[Q] Lean&Mean without losing Xperia functionality - Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini, Mini Pro, Xperia Pro, A

Hi guys,
I haven't got the phone yet (ogling the Mini Pro, counting my money), but I'm wondering what hints you have for reducing crud on the current batch of Xperia phones, without losing the (full) functionality of Xperia launcher & widgets.
So, assuming you have root and wish to uninstall programs from /system/apps, which ones would you delete?
(I'd like to keep full xperia functionality, since I really like the look of the default launcher and some of the widgets)

once i've got mine rooted im removed that daft pop cap games rubbish! also all the office tools and other things i dont need, i like to have mine as slim as possible with only the things i'll use left on, my x10 mini pro has everything removed that can be

dryhte said:
Hi guys,
I haven't got the phone yet (ogling the Mini Pro, counting my money), but I'm wondering what hints you have for reducing crud on the current batch of Xperia phones, without losing the (full) functionality of Xperia launcher & widgets.
So, assuming you have root and wish to uninstall programs from /system/apps, which ones would you delete?
(I'd like to keep full xperia functionality, since I really like the look of the default launcher and some of the widgets)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before installing CM i was on a rooted stock ROM with plenty stuff removed. I had 80+ MB more RAM available after the cleanup. I didnt have any kind of memory issues before, and while some say that free RAM is wasted RAM, its even more wasted if its been used by apps you dont need.
From what i remember, I've removed: everything related to timescape including all widgets and extensions, extensions for music player, xperia stock launcher, many android and google services (anonymous stats collection, google partner setup and some other google ones, and many others...), popcap and other miscellanous 3rd party apps and so on.
I cant recall all of it, but basically everything that you can recognise by the title and dont need, you can remove. Like stock calculator, launcher, widgets...
If you would need help later on, just post here a list of services and ill try to help.

sulkie said:
Before installing CM i was on a rooted stock ROM with plenty stuff removed. I had 80+ MB more RAM available after the cleanup. I didnt have any kind of memory issues before, and while some say that free RAM is wasted RAM, its even more wasted if its been used by apps you dont need.
From what i remember, I've removed: everything related to timescape including all widgets and extensions, extensions for music player, xperia stock launcher, many android and google services (anonymous stats collection, google partner setup and some other google ones, and many others...), popcap and other miscellanous 3rd party apps and so on.
I cant recall all of it, but basically everything that you can recognise by the title and dont need, you can remove. Like stock calculator, launcher, widgets...
If you would need help later on, just post here a list of services and ill try to help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't root as long as it meant I had to unlock the bootloader, but I did it now that the ZergRush method existed
Now I'm trying to remove some software, but I don't manage to do so.
In a (su) terminal on the phone, I went to /system/app and tried to rename/remove some .apk that I was really sure I didn't need (like magicboxinstaller.apk) but it says that the file system is read-only. Can I remount the filesystem from inside the terminal on the phone, or do I need adb?
and what's the syntax to remount?
Another thing:
I'd like to remove the following stuff:
- magicbox
- popcapinstaller
- fun & downloads
- playnow store
- mobistar tv (related to a local provider, you won't know this probably)
Any idea which apk's these map to? (I'm guessing magicboxinstaller.apk = popcap installer, but the others???)
thanks

just install root explorer and delete files. probably easier than terminal, and you can set it to RW

dryhte said:
Can I remount the filesystem from inside the terminal on the phone, or do I need adb?
and what's the syntax to remount?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used adb for it. When rooted open a command prompt, navigate to adb's place, type in:
adb
su
exit
adb remount
adb
And now you can delete everything.

You can roo it. There's a thread about what apps are save to delete. Kinda funny how i have officesuite pro and the trial crapware is still there.

I you have busybox you can do busubox mount -o remount,rw /system I did it to modify some keyboard layout related files.
Good luck with your apps

just install system app remover, its much easier

I would recomend using the ZergRush-method if you care about DRM, warranty or bricking.
What I did on my Xperia Active was to first use ZergRush to get root access using ADB.
Then installed SuperUser and 'su' binary, as well as busybox 1.19.
Then install Titanium Backup (ROOT), and start removing bloat.
The nice thing about using Titanium is that you can backup the different parts you wish to remove, and thus reduce the chance of breaking og loosing desired functionality.
Personally I must say it really makes a difference.
Before I regullarly experienced, when going back to the home screen, a complete redraw as a consequence of memory being flushed.
After it has not happened once.

dryhte said:
I didn't root as long as it meant I had to unlock the bootloader, but I did it now that the ZergRush method existed
Now I'm trying to remove some software, but I don't manage to do so.
In a (su) terminal on the phone, I went to /system/app and tried to rename/remove some .apk that I was really sure I didn't need (like magicboxinstaller.apk) but it says that the file system is read-only. Can I remount the filesystem from inside the terminal on the phone, or do I need adb?
and what's the syntax to remount?
Another thing:
I'd like to remove the following stuff:
- magicbox
- popcapinstaller
- fun & downloads
- playnow store
- mobistar tv (related to a local provider, you won't know this probably)
Any idea which apk's these map to? (I'm guessing magicboxinstaller.apk = popcap installer, but the others???)
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why use geeky method when we have easy option = http://androidflip.com/remove-pre-installed-android-apps/

Root and full functionality
I rooted my last phone (x10 minipro) so I could store apps to sd. I haven't yet rooted my 2011 minipro, partly because I would lose certain functionality. The video player for Android Market movies will not run on a rooted phone, nor will some other apps (like magazine subscriptions), because they require DRM for copyright protection. Just something to consider before rooting your phone.
dave

bigdfmartin said:
I rooted my last phone (x10 minipro) so I could store apps to sd. I haven't yet rooted my 2011 minipro, partly because I would lose certain functionality. The video player for Android Market movies will not run on a rooted phone, nor will some other apps (like magazine subscriptions), because they require DRM for copyright protection. Just something to consider before rooting your phone.
dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the ZergRush method you don't lose anything. (unless you really want to have a recovery)
Rooting in itself works fine without unlocking the bootloader and therefore, without losing any DRM

Related

[Q] building a custom rom

Hi I'm new to the development scene, I am trying to strip down a rom to remove certain programs... actually everything but the web browser, firefox 5 and flash. I would also like to set a default background in the image and preset the wireless settings too. These are going to be put in an environment where we don't want them to be messed with. Is there an easy way of doing this? I was thinking the ASOP rom might be the best candidate to work with, but I don't know for sure. I ill be rolling out about 20 - 25 units in the next week or so. any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Joe
Your best bet is really probably to use the latest stock ROM so you don't leave root access and google market in there. You could probably acomplish your roll out by setting up any rom the way you want it, then wiping cache and user data, and running a nand backup with CWM. Then use that backup to restore onto the other devices.
To remove system apps in a ROM you can use ADB from a PC, or you can root it with z4root and use Titanium Backup. Then remove root before the backup.
thanks for the info
Thanks a bunch! I will try that when they come in. If I clear out the user data will that wipe out the wifi settings? To remove programs via ADB I still would need to be rooted correct?
Thanks
Joe
Yes clearing data will wipe wifi settings. I have never tried ADB on an unrooted device. You should jsut be able to activate debug usb and have it work jsut fine. But you can root with z4root and then UNroot with z4root when you are done with doing your root things (but befor eyou make a nand image).
Just search for z4root.apk
removing special apps
I'm having trouble removing the facebook app, youtube app and the gmarket app. any tips? I cant find them in the titanium backup app. any tips on removing these? getting rid of these apps is of the up-most importance. - these will be installed in an environment where we do not want people to have access to these apps. an help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Joe
linuxman84 said:
I'm having trouble removing the facebook app, youtube app and the gmarket app. any tips? I cant find them in the titanium backup app. any tips on removing these? getting rid of these apps is of the up-most importance. - these will be installed in an environment where we do not want people to have access to these apps. an help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Joe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are installed as system apps. You would need to use something like SystemApp Remover to remove them (it can also backup the system aps incase you want to reinstall and also convert nonsystem apps to system apps). But, you do realize that there are other places for users to get apps to install than Market and you can still reach Facebook & Youtube via the browser once the google apps are removed!!!!
Hmm
I tried the system app remover they do not seem to be listed there It looks like they are short cuts to web pages, at this point I would settle just for hiding them, do you know if it possible to hide those. I am using the factory build on the 1.2 tree.
Thanks
Joe
Use the instructions posted here on the CyanogenMod Wiki to get rid of whatever you want.
And, there's really no need to use things like z4root on the gTablet. You can get root without that. In fact, if you can connect to the tablet using adb, then you're already root. The gTab is not like a locked-down phone.
linuxman84 said:
I tried the system app remover they do not seem to be listed there It looks like they are short cuts to web pages, at this point I would settle just for hiding them, do you know if it possible to hide those. I am using the factory build on the 1.2 tree.
Thanks
Joe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do believe you are correct...the stock TapNTap had the ability to save Web Links as Icons on the home screen. Not running stock and don't remember if there is a way to remove them.
z4root is handy to gain root and install busybox/superuser without having to set up adb though.

[Q] Neo unlocking bootloader and root actual benefits?

O.K.. I finally made the upgrade from my old E10i (Mini) to a Neo..
I've been comparing phones for months now and chose the Neo for its Superior Camera, forward facing camera for skype calls, Dedicated HDMI port and the recent news of the Live dock which will enable USB Hosting.. (It was a bit of a toss up between the Samsung Galaxy S2 and the Neo.. the price of the Neo won out in the end)
I will get the Neo in a couple of days (its been ordered and payed for)
Now.. I have screwed with my mini so much (it had features missing that I really needed... Dual touch, Flash Video, Apps to SD, Froyo then Gingerbread, Clockwork recovery, Wifi tethering etc) so it needed to be rooted and hacked.. but what features are really missing off the neo? (its already running gingerbread)
Do I need to modify it? or is it actually quite good out of the box?
Does rooting, unlocking the bootloader and loading custom Kernel give me any real benefits (apart from CPU overclocking?)
(as a new member of the Neo Forum.. moving over from the mini I'm asking for your advice)
Any thoughts??
Cheers
Kiwi
Till now I didn't see the reason for unlocking the boot loader. Just rooted the phone to get the clock sync to work. Without rooting, clock setting can be down to minute only - OS bypass any time difference less than 30s. Rooted OS permits to set the clock correct.
That's the only real reason for me to root the phone. Other than that were just for fun.
Out of the box it is quite good, except for the bloatware and useless shortcuts in the app drawer. Get your phone rooted and delete the bloatware (it has 2 app screens of 16 apps full of bloatware). Also move some apps to the system app partition, because the app memory is not so big (a lot bigger than the E10's, but still too small).
Unlocking the bootloader can be useful, but it's not necessary for most mods. Fact is that we can relock the bootloader easily. The only disadvantage from unlocking the bootloader is that DRM won't work after unlocking, so the music like button in the stock music player (which I never use) and TrackID won't work, even after relocking. Still, you can use Shazam instead of TrackID.
I wasn't able to root my Neo for 2 months, but it wasn't that bad. Especially after the latest update, you don't need root because screenshot making is native. I only experienced that I filled the app memory very fast.
sdk16420 said:
Out of the box it is quite good, except for the bloatware and useless shortcuts in the app drawer. Get your phone rooted and delete the bloatware (it has 2 app screens of 16 apps full of bloatware). Also move some apps to the system app partition, because the app memory is not so big (a lot bigger than the E10's, but still too small).
I wasn't able to root my Neo for 2 months, but it wasn't that bad. Especially after the latest update, you don't need root because screenshot making is native. I only experienced that I filled the app memory very fast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excuse me, what do you mean with "move some apps to the system app partition"?
ingro said:
Excuse me, what do you mean with "move some apps to the system app partition"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you install some apps, they install that location data/app. This partitions size is not the biggestone. If you have root you can easly remove bloatware and move the most needed apps to system/app partitions. Beacause system/app partitions have about 150+ Mb free space after you delete bloatware. Use search and you find in arc forum a thread wher is complete list app what you can delete and remove
Sent from my MT15i using Tapatalk
Holy Crap!! I forgot all about the bloatware!! Its been so long since I actually used a Stock setup on my mini I forgot about the bloatware component!! eeeek! well, that's probably the biggest plus for rooting! (that and moving some apps to System, eg.. root explorer etc..)
Thanks guys! will be rooting as soon as she gets out of the box!
Kiwi
taaviu said:
If you install some apps, they install that location data/app. This partitions size is not the biggestone. If you have root you can easly remove bloatware and move the most needed apps to system/app partitions. Beacause system/app partitions have about 150+ Mb free space after you delete bloatware. Use search and you find in arc forum a thread wher is complete list app what you can delete and remove
Sent from my MT15i using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!
kiwiBratwurst said:
Does rooting, unlocking the bootloader and loading custom Kernel give me any real benefits (apart from CPU overclocking?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With doomlord kernel is overcloking "insane"
Stock 1Ghz
Doomlord kernel 1,9Ghz
I use 1,4Ghz smartassV2 and its da bestone. I even downgrade my 2.3.4 back to 2.3.3 because new kernel relase is "nobody know"
And battery....da best
And YES rooting is strongly RECOMENDED but ALWAYS your desicion
Regards!
Taavi
I would recommend rooting your neo for the following reasons.
a) removing bloatware
b) overclocking (however in 2.3.4 this is not possible until doomkernel is updated, but still.)
c) you can do quite a few mods that require root that are pretty cool with the phone.
enjoy using your neo

[UTIL][12/JUL/12] Samsung Galaxy S3 Chlorine. (bloat remover cwm-update generator)

Status: Online *
If you've updated any stock apps, the updated versions won't be removed.
Now that I have my own Galaxy S3, I figured it was time to add that to the Chlorine mix.
Basically it's a web based tool that will generate a CWM compatible update.zip to remove pre-installed apps (bloat).
As always, backup and be confident with restoring your phone via download mode or CWM.
Android Chlorine
---
SGS Chlorine
SGS2 Chlorine
SGS3 Chlorine
---
SGS Chlorine (mobile)
SGS2 Chlorine (mobile)
SGS3 Chlorine (mobile)
What this does:
This is a little bit of PHP that will generate a customised CWM3 compatible update.zip which will remove specific apks (and associated .odexes).
Usage:
* Choose which APKs you want the update.zip to remove and hit the Generate button.
- You can also select a preset to save some clicking.
* Copy the generated .zip file to your phone.
* Apply it with CWM.
Thanks:
The SGS list of APKs was grabbed from the public google docs spreadsheet.
The SGS2 APK list was grabbed from this public google docs spreadsheet
The SGS3 APK list was grabbed from this public google docs spreadsheet. XDA thread
Notes:
* Requires busybox for mounting /system.
* The APK list shouldn't let you remove anything 'vital' to booting the phone (Only green "yes" marked items are in the list). If there's any bloat that does need to be added to the database, let me know. Likewise if you remove something that borks your phone.
* If you have any particular ideas for good presets, also let me know and I'll see to adding them.
* Stock apps that have been updated (either via play store or in app updates) will not be "fully" removed. You can manually remove the updates though.
reserved
reserved2
Just quickly trying this on wanamlite 1.5 to remove chaton will post back
EDIT: the good news of is that it still boots, the bad that chaton is still installed i have siyah 1.3.7 busybox and wanamlite 1.5
If you want more details just ask
Regards
Jack
first time uninstalling chatON it didnt delete the program but only the update from chatON, second time i uninstalled chatON it uninstalled the app itself
-other method-
use titanium backup to freeze/uninstall all bloatware.. works fast with tickbox and voila
Eplusz said:
first time uninstalling chatON it didnt delete the program but only the update from chatON, second time i uninstalled chatON it uninstalled the app itself
-other method-
use titanium backup to freeze/uninstall all bloatware.. works fast with tickbox and voila
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just tried reflashing a couple of times and am sorry to say it remains installed, but thanks for the second method.
Regards
Jack
If u could make your "site" read all your installed apps and not only bloatware,this would be a very handy and cool tool
I can also confirm that ChatON is NOT deleted after running this a couple of times. It doesn´t matter whether or not more apps, other than ChatON, is included in the .zip.
leetal said:
I can also confirm that ChatON is NOT deleted after running this a couple of times. It doesn´t matter whether or not more apps, other than ChatON, is included in the .zip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are the other apps being deleted, or is nothing being removed?
Eplusz said:
first time uninstalling chatON it didnt delete the program but only the update from chatON, second time i uninstalled chatON it uninstalled the app itself
-other method-
use titanium backup to freeze/uninstall all bloatware.. works fast with tickbox and voila
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It 'sounds' like, ChatON shoves some crap into /data/app. (updates) which are causing it to linger around. I wasn't able to check /data/app without su.
I'll confirm in a few days when I have a chance to root, test and so on.
Eplusz said:
-other method-
use titanium backup to freeze/uninstall all bloatware.. works fast with tickbox and voila
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course, this way has been around for ages. I always found maintaining the titanium backup list was more effort though. If you're flashing multiple roms frequently.
zodiaxe66 said:
Great idea. But there is already an app that can do this "app2zip" where u can backup all your apps in a flashable zip.
If u could make your "site" read all your installed apps and not only bloatware,this would be a very handy and cool tool
u should check out the app its in the market
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...what? They do different things. app2zip takes your apps and packages them into a CWM flashable restore zip. This removes stock apps. Titanium Backup also can do both tasks. (Remove and restore).
The idea with this is that you create a CWM update that removes everything you want removed. You put it on your SD card and keep it there and use it when you upgrade. Perhaps that wasn't explained well enough in this post. I explain better in the original post for the SGS.
Am I only guy here who think that this UTILITY=APP need to be in "Galaxy S III Themes and Apps"
sargorn said:
Are the other apps being deleted, or is nothing being removed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S Suggest won´t remove, likewise ChatON. I haven´t tested other apps as of now so i can´t tell =)
Great work with the webb-app! Keep it updated and it´ll be a blast!
leetal said:
S Suggest won´t remove, likewise ChatON. I haven´t tested other apps as of now so i can´t tell =)
Great work with the webb-app! Keep it updated and it´ll be a blast!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, downloading a custom rom at the moment to have a peek in what it sticks in /data/app. (one someone mentioned they were using earlier).
I haven't rooted/flashed anything custom on my Galaxy S3 yet as I only got it a week ago and I didn't want to have anything 'unofficial' for the first week or so just in case I had any issues and needed to return it.
I did just factory reset again though, and ChatON is updated by Play Store and S Suggest asks to auto update itself when it starts up. So again it might be a situation where the updates are dumping themselves into /data/app/.
sargorn said:
Hmm, downloading a custom rom at the moment to have a peek in what it sticks in /data/app. (one someone mentioned they were using earlier).
I haven't rooted/flashed anything custom on my Galaxy S3 yet as I only got it a week ago and I didn't want to have anything 'unofficial' for the first week or so just in case I had any issues and needed to return it.
I did just factory reset again though, and ChatON is updated by Play Store and S Suggest asks to auto update itself when it starts up. So again it might be a situation where the updates are dumping themselves into /data/app/.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I suspected is accurate, I just tested myself. If you happen to have updated any of the stock apps (either via the Play store or an in app update) they will still remain.
However, you can go to the application manager in settings and hit the "remove updates" button. It will say uninstall failed but it will remove the apk from /data/app. Rebooting will remove the icons from the home screen.
Also, if you happen to remove a widget that is in use on the home screen (Accuweather/clock) TWLauncher will complain until you remove the 'dead' widget.
I "may" end up adding something that will remove the updates from /data/app. I'll have to think about how to do it. Until then you can use the workaround above.
sargorn said:
Of course, this way has been around for ages. I always found maintaining the titanium backup list was more effort though. If you're flashing multiple roms frequently.
...what? They do different things. app2zip takes your apps and packages them into a CWM flashable restore zip. This removes stock apps. Titanium Backup also can do both tasks. (Remove and restore).
The idea with this is that you create a CWM update that removes everything you want removed. You put it on your SD card and keep it there and use it when you upgrade. Perhaps that wasn't explained well enough in this post. I explain better in the original post for the SGS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah i know,don't even know how i came to my own conclusion.(yes i do, interrupted by my kids) i just read it again and your explanation is pretty clear. I just turned everything up side down.
Sorry m8
First post corrected
sargorn said:
Status: Online *
If you've updated any stock apps, the updated versions won't be removed.
Now that I have my own Galaxy S3, I figured it was time to add that to the Chlorine mix.
Basically it's a web based tool that will generate a CWM compatible update.zip to remove pre-installed apps (bloat).
As always, backup and be confident with restoring your phone via download mode or CWM.
Android Chlorine
---
SGS Chlorine
SGS2 Chlorine
SGS3 Chlorine
---
SGS Chlorine (mobile)
SGS2 Chlorine (mobile)
SGS3 Chlorine (mobile)
What this does:
This is a little bit of PHP that will generate a customised CWM3 compatible update.zip which will remove specific apks (and associated .odexes).
Usage:
* Choose which APKs you want the update.zip to remove and hit the Generate button.
- You can also select a preset to save some clicking.
* Copy the generated .zip file to your phone.
* Apply it with CWM.
Thanks:
The SGS list of APKs was grabbed from the public google docs spreadsheet.
The SGS2 APK list was grabbed from this public google docs spreadsheet
The SGS3 APK list was grabbed from this public google docs spreadsheet. XDA thread
Notes:
* Requires busybox for mounting /system.
* The APK list shouldn't let you remove anything 'vital' to booting the phone (Only green "yes" marked items are in the list). If there's any bloat that does need to be added to the database, let me know. Likewise if you remove something that borks your phone.
* If you have any particular ideas for good presets, also let me know and I'll see to adding them.
* Stock apps that have been updated (either via play store or in app updates) will not be "fully" removed. You can manually remove the updates though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice information and thanks for sharing. I just generated a test .zip file and below is the updater-script that is generated;
ui_print("Android Chlorine");
run_program("/sbin/busybox", "mount", "/system");
delete("/system/app/Bluetooth.apk");
delete("/system/app/Bluetooth.odex");
delete("/system/app/BluetoothAvrcp.apk");
delete("/system/app/BluetoothAvrcp.odex");
delete("/system/app/BluetoothTest.apk");
delete("/system/app/BluetoothTest.odex");
delete("/system/app/ChromeBookmarksSyncAdapter.apk");
delete("/system/app/ChromeBookmarksSyncAdapter.odex");
delete("/system/app/GoogleQuickSearchBox.apk");
delete("/system/app/GoogleQuickSearchBox.odex");
delete("/system/app/GoogleSearchWidget");
delete("/system/app/GoogleSearchWidget.odex");
delete("/system/app/Maps.apk");
delete("/system/app/Maps.odex");
delete("/system/app/MyFiles.apk");
delete("/system/app/MyFiles.odex");
delete("/system/app/Street.apk");
delete("/system/app/Street.odex");
delete("/system/app/YouTube.apk");
delete("/system/app/YouTube.odex");
run_program("/sbin/busybox", "umount", "/system");
Alternatively you may easily remove all the unnecessary files simply using Root Explorer (if your phone is rooted of-course) and deleting files from "/system/app/", in this case you also have the chance to backup the files before deleting. Make sure you enable r/w in Root Explorer.
Cheers...
jaykhan said:
Alternatively you may easily remove all the unnecessary files simply using Root Explorer (if your phone is rooted of-course) and deleting files from "/system/app/", in this case you also have the chance to backup the files before deleting. Make sure you enable r/w in Root Explorer.
Cheers...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Easily" can be quite subjective, no? If you remove said files in Root Explorer you don't get the additional information included as to what each file is. Also, making backups of files from a rom you just installed seems somewhat redundant. If you want those files back, pull them out of the rom and push them to the phone? Or just don't delete them to start with.
Last time I checked Root Explorer also cost money on the Play Store and while it has features which scope well beyond this project, it's still more expensive than using this is. (free).
thanks for the chlorine man..!

[Q] Security, encryption etc.

Hi guys,
I've been doing lots of searching but I still don't have a clear idea bout Android security. Many of the threads I found are too old and may not be valid anymore. I have a Mini Pro - SK17i and wish to:
1) remove Sony bloatware. Is it a good way to use DoomLoRD's root method and use SystemApp remover? Or just remove the offending .apk's manually? Or Titanium?
2) enable GPS without sending the 'anonymous usage statistics'. I find this incredibly offending. Also, what other statistics collection is there on this phone? There's some option in Sony settings. How to completely remove (not just disable) this?
3) encrypt the data, including on SD card, with a password. What's the best+safest way to do this?
4) the phone to lock itself with a password (which would also engage the encryption) if it's not in range of my Wi-Fi. Is it doable?
5) not grand every application every permission it requests on install. There are some apps on the market, like Permissons Denied and some firewalls. Do they work on XMP? Are they safe?
Thanks a lot in advance!
dontknowme said:
Hi guys,
I've been doing lots of searching but I still don't have a clear idea bout Android security. Many of the threads I found are too old and may not be valid anymore. I have a Mini Pro - SK17i and wish to:
1) remove Sony bloatware. Is it a good way to use DoomLoRD's root method and use SystemApp remover? Or just remove the offending .apk's manually? Or Titanium?
2) enable GPS without sending the 'anonymous usage statistics'. I find this incredibly offending. Also, what other statistics collection is there on this phone? There's some option in Sony settings. How to completely remove (not just disable) this?
3) encrypt the data, including on SD card, with a password. What's the best+safest way to do this?
4) the phone to lock itself with a password (which would also engage the encryption) if it's not in range of my Wi-Fi. Is it doable?
5) not grand every application every permission it requests on install. There are some apps on the market, like Permissons Denied and some firewalls. Do they work on XMP? Are they safe?
Thanks a lot in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.Titanium Backup is for me the easiest method.
2.I m sure it can be done in some custom ROMs.
I m currently on stock ICS so I m not sure.
3.http://lifehacker.com/5802279/is-the-data-on-my-androids-memory-card-safe-if-its-lost-or-stolen
4.I dont think so.The lock can only be time related (15",30" etc).
5.Google is your friend if you re not sure.
N.
Thanks.
BlackArtsInc said:
3.http://lifehacker.com/5802279/is-the-data-on-my-androids-memory-card-safe-if-its-lost-or-stolen
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Click to collapse
Yeah that's kinda what I thought and it's pretty crap. What I want/need is to encrypt for example my email (K9 + GMail) and other stuff. Basically everything.
I'd much rather have something like in this thread. I've found other TrueCrypt-style mods/apps but they all seem to be either complicated or have their own problems. Why did Android devs pick the Linux kernel if they can't take advantage even of such simple (yet very important) things?
I think I'll try LUKS Manager when I get around to it.

[Q] Jellbean 4.3 App Deleted

I just bought a Samsung Galaxy S3 SGH-T999L with Android 4.3, then downloaded Titanium Back-up, and then started removing several apps (in an attempt to strip the bloatware). Now when I go to Google Play and try to install a new app, I click the "Install" button and wait for the progress meter to reach 100%, but no "Open" button appears afterward (which used to happen). When I search my phone, there are no icons for any of the new apps I try installing.
Does anyone know which app I deleted that caused this problem? Thank you.
Put back you're nandroid backup. (I assume you make one before you start deleting some apps.)
Or flash a stock rom back without whipping. So you dont lose some data.
Send From A Devil3 - f2fs - Dualboot Jb4.3/cm11 Powered Machine
Have you tried rebooting the phone?
if you have installed TB then you have rooted the phone obviously. Explore your data folder from the root directory using TB or any advanced file explorers like Root explorer or Es file explorer. Find the apk files of the apps you have installed just to verify if your play store has downloaded the apps to your phone.
Also are you sure if you removed only bloatware or any core apks related to your android system... like eg: application provider.apk
I did not make a backup. Before flashing a ROM, I wanted to post here and see if anyone knows what app being deleted caused the behavior I described. That's what I'm wondering: Do you know which specific app being deleted would cause Google Play to have the described problem? When I try to install a new app, it gets to "100%" on the status bar, but subsequently fails to display the "Open" button. Everything else on the phone works flawlessly and I put a lot of time into customizing the phone with apps I like.
Having said that, I am curious about the option to flash a ROM that you mentioned. The reason I did not want an Apple phone is because they seemed to restrictive of options and freedom. But lately I am thinking about Google censoring AdBlock from Google Play, the EFF's criticism of doing away with AppOpps, and shoving Google+ down the throats of YouTube users. So, I looked into Cyanogen but my model of phone was not listed on Cyanogen's website for phones tested to work. I am interested to exploring the idea of flashing a ROM (which I never did before) but I definitely want to keep my 4G LTE functioning via T-Mobile. Any ideas?

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