Software newb need help with Chinese phone. - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi all. I've been following XDA for a long time. But since i am more into the hardware i need some help with the software.
I ordered a Bedove I5 from Uredeal.com . And i am not sure if the chinese have put some code in it which make all the things that goes over the internet is send trought there servers.
Whenever i open a chat (whatsapp, fb messenger etc.) and send something. It has a time stamp of 6 hours later. And messages i receive have a normal time stamp. This also happens with multiplayer games like wordfeud. an active game says for 6 hours long that its 0 seconds ago i made a move. and after 6 hours its going to count. I even got an email from google that someone in china tried to login to my account but they blocked it. I want to use my mobile also for mobile banking but with this in my mind its just not save and i dont want to take the risk.
If i manage to make a back-up from my rom, can someone take a look at it and if possible fix it for me (clean up my rom)?
I thank the person(s) that are willing to help me in advanced.

If someone knows a link to a clean rom for my device. Feel free to post.
Edit: I couldnt find one by myself.
Sent from my I5 using xda app-developers app

IMO, its more likely a poorly written ROM than spying going on. Either way I'd steer away from Chinese imports. It's not worth it. Spend a bit more for a real phone.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

How can you comfirm that? It can be both ways. But since i use this phone people out of china try to get on my gmail acc. So by this i think your argument false.
And the quality of chinese phones are getting higher and higher. I have totally no negative points about the phone. Its a good product. It doesnt even freeze which i see at most smartphone models. Everything workes good as it should be. No wifi or connectivity problems.
Ill try to root it and make a backup so people can look at it. And confirm if its a bad rom or spying. My feeling says spying.
There are some apps on it with the title in chinese. Cant delete them without root and dont know if they contain system information or the information they send everyting to...
Sent from my I5 using xda app-developers app

Have you tried to do a factory reset?
-kinetix118

I managed to make a back-up with mtkdroidtools. The funny thing is. When i finished the back-up. I saw a function in mtkdroidtools named "remove china". I tried that button with the temp root. and it removed all the chinese apps that where in the root of the phone and that the time and everything else is ok now.
I cant place the link to the back-up since i got less then 10 posts. I can private message it to someone who can post the link to here.
- Suiding

Related

App permission?

Im suspicious of things you can buy jenga for 10p today but i can't understand why it wants phone call permissions? Why would a game want to know my phone number and call status? I can't think of a single reason, is there one?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
sgs2_user said:
Im suspicious of things you can buy jenga for 10p today but i can't understand why it wants phone call permissions? Why would a game want to know my phone number and call status? I can't think of a single reason, is there one?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Might have to do with this:
In Android Market Jenga Goto News Tab --> in "What new in this version":
"CHAT"
"Send a text message to your opponent with each move in an Online game"
Fair enough, i would just use the internet, not sure my what partner would need my phone number. Plenty of games use the internet without needing to know who im currently phoning, i think I'll leave this one!
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Android apps that have silly requests for permissions is the worst aspect of Android.
I rooted and installed lbe security which allows me to block some permissions after the install.and asks with a pop up for requests at other times.
You have reason to be suspicious.
Good reason.
But most of it is just collected and used to better advertise to you.
Welcome to the cloud.
With the all seeing eye.
nutpants said:
Android apps that have silly requests for permissions is the worst aspect of Android.
I rooted and installed lbe security which allows me to block some permissions after the install. you.
Welcome to the cloud.
With the all seeing eye.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow man, im lucky to read this far and to gain this great tip!
I know its off topic but THNKS =)
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
I agree,
you have to be suspicious.
Even better than LBE (and the best if combined) is CyanogenMod with the possibility to block ALL the permissions (have to consider which you block btw => FC's)
But games want to know your phone status to be able to pause when a call is coming in, I guess... Not sure though.
Muta
Ah will try that nut pants!
Ah yes, phone interruption, that will be it!
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Wich permisions can i block?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Any you don't like i guess as long as it doesn't break the app
So i saw a single player game that wanted my Gps...why? And can it access Gps history?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
just root your phone and download denied permissions
How is an app that has automated settings for denied permissions going to help ME understand wich permissions i can block.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
The same goes with me...
You can block anything that a phone may not support (any developer that makes an app that crashes because you have no internet should not bee installed)
I remove everything I don't like (which is everything) and bring back what I'm willing to allow if it FC's.
Google needs to have developers give full reasons for required permissions.some developers already do that, they are the ones I support.other I email to ask and i am fully willing to rate badly if no response.
Some one should start a Android full disclosure group to work together to get the info every one wants.
And get start up control (or something like that) you would not believe how many apps fire up when you get a text or change your network connectivity.
If any one knows of a Android security website or forum post it here.I have not found one worth reading.
You suggestion seems like it could benifit loads of people. It seems like you already have a good grasp what 2 ask the developers for. Maybe you can make up an format for me and others who are willing to email devs to get some awnsers.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
I've had my i9100 for 5 months and just rooted last month. Before that I was on windows mobile, after10 years using a wm phone I bailed on ms forever because of all the unacceptable "features"of windows phone. I believe in security and being anonymous as possible to big corporate interests.Android being open source was my only choice as apple is closed and militant about it, even more so than Ms. (and imagine my horror to see all the permissions on my phone)
But to be honest I know much more about what I don't like than I know how to fix it.
I do know that Google makes more money from advertising and knowing the actions and preferences of its users than any other company in history.the app developers make as much money or more from advertising than from selling their apps.and in sure some make money by learning what you like and don't.
And almost none of them will abandon that source of cash.
When ics is out and ready for my device I will go to cm9ics and it's security options built in the kernel.
I hope some one builds a locked down Android that randomly fakes all the privacy questionable permissions so all apps work.but I don't think that will ever happen. None of the big movers in the phone market want that.
As for finding out why a developer asks for a permission just mail them and ask.if you don't like the answer uninstall and rate it why you removed it.
some times permissions are there for options that you may love like your keyboard needing your contact list so it can spell your friends names. But is there really a reason for that keyboard to have internet access?
Carrier IQ brought into the open just what your phone might do with it you knowing.sadly most phones don't need an extra app to monitor your every move.
Don't even get me started on the"cloud" and all the bad things it represents.
as I learn more I'll share more but right now I feel like a very big man in a very small boat fishing for information in a very big sea.
Good luck out there
I totally understand your feelings. And agree on most of it. I wrote an essay about digital privacy a few years back. The thing is i know my every digital move is being monitered and stored. I think your best option is to build a cutom rom .. maybe 1 wich feed the apps with bogus information. That way you can get the apps you like help the developers get random data/ advertising revenue and stay anonimous.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App

Whatsapp?

Hey,
I want to use whatsapp on my Galaxy player, but i'm unable to do so. I've downloaded it from the whatsapp site and from 4shared, but when I install the app and try to accept the terms and conditions, the following occurs:
"Unable to identify your device, turn out the batteries and reboot."
"Tablets are currently not supported"
But I don't get it, because my friend has a tablet and he is able to use whatsapp, even though he doesn't have a phone number or a prepaid card in it.
So my question is: Has anyone been able to use Whatsapp on their Galaxy player? And if so, could you please be kind to explain how to do that?
Thanks in advance.
I think you have to have a phone#, unless it will work with a Google Voice#. I can't see paying $2/yr for something you can just use GV for (although it does look like it does a lot more). From their site:
Why do you ask for my phone number?
We ask for your phone number because that is how WhatsApp routes chat messages between you and your contacts, similar to how the regular SMS system would. We value your privacy and we have not, do not and will not ever sell your personal information to anyone. If you would like to learn more about our Privacy Policy, please take a look at our Privacy Notice.
I did find this page that might help you: http://planetlotus.org/profiles/mitch-cohen_96419
Fix pending...
Rapydax said:
Hey,
I want to use whatsapp on my Galaxy player, but i'm unable to do so. I've downloaded it from the whatsapp site and from 4shared, but when I install the app and try to accept the terms and conditions, the following occurs:
"Unable to identify your device, turn out the batteries and reboot."
"Tablets are currently not supported"
But I don't get it, because my friend has a tablet and he is able to use whatsapp, even though he doesn't have a phone number or a prepaid card in it.
So my question is: Has anyone been able to use Whatsapp on their Galaxy player? And if so, could you please be kind to explain how to do that?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been investigating this matter and this app has the same problem as the XDA App(free version) and Tap Tap Revenge 4. I have created a hack that makes these apps work and I have released a beta of my next rom "Foreigner R5" that has the patch applied. However, this app will not function on the beta for other reasons. When foreigner R5 moves passed beta, this app will work.
Meticulus said:
I have been investigating this matter and this app has the same problem as the XDA App(free version) and Tap Tap Revenge 4. I have created a hack that makes these apps work and I have released a beta of my next rom "Foreigner R5" that has the patch applied. However, this app will not function on the beta for other reasons. When foreigner R5 moves passed beta, this app will work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So? What do you think i should do?
first, i wanna say THANK YOU to Meticulus for a fabulous rom. I am using it to my complete satisfaction. Thanks again.
second, i can prove that Viber works on beta R5 so i think half your whatsapp issue is solved, Rapydax. Until R5 comes out, u can use beta R5 with viber - message your buddies and all that + free calls worldwide.
third, google voice isnt available outside US yet.
and omg, fourth, keep an eye on R5 and trust Meticulus.
I will try the R5 as soon as it is finished.
Google is going to start charging to use their calling service next year. :'( So 2 bucks a year for whatsapp!!! I am going to get that. Also Groove IP is nice and Google Voice just got an update, and now you can call people from the Google Voice app. as well. ^^^Meticulus's Foreigner ROM^^^ is also BEAST!!! So if you are thinking about it, don't worry about it not working. Hope all goes well.
dunca123 said:
Google is going to start charging to use their calling service next year. :'( So 2 bucks a year for whatsapp!!! I am going to get that. Also Groove IP is nice and Google Voice just got an update, and now you can call people from the Google Voice app. as well. ^^^Meticulus's Foreigner ROM^^^ is also BEAST!!! So if you are thinking about it, don't worry about it not working. Hope all goes well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by "Google is going to charge for Whatsapp"?
Also, Google Voice is for US only and I live in Europe. Hope they make it able for Europeans to make use of it.
Rapydax said:
What do you mean by "Google is going to charge for Whatsapp"?
Also, Google Voice is for US only and I live in Europe. Hope they make it able for Europeans to make use of it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was not very clear. Google is going to start charging next year for their calling service, as of now it is free. Whatsapp is only 2 dollars a year, so I am now going to get Whatsapp. I am sure Google will expand to Europe. Just give it time.
not giving "them" time is all this forum is about.
Does Whatsapp let you make/receive calls? I thought it was only texting.
GV has been saying it's going to start charging "next year" for a few years now... if they do I'm sure it will be very cheap, and hopefully they won't start until all the bugs are worked out, and other countries can participate.
dunca123 said:
I was not very clear. Google is going to start charging next year for their calling service, as of now it is free. Whatsapp is only 2 dollars a year, so I am now going to get Whatsapp. I am sure Google will expand to Europe. Just give it time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I installed the R5 ROM of Meticulus and whatsapp works very nice. First it could not send an sms to my phone, but the i hosse the call option for the verification.
Thanks a lot to Meticulus for his R5 ROM. (See development section)
Sent from my YP-G70 using XDA App

Error: File size is big

Hi..
I have recorded a video which i tried to send through Whatsapp but i couldn't because the size is big. Is there any APP that would re-size it or like send it into more than one file (partition it)?
The.Cancerian said:
Hi..
I have recorded a video which i tried to send through Whatsapp but i couldn't because the size is big. Is there any APP that would re-size it or like send it into more than one file (partition it)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi. It is really sad, you know, that such phone like I9300 is so popular. Why? Because it is given as the Christmas gift, Frist Confession, Hanukkah and plenty other occasions to the peoples who:
1. Are too lazy to find easiest solutions by themselves
2. Are too pathetic to recognize even that this is NOT I9300 specific question, but generic Android one
This is XDA forum, you know... in theory, developers, troubleshooting of the mess created by unusual actions like overclocking, customizations etc.
But, OK, if your mom in at work, your nanny is busy with her boyfriend, let me help you.
There is the top-secret, deeply hidden tool used by specialist companies only, like Universal Pictures, MGM, HBO Television and other professional bodies. Please DO NOT SHARE IT, because I'm now disclosing its location for your eyes only!!!!111111
Ready? Steady? GO!!!
I am truly sad that you had to trouble your hand in writing all of what you wrote.
I have already used Google and found several app's but it wasn't what i wanted exactly that's why i asked. I am not very sure why ur sad to help someone who of course ha looked and searched before asking!
The form and this section is for people to ask, so why you are sad again?
The.Cancerian said:
Hi..
I have recorded a video which i tried to send through Whatsapp but i couldn't because the size is big. Is there any APP that would re-size it or like send it into more than one file (partition it)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Video Editor on the Play store is my only suggestion .Or take the video to PC and cut it .
As you say Google search found nothing suitable i wont mention any of the apps found .
jje
Well, I'm guessing that you bought this phone new, and as a result you have 50gb of free Dropbox storage.
Why don't you upload whatever video you want on your Dropbox account and then send the public link to who ever it is that you wanted to send it to?
All of this can be done directly though the phone, so it shouldn't be so much of a hassle.
In the even that you got this phone off the second hand market, you have (AFAIK) 5gb of free storage on Google Drive, which is also hooked automatically to your Gmail account, so you could also use that.
Just trying to be helpful, good luck on your Android adventure.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app

[Q] Any messenger wants your phone number and steal your contacts?

No idea if I'm in the right section.
I am using an Note 2 for a few month and now I was interested in installing a messenger. I knew before that I would never use whatsapp because it is copying your contacts list and that is something I don't like.
So I was looking around and it seems, virtually every messenger wants to have my phone number or access to my contacts list.
It is really annoying when someone ask me "do you have whatsapp / do you have line messenger" and I all I can reply is "no, I would be forced to give out my phone number and/or send all my contact to some faceless major corporation"
Now you would ask "why did you get an android phone in the first place?", well... because my 3 year old phone felt very slow (1 touch on an icon, wait 1-2 seconds until something happened) and very restricted with audio and video support.
The hardware on this new phone is just perfect, no complaints at all. I also never registered to google play and have no plans in ever doing so.
So why is every messenger so interested in my personal information? I don't want to share this. Is there an alternative that is not so interested in your personal information?
I am on the internet since 2000 and haven't given my phone number to any company since, why should I start now?
I won't.
I think u should have another number for it,for bussines or soc med purpose only
Sent from my Lenovo A390_ROW using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
You mean get a pre paid phone and use that number?
Still it has my phone number which is tied to my personal address.
Not new phone but new sim card i mean
Sent from my i 8450 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Answer
If you don't want to give your phone number to any applications,
then you better say that you don't have a online chat/message service installed
There are apps available online to make a lock in whatsapp so that no one can view it except you.

Cubot Echo Geocode Service TrojanDropper

Hello Developers ,
My Best Friend had buyd a Chinese Android Smartphone Cubot Echo this Month and we informed us about some specius Malware and this stuff. So we decided to download the Mobile Security from ESET and made a scan and its shown a TrojanDropper, so we decided again to flash the rom from the official Forum from Cubot . After we flashed it we dowloaded ESET Security again . Again this TrojaDropper in the GecodeServices ... he cant use the Phone with this TrojanDropper because its sending data to china if my logical understanding is correct. Maybe some of you want know it and make something out of it , hope you can help me in some time If you have question i can maybe answer it but im not so good in english so pardon me if i cant answer correct .P.S.: How do i post a screenshot of the result? im new in this forum so its said no you musst answer 10 post or somethimg else?
Same problem
Did you get anywhere fixing this? I have the same problem.
I have disabled the geocode service and so far have no more unathorised apps installing themselves but don't feel I can trust this phone. I haven't had time to play around much yet but, tried Kingoroot but failed to root my device so have not yet been able to try removing the malware.
I've contacted Cubot but they haven't replied. Will follow up on any progress I make.
Powertomate said:
Hello Developers ,
My Best Friend had buyd a Chinese Android Smartphone Cubot Echo this Month and we informed us about some specius Malware and this stuff. So we decided to download the Mobile Security from ESET and made a scan and its shown a TrojanDropper, so we decided again to flash the rom from the official Forum from Cubot . After we flashed it we dowloaded ESET Security again . Again this TrojaDropper in the GecodeServices ... he cant use the Phone with this TrojanDropper because its sending data to china if my logical understanding is correct. Maybe some of you want know it and make something out of it , hope you can help me in some time If you have question i can maybe answer it but im not so good in english so pardon me if i cant answer correct .P.S.: How do i post a screenshot of the result? im new in this forum so its said no you musst answer 10 post or somethimg else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
austrochilus said:
Did you get anywhere fixing this? I have the same problem.
I have disabled the geocode service and so far have no more unathorised apps installing themselves but don't feel I can trust this phone. I haven't had time to play around much yet but, tried Kingoroot but failed to root my device so have not yet been able to try removing the malware.
I've contacted Cubot but they haven't replied. Will follow up on any progress I make.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you disable the geocode on this. I too am increasingly dissatified with this phone. The new upgrade forces you to use Google and removes any other web browser when you shut down. It doesn't like Dolphin. I have to download that everyday. It's huffing and puffing over Opera mini and now Firefox. I've not loaded up any other apps since the new upgrade.
I find it quite disturbing that my phone is forcing me to use things I don't want to use. I don't trust this phone either.
I quite liked Cubots, which is more the pity.
I think it's time to look for another phone...
austrochilus said:
Did you get anywhere fixing this? I have the same problem.
I have disabled the geocode service and so far have no more unathorised apps installing themselves but don't feel I can trust this phone. I haven't had time to play around much yet but, tried Kingoroot but failed to root my device so have not yet been able to try removing the malware.
I've contacted Cubot but they haven't replied. Will follow up on any progress I make.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think no need to worry about that ,google play updated and scaning applications and found this problem .
edited
sorry for root method go here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=73874766&postcount=3
For changes read this
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-one/development/recovery-twrp-3-0-3-k1-t3563692
Solution to the cubot echo adware?
Being a rooting virgin, and not knowing/understanding all the steps suggested by Ngadhnjim (despite being tempted to try anyway) I decided to try once more to reset my echo to the factory settings, but with a difference. This time on the restart I immediately stopped and then disabled the embedded youtube app. So far, it's been a couple of weeks, the phone has behaved perfectly, no sign yet of the dreaded lmuch web page or spurious ads. I will repost here if it starts misbehaving again. Until I do, it has behaved itself.
If it does start to misbehave, I will be asking Ngadhnjim if he could detail all the steps needed, from the very beginning, to set the phone up like he has.
Trikkinikki13 said:
How do you disable the geocode on this. I too am increasingly dissatified with this phone. The new upgrade forces you to use Google and removes any other web browser when you shut down. It doesn't like Dolphin. I have to download that everyday. It's huffing and puffing over Opera mini and now Firefox. I've not loaded up any other apps since the new upgrade.
I find it quite disturbing that my phone is forcing me to use things I don't want to use. I don't trust this phone either.
I quite liked Cubots, which is more the pity.
I think it's time to look for another phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

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