a list of "added" files. Once I realized that I have to "add" a file before I can see it, it works just fine.
Thanks for the response. And now that I've found you, I'll send you feedback if I come up with any.
Thanks for the program. I am a rabid WinCE user (that tells you how long I've been one -- 1998 was my first in black and white), and a key element of program selection for me is compatible desktop applications.
Harry
I have a Sharepoint site so I can create collaboration sites super duper easy.
I'm not sure if we have an app list yet....but here's one.
http://sp.texultant.apps4rent.info/MoSo/NC/Lists/App List/AllItems.aspx
It's wide open, anybody can anonymously add and edit posts....so be nice....If it gets abused I'll have to lock it down and require logins....you don't want that hassle do you?
This is a great idea! Much more practical than having threads and relying on the OP to keep them updated.
I tried uploading the Dropbox APK, but I was asked for a username/password. Submitting blank credentials didn't work, nor did clicking "Cancel".
Am I doing something wrong?
Nooter said:
This is a great idea! Much more practical than having threads and relying on the OP to keep them updated.
I tried uploading the Dropbox APK, but I was asked for a username/password. Submitting blank credentials didn't work, nor did clicking "Cancel".
Am I doing something wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There isn't a place to host apps....just to comment on what works....you can post a link to a network location wjere it exists.....but no hosting on the site.
Sorry
Hi there, here's a little tweak that I've just figured out and that hopefully some of you might enjoy...
But first off, a disclaimer:
Ads or (upgrade) nag banners 'sometimes' have a justifiable reason of being. Devs might use them to get some extra (very small un fact; most finally give this up in the end) revenue from them. That, in turn, that might allow or encourage them to continue pulishing more free apps for you to enjoy. So use your best judgement here and use these tweaks with discernment...
Message to moderators: if this goes against xda policy in any way, please let me know and I'll remove all this from here.
OK, now that this is set clear, here's what that is all about:
I'm sure that most of you guys have seen ads (or upgrade) banners in free apps and being an xda member, you probably know a few tricks to get rid of some of them. I mean ads like the ones apps or games that do not really need internet connections can easilly be blocked by using ip-tables rules/firewall/anti-ads apks to completly block their internet (like with Droidwall for example). But what about ads on the apps that DO need internet connection and than cannot be completely blocked? What about the empty screen space left for banners on some others with blocked internet access?
Well, through my readings, I've found that some suggest to hack the apks and to simply decompile them, go in \decompiled_apk\smali\com\google\ folder and delete the "ads" folder altogether. Well, from my experience, this doesn't work very well. In many cases, the modded app will not install and in some other cases, the trick might work for a while and then the ads would eventually come back. That last case just happened to me: a while ago, I've tweaked the DI Radio app like so and things seemed just fine. And today, bam!!: ads banners again. God knows how/why they came back with that "ads" folder deleted, but they did!!
So with a little thinkering and code browsing, I've figured out a very simple way to get this done - here's how:
What you need:
- An apk decompiling/compiling/signing tool(s) of your choice;
- the excellent text editor notepad++ - get it from here
Notes:
- PLEASE, do not fill this thread with questions like: how do I decompile/sign apks? - it's not the place here - thanks!
- And please do not full-quote this long post either
- If you rewrite/repost this somewhere else, please play it fair and give credits/link to this thread.
HOWTO:
1. Pull and decompile your apk;
2. Go in \res\layout folder and select all the xmls files, right-click of the highlighted file and press "open" and they should all open with Notepad++ [just click OK if you get the "confirm 'Open' Action"];
3. Select Search/Find... and enter: "@id/ad" [no quotes ""] and press "Find ALL in All opened Documents" on the search popup dialog box;
4. Now look at the search results and there might be 2 possible (maybe more.. I've tried this on only 2 apks so far...) result types:
--> As a first illustration of this: for the DI radio apk I've mentioned above [I use an older version and not the latest that requires login every time...], you get an xml called "playing.xml" with this at line 6:
Code:
<FrameLayout android:layout_gravity="center" android:id="[COLOR="Red"]@id/ad[/COLOR]_frame" android:layout_width="[COLOR="Red"]320.0dip[/COLOR]" android:layout_height="[COLOR="red"]50.0dip[/COLOR]">
On that line, we can see some size attributes for that banner; just resize them to 0!!;
So all there is to do is to edit it like so:
Code:
<FrameLayout android:layout_gravity="center" android:id="@id/ad_frame" android:layout_width="[COLOR="red"]0.0dip[/COLOR]" android:layout_height="[COLOR="red"]0.0dip[/COLOR]">
-->> Second case: for some other apks (like for an older version of a very famous file explorer..), you might get multiple results (many xmls - 6 or 7 of them) all looking like this:
Code:
<com.google.ads.GoogleAdView android:layout_gravity="center" android:id="[COLOR="red"]@id/ad[/COLOR]view" android:layout_width="wrap_content" android:layout_height="wrap_content" />
So no banner sizes in this case but all there is to do is to delete all those lines completely and then save all the respective xmls. Then,
5. Recompile and sign the apk;
6. Backup [for restoring its data later..] and then uninstall your original apk from your phone (if still there)
7. Install your modded one and enjoy your app without any ads, blank spot or nag screen.
Final notes:
- Now, this doesn't stop the app to get the ads from the internet, but it does give you a simple way to hide them and this also make accidental clicks on them a story of the past...
- This is pure dirty hacking and not a general procedure; there might be different ways to implement ads in apps and ways to hide them; so please try at your own risk and feel free to share your results/tricks with us.
- Thanks to oSandmaNo for reminding me this one important drawback: when you tweak apps like so, you will get an error message when trying to update them on the Playstore. You will have to uninstall them before being able to update. so this mean that make a backup with Titanium Backup (or others) first in order to later restore the app's DATA ONLY. Obviously, the remove ads tweak will then be gone after the update, but since you've done it once, it should be fairly easy to do it once more..
- Read post #3 for a few additional tips.
.
.
Always the best
Move this to android software hacking?
I don't want a Tapatalk sig!
Thanks buddy,
Well after a little more experimenting on this yesterday
[ ...nice way to spend time our last day on Earth... Oh wait! we're still alive; the doomsday that never came...], I realize(like I suspected) that there are many different ads implementation/removal methods and will have to had a few extra tips and tricks here.
I even still have an app that I can't figure out where the ad banner is.
But, if I may just add, the whole point here was to:
1- tell people that notepad++ is excellent tool for multi-open and multiple-files search tool - perfect for xmls...
and 2- make people realize that if ads are displayed on the screen, it is more than likely that there is/are entries about it somewhere in /res/layout/ that can be hacked...
Ok, from phone it's not convenient but here's one or two extra tips:
- search for "<com." and look for results related to google AdView or doubleclick - those can all be voided;
- if you find a line that you know/suspect is a banner, do not completely delete it and just use "<!--" (start - w/o ") and "-->" (end) to void that line;
- if a banner line entry is within a RelativeLayout, it might be preferable to add/change its size to zero with android:layout_width="0.0dip" (same with height) rather than void it;
- if you do the above (0 height/width), and the line has a: android:scaleType=fitXY" entry, delete it from the line. Other wise it might just bypass your change to 0 by 0 size...
- so search for "fitXY" is alao another thing to search for in the goose chase... so is "advert", "banner", "pub", ....
Ok, that's it for now...lack of coffee in the morning makes for messy posts...
So the difference between the results of this procedure and an adblock such as AdAway is? I'm just curious.
KicknGuitar said:
So the difference between the results of this procedure and an adblock such as AdAway is? I'm just curious.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they will only block the ads but they keep a blank frame in the display and this will get rid of the whole frame
I don't want a Tapatalk sig!
nogoodusername said:
they will only block the ads but they keep a blank frame in the display and this will get rid of the whole frame
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, that's the idea!
Why can't I ever come up with those 1-liner answers...?!? :silly:
Baahh! since I've already written an answer in a notepad, I'll paste it here in anyway:
Similarly to anti-virus solution and their virus defintion lists, AdAway is an app that blocks ads through the use of hosts files. It basically downloads and keep updated a list of known ads (and rogue) sites and just blocks any internet connection to them using a local redirection. I've already posted something on all this here.
Btw, I personally do not see the point of using such a specific app just for this as there tons of such lists freely available on the net and I don't think it is that important to update it so frequently... I just update the list once every 3-4 months or so and everything has been fine for me so far...
On the other hand, the object of this thread is to deal with apks' layouts and that means to aim at removing any wasted space that the ads might use OR leave empty if you do block them out. Just look at the 4th screenshot on the OP; it might not be clearly visible because I put some text over it, but you see that black rectangle at the bottom? Well that is what I called an app banner. It's black because I used Droidwall to block internet access to that file explorer, but I believe that it would be the exact same if I would only use either AdAway or just my hosts file. It's the layout design of the apk that still uses that space even though it didn't get any ads from the internet...With my tricks, I (at least the goal is to) regain that important screen real estate no matter what; even without any ad blocking solution... And btw, none of those are perfect either; there will always be one new ad site not listed/included yet...
Like I wrote more than once above, not all apps are coded the same and some other apks do not display anything when they do not get any ads from the net. So these tweaks would not be needed for those.
I feel that what I wrote is a bit confusing, but I hope you get my idea anyway.
Added two more SS as example...
[that freakin app had ads entry in a good dozen different xmls but easy doubleclick ones :victory: ]
Adding
android:visibility="gone"
To any layout block (within < and /> ) having the word "ad" in it should work as well
And right on about notepad++ being great for xmls and I use it along with VTS10 which also previews referenced drawables, strings and public.xml entries in the xml apart from having a complete fuss free environment for reverse engineering apps
Thanx for sharing!
bhupatib said:
Adding
android:visibility="gone"
To any layout block (within < and /> )
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Click to collapse
Thanks I wondered about that; I will try it out on the next app I tweak for this..
having the word "ad" in it should work as well
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You mean searching for the word "ad" or adding that within the layout? Because searding for "ad" when an app 100+ xmls you will get A LOT of results with "android: paddingLeft=...(/right)"...
And right on about notepad++ being great for xmls and I use it along with VTS10 which also previews referenced drawables, strings and public.xml entries in the xml apart from having a complete fuss free environment for reverse engineering apps
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Thanks, I'll surely have a look at that VTS10 but when I tried to search for it I got just about every results possible (dry vaccum pumps, metal wires, remote house domotic system, etc...) except something related to Android
Thanx for sharing!
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NP my pleasure.
Can you update the app after modifying? No package signed incorrectly error?
Sent from my MB526 using xda app-developers app
[] AL [] said:
You mean searching for the word "ad" or adding that within the layout?
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I didn't mean it literally, just something to identify layouts containing adverts (lame, I know ). There'd be better ways of searching for it (like the id search you mentioned)
[] AL [] said:
Thanks, I'll surely have a look at that VTS10
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Sorry, I used the abbreviation (and wrong one at that; it's just VTS or Virtuous Ten Studio, formerly M10 Studio) without giving you a link. I should be banned
Here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1619473
It's really great for themers and smali-ers like you
oSandmaNo said:
Can you update the app after modifying? No package signed incorrectly error?
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Oh! good that you mention this - I thought about it earlier today then I forgot about it...
You are right: you'll get that error and have to uninstall before beeing able to update.
This makes sense and even if you could, the update would replace the old version and remove your changes anyway.
So yes, this is an important drawback and I'll update the OP tomorrow.
I often tend to keep old versions unless new ones bring important fixes or options...why update what is not broken? hehe!
But at least, once you've found how the tweak is done for a specific app, it should be quite easy to do it again...
And really, I don't know about you, but I do not use that many such apps that show ads or blank space... Most don't if they do not absolutely require internet connection and if you use Droidwall and/or a hosts file.
But again, good point and thanks.
Sweet. Thanks. Works!
Sent from my MB525 using xda app-developers app
Luckypatcher is free and easier to remove ads.
Gesendet von meinem MB526
joke19 said:
Luckypatcher is free and easier to remove ads.
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Maybe, but that has nothing to do with xda philosophy where the forum is there to make people learn and try mods on there own.
Beside, in my mind, this is pretty much warez talk and that is against xda rules...
So I won't thank you for the suggestion
thanks
cool!
thanking you twice today, mate!
piunti said:
thanking you twice today, mate!
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Way to go!!!
and you're welcomed.
... Keep going, I have more threads... Hehehe!!
Any comments on why or what you thanked? Anyhow, I thank you here and once more on your post above..: fair enough?
Cheers mæite!
Edit: OK well thanked you there (theme thread) also.
Plz do not full-quote my long posts next time....
Madvertise Ads !!!
Awsome tut dude! I've been on it already but now I've encounter some kind of new ad engine called Madvertise!
Can't seem to get rid of it! Do you or anybody aorund know how?
I seemed to have figured out some of its files...
\res\layout\ad_madvertise.xml
\res\values\attrs.xml
\assets\adview.html
\assets\adview.js
Messing around modifying/removing these files makes the APK file unusable!
Ty very much. I had problems with one app for coding. The ad covred the main sting while I was writing and I really could't see anything. But with ur help I can carry on with my work
P.S.: Does the ad eat traffic even when I can't see it? And I'm enclosing that app. Probably, some1 needs it.
thanks OP for great method
Thanks OP for this great method, i was having problems first when compiling but when i downloaded the latest apktool and aapt especially the decompiling was done with any problem. I removed ads from two apps as a piece of cake.
Is there a way to build Themer themes (or even Zooper widgets) on a PC or Mac and export them back out, transfer them to the device and import them into Themer?
I have been trying to build a theme but I keep getting frustrated with how cumbersome it is to use these tools on a touchscreen device. I would be able to create a theme a lot more quickly and efficiently if I could drag elements around with a mouse, type on a physical keyboard and make use of a larger screen with more real estate than my phone. I also think it would be much more precise.
A tool like this would be fairly easy to build. It'd just have to have a few basic options for the device like resolution and dpi and could also have presets so that a designer could select the device he or she is exporting to. This would also be helpful for people who are modifying themes to work with other devices or if users are running their phones with custom DPI settings (I do).
Would anyone else find this useful?
Please forgive me if this has been asked and answered already. I did a bunch of searching and couldn't come up with anything.
Thanks,
Cass
cbarnes913 said:
Is there a way to build Themer themes (or even Zooper widgets) on a PC or Mac and export them back out, transfer them to the device and import them into Themer?
I have been trying to build a theme but I keep getting frustrated with how cumbersome it is to use these tools on a touchscreen device. I would be able to create a theme a lot more quickly and efficiently if I could drag elements around with a mouse, type on a physical keyboard and make use of a larger screen with more real estate than my phone. I also think it would be much more precise.
A tool like this would be fairly easy to build. It'd just have to have a few basic options for the device like resolution and dpi and could also have presets so that a designer could select the device he or she is exporting to. This would also be helpful for people who are modifying themes to work with other devices or if users are running their phones with custom DPI settings (I do).
Would anyone else find this useful?
Please forgive me if this has been asked and answered already. I did a bunch of searching and couldn't come up with anything.
Thanks,
Cass
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Click to collapse
Yes. I second your idea. i did search for theme builder. nothing of that sort. on a different note , i did find an ancient theme builder for ancient symbian phones. i donot know whether to laugh or to cry. LOL
cbarnes913 said:
Is there a way to build Themer themes (or even Zooper widgets) on a PC or Mac and export them back out, transfer them to the device and import them into Themer?
I have been trying to build a theme but I keep getting frustrated with how cumbersome it is to use these tools on a touchscreen device. I would be able to create a theme a lot more quickly and efficiently if I could drag elements around with a mouse, type on a physical keyboard and make use of a larger screen with more real estate than my phone. I also think it would be much more precise.
A tool like this would be fairly easy to build. It'd just have to have a few basic options for the device like resolution and dpi and could also have presets so that a designer could select the device he or she is exporting to. This would also be helpful for people who are modifying themes to work with other devices or if users are running their phones with custom DPI settings (I do).
Would anyone else find this useful?
Please forgive me if this has been asked and answered already. I did a bunch of searching and couldn't come up with anything.
Thanks,
Cass
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Click to collapse
Hi, if you are asking if there is an App to build themes on a PC? If yes then the answer is sadly no.
However there is another option. You can use an Android VM such as GenyMotion. It no longer has Play Store access, so you will need to sideload Themer on it, but it does work well. http://www.genymotion.com/features/
the link doesn't work comes back as nothing found,fortunately this one does work https://cloud.genymotion.com/page/launchpad/download/
you wiull need to register and log in before download
ThemerSupport said:
However there is another option. You can use an Android VM such as GenyMotion. It no longer has Play Store access, so you will need to sideload Themer on it, but it does work well.
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Yeah, I started to do this but as the performance is fairly bad in emulation, I threw in the towel. If there is enough support, is this something that you guys would be willing to build? It's probably even something that could be built in a web app, meaning you could build it once and be done
The benefit here is that having a tool like this would open the door for a lot more designers. The more great themes you have in Themer the bigger your install base.
Thanks so much for responding so quickly
Edit: I misunderstood. I have tried the emulator provided with the SDK, but I'll give GenyMotion a shot also. Thanks for the suggestion.
cbarnes913 said:
Yeah, I started to do this but as the performance is fairly bad in emulation, I threw in the towel. If there is enough support, is this something that you guys would be willing to build? It's probably even something that could be built in a web app, meaning you could build it once and be done
The benefit here is that having a tool like this would open the door for a lot more designers. The more great themes you have in Themer the bigger your install base.
Thanks so much for responding so quickly
Edit: I misunderstood. I have tried the emulator provided with the SDK, but I'll give GenyMotion a shot also. Thanks for the suggestion.
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Click to collapse
We might have a look at an online version in the future, but that will only be once Themer is a lot more stable and we have more resources to work with. Thanks for the suggestion though!
it could be awesome for pc users
I installed Genymotion. Getting it configured with Themer took some doing, but once it was setup I had everything I needed. Thanks so much for this suggestion.
For those who want to do the same thing, there are some things you need to know. First, you need either a Google account or a Facebook account to log into Themer. That means that after you install GenyMotion, you need to do one of two things: either you need to 1) flash a Google apps package over the GenyMotion VM (a 4.3 apps package that works with Cyanogen mod works best), then log into Google, then update everything with the Play Store, and then install Themer; OR (and I didn't do this, so it might be more complex than this) sideload Facebook and sideload Themer, log into Facebook, then setup Themer.
The reason you need to do this is because in order to use Themer, you need to log in using either a Google account or a Facebook account, and Themer uses a list of accounts already on your phone (or in this case, the VM) to populate the dialog box that asks you to log in. That said, you want to have either a Facebook account or a Google account set up on the device (or VM) prior to launching Themer. Since I'd rather not ever use Facebook to do anything, that limits my option to Google.
It might be the case that if you exported themes from Themer and wanted to import it, that you might not have to go through any of these steps. However, if you want to be able to download existing themes from Themer and work with them as a starting point for building your theme, or even just pick them apart to figure out how they work in order to learn, you need to log in.
Someone correct me if I made this way more complicated than it needed to be.
As for developing a web client for theming, maybe this could be a community-led effort? I don't have the skill or time to do any of it, but if this is a popular request, perhaps we could organize a project and try to contribute to it. Is anyone interested?