yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] meltwater:
I am putting forward the following premise:

"You can enjoy the joys and wonder of Android without spending a fortune...!"

I now intend to see if this is true!

Thread Purpose:

Provide a discussion area for those of us who are financially impaired, like myself, but want to experience the joys and wonders that tablets and android might hold...

At the moment the thread may also touch on android on mini-tablets (which might also make calls...) and larger tablets (with keyboards...hdds...lcd monitors etc) simply because on a shoestring budget you have to make do with what you have.

I hope to explore ways in which you can use Android it in new and interesting ways without paying out massive amounts on expensive hardware.

I'm not sure if it is totally achievable or not, but I'm sure it will be interesting to find out what you can do for less compared to the expensive options which are out there.

Idea's, comments, thoughts, discussions are all welcome.

The more unusual and interesting the better!

Thread Structure:

This first post will provide an index and links to the main discussion points/topics on the thread.

[Will see how this works!]

Periodically I shall post a new topic to discuss.

23March2011 - Topic One : Show Me The Droid

Method One: Using your existing laptop or PC

Method Two: Using the android emulator (also on your existing laptop or PC)

Method Three: Using your existing phone

29March2011 - Topic Two : A Low Cost Tablet

Part One: Justifying the purchase

Part Two: Android From The Box

Part Three: Passing the grade? (A-E)

Part Four: Passing the grade? (Continued...F-J)

12April2011 - Topic Three : Low Level Basics

Part One: Oh ADB Debugger!

Part Two: The Root Of It All

Part Three: Backups, ROMs and Flashbacks

Part Four: First Time Flasher! (added 1stAug11)

27June2011 - Topic Four: Low Level Interfacing

Part One: Android RS232 I/O

22Sept2011 - Topic Five: Development Tools & Tricks

Part One: Screenshots & Remote Control

Part Two: Scripts & Shortcuts

Side Topics

04May2011 - Side Topic: The Future! Quad core and beyond

02June2011 -Side Topic: Multi-Touch Technology - with No Touch Screen!

Q&A:

crevlthe: Are most apps up-sized to fit the resolution of tablets?

[I'll keep updating this thread every few days]

- please post comments, thoughts and ideas anyway, particularly if topic related.

I would love to hear about peoples thoughts and ideas

(simply reference Topic X:Method X/Step X etc if you want to comment on one item in particular).

Enjoy!
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] meltwater:
Small Print:

For the following posts I shall try to reference the source websites where possible, however apologies if I get this wrong, please feel free to pm me or post on the thread with any corrections and I'll amend the entry. Regarding images, where possible I shall try to use my own images, but at times this may not be possible. If you find I have used your image and you do not wish it to be used, then simply let me know and I'll change it. Where possible I shall state where the images have come from.

Clearly, the details in the thread are purely discussion and while I try to make them as accurate as possible I can not guarantee this. Damage or loss may occur by following some/all of the instructions, so if you do, do with care and at your own risk, I take no responsibility for your actions.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] meltwater:
Topic One : Show Me The Droid

Before you can do anything with Android, you probably want to see it!

This topic will outline various ways you can "get at the driod" without spending anything.

Method One: Using your existing laptop or PC

View attachment 549737

This was the first way I got to play with Android (a long while ago), and that is using an Android live CD. I used something similar to the live CD from http://www.android-x86.org/ (images taken from site), which allows you to boot your computer with Android.

You can burn the image on to a CD/DVD and boot it cleanly or you can use a virtual machine and boot within that.

With a little bit of legwork, and a compatible computer you can boot from a USB key so you can carry your droid with you.

You can even install it, even dual boot, if you are brave!

While this is a simple and very cheap option (at most it should cost a CD/DVD to burn on), there is one slight problem...most computers don’t have touch, gravity sensors etc etc!

You have a number of options if you are seriously wanting to use this more:

1. You can continue to use the mouse (at least they seem to have a cursor now!)

2. You could probably make use of a large touch-pad (can be expensive, but cheaper ones are around)

3. If you have a small screen you could try adding a touch screen (8-10” touch screen overlay can be quite cheap but you will need to install it yourself and that can be tricky and will risk damage).

Perhaps this method could be interesting to try out as a low cost GoogleTV platform, but there would need to be some work done regarding the control method. Someday I may look into this option in more detail...

Microsoft Kinect not been plugged into to android yet???

Anwser: Yes it has! Ok, shame I don’t have one.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] meltwater:
Topic One : Show Me The Droid

Method Two: Using the android emulator (also on your existing laptop or PC)

View attachment 550561

Of course for the developers out there, there is always the Android emulator which comes as part of the Android development package. Each time Android update the SDK (software development kit) for the latest release of Android, the emulator is updated to run the newest version of Android (this is often the source of early ROMs).

This does allow you to play with the latest Android version as soon as it is out, so you can get a feel for what features are improved etc and you can try out different versions to get an idea about the differences between them. You don't even need to install anything more than the Android emulator SDK if you don't want to write any code, as you can run the emulator separately to the development environment.

However, not only does this have similar control issues (except maybe that you get “soft-buttons”) but it is quite slow even on a fast machine.

View attachment 550565

(Click Image For Larger Version)

The advantage of course is it opens up a whole world of development options. The google developer site provides instructions for getting set up. Once you’ve jumped through the hoops, you can try it out by having a go at the various tutorial applications.

View attachment 550564

(Click Image For Larger Version)

Again this is something I may look at in more detail another time (such as getting setup, exploring what you can do with it and perhaps some simple development steps).
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] meltwater:
Thread has moved from "General" to it's new home in "Android Software and Hacking General". At first I didn't plan for it to be Android exclusive but as it turns out, it is, so hello to all on this thread.

I am very new to Android, so please be kind!

I hope this thread can be a beginners introduction of some kind, let me know if there are errors or if you would like more information on parts etc.

Regards.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] enotar:
Congrats!

Really great post
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] meltwater:
Thanks! I should be adding some more later on today.

I'm open for suggestions for topics etc.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] meltwater:
Topic Three: Low Level Basics

Part One: Oh ADB Debugger!

One of the first steps in getting properly connected to your devices innards is to ensure you are able to use the ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

The ADB is command-line terminal which allows you to directly control the device and file system of the device (or emulated device) from a PC or MAC.

On the face of it you might wonder why the ADB is of much use, the answer is that it allows a direct route to the entire file system as well as providing debug access directly on target as well as monitor log outputs as programs run. Overall it is similar to ActiveSync for windows mobile. Another reason to have this working is that if your device fails to boot, something messes up your system or say the touch-screen fails, you can use ADB to access everything on the device and also re-flash it. Also you will probably need ADB to root your device (more on that later).

There are a number of guides available for setting up ADB, so I won’t go into detail on them. Personally I followed Google’s own developers guide for setting up the Android SDK (Software Development Kit) since I also intend to write Android software and the ADB is part of that.

However, after a quick search, the following guide appears to cover most of the details.

The UnLocker - How To: SetUp ADB/USB Drivers for Android Devices.

For my device, the ADB driver needed some fiddling around with, since windows would not accept the driver was for my device [Editing the ini file and adding the VID and PID of the hardware didn't help me].

Eventually I found the following (following a tip from SlateDroid): The app PdaNet appears to supply suitable drivers.

I also recommend adding the location of ADB to your system path, so that you can call it from any command-line location.

Once the drivers are installed, check that when the device is connected (and debugging is enabled via settings) that typing “adb devices” from the command-line shows a device).

If you want to write software using Ecilpse you’ll also want to check that it can connect and deploy applications directly to the device for testing.

Within the Ecilpse, under the run menu select “Run Configurations...”, within the Target Tab, the “Deployment Target Selection Mode” must be set to “Manual”.

View attachment 566601

(Click Image For Larger Version)

This enables the “Android Device Chooser” to prompt when you attempt to run/debug from Ecilpse.

View attachment 566603

(Click Image For Larger Version)

Build and run your application or a test one and it should now run directly on your device.

There are also a number of GUI apps around which make use of ADB to provide easy ways to manage applications, transfer files etc all without needing to mount and unmount your sd cards to and from the device. At the moment I’ve started using DroidExplorer, even from initial impressions it is clear the features are quite extensive (you could probably write about 20 guides on how to use all of it correctly).
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] crevlthe:
an excellent article overall.

question about the tablets: are most apps up-sized to fit the resolution, or are there a large variety of apps natively designed to run at the bigger resolution? :D
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] JiePieWie:
Excellent topic ! i've got the same pad and was wondering if you did find out a good way to completely backup the firmware. I've used Titanium but that's not a complete dump.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] meltwater:
Welcome to Xda!

That was going to be my next topic. :D

I've just been focusing on my WM development stuff at the moment (new RSSTab in the works), but will return to the tablet after I am done.

I'm not quite sure the best way to back it up yet, I was planning on trying out the ClockMod route, trouble is I'm quite new to it, so a little cautious about doing it before holidays.

I hope to try out some low level interfacing using the usb at some point too, as I've got a development board to play with.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] meltwater:
Side Topic: Multi-Touch Technology - with No Touch Screen!

ZeroTouch 'optical multi-touch force field' makes a touchscreen out of just about anything

I wonder how much this costs to produce, quite a nice solution and ideal as a add-on to current screens. Depending of the cost of each infra-red and LED module it hopefully won't be too much. Imagine getting it fitted to your coffee table at home!
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] meltwater:
Topic Three: Low Level Basics

Part Four: First Time Flasher!

This topic is very specific to this particular tablet, perhaps even down to this particular “fake” version of the M701 tablet, however similar principles will apply to other tablets hopefully.

Source threads:

AndroidTablets.net - M701 Firmware Update Downloads

AndroidTablets.net - HOW TO Flash Firmware Updates

AndroidTablets.net - Gingerbread Tips, Tricks, Tweaks & Hacks

There are a number of firmware options available for this particular tablet, each coming in a version suited to the particular NAND type (Samsung 2GB and Micron 4Gb or HY 4Gb).

Currently, for the 2Gb tablet, there is:

Eclair 2.1 - 1022 Small Print Release #142 (apparently quite stable and improvement over the “stock” version)

Froyo 2.2 - 2.2 Froyo BETA (apparently not too stable - probably worth avoiding)

Gingerbread 2.3 - 2.3.1 for 2G (99PAD - albertdsh version - by all accounts a great build - this is the one I am now using)

The 4Gb HY version apparently has a wider range of ROMs available, including “MalaRom” which holds some good potential. [Update: MalaRom is now available for 2Gb]

This topic can be quite brief since between the information contained within the linked threads, and the “update system software.doc” included as part of the firmware download, most users should find enough information to download suitable firmware, update the device and for Gingerbread, tweak it to get the best out of it.

One thing to note, is that the “Boot Loader” which connects via the FWDN is independent of the Recovery mode (be it stock or ClockwordMod Recovery), this will be loaded when FWDN is running and the device is switched on holding all the buttons at the same time (it will be obvious when FWDN connects, a popup appears and the NAND flash map is populated).

Follow the thread instructions and connect up your device and you will be able to load new firmware onto your device using the FWDN software.

Following flashing, in particular for the Gingerbread version, tweaks can be made to improve the ROM for general use (as described by OffWorld in his thread).

I'll now investigate Flash support on this Arm11 device, which apparently there is hacked support for (all be it limited quality) and I'll see if the previous ClockworkMod recovery update (or similar one) will now work as well as the RS232 driver used previously is functional.

UPDATE (2Aug11):

Since I've updated my firmware to Gingerbread, and I can confirm that using the previous recovery package M701GB-recovery-signed.zip - CWMR v4.0.0.2 works fine with the new firmware (different to the one I was using for 2.1).

UPDATE (11Aug11):

Unfortunately the previous drivers used for RS232 do not work for Gingerbread, so there is no RS232 support that I know of now.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] HonestFlames:
Whilst a 2560x1600 tablet display would be gorgeous, I doubt we are going to be blessed with the option for quite a while.

The references to 2560x1600 and 3D stereo indicate KAL-EL supports at least HDMI 1.3a output.

Just my humble opinion, of course :)
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] meltwater:
well rumours about the ipad3 suggest hi-res screens are coming, but for me its the horse-power that will be needed to drive such displays is impressive. Can't wait!
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] meltwater:
Topic Five: Development Tools & Tricks

Part One: Screenshots & Remote Control

I hope to continue this series a little more with some additional information on development within Android, but first have to share this very useful way to take screenshots on your device.

addictivetips.com - How To Take Screenshots Of Android Device

In a nut-shell (just in case the site moves):

Using android sdk, android-sdk-windows\tools\ddms.bat runs the Dalvik Debug Monitor, once your device connects, go to the "Device" menu and select "Screen Capture". It'll open up a nice little window of your devices screen. Also if you have several devices you can easily connect more than one and switch between them.

Now, as you can see above I'm not too bothered about rooting a device, but even when you do, taking screenshots is still a pain. This solution is great since, after-all it is how Google expects you to do it. It is a shame that it is not a live update but it is perfect for mapping out what your software does and providing examples etc.

Some of you may also recognise that the ROM I'm using has Go-launcher, which I've noticed also includes snapshot option too on the device.

Of course I would like to have remote control options too, either from mouse focus control (aka Synergy Android client) or directly on screen (like WM remote connect used to). If I spot anything that might be useful I'll post it, likewise if anyone else does then feel free to post it too.

Remote control options (seek and you shall find!):

The following site not only has a basic solution (for non-rooted users) but also details other options for rooted users!

Android Screen Control Without Root - http://piglings.blogspot.com/2011/08/android-screen-control-without-root.html

ROOTED OPTIONS:

Via USB

androidscreencast - http://code.google.com/p/androidscreencast/

Via Wifi & USB & 3G

Droid VNC Server by José Luis Pereira - http://www.onaips.com/wordpress/?page_id=60
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] meltwater:
Just for fun...QR codes....

Now am I the only one who thinks that perhaps QR codes could also be used to spread malware too?

I think everyone should send a QR code postcard just once!

Just had a thought...if you use multiple devices and your browsing habits are dependent on your location, how about making up some QR post-it notes to give you a fast way to visit the sites you go to the most...

In fact, there most be a chrome plugin which could keep a QR code of your current url available for switching over to your phone [Yes - several in fact (QR-Code Tag) (QR Code Generator)].

Or even an easy way to pass data from your PC to your phone via clipboard...with no data connection required...
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] meltwater:
Topic Five: Development Tools & Tricks

Part Two: Scripts & Shortcuts

At the moment I am building a collection of useful scripts which when you have the android sdk and development tools installed allows you to automate things using adb.

QuickInstall(drag-on):

Very easy and quick script (just name as "install(drag-on)Apk.bat"

adb remount
@echo Install %1 APK?
pause
adb install %1
pause

You will find this very useful to drag and drop apk files onto to install automatically on your device (uninstall as you would normally).

You can also insert apks as a system app:

adb remount
@echo Install %1 APK?
pause
adb push %1 /system/app/
pause

SendToSD(drag-on):

Very handy little bat file for dragging items onto your device. You can easily extend it to allow a range of folders to send to if you wished, or to accept multiple files.

adb remount
@echo Send %1 to SD-Card?
pause
adb push %1 /sdcard/
pause
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] carlsnilsson:
pl2303.ko for Rockchip RK3066

This was a most informative post, thank you, and gave me hope that I might be able to install the drivers for the PL2303HXD (used on the Plugable USB-RS232 converter cable and maybe others) on JB4.1.1 for my PiPO S2 tablet. I have a project for which the S2 is ideal, except that USB-RS232 drivers are not loaded to use the USB host port for serial RS-232. The S2 uses the Rockchip RK3066 ROM and your post indicated that the pl2303.ko file you made available was specific for the telechips ROM. Time has passed since your post and I wonder if you could advise on, either, a source for a pl2303.ko file suitable for the RK3066 or, how to make one. I'm a bit of a newbie with Linux and Android, so the latter option fills me with some dread!

Rgeards Carl
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] meltwater:
Hi Carl,

Unfortunately I haven't done any more regarding this since. First try the files I used (you never know they may work). Otherwise, I suggest some searching is in order, you might be able to pick up a suitable file from somewhere. Also, may be worth seeing if there are any custom rom's as often drivers are added as they update. Later ROMs seem to have more stuff work without any additional work.

Sorry I can't be of more help, but hopefully it will kick you off in the right direction.

Cheers.
[Android Software/Hacking General [Developers Only]] mammadkhata:
:D:D
[HD Mini General] suneel:
Htc Hd Mini t5555 rom upgrade

i download this phone RUU from bellow link but is show this erer how can i solvwe it
[HD Mini General] suneel:
i can't download & pest link of ruu file b'coz of i m new in this forum so.
[HD Mini General] ledavi:
first of all you should have posted your question in "GENERAL" ,and you will find the answer to your question here : http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=694409 ,you have that error because you are triyng to flash another rom (not the one suited for your device country) but you will be able to flash it if you folow the instruction in the link i gave you
[HD Mini General] suneel:
os version-5.2.23103 (23103.5.3.3)

manila version-2.5.20131825.1

Rom version-1.10.720.1(86611)WWE

Rom date-01/02/10

Radio version-0.63.05.18

protocol version-32.28.05.05u

this is my phone softwere information
[HD Mini General] oregon69:
upgrade

THE OFFICIAL HTC ROM or cooked?

I think you can fix this: If the original ROM , extract with winrar RUU_signed-rom.nbh and installs with dft sspl mini.zip. Obviously starting with activesync htc connected properly.
[HD Mini General] suneel:
i need original rom if u have pz upload hear link of rom
[HD Mini General] suneel:
share hear rome for mu phone all detail is hear

os version-5.2.23103 (23103.5.3.3)

manila version-2.5.20131825.1

Rom version-1.10.720.1(86611)WWE

Rom date-01/02/10

Radio version-0.63.05.18

protocol version-32.28.05.05u

this is my phone softwere information
[HD Mini General] suneel:
http://img814.imageshack.us/i/htchdminit55551.jpg/

hear is phone image
[HD Mini General] oregon69:
upgrade

ok, try the instructions of my post, I will work 'and if you still have problems you can send me private mail. let me know.
[Droid Pro General] parin11:
Hi Friend

I am Just sharing how i had been able to root my Motorola Droid Pro

I am using z4root application to Root Droid Pro

Just Install it from SD Card

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=833953
[Droid Pro General] kaozknight:
Is it a temp or a permanent root?
[Droid Pro General] parin11:
both options are there
[Droid Pro General] ddarvish:
i keep running it on my gf's droid pro and it just keeps crashing. never works... any alternative methods using adb?
[Droid Pro General] chinkster:
i dont think the z4root method works with the newly release update anymore. use superoneclick. look it up
[Droid Pro General] bsweetness:
Correct. It's doesn't work after the latest update. I used aRoot, and it worked perfectly. A lot of people have reported SuperOneClick working too.
[Droid Pro General] parin11:
Yes Can try Super One Click as it works for most of the phone

Visit this thread to download

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=803682
[Droid Pro General] jonkranked:
do you know if either method is compatible with 2.3/Gingerbread? It started rolling out (albeit in small scale) today for the droid pro. i figure its too soon to know for sure, but wouldn't hurt to ask
[Droid Pro General] sandman_nyc_316:
Someone will take the plunge and try it here I am sure. Would like to know the answer as well. Soooo many apps on the Pro that I would like to get rid of for my wife. ;)
[Droid Pro General] bsweetness:
I haven't received the update yet myself, so I'm not sure. I'd be inclined to think that it probably won't work. Maybe something like Gingerbreak will. I've seen around various forums where several Pro users have received the update, but none of them are trying to see if currently available means will root it yet.