[Huawei Ideos X5 U8800] spirosbond:
AURORA ICS- "wake with volume keys" + mods/addons + Connect to ad-hoc hotspots guide

As promised, this is a complete guide on how to edit apk files. It is not only for AURORA. It is a general guide!

TOOLS YOU NEED

- apktool (It can handle .jar files too)

OR

- apkManager: Uses apktool to decompile and compile apks but offers easier UI and other options, such as signing apk. Rcommended!

You can find any of the above tools for your platform (linux, Windows, MacOs) at google or at xda threads.I won't put any links here because there are many editions. Find what works for you best. Attached you can find the version of apkManager I use (only linux compatible, and with some fixes).

UPDATE! New version (4.3.1) added that supports decompiling framework-res.apk! Enjoy!

MOD APKS

To edit any apk you need to decompile it. This process will create some folders which include the .xml files, the icons and the .smali files of the apk. The .smali code is a pain in the ass to understand but it is the only "safe" way to decompile and recompile an apk without destroying it. To edit an apk you have to do the following:

STEP 1: You need the framework-res.apk of the rom you are editing, because it contains necessary information for the apktool to decompile or compile. Copy the framework-res.apk of the rom and paste it at the same folder with apktool (if you are using apkManager, apktool is inside its "other" folder; copy it there)

STEP 2: Open a terminal/command line and navigate at the directory of the apktool

STEP 3: type this command

./apktool if framework-res.apk

This will install the framework-res.apk to your system. In linux it installs it at ~/apktool/ . I don't know for windows :) .

STEP 3: Decompile an apk. Lets say you want to decompile the SystemUI.apk.

If you use apkManager copy SystemUI.apk (or any apk you want to decompile/compile) at the "place-apk-here-for-modding" folder and run the Script.sh and you will easily find how to decompile, compile and sign the apk.

If you are using apktool copy SystemUI.apk (or any apk you want to decompile/compile) at the same place with apktool and execute this at terminal

./apktool d SystemUI.apk

and you will find at the same directory a folder with the name of the apk you decompiled and all of its files inside.

STEP 4: Edit anything you want to edit!

STEP 5: Recompile...

With apkManager follow the on screen instructions of the Script.sh and also sign the apk. You will find the apk ready at the "place-apk-here-for-modding" with the the name "repackaged-signed.apk". Rename it as the original and you are ready to rock.

With apktool execute this command:

./apktool b SystemUI/

SystemUI is the folder of the decompiled apk. It could be any other apk name instead. After that you will find a folder named "dist" inside the SystemUI folder and inside of it a an .apk file which is the new .apk with your changes. In order to sign your apk you need some extra tools. You can search the web on how to sign an apk. I don't know what are the consequences of using an unsigned apk. Probably it would work ok but I haven't tried it.

STEP 6: You are ready to put the new apk at your phone. Remember if you are replacing a system apk to set the correct permissions after pasting.

Cheers